Guyana times daily

saturday, august 3, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Gold miners complain about toll charge to pass through Linden

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has written the local government and public works ministries regarding the collection of tolls by authorities in Linden for vehicles to pass through the township.

In a release, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said it has received numerous complaints from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) that persons are being charged a toll when traversing Linden en route to the interior.

The ministry said it was aware of the toll charged at the Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge and has not been notified of any other toll booth being established in any other location. In this regard, the ministry advised persons affected that a letter was written to the ministries of public works and communications, and local government and regional development for guidance and clarification on this matter.

According to the ministry, in light of the current decline in gold prices being experienced in the mining industry, the GGDMA is of the opinion that the charge of additional tolls is unnecessary at this point in time. “The mining industry has been trying assidu-

ously to reduce its expenditures in order to remain viable and the levying of toll charges serves to negate their efforts. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment will continue to pursue this matter. “

Enforcement of payment rules

Late last month, Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen had announced that a number of measures will be put in place to deal with collecting tolls from certain vehicles traversing the mining town’s toll booth at Kara Kara, Mackenzie. Bowen explained that this is being done as part of efforts to boost the revenue of the

Linden Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) and to ensure that its by-laws remain in full force. She said that while the by-laws governing the collection of tolls at the booth have been in effect for years, some drivers do not adhere to the payment rules.

As such, Bowen said the M&TC will be stepping up its mandate to ensure that this practice does not continue. She noted that one of the major factors, which contributed to the problem, ,was the absence of adequate staff at the booth. “However, the municipality will be putting corrective measures in place,” she said.

“We have been having this issue at our toll booth over a long time and we have been suffering in terms of our intake of finances from the booth,” explained Bowen.

“I would say that one of the major issues would be the strengthening of our constabulary. At this point, we are less than half of our strength and, because of that, it has posed a problem for us.”

She pointed out that the issue of the toll booth has been revisited because the municipality is certain that it can help to cushion expenses. “If things are more organised and done the way

they ought to be done, it will be so much better,” she said. Bowen further noted that an assessment was recently done on the toll booth and she is confident that the M&TC will benefit from this exercise. “We’re expected to generate a lot of income… we receive major income at this point, from the logging trucks and others that come in from Georgetown, but our by-laws include more than just logs or wood and vending. It also includes metals, fuel, building material, stone and laterite, among other things.”

Bowen stated that if the M&TC should look at better organising toll collection from that perspective, then it would have to adopt a more serious approach as it relates to ensuring that the laws are carried out.

She said rural constables will be working at the booth under the guidance of the M&TC and they will be expected to control the operations. Barriers will also be placed along the roadway to better monitor motor vehicles, which are expected to pay tolls.

More specifically, Bowen said vehicles carrying products such as bauxite, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, general merchandise and road building materials are required to pay a toll.

Scotiabank named Best Internet Bank

Global Finance Magazine has named Scotiabank one of the best consumer and corporate internet banks in Guyana for its outstanding service to online customers.

The bank received the title of Best Consumer Internet Bank overall out of 22 countries and Best Corporate Internet Bank in 17 countries across the Caribbean and Central America.

“We are excited to be named Best Internet Bank in Guyana by Global Finance Magazine and recognised for the online ser-

vices that we provide to our customers,” said Scotiabank Guyana Country Manager Amanda St Aubyn.

She remarked that the achievement reflects Scotiabank’s commitment to offering its customers an online platform that is secure, easy to use, and available when and where they need it.

Each year, Global Finance Magazine produces its best internet bank rankings for countries around the world.

The winners are chosen from entries evaluated by a world-class panel of judges at Infosys, a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing.

Global Finance editors were responsible for the fi

nal selection of winners who were picked based on several criteria including strength of strategy for attracting and servicing online customers, success in getting clients to use web offerings, growth of online customers, breadth of product offerings, evidence of benefits gained from Internet initiatives, and website design and functionality.

Global Finance Magazine publisher Joseph Giarraputo said the online banking world is constantly evolving in the way banks and their customers interact.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

It is not an uncommon thing to see animals, especially horses and donkeys, being treated in ways that cause us to think that some people just do not care about animal welfare. Even though these animals are rarely taken to see the vet or given the right medication, they are forced to carry excessive weight sometimes in the scorching hot sun, not to mention they are severely beaten when they back down from doing what their ‘master’ requires of them. In this day and age, donkeys and horses are used to transport hardware items, such as building materials and wood etc long distances in the city and other parts of the country when in fact a truck or canter could be used.

It seems as if the authorities have turned a blind eye to this issue as there is hardly any monitoring being done in relation to the way in which animals are being care for here. For example, is there a limit in terms of weight for horse-drawn carts and if so why it is not being enforced? What about animal protection in general; persons openly beat dogs and cats or even poison them. What about sheep, goats and cows roaming the streets and are left to the mercy of passers-by who sometimes put a fine trashing on them; are the owners of these animals made to face the consequences? And the list of animal cruelty goes on.

We believe that Guyana should seriously look at updating its legislation in relation to the way in which animals are cared for and protected. Perhaps, a good way to start is by looking at a few other countries that have developed modern animal protection legislation as models and craft our own laws catering to our own local situation and experiences.

It was reported recently that two executives of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) – South American Director Luis Carlos Sarmiento and Policy Advocacy Coordinator Diana Rodriguez – were in Guyana on a mission to get the support of the government for a declaration on animal rights that could see the United Nations (UN) adopting the resolution.

We've come to play!

Animal protection legislation Legal system must keep men in check

The WSPA is an organisation that was formed to promote the welfare of animals and to ensure a halt in the cruel treatment of animals. The organisation works along with various agencies all over the world to support different campaigns aimed at protecting all species of animals. This campaign stems from the belief that our close interaction with animals means we have a responsibility to protect their welfare.

In a general sense, we should mention that about one billion of the world’s poorest people rely on animals for their income. The welfare of these animals is essential to supporting human livelihoods – animal health improves productivity and creates stability, leading to sustainable development and protecting livelihoods.

Further, responsible animal management has positive impacts on land use, climate change, pollution, water supplies, habitat conservation and biodiversity. And good animal care reduces the risk of food poisoning and of diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Healthy animals also secure food supplies, helping to protect people from malnutrition and hunger.

Additionally, it is generally agreed that all around the world, millions of people look to animals for companionship. The human-animal bond has proven to have therapeutic benefits.

Therefore, the universal declaration on animal welfare is geared to inform member countries about the regulations and policy guidelines that are necessary for the care, treatment and protection of animals. And there are several reasons why Guyana should support such efforts. As pointed out by WSPA, the future of animal welfare lies in the world’s governments recognising that animals do matter.

A universal declaration on animal welfare will encourage governments to make and enforce laws that benefit animals. In effect, this would be an agreement among people and nations that animals are sentient, meaning they can suffer and feel pain. It will also seek to enforce the points that animals’ welfare must be respected and animal cruelty must end for good.

The UN has never issued any official document on the protocol for animal welfare. So, the animal rights executives are hoping to have the UN recognise the declaration and adopt it as a convention. Several countries around the world have already become party to the campaign and we are optimistic that Guyana will join this group soon.

Dear Editor,

On two successive days, five children were attacked – two of them fatally – and their mothers had to flee for their lives. This is a really sad commentary on the way things are domestically in Guyana. I asked a husband and father what he thought of these two incidents and to my utter dismay he excused the men.

The government is calling for education for the males of Guyana. I think this is a good move, but the problem is way deeper. Most men have already been acculturated into thinking that they have certain exemptions – they can drink, have extramarital flings, lime with the boys and stay out late, but not so for the women.

Now I am not say -

ing, for one minute, that men and women must match each other in these things. All I am saying is that relationships must have some ground for compatibility. There is a need for women to have their space, even if and when they are wives and mothers.

The important thing is that men be most aware of the fact that abusing oth -

ers, more so, their spouses, especially via injuring them, is not an option. Even if and when spouses forgive, these abusers must be dealt with. Those few cases of court dismissals with warnings are now coming back to me. Our legal system must keep our men in check.

Yours faithfully, Warren Campbell

New doctors should boost health care in Berbice

Dear Editor, Twelve new doctors have joined the ranks of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) and this alone says that progress calls for patience. These doctors are some of the fruits of a special and ingenious partnership between the governments of Guyana and Cuba. Since that time, hundreds of Guyanese have been sent

to Cuba on a yearly basis. They normally return home to complete their internship and then they start their actual practice.

I congratulate these returnees who are now ready, willing and qualified to serve in the medical sector. Guyana’s few mishaps medically can almost all go back to some kind of lapse. Human beings can get tired, feel lazy and

suffer from a lack of inspiration and this is what these doctors must guard against. They must also feel privileged to serve.

All great leaders went beyond the normal call of duty. Doctors truly speaking cannot come up with excuses not to serve – they cannot argue for time out and so like regular people. They have to be prepared for interruptions. So I too

urge them to be very hardworking and caring. After all, they are dealing with the sick. I think a word of commendation must go to the Cuban government and I hope that more scholarships will be possible. A nation needs experts in every area.

Yours sincerely, Rhonda Chance

Moving towards safer travel on the waters UG has to shape up

Dear Editor,

This is a really good move when it comes to safety factors on the waterways in Guyana. Talks now revolve around the country’s maritime sector and its desire to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate maritime incidents, injuries and deaths. Guyana is growing a bit too fast and things are getting away from us. Definitely, traversing the waterways is not what it used to be a few years back. The various routes into the interior can be described as quite active, and hence there is a need for some monitoring.

The public works and hydraulics minister explained to the National Assembly that there is an urgent need to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate maritime incidents, injuries and deaths. And we have had too many in recent months. In fact, we need to absorb the fact that the number of speedboats has more than doubled over the past few years, this mandates that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) heighten its safety programme. I give a high mark for its drive to distribute 1000

lifejackets to students in riverine communities, long before the commencement of the 2013/2014 academic year. But I am more concerned with the deeper issues of regular inspections at the stellings to ensure that boat operators are operating in line with the stipulated regulations. This must not be sporadic and a check must be made on actual captains, especially when new ones come on board. Not anyone can operate a boat, and the authorities that be must realise this and ensure some guidelines be enforced. Our problem sometimes is that even though we have existing laws, we only seek

to enforce them when major happenings take place. We simply have to do better. It is not a good record –42 persons perished in riverine and coastal accidents over the past 18 months. So the minister is quite in order for steps to be taken.

I think here of the driver of that now infamous train in Spain that derailed a few weeks back, killing scores of people. His case is before the courts. His folly led to the tragedy. No less is required here. When those in charge malfunction and cause deaths, then they too must be held accountable.

Yours truly, Wilbert Haynes

Creek safety must now be addressed

Dear Editor,

We have a repeat of the June 2011 incident when a child from Guyhoc Park drowned at the creek. This lad was just 14 at the time and he died during an outing at a creek along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

Dear Editor,

The controversies out of the University of Guyana (UG) are just too many. The student body, that is the UG Student Society (UGSS), is currently embroiled in a financial issue with its ejected president. Now the UG Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) is commencing preparation of a document seeking to outline the terrible financial status of the institution. Well, while all of this is going on, life has to proceed.

Come end of August, the new school year begins, and this must be the immediate focus of the institution. My first concern is not even academic. There were a few cases of robberies in and around the campus and the access road. So is it too much to ask for patrols to be in the environs, especially at nights, until classes are complet-

ed for the day? Even people who come out in groups are not safe. The positive impact of police presence is always welcomed, and more so, when we are talking about our premiere academic institution.

I am going it by word of mouth here, and I address the issue of punctuality. Many times I went to the photocopying centre to get things done and I have to always wait for the starting time or opening for the day to be realised, and this is never punctual. The same obtains for the computer centre. This is where I think that all of Guyana must shape up. Nine o’ clock is not ‘ninish’ or even five past the hour. Almost the entire country is steeped into this bad practice.

I wonder if students actually submit their assignments on time. How about

lecturers – are they on time to teach? Only the students can tell, and if the lecturers are consistently tardy, this must be exposed. My last take is the condition of the access road –at best, it is in tatters. It was redone on so many occasions and yet with a little rain, it always deteriorates. This road is very important even as a form of attraction for the university, so I cannot understand its deplorable state. Are we serious about making this institution work? How long will we depend on Cuba? I call for a turn-around at all levels –administrative, academic and infrastructurally. UG must be top notch and all stakeholders must get on with bringing this off.

Respectfully,

Bert Corbin

Now, this very week, the body of a mere three-year old from Industry, East Coast Demerara was found in a creek at the said Soesdyke/ Linden Highway area around 09:00h in the morning. This is early, and so I am wondering what went wrong. This child is three, so vigil should have always been there. Somebody has to be blamed for this.

in place. The implications are huge and creek safety must be addressed.

I sympathise with the bereaving community, but I am very disappointed that adults are not being more responsible. A few months ago, a letter writer called for the presence of a trained life guard to be stationed at all the creeks. I am sure it will not cost a fortune. The relevant authorities must seek to have this safety measure

In Canada in 1997, a mother inadvertently allowed her three children to wander off on the subway platform and they were killed. I was so sorry for her, but not the authorities. She was charged and later jailed. I think that this is the direction that Guyana must move towards.

Sincerely,

Yollande Griffith

Society under threat by street stalkers

Dear Editor, Society of today is under constant threat when it comes to limers, stalkers and other kinds of vagrants. This is why I care little for what others say when it comes to the police and their running down of these late and early morn-

ing street walkers. They are dangerous.

I say banish late night liming. This may be harsh, but I keep asking if someone has nothing to do, why is he/ she liming about the place?

I also think that the richer and more well-to-do folk must be stopped from helping and supporting this kind of thing. They usually ask for little errands to be done, and they pay these chaps a small piece. The police must get on this situation too as this will help to keep the streets safe.

Yours,

Vimla Perreira

Page Foundation

How to make a family budget with your children

BY JACQUELINE CURTIS

When you and your spouse decide that you need to tighten the purse strings and start socking away money, how do you do it? Chances are, you rearrange your deposits so more cash goes into savings, you vow to be better about your household budget, and you work together to make your long-term financial goals possible. But what about your children?

If you don’t take the opportunity to sit down and teach your children about saving money, you could be missing out on a chance to impart a valuable lesson and an experience that could bring your family closer together. By making saving a family affair, you can teach your children about money while also making your efforts more effective.

The family budget

Calling a family meeting is the best way to present the idea of saving as a team. That way, you can explain why it’s important, and map out a method for success. For example, if you

need to save for a trip to Disneyland, enlisting the help of your entire family can help you save up faster, and teach your children the important lesson that the trip doesn’t come for free. You’ll prob ably find that your children are excit ed about the idea of saving, so don’t be nervous about their reactions. Instead, be open, frank, and clear about how you’re going to save up the money you need.

Use a shad ow box. are very visual. Putting their extra money in a bank ac count might not give them the full effect of meeting their finan cial goals. Instead, try using a shadow box as a way to save. Pick up a shadow box from the dollar store, and then place a picture representing your goal as the background of the box – a vacation picture, a picture of a new home, or even a printed number as a financial goal

can work well. Then, cut a slit in the top of the box –you can make one for each of your children – and hand

age. While it’s important to teach your children to save up for something big, you also want to explain bal-

and children live with. For instance, you might decide that everybody contributes 10 per cent to 20 per cent of

be able to see their goals and the money they’re saving concurrently, which can help motivate them to do more. Decide on a percent-

nate all of his allowance or chore money to the cause could give him negative feelings about saving. Instead, agree on a percentage that both adults

you have the means, you can get your family enthusiastic about saving by offering to match what your children contribute. In most cases, it’ll be a pretty nom-

inal amount, but it can be the plan that tips the scales when it comes to getting your children excited to save money. Plus, they’ll love to see you counting up the savings jar each day to see what your contribution will be, which makes saving a positive experience for them.

Talk about ways to As adults, we know that saving money requires a lot more than dropping a few coins in the bank at the end of the day. Instead, a lot of budgeting and saving relies on what you don’t spend.

As a family, talk about ways to save money around the house, whether it’s turning off the lights when your children are done in a room, having a time limit on showers, or vowing to eat a vegetarian meal once per week. Involving your children in these discussions on moneysaving ideas can help them realise how precious of a commodity money actually is, driving home the ways they can save every day.

Let them see the products. If your original goal was to save extra money for a family trip to Disneyland, make sure that you pull through and let your children see the fruits of their labour. Without seeing the positive reward of being frugal, donating their allowance, and being smart with money, they may start to believe that saving isn’t a valuable way to deal with money.

Even if you don’t meet your financial goals, it’s the perfect time to sit down, talk about the amount of money that was saved, and what the family wants to do with those funds. You might be surprised at how your children handle the idea if you present it to them in a positive way.

Final word

Saving money shouldn’t be left as a burden on you as a parent. Even if your children are young, enlisting their help in saving for something special introduces them to the concept that money doesn’t grow on trees. This lesson will benefit your children throughout their lives.

The better their understanding of money and the way it works, the more they’ll think about what’s involved in a purchase, and the better spending and saving habits they’ll have as adults. (Money Crashers)

PPP Congress

Never surrender to opposition’s antidevelopment stance – Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar has urged the rank and file of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic to never surrender or give into the pressure from the combined opposition political parties that is aimed at undermining the country’s overall development, jeopardising its future.

Ramotar was at the time addressing hundreds of delegates gathered for the party’s 30th Congress, which is being staged under the theme “Strengthen the Party – Build Unity and Advance Democracy”.

The three-day Congress commenced on Friday afternoon with a spirited opening ceremony at the J C Chandisingh Secondary School in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

Ramotar said the party must spare no effort to “rise, rebuild and reorganise” itself to meet the concomitant challenges,which it faces, as he expressed disappointment with the manner in which business is being conducted in the 65-seat National Assembly.

He said the time was ripe for the party to work on overcoming these challenges in order to push

ahead with its developmental thrust. The president said that the PPP cannot afford to lose the battle to afford all Guyanese a brighter future and better standard of living.

Put people first

“If the opposition will not put the people first, we must... we must not only battle but we must win... we can win and we will win,” he said in a passionate appeal to the hundreds of delegates and observers present.

He described the actions of the opposition parties in the National Assembly as “nonsensical” and “disingenuous”, while strong -

ly condemning what in his eyes appears to be a clearly orchestrated attack on the country’s overall pursuit for further development.

Ramotar added that the move to axe $31 billion from the national budget with the use of a one-seat majority must be condemned along with the most recent parliamentary posture, which has seen the Alliance For Change (AFC) teaming up with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to vote against major developmental projects and investments.

“Our investment has come under threat by the opposition’s nonsensical stance,” he offered, explaining that the opposition was attempting to “cut the PPP’s nose to spite the face of development for all people in Guyana”.

“The opposition has voted down everything good and ambitious for Guyana,” he posited as he made no bones about voicing his objection to “wounds” that were being inflicted on the “body politics” in Guyana.

Ramotar, who is also the general secretary of the ruling party, urged his comrades not to become demotivated, but to understand the role they must play in fighting once again

against the “new injustice” and “assault” being perpetrated on the future of all Guyanese.

“Never ever relent,” he lobbied, explaining that “the progress made must be defended”. The president told the Congress that since the party came to power, it has worked side by side to improve Guyana’s infrastructure with the construction of scores of schools, hospitals, roads, and other facilities. He was convinced that the PPP has made life much easier over its tenure in office while creating a strong and vibrant economy and better communities.

He did not fail to point out some of the successes of the previous PPP governments while outlining his own vision for Guyana. Ramotar said that his only wish when leaving the presidency would be to have made Guyana a much better country that would be safe for all the children and future generations.

Progress made

Appealing to party supporters and sympathisers, he said, “All our hard work is for you... every project is for you... all the sweat and frustration and our efforts are for the sole purpose of

APNU surprised at GECOM’s unpreparedness for local govt polls

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) Vice Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has said the party is very disappointed at an announcement by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that local government elections are unlikely to be held this year.

Roopnaraine told Guyana Times on Friday that he was surprised by the proclamation, adding that GECOM has no excuse since they were already aware of the new system.

He explained that the commission also had no reason to wait for the passage of the local government bills in Parliament and could have gone ahead with its public education campaign and other preparations. “They didn’t have to wait for the bills. Even if we at Parliament were waiting for these bills, GECOM knew what the system would have been and could have started preparing,” the parliamentarian said.

He added that the commission had enough time to prepare and should have started the groundwork two months prior to any reform bills being passed.

In a recent comment,

GECOM Public Relations Officer Vishnu Persaud said the commission would require time to put adequate systems in place to carry out its mandate as it relates to local government elections.

Persaud remarked that local government elections could not have been held this year even if the four bills were passed in the National Assembly. The PRO pointed out that local government elections can only be held when the local government minister makes such an announcement.

He related that GECOM would require at least six months from the date of the announcement to pull off local government elec-

tions, with only five remaining months in this year. He disclosed that the four bills would also have to be passed and assented to by President Donald Ramotar before elections can be held.

Back in June, Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud said the possibility of local government elections this year is very slim. He had placed blame at the feet of APNU Member of Parliament Basil Williams, who heads the Local Government Special Select Committee.

According to Persaud, the special select committee – which has been mandated to analyse the Fiscal Transfers Bill; the

Municipals and District Councils (Amendment) Bill; the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and the Local Government Commission Bill – has been meeting regularly, but continues to face major hindrances.

“We went through all the bills, but we would have shelved a number of issues, because we have not arrived at a consensus. So we would have had several agreements, but we have some major disagreements,” the local government minister said.

However, the bills were returned to the National Assembly and given priority placement on the agenda, but failed to attract discussion from government which was adamant that bills concerning the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project should have been prioritised instead. The administration, Persaud said, remained hopeful that the long-awaited local government elections could be held in the not-too-distant future.

There have been numerous calls from private sector organisations, foreign missions, non-governmental organisations, and civil society for local government elections to be held urgently.

making a better life for all Guyanese.”

He warned that despite the progress made under the leadership of the party, Guyanese could not afford to lose sight of the hardships they endured and the journey to the development, which they enjoy now.

“It is easy to get lost in the progress made,” he emphasised, telling the congress that the struggles the party has endured throughout its history has distinguished it from the others. Ramotar, who faces the delegates as a candidate for the top spot in the party again, also encouraged members to work hard, and practise high levels of democracy, transparency and accountability.

“We have to resist” complacency, he said.

Ramotar’s address was given in the presence of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who himself has been nominated by various groups for a top posting in

the party. Today, the duel has begun for supremacy and control within the hierarchy of the party as this is the first congress without the Jagans. The party will also be undergoing a vibrant period of introspection over the coming days as its leaders decide on the way forward and its future.

During the opening ceremony, which was chaired by Executive Member Irfaan Ali, remarks were also made by the Guyana Rice Development Board, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union, the Women’s Progressive Organisation, and the Progressive Youth Organisation.

Former Government Minister Clinton Collymore, who is a Central Executive Committee member, also paid tribute to several of the party’s comrades who passed away over the past few years. He said their contributions have not gone unnoticed and will always be hailed.

Scotiabank named Best...

“Scotiabank has made a significant impact in serving their clients in many countries through their Internet services,” Giarraputo said.

In 2012, Scotiabank won the global title of World’s Best Consumer Internet Bank in North America, and Latin America, including the Caribbean, from the Global Finance Magazine.

The bank was also named Global Bank of the Year and Bank of the Year in the Americas in 2012 by the Banker Magazine, a Financial Times publication.

Scotiabank was recognised as a Best Consumer Internet Bank in the following countries: Anguilla, The Bahamas, Canada, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica,

from page 3

The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Panama, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Scotiabank was also recognised as a Best Corporate Internet Bank in 17 countries including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Puerto Rico, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Maarten and Turks and Caicos.

Scotiabank has been operating in the Caribbean since 1889 and is now the leading bank in the region, with operations in 25 countries, including affiliates.

The bank has more than 10,500 employees, and 359 branches, kiosks and other offices in the region, including affiliates.

saturday, august 3, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Trio remanded on drug charge

Three of the suspects arrested for the 11.5 kilogram cocaine bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a conspiracy to traffic narcotics charge.

Anthony Thomas of North Cummingsburg, Georgetown; Ravindra “Ravi” Singh of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown; and Gregory Lou of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, are accused of conspiring with others to traffic 11.448 kilograms of cocaine on July 27. The men pleaded not guilty to the charge read against them.

According to Special Prosecutor Oswald Massiah, Thomas, who is employed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as a grade two officer, was attached to CJIA as a customs officer for the month of July, while Lou is a grade one officer. Singh is a security agent who has been attached to the Security Innovation Concept (SIC) for two years.

On July 20, Singh, defendant number two, allegedly approached an airline officer requesting that he generates a baggage tag for a payment of US$2500. The transaction was made, but the airline officer had a change of heart, returned the money and asked for the baggage tag; however, it was not returned.

The prosecutor said on July 26, Thomas, defendant number one, worked the night shift that ended at 07:00h on July 27. He lingered in the area after his shift dressed in his uniform, while Singh had a conversation with a baggage cart

operator and asked him to take a bag from the baggage shed to the aircraft for a fee. Thomas then took a carryon bag from his office, with Lou acting as his lookout, and moved it to the baggage shed.

No evidence

During a check of the baggage, a senior security officer discovered an unusual substance in the carry-on bag. As a result, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) was called in. The bag was seized and 10 packets of cocaine unearthed.

Attorney Nigel Hughes represented Thomas and said his client has been a customs officer for 10 years and before this incident, had an immaculate reputation. He noted that based on the information presented by the prosecution, the bag was not found on his client. Even the actions of the number three defendant were not admissible as evidence and that in itself is a special reason for bail, the defence attorney noted.

Prosecutor Massiah stated that the bag was destined for a Caribbean Airlines flight bound for the John

F Kennedy Airport in New York. He added that he gave a brief account of the prosecution’s case, which is not reliant on a defendant’s statement and the charge stemmed from further investigation.

To that, Attorney Hughes said his learned friend (the prosecutor) has admitted that they have no admissible evidence and they are going on what was indicated by one defendant said.

Massiah countered by saying that the prosecution does have a reliable witness but does not wish to disclose that person’s identity. He also said that the prosecution is hoping to obtain a photograph or something that will tie the defendants to the scene, and Hughes replied that they charged his client based on a hope.

Singh was represented by Attorney Abiola WongInnis who said that what the court will be faced with is an airline officer’s story about a tag which is not plausible, noting that there was nothing that connected her client to the crime. She alleged that her client is facing a conspiracy charge after he failed to give the po-

lice any useful information and at this point, there was absolutely no evidence that would be brought before the court. In light of this, the defence counsel declared that her client should be granted reasonable bail. She concluded that the person who generated the baggage tag was not even charged, and was released after the 72-hour detention period Friday morning.

Attorney James Bond, who represented Lou, concurred with his colleagues that there was no evidence brought forward by the prosecution to prove that his client was guilty of the offence, and the prosecution cannot prove a nexus. He continued that his client has been a serving member of the GRA and requested reasonable bail on his behalf.

The special prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that there were no special reasons given. In relation to the number one defendant, he said since the incident occurred on July 27, contacting him proved difficult and it was not until his picture appeared in the newspaper that he was brought into custody.

Hughes interjected that he saw the photo in the Stabroek newspaper, and a relative of the defendant contacted him, thus he was brought into custody. He also added that when you are running from the police, you do not run until your picture ends up in the newspaper and then you run back to the police.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry refused bail and the men were remanded. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for report and fixtures on August 5.

Teen accused of raping adult

A17-year-old resident of Crabwood Creek, Berbice was on Wednesday taken into police custody after he was accused of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old woman.

Charity

Tman

Guyana Times understands that the victim left home for her aunt’s residence to charge her phone. As she embarked on her journey, the teenager who was reportedly in a car with

his friends stopped and offered her a lift, which she accepted.

However, the suspect took her to a house at Crabwood Creek where he had sex with her against her

will. The matter was reported to the police and a probe has been launched. Charges are pending a medical certificate from a doctor after he would have examined the victim.

jailed for break and enter and larceny

wenty-two-yearold Jemol Evans of Charity Riverdam on the Essequibo Coast was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charge of break and enter and larceny. Evans appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court. According to the prosecution’s facts, on July 28, Evans broke into the house of Jasoda (only name given) also known as “Juilet” and stole a Toshiba laptop valued $180,000, a One Laptop

A35-year-old rice farmer of

on the

was jailed and fined for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and for possession of a smoking utensil.

Ray Reid appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to both charges and was therefore fined the sum of $30,000 and three years for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, and one year imprisonment for having in his possession a utensil used for smoking cocaine.

Per Family (OLPF) project system valued $60,000 and $28,000 in cash.

It is alleged on the day in question, Evans broke in the woman’s house around 07:00h while she was not at home. When Jasoda discovered her home was broken

According to the prosecution’s facts, on the day in question, around 20:30h, Reid was found during a mobile police patrol with narcotics in his possession on the Lima Public Road.

Police discovered on Reid a “whitish, creamish” substance suspected to be co-

into, a search was conducted at Evans’ home where the OLPF laptop was found. The accused had admitted to committing the crime. He was subsequently locked up and charged. He told the court he stole $1080 and not $28,000.

caine and a piece of aluminium foil, two to three inches in length, to aid in the smoking of the drug.

Reid, who was not represented by an attorney, told the court that he had been suffering from a terminal illness and was using the drug to curb his sickness.

Eyew tness

Still looking ahead...

...at Trinidad

To your (reflective) Eyewitness, Trinidad and Tobago’s a case of “what might’ve been” for Guyana. The more learned would call it a “counterfactual”. If Burnham hadn’t been so ambitious and succumbed to the carrot of power dangled by the Americans, we might’ve been spared the 1960s’ racial riots. Like Trinidad, we’d still have ethnic voting – but it wouldn’t have the hard edge of ours…the ever-present fear of disagreements sliding into violence.

Over in carnival land, the Jack Warner victory in Chaguramas West is still playing out...as it very well will until the next general elections. An Afro-Trini – on his own and not on any sponsor’s coattails, or in this case, anyone’s skirt-hem – thrashing by a 3-1 margin the Indo-Trini party candidate in an Indian constituency? That’s going to take a whole lot of mulling over. Even chewing over.

Alluding to Warner’s victory, the Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley worried that the damage to Trinidad’s “reputation” would be incalculable. It’s quite clear he has no idea of what the world thinks of his country: a land where the froth of carnival is considered their biggest “achievement”. A country where 50 years of oil production’s been frittered away and they just don’t know what’ll happen when the oil runs out in the next few decades.

But like we said, the politics is more easygoing than ours. So Dr Rowley didn’t even come out plain and say why Trinidad’s “reputation” was being sullied by Warner’s victory. He was referring, of course, to a report by a Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) inquiry committee that Warner had been involved in fraud and worse while he was an executive of the football confederation.

The same report had caused Warner’s precipitate departure from the government as a minister, leading him to form his own party to contest his old seat. But the problem we have with Dr Rowley’s complaint is his implicit criticism of democracy and the democratic process. The people of Chaguaramas West had heard all the accusations and counter accusations against Warner...but they still voted for him. Dr Rowley and the critics want to forget that Warner has never been convicted for fraud – and he’s just sued the head of the inquiry committee.

In Guyana, the opposition’s also been throwing charges of massive corruption against the government – hoping to sway voters. But in the latest instance – on the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, now that they’ve examined the project backwards and sideways – the “corruption” charges are gone.

Replaced by “not large enough”. Go figure. ...at the 1823 Monument

Some people can’t take a hint. Some can’t even take an outright rejection. There’s this fella who was told in no uncertain terms that African Guyanese want to do their own thing around this Emancipation Day commemoration. But lo and behold, like a bad penny, he shows up at some news conference as a member of a “Coalition of the Parade Ground Monument” declaring they’re rejecting the government-funded monument to the 1823 rebellion about to be opened at the beginning of the East Coast Highway.

And the group shows up at the Emancipation Day gala at the National Park and hands out flyers announcing: “Not in our name will the marginalisation and disrespect of the African Culture be tolerated.” “Our name”?? What was this fella’s name again? But we’ve gone through this debate before, haven’t we? The rebellion by the slaves and their supporters occurred on the East Coast...they were executed and humiliated at Parade Ground in Georgetown. And we should have the Monument at Parade Ground and not East Coast? No wonder this fella was told to butt out!

Berbice campus wants autonomy

– calls being made for director to withdraw resignation

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

Stakeholders are calling on University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) Director Professor Daizal Samad to withdraw his resignation even as they press the authorities to delink the Corentyne-based institution from its parent body at Turkeyen.

Samad recently tendered his resignation, citing discrimination and his inability to function under the current terms and conditions which prevail.

Samad claimed that as director of the UGBC, he cannot make decisions. Samad, speaking on Wednesday about his decision to resign, said his dignity has been trampled on.

“The situation is unpleasant. We are suffering under the weight of Turkeyen and my position is that weight must be removed in order that we move faster and in order that we move higher.”

Several students, concerned citizens, educators and parents added their voices on the issue Friday, calling for the intervention of government to make the Berbice campus autonomous and free from the ineptitude at the problem-plagued Turkeyen Campus. Security Management Consultant John London called for government to intervene, saying that those at Turkeyen seem to be playing an ego game.

“It looks like those who

are in authority over him are more concerned with impressing their authority over him rather than the programmes at the campus and the progress UGBC has made under him.” He referred to it as pettiness and micro-management and noted that farmers are among many who have benefited as a result of policies that Professor Samad implemented.

Meanwhile, Pastor Shawn Geer echoed similar sentiments, saying if the professor is allowed to resign; it will be a loss to Berbice and the entire country. The Berbice-born professor is said to have left his family in the United States to serve his country. Boxer Darian Simon also called on Professor Samad to rescind his resignation. According to the boxer, he was a fighter with no education until he met Professor Samad who introduced him to the computer.

Alleged Berbice burglars get bail

Two men have been placed on $500,000 bail by Berbice Magistrate Rabindranath Singh when they appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of attempting to commit a felony.

The two, Amdert Persaud called “Punnue” and Paul Mohibir, both of Kilturn Village, Corentyne, are jointly charged for burglary.

According to police, the duo was seen at Lot 28 Belvedere Settlement on the Corentyne on Sunday last attempting to break into a dwelling house. They were each placed on $200,000 bail.

Meanwhile, Persaud is charged separately for a

similar offence committed on the same day in the same village.

He has been placed on an additional $100,000 bail on that charge. Persaud, 22, who is unemployed, along with Mohibir, 29, a hire car driver was confronted in the village after police were alerted of their suspicious movement. They were arrested and told of the offence.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a series of recent robberies in East Berbice of which the current accused may have been involved. The two will have to return to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on August 8 when both matters come up for another hearing.

“Had it not been for the professor, I would have been illiterate. Nobody had any time with me and he told me that he can help me to become somebody. We need more people like that in Guyana.”

Work-study student Denica Henry said she hails from a poor family and during her current work study stint, Professor Samad told her that she should make every effort to attend the university. However, the 16-year-old said her family could not afford it, and as such, was offered a scholarship. That scholarship is now in jeopardy if Professor Samad is allowed to resign.

A cash crop farmer from Black Bush Polder was also at the meeting on Wednesday at the Berbice Campus. According to Seenarine Ramkhan, many farmers who have problems with their crops have re-

ceived free advice from the campus. He said Professor Samad is known in the community as the man that they can go to. “As farmers, we can come and get help on anything right here.”

The oldest student at UGBC, Jonik Jodhan also called for the Turkeyen to relinquish its hold on the Berbice Campus. The 67-year-old said UGBC is now an adult and must be allowed to stand on its own.

Professor Samad is of the view that the campus will crumble due to the way it is currently being run.

Consequences

“If this campus crumbles under the weight of Turkeyen, every single school in Berbice will suffer. Every kindergarten will suffer; every nursery school will suffer; every secondary school will suffer. All sections of society will suffer. The farmers, who come here

for help and get it will suffer.”

He added that persons in the fishing industry will also suffer because they will not be able to get needed help and the religious sector will suffer the same faith.

According to the campus director, upon his return to the campus after a brief absence, he was subjected to abuse by way of letters and obscene phone calls.

“I am not prepared to accept that at all. If this country wants my life I will give it, but this country cannot ask for my dignity… Every single citizen of this country must have his or her dignity intact.”

New approaches

According to director, new approaches must be adapted if the university is to stand in its own feet.

“We will run this campus like a business.” This, he added will not be done at

the expense of anyone. He said if the Berbice Campus is given autonomy, and he is asked to head it, he will not increase tuition fees as promised.

“The government will give us the same subvention and after eight years, we shall tell the government that we no longer need your subvention and that money can be taken and given to schools to prepare better children to come to this university.

Locally, we shall develop programmes and become an income generating, self-generating, self-propelling and self-sufficient institution in order that everyone coming to the institution for help will receive it.”

Meanwhile, Samad noted that several new programmes will have to be instituted. Among them are petroleum engineering and a full degree in senior police management.

saturday, august 3, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Don’t be ashamed of your heritage – former CLO urges Afro-Guyanese

Guyanese of African descent should not be ashamed to be called sons and daughters of slaves, former Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Norman Semple said. He made the comments while addressing hundreds at the Kildonan MultiPurpose Centre on Thursday at an emancipation rally.

According to Semple, all Guyanese of African descent should be proud because their foreparents laid the foundation for the development this country has seen.

“It was not by choice that they became slaves and all that we have today in this country is what we have built on that they have started,” Semple noted.

He also called on youths to take advantage on obtaining an education. “Work hard like your foreparents and do not waste your money on drugs and on things from foreign countries so that those countries contin-

ue to get rich off of us. Let us build Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Region Six Education Officer Claude Johnson said although “we have been emancipated from slavery, we must be wary of mental slavery.”

“You must sustain the freedom which your foreparents fought for… Do not be enslaved to anything, let us move forward and think of

ways to built what we have.”

Johnson said in today’s world, young people know little about slavery and the conditions their foreparents underwent. “So older persons have the responsibility to orient them.”

Johnson also took the opportunity to congratulate the Concerned Citizens Development Group (CCDG) for organising the event.

He said not many organisations have been preserving the African tradition. Earlier, the Kildonan Majorettes led a procession through 10 villages from Manchester to Kildonan in a street parade which ended at the Multi-Purpose Centre. The rally featured a packed cultural programme.

Long time still on dem mind

It got an old song that talk bout how small days does still deh pun some people mind. That is when people does remember all de old days – de good times and de bad times. It does always be plenty fun when people remember dem old times. In Guyana, it got people who like to remember old times and it got dem who don’t.

A big news paper man is one of dem who don’t like fuh remember old times. He don’t like remember dem long time salipenter days. It does get he friken ever since he get turn back when he was tryin to bribe guvament. Now he turn round and seh de guvament people tekkin bride. And nowadays he only like talk bout hydro. He even tryin fuh get hydro from Win Stone.

A lotta dem in the FLAPNU set up like fuh remember old times though. Dem does remember how dem used to rig tings fuh which dem now tryin to blame Boodoo. Even de animal man, like he tryin to help dem out. Green Jah even dreamin bout how de gon become prezzy and he seh he getting ready to lead.

What Green Jah fuhget is that No Gel Hughly, Rum Jhaat and de Nagga Man also dreamin bout de very same ting. In fact Rum Jhaat dreamin till he dribblin. Now old people seh wise men does tink de same tings but dem never seh any ting bout dreamin de same tings. Wid all of dem wantin to lead, no body could seh who gon be followin who!

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De other one who like fuh remember old times is Rum Karran. Just de other day he beggin de PPP/C fuh tek back all de people who leave de party like he. It look like he had really want to go to de congress…is so bad he want long time fuh come back! Well, he just miss out pun de real party!

GPL subsidy for pensioners to be implemented by September

The subsidy announced to assist pensioners to pay their electricity bills is expected to be implemented by September this year, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster said.

During a programme aired on the National Communications Network, Webster indicated that the ministry has been working with the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) to have all pensioners entitled to a government subsidy placed on the GPL database. She explained that the system will work through using the same mechanism as was used for the water subsidy.

GPL recently said it had identified more than 6000 pensioners on its customer base that will benefit from government’s annual provision of $20,000 as assistance for the payment of electricity charges.

The company has received a list of 12,000 pensioners from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven thus far from the ministry. Minister Webster is encouraging pensioners to contact the ministry or the GPL office in their region in order to benefit from the of-

fer.

Pensioners are to take along their National Identification card, their pension book and their GPL bill. She urged pensioners in the regions to contact the GPL offices or the Probation and Social Services office in their region. ”We are working to ensure that the process is concluded as soon as possible in a coherent manner,” she stated.

The minister explained that the subsidy will be paid to GPL and credited to the pensioner’s account.

The amount will be credited to the account until it is utilised based on their use of electricity. GPL will use the listing of names provided by the ministry and match it with their own database in order to compile a database for the persons to benefit from the subsidy.

The sum of $590 million has been allocated in the 2013 budget for this annual benefit afforded to pensioners by government. This is in addition to the waiver of pensioners’ water bill to the Guyana Water Incorporated.

More than 300 Cuba-trained doctors return home

More than 300 Cubatrained Guyanese have returned from the Spanish-speaking island to serve their country during the course of this week.

Over the last two days, 200 medical doctors arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri and on Tuesday, a batch of 99 graduates comprising agronomists and engineers. Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford was at hand to welcome the students.

“We are going to be having 300 plus new professionals coming into Guyana, and obviously this means we have new skills to aid development,” she explained to the media on Tuesday, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

With the return of those trained in medicine, she said, “we can now offer here a better quality care”. The graduates, reflecting on their journey through their studies, highlighted that it

was challenging residing in a different country, adapting to the culture and lifestyle, nevertheless they were optimistic about achieving their goals. Ganesh Omapersaud said he was happy to conclude his studies, graduating and becoming certified. He added that over the past six years, while learning medicine, he also learnt about Cuban culture.

Emmawattie Sateova Samaroo after studying for seven years, said she is ready to work hard and is confident about the health system improving. She added that it was a good idea by the government to provide such an opportunity to Guyanese who cannot afford to study in another country.

Nikita McKenzie expressing her happiness on returning from Cuba after studying for seven years, said that she has learnt more than what was expected.

She too is grateful that government is giving

Guyanese opportunities to pursue studies overseas. Ready to serve his country, Kwesi Vancooten, who completed seven years of studies, said he was overwhelmed and satisfied that the government was able to provide such an opening to him.

Former presidents of Guyana and Cuba, Bharrat Jagdeo and Fidel Castro, several years ago, agreed that Guyana will send 500 students to be trained in Cuba under a special Cuban scholarship programme in the disciplines of medicine, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, culture, sport, agriculture, and architecture among others. At that time, Guyana was experiencing a shortage of doctors.

Throughout the years, Guyana has been sending students, the first batch totalling 300 and continuing with smaller numbers over the years.

Fireman killed in Berbice accident

Minutes after leaving the soiree celebrations at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice (WCB) on Thursday afternoon, a fireman met his demise while his friend is in a serious state after the car in which they were travelling slammed into a utility pole in the vicinity of Bath Settlement Public Road, WCB.

The accident occurred about 12:30h. The dead store officer of the Guyana Fire Service was identified as Linden Mc Calmont, 48, formerly of Linden and Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, while the injured man is Keith Bond, 56, of Grove, East Bank Demerara.

According to information received, the two men were in a motor car, when the driver lost control and

crashed into a utility pole. Mc Calmont was the back seat passenger of the vehicle which was completely wrecked.

Mc Calmont and Bond were whisked away to the Fort Wellington Hospital where the fireman was pronounced dead on arrival, and due to the severe injuries Bond suffered, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The driver was supposedly under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred. He was taken into police custody and is assisting with investigations.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle on Thursday told Guyana Times that the Guyana Fire Service is saddened by the dreaded news. He explained that information surrounding the accident is still sketchy, but they have

Police youth camp begins on Monday

The Guyana Police Force’s annual Youth Camp will be held between Monday, August 5 and Saturday, August 10 at the Pomona Secondary

The much anticipated camp will be held under the theme “Youths, leading our nation”.

According to a Police Public Relations

School, Essequibo Coast. The camp is a collaboration between the GPF and the Guyana Police Wives’ Association.

to come to the reality that a colleague has passed on.

Gentle stated that both he and Mc Calmont worked together at Linmine while attached to the Linden Constabulary. He said Mc Calmont joined the Guyana Fire Service in the early 1990s and has ever since been with the agency.

In a distraught tone, the chief added that Mc Calmont only returned to Guyana three weeks ago after spending some time with his wife and children abroad.

The fire officer reportedly left for the soiree celebrations in Hopetown on Wednesday evening and was on his way to the city when the accident occurred.

Gentle said Mc Calmont was a close friend, noting that the Guyana Fire Service has lost a good worker.

Over 200 children between the ages of seven and 12 were selected from among youths involved in the force’s youth clubs and scout groups.

Police find gun at Number

63 Beach

Police are investigating the discovery of a semi-automatic pistol during a patrol at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne on Thursday.

In a release, police said about 18:15h on Thursday, ranks of a police patrol at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, recovered a .32 semi-automatic pistol with seven matching rounds. Investigations are in progress.

Department release, the camp will be managed by Assistant Commissioner Carol Lewis-Primo, who will be assisted by a number of other police ranks, members of the Police Wives’ Association and civilian volunteers.

During the period, the campers will be involved

in craft work, educational talks, road safety, religious teaching, information technology, games and an exhibition to showcase the skills learnt, among other activities.

The first Police Youth Camp was held at Camp Soweyo, Soesdyke-Linden Highway in 1991. Last year’s camp was at the Rosignol Primary School, West Coast Berbice.

saturday, august 3, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Uruguay to host regional confab on population, development

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in conjunction with the government of Uruguay and with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will hold the first session of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean from August 12 to 15 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The meeting is expected to be opened on August 12 in the presence of the presidents of Uruguay and Ecuador, José Mujica and

Rafael Correa, respectively, ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, and UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin.

The meeting will be attended by official delegations from most ECLAC member countries and associate members. Also expected to attend are senior international officials, experts in population and representatives of non-governmental organisations.

The main purpose of the event is to examine 20 years of Latin American progress in implementing the objectives of the Programme of

Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) – held in Cairo in 1994 –as well as identifying key measures for strengthening its implementation and tackling emerging population challenges for the region beyond 2014.

The priority themes to be discussed will include the rights and needs of children and young people, the opportunities and consequences of population dynamics, gender equality, reproductive and sexual rights, international migration, territorial inequality and environmen-

tal vulnerability, indigenous peoples and Afro-descendent peoples.

At the end of the meeting, delegates are expected to adopt a series of agreements on the priority themes for implementing the Programme of Action beyond 2014, based on the lessons learned from its implementation in the past 20 years, regional and world trends in terms of economic and social development, and the socio-economic, cultural and institutional specific features of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Berbice Bridge slashes tolls for summer

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has slashed the toll for certain categories of vehicles, a move which it is promoting as “Summer Holiday Season Special”.

According to a release, there have been calls previously for the tolls to be reduced and though the promotion will only last for 12 days, vehicle owners as well as passengers will get some much needed relief.

In addition to the categories of vehicles in table below, all pick-ups/four-wheel drive/SUVs carrying trailers with pleasure craft/vehicles such as jet-skis, race cars or bikes and race horse bogies will be allowed free of charge.

The towing vehicle will pay the toll charges as listed

below. In addition, no freight will be charge for vehicle carrying pleasure/tourism goods such as coolers, barbecue grilles in the trays of pickups and SUV/four-wheel drive.

The management of Berbice Bridge Company Inc has taken this decision “as our initiative to boost tourism, especially in the sum-

mer holiday season and part of emancipation promotions. This will run from August 1, at 08:00h to August 12 at 08:00h”, the release concluded.

Category Current toll charges/ freight charges Reduced toll charges for the month of August/no freight charge

Four-wheel drive/sUVs/ Pick-ups

Caribbean nationals may know how to party but major depression is a serious public health problem among older Caribbean adults, according to a new study.

New research by a Michigan State University (MSU) scholar on nearly 2000 people, aged 50 and older, found that whites and blacks of Caribbean descent experience much higher rates of major depression than African-Americans.

Amanda Toler Woodward, lead investigator on the study and MSU associate professor of social work, said the findings, taken as a whole, suggest major depression among older Caribbean people is worse than many believe and has serious implications as the massive baby boomer generation ages.

G$4000 G$3000 sUVs/Pick-ups pulling a boat for recreational activities

Four-wheel drive/sUVs/ Pick-pulling horse buggies

Four-wheel drive/sUVs/ Pick-ups transporting BBQ grills, coolers

50-seater buses

G$4000 G$3000 and no freight charge for tourism and pleasure activity

G$4000 G$3000 and no freight charge

G$4000 G$3000 and no freight charge for tourism and pleasure activity

G$12,800 G$9000

30-seater buses G$7200

Body fished out of Enmore trench

An unidentified body of a male of East Indian descent was on Friday morning fished out of “40 feet”, a trench separating Enmore and Foulis on the East Coast Demerara.

The swollen remains of the apparently middle-aged man were discovered floating in the waterway facedown. He was clad in a three-quarter black pants and a yellow jersey. The discovery was made around 10:00h by residents of Sixth and Seventh streets, Foulis, who were aroused by a foul stench emanating from the trench.

Persons at the scene where the body was discovered

Once they made the startling discovery and news got around, scores of persons gathered to get a glimpse of the body. Speculations were rife that it might have been a “junkie” who usually roams the area.

The body was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home, but residents could not positively identify the remains.

This publication also understands that no missing persons report was made at the Enmore Police Station.

The body is awaiting identification and a postmortem.

Father who killed his children found hanging

Richard Lord, 26, formerly of Wales, West Bank Demerara, who hacked his two children to death at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo on Wednesday evening, was discovered hanging from a coconut tree on Friday.

His body was discovered in Wales about 10:30h by relatives who were looking for him after he went missing after committing the act.

Lord hacked his two children, Kimberly Houston,

five, and Ahmad Lord, two, to death and left his reputed wife Nazalena Houston, 26, hospitalised.

The woman is presently in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. She reportedly lost her left hand and three fingers from her right hand in the chopping.

On the night of the incident, the two children were rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital and were

pronounced dead on arrival while their mother was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted.

It was reported that the suspect went to work and returned home under the influence of alcohol. The incident began from an argument between him and his reputed wife after he accused her of having an extra martial relationship.

During the argument,

Lord became enraged, picked up a cutlass and dealt the woman and children several blows about their bodies. Persons in proximity recalled hearing screams and when they went to the couple’s house, they found the woman and her two children covered in blood.

They were picked up and rushed to the medical institution. Immediately after the incident, the suspect fled the scene.

The study examined rates of major depression among three ethnic groups – whites, African-Americans and black Caribbeans –making it the first comprehensive examination of major depression among older blacks.

Specifically, the researchers found about

23 per cent of older black Caribbean immigrants experienced major depression during their lifetime, and 15 per cent experienced major depressive symptoms in the previous 12 months.

Older black men of Caribbean descent reported much higher rates of major depression than older black women of Caribbean descent. This runs counter to the other ethnic groups – whites and AfricanAmericans – which saw women report higher rates of major depression.

While the study did not measure why black Caribbean nationals had significantly higher rates of major depression than AfricanAmericans, Woodward said it may have to do with negative experiences related to immigration such as being separated from family and friends and adapting to U.S. culture.

“This data shows that black Caribbeans and African-Americans are not as similar as one may think, and when we’re thinking about diagnoses and treatment, we shouldn’t lump them together,” Woodward said.

Elderly Caribbean nationals hit hard by depression – study finds Shopping and cocktail party for Pegasus next

week

Posh Prestige will next week hold Guyana’s first shopping and cocktail party called “Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress” at the Pegasus Hotel.

Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress promises to be an upscale shopping party extravaganza where attendees can browse and purchase quality merchandise from some of the trendiest stores in Guyana.

Fashionable clothing and accessories will be on sale from boutiques and designers including Posh Boutique, Pink Memo, Ego Boutique, Rainbow Fashions, ShaSha Designs and Wendez Designs. Pieces and Things and Krystal’s Kouture will also be featured at the event. There will even be other specialty goods and services available for attendees to enjoy such as make up services by Bromeliad, salon services by Jessica Does My Hair and even bedroom novelty toys by Bedroom Kandi.

All goods and services will be available with exclusive deals, sales and promotions redeemable only at the event, organisers said in a release. Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress is a complete fashion, shoes, accessories, makeup and pampering dream come true.

According to the release,

the first 25 ladies to arrive will each win a free ‘Swag Bag’, compliments of Posh Boutique, filled with gifts, coupons and other prizes.

Tickets cost $5000 for all inclusive access to the event, which includes hors d’ouevres and a complimentary glass of wine from the Pegasus Hotel. They are available at Posh Boutique, Pink Memo Boutique and Studio Fix Hair Salon.

Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress was created by Posh Prestige Chief Executive Officer Tamika De Souza.

After attending similar events in Canada, Tamika wanted to introduce this amazing event concept to the local fashionistas in Guyana. She imagined a classy, exclusive fashion bazaar where vendors market their merchandise and network with the most fashionconscious clientele.

Add some cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, great music and a ‘Carrie Chic’ dress code and you’ve got Wine, Dine and Shop in a Dress, the ultimate shopping cocktail party.

Posh Boutique is located at 205 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, and can be contacted on telephone number: (592) 6775370 or at poshboutiquegy@ gmail.com.

Britain opposed 1983 Grenada invasion

Britain had been against United States plans to invade Grenada in 1983, according to documents released Thursday by the London National Archives.

The documents indicate that then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and United States president Ronald Reagan were at odds over the plans to invade the Caribbean island after its then left wing leader, Maurice Bishop and several of his ministers were executed by sections of the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) headed by then deputy leader, Bernard Coard.

Coard and several others, including his wife, Phyllis, were sentenced to lengthy jails terms but were all released a few years ago under new sentencing procedures.

Soon after his release from prison, Coard appeared on a television programme making a direct ap-

Human rights group calls for probe into Jamaican cross dresser murder

International lobby group, Human Rights Watch, has called for a thorough, impartial and effective investigation into the killing of a teenager by a mob in the western city of Montego Bay on July 21.

Dwayne Jones,16, was found dead on July 22 after being attacked at a party he attended dressed in women’s clothing.

“Jamaican authorities need to send an unequivocal message that there will be zero-tolerance for violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people,” said Graeme Reid, LGBT Rights Programme director at Human Rights Watch.

“The Jamaican government should be protecting everyone’s rights and safety, and that includes people who do not conform to society’s expectations of how each gender should behave.”

He said the government should take urgent and effective measures to stop violence against LGBT people, as Jones’ killing is not an isolated incident.

“Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, other government officials, religious leaders, and other prominent community leaders should join Senator Mark Golding, Minister of Justice, in condemning the killing.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

peal to the President Barack Obama to bring closure to the period that began in 1979 when Bishop and Coard and members of the then New Jewel Movement (NJM) overthrew the then Eric Gairy government in the Caribbean’s first successful coup.

The documents regarding “Operation Urgent Fury” in 1983 show Thatcher’s deep concern about Reagan’s decision to invade Grenada in the wake of Bishop’s assassination.

His death in October 1983 resulted in a United States-led invasion of the island and the body of the former prime minister has never been recovered despite pleas from his family and successive governments.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

EU pleased with Dominica, pledges more budgetary assistance

The European Union (EU) says Dominica will continue to receive financial assistance under the European Development Fund (EDF) Budget Support Programme.

Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ambassador Mikael Barford, gave that assurance following a review meeting of the 10th EDF General Budget Support on Wednesday.

“The reason why we came here this time was for the EU delegation which is based in Barbados to sit down with the government of Dominica, in order to review our on-going programme and to discuss how

we can programme the allocations that the EU will make to Dominica in the very near future.”

Dominica will receive EC$29.1 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) under the 10th EDF multisector Budget Support Programme that is designed to support the government in implementing the national development plan, titled “Growth and Social Protection Strategy 20122014”.

The financing agreement was signed at the end of August 2012 and it is expected that the programme will be disbursed over a three-year period ending June 2014. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Trinidad's president appoints four new senators in unprecedented act

In what has been described as a complete departure from practice and unprecedented in Trinidad and Tobago’s post-Republican history, President Anthony Carmona has revoked the appointments of four of nine senators appointed by his predecessor and named their replacements, who will take their oaths of office when the new session of Parliament begins.

The outgoing senators are: Corinne Baptiste-McKnight, James Armstrong, Professor Harold Ramkissoon, and Dr Lennox St Bernard.

The four new sena-

President Anthony Carmona

tors are: Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir, a leading economist; Hugh Russell Ian

Roach, an attorney with experience in civil, criminal, public, labour and military

law; Anthony Vieira, practising attorney in civil, industrial, family and criminal law; and David Small, an energy expert.

According to the constitution, the president appoints nine of the 31 senators, the government appoints 16 and the other six are appointed by the opposition.

A senate appointment can be revoked at any time, however, traditionally, presidents have changed independent senators at the end of the life of a Parliament, which comes with the calling of a general election. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Withdrawing from Caricom could have serious implications for Jamaica, says senator

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator AJ Nicholson said there would be far reaching implications if Jamaica withdrew or suspended its membership from the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

The minister was responding to comments made in the media by the opposition that Jamaica should temporarily suspend its membership in Caricom.

In a statement to the Senate on July 31, Nicholson explained that currently the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas contains no specific provisions for withdrawals or suspensions.

“Were the government to contemplate such a course of action, it would be necessary to examine the relevant provisions in the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties so as to derive an interpretation from those provisions in relation to

withdrawing or suspending our membership in Caricom under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” the minister said.

He added that the opposition has not made it clear whether the suspension or withdrawal would be from Caricom as a whole or more specifically, the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“An attempt to suspend membership in the CSME alone for which provisions are unclear, could have serious implications for the viability of the Caricom enterprise, thereby compromising all the other benefits that regional integration offers, such as functional co-operation, foreign policy co-ordination and participation in the five pillars of the CSME regime, namely movement of labour, capital, services, goods and right of establishment,” Nicholson said. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Bogus booze kills seven, sickens dozens in Cuba

Seven people have died of poisoning and more than 40 have been hospitalised, eight in critical condition, after consuming black-market methyl alcohol, Cuban public health authorities said on Wednesday.

According to a Health Ministry report broadcast on state television news, numerous people began arriving at Havana emergency rooms from Monday, exhibiting symptoms of “serious poisoning”.

The poisoning took place in the La Lisa municipality of Havana, and those killed were listed as in their 40s and 50s by the ministry.

All those affected were determined to have consumed methyl alcohol, also called methanol or “wood alcohol”.

The substance is commonly used as a solvent in medical laboratories and re-

search centres, as well as a fuel or anti-freeze, but is highly toxic for humans, potentially resulting in death or permanent health problems including blindness.

“Those affected consumed wood alcohol sold illegally... that was supplied by two individuals who work in the Pharmacy and Food Institute and took it from the local warehouse,” the ministry said.

“Wood alcohol is extremely toxic and causes headaches, nausea, blindness and death,” the ministry added, urging anyone who may have consumed the alcohol to seek medical attention if they experienced any symptoms.

While such incidents are rare, Cuban authorities occasionally report mass poisonings from food or bogus booze obtained from illicit sources. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Mugabe's party wins huge majority

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s party has won a huge majority in parliament in this week’s elections, officials say.

With most seats declared, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said Zanu-PF had won 137 seats in the 210-seat chamber, just short of two-thirds.

Results in the presidential race have yet to be announced. Mugabe’s main rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has already dismissed the election as “a sham”.

Tsvangirai, 61, who heads the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and is running for president against Mugabe, said the vote was “null and void”.

Around

Egypt orders police to blockade pro-Morsi sit-ins

Egypt’s government has ordered police to block access to protest camps set up by supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi, state TV reports.

Thousands have been defying warnings from the authorities to abandon the sit-ins in Cairo outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque and at Nahda Square.

On Friday evening they expanded their protest to a third sit-in site.

Anti-Coup Pro-Democracy Alliance, a grouping of Morsi supporters led by the Muslim Brotherhood, vowed that the protests would continue.

However, the two main observer groups have broadly endorsed the election, saying it was free and peaceful.

Earlier reports from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said Zanu-PF had won 142 seats but this was later corrected following some recounts.

The AFP news agency reports that 186 seats have been declared with 24 results still to come.

If Zanu-PF clinches a two-thirds majority it will be able to change Zimbabwe’s constitution.

African Union (AU) mission head Olusegun Obasanjo dismissed the complaints of fraud, saying the election was fair and free “from the campaigning point of view”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A local monitoring group has also said that the poll was “seriously compromised”.

More than 100 Morsi supporters have been killed in clashes since he was overthrown by the military on July 3.

The demonstrations are taking place a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the generals were in effect restoring democracy when they removed the president.

On Friday, activists said more than 30 protest marches left mosques in Cairo after Friday prayers and made their way to swell the numbers at the sit-in near the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque, in the east of the capital.

Thousands of Morsi supporters and their families have been camping there for weeks, demanding his reinstatement.

On Wednesday, the military-backed government authorised the police to disperse the sit-ins. The

“All revolutionary groups, including the alliance, also announce that they do not recognise the coup government or its decisions or negotiations,” a statement said, adding that it placed “full responsibility on the coup leaders for any acts of violence or killings”. Human Rights Watch also warned the authorities not to clear the sit-ins.

“To avoid another bloodbath, Egypt’s civilian rulers need to ensure the ongoing right of protesters to assemble peacefully, and seek alternatives to a forcible dispersal of the crowds,” it said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Woman survives 12 days in the wilds of Canada

The family of a 25-yearold Canadian woman, who authorities say survived 12 days in the bush, said Thursday she is recovering but is still in bad shape.

Before reappearing last week, she was last seen on July 14 on the north end of the O’Chiese First Nation reserve, according to a

U.S. issues travel alert amid threat from al Qaeda

Aglobal travel alert issued Friday by the State Department said al Qaeda may launch attacks in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond in coming weeks, and the U.S. government prepared to close embassies and consulates in the region Sunday as a precaution.

The steps showed heightened concerns about what U.S. officials said was intelligence in recent days that indicated a potential attack in Yemen tied to the end of

the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“Current information suggests that al Qaeda and affiliated organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August,” said the travel alert, which covers the entire month.

It warned that “terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private

interests”, and noted in particular that they may attack public transportation.

While the worldwide alert applied to any U.S. citizens abroad, it specified that the main region of concern was the Middle East and North Africa.

U.S. officials who spoke to CNN on condition of not being identified said intelligence agencies have been tracking a growing threat against American and Western targets by al Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen for a few weeks. (Excerpt from CNN)

Abandoned babies given away on Pakistani TV programme

Two baby girls who were abandoned in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi have been allocated new parents during a live television broadcast, the BBC’s Orla Guerin reports.

At just over a month old, Fatima has already lived through a lot.

Her life began, and could have ended, on a rubbish dump in the sprawling meg-

acity of Karachi. Instead, Fatima was rescued by a charity and placed in the loving care of a childless couple.

It looks like a happy ending but it came about in the full glare of television cameras. The sleeping infant was one of two abandoned girls handed over during live broadcasts of “Amaan Ramzan”, a blend of Islam and entertainment, which

runs during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The dapper host Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain is already famous for giving away cars, motorbikes and household electronics.

Now the controversial showman has added babies to the list, calling it “a noble cause”. He insists he is saving abandoned infants, not using them to boost his ratings. (Excerpt from BBC News)

statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

She escaped an attack and vanished, it said, emerging 12 days later.

The woman’s uncle said she suffered head and pelvic injuries and will need to undergo reconstructive surgery on her jaw. Her

feet are also in bad shape as she had no shoes, he said.

The woman remains hospitalised.

She survived by drinking river water and eating berries, according to a report by The Canadian Press.

Citing RCMP Corporal Nick Munro, it said inves-

tigators believe that the woman was in a truck with four other people when it got stuck.

Three of them went for help. When they did not return, the woman and a man started walking. He allegedly then hit her in the face and attempted to sexually assault her, The Canadian Press said. (Excerpt from CNN)

Pope urges "mutual respect" for Christians, Muslims

Pope Francis called on Friday for “mutual respect” between Christianity and Islam and an end to “unfair criticism” in a personal message congratulating Muslims on the feast of Eid al-Fitr.

“We are called to respect the religion of the other, its teachings, its symbols, its values,” he said in a statement distributed by the Vatican press office.

Pope Francis

“I have decided to sign this traditional message myself and to send it to you, dear friends, as an expression of esteem and friendship for all Muslims, especially those who are religious leaders.

“We all know that mutual respect is fundamental in any human relationship, especially among people who

profess religious belief,” he said.

The statement was addressed “To Muslims throughout the world” and the Vatican explained that the message has been traditional since 1967, but only John Paul II in 1991 previously sent a similar personal message.

The feast of Eid alFitr celebrates the end of Ramadan for all Muslims, a period of prayer and fasting.

Francis has called for stronger ties with Islam and the saint he chose for his pontifical title, St Francis of Assisi, is widely respected in the Muslim world. (France24)

Kerry predicts end of U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan

Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan could end “very soon”, in unusually outspoken remarks welcomed in Islamabad but immediately downplayed by American aides.

It is the first time such a senior member of the U.S. administration has indicated there could be a definitive end to the programme,

which the CIA has in the past called an effective counter-terrorism weapon.

But the strikes are a major thorn in often fractious ties between Islamabad and Washington, and are officially condemned by Pakistan as a violation of sovereignty and international law.

Kerry waded into the row at the tail end of a visit to Islamabad, in which he

announced that Washington was reviving strategic dialogue with Pakistan for the first time after a series of crises in 2011.

Asked in an interview by a Pakistani television station whether the strikes could end, Kerry said: “I think the programme will end as we have eliminated most of the threat and continue to eliminate it.” (Excerpt from France24)

It is important that Nigeria and TT continue to build trade links to cut their trade deficit, according to Videsh Maharaj, Investment Specialist at the Trade Ministry. “This is important for us as according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) there was trade deficit between the two countries between 2007 and 2010. However, this has been progressively getting smaller and it has been the result of an increasing volume of trade,” he said. Maharaj was speaking at a Focus on

The U.S. economy added 162,000 new jobs in July, according to the U.S. Labour Department. The figure – which measures the number of jobs outside the U.S. farming sector –was below economists’ expectations of more than 180,000 and the government also cut its previous estimates for hiring in May and June. Nonetheless, the new jobs helped the unemployment rate to fall to 7.4 per cent.

The U.S. economy added 162,000 new jobs in July, according to the U.S. Labour Department. The figure – which measures the number of jobs outside the U.S. farming sector – was below economists’ expectations of more than 180,000 and the government also cut its previous estimates for hiring in May and June. Nonetheless, the new jobs helped the unemployment rate to fall to 7.4 per cent.

Nigeria Trade Mission meeting at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre, Port of Spain, on behalf of the Trade Minister Vasant Bharath who was unable to attend the session.

He said: “The countries of Africa and southern countries share specific ties as these countries seek to improve their economies. Africa conducts half of its trade with the southern countries of the world. The Caribbean region and the African continent have collaborated for many years. As the 21st cen-

That was down from 7.6 per cent and is the lowest jobless rate in four years.

The news adds to the picture of a slowly growing U.S. economy and may make its central bank more likely to end its monetary stimulus programme. The Federal Reserve is currently buying US$85 billion a month in bonds which helps to keep borrowing costs low. However, there is much speculation as to when the Fed will start to rein in

tury progresses we would like to improve these ties,” he said. He said the government hopes the trade symposium leads to trade partnerships.

“The Nigerian economy is one of the largest in Africa and the most populous with a 167 million people. TT has a lot to offer Nigeria. Our country is ideally located among North, South and Central America and TT has one of the highest per capita incomes in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Maharaj said. (Trinidad Guardian)

this stimulus programme.

Its chairman, Ben Bernanke, has said that it might start cutting down the rate of bond buying by the end of the year and stop altogether by the middle of 2014, depending on the strength of the economy.

Earlier this week, figures showed that the U.S. economy grew at a fasterthan-expected annualised pace of 1.7 per cent in the second quarter of the year. (BBC News)

July

That was down from 7.6 per cent and is the lowest jobless rate in four years.

The news adds to the picture of a slowly growing U.S. economy and may make its central bank more likely to end its monetary stimulus programme.

The Federal Reserve is currently buying US$85 billion a month in bonds which helps to keep borrowing costs low. However, there is much speculation as to when the

Fed will start to rein in this stimulus programme. Its chairman, Ben Bernanke, has said that it might start cutting down the rate of bond buying by the end of the year and stop altogether by the middle of 2014, depending on the strength of the economy. Earlier this week, figures showed that the U.S. economy grew at a faster-than-expected annualised pace of 1.7 per cent in the second quarter of the year. (BBC News)

New strain of rice raises hopes for Kenya’s domestic production

In Kenya’s bid to reduce its reliance on rice imports, a new strain that uses less water and has high nutritional value could prove significant.

A new strain of rice is encouraging hopes that Kenya can reduce its reliance on foreign imports of the staple and possibly even become the region’s rice bowl.

Known as IR522, the newly-developed strain uses less water than most other varieties, delivers high yields, and even contains more protein

than many other types of rice. But there is still a long way to go before Kenya can become a net producer.

The reasons for wanting to develop domestic rice production in Kenya are clear.

Consumption of rice in the country is rising at a rate of 12 per cent annually, according to the Agriculture Ministry, and rice is Kenya’s third most popular cereal. But while it consumes 300,000 metric tonnes of rice each year, Kenya produces just 110,000, with the short-

fall made up through imports from Asia.

These imports can be costly and leave the population particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global food prices. The Kenyan government thus wants to enhance local production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. It is engaging in a range of schemes in this attempt, with its biggest boost of confidence so far coming from the successes around the newly-developed IR522 strain of rice.

(allAfrica)

Australia unveils levy on bank deposits

Australia has unveiled a levy on some bank deposits to raise money towards a fund aimed at safeguarding against a banking collapse. Deposits up to A$250,000 will have to pay a levy of 0.05 per cent from January 2016. It will be imposed on banks and not account holders. But banks have warned costs may be passed on to customers. The move comes as the government warned of slower

economic growth and a much bigger budget deficit than it had previously forecast.

In its updated economic statement, released by Treasurer Chris Bowen, the government said it expected a deficit of A$30 billion (US$26.7 billion; £17.8 billion) in the current financial year, compared with its previous projection of A$18 billion.

Australia’s economic growth over the past few years has been powered mainly by

the success of its resources sector. Demand from countries such as China resulted in a commodities boom – which helped sustain the country’s growth through the global financial crisis. However, growth in those economies has slowed recently, driving down demand for commodities as well as their prices. That has not only affected Australia’s economic growth but also hurt the government’s tax revenues. (BBC News)

Emirates Airline refutes talks on SpiceJet stake bid

Emirates Airline has denied media reports that it is in talks with Indian carrier SpiceJet for a stake in the carrier. In a statement cited by news agency WAM, the Dubai-based airline called the reports “inaccurate”, adding that it was busy with its own expansion plans.

“In response to recent inaccurate stories in the media, Emirates can confirm it has no plans to acquire a stake in any airline in India or else-

where,” an Emirates spokesperson said in response to questions from the Khaleej Times, WAM reported on Friday. The spokesperson added that the carrier was focused on its own growth and was investing substantially in its own fleet and network expansion plans.

On Thursday, the Hindu newspaper quoted unnamed sources that Emirates was in advanced stages of talks to pick up a stake in SpiceJet.

Debt-laden SpiceJet’s CEO Neil Mills resigned last month, bolstering speculation that the carrier’s shareholders were paving the way for a tieup with a third party airline. Mills told Arabian Business last year that SpiceJet had held preliminary talks with unspecified Gulf carriers. Emirates is currently the largest foreign airline operating in India, operating 185 weekly flights to 10 destinations.

(Arabianbusiness)

What motivates true leaders?

The term “leader” has been used almost to the point of over-saturation, now branding anyone who serves in a leadership role. But there is far more involved in being a leader than simply holding a title.

the best in their employees, a process that in turn enables those people to contribute to the organisation more creatively – contributions that in themselves drive the success of the venture. And this process starts at the top.

The varied examples of leadership are many, ranging from the Fortune 500 to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. Though both lists contain highly successful companies, there is a often a noticeable difference in the way they’re run, with one focused on a more traditional model of profitability (driven toward the bottom line) while the other seeks to provide a more modern approach to business, with leaders that strive to bring out

Defining a leader

There are a limitless number of ways to describe the attributes of a true leader. However, taking into account the new focus on employeecentric companies mentioned above, leaders in these organisations are driven by what they can do for other people and, as such, often possess the following traits:

* Readily willing to listen and make decisions based on a diverse range of views

* Acts as a guide or a coach, as opposed to those who dictate

* Provides credit for success to subordinates (rather than accepting it for themselves)

* Enables and empowers by providing free reign on business functions

* Enlightens people through development and education, whether based on the leader’s personal experience or outside resources

* Inspires others through a level of personal belief in the business venture

* Motivates people through positive reinforcement and rewards

* Leads by example

* Serves people, looking out for their best interest (Business Dictionary)

Missing Mocha man found dead

Villagers of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara were in a state of shock and disbelief on Friday following the gruesome discovery of a young man who went missing on Monday evening.

Delon Melville, 26, of Lot 134 Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia, was discovered about 06:30h by two boys who were going to catch birds in a backdam, about a mile from the village.

His body bore several stab wounds while at the back of his head was reportedly shaved and his two legs broken. He was naked and a white vest was wrapped around his neck with a portion covering his face.

His brother, Dennis Melville said ever since his brother disappeared on Monday, they have been looking, but got a breakthrough Friday. Dennis explained that on Monday, Delon went to borrow a DVD from a video shop and returned home, but soon after watching the movie with his nephew, he received a telephone call and left the home. That was the last time he was seen alive.

“We do not know who called him, but were told that he left with a speed… We were made to understand that the last person he made contact with was a girl in the village, but she is not saying anything,” Dennis said.

Attempts to contact him on his mobile phone proved futile. The brother stated that a missing person’s report was lodged at the Mocha Police Outpost. On Tuesday evening, the broth-

er related that his sister received a text message from Delon’s mobile phone and decided to call the number. When she did, a male answered the phone, saying his name is Junior and related to her the tragic news.

“During the conversation, my sister told the person on the other line not to beat around the bush and encouraged him to say what he had to say… at this time, she was told that Delon dead,” he said.

Upon receiving this bit of information, his sister enquired about the body, but was told by the caller that he will return a call to give directions, but he never did.

Frustrated

The frustrated man stated that his family went to the Criminal Investigative Department on Wednesday with the aim of getting some assistance to trace the call, but they were given the royal runaround. They were asked to return on Thursday, but after realising that it was a national holiday, they informed the police and were asked to be at the CID headquarters

for 09:00h. “We reach there at five minutes to nine and waited all day, but no one showed up,” he added

Melissa Haynes, the eldest sister of the dead man reiterated that the police were of no help when they lodged a missing person’s report. Nevertheless, the family continued to search for Delon.

She related that she was in her bed on Friday morning when her telephone rang and upon answering, she recognised her cousin’s voice who told her that two boys found Delon’s body as they were going through a track to catch birds. They were alerted due to the heavy stench.

Haynes said she hurried to the scene only to find her brother’s body “skin up”. “I recognised him from a gold band that he was wearing and a birth mark on his leg. He had on no clothes and a set of holes on his body,” the woman cried.

She immediately telephoned her brother who was at work at the time. He rushed to the scene and also positively identified his brother. Both siblings could not say who might have wanted to cause harm to their brother since he had no enemies.

“He was a church boy; a dedicated one… he attends worship sessions, bible classes and all church related events and is not known for getting into trouble,” they added. His partially decomposed body was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home and is awaiting a post-mortem examination. Delon leaves to mourn his two sisters and a brother.

GTA gives visitors warm emancipation welcome

Passengers arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were given a preview of emancipation celebrations on Thursday, as Guyana commemorated the 175th anniversary of emancipation of Africans.

This annual Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) activity caught many by surprise and brought a true Guyanese welcome to the visitors with samples of traditional African delicacies as they made their way to the

arrival terminal.

As to the significance of this activity, GTA’s Director Indranauth Haralsingh explained that the meet and greet exercise is now in its eighth year and is still successful in highlighting the aspects of the various cultures, traditions and historic events of Guyanese.

He emphasised the need for Guyanese to embrace each other’s culture and to recognise that it is only in unity that all can benefit from the country’s present

growth and development.

“The Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority would like to welcome all the passengers arriving in Guyana, whether it is Guyanese or tourists coming here to spend time with their families and friends especially for emancipation celebrations,” Haralsingh said.

A few of the arriving passengers expresse thanks to the GTA for giving such a warm emancipation welcome in true Guyanese style.

saturday, august 3, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

Gold miner killed as excavator topples

The owner of Murray’s Mining Company died on Wednesday evening after he was pinned by an excavator which toppled while in operation at Pamela Backdam, Mahdia, Region Eight.

Alexander Murray, 56, of Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown died on the spot, but was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahdia Hospital. His body was flown to the city on Thursday via Air Services Limited.

At the home of the dead man, family members and close friends converged upon receipt of the news and they all described him as a generous and kind-hearted person, who was very fond of

cricket. His wife was too distraught to speak with the media and was being consoled by relatives.

Paulene Murray, a sister of the dead businessman related that they received the sad news last evening about 10:30h.

From reports gathered, she explained that minutes prior to her brother’s demise, he had spoken to a relative in Georgetown, enquiring about the score in the Amazon Warriors/Red Steel cricket match at the Guyana National Stadium.

He was reportedly listening to the commentary on radio, but after he lost signal, he telephoned home to get an update. After disconnecting the call, the excava-

tor tilted a little and he fell through the door with the machine falling on top of him.

The worker, who was with him at the time, alerted others and they managed to pull him from under the heavy-duty machine, but by the time he was released, he was already dead.

Murray has been working in the interior for almost all his working life and left on Sunday last for his miming camp.

Guyana Times was told that he would normally spend no less than a month in the interior before he returns to the city. He leaves to mourn his five children, including a minor.

Miner remanded on three firearm charges

Aminer appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, after he was charged with discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a firearm, and possession of live ammunition.

It is alleged that on July 24 at Mango Landing, 60-year-old Michael Pollard discharged a loaded firearm at Nigel Jerrick with intent to maim and disfigure. He was not required to plead to the charge. It is further

alleged that on July 30 at Mango Landing, he had in his possession one 12-gauge shotgun, three matching live rounds and 13 live 16-gauge catalysts without being the holder of a firearm licence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges read against him.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on July 24, the accused and the VC had an argument when the defendant, who had a shotgun, discharged rounds in the direction of the VC. Jerrick sustained injuries to his arm.

Around 14:00h, acting on

information, the police went to Mango Landing where they arrested Pollard. He verbally admitted to being in possession of the firearm and took the police to some bushes where it was found. The objections put forward by the prosecution to bail were that there were no special reasons given and the matter was a serious one.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry refused bail and the matter was transferred to Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for September 16.

Policeman loses jewellery while arresting suspect

Apolice constable attached to the Whim Police Station was on Thursday relieved of his gold and silver jewellery while performing his duties at the Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to information, the police rank was in the process of arresting a man when the suspects walked up to him and relieved him of a gold chain worth $500,000 and a silver and gold band valued $100,000. The man who was in the hands of the policeman also escaped along with the two suspects.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that on Thursday about 18:15h at Number 63 Beach, the police constable was at the said beach when he saw a male pulling out a silver handgun from his pants waist and subsequently pointing it to

Alabourer charged with setting fire to a dwelling place appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on July 29 at Laluni, SoesdykeLinden Highway, Cosmos Domingo unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the dwelling house of Fiona Thomas. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

another man.

At the time, Fraser did not approach the man, because he was unarmed but contacted a colleague who in turn informed a sergeant who was on duty at the beach. About 10 minutes later, the police ranks approached the man during which time they saw him handing over a lit cigarettelike parcel suspected to be narcotics to another man who was standing next to him.

Constable Fraser reportedly went up to the man who collected the parcel, informed him of his suspicion, took possession of the suspected narcotics and upon opening the parcel, found a quantity of seed, leaves and stems. The man was arrested.

In the meantime, the police sergeant conducted a search on the male who

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, the virtual complainant is the sister-inlaw of the defendant and her house is about eighty metres from his. On the day in question, the defendant went home intoxicated and threw gasoline on his veranda and lit it on fire. The fire was put out by the VC and others.

The defendant then went to the home of the VC, threw gasoline on it and set it

handed over the bag during which he pulled out a handgun from his pants waist and threw it onto the sand. The gun was retrieved, examined, and found to be a Simon and Nelson .32 pistol with one magazine and seven live rounds.

The arrest drew a crowd which included some unruly persons who pulled away the suspect, helping him to escape. During the confrontation, three of the men commonly known as “Knights”; of Lancaster Village; “Haggy”, of Crabwood Creek; and “Chinese Son” of Crabwood Creek respectively went up to Fraser and pulled off his gold chain and band. They then entered different motor cars which drove off. The .32 Simon and Nelson Pistol and the ammunition along with the suspected narcotics were lodged at the Whim Police Station.

ablaze. The fire was put out, but not before the house was badly scorched. The 25-year-old defendant was unrepresented.

The VC said she did not want any further problems and would like to settle the matter. There were no objections to bail, but it was refused. The matter was transferred to Providence Magistrate’s Court for August 26.

SUDOKU

Dealing with people on a one-on-one basis might not be your cup of tea today, so be particularly careful how you conduct yourself. There’s little margin for error.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Try not to help others with complicated, tricky problems today if at all possible because it could lead to some unexpected snags and get you more deeply involved than you intended.

There are no guarantees that a partnership arrangement in which you’re presently involved will ever produce the favourable results that you’re hoping for. It might sound good but work poorly.

To be productive today, you’ll need to be exceptionally methodical. If you don’t have a realistic game plan, nothing will be achieved. Plan well and keep your nose to the grindstone.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)

It may be time to review your budget to see if you can find some unnecessary expenditures. If you fail to cut down on your outlay, the costs could get out of hand.

(March 21-April 19)

Even though your way of doing something might be far better than that of your superior, it behoves you to make him or her feel smarter by following his/her method anyway. Things will still turn out all right.

(April 20-May 20)

Should a problem develop between you and a close friend, avoid harsh words, at least on your part. It pays to remain calm, warm and friendly when locked in dispute.

(May 21June 20)

A strong-willed associate might try to pressure you into doing something that would not serve your best interest. Be as resistant to this person as he or she is aggressive, and don’t give in.

Usually, you’re a very patient and reasonable person, yet if your expectations are not immediately met today, you could be difficult to work with. Don’t demand instant gratification.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Owing to people who are deliberately opposed to your efforts in favour of theirs, you might find it difficult to achieve your goals today. It’ll pay to smile through it all. You’ll get your chance in due time.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Profit from a past experience and don’t repeat a painful mistake. You’ll be the one left holding the bag, and you’ll have no excuse.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

It’s not a good idea to volunteer to manage other people’s assets today, regardless of how good a job you usually do. Your skill in handling a certain problem in particular might not be up to par.

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Lusignan

Massacre trial Jury returns verdicts of not guilty for both accused

After spending seven excruciating hours in the jury room deliberating on verdicts, jurors found both accused not guilty of the murders of the 11 persons who were killed in the Lusignan Massacre five years ago.

Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie”, and James Anthony Hyles, called “Sally”, were indicted with the murders of the 11 persons, including five children, who were slain in the wee hours of January 26, 2008, when gunmen invaded Track A Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

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On Friday, the trial judge, Justice Navindra Singh summed up the evidence and advised the jury panel on legal requirements before they retired to the jury room around 11:30h. During their seven hours of deliberations, the jury panel did not ask for any direction, as they sat in the jury room airing their opinions until they finally came to a unanimous decision.

The panel returned around 18:30h to an anxious, packed courtroom. On one side were relatives of the deceased persons who faithfully stayed through the long hours, hoping that justice would be served for the loss of their loved ones. Relatives of the two accused persons too stayed in the hope of seeing their loved ones freed.

With the night already fallen, the jurors informed the court that they had arrived at unanimous verdicts of not guilty for both accused on all 11 counts.

While the foreman of the jury was relating the verdict, relatives of the deceased were expressionless, as relatives of the accused expressed relief.

The judge informed Williams that although the jury has found him not guilty, he will be remanded to prison, because he has other matters pending in court. Williams currently has five sets of charges pending against him, some relating to the Bartica Massacre, in which 12 persons died.

Just as the judge told Hyles he was free to go, State Counsel Mursalin sprang from her seat and served a notice of appeal to the court and defence attorneys, after

Mursalin noted that according to the law, there needs to be an application for bail; as such, Attorney Hughes made the application. The attorney said his client was arrested in 2008 when he was 19 years old and has no antecedents. He added that after Hyles was first committed at the magistrate court, his trial was delayed thrice by the director of public prosecutions who had resend the matter to the magistrate court for additional evidence to be taken. Hughes said it was only in January of this year that his client was finally indicted for murder.

Hughes further told the court that he had filed proceedings against the state for protracted delay of his client’s trial. He noted that Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang had recently ruled that the DPP’s action of sending the matter back to the magistrate court for the final two times was an abuse of power and the excuse given by the DPP that the judicial system is slow with only two judges working was “disingenuous” at best.

The attorney added that now even after a unanimous verdict of not guilty, his client is being denied his liberty. He noted that the fact that the prosecution already had a notice of appeal prepared meant that it was aware that it did not have a strong case against his client.

However, the senior state counsel responded that under the Appeal Act, a notice of appeal has to be filed before the accused is discharged by the judge. She noted that the state prepares a notice of intention for every case which it thinks warrants an appeal.

Mursalin pointed out that

while the chief justice had ruled that the DPP acted ultra vires by sending the matter back to the magistrate court twice, he said that the accused’s constitutional rights were not breached.

Justice Singh subsequently ruled that bail would be granted to Hyles in the sum of $100,000 per charge (a total of $1.1 million) or surety, upon the request of the defence attorney. However, he noted that the accused was granted bail on the condition that he reports to the Vigilance Police Station on the first Monday of every month.

The trial began two weeks ago, during which the prosecution presented 15 witnesses. Those witnesses included former co-accused Dwayne Williams who testified that he, along with the two accused and several other men including Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins, went to Lusignan and carried out the shooting. Williams, whose charges were dropped by the DPP just days before the trial commenced, said he was standing on the dam along with another gang member as lookouts during the shooting.

The Lusignan Massacre caused widespread fear and anger throughout Guyana and beyond at the brutal killing of villagers, some of whom were slain in their beds by gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles and shotguns.

Killed were: 56-year-old Seecharran Rooplall, his wife Dhanrajie Ramsingh, 52, and their 11-year-old niece, Raywattie Ramsingh; 32-yearold Mohandai Gourdat and her two sons, four-year-old Seegobind and 10-year-old Seegopaul Harrilall; 48-yearold Clarence Thomas and his 12-year-old daughter Vanessa Thomas and his son Ron Thomas; 55-year-old Shaleem Baksh, and Shazam Mohamed, 22.

Berbice man shot during attempted robbery

ABerbice man is nursing a gunshot wound to his left forearm after what is said to have been an attempted robbery. Parachandra Harriprashad was shot during a confrontation with about four men in front of his home at First Street, Tain, Berbice on Friday around 21:10h. According to Harriprashad’s son, Narendra Ramdeen, his father recog-

nised one of the perpetrators.

Ramdeen said his father told him that he was shot by one of the men who realised that he had got a good look at the other attacker.

He added that the alleged bandits were hiding in an old bathroom on an empty lot near his father’s house before the confrontation occurred.

Ramdeen, who drives a truck and usually traverses the area while working,

said he noticed some bicycles parked in front of the empty lot. He said the men apparently broke the fence around his father’s home, but did not manage to take anything. Harriprashad, 50, was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital after the confrontation, but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Siddle strikes to cement Australia’s control

So far, the Old Trafford Test is being played as if in a time capsule. Australia are ascendant, batting boldly and bowling with discipline and menace.

England are constrained, left to toil in the field for hours before taking up a grim occupation of the crease with a draw quickly looming as their favoured outcome.

The results of the first two Tests of this Ashes series dictate that a stalemate is all the hosts require to keep the urn, but by stumps on day two they found themselves 52 for 2 in reply to 527 for 7 declared − the sort of hole once faced with regularity by preceding generations.

For a team who had lost six consecutive Test matches leading into this one, Australia have made a remarkably good fist of driving the game. The captain, Michael Clarke soared to 187 before Brad Haddin and

Mitchell Starc stretched England’s resources with an impudent stand that stretched 15 minutes past tea.

Once Clarke closed the innings, Nathan Lyon produced an energetic first spin spell of the series before Peter Siddle took advantage of England’s defensive mindset by winkling out Joe Root and the nightwatchman Tim Bresnan, who appeared to defer to the batting class system in declining to review a caught behind decision by Marais Erasmus that appeared mistaken. Specialist batsman or not, it is one wicket less for Australia to claim over the remaining three days.

England’s predicament was largely down to Clarke, who compiled both his most substantial innings against England and his highest Test tally overseas. Steve Smith provided sturdy support until he threw his hand

SCOREBOARD

away on 89. Clarke’s exit had granted Stuart Broad a long-delayed 200th wicket in Tests, but Haddin and Starc followed up with near impunity on another sundrenched afternoon.

Root and his captain, Alastair Cook walked out with stodgy intentions that became quickly apparent. Starc swung the new ball but it was the introduction of Lyon that caused the most trouble, also leaving many to wonder how he had been omitted for Ashton Agar earlier in the series. In his first over, Cook nicked a sharp offbreak that rebounded off Haddin’s pad, but a wrongfooted Clarke was unable to propel himself forward to take it. Lyon finished the day wicketless, but his loop and spin had created considerable doubt in English minds.

Siddle’s entry to the attack was delayed while Ryan Harris and Shane Watson were tried, but he quickly made an impact, moving one away from wide on the crease to confound Root and then coaxing a false stroke − if perhaps not an edge - from Bresnan. In the day’s final over, Jonathan Trott edged fractionally short of the slips, leaving plenty of positive thoughts in Australian minds.

Early morning showers had given way to blue skies by the time the teams

45-mile

Berbice cyclists are expected to be on their bikes again next on August 11. The Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA) group will be sponsoring a cycling road race, organised by the Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC).

The event will begin with a roll call in front of the New Amsterdam Town Hall and proceed to the Bush Lot, Corentyne, Gas Station, before returning to New Amsterdam at Main and Alexander streets. The 45-mile event is being coordinated by cycling coach Randolph Roberts. Riders from the two registered

walked to the middle, Clarke and Smith seeming to set themselves for a long stay as they negotiated the second new ball. Milestones came and went, the highest fourth wicket stand in an Old Trafford Test then the 200 partnership, leaving Cook looking somewhat bereft of ideas.

He resorted to Graeme Swann’s offspin soon after mid-morning drinks, and the temptation of the slower, spinning ball proved too much for Smith, who aimed a heave towards midwicket, but managed only to send a skier into the hands of Jonny Bairstow.

This was profligate by Smith, who had shown so much patience to this point, but England will argue that it was, in fact, the fourth time in the innings they had dismissed him.

David Warner thus walked to the wicket with Australia in decent fettle, accompanied by the inevitable boos following his earlier attack on Root in Birmingham during the Champions Trophy. Clarke was by this time in flowing form, treating Tim Bresnan in particular with rare disdain as he crested 150.

But Warner’s was a brief and skittish stay, one firm push to the cover boundary undone when he nicked Swann’s offbreak to slip via Matt Prior’s pad. (Cricinfo)

clubs in Berbice FACC and Trojan Cycling Club will test skills from 09:00h. Prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers and the top three juniors, while there will be eight sprint point prizes up for grabs. Top Berbice cyclists Ray Millington, Dwight Holder, Neil Reece, Elijah Bhajadder, Syborne Ferdandes, Brian Harris, Audrel Ross, along with Corriverton pair of Dwight Holder and Triston Kamal, among others are expected to be part of the race.

Keen competition is expected between Reece and the Corriverton duo.

GK Inc joins LCPL Guyana roster

The Guyana Amazon Warriors has named GK Inc as its official supplier for the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League tournament, which bowled off in Barbados on Tuesday.

GK Inc is the holding company operating the G Spot Lounge in Sandy Babb Street, Kitty; Café GK at GRA’s Camp Street head office; and Café Mocha at the

Regency Multiplex Mall.

GK Inc is tasked with the responsibility of catering for the Limacol VIP suite for the matches that are held at the Guyana National Stadium.

GK Inc’s Managing Director Ramdeo Kumar, expressed on behalf of his company, his enthusiasm on being part of such a grand event in Guyana, and noted that they will live up

Mackeson is the official stout of Limacol CPL

Ato their image of being the best in their field as the inaugural Limacol CPL takes its course.

Also present at the signing was Dwayne Lovell, finance manager for the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, who welcomed GK Inc on board.

He expressed pride in having local businesses join the celebration at the Guyana National Stadium.

Female cricketers depart today for Grenada

Guyana’s female cricket team will depart these shores this morning for Grenada where they will participate in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Senior Regional Women’s Cricket Tournament.

The 50-over tournament will be played from August 5 to 14 while the Twenty20 tournament will run from August 16 to 22.

West Indies players June Ogle and Tremayne Smartt were named captain of the One-Day and T20 teams respectively.

In an invited comment on Friday, coach Andre Percival said he was confident that the team would

do well in both tournaments, despite the brief period they have had to prepare.

The 14-member team along with the six reserves went through a five-day training camp at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence at LBI.

“We had a short camp, but it was a very intense one. We looked at the basis batting, bowling and fielding.

“We also had some turf practice, so I am confident the team will perform well in the tournament, the players are also confident despite insufficient preparation,” Percival added.

He said fitness was the biggest problem he faced

with the players when the camp started but admitted the fitness level of each player has improved significantly.

Meanwhile, Ogle and Smartt expressed confidence in the team putting on a good show.

The Guyanese will be in action on August 5 when they oppose Dominica.

Guyana: Tremayne Smartt (captain T20), Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry, Shamaine Campbelle, June Ogle (captain 50 overs), Katana Mentore, Haseena Mohamed, Joann Vansertima, Trishanie Cort, Leana Harris, Latoya Smith, Kavita Yadram, Akaze Thompson, and Phaffiana Millington.

McAl’s alliance with the Limacol CPL will give them the pouring rights for stout at the matches held at the Guyana National Stadium, making their brand, Mackeson, the official stout at these matches.

Mackeson Stout is a mixture of both sweet and bitter flavours, enriched with milk for a creamy smooth texture.

Speaking on the alliance with the company, Guyana Amazon Warriors director Ravie Ramcharitar said: “We wish to welcome and we are excited to have ANSA McAl, which as you all know is one of the largest and most recognisable companies in the region, on board. This is the sort of re-

lationship that only cricket can provide and one that bodes well for the future of the league. We are also extremely excited about the cricket itself and we are expecting an even bigger turnout than we had for our first match on Wednesday.”

ANSA McAl Trading Ltd Marketing Director, Troy Cadogan noted, “The company, under its Mackeson Stout brand, is overwhelmed to be a part of such an auspicious sporting event in Guyana. Cricket is a sport which not only reaps financial benefits, but also cultural ones, as it unites us as a region.”

ANSA McAl will be present at the Guyana National Stadium for the Limacol

About ANSA McAL

The ANSA McAL Group was established in the late 1800s in Trinidad and Tobago, and it has since grown to include subsidiaries in many Caribbean countries, as well as the United States of America. Its Guyana location was established in 1992.

ANSA McAL is the official distributor for Carib Beer, Smalta, Stag, Heineken and many other products, including the famous Mackeson Stout, which is the preferred stout of Guyanese and Caribbean nationals at large.

GBTI Tennis Open… Downes, Andrews upset top seeds to capture Doubles crown

Jason Andrews and Anthony Downes created a major upset on Thursday night by beating top seeds Gavin Lewis and Daniel Lopes 6-2 6-3 to win the Men’s Doubles title in the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open at the bank’s recreational facility at Bel Air Park.

The unseeded players displayed raw power and speed to beat the nation’s top junior players who showed a bit of fight but were no match for their bigger and stronger opponents.

The top seeds lacked the quality that would hurt their opponents’ game, as the more experienced players controlled their nerves to walk away victors.

Both teams matched each other’s ground strokes in the early exchanges of the match, but it was the inconsistent Lewis and Lopes who threw the first straw by dropping a break down.

A cluster of unforced er-

rors, coupled with a number of double faults, was the theme of the first set for the top seeds who quickly folded, dropping another break to close the set 6-2.

The second set seemed to be more of a fight, but that was shortlived as Downes and Andrews upped their game once more to knock off the top seeds in straight sets.

This was the fourth consecutive GBTI Men’s Doubles title for Andrews and the first for Downes. Andrews captured his three previous titles with Jeremy Miller.

Meanwhile, in Singles action, second seed Leyland Leacock had to fight his way into the final of the Men’s Open as he was pushed by fourth seed Gavin Lewis in the semi-final.

Lewis matched Leacock stroke for stroke in the opening, but it was his inconsistent forehands and backhands that seemed to be his downfall in the end.

Lewis, who is preparing to venture to St Vincent and the Grenadines for the ITF Junior Tournament, looked unfit and lost his concentration at the most critical point in the match at 5-5.

Leacock seized the initiative, as he blasted forehands and backhands across the court to find some stunning angles to draw the error to collect the break. He later returned after the changeover to take the first set 7-5. The second set was much of the same, as the young Lewis again lost concentration at a critical juncture in the ninth game of the set. With the score at 5-4, Lewis lost his serve to hand Leacock a path to the final where he will compete against the top seed, Anthony Downes.

Also winning on Thursday evening were Jesus Lamazon and Khawn Rodney in the Novice Doubles Medley. Darren King took the Men’s Novice Singles category.

Amazon Warriors crush Tallawahs to win second game 2-in-2!

By Avenash Ramzan

Lendl Simmons mixed calculated aggression with moments of finesse to back up a brilliant bowling performance as the Guyana Amazon Warriors crushed the Jamaica Tallawahs by eight wickets to remain unbeaten in the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League.

After Krishmar Santokie led a splendid bowling effort to help dismiss the Tallawahs for a below-par 117, Simmons laced into the visitors’ bowling, smashing a robust 67 not out from 44 balls to lead the Amazon Warriors to victory at 1182 from 14.3 overs in front of another packed Guyana National Stadium crowd.

The victory, with 33 balls to spare, puts the Amazon Warriors in a prime position as one of the tournament favourites, having climbed above the Barbados Tridents on net run rate at the top of the table.

Hunting their second victory in the tournament, following their 19-run win over the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on Wednesday night, Simmons and Martin Guptill laid the foundation with an enterprising opening partnership of 48 in 5.5 overs.

Guptill got the chase going with a six over square cover off left-arm spinner Nikita Miller in the third over, but it was South African speedster Vernon Philander who opened the floodgates, leaking three boundaries in the next over.

Muttiah Muralitharan was greeted with a four off the bat of Simmons to start the fifth over, but the legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner responded by bowling Guptill for 17 when the score was 48.

off-spinner, the oldest player in the Limacol CPL, came in for some harsh treatment in his second spell.

As Simmons carried on his onslaught, slamming four sixes and five fours, Sarwan played the perfect foil, working his way back into form with a breezy 24 not out from 19 deliveries.

The elegant right-hander struck a six and four, but it was his timing down the ground that was the real joy to watch.

Such was Simmons’ dominance that he made a clean sweep of the awards: Man of the Match, Biggest Six, and Fastest Scorer.

Mohammad Hafeez did not last long, holding out to Jacques Rudolph on the long-on boundary off Muralitharan, and at 58-2 in 7.5 overs, the Tallawahs were maybe hopeful of a come-from-behind victory.

pacity crowd to a batting spectacle, adding an unbroken 60 for the third wicket in a mere 6.4 overs to seal the commanding win.

However, their aspirations were crushed as Simmons, in the company of captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, went about treating the ca-

Simmons brought up his 50 with a towering six off Muralitharan in the 14th over, and followed up with two others in the same direction off the next two deliveries as the 41-year-old

What transpired in the second half of the match was in total contrast to what obtained in the opening half after the Tallawahs were sent in to take first strike.

Once the Tallawahs openers Ahmed Shehzad and Chris Gayle were dismissed cheaply in the Powerplay overs, the innings never gained momentum and the Amazon Warriors bowlers consistently nipped out wickets.

Left-arm seamer Santokie of Jamaica provided the breakthrough at the end of the fourth over when Shehzad, looking to clear the off-side field, found Christopher Barnwell on the boundary running around from long-off.

The crowd went into a frenzy the very next delivery when wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin effected the run-out of Gayle, the Tallawahs captain, after finding himself in a mix-up with Nkrumah Bonner.

At 24-2, at the end of the first six overs, the Amazon Warriors were in control, and save for some bold hitting from Carlton Baugh

and David Bernard, the impetus was always with the home team.

Three wickets in three overs saw the Tallawahs slipping from 39-2 to 45-5 at the end of the 10th over and spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Sunil Narine keeping a tight rein on proceedings.

Permaul trapped Bonner lbw for nine; Narine completely outfoxed Jacques Rudolph, deceiving him in the flight, before Permaul returned to snuff out Hyatt by the lbw route.

Baugh and Bernard then staged a mini-recovery, adding 36 in 6.1 overs to take the Tallawahs to 81, halfway through the 15th over before Bernard, looking to clear the on-side field, found Guptill on the boundary, who took the catch

on the second attempt off his compatriot’s bowling, James Franklin.

Bernard s dismissal for a 23-ball 24 signalled another collapse, as the last five wickets tumbled for just 36 runs, with Santokie returning to take two more wickets and Barnwell effecting two run-outs.

Baugh topscored with 32, while Santokie claimed 3-20 and Permaul, 2-20. There were also a wicket apiece for Narine and Franklin, while Barnwell was outstanding in the field, featuring in three dismissals.

The Warriors will now play Darren Sammy’s St Lucia Zouks on Sunday evening at 20:00h at the same venue. Prior to that, the Jamaica Tallawahs will face the Antigua Hawksbills from 15:00h.