Guyana Times Daily 9th Feb 2014

Rohee: Things will get better, not worse

Pressure mounts on APNU to pass AML legislation Engaging Green is usually an exercise in futility – Minister Whittaker

Pressure mounts on APNU to pass AML legislation

The return of two members of the opposition to the anti-money laundering (AML) committee meeting after they stormed out and missed two meetings earlier this week is evidence that the opposition

is responding to the calls of civil society to change their "callous" and "irresponsible" attitude toward issues of national importance, a Ministry of Finance release said.

All stakeholders and social partners should main-

tain pressure on all opposition parties until the AML bill is passed, the release urged.

The release said the opposition’s return to the meetings is indicative that the A Partnership of National

Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are responding to calls by government, stakeholders and the general public to see the bill to the House on Monday. "It would appear that the joint opposition has

exhausted its delay tactics."

Last year, when the bill was first proposed to the National Assembly, the opposition claimed they were being rushed and needed more time, notwithstanding that the bill was in committee for eight months.

During the select committee meetings in 2013, when the bill was first introduced to the House, neither APNU or the AFC provided any written recommendations that could have contributed to the bill’s finalisation.

Further evidence of their delay tactics can be noted in their haphazard attendance of meetings aimed to derail the work of the committee, the release said.

Petition

On November 7, 2013, the AFC and APNU denied the reading of a petition by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) which called on the opposition to pass the bill. Instead, the AFC and APNU collectively denied passage of the bill that plunged Guyana onto the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) blacklist of non-compliant countries.

According to the release, it has been 11 months since the original committee met, yet the AFC and the APNU have not documented their suggestions or recommendations for the bill.

As the fate of Guyana hangs in the balance at this critical hour, as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) prepares to meet next Thursday to determine

what actions, if any will be taken against this nation, APNU on Monday once again, denied the PSC from observing the select committee meetings and walked out of the meeting to prevent the committee from continuing its work.

On Tuesday, none of the opposition members attended the meeting.

On Thursday, only two of the five members of the opposition team bothered to attend. The APNU and the AFC have one last opportunity to demonstrate good will to the people of Guyana by working with government over the weekend to submit the committee’s report to the House, the release said. All stakeholders and public-minded citizens should continue to pressure the AFC and the APNU to see this vital piece of legislation to the floor of the House for passage on Monday, the release added.

New sugar production target set for 2014

Anew sugar production target has been set for the sugar industry, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be working to meet an annual target of 216,000 tonnes of sugar by year-end.

Dr Ramsammy told Guyana Times on Friday that despite the challenges which still prevail over the industry’s performance, GuySuCo is hoping to rake in a good year’s production. Cultivation has been pushed back, based on the weather pattern experienced over the past few days. However, the minister said cultivation is expected to start at Enmore during this weekend.

Crime-fighting Rohee: Things will get better, not worse – says opposition waging psychological warfare

By Michael younge

Crime is on the increase and confidence is waning in the Guyana Police Force (GDF) but Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that things will get better, not worse.

The minister said his government is determined to bring the crime situation in Guyana under control, despite the continuous psychological warfare being waged by the combined opposition political parties.

Minister Rohee said that the ruling administration will not fail in its bid to strengthen the security forces in Guyana to deal with all forms of crime, explaining that its resolve remains strong, even now.

The home affairs minister accepted that the crime rate is increasing, but said that there are many explanations which can be proffered for this development.

Not worse...

He staunchly defended the efforts of the police in fighting crime and criminality, explaining that the government will continue to supply the law enforcement agency with the requisite resources to respond effectively in maintaining law and order.

Minister Rohee said that he was disappointed with comments made by the political opposition about the police’s ability to maintain law and order and their continued demoralisation of the law enforcement agencies.

Politics aside, the minister noted that the force, despite the isolated allegations that are made against a few ranks was executing its mandate. He said when

the force is found wanting, he is bold enough to criticise it “constructively”.

“I think things will get better, not worse. Transformation is something that does not happen overnight. It is a slow process and it can be very painful sometimes,” Rohee offered, as he explained that the government’s policy of modernising the entity is being rolled out in a strategic manner.

He criticised the unprecedented assault being launched by the opposition members, particularly David Granger and Winston Felix. He was firm that the ruling party was doing the right thing and will not allow itself to be distracted by naysayers and pessimists, bent on creating mischief and undermining the GPF.

No double standard

Rohee said that the government understands that the opposition has to “oppose” but will exhibit no tolerance for double standards.

“It is a fact that we have transformed and strengthened the discipline forces since we came to power in 1992,” he stressed.

He went at length to explain the deficiencies in the utterances made in the accusations against the police force before comparing the track record of the previous opposition administrations and his government.

“People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” Minister Rohee said, before stating that the People’s National Congress (PNCR) when in power faced immense challenges in fighting crime. “The situation was worse,” he said.

Rohee stated that over the last decade, over $5 billion was expended on the

security sector. He called on critics to compare that sums invested now to the investments under the former PNC administration, arguing that the latter’s investments were mere “peanuts”.

He denied that the reason the agencies were unable to fight crime effectively was because he was not implementing the right policies or giving proper oversight as well as resources.

“I don’t recognise the political leaders who make that claim. I think they do it out of spite and an attempt to stir political confusion.

"They have lost all attempts to move against me

constitutionally and otherwise... so they have dug themselves into a hole form which it is extremely difficult to extricate themselves. They (the opposition) are trying to throw you (govt) off balance and they are waging psychological warfare to make you believe you are failing,”

Minister Rohee said.

No stone unturned

He said the government will leave no stone unturned to return normalcy to every community by devising more policies to fight crime, while continuing to reject the unfair and politically engineered attacks by the opposition.

He emphasised that “you have to have determination like steel” to deal with the opposition on one hand and crime on the other. Minister Rohee insisted that better days were ahead and that citizens need to understand that the police will continue to act in their best interests, despite the few rouge officers who may engage in illegal activities.

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Brinksmanship

Today, the opposition once again has the opportunity to pull back Guyana from the precipice over which they had pushed it last November, when they blocked the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill in the National Assembly. The bill had first been brought to the floor of Parliament in April 2013, then sent to a special select committee in May, with the full knowledge that the deadline imposed by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) for its passage to bring Guyana into compliance was the end of that month.

Unfortunately, both opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) calmly and coldly showed they were willing to have the country declared an international financial outlaw, just to flaunt their power. APNU declared that while they had (unstated) objections to the bill, but at no point in time documented these objections.

It is significant that, at that time, APNU stated that it saw no nexus between the bill and other issues such as the Procurement Commission. The AFC, on the other hand, had its own axe to grind: it demanded the government drop its insistence that the executive retain a no-objection role in the public procurement process.

Significantly, APNU was later to do an about face on their earlier position, and say that they would support this bill if the president assented to certain bills they had piloted in the National Assembly, notwithstanding that the president had been advised that these bills were unconstitutional and had returned the bills to the National Assembly in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

The nature of their objections clearly demonstrated that the opposition found the substantive contents of the bill basically acceptable, since if they received their quid pro quo, they were willing to sign off on it. It was a pure power play designed to drag Guyana to the brink of a financial catastrophe: just to see if the government would blink.

On the final committee meeting on May 23, which was going to be the last opportunity to resolve whatever objections the opposition had to the bill, before the May 28 deadline, they rescheduled the meeting for the following month ensuring the deadline was missed. As the Americans would say, this was “strike one” against the opposition.

The attorney general, representing the government, was forced to plead with the CFTAF for an extension. This was granted to August 23, 2013. The opposition, however, repeated its past recalcitrant pattern to ensure the deadline would not be met.

One tactic was not to attend meetings. But in their absence and possessed of a quorum, 81 amendments, suggested by CFATF, were accepted. However, at the eleventh hour, the opposition members of the committee did show up – but only to postpone the meetings to October, after the parliamentary recess, and ensuring Guyana’s noncompliance. Strike two for Guyana.

Once more, the AG pleaded, and once more the CFTAF relented and extended the deadline to November 23, 2013. The APNU, maintaining its original demand on the president, now claimed they were canvassing their “constituents” for their input on the bill. After the recess, like the Greek Tragedies of yore, everyone knew what would unfold: the opposition refused to budge even though by now all the stakeholders, such as the Bankers’ Association and the Private Sector Commission, pleaded with them. Strike three – and Guyana was “out”.

The committee had met 17 times in the six months between May and October 2013 and the opposition had suggested not a single amendment to the bill that they defeated in the House in November. The CFATF duly imposed the ultimate sanction on our country: it called upon its members “to take measures to protect themselves from any risk from Guyana”. Immediately, financial institutions reported that outside financial institutions were tightening the screws on Guyana.

We were given another opportunity to address the identified deficiencies by May 2014. However, the Financial Action Task Force, of which the CFATF is an affiliate, will have its next plenary meeting in February 2014, and at that meeting, on its own accord and independent of CFATF, it can select Guyana for its own review.

Because of this precipice, over which Guyana is teetering, the opposition must put country over ambition today.

Maxwell’s unjustified attack on Alexei Ramotar

Dear Editor,

In another section of the press, M Maxwell unjustifiably attacked Alexei Ramotar as head of the e-governance unit. The attacks centred around Alexei as the son of the president and young man’s educational qualification, rather on the project itself.

Maxwell delved into personality and character assassination in his usual denigration of people, like that of a ranting columnist from another paper. Some of Maxwell’s comments are false, malicious and libelous.

Maxwell holds Alexei responsible for the project behind schedule, attacking the youngster’s education, as though education is responsible for the delay. Any person will know that delays in getting the project completed on time are beyond Alexei’s or government’s control – labour, weather, materials, rough ocean, etc are some issues that led to the delay. In these kinds of projects, delays are inevitable.

Maxwell attacked Alexei’s father, President Donald Ramotar with name calling. One has nothing to do with the other. What person of any proper upbringing or moral decency would unjustifiably attack the president of a country in the media, calling them dunce, etc.

It would seem that Maxwell is the “duncey” for his guttural type comments and lacing into Alexei just because Maxwell dislikes the young man’s father –Maxwell is using what so-

cial scientists or lawyers call guilt by association.

Maxwell derogated others’ academic qualifications as though educational achievements are meaningless and one does not need any to perform technical jobs or in managerial positions. Reading his derision of those who got PhDs and master’s degrees, one gets a sense that Maxwell is suffering from jealousy and an inferiority complex. Hence his tirade, calling people names.

Maxwell belittled Alexei’s qualification (Master’s in Computer Science, which few Guyanese have) to head the e-governance project, saying that qualification does not result in success. So if people are not hired based on qualification, what requirements are used to determine their competency for a project?

Should we use square pegs in round holes like what took place under the People’s National Congress (PNC) ethnic dictatorship? Degrees are essential requisites for certain assignments. Whenever Maxwell is ill, he should go to a bush doctor and should he require surgery, he should let a housewife perform it with a kitchen knife.

Alexei’s Master’s in Computer Science makes him amply qualified to head e-governance. A computer specialist in Canada of similar standing as Alexei would earn several times the money as Alexei makes in Guyana. Instead of focusing on the youngster’s qualification, Maxwell can suggest how to improve the project

to best serve our nation.

Where skills are deficient or management issues surface, suggestions can be made to improve them. We should not condemn the project based on personality or because of the workers’ relations with the president or others in government.

Maxwell also attacked me, calling me an ethnic triumphalist. Sociologists define ethnic triumphalism as an attitude or belief that one’s ethnicity is superior to all others and or when one’s ethnic party triumphs over others.

Europeans practiced ethnic triumphalism in Guyana followed by the PNC. I certainly don’t subscribe to such a belief as I fought against ethnic chauvinism and ethnic triumphalism during the dictatorship helping to restore democratic rule and ethnic equality in Guyana. Maxwell did not.

Indians and others saw their political rights systematically removed under the PNC; this insidious disempowerment of ethnic groups was unprecedented for any state. Human rights violations and ethnic discrimination were rife. People were mistreated and tortured on account of their ethnicity or political affiliation.

People were denied access to their cultural diet. The regime practiced the most crude, vile and cruel triumphalism, with the leader telling his supporters, “Comrades, you don’t realise your power”, when they rendered the country ungovernable in 1962, set-

ting communities ablaze.

The same leader as president implored supporters rhetorically asking, “Who mined the gold? Who wears the gold? Go and take back your gold”. Maxwell had/has no problem with those aspects of triumphalism when Indians are victims.

When an Indian speaks out against injustice, it is triumphalism, but when Indians are victims, or when non-Indians practice real triumphalism, Maxwell is mute.

It is Maxwell who has been consistently attacking Indians, urging them to stop voting for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and instead vote for his group. Also, Maxwell gloats and demonstrates excessive demonstrative glee about the combined PNCAlliance For Change (AFC) results at the November 2011 poll.

Maxwell’s parties practice triumphalism dictating the directions of government policies. And as we have observed over the last two years, such triumphalism is dangerous to the society. Maxwell needs to stop unfairly attacking people and focus instead on issues. He should stop targeting Alexei and the e-governance project. Being an indefatigable and consistent critic and opponent of President Ramotar (out of jealousy?) and the PPP/C does not justify Maxwell attacking the competence and education of an aspiring young Alexei.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Norton is not the only one who understands foreign policy, even if he would want the public to believe so

Dear Editor,

Permit me please to respond through your newspaper to an article which appeared in another section of the press, dated February 7, under the headline, “Guyana’s Foreign Policy is in a mess –Aubrey Norton”.

It is not very often that I respond to articles in the newspapers and indeed in the media in general, since I value very much freedom of the press and constructive criticism. However, it will be a dereliction of duty on my part if the aforementioned one goes unanswered.

Let me at the outset indicate that I reject completely this irresponsible and uninformed statement by Norton with respect to the status of Guyana’s foreign policy. Notwithstanding his association with the Foreign Affairs Ministry in the past, Norton is not the only one who understands foreign policy, even if he would want the public to believe so.

To accuse the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration of not understanding foreign policy is just a demonstration of denial of the facts, but maybe more so, a pitch to urge consideration by the powers that be to allow him to return to the hallowed halls where lawmakers meet.

But lest it be forgotten, let me remind Norton, that it was during this PPP/C administration’s tenure that Guyana received kudos for many foreign policy initiatives. Perhaps leading these will be the successful settle-

ment of the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname.

He should know that this is the only border issue that was settled since Guyana’s independence and it was a foreign policy decision of the PPP/C administration to take that matter to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.

It was under this administration, that the Norwegian government, hitherto not having any strong bilateral ties with Guyana, signed an agreement on forests, from which we benefit today. This agreement was in recognition of Guyana’s groundbreaking Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Guyana is also the beneficiary of a Tropical Forest Protection Project under an agreement with Germany. It was under this administration that no other than the then President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo, was named “Champion of the Earth”. It was under this same PPP/C administration that the Takutu Bridge was built, physically linking Guyana with Brazil.

Notwithstanding his utterances about the Caribbean Community (Caricom), it was this PPP/C administration that finally honoured Guyana’s obligation under the Headquarters Agreement of 1976 to provide “a permanent headquarters premises” to “include a suitable and adequate building for the secretariat”.

And yes, it was under this PPP/C administration that Guyana’s economy record-

ed positive growth for many years and brought Guyana back to a respectable place in the international community, where we can speak with our heads held high because we live in a democratic society where elections are free and fair.

These could not be achieved if, as Norton claims, the government has “no understanding of foreign policy”. Norton must be suffering from a hitherto unknown condition which I must regard as selective amnesia.

Concerning his comment about the New Global Human Order (NGHO), Norton might not be aware that the secretary general of the United Nations (UN) convened a meeting last year to discuss the issue of “equity” where I was invited to speak.

This meeting was a direct result of the work done by Guyana at the UN and supported by other member states of the international community on the NGHO. Since he regards himself as Guyana’s foreign policy expert, he cannot be excused for not knowing that fact.

Indeed, the issue of equity, long spoken about by former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, and adumbrated in the NGHO, is now at the centre of many international debates, since it has been recognised that growth without equity is unsustainable. His comment on the LCDS and the NGHO is therefore unfortunate – the two are not mutually exclusive.

Concerning his declarations on the Economic

Partnership Agreement (EPA), yes, we made a lot of “noise” about the EPA and we have no regrets. We stand by the principled positions we took then ,and we have been vindicated.

It was this “noise” that resulted in the Europeans agreeing to a five-year review of the EPA and Guyana finally signing the agreement. Once signed, Guyana was one of the first countries to put in place the necessary legislative and administrative measures required under the EPA, including the ratification of the agreement and the tariff liberalisation measures.

This is contrary to Norton’s outburst about this government not taking any action to benefit from the EPA. It will do Norton well to check where other CARIFORUM countries are at in this regard.

We continue to put in place other measures to fully benefit from the agreement where possible. I would have expected that whether in or out of Parliament, the former member of Parliament (MP) would be following these developments.

I have noted his comment, “One time we are with UNASUR, next time it is with Caricom, and we are all over.” Such a statement is unexpected from someone, who as a former MP, voted for the ratification of the Union of South

American Nations (UNASUR) Constitutive Treaty, when it was being considered in Parliament in 2009.

At that time, I had said that Guyana sees our membership in UNASUR as complementary to our membership in Caricom. The government of Guyana also ensured that Guyana’s commitments as these relate to Caricom were preserved in the UNASUR Treaty. These are two integration mechanisms that are both beneficial to Guyana and do not collide.

I don’t think there is any right thinking person that would suggest we should not be a member of UNASUR, while we are a member of Caricom. Indeed, it was Norton who said in his presentation in Parliament, “The People’s NationalCongress Reform (PNCR) has no problem with this in principle. We believe Latin American integration is critical”. I can only imagine that something serious has happened which created a “mess’’ with his memory.

On Norton’s assertion that “Guyana cannot produce diplomats by keeping foreign service officers (FSOs) at home”, I agree that there must be a good balance in terms of the time officers spend abroad and at home, while considering the resources of small states like Guyana.

However, this comment appears to suggest that we only keep FSOs in Guyana. I therefore wish to repeat, as I have done in the National Assembly, that within the last 18 months we have posted officers to Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela, Washington, New York, London, Barbados and South Africa and reposted others to Georgetown.

Being posted is just one aspect of a diplomat’s career grounding and development. Our diplomats are constantly exposed to local and overseas training as well.

Finally, with respect to his comment about my competence, I am not unaccustomed to him questioning my competence, but that I leave for others to judge. Suffice it to say that I remain a member of the Cabinet and the National Assembly.

Unfortunately, Norton is turning his wrath and bitterness towards the wrong entity. Certainly we are not responsible for him remaining in the wilderness. Indeed, I was tempted to sympathise with him, but his utterances have confirmed how far removed he is from reality and vindicated the decision that was supposedly made.

Respectfully,

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett Foreign Affairs Minister

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

The first Friday of every February is designated “National Wear Red Day” in the U.S. Heart disease is actually the number one killer of women in America. Attention has been brought to this since 2003 by wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease.

There are so many decisions we can all make (not just women) about our lifestyle to reduce our risk of developing heart disease. Things like checking your cholesterol levels regularly and getting in a bit of exercise can go a long way in keeping you healthy.

This semester, for our first block (of courses), we’re covering digestion and metabolism – all the chemical reactions that goes on inside us to keep us alive. As a part of that, we’ve had to cover nutrition extensively. In addition to the “food” that comes to mind, our classes really emphasised how important the micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are, even though they’re required in much smaller quantities than rice and dhall – carbohydrates and

proteins

Eating well is vital to staying healthy. And while that may sound like common sense, you might be surprised by how many people actually don’t eat that healthily. Eating well doesn’t just mean eating your three meals a day; it’s what you eat that’s really important. In prima-

and stocking my room with fresh fruits for me to finally start eating fruits regularly. And I’ve finally started taking my multivitamins againsome of those pictures on our lecture slides of what vitamin-deficiencies can look like definitely scared me into keeping up with my vitamins. (Yes, Mom!)

What we need to eat var-

“Prevention is better than cure.” – Desiderius Erasmus

ry school, I learnt about the different food groups, the food pyramid and the importance of a balanced diet. Remember “Go” food, “Glow” food? and “Grow” food?! And now I’m in med school learning even more about all of that. So one would assume that with all of this knowledge about how I should be eating, that I’ve been taking the time to plan and eat balanced meals. But in truth, it took a horrible flu, and my mother flying in

ies according to our gender, our age, our occupations and other such factors. So take the time to do some reading, or visit a nutritionist to discuss what nutrients are particularly important for you. Girls for example, need a lot of iron in their diet.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the foods that you’re choosing to include in your diet for particular nutrients. Lots of people eat liver for its high iron content, but liver also

has a really high cholesterol content and that’s not good for keeping your heart healthy. If you already have high cholesterol levels, it might be better for you to eat other iron-rich foods instead of liver.

Technology is also quickly advancing to make it easier for us to stay healthy. There are so many fitness apps that keep track of your meals to let you know whether you’ve eaten enough of each particular nutrient. There are apps that you can use to keep track of whether you’re drinking enough water.

Heart diseases are very serious. The heart is responsible for pumping blood all over your body. If the heart is affected, the rest of your body gets affected as well. Ease up on the fast food that’s flooding our shores, now that the U.S. has declared them unhealthy. Trinidad is one of the most obese societies in the world. They’ve had the fast food joints longer.

So let’s all try to live better, healthier lives. There’s so much useful information at our fingertips via the Internet, that we really can’t cite ignorance as an excuse for not knowing what constitutes a balanced meal.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.

Good snacks for diabetic teen girls

BY BETHANY FONG

Diabetic teen girls can benefit from snacks. They should follow the general dietary guidelines for adolescents and adults with diabetes to choose appropriate snacks and portion sizes. The best snacks are nutrientdense, whole-grain foods, as well as fruits, vegetables, lowfat dairy products and lean proteins. Snacks that are high in fat, sugar or sodium should be limited because they can alter blood sugar and lead to unwanted weight gain and diabetic complications.

Benefits

Snacking during the day can benefit both diabetic

diabetics from the American Diabetes Association are one cup of fresh vegetables, one ounce of cheese, ¾ cup of dry cereal, one small piece of fruit or half of a medium fruit, ½ cup of canned fruit or ½ cup of sugar-free ice cream.

Beverages and sweets

Diabetics should drink zero-calorie beverages like water, unsweetened tea or coffee, diet soda and other low-calorie beverages with their snacks. If water gets boring, add slices of fruit to give it a naturally refreshing flavour. Sweets should be limited; however, the ADA says an occasional treat is okay provided blood sugar is well controlled, portion size

teens and adults by curbing hunger, which can prevent overeating at mealtime, and providing energy for daily activities. Snacks can also provide an additional serving of whole grains, fruits and veggies. These foods in particular are packed with vitamins and minerals but low in fat and calories, which means they will fill you up without packing on the pounds.

Recommendations

The National Diabetes Education Programme in the U.S. encourages all diabetics to consume whole grains, beans and lentils; fresh fruits and vegetables; lean meats, soy and low-fat dairy products; and healthy fats from nuts, vegetable oils and avocado. Diabetics should limit fatty foods like butter, mayonnaise and deep-fried foods; sugary foods like candy, regular soda and pastries; and foods high in sodium like canned and processed foods.

Portions

Monitoring serving size is important for snacks and meals. Oversized portions are related to excess calorie intake, which can cause diabetics to gain unwanted weight and can lead to obesity. Examples of snack-sized portions for teen and adult

is small, and it is part of nutrient-dense diet that contains plenty of whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

Suggestions

Snacks should fit a teen’s lifestyle. Teens who are constantly on the go need portable, easy-to-prepare snacks like a hard-boiled egg, half a peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread, a carton of soymilk or non-fat milk, a fresh fruit cup, sugar-free yogurt or string cheese with whole-grain crackers. Teens who like to cook may enjoy preparing half a bagel with non-fat cream cheese and banana slices, homemade fruitand-nut trail mix, a fruit and yogurt smoothie or homemade popcorn.

Tips

Diabetics can prevent overeating by pre-portioning snacks into a bowl or plate. Avoid snacking while watching TV or working at the computer. Instead, focus on what you are eating and enjoy snack time. Stock up on healthy snacks at home, at school, in the car or wherever you spend time to ensure that when snack cravings hit, you always have something nutritious on hand.

Berbician wins Commonwealth Youth Worker Award

Berbician and community worker Alex Foster has received his seventh international award when he copped the 2013 Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for the Caribbean region, joining other winners from Africa, Asia, the Pacific Region and the United Kingdom.

Foster recently received the award in London. It was his third Commonwealth Youth Service Award, having previously won the award in 1993 and 1995.

In addition to those awards, Foster also received an award from the Commonwealth for youth service in 1991, and in 1999 was selected from thousands of applicants the world over as the 60th most influential young social entrepreneur in the world.

In 2006, Foster headed the St Francis Community Developers, which was named the most successful, sustainable and influential group in the Commonwealth.

However, before these international awards, Foster was also recognised both in Guyana and the Caribbean. In 1989, he was the Caribbean and Commonwealth Youth of the Year.

The year before, the community worker received his first and only national award in Guyana, the Youth of the Year award.

Foster, who received his awards for his service to youths and the fight against community underdevelopment, expressed disappointment that the government has failed to recognise his

contribution to rural communities.

However, he said that it is quite unfortunate that most young males are blamed for not acting in a manner that is conducive for their personal development and the development of their communities.

Lack of male role models

“Their role models from a very young age are females. If we look at the nursery schools, the teachers are females; in the primary schools, there are few male teachers; and in the secondary schools, the male teachers are getting even fewer. In society, the male species seems to be endangered species as it relates to excellence. If we take a simple survey at the University of Guyana and all the higher learning institutions, the largest percentages of persons attending those institutions are females.”

Young males, he added, hardly have role models. “It is therefore a privilege to ask males to join community development.”

He said community development is no longer charitable work, but a force to be reckoned with. “It is a most prestigious career one can choose.”

According to him, Oprah Winfrey, the late Nelson Mandela and President Bill Clinton, all did community development work before moving on to another career.

He said persons involved in community development have to love what they do.

“You have to work 24 hours a day. Even in your

sleep, you have to be thinking about it. If you are going to do this work, your vision must be very clear,” Foster said.

Speaking of his accomplishments, the community worker noted that it is not the number of buildings built or amount of money acquired internationally for development of Berbice, but the differences he was able to make in people’s lives.

He noted when he started community development, the biggest projects were the painting of road crossings, feeding groups and organising training workshops.

“Today, in community development, when you are executing a project, not only is it impacting on the persons who are directly evolved in it but the entire community.”

Engaging Green is usually an exercise in futility – Minister Whittaker

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker said the frequency with which he has had engagements with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, has been reduced because he has found these actions to be “fruitless”.

“For the most part, we are not making progress in terms of what we achieve,” he said. The minister was responding to charges by the mayor and deputy mayor that he has been by-passing the Mayor’s Office with regards to matters affecting the Town Council.

Minister Whittaker explained that when he first came into the Local Government Ministry, as minister responsible for municipalities, he began to engage the municipality, the elected and appointed people, and the administrative staff to discuss council related issues, including how to correct defaults.

The minister said that more often than not, these engagements were with the late Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and the administrative staff.

“Over time, Mr Williams died, and overtime those

who have replaced him have sought to use our engagement to advance a political agenda and to talk about irrelevant happenings. That I was not concerned about and I think, the majority of residents in Georgetown were not concerned about, and so in the interest of exigency in dealing with the affairs of the city, and the residents who cry out for services, for which many of them pay, I have determined that it is better if I dealt with the chief executive officer of the council,” he said.

“We spend one hour and the mayor tells me about some plan that was developed when I was still in Region One.... I want to deal with the present and so because we have this difference; he is a historian and I am not, I find that I have to find other ways and means of getting the business of council and the expectations of the people met,” he added.

In spite of the decision taken to engage the chief executive officer of the council, Minister Whittaker said he still, by the way of written and oral communication, also speaks with the Mayor and City Council.

Ancient County Investment Inc not off blacklisting radar – Seeraj

Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said the Ancient County Investment Inc rice mill, at Tarlogie Farm, Corentyne, Berbice could still be blacklisted if it continues to owe farmers outstanding sums.

Seeraj had indicated to the company several weeks ago that he would put forward a recommendation to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to have it blacklisted from the list of mills on the Venezuelan agreement.

That was done on the heels of the mill’s inability to pay the over 150 Corentyne

rice farmers for paddy supplied during the last crop, which ended in October of last year.

And although the decision was withdrawn, the company is still wanting in fulfilling its end of the bargain.

Several weeks ago, the company had met with the farmers they owe and had agreed on a weekly payment plan. A few days before then, farmers had begun receiving part payment for the first half of the crop. The mill had indicated that it would only be paying in full for the first half of the crop.

Farmers were told that they would only receive 50 per cent of their payment for the second half. However, some farmers are yet to be paid.

Complaints

Seeraj, in an invited comment, told Guyana Times that the rice board has been in contact with the mill, because many farmers are still complaining.

The farmers had said earlier that the issue was compounded with the high price they are required to pay for manure. According to him, authorities at the

mill had said that they were unable to fully pay the farmers because of the amount of stock they have on hand.

The company had said that it was unable to sell its produce to the Haitian and Caribbean markets. Seeraj said that the company is also waiting on its annual shipment to Venezuela, which should be in March.

RPA President Leekha Rambrich said the farmers were again given cheques by the mill and hopes that they are not “bounced” at the bank again. Back in December, when the issue first came to light, some farmers turned up at the

bank with cheques signed by the mill’s owner, but were turned away because they were not valid.

Rambrich said too that among the monies owed to the farmers are payments for transportation and the required two per cent interest fee.

The rice mill company had come under fire late last year after it failed to pay close to 150 Corentyne rice farmers for the paddy they had supplied for the crop. The farmers and their representatives had converged at the entrance of the company in December to voice their frustration.

New sugar production target...

from page 2

Meanwhile, cultivation will commence next week at Wales, Skeldon and Uitvlugt while cultivation at Albion, Rose Hall/Canje and the Blairmont estates will begin the following week. He said that once good weather prevails throughout the year, it is likely that the production target could be met, or in could exceed that amount.

GuySuCo late last year introduced a new five-year

strategic plan aimed at improving its overall performance, thereby creating more opportunities for sustained growth and development for Guyana.

The new GuySuCo strategic plan stipulates that there will be a 100,000 tonne deduction in the estimated annual output, rather than what was outlined in the 2009 plan, which projected a yearly output of 450,000

tonnes.

Sugar production in Guyana has been declining since 2005. During 2002 and 2004, production averaged 315,000 tonnes per year. The sugar industry is a pillar of the Guyanese economy, employing some 18,000 persons and accounting for a major proportion of the country’s annual foreign exchange earnings.

A...World Test Cricket?

fter all the hemming and hawing – and outright betrayals and backflips – the BCCI got what it wanted all along: more money and more to the point, more power. A lot of people’ll say that the original proposals were “watered down” so that the final “agreement” hashed out yesterday wasn’t so bad. Well, those who say that don’t know the first thing about haggling mush less negotiations.

Even folks at the Sunday vegetables market know you first “call” a high price for your bora, and then you “reluctantly” allow yourself to “come down” to the price you wanted in the first place! The so-called ‘Big Three’ knew from the beginning that the “twotier” structure, with them being permanently in the top tier wouldn’t float all the way. But there’s many ways to skin a cat: and this cricket cat’s been well skinned.

Let’s first look at England and Australia’s boards. They went along with BCCI’s power play because they were promised a permanent place in the top tier. Even though the new caste system isn’t official, the fact that (a) the BCCI president is the chairman of the ICC for the next three years (b) the three of them are in the two committees formed to run cricket and that BCCI and them get a larger share of revenues... creates a de facto two tier system.

After all, what’s these new committees? Well for starters one is “only” the Executive Committee! The other is the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA). So what bone is left for the odd other member that’ll be chosen from the other “full”members? But we all knew that greed’ll win out in the end. And boards like the WICB would sell out because the present distribution system of funds ensures that its incumbent board members can live high off the hog.

The clause that’s the death knell of Test Cricket? “All Full Members will enter into a series of contractually binding bi-lateral agreements as a matter of urgency so that they can confirm a comprehensive schedule of matches in a Future Tours Programme (FTP) that will now be extended to 2023.” Boards will have to negotiate one-on-one for test tours. So the predetermined FTP, in which all countries had to play each other – and so have the incumbent “hot” teams play everyone – is out.

We’ll have boards like BCCI only negotiating with the “big boys” for matches in India. And this isn’t even the end of the power play. Watch what happens in the next two years!

...WI Test Cricket

Nothing brings home the abysmal state into which WI cricket has been dragged than the recent report of Barbadian Captain Kirk Edwards summarily being axed from their 50-over team. Now since Edwards is also a player for the WI team and also was captain of the successful A team that toured India, you’d want to know why, no? Must be something dammed serious.

Well, he refused to sign for kit – two sets of shirts and trousers – which must last for two years, with players bearing the cost of replacement. Kirk said the arrangement was “substandard”. We mean... how dare he? Why can’t he accept that two shirts and two “trousers” are dammed generous for a sport in which one is skidding and falling?

Who the heck does Kirk think he is? Back in the day, slaves and indentured labourers engaged in much more strenuous workouts – made one shirt and pants last two years!

...Shallot sellers

In the ongoing court saga of Guyana Stores, Mook Lall’s sidekick Yassin said he signed the purchase contract (worth millions of US!) “without reading it”! How can you blame him? In the shallot and cake shop business, which they were then engaged, there aren’t even contracts!

And in the backtracking business? We say no more.

Solid Waste Management Bill to be retabled at next House sitting

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry on Friday announced that the Solid Waste Management Bill is expected to be retabled at the next sitting of the House.

According to acting Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker, the draft Solid Waste Management Bill was taken to Cabinet on Tuesday last, where it was discussed and reviewed.

He noted that comments made by Cabinet members were taken into consideration by the attorney general’s office.

“We expect that it will be returned to Cabinet shortly and by next week, ought to be on the agenda for next Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly,” Whittaker stated.

The acting local government minister disclosed

that Finance Minster, Dr Ashni Singh has also asked to have a second look at the financial section of the bill.

“We are very close to table that important piece of legislation,” he said.

According to Whittaker, this bill seeks to bring some order to the way solid waste is managed, primarily through the establishment of a Solid Waste Management Authority.

Enforcement

“The bill looks at enforcement of the very measures that it promulgates for dealing with solid waste, how we enforce. It looks also at the penalty for those who break the rules, the laws in terms of solid waste management,” he added.

Whittaker noted that there are existing legislations which deal with

bits and pieces of what the bill seeks to do. These include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act, the Municipal and District Council Act and the Public Health Ordinance Act.

“They all deal in some way, with some aspect of solid waste management, some aspect of how we deal with the environment, but for the first time, we will be having a piece of legislation that speaks specifically to the issue of solid waste management,” he added.

The Solid Waste Management Bill was first presented to the National Assembly in 2012; however, it was sent to the attorney general’s chambers early last year for further modification and clarification.

Last December, former Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud had said

that the ministry received the revised copy of the bill from the attorney general’s chambers and copies were sent to Opposition Leader David Granger, Alliance For Change leader Khemraj Ramjattan and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) shadow local government minister Ronald Bulkan.

Persaud had explained that parliamentarians would review the document and offer their comments. This process, he noted, will assist in reducing the level of difficulties when passing the bill in the National Assembly.

The bill seeks to establish a single authority at the national level which will enforce, make policies and decisions, review and analyse the entire solid waste management system in the country.

Findings on electrician's death expected next week

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Industrial Relations Director Jairam Petam said the probe into the death of an electrician Ulric Leonard Johnson, who was attached to the Skeldon production plant, is still ongoing.

Petam added that the findings of the internal probe are expected by next week. He further stated that the family of the dead electrician will be compensated based on the results of the investigation.

Petam added that two other men were working

in the area at the time, but only Johnson was fatally shocked.

GuySuCo officials previously said that plans are in motion to adequately compensate the family of Johnson who died while on duty on January 25.

Guyana Times was told that a team of investigators has launched an investigation into the matter and the findings will serve as a guide to prevent any future occurrence of similar incidents.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s family said GuySuCo officials have contacted them, but they were not made

aware of the circumstances surrounding his death. When asked if the company has informed them of any compensation, the father of the young man responded in the negative.

Birthday Johnson, 23, died just a day before he would have celebrated his birthday.

Reports are that the man was conducting maintenance work on a company transformer when he was struck by 3.5 megawatts of electricity. He reportedly died on the spot.

Johnson, who hails from

APNU calls for judicial inquiry into torture

APartnership For National Unity (APNU) leader, Brigadier (retired) David Granger is calling for an independent judicial inquiry into all reports of torture over the last seven years.

Speaking at the party’s weekly press briefing on Friday, Granger made reference to several cases of alleged torture, including that of Twyon Thomas, who was arrested in 2007 on suspicion of involvement in the murder of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) stalwart Ramennauth Bisram.

The youngster was placed at the La Grange Police Station before he was sent to the Leonora Police Station where he was reportedly beaten and burnt.

David Leander was also arrested in 2007 and was beaten to the extent that he was rendered incapable of independent mobility. Patrick Summer and Victor Jones were arrested by the police force and taken to different army bases where they were allegedly tortured.

idence that the crime of torture has been committed, but not much has been done.

“The APNU asserts that there is abundant evidence that the crime of torture has been committed repeatedly in Guyana. APNU reminds all defence and police force officers that torture is a crime of universal jurisdiction… there is no statute of limitations for such crimes under international law,” said Granger.

Leeds Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was a former student of the Skeldon High School. On graduating, he moved to the Berbice branch of Government Technical Institute where he completed studies to become an electrician. The man’s family said he was employed with the company for about approximately five years.

He leaves to mourn his fiancée Angelina Hussein, his parents and three younger siblings.

In 2013, state-owned Guysuco recorded two fatal accidents and 1272 industrial accidents.

More recently, Colwyn Harding claimed that he was baton-raped while incarcerated at the Timehri Police Station in November last year.

Granger also noted that the government is mandated to take all necessary measures to prevent torture.

“Guyana, as a signatory to convention, is obliged to take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction,” he said.

Granger further pointed out that there is adequate ev-

The matter involving Harding had created much uproar, but an investigation into the matter indicated that the young man was not buggered.

However, doubt still lingers as a critical piece of evidence, that is, a medical certificate was not presented in the report since one was not conducted on Harding, who failed to notify medical personnel until some weeks after the alleged incident took place. The young man is now in Jamaica where he is being treated for the injuries he sustained, injuries which medical professionals say result from incarcerated hernia.

All have a role to play in disaster risk management – Colonel Abraham

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Friday teamed up with the Education Ministry to launch its National Public Education and Information Campaign on Disaster Risk Management aimed at promoting a greater understanding in the changes evident in Guyana’s weather patterns and how these relate to the current worldwide phenomena of global warming and climate change.

The event, which was held at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, saw the participation of over 180 students from approximately 67 schools in Regions Three and Four.

CDC Deputy Director General Colonel Francis Abraham said that it is the young population that will be the drivers of best practices of disaster risk management as disasters hurt the poor and vulnerable the most, and unfortunately more than onethird of the world’s poor population live in multi-hazard zones.

In 2005, Guyana experienced one of the worst flood situations, which affected 2530 per cent of the population. At that time, the country was ill prepared to deal with situation.

Since then, the government has embraced a concept of comprehensive disaster management. The central focus is to place greater emphasis on the issues of climate

change to incorporate more prevention and mitigation measures and to integrate its components into the national disaster risk management structure.

In this regard, the country sought and obtained the approval of a non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreement from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) in 2009 to facilitate the design and implementation of an integrated disaster risk management plan, within the framework of comprehensive disaster management.

Delivering the feature address, CDC’s Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup said that while, the rain cannot be stopped, “we can certainly prevent flooding or at least, minimise the risks.”

Vulnerable regions

He said that two most vulnerable regions in the world with regards to natural disasters are Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. He recalled that the 20052006 floods affected about 463,000 people, which is more than half of the country’s population and inflicted damages estimated at about $93 billion (equivalent to 60 per cent of Gross Domestic Product).

Importantly, however, Guyana experienced heavier rainfall in subsequent years, but was fortunately able to avoid that magnitude of flood-

ing. This is a direct result of the investments by central government and the administrative regions in infrastructure in terms of drainage and irrigation and sea and river defences.

Ramsarup also spoke of a disaster risk management bill, which is expected to give teeth to the overall national plan.

This public education campaign is intended to engage and prepare all Guyanese to take responsible actions to minimise and mitigate the adverse impacts of severe weather.

The tools that were developed for communicating the messages were fashioned to meet the information needs of the widest cross-section of Guyanese. It was done by Communications Consultant Limited, a firm based in Kingston, Jamaican.

Collaboration

Consultant Eunice Bent spoke of the importance of partnerships in dealing with disaster risk management, and said that the collaboration with schools is particularly significant since children are the change agents of the world, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

In developing the base materials to convey the message of disaster risks and bet-

ter preparedness, the consultants sought the opinion of a wide cross-section of stakeholders. Bent said that this programme will complement all of the others that are being conducted by the CDC to better prepare the nation for disasters.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Education Officer Donna Chapman said that the ministry welcomes this collaboration since the role of education, both formal and informal, must be emphasised in promoting and enabling disaster risk reduction.

Blame

She noted that in Guyana today, disaster risk management is of utmost importance and that too often, citizens blame the City Council, the neighbourhood democratic councils and other agencies for disasters, particularly flooding.

“With the roll out of this impressive public awareness campaign, there will be a realisation that disaster risk management is everybody’s business; it is the responsibility of school aged children, teachers, parents, City Council workers, vendors, and deejays and radio personalities. It is the responsibility of all to contribute to the safety and security of our communities,” Chapman said.

Enhanced disaster risk management and mitigation will minimise the devastating impacts on human lives and livelihoods and the country’s infrastructure.

The campaign will include debates, poems and essay competitions and exhibitions.

The CDC will also be launching, in addition to its education campaign, its strategic plan for the next two years, in the near future.

Something rotten

Satiricus was in a reflective mood. And he hadn’t even taken a drink. This unusual circumstance had been brought on by a report he’d read. Seems some “stench” had caused councillors of Linden to abandon the Region 10 RDC meeting and flee. Satiricus couldn’t believe the story could be possibly true. How could that hero of the Linden uprising, Solo Man, keep meetings for six months in a place that was so stink? Nah...it didn’t sound right.

Then it hit Satiricus: the story of the stinky councillors’ meeting was an “allegory”. There was a hidden meaning in the story that was supposed to deliver a moral message. Or it could be a political message, even though Satiricus thought politics and morality have very little acquaintance. Satiricus remembered that other story he’s read about a “stench” in the land. It was Hamlet – the play by Shakespeare.

Now Satiricus was no bookworm, but, lord knows, he’d suffered through enough Hamlet during his CSEC days. Wasn’t it Marcellus who’d burst out to his friend Horatio, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”? But it was’t a smell he’d been talking about. Earlier, noticing the drunken and depraved behaviour of the new king and his court, Hamlet had expressed his disgust at such behaviour, which made Danes seem to be morally disgusting like “swines”.

And so it was, Satiricus furrowed his brow and wondered what the heck was “rotten” in Linden that’d caused grown men (indeed, one was the brave leader of the entire working class of Guyana) to flee. What was it, like Hamlet, they’d seen? Well, there’d been that wild and riotous behaviour Solo Man had encouraged a year and a half ago. Three persons had died and billions had gone up in smoke. But Satiricus figured that was old news and it had faded.

So he read back the story. “Do a ‘close’ reading, Satiricus!” his old literature teacher had warned. And he noticed that no matter how much the councillors complained about the “stench”, Solo Man told them to bear chafe, since “the matter was well known”. “Aha! So it was something the councillors all knew about,” concluded Satiricus. And Solo Man wasn’t affected by the “stench” –that was the other clue.

Satiricus smiled. He’s solved the mystery about what was rotten in the region of Linden. It was Solo Man. He’d been getting too big for his britches ever since he’d held the country to ransom by blocking the roads to the interior. He acted like he was the new king – bigger than Grain Ja, much less Prezzie. It was obvious he’d graduated (more likely “sunk”, thought Satiricus) to the depraved and dissolute behaviour that’d shocked Hamlet, and now shocked his (Solo Man’s) fellow RDC councillors.

As Horatio had replied for Denmark, Satiricus thought, “Heaven help Linden!”

Draft hire purchase legislation in final stages

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali said when the hire purchase legislation comes into effect, consumers will no longer be at the mercy of hire purchase schemes, noting that the current system that prevails is disadvantageous to consumers.

Speaking at a recent press briefing at his ministry’s South Road, Georgetown office, the minister said, “we are working on having the hire purchase legislation laid in Parliament before the recess,” adding: “I know we have been having a lot of problems with the repossession in the automobile industry and now also with the gold miners… we have persons paying as much as 80 per cent and just because of the remainder not being paid they lose the items and the money they would have already paid.”

Ali added that the bill is not only being drafted with

the protection of the consumer in mind, but also that of the companies that offer hire purchase plans.

Currently, consumers who would have failed to complete payments on products bought on hire purchase would have their items repossessed by the stores, even though they have paid a large part of the sum owed.

Meanwhile, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had

disclosed that the hire purchase legislation is in its final stages. He explained that the bill is one of tremendous importance, since a key percentage of the populace uses such agreements to purchase automobiles, household appliances and furniture and can only claim ownership of their goods after they have paid the total value.

The minister further stated that the bill is directed

to protect a vast majority of Guyanese who remain vulnerable to hire purchase schemes. “These legislative interventions are all intended and designed to bring more balance to the relationship and to offer a network of protection to both parties, but more particularly the vulnerable hirer.”

Free to sell property

One of the clauses in the proposed bill states that if at any point in time a hirer defaults in the payment of an installment, the owner is entitled to repossess the hired goods, forfeit all payments made and is free to sell to a third party. Hence, persons would no longer be charged after attempting to sell a vehicle or items bought on hire purchase.

Zoning in on hire purchase agreements between auto dealers and consumers, the minister pointed out that although registration and li-

Energy efficient wood stove does the trick

An energy effi-

cient wood stove is a device that is designed to consume less fuel (wood) and save cooking time. It also aids in reducing the volume of particulates and smoke produced during cooking in comparison to the traditional open-flame wood stove (fire side).

According to the article “Wood-based Biomass Energy Development for SubSaharan Africa: Issues and Approaches”, written by the World Bank and Africa Renewable Energy Access Programme (AFREA), over half the world’s population currently relies on wood, charcoal or other biomass for daily cooking.

this can lead to respiratory diseases and environmental issues as a result of smoke inhalation.

Firewood and other biomass fuels that are used in open fires, or poorly functioning stoves, produce an overwhelming amount of soot and smoke. Overtime,

A wood stove designed to be energy efficient saves fuel and in so doing, saves money. Additionally, it helps to protect the users’ and their families’ health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in an article titled “Energy Efficiency and Wood Burning Stoves”

(March 29, 2013), wood smoke has been linked to cancer, asthma and other serious health conditions. The traditional stove or open fire burns wood inefficiently, resulting in wastage of firewood, air pollution and, the creation of dust inside the home.

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has been building and demonstrating the use of energy efficient wood stoves in seven hinter-

land communities around Guyana namely Potaikuru and Kanuballi, Region One; Kangaruma and Kako, Region Seven; Tuseneng, Region Eight; and Rupertee and Shulinab, Region Nine. The stoves were constructed using indigenous materials like mud/clay, dry grass, banana stems, and water. To date, 450 households have benefited from this exercise through participation in the stove-building exercise where a total of 18 stoves were constructed for demonstration. The agency plans to continue this exercise by extending similar projects and initiatives to communities that are still heavily reliant on fire wood and other types of biomass to meet their daily cooking needs.

cences of insurance are all issued in the name of the buyer, the lawful ownership of the motor vehicle remains with the auto dealer.

Miners have long complained of great losses, saying that after paying more than 50 per cent of the value of the items, they are repossessed without regard for the sometimes unavoidable spontaneous hardships the industry faces.

They pleaded for urgent

interventions to bring some reprieve, principally for the small and medium scale miners.

Nandlall noted that Caribbean countries have hire purchase laws protecting their citizens and it is time for Guyana to follow suit. He added that it has been in development for over a decade. However, for one reason or the other, it was never completed and brought before Parliament.

Nandlall debunks Granger’s power claim in AML bill

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall has debunked Opposition Leader David Granger’s allegations that the amendments to the anti-money laundering bill give the executive outrageous enforcement powers.

Nandlall, in a statement responding to Granger’s claims in Saturday’s Kaieteur News, stated that he has refined many of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) recommendations from which the bill was coined with a view of reducing certain powers which were recommended to reside with ministers in the bill.

On Friday, Granger told reporters that the proposals are dangerous, in that they put a lot of enforcement power in the hands of the ministers of finance and legal affairs, powers that should reside with the Guyana Police Force.

However, the attorney general informed that, “For example, in the recommendations, the attorney general, was recommended to have powers to instruct a commercial bank to freeze any account held at that bank which the attorney general has reasonable suspicion to believe contains proceeds of crime. I refined that recommenda-

tion to say that the attorney general must apply ex parte to a judge for an order to freeze the account, and must be able to satisfy that judge that he has credible and reasonable basis to suspect that the account contains proceeds of crime.”

He added: “I specifically, shifted that power from the attorney general to a judge, because I believe that the executive branch of government should not enjoy such plenitude of power over the citizenry as there would be a likelihood of abuse. So I shifted that power to the judicial branch of government. That is only one instance of several, where I reduced powers which were recommended to be resided in the executive and I situated in other organs. So I reject the notion or allegation made by the opposition leader that the bill resides any unusual amount of power in the executive or that it is different from legislation of similar type existing elsewhere.”

Nandlall said the reality is that the anti-money laundering bill is an extraordinary bill which bestows exceptional powers on all officers and entities named in the bill because of its very nature, and this bill came directly out of CFATF’s recommendations.

Guyana Inter-Religious Television Inc apologises to Dr Anthony

The Guyana InterReligious Television Inc (GIRTV) said the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry is not at fault with regard to the holding of the funds allotted to the organisation for the establishment of an inter-faith television station.

The organisation in a release said since becoming incorporated in 2012, the members of GIRTV have been meeting with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, under whose patronage the government gave the responsibility for the release of funds.

During the interactions, in 2012 and 2013, the GIRTV members were fully appraised by subject minister, Dr Anthony Frank regarding the procedures, the GIRTV said.

“He explained to us that the ministry has the money but we would have to follow certain procedures to access the funds. One of the requirements was the submission of plans as to how the money was going to be spent.

“For many reasons in relation to the acquisition of equipment, the board of GIRTV did not meet the obligation as was outlined by the honourable minister. Therefore, it is not the fault of the minister nor the permanent secretary, Alfred King, but it is the short comings of the organisation. We are at fault for not

Culture,

withdrawing this money in a timely manner and we do apologise to the honourable minister and his permanent secretary for any embarrassment or inconveniences our failings may have caused,” the organisation said. In 2005, the government made a commitment to make possible the materialisation of a television channel solely for the broadcasting of religious programming. The model proposed would see an equitable distribution of air time among the various bodies for the broadcasting of their religious programmes.

“The religious bodies of GIRTV in Guyana are thankful for the government’s allocation of funds and remain committed to the fulfilment of this project,” the release concluded.

New wardens tasked with enhancing visitors' experience at Kaieteur park

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has appointed four new warden/tour guides from Region Eight to enhance visitors’ experience at the Kaieteur National Park.

The newly-appointed warden/tour guides were selected from among the top candidates completing a week-long tour guide training programme conducted in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guyana in October 2013.

The training was conducted at the Kaieteur National Park and benefited 19 representatives from four communities surrounding the park.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has mandated the recently formed PAC to take steps to improve the facilities and enhance capacity to accommodate more visitors.

Further, the minister has charged the PAC to enhance its monitoring system of the Kaieteur National Park.

Under the initiative, the new wardens/tour guides received training on visitor services, biodiversity, and the area’s natural and cultural history. This will now strengthen the park’s ability to provide a unique, informative and memorable tour experience for its visitors. The new staff will also support increased research activities and improve the monitoring and patrolling of the park.

Since their appointment, and with assistance from WWF, the new wardens have already completed mapping and clearing of all established trails, honed their tour guide skills, and repaired many structures which were in need of maintenance.

The PAC is now working to improve the park’s main guesthouse, and has already increased its capacity to accommodate more overnight guests. Work on the Tukeit Falls

Guesthouse and other buildings at the base of the gorge is also in its final phase, and is expected to be completed by mid-year. The guesthouse is funded by the German government through KfW (German Development Bank), under the Guyana Protected Ares System Project.

In the interim, the PAC has reactivated the park’s website (www.kaieteurpark.gov.gy), and is working to complete the first Kaieteur National Park Management Plan. The plan was developed with support from WWF and drafted following extensive stakeholder consultations.

It will be made available for public comment prior to finalisation, as per the Protected Areas Act. Although significant work remains to be done, the PAC is actively pursuing options to strengthen the park’s management and improve the visitor experience at Guyana’s oldest protected area.

Kaieteur National Park is located in the southern Pakaraima Mountains and has been a protected area since 1929. It is 628.8 km2 in size. Kaieteur National Park covers a broad range of habitat types and is home to many species unique to the region.

Since 2013, the park has been managed by the PAC. In 2011, construction was completed on a new visitor arrival centre located adjacent to the airstrip. In addition, the park has a guesthouse which can accommodate overnight visitors.

The area can be accessed either by overland trek or via air from a variety of providers on scheduled or chartered flights. Joel Breems can be contacted for additional information on telephone number 227-1888 or at joelb.pac@ gmail.com or the Kaieteur National Park . website (www. kaieteurpark.gov.gy)

Truth Simply the

The pledge

At each official function, we stand, place our right hand over our left breast and recite the National Pledge. It goes like this:

I pledge myself to honour always the Flag of Guyana; To be loyal to my country; To be obedient to the laws of Guyana; To love my fellow citizens; And to dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana.

A pledge is an oath of honour, an altar of words upon which our very integrity rests. But we seem to say it so often that the words become empty of meaning. It is like people praying in a language they do not even try to understand. It is rather like monkeys following a pattern of something shown. Monkey say, monkey do. Empty words, empty rituals.

The quality of people is measured by the language that comes from our lips and by how often we keep our word. If a man keeps his word nine times out of 10, he is but 90 per cent a man. Women too. Keep your word 50 per cent of the time, and your very humanity is called into question!

This is so in ordinary ways and ordinary conver-

sation. But a PLEDGE, once uttered, holds us to high and noble standards. It is a truth that thuds with the beat of the heart. To not keep that pledge is to arrest the heart itself.

There are those of us still alive that went to cinemas. Each show was introduced by that National Anthem, and there were those of us who refused to stand at the playing of the anthem. We thought it an act of defiance to a tyranny that visited us like a nightmare. Guyana’s anthem is simple and derivative, and our act of defiance was little more than wilfulness. The tyranny was real. The defiance was false.

A song is not a pledge. The National Pledge is sublime, since the saying of it involves something deep within our selves, within our very substance as individuals within a nation of individuals. But do we as a nation of individuals hold ourselves to the noble standards that are reflected in the words of our Pledge – words we babble at so many events and ceremonies?

“I pledge myself...to be loyal to my country.” But how many of us are truly loyal to our country? Loyalty to Guyana does not mean sim-

ply staying within our borders. People speak as if to go to the U.S.A. or Canada, we simply have to buy a plane ticket. It is not so easy.

Some of us stay here because we have nowhere else to go. This country gives us a sense of status that cannot be found elsewhere. I know of headmasters and lecturers who work as security guards and on factory assembly lines. But many Guyanese outside there remain loyal to their country. Loyalty beyond what some feel who are within our borders.

“I pledge myself...to be obedient to the laws of Guyana.” But we bend, fracture and break the laws of Guyana at every turn. We break speed limits, drive drunk, offer bribes, take bribes, play obscene “music” at obscene volumes, curse in the nastiest ways, steal, beat and rape and kill. But, my goodness, at these functions we stand, place our grimy right hands over our poisoned hearts, and babble.

“I pledge myself to be loyal to my country... to love my fellow citizens.” The words are said so often that they have lost all truth, all substance. And we Guyanese become lower than monkeys jabbering. You could count

the number of people who are genuinely loyal to this country on one hand. Those who screech their loyalty in print and on television aloud only for themselves. They call themselves by vaunted names! Their only real pledge is to be loyal to themselves and their own advancement. Love my fellow citizens? But love them only if they wear the same skin as we do, pray in the same ways, belong to our social group, and if they can serve our bank books. Meanwhile, we dance and sing to lewdness and loudness in service to our own damned selves. We cannot redeem this nation by being loud and false.

Love is gentle. Someone cupped my face in her hands. Thus, am I renewed to love my fellow citizens and serve our nation.

Around the World

Aid convoy to Syria’s Homs comes under attack

An aid convoy has come under attack in the besieged Syrian city of Homs, threatening a UN-led operation to bring food and medicine to 2500 people and evacuate civilians trapped by fighting between rebels and government forces.

Saturday’s violence threatens to unravel a humanitarian deal for Homs which was the first concrete result of talks launched two weeks ago in the Swiss city of Geneva to try to end Syria’s civil war.

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent said mortar fire landed close to its convoy and shots were fired at its lorries, wound-

ing one of its drivers.

At least nine Red Crescent and UN vehicles were trapped in Homs for several hours after dark when the explosions struck, but the team managed to pull out shortly before 22:00h local time (2000 GMT), leaving two damaged lorries, the Red Crescent said. “Although the team was shelled and fired upon, we managed to deliver 250 food parcels [and] 190 hygiene kits and chronic disease medicines,” it said.

The aid had been held up for months in a UN warehouse in a nearby government-controlled area. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Special police unit coming to tackle child offences

Aspecial unit of the Police Service will focus on offences against children, including teenage pregnancies. This is one of the immediate steps to be taken following the meeting of the National Security Council, on Friday. Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, who chairs the council, described the growing number of teenage pregnancies as a “grave danger facing the nation’s children.”

With a reported 2500 teenage pregnancies annually, the council also mandated the Child Protection Task Force to expand its scope of works to come up with solutions to the problem. Speaking with the me-

dia on Friday, at the Noor Hassanali Conference Room at Tower C of the International Waterfront, Persad-Bissessar said that the council decided to amend the terms of the Child Protection Task Force for research and review of the issues and to provide recommendations to treat with it.

She added that the task force was expected to meet with the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) National Parent and Teachers Association (NPTA) the Medical Professionals Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MPATT) and other stakeholders. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Kingston’s Bob Marley Museum designated Grammy Museum affiliate

The Grammy Museum, on Thursday announced its first ever affiliate, the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, according to NBC Southern California.

“As a Grammy Museum affiliate, the Bob Marley Museum will have access to Grammy Museum exhibi-

tions, educational initiatives, research programmes, internship opportunities, collaborative marketing and promotions, technical support for interactive displays and more,” NBC Southern California reported on Friday. The news agency also said that more affiliates will be announced in coming months.

According to www. grammymuseum.org, “the Grammy Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music; the creative process; the art and technology of the recording process; and the history of the Grammy Awards, the premier recognition of recorded music accomplishment.”

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the website says the museum is “four floors of cutting-edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films” which provide a “one-of-a-kind visitor experience – engaging, educational, celebratory and inspirational”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Two dead as train derails in French Alps

At least two people were killed, including a Russian woman, when a tourist train derailed in the Alps in southern France, local emergency services said on Saturday.

The Train des Pignes, a small private railway which operates on a single track between Nice and Dignesles-Bains, came off the rails when hit by a boulder that had fallen from the surrounding hills, according to local daily Nice Matin.

Local authorities confirmed early Saturday afternoon that one of the dead was a Russian woman. Meanwhile, Nice Matin reported that the second victim was a

people were injured in the incident.

“It was as if the boulder fell from the sky, like in an earthquake,” said JeanJacques Messaoud, who was aboard the train when the accident happened.

Another passenger, Floriane Bonnet, was relaxing at the back of the train when the accident happened.

“I didn’t understand, I was thrown to the left and I saw the first half of the train go down the embankment. I tried to break a window but couldn’t manage it so I left through the front.” (Excerpt from France24)

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says she has opened a preliminary investigation into possible war crimes in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Fatou Bensouda said she had received reports of “extreme brutality by various groups”. Tens of thousands of Muslims have already fled to Cameroon and Chad.

CAR, one of Africa’s poorest nations, has been in chaos for more than a year after Muslim rebels seized power. Bensouda said that her investigations so far included “hundreds of killings, acts of rape and sexual slavery, destruction of property, pil-

laging, torture, forced displacement and recruitment and use of children in hostilities.”

She added that “in many incidents, victims appear to have been deliberately targeted on religious grounds.’’ Accounts of violence in CAR have become increasingly brutal, with reports of mob killings common.

On Friday morning, witnesses said thousands of Muslims piled on to trucks in the capital Bangui to leave the city, escorted by Chadian peacekeepers.

One person who fell off one of the trucks was killed by a crowd and his body mutilated, witnesses said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ICC opens CAR ‘war crimes’ preliminary investigation Chikungunya disease on the increase in Dominica

Health authorities are confirming increased cases of the mosquito-borne disease, Chikungunya, but it is confined to two communities in Dominica.

Senior Environmental Health Officer, Sylvester St Ville, speaking on the stateowned DBS radio, said there were now 13 confirmed cases and that the matter “is a major concern for the health care system”.

“It’s something that we are trying to manage. As of our latest report, there are 13 confirmed cases. They are confined to those two communities,” he said. The authorities said the cases were confined to Bath Estate on the outskirts of the capital,

and Woodford Hill north of here.

St Ville said that the Environmental Health department was taking preventative measures to reduce the spread of the disease. “Presently we are in Bath Estate doing some source reduction and vector control activities…) we will be doing some fogging operations to reduce the population of adults in these communities,” he said, urging residents to clean up the area and reduce the breeding areas for mosquitos.

Chikungunya is a viral disease, carried mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and causes a dengue-like sickness. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Younge’s take

End the politics of ransom

Guyana’s politics has reached a puerile and dirty state. Those who are the major actors in the national political system appear to be playing a game of Chinese checkers with the future of this country.

There appears to be the emergence of a political culture that is no longer based on rationality, facts, patriotism or merit. Sheer political ransom and gangsterism define its modus operandi.

This does not augur well for the post-independent Guyana, which is trying to assert itself at the helm of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in many respects.

The politics of ransom and gangsterism being practised here will also cripple our attempts to strengthen the country’s democratic resolve, while breaking the bones of its modern economic stability.

Unfortunately, the effects of the politics of ransom have already started to rear their ugly heads. The fact that Opposition Leader David Granger has chosen to practise this form of politics is worrying.

He has made it clear that his coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), is willing to withhold its parliamentary support for a suite of legislation unless the head of state assents to bills

designed, engineered and passed by the opposition majority in the Legislature.

This is the problem of ransom. Granger has exposed the ideology of his partnership for all to see. He is saying, regardless of the urgency, need and relevance of the legislation, his coalition will hold them to ransom unless it gets its pound of flesh.

The opposition leader has also, much to the discomfort of corporate Guyana, declared that the long overdue antimoney laundering legislation may also fall victim to his new political culture. This is despite the fact that a special select committee was meeting to discuss this proposed bill and its overall history for several moons now.

All sorts of red herrings are being placed into the picture. APNU walked out for a second time just around the time when the deliberations at the committee level could have been concluded. This may all be part of the plan of the opposition to create the right environment most conducive for a hostage situation. If this premise is right, the next move will see more ransom being demanded.

Similarly, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has also said that it will not approve the anti-money laundering legislation unless the gov-

ernment agrees to establish and operationalise the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

Again the politics of ransom is at work. The party’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan callously told the nation that the merit of the legislation and the impending blacklisting hanging over the heads of the financial and banking sectors of this country are second to his interests. They were collateral damage so to speak!

This development is symptomatic of societies where anarchy and unrest are the only alternative to breaking political deadlocks: that is the role of a functional political system. It means that the concepts of political negotiations in good faith, consensus and compromise have depreciated to the point where they are no longer valuable or viable.

If this is true, Guyana is on the trajectory to perdition. Where are our mature politicians? Where are the patriotic sons and daughters of the post-independence era who are willing to end this disdainful culture of puerile politics? Where are the statesmen and women of our generation? Are there no more elders to guide them?

The power of ransom politics will again be felt when

KFC delivery man injured in Mandela Avenue accident

Adelivery man attached to the Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown branch was admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing injuries about the body following an accident on Saturday afternoon.

The injured man was identified as Dwayne Da Silva, 23, of East La Penitence, Georgetown. Information surrounding the accident remains sketchy, but officials at the Georgetown Public Hospital confirmed that Da Silva was taken to the medical institution about 16:00h.

He was immediately taken to another facility to get a CT Scan for the injuries he sustained to the head. He was said to be a stable condition.

Guyana Times understands that the man was heading along Mandela Avenue when a minibus was attempting to overtake him and ended up in his path. As a result of the impact, he was reportedly flung into the air and landed on the roadway.

His motorcycle was wrecked beyond repair. As the news spread about the accident, Da Silva’s colleagues converged at the hospital to offer support. One of them recalled the

man leaving the business place with an order and for delivery.

A few minutes later, they received the news that he was involved in an accident. The doctors are closely monitoring his condition.

our national budget takes centre stage in the current parliamentary configuration. There will be gnashing of the teeth, emotions will soar, and political gymnastics will be the order of the day when the estimates are presented. Politicians on both sides will defend their positions on the budget, but at the end of the day, a demand of some sort will be made by the opposition.

Sadly, the situation that obtained from the time the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) lost its outright parliamentary majority will continue. All rightthinking Guyanese must reject this new form of organised, legislative blackmail which is eating away like a cancer at the good political fabric of our country.

Our politicians have made politics ugly despite the amount of make-up used to cover its ailing face and torn ligaments. No one is being fooled. We must undertake whatever surgery is necessary on the body politic of this country, to return it to good health.

Link Show producers to transport patrons to Rahaman Park

The bold step by producers to move “Link Show 30” from the National Cultural Centre (NCC) to Rahaman Park, Greater Geogetown has been met with mixed reactions.

Some have expressed disappointment while others are breathing a sigh of re-

lief, as the producers will be transporting patrons to the new venue at a reasonable cost.

Link Show producer Gem Madhoo-Nascimento told Guyana Times that her aim is to make “Link Show 30” as memorable as the other shows.

Nascimento is in talks with minibus union representative Eon Andrews and members of the taxi services association to concretise the transportation plan before February 20.

Andrews told this newspaper that he is willing to work with the producers of “Link Show 30” to bring the plan to fruition. A gala opening is expected on the first night of the four- day event.

Bandits invade homes in Grove/Diamond area

Bandits continued their stint in the Grove/Diamond area, burglarising three houses on Friday evening, carting off cash and jewellery.

According to reports, the men invaded a house in Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, relieving the family of an undisclosed sum of cash and personal items, including jewellery.

The robbery reportedly occurred about 23:00h while the occupants of the house were asleep.

From all indications, the men may have used a toxic substance to spray the house before entering through a door which was wrenched open.

When Guyana Times visited the house, the occupants were not at home and several attempts to contact them proved futile.

The bandits continued their rampage, this time on the home of Region Three Education Officer Marlyn Jones O’ Donohue, apparently by using a ladder to gain access into the home through a bedroom window that was left open. There,

they managed to pull the woman’s bag through the window.

Marlyn Jones O’ Donohue, the owner of the Lot 216-359 Section A Block Y Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara home, explained that her husband left home for work and at the same time, she got up to check if her phone was fully charged.

As she got up, she did not see her handbag and in the height of a search, her brother-in-law called out to inquire if she was okay. He found the bag in the yard with its contents scattered.

Ladder

She said that as they looked around the house, she recognised a ladder in the backyard, bracing the eastern wall of the house.

The ladder was reportedly used by the robbers to gain access through her bedroom window. She disclosed that the window is normally left open.

O’ Donohue said that she has been living at the house for the past nine years and has never been attacked or robbed but suspected the

bandits might have been under the impression that she had lot of money at home since she was doing some construction work.

“I have been reading and watching television and learnt not to keep money at home… they probably thought that I had money at home to pay my workers since it is Saturday.”

The woman said that of late, there have been a number of strange faces loitering in the neighbourhood and while she does not want to point fingers, she is confident that they are the robbers.

She has since lodged a complaint to the Diamond Police Outpost where statements were taken. The ranks also promised to visit the scene to dust for fingerprints.

The education official thanked God for her life and those of her family members, claiming if they had gotten into the house; it might have been a different story.

Another house in the same street was also burglarised, but the bandits only managed to take away a quantity of clothing.

Gunmen terrorise relatives of policeman in baton-rape saga

AMon Repos, East Coast Demerara resident and her daughter narrowly escaped death after two men invaded their home, reportedly with the intention of killing them.

Speaking with Guyana Times , Leila Singh said about 19:00h, as she was about to close her back door, she saw two masked men approaching.

While noting that there was a blackout in the village at the time, she said, “I saw them coming, I didn’t get any chance to lock the door so just push it in on they face and ran to the verandah with my 16-year-old daughter.”

She explained that the men apparently came prepared, wielding guns and torchlights.

The mother added that as they were hiding in the verandah, the men searched the house, shouting for her to come out of hiding.

“Me deh ah hide in the verandah with meh daughter and them ah shout for me, me see them with them torchlights going in all them rooms and looking for me.”

Singh said that it was by the grace of God that her older son had used the telephone earlier in the day and left it in the verandah. She explained that she used the telephone to call her sisterin-law, instead of the po-

lice, fearful that they might respond too late.

“Me and meh daughter deh in the verandah and me barely see the phone, I picked it up and meh call me sister-in-law, all the time me calling for me neighbour,” the woman said.

Singh further explained that she began to shout for her neighbours, but they (gunmen) were not hearing her because the music was being played very loudly a few houses away.

However, one neighbour explained that she heard the shouting, but mistook it for Leila chasing the mad man in the area.

Traumatised

The traumatised woman said the ordeal lasted for about an hour and saw the two men shouting obscenities at her after they discovered that she was in the verandah.

“The man tell me come inside, you prefer if ah... kill you out there, come in the f... house” while the other shouted “yuh want ah come in there and blow ya brains out,” she related.

At this point, Singh said she and her daughter decided to jump from the verandah to the ground, reasoning that a few broken bones would be better than death.

After some time in the

verandah, someone heard their screams and the neighbourhoods were alerted, and around the same time the blackout ended.

However, the men managed to make good their escaped. Singh explained that public-spirited persons flocked the streets and proceeded to search for the men who invaded her home.

She later learned that the men had actually hid in the tray of her neighbour’s truck before coming out and making a run for a vehicle which was parked, waiting for them some distance away.

Singh confirmed that she is the aunt of the police constable allegedly involved in the Colwyn Harding saga. She related that earlier in the day, she saw the men driving through the area in a white Toyota Raum and became suspicious as they were driving at a slow pace.

The woman added that after a crowd had gathered at her home, the police were called and they promptly responded and took statements from her and her daughter.

Singh said her nephew had moved out of the area about a year ago but his mail would still come to her address and he would come periodically to retrieve them.

Teen claims police confused him during ID parade

The teenager of D Field Sophia, Georgetown, who accused police ranks at the Stabroek Outpost of sodomising him, claims that after two identification parades, he was unable to positively identify the perpetrators, since he believes that the wrong set of policemen were put in the lineup.

In an interview with this newspaper on Saturday, he explained that the first parade consisted of eight police ranks and the second had 14, but these ranks, he noted, were from outlying areas. He contended that the police were trying to confuse him.

While the file is with the director of public prosecutions (DPP) for advice, the teen accused the police ranks of covering for their colleagues. He challenged the police commissioner to check the records at Stabroek Outpost to find out the policemen who worked on the night when he claims to have been sodomised.

The young man explained that he was walking in the vicinity of Demico House when he was approached by two police ranks who told him that it was a charge to walk on the streets late. Upon hearing this, the teen admitted that he spoke using indecent language to the ranks and was asked to visit

the outpost. Kissoon recalled on reaching the outpost about 23:00h, he was asked to wait in a backroom and soon after a police rank entered, took off the lights, duct taped his mouth, pulled down his pants and started to "romance" him.

“He telling me how he loves me and one set of thing… when he finished, two others come in the room and do the same thing,” said the teen.

The youth said he was let go after the sexual assault and confided in another sex worker what happened to him at the police outpost, and subsequently visited a hospital for a medical examination.

Harassment

He claimed that up to Saturday morning about 03:30h, he was harassed by a member of the Guyana Police Force who went to Carmichael and Church streets to collect a client.

“He tell me that if I don’t reach Brickdam by morning, I go tek wah I get on the road… he say he would send people with guns and is every night them come around and harass we.”

He recalled that a few nights ago, a policeman went in search of him, but he hid on hearing about his inqui-

ries. Kissoon said that if the right persons are brought before him, he will undoubtedly identify them.

He said during the investigation, he was asked to describe the room in which he was sodomised by a female rank and upon checking, the officer realised that he was telling the truth, but yet the police force have failed to conduct a proper investigation.

Recently, Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell told media operative that the DPP will review the case involving the teen and forward the recommendations to the force.

“I must mention that the teen did not identify any of the police ranks, but we are still continuing investigations.” The 16-year-old last Monday alleged that ranks at the Stabroek Police Outpost raped him.

The three officers who were on duty during the period of the alleged rape have all been placed under close arrest. The teenager claimed that the three ranks at the outpost sodomised him after they accused him of being a prostitute.

The teen, after believing that the justice system failed him, mounted a protest on the roof of a building on Robb Street and threatened to jump off.

GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams formally introduced

The appointment of the new Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) head should result in the continued advancement of the mining sector, under his leadership, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said as he formally introduced him and incoming GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams at a reception on Saturday at Club 704, Lamaha Street.

Minister Persaud noted that Williams has been an outstanding leader of the private sector, and has recognised the role of the private sector in terms of job creation. He expressed confidence that under Williams’ leadership, the sector would not only see considerable growth, but also diversification.

“Our emphasis is on expanded growth, as well as diversification, because of the unstable and unpredictable nature of minerals com-

modities. We need to diversify, we need to ensure that the wide range of the potential resources that we have are fully developed, fully utilised, but also doing so in harmony with our environment, as well as our social obligation, and I am quite sure under his (Williams) leadership we will see continued emphasis on the policies and programmes that would promote and allow such growth,” the minister said.

Newly-appointed commissioner, Vieira was confirmed in January after acting in the position for almost two years.

The minister stated that with Vieira’s background, both as a mining engineer and his experience working in the environmental aspect of mining; the sector is provided with someone who understands the realities of extraction and balancing that with the needs of the environment.

Calgary University team here to discuss kidney transplant services

Ateam of health care providers from the University of Calgary is on a visit to Guyana with a main focus on chronic kidney diseases and transplant services.

The visiting team will be meeting with officials from the Health Ministry and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to discuss the implementation of chronic kidney diseases and transplant services in Guyana.

The team consists of highly qualified health practitioners. These include Serdar Yilmaz, MD, PhD, Southern Alberta Transplant Programme; Nairne Scott-Douglas MD PhD, medical director, Southern Alberta Renal; Judy Dean RN, clinical nurse, Educator, Southern Alberta Renal and Transplant Programme; Janice James RN, modality/peritoneal dialysis nurse clinician, Southern Alberta Renal Programme; and Genevieve Mc Michael BSP, nephrology and transplant pharmacist, Southern Alberta Renal and Transplant Programme.

A series of CMEs has also been organised through a collaborative effort between the GPHC, and the Institute of Health Science Education Department, that will be open to all doctors and other medical practitioners. The lectures will be held at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, and will focus on various topics surrounding chronic kidney diseases. The topics include patient at risk for chronic kidney diseases, kidney transplant, patient care in the 21 century, screening, and treatment of end stage kidney diseases and management of patients with the disease. The team will be in Guyana until February 20.

70 trained to detect fraudulent documents

Guyana is now better poised to counter the production and use of fraudulent documents as it has trained 70 persons and has received 200 fraudulent document detection kits.

On Friday, two batches of 35 persons each concluded training under the Fraudulent Document Detection Programme.

At the Guyana Police Force Training Centre, Young and Camp streets, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee received the kits from Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles, courtesy of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The kits consist of portable magnifiers and hand held black lights.

Training, which started in October 2013, comprised theoretical sessions which were followed up by a four-day intense practical training from February 04 and concluded Friday. Officials from the Guyana Police Force, Customs and Immigration and the General Register Office all participated.

Minister Rohee noted that this training programme must be seen in context of the government’s fight against transnational organised crimes, and

an effort in building capacity to be able to be part of the fight. He said that while fraudulent documents are not a new threat, the techniques used to develop them have become more modern and sophisticated, therefore the counter that is used in the fight against it should be developed in order to be effective.

Modernisation

The minister sees this training programme as a part of the effort to modernise the Guyana Police Force.

“The training programme which has been offered by the Canadian au-

thorities in this particular area is aimed at enhancing the awareness, efficiency and capacity of the persons that were trained to detect fraudulent documents,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported him as saying.

He expressed gratitude on behalf on the government towards the Canadian authorities, noting that the training will go a long way in enhancing Guyana’s fight against transnational crimes.

Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, who opened the training in October 2013, highlighted that the force was grateful for the opportunity presented to them by the CFLI, and assured that what was learnt would be implemented to the fullest

extent in order to combat the use of fake documents.

High Commissioner Giles noted that transnational criminal threats cannot be faced in isolation, but international threats need international attention.

“It is for this reason Canada and Guyana have chosen to co-operate and tackle the threat posed by the use of fraudulent documents, through the implementation of the Fraudulent Document Detection Programme.” Guyana now stands in a better position to restrict the use of falsified documents on a large-scale basis, create a level of competency of onthe-spot detection of fraudulent documents, and improve the level of investigative skills in cases involving such documents.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Consider all your alternatives, but rely on your intuition when it comes to making a choice. A personal relationship will improve if each party maintains equal responsibilities.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Strive to be more active. Join a gym or sign up for an activity that will get you moving and motivated. Don’t let your emotions interfere with your goals.

(Feb.20March 20)

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22)

Look for ways and means to improve your life and your looks. Take the initiative to try new things and to make new connections. Sharing your findings will encourage friendships.

(July 23Aug. 22)

A change of pace will help to establish what you can and can’t accomplish. Don’t take on something that will hinder your own dreams. Speak up and make a statement.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

(March 21-April 19)

Listen to others’ suggestions and concerns. Channel your energy into home-improvement projects or anything that will raise the value of your assets or what you have to offer others. Take action and do whatever you can to raise your profile or encourage a better lifestyle. Look for any opportunity that will improve your relationship with the people you love most.

(April 20May 20)

Don’t allow someone’s stubborn attitude to stand in your way. Put your differences aside and take part in an activity or event that can help you re-establish your reputation or position.

(May 21June 20)

Keep a level head and pursue interests that will help you gain the most ground personally or professionally. Physical work will bring you the greatest satisfaction.

Take your time and go over fine details that can give you a better view of a situation. Understanding what’s best for everyone involved will help you make a good decision.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Listen to suggestions and pick up information that can help you put together a plan for success. Your ability to reason will help you mediate a tough situation.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Look, see and do your best to accommodate those requiring your assistance. Lending a helping hand will ensure that you continue to have a say in whatever personal or domestic decisions are considered.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Step out of the spotlight if you don’t want to be judged by what you say or do. An introspective approach will help you get more done without interference from others.

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Two busted with cocaine in achar at CJIA

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Saturday intercepted two outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with a quantity of cocaine in achar.

The Guyanese and U.S. citizens were destined for

the John F Kennedy Airport onboard a BW 526 flight between 15:00h and 17:00h.

The men’s strange object was detected while their suitcases were being scanned by CANU officials.

They were cautioned, interrogated and taken into custody and are assisting with investigations.

Guyana Times under-

stands that the drug enforcement agency is hunting for a third person who was implicated in the smuggling.

CANU has been boosting security at the main port of entry following several drug busts in the past year.

The drug enforcement unit has been praised for its commitment in putting a dent in the drug trade.

FAO Food Price Index falls despite climbing dairy prices

FAO’s Food Price Index is based on the prices of a basket of internationally-traded food commodities

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Food Price Index fell in January for the first time in three months as lower prices of cereals, sugars, oils and meat outstripped gains in dairy values.

The index, based on the prices of a basket of internationally traded food commodities, averaged 203.4 points in January 2014, down 1.3 per cent from December and 4.4 per cent below January last year.

“We’re seeing lower prices due to abundant supplies, but stronger upturn in demand, such as an increase in the pace of imports from Asia, could limit the decline,” said FAO economist Abdolreza Abbassian.

Sugar and vegetable oils took downward turns of 5.6 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, bumper cereal crops helped to bring down cereal prices, which were down 1.6 per cent from December and as much as 23 per cent lower than in January 2013. Even meat prices, which had strengthened over the past few months, fell slightly in January.

“The only notable ex-

ception was a rise in dairy prices. The FAO dairy price index registered a 1.3 per cent increase in January to 267.7 points, largely reflecting strong demand, especially from China, North Africa, the Middle East and the Russian Federation, said Michael Griffin, FAO’s dairy and livestock market expert.

Cereal production

FAO also released its latest estimate for world cereal production in 2013. This point to a stronger growth in world cereal production than had been anticipated, to a record 2502 million tonnes, up 8.5 per cent from 2012.

The bumper cereal crop in 2013 would help in replenishing world reserves, which according to the FAO could reach 573 million tonnes, 13.5 per cent higher than in the previous season.

At this level, the stocksto-use ratio for global cereals would top 23.5 per cent in 2013/14, its highest value since 2002/03 and well above its historical low of 18.4 per cent registered in 2007/08.

Based on the latest information, the FAO also considers early prospects

for crops to be harvested in 2014 to be favourable. This view is shared by a separate report published by the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), a G20 initiative which is housed at the FAO and managed by 10 international organisations.

The February report of the AMIS Market Monitor attributed the positive prospects for crops in 2014 to favourable winter wheat growing conditions in the northern hemisphere and better than previously anticipated maize and soybean situations in the southern hemisphere.

Record cereal production and rising stocks have already resulted in sharply lower prices, a factor which according to the FAO is also boosting world trade in 2013/14 to 321.4 million tonnes, some four per cent higher than in the previous season and a new record. Lower prices are stimulating demand and world cereal utilisation in 2013/14 is forecast by the FAO to rise by 92 million tonnes and reach 2415 million tonnes. Most of this expansion will reflect larger use of coarse grains (of maize in particular) for feed.

Bangladesh bat out for draw

Bangladesh batted out the fifth day to secure a draw in the second Test in Chittagong - but Sri Lanka still end up winning the series 1-0.

Set a hefty target of 467 runs in the final innings of the contest, the hosts reached 271-3 when both sides agreed to end proceedings early at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Stumps were drawn

SCORE BOARD

Bangladesh 2nd innings (o/n 12/0)

Tamim Iqbal b Vithanage 31

Shamsur Rahman b Perera 45

Imrul Kayes lbw b Perera 25

Mominul Haque not out 100

Shakib Al Hasan not out 43

Extras: (b 12, lb 2, nb 13) 27

Total: (3 wickets) 271

Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Tamim Iqbal), 2-81 (Shamsur Rahman), 3-151 (Imrul Kayes)

Bowling: RAS Lakmal 135-30-0, MDK Perera 28-755-2, BAW Mendis 160-61-0, N Pradeep 9.4-1-330, KDK Vithanage 16-0-73-1, FDM Karunaratne 2-0-5-0

Mominul Haque raises his bat after reaching his third Test hundred

straight after Mominul Haque had reached three figures, his unbeaten 100 helping Bangladesh comfortably survive. Sri Lanka were made

to work hard for the three wickets they picked up; it took them until the 30th over to make an initial breakthrough, and all five home batsmen who made it to the middle made useful contributions in the rearguard effort.

Opening salvo Resuming on 12 without loss, the Tigers opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Shamsur Rahman carried the score to 71 before the former was bowled between bat and pad by Kithuruwan Vithanage for 31.

Shamshur fell 10 runs later for 45, chopping on to Dilruwan Perera to give the tourists some hope they could still force a positive result.

However, Imrul Kayes and Mominul combined either side of lunch in a 70run partnership that quelled any concerns about a home collapse.

Perera broke the alliance when he attempted Kayes to play across the line to be trapped leg before when he has 25 to his name, but by that stage the chances of vic-

tory for Sri Lanka looked extremely bleak. Mominul blunted them into the evening as he reached his third Test hundred. His landmark arrived from 167 balls and after that, visiting captain Angelo Mathews decided he had seen enough with an hour of play still scheduled.

Sri Lanka had won the first Test by an innings and 248 runs in Dhaka. The two nations will now meet each other in two Twenty20 Internationals and a threematch ODI series. (Sky Sports)

Chelsea beat Newcastle to go top – Norwich hold Man City

Chelsea beat Newcastle 3-0 to go top of the Premier League, as Norwich held Man City and Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1.

Eden Hazard’s hat-trick at Stamford Bridge on Saturday put the Blues on top, a point above Arsenal who must lick their wounds after an Anfield hammering.

Manchester City are a point further back in third after failing to find a goal at Carrow Road.

There were also victories for Crystal Palace, West Ham and Hull over West Brom, Aston Villa and Sunderland respectively, while Southampton and Stoke shared four goals.

Hazard scored all three goals as Chelsea saw off Newcastle 3-0 to go top of the table for the first time since September.

The Blues were without John Terry for the first time this season in the league due to a muscular strain. David Luiz switched to centre-back, with Frank Lampard and Oscar coming in. Luuk de Jong started for Newcastle for the first time, while Cheick Tiote was out injured.

Hazard’s first goal came on 27 minutes, the Belgian getting on the end of a Branislav Ivanovic pass from the right towards the edge of the area and slotting across Tim Krul.

Soon afterwards, Petr Cech saved from Moussa Sissoko in a one-on-one situation, and Chelsea scored again on the counter-attack. Willian spread the play wide left to Hazard, who ran into the area and executed a classy one-two with Samuel Eto’o before finishing coolly.

Newcastle lost Mathieu Debuchy to injury before the break, and fell further behind when the defender’s replacement Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa flattened Eto’o off the ball. Hazard stepped up and completed his treble.

Norwich dug in to hold Manchester City to a goalless draw at Carrow Road.

James Milner, Gael Clichy

and Stevan Jovetic all started for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, with Edin Dzeko dropped to the bench. January signing Joseph Yobo and transfer rebel Wes Hoolahan were included in the Norwich line-up.

The Canaries thought they had gone ahead on 18 minutes. Joe Hart could only parry Leroy Fer’s powerful header and the ball dropped to Gary Hooper, who poked it over the line - only to see the flag had gone up.

On 36 minutes, Jesus Navas’ corner was glanced on by Martin Demichelis and Alvaro Negredo thumped a header off the face of the crossbar.

The visitors threw everything at Chris Hughton’s side in the second half but couldn’t find a way through.

At Anfield, Liverpool reignited their title challenged with a sensational 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal, who had begun the day in top spot and were on an eight-game unbeaten run.

Martin Skrtel got a knee to Steven Gerrard’s free-kick after just 52 seconds, and the same combination helped the Reds double their lead when Skrtel flicked in a header from Gerrard’s corner on 10 minutes.

Luis Suarez then volleyed against the post from another Gerrard corner, but a third goal would arrive on 16 minutes when Suarez crossed from the right for Raheem Sterling to score.

Four minutes later, Daniel Sturridge grabbed the fourth from a superb Philippe

Coutinho through-ball. Kolo Toure’s pass over the top was converted by Sterling at the second time of asking for a fifth goal on 52 minutes, and Arsenal - who had Jack Wilshere back in their side - were only able to muster a penalty goal consolation from Mikel Arteta (69).

Crystal Palace leapfrogged West Brom and dumped their opponents into the relegation zone with a 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

Scott Dann, Tom Ince and Joe Ledley all made their Eagles debuts and the latter two were able to mark the occasions with goals.

Youssouf Mulumbu cleared Dann’s header off the line early on, but Ince gave the Eagles the lead on the quarter-hour mark when he lifted the ball over Ben Foster after good work from Yannick Bolasie.

On 27 minutes, Tony Pulis’ men doubled their lead as a corner whipped in by Ince was met by an unmarked Ledley Immediately after the break, Thievy pulled a goal back for Albion with his first touch since coming on as part of a double switch by Pepe Mel. Victor Anichebe, on the left wing, played a lovely ball back to the substitute who fired in an unstoppable finish.

But Marouane Chamakh restored Palace’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot, after referee Chris Foy adjudged that Foster had brought down the Moroccan in the area. (Sky

New Zealand are somehow looking over their shoulder after an incredible third day of their opening Test with

India in Auckland. Having closed on Friday with a lead of 373 and India four down, the hosts proceeded to skittle their visi-

India hit back in Auckland SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings (o/n 130/4)

S Dhawan c Williamson b Boult 0

M Vijay b Wagner 26

CA Pujara c †Watling b Boult 1

V Kohli c Fulton b Southee 4

RG Sharma b Boult 72

AM Rahane c Taylor b Southee 26

MS Dhoni*† c †Watling b Wagner 10

A Jadeja not out 30

Z Khan c †Watling b Wagner 14

I Sharma c Boult b Southee 0

Mohammed Shami c Fulton b Wagner 2

Extras: (b 5, lb 6, w 3, nb 3) 17

Total: (all out; 60 overs) 202

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Dhawan), 2-3 (Pujara), 3-10 (Kohli), 4-51 (Vijay), 5-138 (Rahane), 6-138 (RG Sharma), 7-167 (Dhoni), 8-188 (Khan), 9-189 (I Sharma), 10-202 (Mohammed Shami)

Bowling: A Boult 17-2-383, TG Southee 19-6-38-3, CJ Anderson 5-0-29-0, N Wagner

11-0-64-4, IS Sodhi 6-0-13-0, KS Williamson 2-0-9-0

New Zealand 2nd innings

PG Fulton c Jadeja

b Mohammed Shami 5

HD Rutherford lbw

b Mohammed Shami 0

KS Williamson c Jadeja

b Khan 3

LRPL Taylor c Rahane

b Khan 41

BB McCullum* run out (Jadeja/I Sharma) 1

CJ Anderson b Mohammed Shami 2

BJ Watling† b I Sharma 11

TG Southee c Pujara b Jadeja 14

IS Sodhi c RG Sharma b I Sharma 0 N Wagner c Jadeja b I Sharma 14

TA Boult not out 7

Extras: (b 4, w 1, nb 2) 7

Total: (all out; 41.2 overs) 105

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Rutherford), 2-9 (Fulton), 3-11 (Williamson), 4-15 (McCullum), 5-25 (Anderson), 6-63 (Taylor), 7-78 (Southee), 8-78 (Watling), 9-80 (Sodhi), 10-105 (Wagner)

Bowling: Mohammed Shami

12-1-37-3, Z Khan 9-2-23-2, I Sharma 10.2-3-28-3, RA Jadeja 9-4-10-1, RG Sharma 1-0-3-0 India 2nd innings

M Vijay c †Watling b Southee 13

S Dhawan not out 49

CA Pujara not out 22

Extras: (w 1, nb 2) 3

Total: (1 wicket; 25 overs) 87

Fall of wicket: 1-36 (Vijay)

Bowling: TA Boult 6-0-280, TG Southee 5-0-18-1, N Wagner 6-2-11-0, CJ Anderson 3-0-8-0, IS Sodhi 4-1-17-0, KS Williamson 1-0-5-0

tors for 202 as their pace attack fired at Eden Park.

But rather than make India bat again and reach the 301 they needed to send New Zealand out once more, captain Brendon McCullum chose to ignore the follow-on option.

The move had serious consequences as India got their own back and bundled the Kiwis out for just 105 before closing a dramatic day on 87-1 as they set off in pursuit of 407 to win. It would be the third-highest run chase of all-time and India’s best if they pull it off.

It remains New Zealand’s game to lose, but this is not a position they should really be in after a brilliant dis-

Trophy Stall, RHTY&SC sponsor Berbice basketball tournament

Plans for the recently resuscitated Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) received a major boost when the popular Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) joined hands to sponsor a tournament for younsters.

Only recently, the RHTY&SC donated a set of basketballs and other items to the BABA, and this sponsorship represents a commitment to assist the development of basketball in the Ancient County.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster, who approached Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall for a donation of tro-

phies, stated that he was quite impressed with the vision of BABA’s newly elected President Keith Myers and Secretary Petra Forde. He said he would work along with them to fulfill their mandates.

The RHTYSC would only work along with organisations, Foster stated, which have visionary and honest leadership, and he urged the aassociation to work beyond the call of duty to develop the game.

Managing Director of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich stated that he was willing to assist once the RHTY&SC had recommended BABA to him.

The Trophy Stall, Sunich proudly noted, is a major contributor to all sports in

Guyana and he was proud to work along with the RHTY&SC to develop sports in Berbice. The trophy stall donated trophies for the winning team, runner up and the MVP of the finals, while the RHTY&SC donated prizes for the members of the winning team.

Forde expressed gratitude to Sunich and Foster for their kind gesture to assist the newly elected body and pledged that the tournament would be well organised.

Forde stated that BABA was very grateful to the RHTYSC for its contribution to the development of the game, and issued an appeal to other organisations and business entities to support the development of basketball in Berbice.

play of bowling on Saturday morning.

Ajinkya Rahane was the first Indian batsman to fall on the middle day, going to Tim Southee for 26, with Rohit Sharma then cleaned up by Trent Boult for 72.

When Mahendra Singh Dhoni nicked Neil Wagner behind for 10 the writing was on the wall and despite an unbeaten 30 from Ravindra Jadega, India barely scraped past 200.

Watling ended with 4-64 with the other scalps going to Boult and Southee (both 3-38).

That sent New Zealand

out for 45 minutes before lunch and the chaos continued; Hamish Rutherford was leg-before to Mohammed Shami in the first over, with Peter Fulton going to the same man in the third.

When Kane Williamson was pouched by Jadeja off the bowling off Zaheer Khan for just three, the Black Caps were wobbling.

McCullum than had an even more uncomfortable lunch break as he went before the bails were flicked as he set off on a needless second run and saw the stumps thrown down to make it 15-4.

(Sky Sports)

GABF launches “Road to Mecca” tournament

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) launched their best basketball tournament yet on Friday, dubbed the “Road to Mecca” at the Duke Lodge.

The sport, which has being in a dying state, saw the turnout of various stakeholders, including from the sub-associations, namely, Georgetown, Linden and Berbice.

President of the GABF Nigel Hinds assured that the event, which will be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from March 1, will be well marketed in an effort to rekindle fan support.

“One thing that we recognize is that we need to get back the fans and our marketing budget has come up to around $1 million,” Hinds stated.

Meanwhile, with $800,000 being the top prize and $200,000 for the second place finisher, Hinds noted that there is need for creativity, as the gathering observed a minute of silence for the former late president of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association

(GABA) Trevor Rose.

“Trevor believed that he could have accomplished anything, and that is something we can all embrace,” Hinds said.

Further, the GABF assured that everything will be in place for the tournament especially with the

statistics of the game, as it has been a sore point over the years.

In addition the tournament, which is the brainchild of GABA President Michael Singh, will be a yard stick to develop a national team for the Caribbean Basketball Championships

later in the year.

“I have a very good First Division team and I look forward to putting my clubs in Georgetown up against the best from around the country. This is all to lay the foundation for superior basketball nationally,” Singh stated.

The GABF also discussed the need for clubs to be on time and that steep penalities will be in place for such clubs.

President of the Guyana Basketball Officials Council Lugard Mohan indicated that his team of officials will work as professionally as possible.

The representative clubs from Georgetown in order of seeding includ Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters, Colts, Pepsi Sonics, Ravens and Nets. Meanwhile, Kings, Jets, Royals, Raiders and Bulls will represent Linden. Canji Knights, Smyth Field Rockers, New Amsterdam Warriors, Fyrish Sharks and Rose Hall Town will represent Berbice. The 16th spot will be up for grabs in a Wild Card Playoff among the three sub-associations.

Gruelling event anticipated in R&Rsponsored Mash 40-mile cycle road race

The country’s top cyclists will be in action today in the R&R International Limited-sponsored Mash 40-mile cycle road race. The race will be staged on the West Coast Demerara roadways beginning at 08:00h from Schoonord (entrance of the Demerara Harbour Bridge). Cyclists will journey from Schoonord to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The veterans, mountain bikers and females will turn back from the Uitvlugt Community Centre, while the open category and junior riders will turn back at Bushy Park.

The top six finishers in the open category, as well as the first two finishers in the juniors, veterans and female categories, will receive trophies and monetary rewards, while the first mountain biker will also be rewarded.

The defending champion is Alonzo Greaves, who clocked one hour, 41 minutes, 58 seconds in winning last year’s event. The defending champions of the juniors, veterans and female categories are Raul Leal, Stephen Fernandes and Naomi Singh respectively.

The event, which is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, will see former cyclist and Managing Director of R&R International Limited Jacob Rambarran on hand to assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

Second edition of Stag Beer Mashramani Cup kicks off February 16

Footballers will have the chance to win

$500,000 when the second edition of the Stag Beer Mashramani Champions Cup Tournament kicks off on February 16 at the Utivlught Community Centre ground.

At the launching of the tournament on Friday, Brand Manager of Stag Beer John Maikoo noted Ansa McAl’s commitment to the tournament.

“Last year’s tournament was a huge success for the brand. I must admit, the partnership between Slingerz FC and Stag Beer, is a very productive one. So this year, we are actually looking forward to making this tournament happen, and now we pledge our full support to making this event a huge success,” Maikoo stated.

Meanwhile, as seven other clubs will be looking to uproot the title away from Slingerz FC, the second place team will receive $300 000, third place $200 000, and fourth place $100

000.

Vice President of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Christine Smidth stressed the value it brings to the West Side communities.

“The people of the West Side are addicted to football and I want to thank both Slingerz FC and Stag Beer for making this tournament happen again. Last year, it was huge and the people all enjoyed it, as well as the competitive spirit that it brought out in the teams. This year we know that people will enjoy it even more,” Smidth noted.

Further, newly appointed team captain Vurlon Mills encouraged the players to play clean football despite being competitive for the title.

“I know that everyone wants to win, but my team is ready to defend the title. However, I want to encourage the other team and players to play in good spirit and let’s give the fans another great tournament.” Mills noted.

Stag Beer/EBFA Division One League pushed back

by one week

The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) has announced that the 2014 Stag Beer sponsored Division One League, which was set to kick off today at the Grove Playfield, will now start on February 16 at the same venue.

The EBFA has said that the inclement weather was responsible for the change of date, since the ground would not have been be in tip-top shape for the start of the new season.

Kuru Kururu Warriors and Diamond United will set the tone for what is anticipated to be an exciting season for teams on the East Bank, at all levels. That game will kick off at 13:00h. The feature game brings together Mocha Champs and home team, Grove Hi Tech.

The other teams that

will be competing for the top prize of $300,000 are Soesdyke Falcons, Timehri Panthers and Herstelling Football Club.

The second place team will pocket $150,000, third place $100,000, while the fourth place team will take home $50,000. A number of individual prizes will be at stake. These include the Golden Boot and Golden Ball for the player to score the most goals; the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper; and the Fair Play and Best Coach Trophies.

Meanwhile, the EBFA will hold their annual general meeting next Sunday at the Grove Community Centre from 11:00h. Topping the agenda will be the election of office bearers.

Jamaica beat

than aggression

Guyana by 10 runs in their NAGICO Super50 Regional crick - et match at the Queen’s Park Oval on Saturday.

Nkrumah Bonner stroked a fine century to give Jamaica the edge in Group A, as the Jamaicans posted 243/7 from their 50 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Jamaica were slow out of the blocks and only reached their century after 31.2 overs. Bonner, too, was quite slow, but the situation demanded caution more

Earlier, the Jamaicans were reduced to 45/3 after 13.1 overs. Bonner pulled his team out, stroking 122 runs from 157 balls, spending over two and a half hours at the crease. He hit eight fours and five sixes.

The Jamaicans scored 104 runs from the last ten overs of the innings, with 60 runs coming off the last five. Veerasammy Permaul (2-45) and Ronsford Beaton (2-56) took two wickets each for Guyana.

Ramnaresh Sarwan was rested from the Guyana team after coming down with the flu, while Narsingh Deonarine and Paul Wintz were also replaced in the starting XI.

Guyana were off to a

Jamaica beat Guyana to top Group

SCOREBOARD

H Miller c †Bramble b Beaton 6

JD Campbell c †Bramble

b Barnwell 10

NE Bonner not out 122

TL Lambert c †Bramble

b Fudadin

NO Miller not out 20

Extras: (lb 3, w 18) 21

Total: (7 wickets; 50 overs) 243

Did not bat: JE Taylor, SS Cottrell

Fall of wickets: 1-14 (H Miller, 3.1 ov), 2-25 (Campbell, 6.6 ov), 3-45 (Lambert, 13.1 ov), 4-97 (McCarthy, 28.4 ov), 5-134 (Baugh, 38.5 ov), 6-152 (Bernard, 42.2 ov), 7-170 (Russell, 44.1 ov)

Bowling: CD Barnwell 10-057-1, RR Beaton 8-2-56-2, AB Fudadin 6-1-17-1, D Bishoo 10-0-37-1, V Permaul 10-045-2, RT Crandon 6-0-28-0

GUYANA innings (target: 244 runs from 50 overs)

TA Griffith c McCarthy b Russell 37

S Chanderpaul c Campbell

b Cottrell 65

RE Bacchus c †Baugh b Russell

LR Johnson lbw b Lambert 16

CD Barnwell* b Campbell

AB Fudadin c NO Miller

b Cottrell 21

RT Crandon run out (Bernard)

A Bramble† b Cottrell

V Permaul not out 17

D Bishoo b Russell 6

RR Beaton run out (Bernard) 9

Extras: (lb 1, w 15, nb 2) 18

Total: (all out; 49.5 overs) 233

Fall of wickets: 1-88 (Griffith, 21.5 ov), 2-96 (Bacchus, 23.6 ov), 3-124 (Johnson, 30.3 ov), 4-145 (Barnwell, 32.6 ov), 5-152 (Chanderpaul, 36.3 ov), 6-177 (Crandon, 41.5 ov), 7-192 (Fudadin, 44.5 ov), 8-201 (Bramble, 46.1 ov), 9-216 (Bishoo, 47.6 ov), 10-233 (Beaton, 49.5 ov)

Bowling: JE Taylor 8-0-27-0, SS Cottrell 10-1-62-3, DE Bernard 5-0-29-0, NO Miller 6-1-26-0, TL Lambert 10-1-27-1, AD Russell 9.5-1-51-3, JD Campbell 1-0-10-1

sound start with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Trevon Griffith putting on 88 for the opening stand in 21.5 overs, with Griffith contributing a solid 37.

After the loss of Robin Bacchus (6), Leon Johnson (16) and skipper Christopher Barnwell (11), Guyana were still within striking distance when Chanderpaul and Assad Fudadin (21) came together. Chanderpaul eventually fell for a well made 65, his second half century of the tournament in as many games. But, as so often in his career, his dismissal signalled the end of hopes for his team, despite a lower order rally, spearheaded by Permaul.

Guyana eventually fell 10 runs short for 233, losing their last wicket with one ball left of the allotted 50 overs.

Golf season tees off today at Lusignan fairway

Ten teams will be battling for supremacy today when the Banks DIH Limited/ Citizens Bank Players’ Cup/GT Beer Championship tees off at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) fairway, East Coast Demerara.

Each team will comprise four players and the winning team will be determined by the lowest total net score.

The confirmed teams to do battle are Pasture Warriors, Thoroughbred, GT Beer, Team Carib, Warlords, Pitbulls, Putting Pirates, Jaguars, Conquerors and Beacons Blasters.

Pasture Warriors will feature Haresh Tewari, Avinash Persaud, Ravi Persaud and David Harry; Thoroughbred team comprises Chatterpaul Deo, Joaan Deo, Vijay Deo and Esau Shamshudeen; while Fazil Haniff, Munaff Arjune, Kishan Bacchus and Kalyan Tiwari make up the Warlords team.

Pit bulls will be spearheaded by Mike Mangal, and will feature Alfred Mentore, Maurice Solomon and B Deo, while the Jaguars’ players are Jerome Khan, Imran Khan, Matti Wesselin and Jacks Harry. The Putting Pirates consists of

Brian Hackett, William Walker, Patrick Prashad and Ian Gouveia. The GT Beer team will be represented by Clifford Reis, Gavin Todd, Mark Lashley and Christine Sukhram, while Team Carib will have Troy Cadogan, Ronald Bulkan, George Bulkan and Kassim Khan

Conquerors’ players are Pur Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar, Allim Hussein and S Deosaran, while Dr Philbert London, Shanella Webster, Carlos Adams and Mohanlall Dinnanauth will play for the Beacon Blasters.

Apart from the team prize, the individual player with the best net score will win the prestigious Player’s Cup, sponsored by Citizens Bank.

The present holder of the Player’s Cup is Prashad, who also won the title in 2012. There will be a best gross prize up for grabs.

The players will compete in three flights – 0-9, 10-18 and 19-28 handicaps. There will be attractive prizes for the top three teams in the tournament. Tee off time is 9:00h.