Guyana Times Daily

wednesday, april 2, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

April Demerara Assizes opens

The April Criminal Assizes in Demerara began on Monday with its usual pomp and ceremony outside the High Court in Georgetown.

The traditional march past was done early in the morning on South Road, with ranks from the Tactical Services Unit and the Guyana Police Force’s band marching from the Brickdam Police Station to the High Court.

Justice William Ramlall took the salute during the march past and also inspected the guard of honour. He, along with Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes, will preside over this criminal session. This assizes will run until June.

Gaol delivery

A mixed 12-member jury was empanelled before Justice Singh to hear the murder trial of Cyle Thomas who was killed on November 3, 2010 in John Street, Lodge. Renwick Alexander is indicted with the murder and pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

Senior State Counsel Judith Gildarie-Mursalin, the prosecuting official, made her opening address to the jury panel before she began calling witnesses. Alexander is being represented by Attorney Parag Hukumchand.

The January criminal session in Demerara ended on Monday; however, the gaol delivery was done on

Friday last before Justice Singh. During that session, Justice Singh, along with Justice Franklin Holder and Justice Ramlall, had presided. The January session saw the state securing several convictions. Forty-year-old William Lyte was sentenced to 47 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Lyte was initially indicted with the October 2010 murder of Ann Chan-AKoon and Cedric Blackman, both of whom he hacked to death while they were passing by his Charlestown home after he went on a rampage.

Then, Tramangra “Queenie” Williams, was sentenced to 18 years for the murder of her Barbadian boyfriend Tyrone Best in December 2008. The woman had said in her unsworn statement to the court that during an argument, Best ran into a knife. Williams was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Akeem Roberts was given a 10-year sentence after he also pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Roberts was indicted with the murder of fellow classmate, Shane George, who he admitted to stabbing at a city ‘lessons’ back in May 2012. George reportedly constantly taunted Roberts, who retaliated on that fateful day. Before the teen was sentenced, he apologised to the relatives of the deceased. Also to be sentenced was

Eddie Williams who got seven years imprisonment for the November 2010 murder of Jermaine Jones at Ruimzigt, West Coast Demerara. Jones was dating Williams’ aunt and had reportedly accused the then 18-year-old of stealing his cellular phone and some money. An argument ensued during which Jones was stabbed to death.

Recent acquittal

However, the state also suffered some blows after it lost a few cases, including the most recent acquittal of the famous Red Dragon stabbing accused. Twentytwo-year-old Tiffany Clarke was freed on Monday last after she was found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter by the jury. She was indicted with the murder of her lover, Sonobia James in March 2011 outside the night spot.

Carl Bennett was also freed after he was found not guilty by the jury of the October 2009 murder of Marvin Boston, who was stabbed during a family feud in Albouystown. Bennett was being retried after there was a hung jury at his first trial.

During that session, Parsram “Desmond” Lalchand was also found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter by the jury panel. He was indicted along with five others for the July 2008 murder of Viranjan at Annandale, East Coast Demerara. Lalchand had to undergo two retrials.

Security agencies benefit from IPS training

More than 35 ranks from various security agencies are now certified in International Port Security (IPS) following a training programme last month hosted by the United States Coast Guard.

The training was facilitated by the U.S. Embassy and was held from March 23 to 28. Ranks from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard; the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) participated in the forum. The training was done by IPS instructors from the U.S. Coast Guard Service, who conducted a technical course on International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The programme focused on reducing risks to international and U.S. ports and ships while facilitating secure maritime trade globally.

According to the U.S. Embassy, these reciprocal visits are designed to strengthen Guyana’s port security system and global maritime security, while enhancing the mutual interests in shipping between the United States and Guyana.

During the sessions, the role and functions of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD); ship security; surveillance and monitoring; cargo handling supervision and best practices from other locations were discussed. This course complements another offered in February on piracy and other port security issues.

“Together, these engagements form part of a broader United States Coast Guard training and assistance programme for Guyanese port security officials being carried out in partnership with Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department,” the Embassy said.

CBSI

Upon conclusion of the training programme, a simple graduation ceremony was held on March 28. During the ceremony, Coast Guard Commander Otto Porter stated that the programme was mutually beneficial, as he highlighted the value of having multiple stakeholder representatives attending the programme to “learn how port security processes can be inte-

grated among a variety of personnel and agencies”.

The training programme was held under a broader and more comprehensive regional security partnership, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). CBSI covers vast areas including maritime/aerial security cooperation, law enforcement capacity building, counternarcotics efforts, border/port security, firearms interdiction, crime prevention, and at-risk youth.

Only recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt, acknowledged that the CBSI programme has yielded overwhelming successes since its implementation; however, he noted that there is still much more work to be done and pledged the U.S.’s commitment to continue working with the Caribbean region. He disclosed that in 2014, the CBSI work plan entails deepened collaborative work to support law enforcement professionalisation, improve counternarcotics control capabilities, bolster the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts, enhance border and port security, and strengthen correctional systems.

No bail for Ossie Rogers on assault, threatening charges

adio Broadcaster

ROssie Rogers was remanded to prison on Tuesday after he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court charged with assaulting and threatening a 13-year-old girl.

Rogers was charged with assault causing serious bodily harm and threatening language.

The prosecution stated that Rogers slapped and threatened the 13-year-old girl from Industry, East Coast Demerara in her yard while accusing her of being too close a friend of a 15-yearold male, who is reportedly a close friend of Rogers.

It is also reported that Rogers endangered the girl’s

mother and shoved her down in her yard when she rushed to her daughter’s aid.

Reports reaching Guyana Times state that when Rogers appeared in court,

he requested that Presiding Magistrate Alex Moore recuse himself from hearing the case, since he had found him guilty in another case.

The Magistrate then told

Rogers that there was no reason under law for him to recuse himself from the case and he proceeded to hear the matter.

Both offences are bailable; however, the virtual complainant in tears told the court that she now fears for her life, pointing out that the accused has made other threats prior to his court appearance Tuesday.

Magistrate Moore subsequently decided to remand the freelance radio announcer to prison. His attorney, Dexter Todd, via a brief telephone interview, said he will appeal the Magistrate’s decision. Rogers will make his next court appearance on next Tuesday.

Manickchand barred from budget debate

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman has banned Education Minister Priya Manickchand from speaking in the National Assembly after she refused to apologise over rape allegations. It was while A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) front bencher Volda Lawrence was advocating for girls and young women to be protected from men who often get away with statutory rape, that the Education Minister shouted from across the floor “Ask your member Sharma, ask your APNU Member Sharma!” Manickchand’s utterances plunged the House into an uproar. APNU Member of Parliament Jaipaul Sharma jumped to his feet, demanding an apology. The Speaker of the House in a matter of seconds rose to his defence, instructing Manickchand to

offer an apology. “Minister Manickchand, there is no need for us to go there… I am asking that you both refrain and apologise.”

But rather than apologise, the Minister said: “I am in a bit of a tight situation, Sir, and I will tell you why. I would never refuse to yield to your advice, but it goes against my belief. Five children! Five children!”

But this justification was deemed unacceptable by

the Speaker. Her behaviour was deemed “out of order” by the Speaker who made it clear that Manickchand would not be allowed to speak during the debate unless she offered an apology. “Ms Manickchand, you will be speaking later and I would not recognise you to speak in this Assembly, any day on this debate, if that is the attitude you are going to take…. a sitting member of this House.”

Despite stern warnings, the Education Minister remained firm on her position that she was not referring to the APNU MP. “I will say without reservation I was not referring to the APNU and I say that without reservation.” At the end of the fiery confrontation, she sat in her seat.

In 2010, the APNU MP’s father Chandra Narine (CN) Sharma faced the courts over rape allegations involving a 13-yearold. In April that year, Chief Magistrate Melissa Ogle-Robertson remanded Sharma to prison following his first court appearance, but he was later placed on $2 million bail after he collapsed in the court. After collapsed, he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. In May 2013, the matter moved to the High Court. It is still engaging the attention of the court.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

People and budget

There were accusations hurled at the Government by the Opposition that the budget estimates were actually designed to “pander” to the people. One would have to be living on Pluto not to appreciate that whatever initiative any democratic Government unfurls, it has to keep an eye on the electorate.

In fact, in the advanced democracies, opinion polls are conducted continuously on various issues so the government can discern the people’s opinions on their actions or policies on given issues.

What the Opposition seems to be suggesting is that the Government must propose estimates for spending the money extracted from the people, with no thought about how the people would react.

This is not surprising coming from an Opposition dominated by the People’s National Congress, which took this country down the road of complete economic ruination because it insisted that it had all the answers and the people were pawns. And that their answer lay in the state “controlling the commanding heights of the economy” via the PNC, which was “paramount” over the state.

That was, and is not democracy and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), notwithstanding its left orientation, is to be commended for not being lured in that direction. It is imperative that the budget, along with every other action of the Government receive the “consent of the governed”.

This process is, of course, slower and messier that having a dictator or a paramount party delivering edicts from their Olympian headquarters and for the people to be “moulded” to toe the party line through mass state institutions. But in the end, taking into consideration the opinions of the people, is the only way that history has shown lay sustainable progress.

There is, of course, the possibility that an incumbent Government, in presenting its budget might be pandering to the people so as to secure their support. In fact, this is not just a possibility, but highly probable: in the developed countries during election years, everyone expects an “election budget” – meaning one designed to please the incumbent’s support base as well as reaching out to the wider population.

It appears that in addition to the poll the Opposition conducted to gauge the strength of President Ramotar, this accusation of “pandering” to the people might be indicative of the Opposition’s fears that a snap poll is in the offing.

They are obviously aware, even without the results of their latest poll, that their support has eroded precipitously because of their obdurate anti-national/people stance on the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project (AFHEP) and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, and they are petrified at facing the electorate at this time.

The Government, however, has no need to craft any “elections budget” at this time. As the Finance Minister observed, the growth rate for the last eight years has exceeded five per cent annually – a feat that is unmatched in any other economy in the region. The people are aware that while the country has a far way to go economically, their lives have improved yearly.

And they know too that the reason why they are lagging behind other countries in the region is because the same Opposition’s finance team, led by the same Carl Greenidge posturing in Parliament, brought this country to its knees the last time they were facilitated to get their hands on the levers of power.

If the Opposition believes that the Government is practising what the Americans call “pork barrel politics” –intended to benefit only its supporters, as for instance on the sugar subsidy – then they ought to come out and say so openly. The Government might then inquire as to why the Opposition insisted that only Linden is designated as “deprived” so as to receive a subsidy on electricity.

But where does this kind of politics get this country? Let us debate the Budget on its merits.

Budgets should not be reviewed in isolation

Dear Editor, Budgets should not be reviewed in isolation, but rather as a continuation of Government’s economic and development programme during its current period of office. With that being said, this budget can be summed up as a continuance and extension of the previous two budgets under the Donald Ramotar Administration.

With the above context under consideration, this budget can be described as steady, attractive and people friendly building on the achievements of its predecessors.

We in the private sector would have wanted to see more initiatives that increased consumer spending and provided savings for the private sector to reinvest into the economy through expansion and new activities.

We would have wanted to see a drop in corporate taxes to around five per cent, which was done two years ago, and even though some had feared a drop in revenues as result, we saw that last year, corporate tax collection increased by 16 per cent.

Also, the PAYE income tax rate should have been reduced further. Last year, as a result of the 3 1/3 per cent reductions in this rate, the economy lost around $1 billion in revenues. The Government could have further reduced that rate another 3 1/3 per cent and look at other ways of offsetting the revenues lost.

Another initiative the Government could have considered is reducing the high tariffs on imported meats (chicken, beef, pork) so that prices for those commodities on the domestic market

could reduce and save consumers billions in disposable income annually.

Reassuringly, current Government revenues went up by 4.8 per cent and specifically, tax revenues increased by seven per cent to $126 billion.

While tax changes have to be implemented gradually, it is important that the Government is guided by a comprehensive tax reform proposal. This proposal should be shared with the entire population so that everyone knows what to anticipate over a number of years as it relates to tax reform.

FDI receipts reduced by US$79 million in 2013. Measures should be put in place to spur this and can include tax relief to large international/multinational companies based on size of investment and number of actual employment created as reflected on payroll. Other favourable measure to attract FDI should also be considered.

Proportions for sector allocations are trending in the right direction with education, health, security and infrastructural upgrades topping the list. These address critical social and infrastructural upgrades that are necessary for a stable and prosperous society.

The aviation sector could have allocated more resources for hinterland airstrip development. This is important for our mining and tourism communities to access interior locations.

The amount allocated for the dredging of the Demerara Harbour is a step in the right direction, but more will have to be allocated to this in the coming years. There has

been a steady appeal for this from the private sector and in particular the Shippers Association.

We are particularly pleased with the social programmes contained to help struggling families get their children to school. However, Government will have to find appropriate mechanisms to ensure that the funds allocated reach its intended targets and that the monies once received by the family, is spent for the purpose intended. This could cause logistical and resource problems during implementation and monitoring. To ensure efficacy, Government would have to spend and utilise additional resources, both financial and human. Additional funds might have to be allocated for this.

This measure also raises the question as to whether the monies allocated could not have been allocated to increase teachers’ salaries or increase the salaries of the Guyana Police Force. It would be much easier to do so in terms of implementation and the cost of doing so would have been cheaper.

The subsidies to GPL is welcomed since the high cost of fuel and electricity generation would be too burdensome on consumers were it not for the subsidy. In terms of the Linden electricity subsidy, Government should have taken the opportunity to tie that subsidy and declare Linden as an Electricity Free Manufacturing Zone to encourage manufacturers to set up operations and pursue the industrial diversification of the economy. These electricity zones could offer free electricity for a number of years and gradually include

charges as companies’ financial and operational performances improve. The Linden-Lethem road upgrade and the CJIA expansion project are also welcomed as they provide critical logistical and transportation efficiencies for our private sector and in particular the mining and tourism industry. It is also hoped too that the road upgrade would lead to increased cross border trade with Brazil.

We need to keep a watch on decreases in remittances that amounted to US$141.1 million less last year than in 2012. That means a significant sum of money not circulating in our economy and this is money that is usually used as disposal income.

GuySuCo’s subsidy is necessary considering the state of the agency and the consequential social and economic consequences were it to stumble further. An annual Government subsidy to GuySuCo is an un-sustainable strategy and measures would have to be put in place to diversify the products manufactured by the entity. For instance, energy, confectionaries, molasses, animal feed, etc. Additionally, underperforming estates can be sold or offered at concessionary rental to multinational firms looking to invest and set-up their manufacturing and industrial operations. This would absorb any employment that is lost as a result of the estates’ closure.

Yours truly,

Monique Tiwari Project and Event Coordinator Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Upper Mazaruni communities were consulted on proposed Hydro Power station

Dear Editor,

Another section of the press carried an article on March 31 about Amerindian communities not being consulted on Mazaruni Hydro Project and about a claim by the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) that several communities would be submerged.

The article is definitely misleading. Before its publication, the reporter should have sought comments from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to ensure balanced and responsible

reporting. Unfortunately this did not happen.

In relation to the proposed Hydro Project in the Upper Mazaruni River, the Government through Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and other Government officials commenced consultations with relevant stakeholders including the National Toshao Council (NTC) and the residents of the Upper Mazaruni.

The residents were concerned about flooding, but

felt relieved when they were informed by the officials that, with the advancement of technology, there will be a totally different approach to the project’s design reducing the reservoir significantly by 90 per cent or more when compared to the one in the 1970s.

However, a prefeasibility study will be conducted by a Brazilian consortium very soon to determine Guyana’s potential to develop Hydro Power stations in both the Middle and

Upper Mazaruni in Region Seven.

This information was provided to the residents of the Upper Mazaruni by the Government officials who visited the communities.

So the information provided by the APA is misleading and erroneous.

The Upper Mazaruni communities were engaged in relation to the proposed Hydro Power station in the Upper Mazaruni.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

Some women are willing to live in denial

Dear Editor,

With great concern, I read the story of the 10-year-old North Sophia lad who had a near brush with death after an attempted suicide pact. The media then went to work to unearth the real facts and soon found out that this was a classic case of abuse of a stepchild which caused the lad to want to take his own life.

Hardly a week went by that the mother of the injured lad is out swinging, accusing the media of publishing an erroneous report of abuse and as she puts it “the boy was just horsing around”.

Well, this is quite a different story coming from his mother, her story has as its central theme a malicious press who wants to incriminate her commonlaw husband of ill-treating the 10-year-old and for this she is most upset. Quite an interesting response from that mother!

Now, the red lights in my head begin flashing when I read her response to the media report on the matter and here’s my reason: Why would a lad of 10 years want to commit suicide?

Secondly, why didn’t the stepfather come out with a

statement on the matter, after all he is the one that is accused of ill-treating the youngster? Why is the mother doing all the talking? Why is she speaking so loudly when accusations were not levelled against her? There is something radically wrong about that story she is giving.

You see dear readers, this is the situation we are confronted with in these domestic abuse situations where the woman, in this case a mother, is willing to sacrifice her son for an abusive spouse. She is willing to live in denial to the bitter end that a situation of abuse does not occur in that house.

And this is very dangerous business because that little boy, as well as his mother’s life, is at risk from an abusive spouse. This is precisely the point we are making. That is, this “living in denial factor” certainly leads down a dangerous road that ultimately takes the lives of those involved.

If one should look deep into the recent case in the North West District, you get the murderous reality of this weird kind of thinking – a man incinerated his entire family because of his wife’s failure to deal with

a spouse who was a bully and an abuser. She shielded him while he brutally abused and controlled that entire household. Therefore, when he thought in his head that there was no other alternative left, he locked them in and savagely burned the house down. Now I read all the ‘mambo jumbo’ excuses of the police not being prompt in response to the desperate cries for help coming from the little 12-year-old daughter.

But I would rather go with the trusted theory of a battered woman trying to keep things ‘hush hush’ and pretend that he is not violent. Can you tell me how a grown woman could stay quiet and allow a man to lock them in, then douse the house with gasoline and light it afire, and you not for one instant resist him and run away or scream to the top of your lungs for help?

Why should a 12-yearold have to do the work of the adult? Further, why should the police be blamed when the mother was not in the least serious about having her abuser punished?

So, this is the situation confronting us today, women who live in denial. A dangerous road. I am

Phagwah celebrations united people in Guyana and Richmond Hill

Dear Editor, I write to applaud the political leaders in Guyana for coming together and celebrating the one national festival that seems to bring people together regardless of ethnic or religious background.

Kudos to the Indian High Commissioner for bringing the different political leaders under one tent in a show of unity. If only it can be continued forever rather than slipping right back into hate. Ethnic entrepreneurs play on people’s fears and one must guard against those who use ethnic conflict to build their political support promoting hatred.

thankful that this youngster is out of danger and would be well on the way to full recovery.

The next step is for the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), that is, to question that youngster thoroughly and possibly get him out of that horrible situation. I know that there are trained people in that agency that are going to get the truth out of him.

Guyana can ill afford to have our future generation scarred, battered and demoralised all because some women want to live their lives in denial.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

As in Guyana, Phagwah is not restricted to any one community. Guyanese had a wonderful Phagwah celebration in New York, especially in Richmond Hill, the Bronx and New Jersey putting aside their varied differences and coming together for a magnificent celebration. People of varied ethnicities and religious backgrounds gathered at the Phagwah parades and the cultural mela at Smokey Park.

The organisers of the New York parade are to be applauded for another brilliant parade. Although it was a very cold day and the crowd was not as large as previous years, the enthusiasm and celebratory mood

had not declined. People celebrated Phagwah with full revelry and enthusiasm just like they did in Guyana. Some 21 floats representing temples and cultural organisations and businesses partook in the parade in addition to the New York Police Marching Band. Several other organisations also marched on foot with banners representing their organisation.

As in Guyana, people of varied backgrounds hugged each other and said “Shubh Holi”, “Holi Rei”, and “Happy Holi”. At the park, on stage, several youngsters entertained the crowd with singing and classical dances and tassa renditions.

Several politicians (Councilmen, Senators and Assemblymen representing the greater Richmond Hill area as well as the Guyanese American Councilman from Schenectady and a candidate seeking Congressional Office) addressed the gathering delivering Phagwah messages.

Kudos to the Phagwah organisers in Guyana and the U.S. and the Indian High Commission for well organised celebrations that helped people to bury their differences even if it was for one day.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

Does age affect how parents raise their children?

BY DAMON VERIAL

The factors that affect how a child grows up are nearly infinite. However, psychological research on children has found that the age of a child’s parents has a significant effect on many of the important aspects of growing up. Though the effects of raising a child at a later age tend to be positive, this does not mean older parents are necessarily better parents. A good parent is one that utilises a good parenting style, regardless of age.

The big picture: Older parents are better…kind of…

Studies across many disciplines, from sociology to developmental psychology have looked at the effect a parent’s age can have on the children she raises. And according to Susan E Mayer, PhD, writing for the U.S. Social Development Ministry, the overall connection is that older parents tend to raise children that are better in many aspects, from social functioning to educational attainment. However, psychologists are careful not to draw drastic conclusions from such studies because of the possibility of other aspects that weren’t focused on. For example, parental age and parental income are strongly related, so the characteristic making “better parents” might

not be age but income. In any case, though the trend is that older parents tend to raise “better” children, all parents – regardless of age or income – should work on their parenting techniques, the true transmitter of child motivation and rearing.

Reasons older parents might be better

Besides the ability to spend increased income that tends to come with age on children’s education, parenting information and extracurricular activities, an older parent also has the ability to share his plentiful experiences and knowledge with his child. The older a person gets, the more mistakes he makes, the more knowledge he gains and the more social skills he gains. An older person is also more focused on strengthening his family relationships than on personal gain, such as in a corporate office that requires employees to work overtime to excel. Thus, older people are likely to spend more time and mental effort on raising their children, says Kevin Durkin, author of “Developmental Social Psychology: From Infancy to Old Age.”

Older people just do things differently

Just as a child interacts with his peers in a different manner as he grows up, parents interact with their

children differently as they grow. The parenting practices of older parents differ from those of younger parents, according to the article “Perceived Parental Stress: The Relative Contributions of Child and Parent Characteristics,” which appeared in the 2011 issue of the Journal on Developmental Disabilities. Specifically, older parents tend to show and feel less stress in their parenting efforts, use better coping strategies and engage in more positive reinforcement. Such a parenting style, commonly referred to as the authoritative style, tends to yield the best results in the academic performance, mental stability and social success of children.

Actually, age doesn’t matter Though statistically, older parents tend to raise “better” children, a parent who wants what’s best for her children shouldn’t care about her age but about how she acts toward her child. Even parents at the “best” age for raising children can end up terrible parents if they don’t put effort into their parenting; good parenting strategies work regardless of age. So, as a parent, allow your child to grow up to fulfil his potential. Enhance his social-emotional skill levels by allowing the expres-

sion of emotions. Avoid acting on anger you might feel toward your child, instead discussing the problems with him on his level. Push your child into challenging but rewarding activities to help him build his self-esteem. Overall, focusing on your parenting skills rather than your age will yield the largest benefit for your family, according to John Gottman, author of Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child. (everydaylife.globalpost.com)

Positive and negative influences of parents on their children

BY ALICE DRINKWORTH

Aparent can do anything in the eyes of a six-year-old, but becomes an embarrassment to that same child at age 13. An adolescent’s more critical view of his parents is part of growing up, preparing him to separate from his family when he becomes an adult. Parents might turn that critical eye inward, to reassess their parenting and lifestyles. The choices parents make can have long-lasting

positive and negative influences on children.

Parental involvement It isn’t easy to be involved with a teen who keeps pushing away, but making the effort pays off. Parents who are involved with their children, who know where they are after school and have met most of their friends, have a positive effect on their child’s life. Children of involved parents are less likely to participate in risky behaviours such as smoking, drinking alcohol or fighting, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Teens with involved parents have better self-esteem and perform better in school.

Lack of involvement

On the flipside, a lack of parental involvement can have long-lasting negative effects on a child. Children who don’t have a close relationship with a parent are at risk for teen pregnancy, more likely to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, and more likely to live a sedentary life. They are also more likely to be withdrawn or suffer from depression.

Healthy habits

Children observe parents and their behaviours. Parents lead by example. A child who sees his dad exercising regularly is more likely to be active as an adult. Behaviours demonstrated by parents affect a child’s eating habits, exercise habits and dental hygiene.

Bad habits

Unhealthy behaviours might have even higher negative effects. Children of smokers are more likely to smoke, because of parental modelling and because they have increased access to cigarettes. A child of an alcoholic parent is four times more likely to become an alcoholic. Some of it is genetics, some modelling, and some accessibility.

Positive parenting

Being an involved parent takes time, patience and the ability to deal with eye rolls and mopey behaviour. Parents can start with a family dinner, which has shown to have a tremendous positive effect on children. The family dinner brings parents and children together, giving time and space for conversation in a comfortable environment. Positive parenting is being available to a child, talking about subjects that interest the child and knowing his friends. (everydaylife.globalpost.com)

High tides cause damage to sea defences

he Public Works

TMinistry said recent high tides have undermined sections of the sea wall in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and Hyde Park, East Bank Essequibo since March 27 to present.

In a statement, the Ministry said during the spring tide period, the highest tide was experienced on March 31, at a height of 3.22 metres. However, it noted that gusty winds coincided with the high tides along the coast causing an elevation in waves and consequential overtopping in some areas.

“The Ministry continues to monitor all vulnerable areas and undertakes preventative maintenance and emergency repairs on critical sea and river defences where necessary,” the statement said. It added that the Sea and River Defence

Force Account Unit has mobilised to undertake emergency repairs on the river defences at Mosquito Hall, ECD and Hyde Park. At Mosquito Hall, structural repair works will be carried out to remedy cavities and structural undermining of sections of the existing wave wall which have developed during this spring tide period.

Additionally, the Ministry said it will be executing upgrading works to the earthen embankment and adjacent façade drains at this location. “It should be noted that major reconstruction works have been scheduled for Mosquito Hall/Lancaster under the 2014 Sea Defences Capital Programme. A tender was publicly advertised for works at Mosquito Hall and were opened on February,

2014. The Ministry is currently awaiting award of the Contract,” the statement said.

Spring tide advisories

At Hyde Park, a 15-foot breach has developed in the river defence due to erosion of the existing earthen embankment. “This has resulted in localised flooding of the area due to water intrusion at high tides. The Sea and River Defence Force Account Unit is currently working at this location to reinstate the breached section of embankment. It should also be noted that reconstruction works have been programmed for this location under the Caribbean Development Bank-funded third Sea Defences Project. “

The Ministry reiterated that all vulnerable ar-

EU support boosts Caricom Merchandise Trade Statistics

eas along the coast will continue to be monitored and preventative maintenance measures carried out as required. “The public should take note that spring tide advisories are published with a list of vulnerable areas during all spring tide periods. The Ministry will continue to advise the general public on critical developments with regard to the implementation of sea and river defence works in coastal and riverine communities. “

The Government of Guyana has received a loan of US$25 million from the Caribbean Development Bank to fund a project which will protect a number of communities from flooding and other hazards brought on by the effects of climate change.

Components of the project include the reconstruction and improvement of approximately 5.4 kilometres of sea and river defences, as well as capacity building in shoreline change monitoring and analysis. The project will also include a Community Awareness and Education Programme.

The project will involve 20 rural communities in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six, along the coastline and in Leguan Island, which is in the Essequibo estuary. These communities have a combined population of about 45,000 people in about 9000 households.

Trade Statistics

As efforts continue to provide core, high quality statistics to regional decision-makers for the establishment and monitoring of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), staff members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat on Monday were brought up to date on new systems for Merchandise Trade Statistics.

A consultancy in that regard got underway this week with a briefing session at the Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

The consultancy is being funded by the European Union (EU) under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Economic Integration Programme.

It will build on work done under the Ninth EDF

by reinforcing the capacity of the national and Secretariat’s statistical offices to produce and disseminate Merchandise Trade Statistics.

Support to Merchandise Trade Statistics under the 10th EDF centres on the New Eurotrace system for trade data processing and dissemination. This was installed in countries under the Ninth EDF and has been enhanced by Eurostat. It is expected that under the project the quality of trade data and its processing in member states and at the Secretariat will be enhanced as well as its dissemination and analysis.

Human resource capacity in the field will also be improved through training of trainers in the New Eurotrace, Comext, Mirror Statistics and Trade Indices Modules.

Four friends on bail for robbery charge

Four men were granted bail on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the charge of robbery.

The four accused, Travis King of Lot 161 Titus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Akeem Stanley, a consultant of Lot 867 Aubrey Barker Street, Georgetown;

Curtlan Stanley, 18, of Lot 120 Section A Grove Housing Scheme, EBD; and Godfrey Lynch, 18, of Lot 16 Diamond Public Road, EBD pleaded not guilty to the charge read to them.

It is alleged that on March 28 at the Food Palace Restaurant in Georgetown, the defendants robbed Stefon Phillips of one gold chain val-

ued $220,000, and one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $150,000, a total value of $370,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question about 22:15h, the virtual complainant was walking out of the said restaurant when the four defendants approached him.

The four accused dealt the virtual complainant sever-

al cuffs about the body before relieving him of the said articles and made good their escape. A report was made and police, acting upon a tip, apprehended the defendants. The accused men were positively identified and arrested.

Bail was granted in the sum of $150,000 for each defendant. The case was adjourned until April 30 for statements.

Four witnesses testify in Carol Ann Lynch PI

Former Beauty

Queen Carol Ann Lynch made yet another court appearance on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Lynch is accused of murdering her husband Farouk Razack on May 7, 2007

at their 106 Ireng Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown home. Razack’s body was found about 08:30h on the day in question with a wound to his head and marks around his neck.

At that time, Lynch had just returned home from taking their daughter to school. A post-mortem examination confirmed that

Razack was strangled.

As the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in the murder continues, witnesses appeared to tell the court what they remember of the day the offence was committed.

The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge and stood silently before the Magistrate.

This is the second trial for Lynch after the original case was discharged in 2008. In 2010, the case was ordered reinstituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack.

The former Beauty Queen was further remanded until 09:00h today for the continuation of the proceedings.

Labourer reportedly rapes Port Kaituma schoolgirl

Asix-year-old from a gold mining area of Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One, was allegedly raped by a labourer.

According to reports, the schoolgirl was heading to school on Friday last when she was brutally abused by the elder. The labourer is said to be in the mid-thirties.

The child was reportedly fooled by the labourer who visited the community approximately two months ago to work as a cargo man at the Water Front.

The labourer alleged invited the schoolgirl to take some “sweets” after which he pushed then overpowered her.

The labourer was arrested and is in police custody after the child ran home and told her parents.

She was rushed to the Port Kaituma Hospital and is said to be bleeding profusely.

The labourer also warned the girl not to tell anyone of the incident, as he will take care of her. Police at Port Kaituma are investigating the matter.

Eyew tness DOA...

...from Conversation Tree

Ex-Speaker Ralph Ramkarran became a very prolific writer following his departure from the PPP/C. Seems he’d built up quite a head of hate during the prior 50 years he spent in that organisation. Lusting to be President so badly, he kept his mouth shut thinking he wouldn’t piss off anyone. He never realised a leader had to stand for something or else he’ll fall for anything. He ended up pissing off everyone.

But he must’ve been working up courage to leave for a while before he felt disrespected by a junior erstwhile comrade – and a female one to boot – and he departed in a huff. He’d established a blog called “Conversation Tree” on which he put out a flurry of pieces positioning himself as the “great conciliator” between the PPP/C and the PNC. He obviously had the same posture to outsiders as with insiders: placate them with compromises and hope they’ll “like” him.

The Conversation Tree was supposed to symbolise the “conversation” the various Guyanese political parties would have. That this was the same arrant nonsense Burnham had mocked the PPP of his era about, didn’t faze Ramkarran. He would make a virtue out of his weakness. He would call his caving in, “pragmatism”. But the moment he walked out of the PPP/C, it appears that he failed to notice that the Conversation Tree in front of his home village of Bel Air, which had inspired his excuse for capitulation, had died.

Died, withered, croaked...even after fervent ministrations by Ramkarran’s faithful son. And it would seem that the Gods (or Mother Earth/Gaia, at least) were giving him a sign. That the conversations were Dead on Arrival (DOA) the moment he’d started them. Real conversations cannot live if all you’re doing is trying to suck up to the enemies of those you believe are your enemies inside the PPP/C. And if you go down that route, as Ramkarran’s steadfastly done, all you’re doing is selling your soul to the devil. And that comes at a price.

...on Jagdeo’s 3rd term

Most people seem to think that the resuscitation of the “Jagdeo’s Third Term” trial balloon occurred with the leak of the combined Opposition poll – and the subsequent twist by the Muckraker. Not so. As far back as last November Ramkarran did a piece at his Conversation Tree (as it lay dying) – “That Third Presidential Term”. There he gave a real cockamamie justification to an idea that everyone and their uncle thought Jagdeo had killed by his actions. You’d think actions spoke louder than words, no?

Pointing out that the constitutional bar on Third Terms doesn’t mention the word “consecutively” in its prohibition, Ramkarran went into all kinds of contortions over the meaning of “re-election”. Just so your Eyewitness isn’t accused of making this up, we quote from the (now dead) Conversation Tree:

“A ‘re-election’ can only come immediately after an ‘election’, therefore ‘re-election’ means ‘re-election’ to a second consecutive term. A ‘re-election’ cannot come after a lapse of one or more terms because that would be an ‘election’. Since a President can only be ‘re-elected’ only once, it means that he can only serve two consecutive terms at one time. The provision does not preclude a President being ‘elected’ again after a lapse of one or more terms as this would be an ‘election’ and not a ‘re-election’.” Whew!!!!

At the time, people wondered what was Ramkarran up to. Now we know. Along with the combined Opposition, he was trying to set up Jagdeo and drive a wedge between him and the incumbent President Ramotar. Wankers.

...clogged arteries pensioners

The Bush doctor in the AFC wants pensioners to have “cheese and butter inside their butter flaps”. Didn’t they teach him about the effects of cholesterol in the Bush? They clog up your arteries and give you heart attack, Bushie!!!

Lawrence wants tough action to curb rum culture

By Svetlana MarShall

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence on Tuesday called on Government to do something to stem the outof-control rum culture here, saying statistics on alcohol abuse do not make for good reading.

Lawrence made the comments during her budget presentation. In a very dramatic fashion, she whipped out a bottle of rum as she called the House’s attention to the abuse of alcohol and its damaging effects. Despite being cautioned by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman to put away the bottle of alcohol, she made her case for Government to monitor and curb the high intake of alcohol.

In 2009, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) identified alcohol as Guyana’s number one drug problem, stating that the consumption rates by teenagers, in particular young girls, are increasing and giving rise to serious social problems. Studies have also indicated that the consumption

According to the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry, in 2013, there was a 114 per cent increase in the number of reports on children who appeared before probation officers, sent to the New Opportunity Corps, under supervision, and on parole. Lawrence called on the National Assembly to do something to arrest the situation, noting that the abuse of alcohol is directly linked to the many road accidents.

of alcohol also affects one’s judgment, mood, reaction time, physical coordination and concentration. It often leads to inappropriate sexual behaviour, unwanted pregnancies, and violence.

Differently-able

Despite all its negative impacts, alcohol remains easily accessible in Guyana, Lawrence complained to the House, noting that alcohol continues to get cheaper as vendors operate outside and above the laws of Guyana. “I am concerned like several members of the teaching profession of the high rate of consumption by our children and women. The easy access with which our children acquire this drink is worrying and ought to be a concern to us, the legislators and the Government,” she said.

Turning her attention to the differentlyable, Lawrence argued that this group of citizens has been left by the wayside. She singled out the David Rose School For The Handicapped in Thomas Lands, Georgetown as one institution that is underdeveloped with an environment, teaching methods, and resources dating back to the 16th Century. Additionally, she said the School for the Blind housed in the St Roses School is the most inappropriate place for any child, much less a child with a disability.

According to her, the lack of critical information on how to treat persons with disabilities has resulted in this vulnerable population being sidelined and misunderstood. “Madam Education Minister, it is time we have a reformed programme for educating our differently-able children, so that those less challenged can be integrated into regular schools and

others can be taught where possible to be independent,” she said.

Girls facing threats Lawrence also zoomed in on the abuse of women and girls, noting that this group faces a threat not from outside forces but from within. She cited the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of the World Population 2013 Report on “Motherhood in Childhood”, which noted that while there has been significant progress in improving girls’ access to education over the last two

decades, a high percentage of girls have low aspirations, low self-esteem and self-worth. According to the APNU MP, the issue is further compounded by promises from older men of a better life.

“Our problem in Guyana is that everyone knows that there are children under the age of 16 years that are sexually active, but yet nothing is being done about it, men are getting away with statutory rape, for many of the fathers of [the children of] underage teen mothers are between the ages of 25 and 40,” Lawrence argued.

Despite systems in place for the reintegration of teenage mothers into the education system, Lawrence said there are several barriers such as abusive partners, neglect, hunger, homelessness and most importantly, lack of family support.

Pornography

Lawrence also waved a copy of a DVD titled “Guyanese Girls Gone Wild Part 2”, citing the prevalence of child pornography, as teenage girls and girls younger than 12 years old are falling victim to this social ill.

“These pornographic films cut across all barriers – race, class, colour and age. Some are done in homes, hotels, backyards and backdams.” But all is not lost, she told the House, noting that Women Across Differences continues to make provision for young girls whose rights are being violated. Lawrence added that APNU stands ready to support an increase in the allocation for the Social Services Ministry to establish a strong and fearless body to fight against the scourge. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

First Lady Foundation salutes autism institutions

The First Lady Foundation has saluted the Guyana Greenheart Autistic School, Step-by-Step Guyana, Gifted Hands and the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre for their work in caring for autistic and special needs children.

The Foundation in a release to mark the seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day today, said it wishes to endorse the call for action to enable children and persons with autism to lead full and meaningful lives.

To this effect, the Foundation is partnering with local organisations to promote awareness activities.

Additionally, a fitness walk from the Bank of Guyana to the National Park will take

place on April 6. “We wish to encourage all to come out and join in sharing information, promot-

ing awareness and a positive perception in addressing this growing global challenge. Turn on a blue light on April 2, 2014 in honour of autistic persons,” the Foundation said.

The designation for World Autism Awareness Day resulted from a resolution that was introduced by the state of Qatar in December 2007. By designating this day, the United Nations (UN) has helped to promote an international effort in spreading awareness of this misunderstood disorder that was only named autism in the 1940s, although the condition existed for centuries.

Autism is a spectrum of disorders that ranges from mild to severe. It is a mental condition that can be detected

from early childhood, usually during the first three years of life. Signs of autism can be identified by children’s inability to communicate, poor social skills and repetitive behaviour. Autistic children tend to have difficulties making eye contact and in engaging people.

Boys are more likely to suffer from autism than girls. According to Autism Speaks, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of awareness on this disorder, autism affects one in 183 girls and one in 42 boys.

In recent years, the rate of diagnosis has been increasing rapidly. This is likely as a result of the spreading of awareness, which aids in detection.

Soup kitchen initiative at standstill

Three years after the launch of the soup kitchen initiative, sources within the Bakewell Group of Companies said they are awaiting a meeting with the Human Services Ministry before the project could kick off.

Speaking with a representative from Bakewell, whose late founder Naeem Nasir began the project, saying it was always a dream of his, Guyana Times was told that the company is wait-

ing for the Human Services and Social Security Ministry to meet with it so that work can move apace. The source related that after the death of Nasir in October 2012, construction on the building came to a standstill, since the family was in mourning. The kitchen was scheduled to open in August 2011.

Contacted on the matter, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster said that “it’s not

an issue that the Guyana Times should be following up on”.

This newspaper had made numerous calls to the Minister prior to this one on the same issue, but was always told that the Minister was unavailable.

The Human Services Ministry is collaborating with the Management of Bakewell to construct the facility in Brickdam, next to The Palms Geriatric home. The kitchen would provide

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster

free daily meals between 11:00h and 15:00h for 2500 persons, including persons who find themselves displaced and on the streets.

It is expected that beneficiaries will also have access to bathroom and shower facilities, personal assistance, and a fresh change of clothes.

The Forker

Satiricus was appalled. Here it was, the Joint Opposition Parliamentary Parties (JOPP) had conducted a poll to test the wind. A poll was better at testing the wind than pissing into it...with polls if it blew back at you, you could deny. Wasn’t so with pissing. Satiricus has firsthand experience with the latter. “It wasn’t pretty,” he thought ruefully.

And JOPP up and blanked GreenBridge as a possible PNCEE... OK...OK...APANU, Presidential candidate. Now Satiricus wasn’t surprised that Baddam Harass over at the MuckrakerKN led the charge to twist the leaking of the poll. Hey! Baddam had been suckled at the feet of the mighty Kabaka himself! Twisted was his middle name. And the poll had left the fellas at CongDress Place with lots of mud on their face.

But Jeez...surely missing the patent sidelining of the feistiest fellow in the fetid force called APANU...or PNCEE for that matter... was a tragedy? But Satiricus, an old hand in the newspaper business, knew that Baddam hadn’t really missed the GreenBridge omission. He just felt he could stir more mischief by twisting the poll results to drive a wedge between those fellas over at Liberty House. Ahhh... what fidelity to the PNC cause, by Harass. Said cause being the destruction of the PPEE, of course.

“But back to GreenBridge,” thought Satiricus, “it really wasn’t fair to the man.” GreenBridge was the economic wizard who’d put Guyana on the world’s economic radar. Before him, Guyana was just another nondescript ex-third world colony, muddling through. And then came Greenbridge. In short order he made Guyana’s economy so decrepit and broken that we were “just above Haiti” in this hemisphere.

Now, Satiricus knew that most folks thought that this was a bad thing. But GreenBridge explained there were at least two things that made being “just above Haiti” a good thing. First there was the matter of national heroes. Haiti’s L’Overture was famous all over. With Guyana being “just above Haiti”, people the world over would know about our Cuffy. That was brilliant, Satiricus thought at the time.

And the second reason was even more brilliant. The developed countries wanted to look good, explained GreenBridge. And when they helped starving-guts country, that made them look good.

So, since Guyana was made into a starving-guts country by GreenBridge and the PNCEE, the developed countries could help Guyana and look good! And this was why GreenBridge had boasted that Guyana was bankrupt when he signed that agreement with the International Mother Forker (IMF).

Life had been unfair when the PNCEE had been voted out and GreenBridge hadn’t gotten the opportunity to oversee Guyana getting shafted by the IMF. And here Satiricus got all choked up. Now, here it was GrainJa and Rum Jhaat were sidelining GreenBridge in the poll. GreenBridge would’ve definitely come out on top. The masses of Guyanese were just dying to allow GreenBridge to bring Guyana to the notice of the IMF once again.

Guyana was ready to be forked over, once again, wasn’t she?

Granger questions $17.1M allocation to 'dormant' Integrity Commission

Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger said he is disappointed over the $17.1 million allocation to the Integrity Commission, although it has not been functioning for sometime now.

In this year’s national budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh made provision for the money to the organisation which is responsible for the accountability of assets of persons holding public offices.

The Opposition Leader said Government should not be allocating money to the institution, which has been functioning with a skeletal system. Granger said his party is still awaiting consultation with the Head of State on the matter, noting

that the National Assembly will have to make the appointments.

He pointed out that other institutions such as the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Police Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission have also been without proper structure.

In an earlier interview with Guyana Times, Granger said the coalition would welcome the establishment of the much-needed Integrity Commission, once it was allowed the power to enforce and carry out the provision of the Integrity Act.

The retired brigadier had said the issue did not lie in the filling of the constitu-

Sukhai promises Kurukubaru chairs, hut

Amerindian Affairs

Minister Pauline Sukhai last Friday told residents of Kurukubaru, Region Eight, that this year Government will be delivering on promises, which were made to that community.

The Minister announced to residents that the Government will be fulfilling the community’s request for the construction of a hut at the Kurukubaru airstrip, as well as the request for chairs at the community centre, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Minister Sukhai also announced to the gathering that this year’s budget, once passed, will cater for other developmental work in the community. According to the Minister, provided that there are no cuts to the budget, the long-awaited woodworking project, which will provide employment opportunities for many in the community, is expected to come on stream. The Minister informed the residents that this year’s budget was carefully planned, taking into consideration the request sent to the Ministry, by each

community leader.

“We do not make out a budget with proposals for one particular group or community; we always ensure that there is something in the budget for everyone.”

The residents were also informed that plans are on stream for the procurement of a motor vehicle, which will assist residents in getting from one location to another.

In addition, money has been allocated for rehabilitation of the existing multipurpose centre. Speaking to the leaders of several other communities who were also present at the meeting, the Minister reminded them of their roles in making proper representation for the residents whom they serve.

Build future

“We have to build our future, and we will realise that there are responsibilities that we have to bear. When we are at the helm of our sector we must strive to do our best, it is their interest that propelled us to take up the leadership position.”

Minister Sukhai implored the Toshaos present to take their role as lead-

ers seriously when it comes to planning and making requests for things that are needed in the different communities.

The Minister also called on the residents to throw in their lot when it comes to getting special projects done in their communities, since they are the ones who stand to benefit.

“The money we give most of the time are for material, and we also expect you the residents to match that with your contribution. There are times when you will be called upon to do self-help, but we must all sit together and work it out,” Sukhai said.

The Minister told the residents that while Government has made several proposals in the 2014 Budget for developmental projects, with the current one-seat majority held by the Opposition in the National Parliament, they all have to hope that good sense prevails. “I will do my part, but you are those who will be affected. You have to fight for what is duly proposed in the budget to get what is needed for your development,” she urged.

tional offices, but ensuring that they were independent. He stressed that the establishment of the Commission, which has been non-functional for some time now, will be welcoming, since it is should be able to carry out its responsibilities.

Based on the Integrity Commission Act, staff of the Commission should comprise a Chairman, three Commissioners, a Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, an Accounts Clerk, a Clerical Officer, a Receptionist, an Office Assistant and a Cleaner. However, this publication understands that almost half of these positions are vacant.

The Chairman of the Commission should be as qualified as a Puisne Judge of the High Court or any other fit and proper person appearing to the Head of State. He should be seen as experienced in areas of law, and public administration. The Chairman and other members are appointed by the President after consultation

with the Opposition Leader. The names of the Chairman and other members upon the establishment of the Commission and any change in membership must be published in the Gazette and in the daily newspapers.

The Commission has the power to do anything for its proper performance and is not subjected to the direction or control of any person or other authority.

Integrity Commission Act

With respect to the integrity legislation, the Integrity Commission Act was first passed under the leadership of former President Desmond Hoyte in 1991. This was after concerns mounted over the persistent corruption of the People’s National Congress (PNC). It was alleged that many “underhand” activities took place within the institutions of the ruling Government.

In the face of the growing concerns that public officials with access to the

public funds were getting out of hand, the Hoyte regime passed an Integrity Commission Act. This was, however, seen as tepid and unable to curb the excesses taking place.

And it never did. No one was ever indicted, sanctioned, investigated, or prosecuted under that act.

When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) came into power in 1992, it attempted to place emphasis on the act; however, it was not realised.

On September 23, 1997, the Commission was officially launched with an Anglican Bishop being appointed as the Chairman. This appointment was met with deep concerns by the Hoyte administration and the party never recognised the Chairman of the Commission. The original Integrity Commission Act passed under the Hoyte administration was revoked and replaced by another act, similar to the Integrity Commission Act.

wednesday, april 2, 2014 |

APNU laments undercutting of local govt bodies

APartnership for National Unity

(APNU) Member of Parliament Ronald Bulkan on Monday, as the budget debate commenced, took aim at the allocations for local community interventions being placed under the remit of government agencies, sidelining elected local democratic organs.

He said of the $795 million allocated in the 2014 Budget under the Finance Ministry for interventions in communities countrywide, $734 million was budgeted under a poverty programme for vulnerable communities. Another $69 million was budgeted for communities under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Project (YEAP).

He said this represented another $1.6 billion for community projects to be run by another central Government Ministry, while the capital subventions for local government organs was a mere $369 million.

Bulkan revealed that some $15 million was being allocated under the poverty programme as support to the Director of Community Development Councils (CDCs), Philomena “Fireball” Sahoye-Shury.

“This so-called CDC is a statutory body, but it does not exist in any of the local government legislation... but why should we have a CDC when there are already 81 other statutory bodies that are being unfunded?” he quizzed.

“What I do know is that the CDC Director has been going around the country assisting in the disman-

tling of elected bodies and replacing them with appointed ones. This is not a “Fireball”, Mr Speaker, this is more like a wrecking ball.”

He cited another multimillion-dollar allocation to the Public Works Ministry for another project that could be run by the duly elected local government organs.

Excesses

“The Government is making a mockery of democracy,” Bulkan contended, as he used Region Eight as an example of the excesses of the Donald Ramotar Administration.

The APNU MP told Parliament that the Government was stymieing development in the region and revealed that some $8 million was approved under line item 240-2200 in the 2013 Budget of which $5 million was to be used to purchase a truck to transport medical supplies and drugs into the region.

“Two years on and there is no evidence of the truck and the health committee of the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] has not been given any information on this matter. I rather suspect that what was bought was a pickup PRR 3520... for the REO [Regional Executive Officer], even though he has a perfectly functional vehicle, PNN 9505.”

“Who is to benefit from these bigger and bigger budgets... the regions’ vehicles are being used to do party’s political work,” he claimed.

Bulkan also mentioned the poor state of the teach-

er’s quarters at North Pakaraimas Secondary and the non-purchase of an ambulance for the Mahdia Hospital, for which $12 million was allocated in Budget 2013.

Allegations of impropriety

“This ambulance is yet to arrive... but I rather suspect that a 4x4 double-cab cruiser was bought last year extensively for education. This vehicle, PRR 7145, is being used by the engineer and many nights, it is parked by his home after many nights of perverting”.

The Speaker intervened at this point, reminding Bulkan to be careful about statements made about the public official who is identifiable. He was later asked to withdraw the statements.

Bulkan continued that while the regional officials who are appointed by the Central Government are treated to these perks, the Regional Chairman was given “a fully air conditioned ATV motorbike” to do the business of the electorate.

He also informed the House about questions posed by Alliance For Change (AFC) Member Valerie Garrido-Lowe with respect to the location and operational status of two vehicles bought to do some work in the region after some repairs were done.

“In any event, Mr Speaker, $2 million was spent on PKK 2288 and approximately $1.4 million on PLL 6278, both in 2012. PKK 2288 never returned to the region and PLL 6278 never worked properly.”

PNCR hosts outreach at Parfaite Harmonie

As Guyana prepares for local government polls whose hosting remain in doubt and a prolonged fractious budget debate, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has began holding public meetings around the country.

Party members, led by PNCR Leader, Retired Brigadier David Granger, on Saturday met with residents of La Parfaite Harmonie, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) at the Four Corners.

Brigadier Granger told the gathering that the PNCR was preparing for local government elections, and reminded them that the Sixth Cycle of Registration has started, urging those who were over 14 years of age to get registered. The Opposition Leader said it was only through local gov-

ernment elections that residents in places like Parfaite Harmonie can get involved in managing and developing the communities where they live.

In making reference to Budget 2014, he told residents that it was not forwardlooking or development-oriented. Granger alleged that the budget proposed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration had no plan for poverty reduction, employment, and social protection. He noted that Budget 2014 did not provide realistic job opportunities for the thousands of school-leavers and the larger number of unemployed and under-employed.

Granger said that under the PPP/C, the few rich were getting richer and the many poor were getting poorer. He reminded his audience that the A Partnership for

National Unity (APNU), of which the PNCR was the major partner, was fighting for and committed to a good life for all Guyanese.

Other speakers at the meeting, chaired by PNCR Regional Chairman and APNU Member of Parliament (MP) John Adams, included MPs Joseph Harmon and Annette Ferguson, and PNCR Central Executive Member Cheryl Sampson.

AML Bill

Harmon gave the residents an update on the Anti-Money Laundering Amendment (AML) Bill and APNU’s work in the Parliamentary Special Select Committee. He also told the crowd that it was the Opposition that was working to protect the citizens of Guyana and to have strong, enforceable laws to apprehend money launderers. Sampson and Ferguson, in their remarks, touched on local issues pertaining to Region Three, especially the infrastructure and social problems facing the residents of La Parfaite Harmonie. They touched on the poor roads, the lack of adequate street lighting, and the high costs of transportation (especially for schoolchildren to get to and from school). Other problems facing the community were raised including the lack of adequate policing, property theft, poor local representation, and challenges within the national and regional education system.

New school in Haiti to be named in honour of Caricom

Anew school which was built under the Medianet Haiti Relief Fund (TMHRF) is to be called the Caricom Community

School of Digue Matheux

Under the fund, 15 houses were also handed over to beneficiaries. Assistant Secretary General in charge of Foreign and Community Relations, Ambassador Colin Granderson, represented the Caricom Secretary General at a ceremony in Digue Matheux, a small farming community some 40 miles from Port-auPrince, where the houses were handed over.

According to a Caricom Secretariat release, in his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Granderson underscored three reasons that marked its importance. He expressed that it was the culmination of the fulfilment of a promise made by Ambassador Reginald Dumas, Chairman of the TMHRF following his service in 2004 as Special Adviser on Haiti to the United Nations Secretary General to continue to work with Haitians “to make a difference in Haiti”. He also pointed to the model nature of the Village Aid Project with regard to town planning strategies that would help to create viable sustainable communities. He noted that the houses were storm and earthquake resistant, use solar energy and included running water and flush toilets.

Additionally, the Assistant Secretary General explained the symbolic importance of

the project as a gesture of solidarity from Caricom to the people of Haiti. In this regard, it was announced at the ceremony that the small school completed under the project would be called the Caricom Community School of Digue Matheux.

The TMHRF is a partnership between Ambassador Dumas and One Caribbean Media. Resources under the fund were acquired through contributions from citizens and private companies of the Caribbean Community. Its priority areas of intervention include affordable housing, public health and education. The village project at Digue Matheux was adopted as the principal aid project of the TMHRF and is the most recent of a number of assistance projects in the priority areas identified.

The ceremony brought together Ambassador Reginald Dumas, Chairman of the TMHRF, Kelvin Scoon, the fund’s Secretary Danny Duvert, Parliamentary Representative for Digue Matheux, Ambassador Sandra Honore, Special Representative in Haiti of the United Nations Secretary General, Jean-Lesley Duret, the head of the enterprise that built the homes, village leaders and other members of the Digue Matheux community.

Enmore teen found hanging in room

A13-year-old boy was found hanging in his bedroom early Tuesday morning at his Enmore, East Coast Demerara, home.

Dead is Rishi Ramkissoon called “Sanjay” of Lot 162 Hope West, Enmore. His body was discovered sometime around 07:00h by his father. The young man was an Eighth Grade student of the Golden Grove Secondary School.

Speaking to Guyana Times, the father of the teen Rajnauth Ramkissoon was still trying to get over the shock of what he saw. The man related that on Tuesday morning around 06:00h, Sanjay’s grandmother woke him up to get ready for school

and he came outside with his uniform, and was lying on the sofa before he went back into the room.

The distraught father recalled that about an hour later, he did not see his son around so he went up to his room to get him; however, the door was locked. The man said this was a strange occurrence since Sanjay never locked his door, so he became suspicious and decided to check it out.

“I climb on the wall-divider and when I look over the wall, I see the bed sheet tie to roof and it deh around he neck,” Ramkissoon recounted. He said after he saw his son’s body hanging, he fell off the furniture and called out to his wife to inform her. The couple

then alerted neighbours who gathered at their residence.

A young boy from the area jumped over the wall and opened the room door from the inside; however, the

teenager was already dead. The police were summoned and they subsequently removed the body. According to Ramkissoon, it appeared as though his first born climbed upon a clothes box that was in his room to tie one end of the sheet to a ceiling rafter before wrapping the other end around his neck.

Bewildered

The man explained that he is bewildered by his son’s action since Sanjay was a happy and satisfied child. “He had everything, I don’t know why he do something like this… he didn’t show any sign or nothing, he was happy all the time,” the father lamented.

Ramkissoon noted that the teenager was only given his own room about six months ago and he was happy since he got his games and DVD player right there.

The man added too that his son was a brilliant student and was doing well at school.

“I don’t know how I gon look at that room now, he only get it the other day and now he left it empty and he didn’t even write nothing and left, so now we left with the question, why he do it?” cried the father. The man said he also spoke to his son’s teachers, who related that the young man was doing well at school and seemed fine on Monday.

Ramkissoon further stated that even Sanjay’s close

friend was shocked and told them that the teen did not have any problem with anyone. The father said his son does not go anywhere, but prefers to stay at home watching television or sitting in the hammock playing games; hence, he could not have gotten into trouble.

Sanjay leaves to mourn his grandmother, parents and little sister. The teen’s body was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Parlour and is awaiting postmortem examination, which is expected to be conducted today. His parents were also taken into custody to assist with investigations; however, they were released shortly after.

Budget estimates stray from theme – Ramayya

Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Veersammy Ramayya said the needs of the majority of Guyanese will again go unmet with the budget presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh last week.

Making his contributions to the budget debate on Monday, Ramayya contended that the Finance Minister’s budget was nothing but an insult to the theme “A Better Guyana for All Guyanese”.

According to Dr Ramayya, the half cup of black coffee on the front cover of Dr Singh’s budget speech represents the decline of GuySuCo with sugar workers being stripped of the basic necessities.

“The leakage of the cup is a decline of Dr Jagan’s legacy which resulted into a minority government.”

He argued that US$200 million could have been spent to rehabilitate all of the estates countrywide, rather than be utilised on a factory that continues to perform below par; at 35 per cent.

Ramayya told the House that the AFC Action Plan would have produced a better budget, noting that sug-

ar workers would have been given an increase in their wages so “that their coffees could have been flooded with nuff milk and sugar. This is a direct impact,” he said.

Poor management

He is of the opinion that the AFC Action Plan would have met the needs of the Guyanese people. The AFC MP said it was poor management, top down that led to the sinking of the industry.

“Since 2011, the Minister has advised us that he has injected close to $10 billion in

the sugar belt, but the industry continues to struggle… this is again a direct impact.”

He said Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy now has the “audacity to come and tell the nation after spending all this money in the sugar belt, sugar production contracted by some 15 per cent to 186,807 tonnes, the lowest production of the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) Government.”

The AFC member further contended that sugar today is in a coma because of square pegs in round holes. The AFC is now calling on the Agriculture Ministry to outline GuySuCo’s budget and a plan that depicts the manner in which the $6 billion will be spent.

Old Age Pension

Turning his attention to the Old Age Pension Scheme, Ramayya said the $625 increase is totally insufficient.

From May 1, the Old Age Pension would be increased to $13,125. The monthly cash supplement has increased from $3500 in 2006 to $12,500 in 2012. But even with these gradual increases, AFC is still not pleased.

According to the AFC MP, pensioners should be given $20,000 per month. According to him, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran continues to boast about significant strides in the health sector while there continues to be a shortage of key medical supplies and equipment.

“Instead of building a Specialty Hospital costing

billions, why not upgrade the prevailing health facilities to enhance health care for our people.”

He said although, in 2013, $17.3 billion was spent in the security sector, serious crimes remain a problem. Turning to 2013 crime statistics, the AFC MP said Guyana which has a population of 750, 000 persons, re-

corded 4204 serious crimes of which 155 were murders.

“So what really did the PPP spend this $17.3 billion on?” He reiterated that the AFC Action Plan would have addressed key issues in the sugar industry, the security and health sectors, noting that the time to act is now, “enough with talking”.

Regional

Venezuela troops block Opposition Leader from parliament

Venezuelan troops dispersed Opposition demonstrators with tear gas on Tuesday and blocked anti-government activist Maria Corina Machado, recently stripped of her seat in the National Assembly, from reaching the legislature.

National Guard soldiers surrounded a rally of Opposition sympathisers who had planned to march into downtown Caracas to protest at Machado’s expulsion from Congress, preventing them from leaving and clearing the square with tear gas.

Parliament stripped Machado of her post last week on charges she violated the constitution by ac-

cepting an invitation from Panama to speak against the Government of President Nicolas Maduro at a meeting of the Organisation of American States.

The Opposition Leader dismissed that process as an illegal manoeuvre by a dictatorial Government and vowed to attend a session of the legislature on Tuesday. She was stopped from doing so by a line of troops several blocks from the parliament.

“I want to thank every citizen for their support and strength!” she said on Twitter as her supporters gathered. “Today I am more a deputy than ever, and I will continue to be one until the people decide otherwise.”

Anti-government protests

began in the South American OPEC nation of 29 million in mid February over shortages of basic items and high crime levels. The protests have decreased in intensity in the last few weeks as Opposition demonstrators grow weary.

The director of local pollster Datanalisis said this month that Maduro’s approval rating dropped to 41.5 per cent in March from around 47 per cent in February, according to local media.

That decline may be less the result of the protests, however, and more a reflection of economic problems including inflation of 57 per cent and shortages of staples ranging from flour to toilet paper. (Reuters)

TT men freed of shooting at police

Three men have been freed of shooting at two police officers. They were freed after a Port of Spain Magistrate found that the lawmen’s version of the events had “serious credibility issues”. The men, Sheldon Paul, Sedeki Ellie and Kareem Halls, were freed by Magistrate Melvin Daniel, last Friday, on the submission of Paul’s Attorney Evans Welch.

In freeing the men, Daniel said he found that the state’s case had too many doubts surrounding

the alleged incident. He said there were some credibility issues with the police version of the event, particularly the shooting of Paul.

It was the state’s case that officers Terrance Le Blanc and Dexter Medina were in an unmarked police vehicle on December 18, 2009, when they received reports that the three men were in a Nissan B14 heading near 10th Street and Eighth Avenue, Barataria, and were wanted for questioning.

The officers approached

the men who sped off and a chase ensued. The officer said during the chase, they were fired at and they returned fire. The men proceeded east along the ChurchillRoosevelt Highway. They then crossed the median and continued east along the west-bound lane of the highway and stopped when the car crashed. Both Ellie and Halls escaped. Paul was arrested at the scene of the crash. The other two men were held sometime after in Barataria. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

St Vincent police sued over woman’s death

The family of a 49-year-old woman, who died at hospital one day after law enforcement officials raided her home in search of drugs, has filed a lawsuit against the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

Attorney Kay Bacchus Browne told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the relatives are seeking half a million dollars

(One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents) in damages.

Sylma “Codo” Thomas died on February 28, a day after police raided her home in the North Leeward town of Chateaubelair.

“I’m going to ask for compensation in the sum of half a million, plus special damages, for the wrongful death due to police negligence,” the attorney said.

She said that the preaction civil lawsuit letter

has been sent to Attorney General Judith JonesMorgan and Commissioner of Police Michael Charles.

“To my mind, it (Thomas’s death) amounted to gross negligence and apparent disregard for human life,” said Bacchus, lamenting the absence of a female police officer during the raid of Thomas’ home.

“They (police) did not know what to do,” she added. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Bahamas liberalises telecom sector

Prime Minister Perry Christie has welcomed the liberalisation of the telecommunication sector on Monday, saying “Bahamians would for the first time have competition and competition breeds greater levels of efficiency”.

The liberalisation of the sector was one of the campaign promises of then Opposition People’s Labour Party (PLP) in 2012, with Christie promising voters that his administration would engage the British telecommunication giant, Cable & Wireless, the lone telecommunication provider on the need to liberalise the sector.

In 2011, amid public outcry, the Hubert Ingraham Government sold controlling shares of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to the London-based telecommunication company, for US$210 million.

Christie had promised voters that a PLP Government would seek to regain the majority shares and that the party “believes in a share owning democracy” and would sell BTC shares in tranches to Bahamians.

Prime Minister Christie told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) Monday that while the process had taken two years to be fulfilled, he remains optimistic that the move is the right one given “some real tragic occurrences recently with the breakdown of the system and dropped calls. “So we expect to have… major and significant improvement once competition ensues,” he said, adding that the acquisition of majority shares was not all that difficult.

Over 500 buyers registered for Expo Jamaica 2014

Over 500 buyers have been registered by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to meet in business matchmaking sessions with Jamaican export producers at Expo Jamaica taking place from April 3-6 at the National Arena in Kingston.

To date, 308 local buyers have registered, along with 199 international buyers from 28 countries, including a large delegation of buyers from the U.S., the United Kingdom and Canada. Other countries of note participating this year include buyers from the Czech Republic and from the Far East such as China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Caribbean is also well represented with buyers from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Martin, St Kitts, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.

According to JAMPRO President Diane Edwards, the agency is pleased to be on board once again with what is widely acknowledged as the Caribbean’s most established trade exposition.

Titled the ‘Business Hub of the Caribbean’, Edwards believes that Expo Jamaica is an excellent forum for real business to happen. She said, “Expo Jamaica is an opportunity for the world to come to Jamaica and see the best of what we have

to offer. They can interact with them ‘up close and personal’. This is where suppliers can get orders on the floor, showcasing what an excellent business forum the expo is.”

Held every two years, Expo Jamaica is organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) in collaboration with JAMPRO, the official buyer recruitment partner. JAMPRO previously coordinated and implemented successful buyer recruitment programmes for the 2008, 2010 and 2012 shows. In 2012, JAMPRO landed 325 buyers, 182 of which were from overseas. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

U.S. Coast Guard rescues record number of migrants

The United States Coast Guard says it has rescued a record number of migrants in a week in the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard said more than 200 migrants have been rescued and repatriated after a busy week of illegal migration attempts from Cuba, Haiti, The Bahamas, and The Dominican Republic.

It said as of Sunday night, the Coast Guard had repatriated 88 Cuban migrants to Cuba, 82 Haitian migrants to Haiti

and 41 Dominicans and two Cubans back to The Dominican Republic within the past week.

In addition, the Coast Guard said 17 migrants suspected of various crimes were brought to Miami and Puerto Rico for further investigation.

The 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter Dependable rescued the largest group of migrants, when an overloaded 30-foot sail freighter with 82 Haitian migrants aboard was discovered south of Great Inagua,

Bahamas, the Coast Guard said.

It said two cruise ships, Norwegian Pearl and Carnival Ecstasy, last week rescued 65 Cuban migrants from unseaworthy rustic vessels in two separate incidents in the Florida Straits.

“Although there were no reported deaths in any of these cases, all of them could have ended tragically,” said Todd Lutes, chief of incident management for the Coast Guard Seventh District. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

NATO suspends Russia cooperation

NATO Foreign

Ministers have agreed to suspend all practical civilian and military co-operation with Russia.

In a strongly worded statement, they condemned Russia’s “illegal” annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region and praised the Ukrainian Government’s “restraint”.

Moscow is believed to have massed tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s eastern border in recent days, causing alarm in Kiev and the West.

NATO’s top official said there was no evidence troops had been pulled out.

ies but added that dialogue in the NATO-Russia Council could continue, as necessary, at ambassadorial level and above “to allow us to exchange views, first and foremost on this crisis. We will review NATO’s relations with Russia at our next meeting in June”.

They are also looking at options including situating permanent military bases in the Baltic states to reassure members in Eastern Europe. Russia’s actions in Ukraine have rattled nerves in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which were part of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Around

Britain to investigate Muslim Brotherhood

Tled Government. The organisation’s press office is now based in north London.

The group was recently banned and declared a “terrorist” organisation by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian Government blames the movement for attacks on its security forces and for working with foreign groups to subvert Egypt.

Ministers from the 28-member bloc gathered in Brussels for their first meeting since Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

They agreed to suspend NATO co-operation with Russia in a number of bod-

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel he had ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian troops. But NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters: “Unfortunately, I cannot confirm that Russia is withdrawing its troops. This is not what we are seeing.”

NATO jets will take part in air patrols in the region later in a routine exercise that analysts say has taken on added significance due to the crisis. Several NATO countries, including the UK, U.S. and France, have offered additional warplanes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he British Government has announced that it will launch a review into the operations of the Muslim Brotherhood inside the UK.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister David Cameron said on Tuesday that “given the concerns now being expressed about the group and its alleged links to violent extremism, it’s absolutely

No sign of MH370 in ocean trash

After more than three weeks, the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has come down to this: a lot of floating rubbish, hundreds of heartbroken relatives and, now, quibbling over words that everyone acknowledges offer no clues into what happened to the doomed plane.

Malaysian authorities on Tuesday released the transcript of radio chatter between air traffic controllers and the plane in the hour or so before it vanished while flying from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing on March 8, with 239 people on board.

And while the transcript offers no clues about the plane’s mysterious disappearance, one glaring discrepancy has highlighted criticisms of how Malaysian

officials have handled the investigation.

The transcript shows the last voice transmission from the doomed plane was “Good night Malaysian three-seven-zero” not the “All right,

good night” transmission authorities had previously used.

That authorities had given such an incorrect version earlier this month and allowed it to stand uncorrect-

ed for weeks undermines confidence in the investigation, air accident investigation experts told CNN.

“High criticism is in order at this point,” said Mary Schiavo, a CNN aviation analyst and former Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Malaysian officials have defended their work. Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein recently said, “History will judge us well”.

But Michael Goldfarb, a former Chief of Staff at the Federal Aviation Administration, said people following the investigation “haven’t had a straight, clear word that we can have a lot of fidelity in”. (Excerpt from CNN)

Nigerian men acquitted of gay charge

A– the latter was tightened in January.

Same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection are now banned throughout Nigeria.

Court Clerk Abdul Mohammed told Reuters news agency that the men were acquitted because no-one saw them having sex.

“He [the judge] said sodomy is punishable with death and requires the testimony of four witnesses to the act and in the case of the two men, no-one saw them committing sodomy,” Mohammed is quoted as saying.

The men were arrested after residents raided a home in Bauchi, finding one of them wearing shorts while the other was fully clothed, Reuters reports.

Five people have been convicted of homosexual offences by Bauchi’s Islamic courts since January.

They were sentenced to 20 lashes each. The cases of five other suspects are pending, including that of a Christian who is expected to be tried in a secular court.

(BBC News)

right and prudent that we get a better handle of what the Brotherhood stands for”.

The statement by Downing Street added that the Government had not “kept pace” with the organisation’s ideas and values since it came to prominence.

Many members of the Brotherhood have moved to the UK after a crackdown in Egypt by the military-

The Brotherhood’s fortunes have deteriorated dramatically after its Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s former President, was toppled by the army last July. The group’s senior leadership has since been largely imprisoned or forced in to exile.

Hundreds of Brotherhood members and supporters have been killed in frequent protests against the Egyptian authorities.

Last week, 529 alleged members of the group were sentenced to death in the southern Egyptian city of Minya after a trial lasting only two sessions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India: Modi is unique, clarifies senior BJP leader

Senior Barat Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti on Tuesday said her comments on the party’s prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi’s oratorical skills were quoted out of context as part of “a conspiracy to portray that BJP leaders have differences”.

In a statement issued after red faces surfaced in the party over her remarks, she said she was not being critical of Modi at all.

Bharti clarified she had said during her campaign in Jhansi a day earlier: “Vajpayeeji was a good orator. People say that there has been no orator like him in Indian politics. If you have paid attention, you would know that Modi is not a good orator. People go to his rallies not to listen to his speech but to tell him that they want

him to change this country and that they stand by him.” Seeking to further clarify her statement, Bharti said Modi was the nation’s “anokha” (unique) person who draws massive crowds. “All that I said about Narendra Modi, I will repeat it. The same thing that AB Vajpayee was a good orator but Narendra Modi is country’s ‘anokha’ (unique) person after years, in whose support lakhs and lakhs turn up. This is what I had said,” she said. A day after the BJP fielded lawyer Ajay Agarwal from Rae Bareli, Bharti said she was willing to contest against Congress President Sonia Gandhi, but without giving up Jhansi, from where she was nominated much earlier. She said she had conveyed her views to party President Rajnath Singh. (Excerpt from hindustantimes)

Uganda's President leads anti-gay rally

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has led a rally celebrating his country’s new anti-gay laws, saying homosexuality creates grave health problems and that gays have always been regarded as abnormal by Africans.

Museveni made the comments on Monday at a “thanksgiving service’’ organised in the capital Kampala by a coalition of Ugandan religious leaders and Government officials who said the President deserves credit for defying Western pressures over the legislation.

Thousands attended the event, including schoolchildren who sang and danced to anti-gay tunes that also railed against the West. Museveni, who in February signed a bill strengthening criminal penalties against homosexuals, said that he is “now mobilising to fight’’ Western gays he accuses of promoting homosexuality in Africa. Since enacting the law, Uganda has attracted sharp international criticism from rights groups and high-profile international figures who have denounced the legislation as draconian. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Vindyha Persaud talks up opportunities in budget

– Kissoon urges ‘war’ on corruption

By Vahnu Manikchand

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Vindhya Persaud on Monday talked up the measures provided in this year’s budget, arguing that the administration is not about handouts and laziness, but rather allows people to develop to their fullest potential.

Persaud, delivering a very feisty presentation, focused her speech on the benefits of Budget 2014, particularly in the area of education. Education and employment, she stressed, are two areas which Government continues to focus on to eradicate poverty.

“Our Government does not preach handouts or does preach laziness, it allows people to develop to their fullest potential by offering education,” Persaud said, adding that the $10,000 grant given to parents of school aged children will benefit some 1800 persons.

She noted that while the budget aims at improving the lives of all Guyanese, it also enables youths to “carve a future for themselves” and open thriving economic doors for the indigenous people.

This, she said, is provided in the number of scholarships given to hinterlands students, the number of schools to be rehabilitated and constructed, and the drive to equip all schools with Information Communication Technologies (ICT) laboratories.

Training programmes

Persaud pointed out that the budget allows for citizens to explore in the area of technology, which not only provides families with computers through the One Laptop Per Family Initiative, but also creates jobs through the training programme.

She added that Guyanese will benefit from the various projects in this year’s budget that will afford them the opportunity to have their own homes.

“This budget offers real solutions to the people... and speaks in crucial areas which influence not only the individual’s welfare, but our country’s economic stability,

powers and development,” she stated. The MP added that the PPP/C Government remains committed to the upward mobility of its people.

Another area she highlighted that Government continues to develop is women empowerment. She explained that in addition to providing training, Government also fosters the work of these women by providing markets for their products.

Persaud also spoke about the many opportunities offered to athletes and other professionals in the areas of arts, music and sports. The MP told the House that all these and more opportunities and initiatives can be realised if only the Opposition dropped their scissors and do not deprive the people of “what was theirs” as was done last year.

“I believe that if, like this Government and I, you are serious about progress and you care about my Guyanese brothers and sisters, you will not continue to deny and deprive, you will not relegate them to a time of rectitude and hopeless,” she mentioned.

Meanwhile, A Partnership for National

Unity (APNU) MP, Vanessa Kissoon told the National Assembly that the 2014 Budget is not seen as having a corresponding impact on citizens, instead it provides opportunities for corruption through promises.

Kissoon was at the time delivering her speech at this year’s budget debate. She was the 10th speaker. The MP noted that the rising inequalities are affecting everyone, who views “the talks of big spending, promises of building and improving infrastructures as more opportunities for corruption”. She said the members of the House should therefore work collectively to “stamp it (corruption) out”.

The MP also referred to a Government member, acknowledging corruption within the Government at the PPP’s 30th Congress.

“... having made known this party’s internal findings and admission, I yield to the adage ‘honesty is the best policy’ and will present none of the preponderance of external sourcing on corruption,” she stated.

MP Kissoon went on to talk about

the electricity subsidy for Linden and Kwakwani, which was set at some $3.2 billion, pointing out that the subvention is not a favour to the people of Linden, but an obligation of the Government after it had destroyed the mining town’s electricity infrastructure.

She stated that this was not achieved without shedding of blood, injuries and destruction of properties, all of which stemmed from the 2012 Linden protests.

Stifling

The MP noted that given its geographical location, Region 10 has the potential to explore and exploit the country’s agricultural potential, but Government is stifling this attempt.

“The region’s potential for massive production of crops and livestock production exist and is validated by Go-Invest and other companies which have noted that vast untapped opportunities...exist in the intermediate savannahs of the region for the production of beef, milk, mutton, citrus, corn, cashew nuts, legumes, peanuts, soy beans, dairy products and orchard crops,” she said.

Kissoon also sarcastically mentioned there will be no “goats”, resulting in bickering from Government MP Neil Kumar. This eventually resulted in heckling from both sides, causing the Speaker to intervene.

With the support of Central Government, the MP said farmers will be able to unleash their potential, thereby creating wealth for themselves and the country as a whole.

She then moved her attention to the recent announcement by the Labour, Human Service and Social Security Ministry to make defunct some 220 co-operatives and credit unions. Kissoon said that this will not only cause loss of income and assets, but is a blow to a major sector within the country’s economy. On this note, she urged a reconsideration of this course of action.

Kissoon then focused her attention to bauxite mining, highlighting the fact that some companies operating in the area are engaging in “bad corporate practices” and destroys the region’s infrastructure, which is already suffering due to substandard work.

Keogh plans: As with an SEP plan, you can contribute 20 per cent of your earnings to a Keogh plan each year. The goal of this kind of plan is to offer you your desired annual amount of retirement funds, and your level of contribution reflects that each year. As a result, this might be the right option for you if you are a bit behind with your retirement planning. The primary problem with these plans, though, is that they are difficult to set up. In most cases, you need a financial firm or advisor to help you with

the details and the IRS will want a detailed report about your plan on a yearly basis.

Individual 401K plans:

The maximum amount that you can contribute, taxfree, per year to a solo 401K plan is US$44,000. If, however, you are over the age of 50, that number goes up by five thousand dollars. If you want to be able to stash quite a bit in your retirement plan without paying taxes on it, this is probably the best way to go, as with the high contribution limits, you could be ready for retirement sooner than you

think.

Roth IRA plans: A Roth IRA cannot be your primary retirement plan. However, if you have a good handle on your current retirement savings plan, and you want to be able to put away additional dollars for your golden years without paying the extra taxes, you can add four thousand dollars to a Roth IRA each year. Eventually, you can withdraw all of the money in this IRA without ever paying any money in taxes on the funds. (Business Dictionary)

Gopaul defends remuneration of Govt workers

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul defended Government workers’ remuneration in the face of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence questioning the Administration’s commitment to improving Guyana’s Human Development Index, as the 2014 Budget debate continued Tuesday in the National Assembly.

Lawrence asked where the human face of the Government is as teachers continue to migrate because of poor salaries, policemen continue to work for pittances, pensioners barely eke out an existence, and other vulnerable groups suffer, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

In response, Minister Gopaul pointed out that unlike the previous Government, under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government, real wages for workers have improved, they have been better protected and as a result workers are enjoying a better life. Minister Gopaul said it was under the PPP/C, in fact, the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan’s administration that workers, began to enjoy better wages. Dr Jagan initiated the true process of collective bargaining with unions on the issue of wages and salaries.

He pointed out that in the mid-1980s, workers had to suffer the “infamous (Desmond) Hoyte circular

which proscribed collective bargaining”. The circular dictated that “no agency, no one was allowed to engage in any form of collective bargaining and settling any agreement with anyone,” the Minister said. Dr Gopaul also pointed to 1979 when there was the withdrawal of increments and the refusal to pay workers their benefits, and the two years in the 1980s when there was also the introduction of a wage freeze.

1980s decline

The Labour Minister pointed out that the situation in the country in the 1980s was so miserable and so desperate for workers that analysis done by high-ranking economists, including Dr Clive Thomas, showed that real wages declined 45 per cent below the rate of 1942.

He said these incidents must be measured against what has happened between 1992 and 2013. From 1992, the PPP/C Government has increased public servants’ minimum wage from to $3137 to $35,000 in 2013.

“When you examine the performance of the economy under the years under the PPP administration, and you examine the wages paid, you will find that the PPP/C administration had improved real wages in a real way,” he said. He noted that in addition, throughout the period even when there were poor performances in

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul

many sectors, some level of wages was still paid.

The results of this are evident in the development across the country, he said.

“Look around the countryside, Mr Speaker, and see the numerous homes, the workers in this country have been given opportunity to own their homes. In the past, Sir, the workers in this country were limited to housing opportunities and limited to banking facilities and loans,” He said.

He pointed out as well that the interest rate on loans was in the vicinity of 20 and 21 per cent in the 1980s, and under the PPP/C, that dropped to 3.9 per cent and workers who are in the low-income bracket can own a home.

19 charges made out against security firm for flouting minimum wage order

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul informed the National Assembly that thus far, one firm was reported for 19 breaches of the national minimum wage order, which came into effect on July 1, 2013. These charges were filed against Strategic Action Security.

During his 2014 budget presentation, Minister Gopaul said more than 31,000 workers are benefiting from this new arrangement and are now entitled to leave with pay. The new minimum wage of $35,000 came into effect last year and stipulates a 40-hour workweek of five days, eight hours daily. The new order paved the way for new categories of workers to benefit under the 40-hour workweek scheme.

The Minister, speaking about other aspects of his portfolio, said the School Retention –Tackling Child Labour Through Education (TACKLE) –Project was very beneficial and targeted 360 children in Dora Secondary, the Kuru Kuru

Primary, nursery schools on the Linden Soesdyke Highway and other schools.

The programme focused on training for teachers and school administrators, numeracy and literacy programmes, a nutrition support and transportation programme, parenting workshops, and psychosocial support.

Training

The project that commenced in 2011 has concluded and will be continued under the aegis of the Education Ministry. With regard to training, a total of 2304 people were trained by the Labour Ministry in 2013, including youths and single parents.

The National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) trained 1537 persons in areas of engineering, electrical, construction, health and IT/Clerical services, and home economics. Four hundred and forty-seven single parents were certified in garment construction, cosmetology, catering, and

57 youths graduate from SKYE Project

Some 57 young Guyanese have graduated from the United States Agency for International Development’s Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Project in the areas of skills and literacy training.

The graduation ceremony was held last Friday at the Georgetown Club during which the youths were honoured. Thirty-three of the youths graduated from work and life skills training while the remaining 24 completed literacy training. The graduates are from Regions Four and Five.

The literacy training, which was done in collaboration with the Adult Education Association (AEA), saw the youths becoming equipped with basic reading and work readiness skills.

Meanwhile, an additional 12 young persons from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) also graduated on March 26, after they completed training sessions in literacy, work, and life skills training.

as drivers/salesmen. The Ministry also acquired two Bobcats to carry out heavyduty training as there is demand for heavy-duty machine operators.

Over the past three years, the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) has ensured that thousands of people secured employment. Minister Gopaul, in the meantime, urged the Opposition to work with the Government and not sabotage national development.

“Let us be realistic and put the nation’s interest first… if you want goodwill, you must show goodwill… another election will not solve the problems the nation is facing, it will only solve the issue of majority and minority… if you cut the budget, you will cut your votes,” Dr Gopaul said. He spoke of the eight years of consecutive growth that Guyana has enjoyed and said if the 2012 and 2013 budgets did not suffer cuts from the Opposition, Guyana would have seen even greater progress.

U.S. Ambassador, D Brent Hardt, in addressing the small gathering of the graduates and their families, commended the youths

for their dedication and hard work displayed during the training. He also thanked the coaches and mentors for their part in ensuring the graduates find good jobs.

The Ambassador had disclosed that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) online job bank was helping to match employers with SKYE graduates, and noted that SKYE graduates are now a recognised “brand”, which is becoming more widely known and respected by employers for producing talented, dedicated, and effective employees.

Market-driven

skills

Dr Luther Leudtke, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Education Development Centre (EDC), was also present at the ceremony. Through the SKYE programme, some 936 young persons have completed life and work skills training and of this number, 319 were placed into full-time employment by the end of February.

The project is funded by Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and focuses on equipping young Guyanese with market-

driven skills, improving their ability to gain employment. The SKYE programme supports youth who are secondary school dropouts, young people who have completed formal education but require additional skills in order to gain employment, and youths in the juvenile justice system. Through such CBSI partnerships, the United States and Guyana seek to ensure that young people in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean have the economic opportunity to build productive lives and contribute to their countries. At a recent forum, Ambassador Hardt disclosed that in addition to assisting with the re-integration of youths from NOC, some 32 youths who have passed through the juvenile justice system were given alternative sentences and were attached to the USAID/SKYE programme instead of serving prison time.

He noted that the private sector has played an integral role in the programme’s success. The GCCI members have stated that they find SKYE graduates are reliable, high-performing employees thus the Youth Job Bank initiative was launched.

SUDOKU

A relationship with someone is likely to bewilder you. Take time to examine your feelings and to consider the motives involved before making any changes that might alter your future.

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

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Be firm in your beliefs. Those who care for you will be in your corner. Ignore anyone who tries to talk you out of something that you feel is necessary.

Keep your business dealings professional. Don’t risk your career by getting romantically involved with a co-worker. The resulting jealousy and resentment of your colleagues could ruin your name and your job prospects.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Use your creative abilities to make your projects stand out. Let your personality shine, regardless of what you are working on, and you will reap sweet rewards.

(March 21-April 19)

Do your research before you make any personal changes. Don’t be disappointed if others don’t share your goals. You will find new sources of income by exploring innovative ideas.

(April 20-May 20)

Some personal relationships are due for a change. If you are being pressured or feeling guilty, separate yourself from those who don’t have your best interests at heart.

(May 21June 20)

Follow your instincts when dealing with money. Luck and opportunity will enable you to make some lucrative changes. There is money to be made if you invest wisely.

It’s time to put your moneymaking ideas to good use. You can make improvements to your financial and business plans if you keep your emotions out of the equation.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Seek advice from trusted friends before signing a contract or agreement. You could face dire consequences if you don’t have the correct information in advance.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Well-meaning friends may try to lead you down a different path. Remember that you are responsible for your future. Trust in your ability, and make your own decisions.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Someone will try to take credit for your ideas. Be careful to keep your plans a secret until you know who is on your side and who is not.

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Dwayne Bravo - It’s good we didn’t panic

World Champions

West Indies took a giant step towards retaining their title when their beat Pakistan on Tuesday night to reach the semi-finals of ICC World T20 2014.

Dwayne Bravo led the charge with a brilliant Man of the Match performance as the Windies made 166-6 off their 20 overs. They then bowled out the Pakistanis for just 82 to win by 84 runs – their biggest margin of victory in a T20 International.

West Indies will meet Sri Lanka in the semi-finals on Thursday night. First ball is 7pm (9am Eastern Caribbean Time/8am Jamaica Time).

Bravo led an onslaught which fetched a whopping 82 runs in the last five overs. He blasted 46 off 26 balls with four massive sixes. He was involved in a whirlwind partnership with skipper Darren Sammy, who ended 42 not out – his career-best score. Sammy has now scored 101 runs in this tournament at a strike rate of 224.

After the batting heroics, Krishmar Santokie took a wicket with the first ball as the Windies bowlers dominated. Spinners Samuel Badree (4-0-10-3) and Sunil Narine (4-0-16-3) were brilliant while keeper Denesh Ramdin had a record four stumpings.

“We were slow at the start and we lost some key wicket. Our aim was to get at least 135 to 140 with the start we got, but the selfbelief we have, the form and the power we have, the momentum went with us, and we finished positively,” Bravo said after accepting his Man-of-the-Match award.

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“We are powerful enough if we get close to the ball to hit it over the ropes. In those situations, the best of them all go for runs. We had nothing to lose, we were under pressure. So I said to Sammy, as long as we stay still, don’t worry about picking or trying to rotate, just stay still, keep your eyes on it and hit it.”

This was Bravo’s second Man-of-the-Match award in an ICC World T20 match. His first ward came back in 2009 at Lord’s when he made a career-best 66 not out and took four wickets as West Indies beat India. The 30-year-old noted that his vast experience in this format and self-belief helped him while in the middle.

“If you take the game right down to the end, anything is possible, as long as we don’t give up and keep faith and have that self-belief that if we bat 20 overs, we’re going to get a decent total.

But we have to bat 20 overs, so at no point did we let what happened in the middle overs get the better

of us. That comes with experience and self-belief,” the Windies Number 3 added.

“It’s good we did not panic. We showed in the Australia game what the difference can be as long as we have clean hitters at the wicket, so that’s our aim, that’s our strong point and we use it to the best of our ability.”

Bravo also lauded his team-mates for their tenacity and professionalism during the tournament so far.

“It is important that we leave our legacy as players, not only West Indian players but cricketers. We have young kids looking up to us. West Indies is a team that you should try not to upset,” he said.

“We don’t step on anyone’s corns... we have played hard and we play with a smile on our face. We have done well so far but we want to get better in the semi-final and take it to the final. Everyone in the dressing room is happy and we want to share our happiness with all our fans and supporters.” (WICB Media)

move atop East, beat Raptors 93-83

For the first time all season, the Miami Heat are alone atop the Eastern Conference.

And that’s quite a turnaround from how things seemed less than a week ago.

LeBron James fought through a sore back to score 32 points, Chris Bosh added 18 and the Heat used another strong defensive effort to beat the Toronto Raptors 93-83 on Monday night. The win pushed the two-time defending NBA champions percentage points ahead of the struggling Indiana Pacers in the race for the No. 1 seed in the East.

‘’It doesn’t feel like anything,’’ James said. ‘’The standings are what they are. We want to play the best we can and the fact that we are in first place, I think that’s pretty cool but

Marques puts WBC CABOFE belt on the line

– “Jamaican Invasion” set for Cliff Anderson Sports Hall this weekend

By Avenash Ramzan

In what is envisaged will be an evening of fistic fury, the Guyana Boxing Board of Control will host “Jamaican Invasion”, a five-fight boxing card on Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.

A maximum of 32 rounds of boxing is carded for the night, with action set to commence at 20:00h.

The night’s action will be headlined by what is touted as a mouth-watering showdown between Guyanese Dexter “The Kid” Marques and Jamaican Rudolph “Cutting Edge” Hedge, who will square off in a 12-round

title fight.

Both pugilists have expressed confidence of outdoing each other, but when they enter the ring on Saturday all the thrash talk will count for nothing if skills, dexterity and tactical acumen are no-shows.

At stake would be the World Boxing Council (WBC)/Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Flyweight belt, currently adorning Marques’s waist.

While Marques, with a record of 13 wins (two knockouts) and two defeats from 15 bouts, would look to keep the belt in the Land of Many Waters, Hedge would definitely be harbouring thoughts of flying

England to face SA in semis; Windies Women go down to india

England will face South Africa in Mirpur on Friday in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Twenty20.

India’s shock ninewicket win over West Indies, who had already qualified for the last four, means England finished top of Group B and meet South Africa, who were the Group A runners-up.

West Indies, Group B runners-up, face Group A winners Australia on Thursday.

England have never lost to South Africa in Twenty20 internationals, with seven wins and one no-result against them.

They have also won their last 15 one-day international meetings with South Africa, dating back to February 2004.

However, England will be on their guard after South Africa pulled off an upset by beating New Zealand by five wickets on Monday in their final group game to qualify

for the semis ahead of the White Ferns on net runrate.

West Indies, who beat England by nine runs in their opening game, had been favourites to beat India - a result which would have paired England with holders Australia in the last four.

The Windies lost opener Kycia Knight to the first ball of the match but the big-hitting Deandra Dottin (57) helped them to 87-2 before her dismissal triggered a collapse and they finished on 117-7.

Openers Mithali Raj (55 not out) and Poonam Raut (56) nearly took India all the way without losing a wicket as West Indies used eight bowlers in vain.

Raut fell with the scores level, but India won with 14 balls to spare.

In Tuesday’s other game, hosts Bangladesh recorded their first win of the tournament, narrowly beating Sri Lanka by three runs. (BBC Sport)

back to the Land of Wood and Water the new WBC/ CABOFE Flyweight title holder.

Hedge would be desperate for a win at this stage of his career, having suffered two defeats and a draw in his last four trips to the “square jungle.” After 11 fights, the Jamaican’s record stands at seven victories, (two knockouts), one loss and three draws.

In the main supporting clash, Mark Austin of Guyana will trade punches with Devon Moncrieffe of Jamaica in an eight-round Junior Middleweight encounter, while the other three fights are all fourrounders.

Romeo Norville of Guyana will take on Jamaica’s Kemahl Russell in a Super Middleweight clash; hometown boy Quincy Gomes will face Toriano Nicholas of Jamaica at Lightweight, while in an all-local showdown, David Thomas will confront Richard Williamson at Super Lightweight.

Admission to the venue is $3000 (ringside) and $1500 (stands).

Saturday’s card has received corporate support from Fly Jamaica, Digicel, Banks DIH Limited, GUYOIL, Courts, Giftland OfficeMax, the Guyana Tourism Authority and Top Brandz Distributors.

Tiger Woods pulls out of the Masters with back injury

Four-time champion

Tiger Woods will miss the Masters after having surgery on a pinched nerve in his back.

The world number one missed his usual warmup, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, because of back spasms.

“This is frustrating, but it’s something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health,” said the 38-year-old American.

“It also looks like I’ll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation.”

Woods, who will be absent from the Masters for the first time in 19 years, won his maiden Augusta title in 1997 and also claimed the Green Jacket in 2001, 2002 and 2005.

A statement on the 14-

time major winner’s website said the surgery was a success but he had failed to “make the necessary progress” to play at Augusta and would need rest for the “next several weeks”.

Woods added: “I’d like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters.

“It’s a week that’s very special to me.”

Woods aggravated his back in March’s WGCCadillac Championship after withdrawing from the Honda Classic.

He has suffered a string of injuries since 2008, missing two Opens, a US Open and a PGA Championship, but he has been present for every Masters since making his debut as an amateur in 1995. (BBC Sport)

Man Utd hold Bayern 1-1

Manchester United produced a dogged performance to hold Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.

But Bastian Schweinsteiger’s away goal gave the reigning champions the advantage ahead of the return leg in Munich next Wednesday.

United looked like they might put recent Premier League struggles at home behind them when captain Nemanja Vidic was left unmarked to head in Wayne

Rooney’s corner just before the hour.

The holders, who had dominated possession without creating too many clear-cut chances, responded swiftly and were level nine minutes later when Schweinsteiger turned in a header from substitute Mario Mandzukic to give Pep Guardiola’s side that crucial strike to take back to the Allianz Arena.

“It was a very very good performance by United, there were a lot of positives to take for David Moyes.

“I think United could actually be disappointed with a draw, based on chances created. Bayern had all the possession but they didn’t really create an awful lot, the problem though is that away goal.

“The Germans might be without players for the second leg but they have got quality players to come in.

“United have got a chance because in the centre-back area Bayern are vulnerable. We saw it at Arsenal and we have seen it again, they don’t like the ball over the top.”

Schweinsteiger’s night ended in disappointment when he was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Rooney, while Arjen Robben came closest to settling the contest with a shot inches wide late on.

United will be underdogs for next week’s second leg, but a performance that showed much more solidity than in recent home humiliations against Liverpool and Manchester City at least keeps them in the tie. (BBC Sport)

West Indies dish out thrashing to enter semis

West Indies scored 84 runs in their first 15 overs. They nearly doubled their total after that, smashing 82 off the last 30 balls of the innings. No Full Member team had ever conceded so many in the last five overs of a Twenty20 game.

It remained to be seen which part of West Indies’ innings, the first threequarters or the final quarter, would make a bigger impact on the result as Pakistan began their chase, in a knockout game to determine who would take on Sri Lanka in the first semifinal on Thursday. In the end, West Indies could have declared after 15 overs and still won.

The timing of the assault by Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy - they put on 71 in 32 balls, having come together at 81 for 5 in the 14th over - was a knockout blow to Pakistan. You could tell by the way Sammy pumped his fists after pounding Saeed Ajmal for a straight six in the 19th over. It wasn’t arrogance or bravado. It was adrenaline.

It surged through the entire West Indies team, and some of it was still coursing through Krishmar Santokie’s blood when he pinged Ahmed Shehzad’s front toe plumb in front of middle stump with an inswinging yorker, first ball of the chase.

Shehzad, an unbeaten centurion in his previous game, was out for a duck. Pakistan never recovered. They were yet to take a run off the bat when Kamran Akmal faced up to Samuel Badree for the start of the second over, and two more dot balls provoked a scoop

straight into wide mid-off’s hands.

The pressure, in Badree’s next two overs, got to Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik as well. Both were stumped, one foxed by a googly, one getting nowhere near the pitch of a legbreak. Pakistan were 13 for 4, and slipping to a painful defeat. It had started so well for Pakistan. Their bowlers were on target, their fielders were buzzing, and West Indies were barely switched on. As usual, they weren’t rotating the strike. Before this match, singles and twos - they hadn’t yet taken a three - had constituted 32% of West Indies’ runs in the tournament. Their percentage wasn’t just the lowest among all the Super 10 sides, but an outlier as well. Eight of the

teams had scored 40% or more of their runs by actually running them.

The Powerplay brought West Indies the first three of their tournament, and four singles. Not all of their 24 dot balls, though, were the result of hitting to fielders. Some of them came via Sohail Tanvir’s awkward angle across the right-handers, exaggerated by some late away-swing.

Having been beaten three times in a row - the last two balls of the second over and the fourth ball of the fourth, when he came back on strike - Dwayne Smith tried to run the ball to third man and only managed an edge to the keeper.

By then, West Indies had already lost Chris Gayle, who came hesitantly down the pitch and thrust a hesi-

global stars including afridi, sangakkara...

11 Sri Lankans will go into the Draft, including former captains, Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan, as well as hard-hitting allrounder, Thisara Perera, and mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis. Australia has the largest overseas contingent in the draft, with 32 players, including prolific batsmen, David Hussey and Adam Voges, pace bowlers, Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes, and spinners, Brad Hogg and Xavier Doherty.

South Africa seamer, Vernon Philander, who tasted Limacol CPL success last year with the Jamaica Tallawahs, is hoping to return to the competition for a second year alongside Herschelle Gibbs, who played for St. Lucia Zouks in 2013. 23 South Africans in total will go into the Draft, including current Proteas stars, Robin Peterson and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

England internationals, Simon Jones, Dimitri Mascarenhas and Owais Shah, will line up alongside former teammate,

From back page

Kevin Pietersen, in the Draft. They will be joined by Bangladesh pair, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, Zimbabwe spinner, Ray Price, Irish World Cup hero, Kevin O’Brien, Netherlands World T20 star, Tom Cooper, and Afghanistan captain, Mohammad Nabi.

Limacol CPL 2014 will give cricketers from across the Caribbean the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world. Up and coming cricketers, such as Nicolas Pooran and Jason Holder, will enter the Draft alongside Windies test stars like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tino Best, and current World T20 players, Samuel Badree, Dwayne Smith and Krishmar Santokie.

The Draft takes place at Chris Gayle’s Triple Century Bar in Kingston, Jamaica, on Thursday 3rd April at 2:30pm (Central) (7:30pm GMT), and will be streamed live at http:// cplt20.com/draft.

short as he tried to sneak a leg bye.

Gul nearly had another run-out when Bravo cut Afridi straight to him and took off for a quick single. His throw just missed the stumps at the bowlers’ end. Either side of that, West Indies had lost Marlon Samuels and Ramdin. West Indies were five down, Pakistan were on top, and their spinners were rushing through the overs.

West Indies took 23 from the 16th and 17th overs, but their run rate had only just gone above six an over. Pakistan were still in control. When Bravo hit the first two balls of the 18th over for six, though, something seemed to change. Gul had sent down two poor balls - length and back-of-

a-length - and followed up with a wide as he tried to compensate with the yorker. That over went for 21.

Even Ajmal was rattled. The pair in the middle was powerful and seemingly irresistible, but Ajmal, trying to hurry them by bowling quicker and flatter, completely lost his length. Bravo smashed him for two big sixes, and Sammy hit him over his head for another before drilling one surgically between extra cover and the sweeper for four.

Four years ago in Gros Islet, Michael Hussey had taken 23 runs off five balls from Ajmal to send Pakistan hurtling out of the 2010 World T20. This over cost Ajmal one more run, and sealed Pakistan’s fate in the same way. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

at an

tant

After that stumping,

T20 record against Gayle looked like this: six balls, one run, three wickets.

At some points, it appeared as though West Indies were better off not taking the singles. Lendl Simmons, who kept the innings going in the early stages with a 29-ball 31, was out twice to the same ball.

He wasn’t given when he was struck on the back pad trying to cut a skidder from Shahid Afridi, but the third umpire had an easier decision to make when Umar Gul’s direct hit caught him

Cricket impasse affecting on-field performance, says Minister Anthony

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has admitted that the cricket impasse has definitely impacted on the dynamics of the game on the field.

The minister made the comment on Monday evening during the first sitting of the 2014 Budget debate..

However, the passage of the Cricket Administration Bill seems the only way forward and it is the minister’s hope that the bill will be passed with “consensus” sometime soon.

“We hope that later in the year we will be able to pass the cricket legislation by consensus, which will assist the game to grow

and develop,” the minister said.

The bill was tabled by government in December 2011 in a bid to end the impasse over the national game, but has since been deferred at least four times when it came up for a sec-

ond reading in the House.

The Bill provides constitutions for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB); the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB); the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). It is divided into five parts, with one schedule giving respective boards the powers to effectively manage the affairs of local cricket.

The absence of a corporate structure for the county boards had been exposed when secretary of the BCB Angela Haniff challenged the validity of the GCB elections of June 10, 2011.

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang threw out the matter on the grounds that all of the associations embroiled in the matter were legal non-entities and had been so from their inception. Therefore they could not sue or be sued.

In the name of the sport minister, the bill tabled in Parliament seeks to remedy this by establishing the boards as corporate bodies

and conserves their status and operations.

The bill was tabled following an acrimonious row between the government of Guyana and its Interim Management Committee (IMC) and the GCB over the state of cricket in Guyana. The bill was sent to a Special Select Committee after it was laid in the National Assembly by the sport minister. Several amendments have been made to the bill, including changes to provisions that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) had objected to.

President of the GCB is Drubahadur, who was elected in January 2012, but once the bill is passed and signed into law, new elections will be held.

To this end, pressure has now mounted on the government and combined opposition to resolve the predicament that bedevils the local game.

Just recently, at the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) seventh annual awards and presenta-

tion ceremony, cricket icon Basil Butcher said: “Cricket has suffered for too long and it’s time we sort it out once and for all “Cricket has nothing to do with government, but the government has a lot to do with cricket, so the government must sort this predicament out,” Butcher said during his brief remarks.

East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) president Bissoondyal Singh then made a strong appeal to the combined opposition to support the Cricket Administration Bill, since the passage of the bill he said, will serve in the interest of the professional management of the game at all levels.

“The bill is extreme-

ly important, since it will bring an end to the rigged elections, lack of accountability, the mismanagement, the confusion and the chaos. The bill therefore will set the ‘pitch’ for the success of our cricket,” Singh outlined.

Petra Organization happy with Milo tournament to date

The Petra Organization is pleased with the ongoing Milo schools under-20 football tournament, which is set to conclude on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground from 16:00h.

Defending Champions

St. George’s High School and Lodge Secondary will now clash in the final of the tournament after a month of battling to reach this stage of the tournament.

However, with an exciting final expected by the Petra organizers, who believe that the tournament will only improve in the coming years, they also see their relationship with the Ministry of Health improving to spread the word on gender- based violence.

Director of the Petra group, Troy Mendoca, sees

the issues as not just local, but also global and is positive that the partnership that the Petra Organization has with the Ministry of Health will go a far way in helping to eradi-

cate the scourge from society.

“The workshop that we had really opened my eyes and the eyes of the coaches and this is something we want to take a far way; and

Senior team call-up delights Hetmyer

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Seventeen-year-old Shimron Hetmyer, has expressed surprise and delight at receiving his maiden senior callup to the national side.

The former Berbice High School student, who has been a steady performer over the years, received the news on Monday that he has been included in Guyana’s 13-member squad ahead of the team’s Regional FourDay match against the Leeward Islands, slated to bowl off on Friday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket ground in Antigua.

“I was a bit surprised, and happy at the same time,” said Hetmyer, who represented Guyana at the youth levels as well as the West Indies Under-19 team.

Chanderpaul, will not be available for the rest of the competition due to his commitment to county cricket in England.

Guyana sits on 17 points from four matches-three defeats and a draw- and are at the bottom of the points table and with just two games remaining are no longer in contention for a place in the semi-finals.

The current tournament has shown in no uncertain manner that there is a lack of commitment in the field and at the crease among a number of the current crop of Guyanese players.

The Guyanese have shown major weaknesses in several areas of the game, with their batting certainly below what is expected at this level.

hopefully we can do more in this regard,” Mendoca stated at an event held at the Brandsville Hotel.

Marlon Cole, director of the organization as well also added that three scholarships will be issued to the players who have gained entrance to the University of Guyana (UG) and have done well in the tournament.

The main criteria for the player to obtain the scholarship will be to have gained five CXC passes along with gaining entrance into the tertiary institution for any area except Medicine and Law.

Meanwhile, the organizers pointed out that all systems are in place for a successful final on Saturday, which will be contested under flood lights.

“It is a great feeling to represent Guyana at the senior level. And, all I am looking for is to stay focused and live up to the expectations,” Hetmyer told Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday from his home in Canje.

The attacking opening batsman said the call-up is certainly an ideal opportunity for him to develop his game.

“I want to use this opportunity to develop my game, it’s a big step in my career so I am looking forward to it,” Hetmyer concluded Hetmyer is one of four changes made to the squad with off-spinner Zaheer Mohamed, opener Trevon Griffith and Ronsford Beaton, who returns from injury being the other players to replace Test players Narsingh Deonarine, Devendra Bishoo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul along with West Indies T20 player Christopher Barnwell.

Guyana’s bowling has been decent, if not destructive, this season; but the batting has been the team’s main let down.

Assad Fudadin is the only Guyanese batsman with 200 runs (249) and two 50s, but he has batted eight times and his six other innings have produced less than 100 runs. Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble (192) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (146) are the only other batsmen with over 115 runs in the tournament.

The team for Guyana’s sixth-round game reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Assad Fudadin, Amir Khan, Trevon Griffith,Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Zaheer Mohamed, Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Bramble,Veerasammy Permaul (vice captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph and Chandrapaul Hemraj. The coach is Esaun Crandon and the Manager is Alvin Johnson.

Competitive UA&GS 11-race cycling set for Saturday

By Avenash Ramzan

Following the successful staging of the inaugural Star Party Rentals 11-race programme last Saturday, cyclists will converge on the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday to compete in the 10th annual Universal Auto and General Supplies (UA&GS) cycling event from 09:00h.

The event, which will take the form of the popular 11-race format, is being sponsored by Shameer Baksh, proprietor of UA&GS and a consistent rider in the Veterans Under-50 category.

National coach and organiser of the day’s proceedings, Hassan Mohamed, told this publication on Tuesday that all plans are in place for this weekend’s race, as the sponsor has committed to having the programme staged for the 10th year in succession.

The feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race is expected to be a hotly contested affair, as the riders will look to outgun the experienced Godfrey Pollydore, who has topped the podium for the last two races.

Pollydore, who has been involved in competitive cycling for over two decades, won the final leg of the Cheddi Jagan memorial road race in Essequibo and repeated the effort last

by copping top honours in the 35-lap race sponsored by Star Party Rentals in the National Park.

Roraima Bikers Club’s Alanzo Greaves, who has been quiet since winning the second stage of the Cheddi Jagan race in Berbice, is the defending champion of the UA&GS main event, having won last year’s race in a time of one hour, 15 minutes, 53.33 seconds (01h:

15m: 53.33s).

Greaves would no doubt want to get back in winner’s row, and once he touches top form, Pollydore and others would be in for a tough time.

Other riders looking to get back on the podium are Raynauth Jeffrey, Robin Persaud, Paul deNobrega, Geron Williams, Orville Hinds, Hamzah Eastman, Albert Philander and Marlon Williams among others.

AAG names CARIFTA Games team

By Treiston Joseph

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has released its shortlisted team for the 2014 junior CARIFTA Games set for Martinique in April.

The team will consist of two US- based Guyanese, along with seven locally based athletes, a head coach and three assistant coaches.

Headlining the local side of the team will be defending CARIFTA under-18 1500 metres champion Cassie George, who won gold last year. The talented distance athlete will be defending her 1500 metres title while making a switch to the 3000 metres.

CARIFTA 400 metres

bronze medalist Jason Yaw will also be the next lo-

cal headliner, as he will attempt to top his bronze medal performance from one year ago.

Avon Samuels will also look to improve on her performances from last year in the under-18 200 and 400 metres.

Making their debuts at the event will be talented sprinter Jevina Sampson in the 200 and 400 metres under-18, Natricia Hooper, triple jump, Kevin Abbensetts 100 and 200 metres under-20 and Kade Pearce, male under-20 high and triple jumps.

The US-based athletes will be headed by World Junior silver medalist and CAC gold medalist Kadecia Baird, who will look to better her bronze medal performance in the girls’ under-20 400 metres from one year

ago. Baird will also feature in the girls’ under-20 200 metres.

Making her debut for Guyana as a US- based athlete will be Brenessa Thompson, who has one of the fastest junior indoor 60 metres in the US at the moment. Thompson will be competing in the girls’ 100 and 200 metres.

The team’s coach will be Running Brave Athletics co-coach Sham Johnny, who will be assisted by Shawn Diets, Glenton Pantlitz, and Matthew Martin. The manager of the team will be Mayfield Taylor-Trim.

Meanwhile, missing from the team will be CARIFTA 200 metres bronze medalist Tirana Mitchell, who has been ruled out due to an injury to her right quad muscle.

Michael Anthony of Team Coco (Guyana), won the junior category last year, while Junior Niles (Veterans Under-50), Ozia McUally (Mountain Bikes) and Tyrique Hall (12-14

Boys) were also in winner’s row and would be looking to repeat come Saturday.

Among the other events carded for the day are BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open and the Veterans Over-50 and Over-60. Representatives of the UA&GS, including Baksh and his family, will be on hand to witness the race and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

Global Stars including Afridi, Sangakkara and Vettori join Pietersen

in Limacol CPL draft

– Jayawardene, Philander and Umar Gul also enter Draft for the Biggest Party in Sport; Murali, Ajmal, Anderson, Taylor, Hodge and Malik confirmed as International Franchise Players

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League has confirmed a stellar line-up of cricketers registered to take part in this year’s competition.

The announcement includes the six International Franchise Players (IFPs) chosen by the teams, and all of the players entering the 2014 Draft, which takes place this Thursday in Kingston, Jamaica.

The six IFPs will include three returning stars and three newcomers to the Limacol CPL. International cricket’s most successful bowler ever, Muttiah Muralitharan (Jamaica

West Indies dish out thrashing to enter semis

Tallawahs), CPL 2013’s leading run-scorer, Shoaib Malik (Barbados Tridents), and New Zealand’s Ross Taylor (Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel) will all return to their 2013 teams, while the top wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, Saeed Ajmal (Antigua Hawksbills), record-breaking New Zealander, Corey Anderson (Guyana Amazon Warriors) and Australian T20 specialist, Brad Hodge (St Lucia Zouks), will all make their CPL debuts.

Vying to join the six IFPs in the Biggest Party in Sport will be global stars such as Shahid

Afridi, Kevin Pietersen, Kumar Sangakkara and Daniel Vettori, as well as more than 100 Caribbean players, who will all enter the 2014 Draft.

Big-hitting Afridi will feature alongside 26 of his Pakistani compatriots, including Umar Gul, World T20 centurion, Ahmed Shehzad, and test and ODI captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, while 13 New Zealanders, including James Franklin, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder, join former Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori in the Draft.

West Indies scored 84 runs in their first 15 overs. They nearly doubled their total after that, smashing 82 off the last 30 balls of the innings. No Full Member team had ever conceded so many in the last five overs of a Twenty20 game.

It remained to be seen which part of West Indies’ innings, the first three-quarters or the final quarter, would make a bigger impact on the result as Pakistan began their chase, in a knockout game to determine who would take on Sri Lanka in the first semi-final on Thursday. In the end, West Indies could have declared after 15 overs and still won.