Hydrocarbon traces being mapped at Mahaica Police investigating robbery at ECD auto dealership
PSC petitions CFATF to hold on blacklisting Guyana Guyanese busted, charged in U.S. with trafficking cocaine Webster fumes over link to recycling plant
– daughter denies investing
saturday, november 16, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com
until Thursday, November 21.
The Bank of Guyana on Friday officially launched the $5000 note, in keeping with its Currency Reform programme. The note will come into circulation on December 9.
The face of the note carries the map of Guyana with its natural resources, while the reverse portrays the national bird and the rainforest. It measures 156 mm x 65mm (similar to existing notes) with the main colours being magenta and green.
The Bank of Guyana’s deputy governor, Dr Gobind Ganga said leading up to the circulation date, an awareness campaign will be embarked on through posters, fliers, and advertisement in the print and electronic media to sensitise the public on the note’s security and other features.
This note will significantly reduce the number of notes that the bank will be required to process in the fastapproaching holiday season. The tender for the printing of the note, which bears the sig-
nature of the Bank of Guyana Governor, Lawrence Williams and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh was won by Oberthur Fiduciaire from France.
This company is one of the world’s leading private security printers specialising in the design and production of banknotes, cheques, and other security documents, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
Important addition
The finance minister, who unveiled the high denomination note, said that it represents an important addition to the range of local currency in use; noting that businesses will be handling a single note for every five $1000 notes, and in this regard, it will ease the cash-handling costs. Similarly, on a smaller scale, it is more convenient for consumers to execute cash transactions by reducing the quantity of money they have to carry around.
“This really just represents a higher denomination;
that is to say that our dollar has the same value today as it had yesterday except that now we will be holding one $5000 bill instead of five $1000 bills,” the minister emphasised.
The $500 denomination was issued in 1992 and the last denomination that was issued was the $1000 note in 1996. The latter currently accounts for 60 per cent of notes in circulation and more than 90 per cent of the value.
Since 1996, the volume and value and transactions have increased exponentially, which necessitated the introduction of this new note. Based on key economic and financial statistics, the unprecedented growth of the economy from 1996 to now is evident.
In 1996, the country’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounted to $99 billion, today it is $631 billion. In U.S. dollar terms, the GDP was US $705 million, this year it is estimated at US$3.1 billion (337 per cent increase). In 1996, the size of
the national budget was $47 billion compared to more than $200 billion this year, an increase of 348 per cent. Similar increases are also seen in the banking system. Total deposits in commercial banks have increased by 458 per cent and private sector credit by 380 per cent since 1996.
“Over the years, there has been significant growth in the economy, in the financial system, and in the level of economic activities transacted at the macro, national and individual levels… the issuance of this higher note is consistent with the growth and expansion we have seen in the financial system,” the finance minister posited.
Minister Singh also issued a call for reduced use of cash in the local economy; especially since there are various forms of technology readily available to enable, particularly for large businesses, the avoidance of handling large volumes of cash.
“Today’s world is one in which it is not necessary for an individual to have large volumes of cash. We have a mature banking system that has considerable reach… today, technology is used to deliver banking services… such as ATM [Automatic Teller Machine] networks, plastic cards, cheques, and cheque books,” he said.
This $5000 note, which has the full support of the Guyana Association of Bankers, will significantly improve the efficacy of payment systems. The note also carries two track threads with optically variable and metallic print properties. In addition, it carries a blind mark for the visually impaired and partially sighted.
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
Pressure is mounting on the authorities in the Dominican Republic (DR) not to implement a decision by the Constitutional Court which threatens to strip hundreds of thousands of persons of Haitian descent born after 1929 in the Spanish-speaking country of their citizenship. From the onset we wish to state clearly that the ruling could only be described as arbitrary and unjust and could have major implications for thousands of persons of Haitian roots living and working in the DR.
Some Caribbean leaders have already been very vocal on the issue, and have given an indication that they intend to protest at crucial international forums if certain immediate action is not taken. St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has made a strong call for the suspension of the Dominican Republic from the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM).
Further, the Caribbean Community (Caricom), as well as the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), has criticised the ruling, with the latter saying that it retroactively modifies legislation that was in effect from 1929 to 2010, and thus would strip citizenship from tens of thousands of people born in DR.
The decision, which follows many years of resentment and mistreatment of Haitians, who have gone to the DR to do the country’s hardest and lowest-paid work, has also outraged human rights groups. Some are of the view that it has needlessly created a humanitarian crisis where none existed.
The ruling was issued on September 23 in response to a case brought by the DR-born daughter of Haitian migrants, who had been refused a DR identity card. The judges ruled that because both of her parents were undocumented migrants, they were considered to be “in transit” through the DR and therefore, she was not automatically entitled to citizenship.
The ruling cannot be appealed in domestic courts. Most of those likely to be impacted already hold DR citizenship with the vast majority being children of Haitian labourers who travelled across the shared Caribbean island of Hispaniola in search of work. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of Haitians have crossed into the neighbouring country, hoping to escape the rampant poverty of their homeland to work on Dominican sugar cane plantations, on construction sites, and to engage in house cleaning jobs.
The DR’s constitution had long granted citizenship to anyone born in the country with the exception of those “in transit”, a group limited to special circumstances like foreign diplomats. However, the government sought to expand the definition of “in transit” to include illegal immigrants, such as the hundreds of thousands of Haitians living and working in the country and passed legislation to this effect.
In 2010, the country approved a new constitution that formalised the distinction, leaving more than 200,000 children of immigrants questioning whether they are eligible for citizenship. At the moment, the government is reviewing the birth registry to verify the exact number of those affected.
Now with this latest ruling, there are more questions than answers. Persons are unsure as to their next move – if they will be thrown out of the country and made to reapply for citizenship all over again, if they will be denied of their basic rights or what will become of their families and all they have worked for and built in the country.
While the government there has maintained that there would be “no mass deportation” of undocumented workers in the wake of the ruling and that the country was just “seeking to put its house in order”, it must also urgently take the necessary action to regularise the situation of all migrants.
It is also hoped that the international community will put more pressure on the DR administration to exercise restraint in the entire process especially as they seek to review thousands of birth records.
Dear Editor,
I noted, with concern, the contents of a letter published on November 10, in the print media, under the headline, “Region Two garbage collecting contractor providing inadequate service” written by one Mohamed Khan.
The writer highlighted a few issues, which he used as a yardstick to qualify our service as “inadequate”. I feel such a generalisation is grossly misleading and unfair, since the writer is obviously unaware of some of the constraints we face.
Let me state from the onset, that the management and staff of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc is fully committed to providing quality service in all aspects of its operations. Whilst we welcome any constructive criticism or suggestions which
may help us to improve the quality of service we provide, it is my considered opinion that the writer has sought to portray a biased and completely negative picture of our operation.
In a relatively fledgling operation as the one we have in Region Two, one would expect some initial minor hiccups, as we are currently experiencing. These include the reluctance of some residents to embrace this new initiative, difficulty in recruiting competent and committed staff, the deplorable state of the access road to the landfill site at Lima – which poses a serious hazard not only to our vehicles, but to our operators as well – and unreliable and unsatisfactory telephone service which adversely affects our communication links.
Even as we face these impediments, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc is committed to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to provide quality service. Since the commencement of our operations, we have provided bins free of charge for the residents, wheelie bins for markets, and service to hospitals and business entities. These were non-existent prior to our arrival.
In an area where the burning of garbage was a way of life, our collection system has transformed the task of disposing refuse, but many residents still refuse to embrace this new practice. With regard to our equipment, we have also purchased an additional refuse compactor truck to be deployed in Region Two very shortly. Over the next two to
three months, our company intends to invest millions of dollars in order to provide a superior service. We appeal to residents to pay their dues and utilise our facilities. Without the full support of the regional administration and residents, it is impossible for our company to viably carry out its operations.
As the largest and leading solid waste contractor in Guyana, we treat every concern with the highest degree of urgency and take the imperative steps to correct any deficiencies in our operation. We look forward to working in the region and to continue providing quality service to our valued customers.
Yours respectfully, Vikash Puran Puran Brothers Disposal Inc
Dear Editor, Numerous people leave Guyana on a yearly basis and though some are grateful for the opportunity, there are a few who regret leaving. Just recently, a Guyanese woman and her two-year-old Trinidadian born son was deported back to Guyana after the child was discharged from a hospital in Trinidad. The two-year-old encounters difficulty walking and speaking and was later diagnosed with autism. The Trinidadian born child’s con-
dition evoked no consideration or concern of any kind by the Trinidad government. Many people fail to realise that the treatment they receive in their own country could possibly be better than the treatment they can expect in a foreign one. Most developed countries preclude immigrant citizens from gaining access to certain jobs and from becoming involved in the government. Yet many people leave their own shores, sometimes cursing the land without hesitation.
My heart goes out to the single parent mother and her child. The medical treatment she received for her son practically claimed a large portion of her funds.
I know of a similar situation where a friend of mine who moved to Trinidad developed a heart problem. He underwent treatment at a hospital in Trinidad, but was never able to complete his medical course due to shortage of funds and so he soon came back to Guyana where he succumbed shortly after.
Although the idea of a Specialty Hospital in Guyana was rejected, I applaud the government for its efforts to establish such a facility. Many of us believe that when we leave Guyana, we leave for something better, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Careful thought and due consideration should be given by those who are contemplating leaving their homeland.
Respectfully, Nalini Deonauth
Dear Editor,
On November 12, I received a call that there was shooting around a hospital in Georgetown which I have a very close relationship with. I got some more information that the occurrence was on Middle Street, near the shopping centre.
I went to the hospital and got an update as to what was happening and learnt that patients had to be moved due to the tear gas smoke entering the hospital from the building where the shooter was contained.
I entered the affected area and saw Assistant Commissioner of Police George Vyphuis like a real ‘general’ shouting commands and relaying information to the Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell. A commander and many of his subordinates were without protective gear. So were I and many others. These brave police officers and other brave citizenry should be commended for containing this deranged citizen from making the death toll higher.
All I and others were concerned with was to stop the escalating death toll of innocent persons. Entering the firefight without protective gear is totally irrelevant. Deryck Kanhai had shot and killed four innocent persons and he had to be stopped at all costs. Those who shout out
about police being there without protective gear are just cowards with bright yellow streaks down their backs.
Should the police have left the area and allow the shooter to re-enter the street and kill more innocent citizens? I am a person who lives and breathes firearms and I know fully well that the entrance of a warhead into my skin will hurt or kill, but that was far from my mind while entering the war zone.
My only thought was that the perpetrator had to be prevented from taking another innocent life. To all you armchair generals, stop the partisan nonsense and commend the police for stopping further death and eliminating the threat! Only an idiot would not know that “incoming fire has the right of way!”
There were many Guyanese who wanted to have a better view in apparent ignorance, like they did not know that a stray bullet might cause them not to enjoy the upcoming festive season.
To Michael Forde and my brave deceased friend, Sherwin Pantlitz, you made the extreme sacrifice in the line of duty; your life was taken by an unhinged person. I will always remember your laughter and mirth. You and others before you
will be always remembered for theirs and your bravery.
To the other families, I share your grief and loss. I can do nothing to give you comfort, but you can walk with your heads high and tell others that your relative died in the line of duty, in the service of their country and the citizenry they swore to protect at all costs.
Rest in peace all, even Deryck Kanhai. We will never know why you snapped and took innocent lives. There is only just so much the authorities can do to make sure the right persons are authorised to own and use firearms.
No amount of checks and balances by the Guyana Police Force could have prevented Kanhai from doing what he did. Unfortunately, it is my firm opinion and that of many others, that his family and friends are the ones guilty of failing to act by not reporting his erratic demeanour and dangerous actions to the police.
I am 100 per cent sure the police would have acted by revoking his status as a firearm holder, which might have prevented this tragedy that will be always remembered by the ones who lost loved ones and were present there.
Sincerely,
Harold Hopkinson
Dear Editor, I commend the participation and full support of the many leaders who attended the National Toshaos Council (NTC) recently held in Georgetown. It shows that there is still hope for justice and equality.
During this year’s NTC, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) opted to represent Amerindians under the circumstances that the opposition parties were calling for a retraction of funding to Amerindian benefiting initiatives including the Low Carbon
Development Strategy (LCDS), the solar panel project and the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project.
The recent cuts in the 2013 National Budget have left many to believe that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) are determined to suppress Amerindians. All that’s left is for them to do is nullify the Hinterland Scholarship Programme.
The PPP/C has vowed to do everything in their nature to ensure the restoration of funds that were heartlessly
retracted during the budget cut. The matter is currently in court and will require the physical and boisterous support of Amerindians who will continue to suffer at the hands of the opposition if funding is not restored.
Amerindians have surely witnessed a wakeup call as it relates to the promises of the APNU and AFC and such, come next election season they will ridicule the attempts of the opposing party to entice them.
Respectfully,
David Perreira
saturday, November 16, 2013
(CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY)
BY LAURA HUTCHISON
Another way you can track process for behaviour plans is to have a Positive Behaviour Jar. For each time the desired behaviour is accomplished the child earns a marble or fuzzy/pom pom (like each day you go without arguing with your siblings). Any type of jar or jug works great… empty and cleaned out Peanut Butter Jars, baby food jars, or Apple Juice containers work well. Parents
should think about the size of the jar and the size of the fuzzy or marble when setting up the plan. I have used smaller containers when first starting plans and moved to larger jars when the child was ready. I also have drawn lines on the jars to set certain goals. I have also used different sized fuzzies to represent different accomplishments. (For example, in potty training a trying to use the potty = small fuzzy, going pee in the potty = me-
dium fuzzy, and going poop in the potty = a large fuzzy.)
At the onset of starting the Behaviour Jar or Sticker Chart it should be clearly communicated what (if any) the reward will be and what exactly will be needed to earn that reward. For example, the child will earn one fuzzy a day for having no accidents and when the jar is full the child will earn a trip to the ice cream store. It is also of utmost importance that once a sticker or fuzzy is earned… it cannot be taken away. Don’t ever remove the reinforcement from the child… because then it no longer becomes a positive reinforcement plan.
the playground
* the ability to choose where to have lunch or dinner
* make cookies together
* stay up 10 minutes past bedtime
* a small toy
Rewards for positive behaviours
This can be another area for parents to go astray. Many parents will aim too high for what types of rewards to give … such as expensive gifts or a trip to Disneyland. Rewards should be simple and inexpensive. And they don’t even need to be material things! Here are some examples of rewards that can be given:
* a trip to the giftland
* a new box of crayons
* sheet of stickers
* a new book
* Some parents I have worked with create a treasure box that the child can choose something from. Other times, with older children the reward is larger… such as a video game or an outing… but this is when positive behaviours have been exhibited for a longer time.
Implementing positive behaviour strategies in daily family life can not only help eliminate problematic behaviours, but can give children a sense of control and help decrease parental stress. Verbal praise, simply talking about progress made, and showing the pride you have in your children can go a long way in helping your child’s character development. (blog.playdrhutch. com)
BY DTARELLE F TULLIS
Teaching children that mistakes are a vital part of the learning process helps to build confidence, resilience and creativity in children. If children are allowed and actually encouraged to make mistakes they will learn to not take things personally and are willing to explore and try new things. They will receive valuable and necessary information about themselves and the world that they live in. Most importantly they will learn what works and doesn’t work and develop a mind that is open, flexible and learn to tolerate when things don’t go their way more.
As educators, caregivers and parents we want our children to confidently and boldly learn about the world around them and how they fit in it. We want them to be willing to take risks, make a mess, explore and discover. When we box children into only right or wrong answers or only a certain way to perform a task we are limiting their learning potential and minimising their learning experiences. Instead we want our children to learn to think about what else is possible? What other ways can a task be successfully completed?
I totally understand that there are right and wrong
ways to do things and children definitely should be taught this. What I am talking about are areas where there are no right or wrong answers, but sometimes teachers and parents make it that way.
Children need experiential learning too
work. They are usually well meaning in that they want the class to have beautiful art hung around the room and in the school. What they fail to realise is that things like art, music, painting and building with blocks or legos or anything else, is not about perfection or right or wrong but are merely for
A perfect example of this is when teachers don’t allow children to do their own art
the expression and exploration of those mediums.
Some teachers and parents understand this but do not want to deal with the mess or noise that these activities create. Once in one of my classes we were having such a blast that the noise level had reached a high pitched scream. We were in an area where we were the only ones using that area and the teacher jumps up with this frown on her face and screams “be quiet!!!!!!!”
We quickly took a rest period with a magic number (a game that I play with the children to get them to be still, listen and focus) to quiet the children. It wasn’t the worst thing because we had been running around so it was time to take a rest anyway. After class I spoke with the teacher to explain that noise is to be expected when children are having fun and the class is designed to allow for this and also help them to calm down also.
I hope you get my point, in that we should make allowances for and encourage the best way that children will learn and express themselves. We should also take care of ourselves so that we can allow for those methods and facilitate the learning process of children.
By Svetlana MarShall
Hundreds of persons from across Guyana flocked the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Friday to cash in on an opportunity to own house lots as the Housing Ministry staged its penultimate “One Stop Shop for 2013”.
From the crack of dawn, persons trickled into the stadium in their quest to be among the first batch of persons to receive house lots for Plantation Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara. Before engaging those who lined up to meet him, Housing Minister Irfaan Ali told the press that approximately 4219 persons would benefit from the distribution of 1029 house lots. Overwhelmed by the desire to meet the needs of the Guyanese populace, Ali said the “One Stop Shop” is just one of the many developments taking place along the East Bank of Demerara.
“In this project, we had the construction of 15.8 kilometres of crushed stone surfaced roads, installation of 18km pure water distribution network and the construction of 64 drainage structures,” Ali said as he explained some of the infrastructure put in place to the tune of $1.6 billion. Approximately 50 per cent of the works have been completed, with outstanding works including the installation of electricity, estimated at $61.7 million. The electrical component of the project is expected to commence by 2014.
While several persons complained bitterly about being allotted lots costing $1.2 million, positing that they cannot afford to buy land at such hefty sums, others were overwhelmed with joy.
Overwhelmed with joy
One of the beneficiaries, Sharon Joseph told Guyana Times: “I am so happy, that finally I will be getting my own land.” Joseph,
who applied since 2002, said she was out of the country when she got word that the Housing Ministry had sent a letter indicating that she will be allotted a plot of land in Covent Garden.
“I think it is a very good exercise, something that allows all the activities to be done under one roof and I think that it is a good initiative and it should be pursued because it takes out a lot of stress and hassle in getting a house lot,” said Michael Welch, another beneficiary who applied in 2010, about the “One Stop Shop”.
Other projects
Turning his attention to other multimillion-dollar investments along the East Bank of Demerara, the housing minister pointed to the establishment of 558 house lots at Plantation Providence Phrase Three at the cost of $731 million. Meanwhile, over at Plantation Farm, the area has been developed to the tune of $1.4 billion to facilitate 1695 lots, while at Plantation Perseverance $90 million has been expended to develop 200 house lots. Similar activities are ongoing at Plantation Eccles, but on a small scale, since most of the land there has been already developed. Approximately 70 lots have been developed using some $40 million.
In the area of roads, Minister Ali disclosed that
the Farm-Diamond access road is being upgraded at a cost of $680 million, while 120 single-flat houses are being constructed at Providence to the tune of $450 million. Roads in the vicinity of Great Diamond and Golden Grove are being upgraded, areas in which approximately 1000 house lots have been distributed. The second and third ingress (Cacique en-
trance and Greenfield Park entrance) are being upgraded to asphaltic roads for $544 million.
Other roads near Diamond and Golden Grove that are slated to be upgraded are currently in the tender stage. They will be upgraded at a cost of $255 million. Similarly, $244 million will be spent to upgrade roads in Eccles, but this pro-
cess is also being tendered. Also at the tender stage is infrastructural development at Little Diamond and Great Diamond – the development of 300 acres of land at a cost of $950 million.
Overall, the Housing and Water Ministry has invested $5.8 billion along the East Bank of Demerara, with $1.5 billion worth of works currently at the tender stage.
During the period 20002012, the Housing and Water Ministry has invested $17 billion in the development of 13,000 new lots in Great Diamond (Sections A, B and C); Golden Grove (Sections A, B and C); Little Diamond; Mocha; Eccles (Blocks A, B and C); Herstelling and Kaneville, benefiting more than 54,000 persons.(svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)
saturday, november 16, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com
Two days after three persons were charged for the El Dorado gold heist, the mastermind in made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge against him.
Standing before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Friday, 29-year-old Neville Chandrawattie, clad in a blue shirt and black pants was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on November 8 at Port Kaituma, North West District, he stole 96 ounces of raw gold and a quantity of cash valued $93 million, property of El Dorado Trading.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that the accused is known to Amirullah Kuturatullah who was previously charged
before the execution of this offence. Chandrawattie and Kuturatullah planned the act, and then allowed Anil Diaram, who is also charged for this offence, to enter the premises and hide beneath the bed.
Chandrawattie then placed sleeping pills in the co-worker’s porridge. While Diaram tied up the workers, Chandrawattie packed the money and gold into bags. He gave them to Diaram who made his escape. The accused then hid the remaining gold before he too consumed sleeping pills.
Chandrawattie admitted to the police that he was a part of the initial planning of the robbery and took them to Kuturatullah’s house where the cash and gold were found. The accused also gave the police the articles he had in his possession.
The accused was represented in court by Attorneys Peter Hugh, Campton Richardson and Hugh Crift. Attorney Peter Hugh made an application for bail stating that Chandrawattie resides at 33 Sparta, Essequibo Coast and is not a flight risk.
Prosecutor Mangru objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, along with the likelihood that if granted bail, the defendant will not return to court to stand trial.
On Wednesday, Kuturatullah, Anil Diaram and Kenneth Garraway appeared before the chief magistrate and were not required to plead to the charge of simple larceny.
Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison. The matter is set to call again on November 22.
On Thursday, a man was remanded to prison after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to answer to charges against him.
It was alleged that Dane Philip Chase, 39, on November 14 at Broad and Lombard streets, Georgetown, made use of threatening language to Lavern Bromell whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned. Chase pleaded guilty with explanation to that charge, but based on what he said, a not guilty
plea was entered. Chase also pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on the same day, he unlawfully assaulted Bromell.
According to the facts, both parties have been living together for the past 10 years and share two children. On the day in question, they had an argument which resulted in the defendant picking up a knife and threatening to kill Bromell. She became scared for her life and ran through the door.
Chase caught up with her and dealt her several cuffs to her face causing her
to receive injuries. The matter was reported and the defendant was subsequently arrested and charged.
Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail, stating that the parties reside at the same address and there is a likelihood that the defendant may tamper with the witness. He also cited the seriousness and prevalence of the offence as reasons for his objection.
The matter was transferred to Court 10 where it will be heard before the presiding magistrate on November 26.
...totalitarian mindset
Not all who shout “Democracy! Democracy!” believe that government should be for all the people. There are some who’re convinced they know better than anyone else as to what’s good for the “people”. And, by golly, it’d better be their way or the highway.
This is the characteristic of the totalitarian mind. Make no mistake about it – totalitarians are convinced when they pull you from your bed in the middle of the night to face a firing squad – it’s really for your own good.
Democrats, on the other hand, accept that no one’s in possession of the entire TRUTH. We all see things from our perspective – which is as valid as the other person’s. So how do we run a common venture – especially one as large as a whole country? We allow everyone to have their say and to lobby the government to go along with their point of view, that’s how.
The government weighs the diverse views and tries to steer the middle course that tends to benefit the country as a whole.
As Winston Churchill pointed out, it’s the worst system of governance in the world –excepting for every other type that’s been tried and found wanting.
The totalitarian mindset was on display in a letter from one Nigel Westmaas in the Stabber News. Now Westmaas is a cardcarrying member of the sexagenarian club that now constitutes the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). Now don’t get carried away – “sexagenarian” just means they’re in their 60s...nothing to do with “sex”, unless it’s a lack thereof.
Westmaas berated the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for daring to petition the Parliament to make their views known on a subject which directly concerned them. “How dare they??!!” huffed Westmaas.
What made the petition unacceptable was that it dared to criticise the opposition on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) (Amendment) Bill. Since Westmaas agrees with the opposition – the WPA, such as it is – is a member of A Partnership for
National Unity (APNU) and the opposition knows what’s best for anyone...even the people most affected by the bill, you have to understand their outrage.
If the opposition ever gets into power, the private sector officials better expect some knocks on their doors in the middle of the night.
Westmaas rants that the PSC should follow the example of their predecessors that called for democratic reforms in the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime. Never mind that the PNC was universally acknowledged to have rigged elections and were governing illegally while the present administration was legally elected in accordance with the Constitution.
What matters to the totalitarian mind is not logic, but whatever they think is right. And they always have the firing squad to back them up. It’s for your own good.
They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. There’s this fella that wrote, quite feelingly, about the Amalia Falls Hydro Electricity Project (AFHEP) not being able to solve Guyana’s electricity needs for all time. Now, no one ever claimed that it would be. But rather surprisingly he proposes that it would be a better bet for us to invest in diesel – from a cost standpoint. But he misses the point – doesn’t he?
With hydropower, once you’ve got the fixed costs of the facility in place, you don’t pay for any fuel as with diesel. We’ll be paying for the hydro plant with the same money we’re paying for the present costs of electricity. But in 20 years, Guyana will own the facility and most of the payments from then will be profits that can be used to expand hydro power among other things. The fella also talks about small nuclear power plants and saving transmission costs. Apart from the costs and absorbing such technologies, do we build them on our coast to save those transmission costs?
While democracy gives everyone a voice, we hope he appreciates the critique. It’s the democratic way. And yes, we should look again and closer at AFHEP.
The development of the oil and petroleum sector is continuing with a mapping exercise currently underway in the Mahaica, Mahaicony area.
The area is being surveyed to ascertain the potential of commercially viable quantities of oil and gas by local contracting company S NABI and Sons, which has a lease for 2300 square kilometres (km).
Conducting the testing and mapping, using specialised equipment is Hydrocarbon Imaging Services Inc. President of the Texas-based firm, Robert Clark, explained that the firm has successfully conducted operations in Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and several African countries.
“We have a good idea of comparisons, and as I come to Guyana, there is a lot of anecdotal information. There’s very sketchy information on historical wells, but even with that, we could still get an idea of the boundaries and the identifying signatures of hydrocarbons, oil and gas,” Clark said.
The head of the company declared that tests indicate that there are hydrocarbons present but “it all comes down to commercial quantities”. He explained that testing is done by looking at the natural gamma ray signatures using Geiger counters since hydrocarbon deposits are inherently radioactive and testing for gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and several others in the soil. Grids are then mapped out to ascertain certain trends, according to
Clark.
“This is more of a channel sand normally and what we try to do is find the sweet spot and then bring in the other sciences, whether it’s seismic or otherwise to see its structure… We have to integrate historical geology, historical well control, we do not operate in a vacuum. We have a science that is mathematically-based, that is nuclear-based, that is predictable and repeatable.”
The signs thus far are very encouraging and there is also the presence of gas (methane) as well, he added. The area being surveyed is known for oil seeps and soil outcrop also known as reefs, clear indicators of hydrocarbons being present in the subsurface of the soil.
For engineer and managing director of the NABI Oil and Gas Inc, Antony Syms, the aim is to ascertain whether they can drill to reach any deposits cost effectively and whether it is commercially viable to do so.
“The cost of production must be less than the selling price or we don’t have a business,” Syms said.
Other companies
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, who was on hand to witness the testing, said there are three companies which are currently conducting similar exercises in other areas; one is currently offshore and the other is in south of Guyana.
“These are very early days and while it’s good to temper expectations, there are many, many more stages that the company or other exploration companies will have to undertake before
getting to that point, but certainly, if there is that potential, it is important that as a nation we examine and explore that potential, because it’s good for our country’s development and certainly it shows that we are committed, at the end of the day, to developing our hydrocarbon sector.”
He noted that while there are challenges on and offshore, in terms of hydrocarbon exploration, government remains committed to giving much support. “I’ve mandated the GGMC, the Petroleum Division, that whatever support we need to give different companies in this field that, we give them. We don’t expect that the companies will hold and watch on and wait for something to happen, they have to make it happen,” Minister Persaud stated. NABI Oil and Gas Inc secured their prospecting licence in June of 2012, and Minister Persaud said government was happy to see some progress in terms of their work.
The company has already invested over $70 million on the project and anticipates that it may be able to drill for further testing and extraction sometime in 2014.
According to S NABI and Sons representatives, the company is the first locally owned firm to engage in this type of activity. Government remains optimistic that petroleum and gas will be found in commercial quantities and though this will take some time, it will further move the nation along the development path, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
T
he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has advised customers served by the Lusignan Well Station number one, East Coast Demerara, including Central Lusignan, that
they are experiencing reduced levels of service due to voltage fluctuations affecting GWI’s facility.
“GWI is working with the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) to restore normal service and
regrets any inconvenience caused,” the water company said in a statement. For updates, affected customers can contact GWI’s Customer Services Call Centre on telephone numbers 227 8701/03 or 04.
saturday, november 16, 2013 |
Experts and country representatives meeting at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters said both international political momentum and practical solutions tailored to specific countries were needed to tackle the nutrition-related problems that plague more than half of the world’s population.
“A common vision is important to ensure and enhance international cooperation and solidarity around nutrition issues, and to ensure that attention given to nutrition on the international development agenda and beyond is elevated significantly. But a common vision doesn’t mean a one-size-fits-all vision,” said FAO Assistant Director General Jomo Sundaram, as he wrapped up the final day of discussions at the November 13-15 meeting.
Sundaram’s comment echoed earlier calls to listen more carefully to information coming from communities around the world about what is needed and what would work in the formulation of policies. Around 300 people took part in the preparatory technical meeting, which was jointly organised by FAO and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in advance of a major international conference on nutrition in 2014.
The Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), scheduled to take place from November 19-21, will aim to address the persistently high levels of malnutrition by translating political momentum into policies and programmes that improve
nutrition, especially in developing countries.
Valuable input
“I think we all agreed that this meeting has provided very valuable input, but there is more knowledge out there, there are more experiences that need to be recognised, and to be part of that technical basis for ICN2,” WHO’s Director General’s Office, Executive Director Dr Hans Troedsson, said.
Over the course of the three-day meeting, experts reviewed agricultural food and nutrition policies since the first International Conference on Nutrition in 1992. They also shared stories from successful nutritionimprovement policies and programmes in various countries. Country cases highlighted, among other things, the importance of getting policies right by making social inclusion, equity, women and children explicit considerations, and by making sure that nutrition is main-
streamed in policies across sectors. They also underscored the importance of partnerships, communication and government support.
Experts also exchanged information on trends in malnutrition, from child stunting to obesity; trends in the supply, quality and safety of food; and the influence of issues like sustainability, food waste, trade and social protection measures on nutrition.
Sundaram pointed out that while the most extreme and chronic forms of hunger have declined globally, an estimated 842 million people go to bed hungry and over two billion people are estimated to be affected by micronutrient deficiencies. Around 45 per cent of the nearly seven million children who die before their fifth birthday every year do so because of nutritional problems, and 162 million children under five are stunted, while at the same time, over half a billion million people are obese.
APartnership for National Unity (APNU) leader David Granger on Friday accused the government of dividing, destabilising and weakening the labour movement in Guyana.
Speaking at a press briefing at APNU’s headquarters on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Granger said a united labour movement is essential to effective government, social security, a fairer society and national development.
However, he said the coalition strongly believes that the government has been doing the opposite.
The APNU also accused the government of trying to weaken the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).
According to APNU, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is weakening the trade union movement. The coalition said currently, only 50,000 of Guyana’s 250,000 workers, which is equivalent to about 20 per cent of the total workforce, is unionised, which is low compared to previous years.
The APNU, he said believes that the current situation could lead to less effective workers and wildcat strikes as have happened in the past and could continue in the future.
Granger added too that workers are faced with numerous issues ranging from high cost of living and low wages and pensions, among others. The APNU also believes that the collective bargaining agreement between trade unions and stateowned corporations such as GuySuCo always turn out to be a loss.
“A Partnership for National Unity feels that trade unions are the guardians of fair employment practices. APNU, therefore, calls on the People’s Progressive Party to work towards respecting all trade unions and to desist from further dividing the labour movement,” Granger asserted. The trade union movement has seen some harsh responses from employers over the years, not only in Guyana, but in the Caribbean and around the world. There have been calls to have a more collective approach to the trade union movement.
Recently, the GPSU called on workers to stand up for their rights, while hinting at strike action if public servants are not given a 25 per cent increase in wages and salaries. The GPSU said the current remuneration given to public servants is an insult to the hard work of those employees who labour in the different entities across Guyana. The union believes that government is not willing to work with them in the interest of the workers and has urged workers to take a stand.
Wheresoever one meets Guyanese, whether inside or outside the country, the conversation inevitably turns to Guyana. The most frequent introduction to the topic of Guyana is this: “The problem with Guyana is...” The rest is filled in with all manner of things.
Each individual identifies several problems; each completes the sentence with either corruption or crime or race, or poor education or a lack of discipline. “The problem with Guyana is...” teachers or the police or crime or drinking or poor roads. No jobs, corrupt politicians, brain drain, poor English, bribery, and so on, complete the long list.
Within our borders, the anger and frustration are more clearly obvious. People from all walks of life voice their opinions freely and loudly. Some blame the current government; others
blame the current opposition; and some blame previous governments.
And if there are different opinions about who is to be blamed for the problems in Guyana, arguments erupt and tempers flare. Friends behave like enemies, and family members react with hostility against each other. It gets worse if liquor is involved: the cuss words flow with each glass of rum.
Remarkably, people are quite unafraid to name the names of politicians and to present “evidence” of corruption. Almost all of it, of course, is “he seh/ she seh” stories — innuendo spawning more innuendo, gossip spawning more gossip, mere accusation leading to guilty verdicts. Much of it is taken from television and newspapers. But this, I suppose, are the ways of people in most places.
And yet, the frustration that people feel is genuine; and it is deep because people do not see themselves as getting ahead or getting ahead quickly enough.
Beneath the anger and frustration is a sense of hopelessness, of being shipwrecked.
But also beneath the anger and frustration is this longing for better things to come for themselves, their families and Guyana. People want to be able to see and reach out to what good futures they may have in their hearts.
With Guyanese living
outside of their native land, the frustrations about Guyana are less palpable.
The sense of frustration is just as genuine, but their investment is more emotional rather than tangible. Most have dedicated themselves to material acquisition and professional success. But only a handful has had an impact on the national enterprises of places like Canada, USA, and UK. They may talk about the politics about their adopted countries, but the talk lacks genuine intensity.
When they talk of Guyana, however, the passion is there. The sense of loss at having been removed from the soil in which they were rooted is deep. Even when they proclaim Guyana a “dump”, the passion shows. The denial shows pain; the longing shows loss.
This is why for so many Guyanese outside, one of the great high points is a trip back home. It is more than a holiday — holidays could be had anywhere at better prices. They work and save, save and work to come back home with money. Guyana still makes them feel alive, still gives them a sense of importance beyond being a mere tourist. Guyana is the wall between them and this awful sense of being ordinary people living ordinary lives. I see that being acted out by many people.
So the conversation turns back to Guyana because this
nation matters to them in deep ways. So the introductory of “The problem with Guyana is...” serves to bring Guyanese outside of Guyana back to themselves. This is why there is this ferocious attachment to their old schools (the many alumni associations and gatherings) and towns and villages (the town and village days). And this is why so many keep abreast of events in Guyana.
All of these and the talk of Guyana still give Guyanese abroad a sense of community, of attachment and rootedness that they cannot seem to find in other places.
But if everyone is right about the many problems, we need to ask: what is the root of all these problems? I know that teachers today are more qualified than those who taught me. The same for the police, doctors, nurses, farmers, fishermen and the private sector. I still remember all of us being terrified to speak openly against our politicians. Of course, our formal English is just as woeful as it was — read the papers and you see it. No disrespect to the tiny number of good journalists.
In my mind, there is only ONE problem in Guyana. And that problem is this: The moral fabric of the nation has been torn to pieces. The rest are just symptoms.
In another column — How could we stitch back the torn moral fabric, thread by thread?
When people desperate, dem does do a lotta strange tings to hide de desperation. Different people does hide dem desperation in different ways. Some does run and hide. Some does sit down and bawl. Some does run and hide and then sit down and bawl. Some does sit down quiet and pretend like dem not desperate and behave like every ting normal. Dem is de ones to friken.
De other day, desperation mek a man tek he gun and start shoot up de place like if GT de garbage town is de Wild West.
Indeed, dem minibus and taxi drivers does mek de town look like Wild West anyway. Dem kinda drivers mighta mek accident even if dem was riding horse during de Wild West days.
Mook Lall is another one who does behave like if GT de garbage town is Wild West. De Mook still don’t wanna pay de s*ity council de tax money whah he owe fuh donkey years. That is whah you call bein a donkey, lookin like a donkey, and behavin like a donkey.
It look like de mayor-fuh-life Green Ham promise that he gon tek care of tings fuh some of de tax money. But even Green Ham can’t help any body nowadays since he runnin outta power. And it ain’t got nutten to do wid G-PEE-Hell power. It got another type of power that de mayor-fuh-life can’t handle. It name woman power.
When Rum Jhaat was desperate, he run to Linden and he bawl fuh a protest. Rum Jhaat lie bare face through he mouth and promise de people a tonne load of tings. When Rum Jhaat couldn’t deliver on he promise, he run and hide and then sit down and bawl. Not even dem people at Bar Room coulda get he up.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And according to dem boys who seh dem is boys, but dem is not boys although dem does dress like boys to fool people, dem still don’t know if Rum Jhaat can ever get up again!
BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM
Aspecial support group has been established at the Suddie Foot Centre on the Essequibo Coast to tackle type one diabetic cases, and diabetes educator and nurse attached to the centre, Shareshmie Nankoo, is urging all to make full use of the services available.
Speaking at a diabetes fair at the Anna Regina Car Park on Friday, Nankoo said many teenagers who are suffering from the illness do not visit the centre, but noted through constant awareness, this trend can change.
The initiative is the first of its kind and aims to educate persons on diabetes and its complications.
The fair was hosted in commemoration of World Diabetes Day and focuses on advising and referring patients living with chronic diseases for treatment. It was held to raise awareness of the rapid increase of diabetes cases in Region Two and to provide solutions to address the illness. Diabetes is caused mainly by lack of exercise and proper diet.
It is important that the illness be addressed at the earliest possible stage, and this should be done through awareness programmes.
The diabetes educator said the fair was made possible through the kind sponsorship of the private sector, particularly Radio Guyana Inc.
Several booths were mounted sharing information on diabetes and nurses, medex and educators were at hand to assist patrons.
Free glucose and hypertension testing and counselling were provided to patrons.
Some of the services provided were foot screening, blood sugar testing, blood pressure testing and physiotherapy. Medications were also given to visitors.
The team also provided information on diet, type 1 diabetes and wound care management, and distributed paraphernalia, including t-shirts, bags and pamphlets.
Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud, who was also at the health fair, commended the Suddie Foot Centre for hosting the initiative, noting that it allows patients the opportunity to be tested for free.
He also encouraged patients to use the right foods and take their medication.
Hundreds of persons flocked the booths to access the various services. The Suddie Foot Centre was established in 2010 to assist persons with diabetes. It deals with ulcers, diabetic cases, questions on foot screening, referrals and amputations in some.
The National Cultural Centre will come alive today when two plays are staged as part of the ongoing National Drama Festival.
The first play titled “Flawed” will be performed by the “The Revolutionaries”. The play was written by Errol Chan and will be directed by Shaundel Phillips. Showtime is 14:00h.
Then at 20:00h, the play “Berbice
Revolution”, written by Ras Leon Saul, will take centre stage. The play is a fictional account of the 1763 Slave Rebellion, focusing on the decisive moment when the enslaved Africans in the Dutch colony of Berbice, led by Kofi Badu, aka “Cuffy”, take destiny into their hands and decide to rebel, rising up at Plantations Magdalenenburg and Lilienburg in February 1763.
The play also tells the story of the love between Kofi’s teenage daughter Nefetari and field slave Akkara; and the events, which led to Kofi being appointed the leader of the uprising and consequently becoming Governor Kofi of Berbice.
The play focuses on the human interest aspect – on the effect of slavery on the black family. Kofi will be played by Ras Leon Small; his wife,
Nana, will be played by Charmaine Blackman and his daughter by Jasmine Wong. The roles of Massa Barkeij, Benevolent Dutch owner of Plantation Lilienburg; Mevrouw Vernesobre, cruel owner of Plantation Magdalenenburg; and Vandenburg, evil overseer of Magdalenenburg will be played by Adrianus Vlugman, Carmen Pedersen, and Amos Sarrouy respectively.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have signed an agreement, which was countersigned by Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, paving the way for a four per cent wage/salary hike retroactive to January 1.
The agreement followed five engagements at the bilateral level and two at the conciliatory level beginning on June 4, GAWU said in a statement.
The agreement also provides for improvements in allowances and additional yearly issuance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to workers. The union 40-member negotiation team comprising shop stewards across the industry unanimously approved the four per cent pay hike. The negotiating team, in approving the agreement, took into account the interim audited statement of the corporation for 2012 and
the management accounts as at August 31, which indicate that the corporation is in dire financial straits.
According to GAWU, the corporation is hoping that favourable weather would permit the industry to operate all its seven grinding estates until the week-ending December 21, thus allowing the realisation of the revised target of 201,000 tonnes of sugar for this year. The union and the corporation are to engage in another set of discussions on Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2013. The sugar production for the year as at November 15 is approximately 165,000 tonnes of sugar.
The signing of the wage pact comes on the heels of cane harvesters attached to the Rose Hall Estate, Providence, East Bank Berbice downing tools on Wednesday in protest over a proposed one per cent wage increase. The workers had also criticised GAWU for being a “sell-out”.
The workers had rep-
resented almost half of the field workers attached to the estate. They marched from Providence, chanting “One per cent can’t wuk” to New Amsterdam where they staged a picketing exercise in front of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) New Amsterdam’s office. Police later cordoned off the area and diverted traffic as the workers demonstrated.
“P Gang” representative Carlton Austin had told this publication they were dissatisfied with the increase offered to them. According to him, workers understand that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) might be cashstrapped, but in spite of this, it is still able to pay some of its managers huge salaries.
The workers’ representative added that the company also spent huge sums to pay auditors. He is of the opinion that the workers’ demand for an eight per cent wage increase is reasonable, given the fact that initially they were pushing for a 12 per cent increase.
“If you are cutting cost, you can’t start from the bottom and then increase at the top,” he lamented.
After failing to get the Parliament to hear a petition, calling for the opposition to help the administration pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has now moved to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), asking it for a stay in any decision to blacklist this country.
In a release, the PSC said it has petitioned CFATF, asking it to hold on its decision to refer Guyana to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) until the end of March 2014.
“The commission has asked CFATF to consider the severe economic consequences that would ensue if Guyana is declared a non-compliant state,” the PSC said, noting that it is fully cognisant of its duty to represent the interests of its members, the wider business community of Guyana, the interests of the workers whose labour enables Guyana’s businesses to function and grow and the people of Guyana and has, therefore, decided to take this action in what the commission believes to be in the nation's interest.
“The Private Sector Commission, in seeking a delayed decision of the taskforce, remains convinced that the governing and opposition parties in the National Assembly are genuinely committed to passing an AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill into legislation which will serve Guyana’s best interest and that the opportunity for finding consensus among the parties is not lost.”
The commission said too that it has offered its good offices to facilitate agreement between all the parties on this essential legislation.
Last Thursday, the joint opposition parliamentary par-
ties used its one-seat majority in the National Assembly to block the presentation of the petition which sought to call on them to give support to the anti-money laundering legislation in the interest of avoiding economic hardships and financial blacklisting.
Opposition’s contention
The petition, which would have been presented by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Manzoor Nadir, was described as “offensive”, “vexatious”, “malicious” and “inaccurate” by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP Carl Greenidge. Greenidge argued that the correct procedures were not followed by the petitioners or Nadir as far as the Standing Orders had allowed for its presentation to the National Assembly. “The assembly will not receive any petition which is not properly and respectfully worded… It shall not contain ironical and nonsensical words that would not be used in debate,” he argued, while quoting Standing Orders 40 (A), 15 and 26. The APNU shadow finance minister also described the document as “ignorant”. He said it sought to lay blame at the feet of the opposition, having accused it of not making its concerns known in written form to the special select committee within the six months
it was at that level.
Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira expressed her disappointment at attempts by the opposition political parties to muzzle the private sector by seeking to obstruct its presentation to the National Assembly. She argued that the right of all Guyanese to petition their representatives and the Parliament is sacrosanct in any society. The two page petition was signed by PSC Chairman Ronald Webster and the entity’s Governance and Security Sub-Committee Chairman Gerald Gouveia. It details the impact of the non-passage of the anti-money laundering bill on the financial operations, economic standing, remittances, insurance companies, among other agencies of the country.
Earlier this week, the PSC again raised the issue, saying it is disgusted at the treatment by the combined opposition of its petition. The PSC said it represents those industries that drive the Guyana economy forward while providing the bulk of the employment opportunities and include, as outlined in the petition, Guyana’s business community across the country: rice, mining (gold and bauxite), banking and insurance, construction, telecommunications and associated services, domestic aviation, manufacturing, fishing, tourism and forestry.
According to the PSC, state ownership of the productive sector of the economy has failed as is evidenced today by sugar, the last remaining industry that remains within state ownership. “The private sector collectively is one of the most important stakeholders in this country with a legitimate and irrefutable interest in preserving the health and stability of the domestic economy and it is for this reason – to protect against further economic slippage – that the Private Sector Commission petitioned Parliament.” The PSC said the combined opposition saw it fit, despite the economic importance of this stakeholder, to deny the presentation and reading in Parliament of a petition from the private sector, thereby denying a voice to the very people who drive the economy and employ a high percentage of the nation’s citizens.
Name of municipality Size of budget Remarks
Anna Regina $101, 291, 118
Major revenue sources for each of the four
Rose Hall $42, 194, 535 municipalities presenting are: rates,
Corriverton $71, 417, 600 market fees and government subvention
New Amsterdam $130, 815, 557
Total $345, 718, 810
The treasurers of the Anna Regina, Rose Hall, Corriverton and New Amsterdam town councils on Friday presented their 2014 estimates of revenue and expenditure to junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker.
According to a release, the minister, in accepting the estimates, expressed the expectation that they came out
of a consultation process and that the choices of projects arose out of careful prioritising of scarce resource use.
Minister Whittaker called on the town clerks, treasurers and the chairpersons of finance committees to work towards transforming their towns into better places for residents to live and to work.
It was noted that the
Georgetown City Council and the Linden Town Council did not present approved budgets of their respective councils.
“The chairman of the Georgetown Municipality did point out to all present that the city mayor and some councillors had requested the inclusion of line items which the council was not legislated to in-
clude in its estimates while the town clerk of the Linden Municipality alluded to several councillors’ declaration that ‘they were not interested in council budget, but only in the Kara Kara Road
toll’,” the release said.
The treasurers of these councils would be required to recommence discussions with their respective councils in order to conclude the budget preparation for sub-
mission to the minister and for the viewing of the public. The submissions were made in keeping with sections 153 and 155 of the Municipal and District Council’s Act.
The Home Affairs Ministry said full support is given to boosting the level of recruitment and training in the Guyana Police Force.
The ministry gave the assurance in wake of comments from Opposition Leader David Granger on the shooting incident at Middle Street, Georgetown on Tuesday.
The ministry said coupled with the recruitment and training is the ongoing process of reform and modernisation of the Guyana Police Force, which focuses on administration, succession planning, professionalism and public relations and communication.
These developments, the ministry, said “David “Contradictory” Granger chooses to ignore”.
The ministry said the ploy by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to blame the Home Affairs Ministry for the incident is both nonsensical and shameless.
“The ministry rejects in its totality such a brazen attempt to disparage its image and its efforts to execute its lawful mandate.
“The claims of ‘rampant gun running’, ‘lax attitude to gun licensing by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ and ‘weak law enforcement by the Guyana Police Force’ are but a clear demonstration of the level of Mr Granger’s ignorance of the
work of the ministry, and its achievements in the security sector. Granger and his merry band have chosen to bury their heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich,” the ministry said.
The ministry said in respect of firearms licensing, it has implemented the recommendation of the Disciplined Forces Commission, of which Granger himself was a member. A Firearms Licensing Approval Board was established in April 2010, by way of regulations under the Firearms Act (Ch 16:05). This board is actively considering recommendations made by the police for persons to be licensed. No one is automatically granted a firearm licence. All applicants are stringently vetted and a visit to the ministry’s website will provide readers with an indication of what this process entails, the Home Affairs Ministry said.
“In true ‘Rip Van Winkle’ style, Granger calls for ‘tighter border security to prevent illegal guns entering the country’. This is indeed astounding, especially coming from the man under whose leadership the Firearm Amendment Bill, which was taken to National Assembly in March of this year, was rejected.
By voting against the bill, Granger in effect sent a strong signal to the gun smugglers that he is there to watch their backs,” the ministry said.
The Firearm Amendment Bill was intended to address loopholes in the substantive act in regard to the trafficking of firearms, and the instituting of penalties for such activities.
“The belief being peddled by Granger and his ilk that they have the ‘silver bullet’ in their gloves in respect to challenges confronting the security sector in Guyana is a myth that cannot be substantiated,” the ministry said.
saturday, november 16, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com
By Samuel Sukhnandan
As the rainy season sets in, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said the Hope Canal could become operable in time, and reduce the attendant massive flooding in the country.
Ramsammy told Guyana Times on Friday that he will be meeting with the contractors today to reiterate government’s position on meeting the deadline and to get a general update on the ground as to what needs to be done to complete the project.
Government, he declared, will not compromise on the December 31 deadline, noting that at least three of the four components of the Hope relief channel are almost complete – the head regulator, the canal itself, and the bridge. He expressed confidence that these components will be completed before the deadline
He said, “I would say right now that for each of the components of the first three, we are between some 75 and 85 per cent complete. With works on the northern
sluice (at seaside) – we are just about 50 per cent complete. … work has not been going on at the pace that would guarantee me or give me comfort that it would be completed by December.”
Dr Ramsammy further noted that it was a concern for the ministry, which he hopes could be addressed and completed in time for December 31.
Work being fast-tracked
During September and October, significant progress was made on that component. Work during November; however, has
Guyanese busted,
A31-year-old Guyanese was intercepted on Tuesday in the United States for smuggling cocaine into the country and has since been charged.
Guyanese Joseph Alpha Lewis was busted at the John F Kennedy Airport in Queens, New York, with pellets of cocaine in a pepper sauce parcel. Lewis was charged with trafficking narcotics on Tuesday in Brooklyn, New York, after he admitted to being the owner of the pepper sauce in which cocaine was found.
U.S. Special Agent Shannon McFadden said Lewis arrived in the North American country on Caribbean Airlines Flight BW524 from Guyana and was singled out for a search at the airport.
McFadden stated that the defendant claimed ownership of two pieces of luggage – a suitcase and a backpack. According to court documents, he answered standard Customs and Border Patrol questions, and claimed ownership of the contents in the bags.
A search was then conducted on the suitcase, during which investigators discovered a duty-free bag containing a package. The package was wrapped with
newspapers and taped. The package was opened and upon examination, they found a container of liquid pepper sauce.
There were small objects in the pepper sauce, which Lewis told investigators was tamarind balls; however, upon examination, it was revealed that the objects contained a white powdery substance. When tested, the substance was proved to be cocaine.
During the court proceedings, the Guyanese was represented by a public defender. He was remanded to the Metro Detention Centre in New York to await trial. This bust comes on the heels of the interception of 57.5 kilograms of cocaine in teabags in Jamaica. The drugs were discovered by the Jamaica Customs and the Trans-national Crime and Narcotics Division (TCND).
The drug was found in 52 packets at the Jam King Building of the Kingston Freezone, “wrapped in brown masking tape in a 40-ft import container with commodities declared as tea bags from Guyana”. The drug, which weighs 126 pounds, is said to have an estimated street value of J$57 million (US$57,000, G$11.6 million).
been slow, but rain is not the reason. Dr Ramsammy said, nevertheless, the ministry has been providing great support to the contractor to ensure that the work is fasttracked and the deadline is met.
However, it was noted that the project does not have to be 100 per cent complete in order for the canal to become fully functional. The other works and fine-tuning could be completed during the contingency period.
Minister Ramsammy told Guyana Times that the shaping of the dams, along the canal, will be done in 2014. Following the completion of the project, bridges will be built in the area where the canal and dam cut into the community area and a drainage canal will be constructed parallel to the dam to connect with the drainage canal already in the area. The bridge, which will span the canal, is 34 per cent complete and most of the work there at present entails driving the 342 piles that are needed for the structure’s foundation. The piles must be driven 90-99 feet into the ground.
Drainage issues
Minister Ramsammy said this was the biggest task, but when completed, it will only require assembly of the other parts of the bridge at the location. The other components are being pre-cast. The ministry is also working with farmers to ensure that they are not faced with drainage issues. He explained that farmers have fields on both sides of the canal.
Dr Ramsammy visited the construction site during September to urge contractors to extend their work hours to guarantee completion of the four components of the project by the stipulated deadline. The Hope canal will run 10.3 kilometres from the conservancy to the Atlantic Ocean.
The eight-door sluice has also faced some challenges, particularly the availability of the piles needed to lay its foundation. The multimillion-dollar Hope canal project was developed by the government, to reduce flooding on the East Coast. Some $2 billion has already been expended on the project, with contractors missing the deadline more than once.
The South Central Hotel proprietor
Joseph Jagdeo who was found dead in one of his rooms was strangled, police said in a statement after his autopsy on Friday.
Jagdeo was found dead underneath a bed in Room 10 of the hotel Thursday morning.
The man used to live in a separate apartment at the business premises. Guyana Times was told by staff that Jagdeo was last seen alive on Tuesday around 08:30h. He was discovered during a search by a live-in handyman. Jagdeo was found with his hands tied and mouth gagged. His body also bore marks of violence, and there was a pool of blood on the bed in the room.
According to staff at the hotel, the businessman did not usually go to the other rooms. His reputed wife, Fazia Hack told this newspaper on Thursday that she received a call informing her that her spouse was killed and she should come to the hotel, along with their son.
The woman recalled that when she got there, they went up to the room and she saw her reputed husband with his hands tied, his
mouth gagged, and he was bleeding from his nose. She noted that she had gone to see the man on Wednesday, but was told that he was not there.
She added that the barwoman then told her that the live-in handyman, known as “Buxton”, had seen his office door open and the keys left in it so they closed the door and went back downstairs.
“I thought that was strange, he won’t leave his door open ‘cause he has all his important documents there… I left and went to do some runnings and when I went back and ask for he, the barwoman tell me he ain’t come yet,” Hack recounted.
Police on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) were late Friday night investigating a robbery at an auto sales dealership, which took place earlier in the day during which two vehicles were driven away by two bandits who posed as customers.
A Toyota Premio and a Toyota Allion were stolen by the bandits from Selana Auto Sales located at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. Inews reported that a male sales clerk was assaulted during the episode, which took place some time after noon.
The TT Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) has granted an operating licence to United States carrier JetBlue Airways to begin a daily non-stop service from New York’s JFK Interrnational Airport to Port of Spain from February 24, 2014. The airline will also begin operating daily non-stop flights from Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International
Airport from May 1, 2014.
The Transport Ministry published advertisements in daily newspapers on Thursday announcing this development. Director General of Civil Aviation Ramesh Lutchmedial said the licence was granted after JetBlue satisfied all the TT’s aviation safety, security and economic regulations. Scott Laurence, vice president of network plan-
The same two men had reportedly visited the auto dealership earlier in the day to make arrangements for the purchase of the two vehicles before saying they will later return. They returned as promised, at which time they forcefully took the keys from the sales clerk and drove away with the two vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reportedly alerted the owners, who were not at the business premises at the time. A police source reported that one of the vehicles has been recovered, but the search is still on for the other.
ning for JetBlue said: “We are dedicated to growing in South Florida and expanding our network to the Caribbean and Latin America.
“We combine low fares with the best customer experience in the skies. Customers visiting the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago have dealt with highfares, cramped seating and limited choices for too long.” Tourism Minister Chandresh Sharma said he was looking forward to welcoming JetBlue to TT.
“JetBlue’s service to Port of Spain from New York and Fort Lauderdale will offer a high quality experience for business and leisure travellers alike. This is in keeping with government’s vision to grow the tourism sector,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)
The European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, has warned Spain and Italy that their draft budgets for 2014 may not comply with new debt and deficit rules. It also said French and Dutch plans only just passed muster. Non-complying countries
may have to revise their tax and spending plans before re-submitting them to national parliaments. It is the first time the commission has done this. Under EU rules, eurozone member states are obliged to cut deficits until they achieve a balanced budget. They also have to re-
duce public debt levels. The commission gives countries some flexibility if their deficit is below the EU ceiling of three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and their debt levels are falling.
But when Italy, the eurozone’s third largest economy, asked for such leniency over its 2014 budget plans, the commission refused because its public debt was still rising. France, whose economy shrank in the third quarter, has taken steps to cut its deficit to below the three per cent threshold, but its structural reform plans were only making “limited progress”, the commission said. (BBC News)
BY SVETLANA MARSHALL
uman Services
HMinister Jenifer Webster has denied reports that her daughter is investing US$15 million to establish a controversial US$30 million recycling plant in Guyana, even as she sought to dispel the issue of conflict of interest.
In its Friday, November 15 edition, Kaieteur News reported that the human services minister’s daughter Andriana Webster is investing US$15 million, as she partners with Natural Globe Incorporated Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Osman to establish a recycling plant in keeping with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Government Ministry. Irate over the situation, the minister argued that her daughter is not an investor but rather a director of the locally registered company.
“She is not the investor... who will get that sum of money, it has to be equity financing from the company. Which individual has that kind of money?” she asked.
Minister Webster stated that she was never involved in the decision-making process when Cabinet granted its no-objection for Natural Globe Inc to establish the recycling plant, explaining that she was on travel duties.
No conflict of interest
Additionally, she claims that her daughter never informed her, that she was the director of the company; hence, it cannot be considered conflict of interest.
“I wish to state categorically that I have nothing to do with the company Natural Globe Inc, either personally or in my capacity as a minister of government. I in no way attempted to influence any decision-making process, nor did I ever participate in any negotiation process whatsoever in any form
or fashion,” she stated. Webster further dispelled the notion that her 28-yearold daughter who resides in Canada has been influenced to pursue the project because her mother is a government minister. In a letter to the press, Andriana confirmed that she is a director of the Natural Globe Guyana Inc and not the investor. “I am an information technology consultant with the firm Mogford Enterprises. Mr Osman is the vice president of technologies for Mogford Enterprises and Mogford Enterprises is the parent company of TGI and ETS,” Andriana said as she sought to clear the air.
No influence
She said her work is no way influenced by her mother, noting that the decision to work for Natural Globe Inc was done on a professional basis. “I denounce any attempt to assassinate my character and my mother’s character in any form or sort. The proposed solid waste recycling project to be undertaken in Guyana of which I am a registered director of the company — Natural Globe Inc, is purely being undertaken by the company. In fact, the financing for this project is already in place,” she said.
Following criticisms from sections of the press which
indicated that Natural Globe Inc lacks the requisite experience to execute such a mega project and has a sketchy background, the Local Government Ministry on Thursday came out with a statement defending the bona fides of the company. According to the ministry, Natural Globe Guyana Inc is a Guyanese-based entity, owned by Osman and not a Canadian-based company. Last week, Dr Roger Luncheon indicated that the recycling plant would have been established by a wellestablished Canadian firm.
While the Natural Globe Guyana Inc has been registered in Guyana, the ministry is contending that the company is partnering with other Canadian agencies including the John Mogford Enterprise Inc of Ontario, Canada. Mogford reportedly specialises in recycling wastes to final products, environmental management and transportation planning. Additionally, Osman is a member of the Tadger’s Fuel Economy Solutions, a key player for environmental management in Ontario.
In an effort to defend the government’s decision to select Natural Globe Inc over eight other contesting agencies, the Local Government Ministry said the selected agency met the criteria. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)
The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) are celebrating Tourism Awareness Month from November 1 to 30, under the theme, “Communication & Information Sharing for Tourism Development”.
A South Road and Croal Street Beautification Project will be executed as part of the activities for Tourism Awareness Month 2013.
This month is dedicated towards raising tourism awareness in Guyana by facilitating workshops, training programmes, school awareness talks, and enhancement projects, aimed at getting locals involved.
The South Road beauti-
fication project is part of a wider initiative to enhance the physical surroundings of the city of Georgetown, and includes the weeding, cleaning and planting of flowering plants at several locations within the vicinity of South Road and Croal Street.
The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry is dedicated to making this project a reality, and as such, is seeking the support of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. The project will be undertaken over a threeday period; it commenced on Friday, November 14 with the weeding of parapets and trimming of trees, which will be followed by a cleanup and painting exercise today and a planting exercise on Sunday.
Also today at 10:30h, there will be a walkabout along the route of the South Road Enhancement Project, starting at the Tourism Ministry on South Road.
The GTA is optimistic that the project will not only help to enhance the immediate environment of the city, but that it will also set a trend for others to follow, as it partners with the public and private sector stakeholders to reclaim the “Garden City”.
Partners include City Hall; the ministries of local government and regional development, public works, and natural resources and environment; the United States embassy’s Guyana Shines Project; and the Progressive Youth Organisation.
saturday, november 16, 2013 |
Suzanne Nyoni Bullen, 22, was on Wednesday admitted to the Bar in the chamber of Justice James Bovell-Drakes at the High Court, Georgetown.
Gleaming in bright smiles, Guyana’s newest and youngest attorney savoured the historic moment in the company of her parents Courtney and Thelma Mayleen Bullen, other close relatives and friends, including Dr Steve Surujbally and his wife.
The eloquent lawyer addressed the gathering and took the oath much to the admiration and satisfaction of all.
Bullen commenced her primary education at St
Margaret’s Primary School before moving on to attend Queen’s College and School of the Nations, where she did her A levels, majoring in law.
The genesis of her tertiary academic pursuits began when she accepted an opportunity to leave these shores to pursue studies in nutrition science in Cuba.
However, after two years in Cuba, she reverted to her first love and returned to Guyana in 2005 to study law. In 2007, Bullen answered the call to follow her dreams in reading for her law degree at the University of Guyana (UG). Upon completion of her studies at UG, she gained admission to the Hugh Wooding
Law School in Trinidad and Tobago in 2011 and graduated in October.
Bullen, who hails from Lamaha Park in Georgetown is an avid debater and had participated in several JOF Haynes debating competitions. She was adjudged best speaker on several occasions. The young lawyer, who is fluent in Spanish, was employed at a commercial bank while doing her pre-law studies.
Bullen sees herself as a role model to her peers and intends to practise her profession, both in the public and private spheres. She also hopes to be afforded the opportunity to teach law.
Several thousand people attended the Grace Jerk Festival held at Markham, South Florida, U.S.A. on Sunday and some 1000 of them visited the Laparkan Shipping booth at the event.
According to a release, “There were hundreds… even more than 1000 visitors at our booth between 10 ‘o’clock Sunday morning and 09:30 pm,” said Laparkan Express Assistant Manager Alta Stoll, who described the festival as one of the best organised events of its type in South Florida.
“We had Jamaicans and
other Caribbean people from around the United States visit our booth seeking information about our services. We also had existing customers stopping by to collect their giveaways and to complement us on our service,” Stoll said.
The event drew some 10,000 people by some estimates and provided an opportunity for Jamaican and other Caribbean artistes, artisans, culinary experts and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, products and services.
“We are following up by providing additional infor-
mation to many of the visitors to our booth who requested to know more about Laparkan’s range of services which include air and ocean cargo, express shipping, our private mailbox service, Internet shopping and money transfer,” Stoll added.
Among the bands performing at the festival were Fab Five and Morgan Heritage.
Jamaica is one of the major destinations served by Laparkan Shipping, which maintains an office and warehouse in both Kingston and Montego Bay.
Broaden your interests and participate in neighbourhood events. Less travel and more home-based activities will make you realise what’s available. Romance should highlight your evening.
By Bernice Bede Osol
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Limit your communication today. You don’t want to give away secrets that might mess up a cherished relationship or damage your advancement. Prepare to adapt to an unexpected change.
Paint the town or visit a friend today. Getting out and doing fun things will result in new friendships. Romance will lead to an affectionate evening.
Take responsibility for whatever you do, but don’t let anyone railroad you into taking on an unnecessary burden. A getaway will help you put things into perspective.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)
Set up a regime that will help you get fit and feel good. The compliments you receive will spark new ideas and opportunities. Good things are waiting where you least expect them.
(March 21-April 19)
Make plans to take care of unfinished business. It’s important that you know where you stand financially before you go out shopping, to change jobs or alter your living arrangements.
(April 20-May 20)
Spending quality time with someone you love will bring rewards, as well as positive plans for the future. Move to larger quarters or expand what you have.
(May 21June 20)
To avoid being taken for granted, you have to change the way you respond to people’s demands. Forthright diplomacy will work much better than evasion.
Make today about you and doing the things you enjoy most. Finish projects, get out with someone you love or do something that makes you look and feel good.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Manage your money wisely so you can take part in something entertaining. Refuse to let uncertainty regarding a relationship stop you from having fun.
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Do something different at home that will add to your enjoyment. A surprise is heading your way that will encourage entertainment, travel or something that can help you boost your achievement.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
An unreliable source should not be allowed to lead you astray. Gather information carefully to avoid interference in your plans. Stand behind your word and do the best job possible.
SAT/AP/CXC/IGCSE English classes, personalized tutoring. Phone: 6124821 after 4pm, 274-0437 after 7pm.
One Dog which answers to the name Zion. Colour Cream/White/ Brown about 1 foot tall. Last seen on Wednesday, November 13, between Success & LBI, ECD. If seen please call on numbers 619-8086, 699-7077, 220-3183.
powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 674-2112. Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationship, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 10am - 4pm. Tel: 592690-1824. Email: anew-life@live. com
Trike Can-Am style motorcycle, 200cc new, unregistered $450,000 neg or credit TEL 227-3939, 6214000
LEROY TRIDENT car 250 CC, 4 doors, power window, $495,000 cash or credit TEL 227-3939, 621-4000
Atwo-year-old boy died
Friday afternoon after falling through the floor of his grandparents’ home at Buxton, Sideline Dam, East Coast Demerara.
HILUX SURF 4 DOORS, minor parts needed, sold as is $750,000 TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000
Mecury in large quantities,
99.9999% purity in grey flask. Phone: 219-4535
60FT Antenna (Mass) for Radio, TV, Cellular, with cables, brackets, sky light $500,000 227-3939, 621-4000 73” 3D TV Mitsubishi Like new $450,000 227-3939, 621-4000
DIESEL Generator silent 28 kva
SDMO John Deere engine, missing Fuel Pump, Panel, Avr MAKE OFFER 227-3939, 621-4000
CLARKE forklifts 2000, 3000, 4000 Lb, lifting capacity MAKE AN OFFER TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000
Generac Generator 15 kva, portable, $500,000 cash or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000
Diesel Generator, 3 cylinder Lister pitter (England) key start, 15 kva, $650,000 cash or credit Tel: 2273939, 621-4000
Chicken Hatchery (Robbins), 28,000 eggs capacity fully ready, $ 5.5 million or CREDIT available TEL: 2273939 621-4000
& Gift Shop for
ments, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315 Are you suffering from abnormal behaviors, addictions, stresses, or psychosomatic sickness? Feeling suicidal, low self-esteem, loneliness, unloved, anger, conflicts and relationship problems? For appointments call 592621-0552. 12:00pm -6:00pm, Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com
or-
Learn transcendental meditation and reduce stress and anxiety, develop full brain potential, increase creativity and intelligence, focus and memory, be healthier & happier, increase energy, vitality and longevity, enjoy more success in life, improve relationships and develop higher states of consciousness. A technique that works for everyone. For the next introductory lecture, contact: Ashoke (certified TM teacher) Phone: 233-6921, 609-3701. Email kashokejp_68@yahoo.com.
PRIME COMMERICAL PROPERTY, AT BUSY JUNCTION CUMMINGS AND MIDDLE STREETS IN ALBERTOWN, 3 LOTS WITH BUSINESS, (NUT CENTRE) PRICE NEG. TEL 621-4000, 227-3939
1 flat concrete house at Parfaite Harmonie. Phone: 643-4740
Lot 48 Light Street, Alberttown. Contact Ram on 619-4483, 6017883 or 227-1454, 226-6325.
1 property at reasonable price, located in Bareroot, East Coast Demerara. Phone: 612-6417.
One two storey house at lot 93 Atlantic Gardens, ECD; upperflat-3 bedrooms, kitchen and bath; lower flat-2 bedrooms, kitchen and bath. Call 592-619-4483, 592-656-7471
EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVIENCES, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230
Gas station land. Size: over one acre Phone Ms Liverpool on 625-7582, 681-9293.
1 three-building centrally located downtown in Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, recently renovated, fully air conditioned, ideal for office with spaces for boardroom, or any other business. Immediate possession. Phone: 609-2876.
and ground work (strictly interior operation). Phone: 662-1247.
Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards, etc. Phone: 220-0708, 612-6417, 687-5653
Small business space suitable for technician shop, taxi base, etc. Phone: 691-7164, 231- 2619.
Business place for rent , Plantain Walk ,Vreed –en Hoop. Phone:649-0707.
House at Lamaha Gardens. Hot & cold water, AC, etc. Phone: 2194535.
Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water, etc Phone: 219-4535
One house located in Lamaha Gardens, hot and cold water. Call 219-4535
EXECUTIVE TWO STOREY BUILDING 3 BEDROOMS WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES FURNISHED/ UNFURNISHED, MEADOW BROOK GARDENS, MR NARAINE. PHONE: 696-8230
Two-bedroom self contained apt. Caneville, Grove. PHONE: 669-1954
Two modern apartments at Campbellville, hot & cold water etc. Call: 219-4535
Recently constructed bond with house and office space on the same lot, centrally located in Broad Street, ideal for business or manufacturing. Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876
One customs clerk with at least three subjects CXC including English Language, mathematics. Applicant must be computer literate. Please submit application before the October 11, 2013 to email: windsortechhomes@gmail.com or call 669-6874 or 682-3481
Nissan Maxima, fully powered needs repairs sold as is $300,000 cash 227-3939, 621-4000
Stretch limousine, Lincoln Town car, fully powered $6.5 million or credit available Tel 227-3939, 621-4000
Mitsubishi 3000 GT sports car, fully powered, $1.7 cash or credit available TEL: 227-3939, 621-4000
Toyota Hilux extra cab, pick up $3.m. Phone: 264-2682.
Titan (hardly driven) $3.5M neg. Phone: 691-9984
JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA ALLION; TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO; TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318i; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; HONDA CRV; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, SOLID DIFFERENTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 3, 3.5 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TON DUMP TRUCK; NISSAN ATLAS 2-TON TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE.
DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 6240762, 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.
One 450 Honda ATV. Phone: 6263817
Toyota Hilux 172 diesel extra-cab pick-up, 4x4 manual (5-speed transmission) a/c, p/s p/w p/l, winch, off road front bumper, KC lights, side baranka bars, bush-ready, Old Man Emu, rear leaf springs, lifted Old Man Emu shocks, snorkel, bed liner. Phone: 623-0425, 609-2876
BODYWORK MAN TO SPARY MOTORCYCLE, HANDYMAN TO WORK IN STORE, MAID GO AND COME CLEANING ONLY (UNDER 30 YRS) APPLY GUYANA VARIETY STORE Tel 227-3939
One experienced production manager to work in Furniture Factory and one AutoCAD/draft person. Contact 657-1414
Urgently needed! One plot of land in Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling and Eccles. Phone: 675-7292
One female babysitter, between 40 & 45 years, must be from Georgetown, be able to work flexible hours and some weekends, applicant with a sound secondary education may apply. Phone: 614-5711, 9am- 3pm
Dead is Sean Robinson. Guyana Times was told by a neighbour that police had taken the child’s mother and his grandmother to the Vigilance Police Station for questioning. A neighbour speaking under condition of anonymity said the child was taken to the home of the grandmother while his mother went to work. The neighbour said the child was inside the house that was undergoing repairs, while the grandfather and other relatives were in the yard. Suddenly, they heard a cracking sound and when they checked, the child had fallen through the floor. The neighbour said relatives had been saying that the child was sleeping and might have woken up in a dazed manner and stepped through the hole in the floor. The child was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while being treated.
Post-mortem examinations were performed on the bodies of the five persons who were killed during Tuesday’s standoff between the police and troubled businessman Deryck Kanhai, who was eventually cut down in a hail of bullets.
Kanhai went on a rampage on Tuesday around 13:30h, shooting the dispatcher of Crown Cabs Taxi Service, 38-year-old Vanessa Vyphuis of North Ruimveldt, and a resident of the area, 71-year-old Hugh “Bonny” Paul, who lives at Middle and East streets. As police showed up, he killed two officers – Constable Sherwin Pantlitz, 35, of Diary, West Demerara and Lance Corporal Michael Forde, 24, of A Field, Sophia.
Another taxi driver, Paul Raman, 45, of Vreed-enHoop, was injured. He underwent surgery on Tuesday evening and is currently in the High Dependency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.
The 52-year-old Kanhai was riddled with bullets after the police closed in on him around 16:15h. On Friday, families of the four victims and the shooter all flocked the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary at various intervals during the day as the post-mortems were conducted by state pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.
The PM reports from Vyphuis, Rowland, Pantlitz, and Forde confirmed that they all died as a result of
a gunshot wounds. Vyphuis was killed by a single gunshot to her right shoulder, while Rowland also sustained a single gunshot wound, to his abdomen. Forde’s cause of death was given as a single gunshot wound to his head, while Pantlitz received one to his abdomen. Kanhai died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. After the examinations, the bodies were handed over to the relatives of the deceased. With the respective families now left to make funeral arrangements, the government will be assisting the families of the two civilians with funeral costs. The Guyana Police Force is also expected to stand the burial expenses for the two policemen who lost their lives while on duty. On Wednesday, during a visit to the homes of the families, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster said social assistance will also be offered to the families.
West Indies ended another eventful day in an uneasy position on Friday, following another tireless spell of spin bowling from Shane Shillingford that was trumped by hundreds from Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma that put India on course for victory in the second Test.
The wickets of opener Kieran Powell, night-watchman Tino Best and lefthander Darren Bravo left the Windies facing an uphill struggle to save the match at the Wankhede Stadium, after they closed the second day on 43-3 in their second innings, still 270 in arrears.
Shillingford again had been the pick of the West Indies bowlers, collecting 5-179 from 43 overs, as Pujara gathered his fifth Test hundred of 113 and Sharma hit his second straight, an undefeated 111 to lead India to 495, replying to the visitors’ first innings total of 234.
Part-time off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine supported Shillingford, grabbing
2-45 from 11 overs, including the prized scalp of India star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, possibly playing his final in-
nings in an unprecedented 200th and final Test. West Indies were left to navigate 14 overs before the
Bridgetown, Barbados – “Monty” Reifer got a monumental honour on Thursday.
Floyd Lamonte Reifer, the inspiration and architect behind the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) climb to the pinnacle of domestic cricket, was given a lasting tribute by the university’s Cave Hill Campus.
The balcony overlooking the 3Ws Oval has been named the Floyd Reifer Balcony in honour of Reifer’s sterling and sizeable leadership as player/coach for the last seven years.
Reifer, 41, a former West Indies captain who has stood tall with his batting and his ability to nurture young players, told an audience that included principal Sir Hilary Beckles, Sir Wesley Hall, Sir Everton Weekes and Seymour Nurse that it was a “joyous occasion.”
“It’s a beautiful day for me and I am pleased to repay the faith that Sir
Hilary has shown in me,” he said before a huge Reifer clan that included his father Errol, mum Orma, son Ezron, brother Shawn, sister Cherian and uncle Leslie, the former Barbados batsman.
“When Professor Beckles mentioned to me that he wanted to put my name on the 3Ws Pavilion, I said to myself, ‘Wow, really?’ It hit home a few weeks later when walking around Campus I paid closer attention to the names on the buildings like C.L.R. James, [Sir] Shridath Ramphal [and] Errol Barrow . . . .
“These are great leaders who have contributed tremendously to the region. I said to myself, wow, Monty, this one is big. Words cannot describe this feeling. I believe it will take a long time for this moment to sink in,” he added.
Reifer reflected on how Sir Hilary had approached him to head the university’s
stumps were drawn and ran into early difficulty.
In the space of 37 balls, Powell was caught at longoff for nine off Ravichandran Ashwin, essaying an ill-advisedly lofted off drive, Best was dubiously adjudged lbw to an arm-ball from left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha for the same score, and Bravo was caught at slip off Ashwin from a cut for 11.
Chris Gayle battled through it all and was not out on six with his compatriot Marlon Samuels set to follow when play resumes on Saturday’s third day.
Before lunch, Deonarine and West Indies captain Darren Sammy forever had their names etched in history, when they linked up to dismiss Tendulkar, as India reached 282-3 at the interval.
To the disappointment of the thousands of fans of the little Indian master batsman in the stands and following the game around the world by any form of modern technology, Deonarine, whose off-spin has proven valuable in his 14 previous Tests,
had Tendulkar caught at slip by Sammy for 74, trying to guide a delivery to third man. Deonarine raced towards cover in jubilation and Sammy sank to his knees,
as Tendulkar trudged away disappointed, his hope for fairy-tale departure hundred dashed, following a stand of 144 for the third wicket with Pujara. (www.windiescricket.com)
West Indies 1st Innings 182 India 1st Innings
M. Vijay c Sammy b Shillingford 43
S. Dhawan c Chanderpaul b Shillingford 33
C. Pujara c and b Shillingford 113
S. Tendulkar c Sammy b Deonarine 74
V. Kohli c Sammy b Shillingford 57
R. Sharma not out 111
*+M.S. Dhoni c Sammy b Best 4
R. Ashwin c and b Gabriel 30
B. Kumar c Sammy
b Shillingford 4
P. Ojha run out (Powell) 0 Mohammed Shami c Best b Deonarine 11
Extras (b-8, lb-2, w-2, nb-3) 15
Total (all out; 108 overs) 495
Fall of wickets: 1-77 (Dhawan), 2-77 (Vijay), 3-221 (Tendulkar),
4-315 (Kohli), 5-354
(nb1); Shillingford 43-6-179-5 (nb2); Best 18-0-93-1 (w2); Samuels 11-0-42-0; Deonarine 11-0-45-2 West Indies 2nd Innings C. Gayle
cricket programme as coach and player at a critical juncture in his career, having just come off a serious injury.
“For me at that time, as a professional cricketer, it was not an easy place to be mentally, pondering what the future held after cricket.
“Thankfully, it was at that point that Sir Hilary approached me to join the Cave Hill Campus and he saw something in me where many did not,” he added.
Sir Hilary saluted Reifer, noting that he was impressed with how Reifer interacted with young cricketers, adding he spoke to them in a way they could understand.
“He has been the perfect teacher. We asked Floyd to do what Sir Frank has done for the West Indies and he did it. The young boys here respect him. He has led from the front and the back,” he said. (www.windiescricket. com)
Du Plessis, bowlers secure 2-0 win
Dale Steyn bowled it full, Shahid Afridi hit it cleanly, the boundary was in sight but there was something in the way. Faf du Plessis moved to his left, cupped his hands and snatched the ball out of the sky. In that moment, the match and the series was won.
It ended a period in which Pakistan lost six wickets for 38 runs in the space of 32 balls, which included a South African team hat-trick, to collapse one final time in the limited-overs leg of the tour. They squandered a good start and a resilient effort by Sohaib Maqsood, surren-
Africa innings (20
b Sohail Tanvir 5
DA Miller lbw b Saeed Ajmal 4
H Davids b Sohail Tanvir 0
Extras (lb-2, w-3) 5
Total (5 wickets; 20 overs) 150
Fall of wickets: 1-37 (de Kock, 4.4 ov), 2-115 (Amla, 14.4 ov), 3-137 (de Villiers, 17.2 ov), 4-147 (Miller, 18.6 ov), 5-150 (Davids, 19.6 ov)
Bowling: Mohammad Irfan
1.4-0-12-0, Abdul Razzaq
1-0-14-0 (1-w), Shoaib Malik
1.2-0-12-0, Sohail Tanvir 4-021-2, Saeed Ajmal 4-0-25-3, Mohammad Hafeez 4-0-21-0 (1w), Shahid Afridi 4-0-43-0 (1-w)
Pakistan innings (target: 151 runs from 20 overs)
Nasir Jamshed c Amla
b Davids 19
Ahmed Shehzad c McLaren
b Parnell 21
Mohammad Hafeez* lbw b Parnell 0
Shoaib Malik b Imran Tahir 15
Sohaib Maqsood c †de Kock b Parnell 37
Umar Akmal† c Imran Tahir b McLaren 11
Abdul Razzaq b Imran Tahir 0
Shahid Afridi c du Plessis b Steyn 14
Sohail Tanvir b Steyn 6
Saeed Ajmal not out 7 Mohammad Irfan not out 2
Extras (b-2, lb-2, w-7, nb-1) 12
Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 144
Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Ahmed Shehzad, 5.1 ov), 2-39 (Mohammad Hafeez, 5.2 ov), 3-46 (Nasir Jamshed, 6.3 ov), 3-75* (Shoaib Malik, retired not out, 9.6 ov), 4-101 (Umar Akmal, 13.3 ov), 5-112 (Shoaib Malik, 14.5 ov), 6-112 (Abdul Razzaq, 14.6 ov), 7-112 (Sohaib Maqsood, 15.1 ov), 8-121 (Sohail Tanvir, 16.3 ov), 9-139 (Shahid Afridi, 18.4 ov)
Bowling: DW Steyn 4-1-202 (1-w), LL Tsotsobe 3-030-0, R McLaren 4-0-38-1 (1-w), WD Parnell 4-0-25-3 (1nb), H Davids 1-0-6-1 (1-w), Imran Tahir 4-0-21-2 (2-w)
dered to a South African attack which has been exceptional throughout the series and left themselves with a lot of questions ahead of the return leg in South Africa.
For du Plessis, there are no such worries. His team has jumped to No. 2 in the Twenty20 rankings, behind India by one hundreth of a decimal point, showed composure and confidence with bat in hand and defended with venom.
Although South Africa’s bowling won them the match, their foundation for victory was set-up by a batting line-up which has progressed through their visit to the UAE.
The historic Albion Sports Complex will be a hive of excitement on Sunday as thousands of cricket fans are expected to turn out to witness the final of the inaugural Namilco/ Bakewell T20 tournament, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board. The final will feature the Ancient County’s top two cricket teams, Albion and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) clashing at 13:30 hours.
The third place playoff between Bermine Universal
Solutions and West Berbice will bowl off at 09:00 hours.
West Berbice, who recently lost to Bermine in the Universal DVD T20 tournament, will be looking for revenge and will be spearheaded by national player Keon Joseph, former Test pacer Brandon Bess, Artley Bailey, skipper Krishnadat Ramoo and promising fast bowler Roun Johnson. Bermine, on the other hand, will be seeking to redeem themselves after being bowled out for 38 in the semi-finals versus Albion
last weekend. Skipper Anthony D’Andrade, Eugene LaFleur, Romario Shepherd, Deren Clements and Keon DeJesus are Bermine’s main players.
The final between Albion and RHTG&G will have both their supporters on their feet as both teams are strong on paper.
Former Test player Devendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon will spearhead Albion’s efforts and will receive support from the hard-hitting
Jonathan Foo, the in-form Surujnarine Kandasammy, Balchan Baldeo, Sharaz Ramcharran, West Indies Uunder-19 player Gudakesh Motie, Veerapen Permaul and David Latchaya. Test player Assad Fudadin, ODI player Royston Crandon and national players Delbert Hicks and Rajiv Ivan will be the backbone of the RHTG&G challenge. The support cast will include former national youth players Dominic Rikhi, Shawn Perriera, Clinton Pestano
and Shailendra Shameer. Eon Hooper and Jason Sinclair have also represented Berbice at the senior level.
The winning team will receive $200,000 and a trophy; the runner-up $100,000; third place $50,000 and the fourth $25,000.
Meanwhile, E-Networks will be sponsoring the Manof-the-Final prize, which is one year free supply of its cable television service, while the best batsman and best bowler of the final will re-
ceive a DVD player and CD player respectively, compliments of A. Ally & Sons of New Amsterdam.
Several lucky spectators will also win special gate prizes, including bicycles, while several fun games will be played during the lunch break where more prizes will be up for grabs for fans. Managing Director of Namilco, Bert Sukhai, and Bakewell General Manager, Rajin Ganga, will be present to share out the prizes after the finals.
Phil Simmons is confident he can carry on his excellent run of guiding Ireland to major tournaments when the World Twenty20 qualifiers start.
Ireland have reached the last stages of the five qualifying tournaments they have played during the experienced West Indian’s reign as Irish coach.
They are one of 16 teams competing for six places at the 2014 World T20.
“We have a lot of experience
with the guys having accumulated a lot of caps over the years,” said the 50-year-old.
“That is a fantastic asset to have as a coach, especially in the pressure cooker of qualifying competitions.
“The players have always risen to the occasion and I have no doubt that will be the case again over the next two weeks.
“We have quality throughout the ranks, and in Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien we have two of the most explosive batsmen in world cricket.
“Following the last T20 competition, I compared Stirling to Chris Gayle and Virender Sehwag - he really is that special.
“Kevin has found himself to be very much in demand on the T20 circuit with appearances in England, Bangladesh and the West Indies. He is also bowling exceptionally well at the minute and that gives [captain] William Porterfield another option.”
Ireland started a run of seven group-stage matches in 10 days against Namibia in Abu Dhabi on
Friday (winning by 32 runs), and the target is to be one of the six countries to go through to the World T20 finals being hosted by Bangladesh in March.
One major advantage they have over most of their rivals at the tournament is the fact that the majority of their squad are full-time professional cricketers - seven being based with English counties, supplemented by those on full-time Cricket Ireland contracts.
Simmons, now a veteran of 188
games as Irish coach, agrees that could be vital as the intensity of the competition means sides fitness will be tested.
“During the tournament here last year we got stronger as the games went on while other sides wilted,” said Simmons.
“The guys train incredibly hard and will manage and monitor everyone throughout. If we have to use our entire squad then that won’t be a problem. We have got strength, quality and depth throughout.”
– Chanderpaul is 39, but over the last few years he has racked up some unbelievable numbers
While things have crumbled all around him in West Indies cricket, Shivnarine Chanderpaul has managed to not only maintain his standards but also raised the bar consistently throughout a career that has already lasted almost 20 years and shows no sign of ending.
The Mumbai Test is his 150th, which puts him in a select group of seven who’ve played that many Tests.
Chanderpaul made his Test debut in March 1994, which means his Test career is nearly 20 years old; even by the Sachin Tendulkar yardstick, that’s an impressive timespan of top-class cricket.
Landmark
The fact that West Indies play fewer Tests than other top teams means he has had to play longer to reach the landmark: Ricky Ponting played 168 Tests in a 17-year career, Allan Border played 156 in 16, while Rahul Dravid notched up 164 in 16.
Chanderpaul is 39 already, but quite remarkably has been batting better than ever in the last few years, with his form and his appetite for runs showing no
signs of abating.
Splitting up his 150-Test career into three parts further reveals just how prolific he has been in the last third of that period. In the first third of his career, from his debut to the end of 2001, he averaged marginally less than 40 from 49 Tests, and the most striking aspect of his career up to that point was his inability to convert fifties into hundreds.
He had only two centuries, and 22 scores between 50 and 99. In fact, in his first 14 innings in Test cricket, Chanderpaul had eight scores of 50 or more, but the highest among them was 82. By the time he scored his first Test century - 137 not out against India, an opponent he’s had plenty of success against throughout his career - he had already racked up 13 fifties from 29 innings.
The second hundred came reasonably quickly, but only two centuries in 49 Tests was rather poor returns for a specialist batsman, and the period between 1998 and 2001 was quite a struggle, as he averaged 31.43 from 25 matches.
In 2002, though, he ended the rut quite emphatical-
Since Brian Lara’s retirement, Shivnarine Chanderpaul has averaged 70.52 in 48 Tests, and has scored 14 centuries, as many as he scored in 101 Tests before that
ly, and hasn’t really looked back since. It helped also that West Indies played eight Tests against India, his favourite opponents, in 2002: Chanderpaul made full use of that opportunity and amassed four centuries in those eight Tests, thus also dispelling the notion that he couldn’t bat long periods and make big scores.
In those five years between 2002 and 2006, he scored 12 centuries from 52 matches and averaged almost 50.
Since then, he has been absolutely unstoppable. From the beginning of 2007, which also coincided with Brian Lara’s retirement, Chanderpaul has averaged a staggering 70.52 from 48 matches (excluding his 150th Test). No other batsman has come close to those numbers during this period.
Chanderpaul’s batting position has been a topic of plenty of debate through most of his career - especially in the recent years, given that he is by far West Indies’ best batsman - but there’s no doubt that the No. 5 and 6 slots have suited him much more than batting higher up the order. When batting at Nos. 3 and 4 he averages only 34, though it’s also true that many of those innings were played in the early part of his career. Batting at Nos. 5 and 6, his average shoots up to 60.
Only Steve Waugh has scored more runs than
Chanderpaul at Nos. 5 and 6. Waugh scored 9919 runs in these two positions, at an average of 54.50. However, given the strong Australian batting line-up when he was around, his role was often to consolidate an already healthy position; Chanderpaul’s staple role, on the other hand, has been to resurrect a wobbly innings, often with little support at the other end.
In the 48 Tests he has played after Lara’s retirement, Chanderpaul has averaged 70.52, scoring 14 hundreds, which is as many as he scored in 101 Tests before this period.
Since the beginning of 2007, no batsman has averaged as much as Chanderpaul has. The nextbest is Kumar Sangakkara at 64.54, while Hashim Amla’s 57.61 is third.
Admittedly, 21 not-outs have contributed to that extraordinarily high average, but even after excluding those not-outs, Chanderpaul has still scored 52 runs per innings.
While he has averaged 70 since Lara’s retirement, the rest of the West Indian top order has been consistently disappointing during this period: they’ve averaged 31.77, which is less than half the average that Chanderpaul has maintained. Chanderpaul has averaged a century every 5.7 innings during this period; the other West Indian top-order batsmen have averaged a hundred every 17.3 innings.
The aspect that stands out about Chanderpaul’s batting is the price he puts on his wicket, and the length of time he bats almost every time. The scoring rate rarely bothers him, and neither do the fall of wickets at the other end. Since the year of his Test debut, the only batsman who has faced more deliver-
ies per dismissal (with a minimum of 6000 balls faced) is Dravid - he averaged 123.06 balls per dismissal, while Chanderpaul is marginally behind at 120.75 balls per dismissal. Jacques Kallis is the other batsman in the 120-ball club.
Since 2007, though, Chanderpaul is in a league of his own, with an average of almost 165 balls per dismissal. No other batsman comes close: the next-best, Misbahul-Haq, is 41 deliveries lower.
Chanderpaul’s stats are consistent in most aspects: he averages more than 40 in all countries where he has played at least five Tests except Pakistan and Australia. The one country he has consistently struggled in is Australia: in 21 Test innings he has a highest of 82, and an average of 30.20. In Pakistan he averages 32.54, but he hasn’t played there since 2006.
His consistency also extends to his stats against different types of bowling. He averages between 57 and 68 against the different bowling types. No bowler has dismissed him more than seven times; Anil Kumble has got him out most often with seven, while Kallis, Angus Fraser and Danish Kaneria have dismissed him six times each.
And finally, Chanderpaul has scored 2321 Test runs since the age of 35, at an average of 64.47, which is the highest average by any batsman who has scored at least 2000 runs since turning 35. Several batsmen average in the 50s after the age of 35, but Chanderpaul stands alone with a 60-plus average. (Sachin Tendulkar’s average after 35 is 49.57 from 52 Tests.) Clearly, Chanderpaul is still at the top of his game, and is likely to stay there for some time yet. (Cricinfo)
iac salutes shiv on major milestone
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has offered congratulations to West Indies middleorder batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who this week became the first West Indian to play in 150 Test matches.
The IAC in a statement said, “The Indian Arrival committee wishes to congratulate Shri Shivnarine Chanderpaul, arguably the greatest Guyanese Test cricketer and former captain of the West Indies cricket team, on the occasion of his playing his 150th international Test match, which is currently being played between the West Indies and India at Mumbai.”
It added, “The IAC understands that Chanderpaul is only the seventh test cricketer to achieve the milestone
of 150 Test matches and is the first West Indian to do this. The IAC recognises the outstanding contribution made by Chanderpaul since his Test debut against England in the 1993-1994 home series in which he made four half-centuries at the age of 19; his worth to
his team is magnified by the sad fact that he came into it at the early stages of its precipitous decline.”
The IAC said it is hopeful that the contributions of Chanderpaul to world cricket will inspire the next generation of players.
“The IAC also recognises the dedication of Chanderpaul to all of the teams that he has played for during his career of almost two decades in all of the major cricketing countries. The IAC is calling upon all Guyanese to recognise the continuing contribution of Chanderpaul and encourages youth involved in all sports to emulate his supreme qualities of decipline, industriousness and perseverance,” the release concluded.
corentyne looking to create havoc at “nationals”
After a third place finish last year at the National Schools Athletics, Swimming and Cycling Championships, Corentyne (District Six) is looking to cause a major upset when the 53rd edition of the tournament is held from November 19 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Sports representative for the district, Paula Pereira, noted that the district has dream of being crowned champion this year.
“It is our hope and dream that we win the championships; we do well in the teacher’s competition as well as in cycling and track and field, but we don’t often place in the swimming,” the sports representative noted.
Pereira also stated that most of their athletes are not gifted with regular training, but are blessed with natural talent.
“Most of our athletes are naturally talented; our teachers are the ones who assist our athletes with training, we don’t have a rigid training programme,” Pereira revealed in a telephone interview.
With the district bringing a full strength team to the event, Pereira, who noted that the North Georgetown (District 11), who is the defending champions, and Upper Demerara River and Kwakwani (District 10), are their main rival, believes that they can compete with the two powerhouses.
“We have been winning cycling for a number of years; swimming is where we often fall down.
We don’t have a full swimming team. We have a fullstrength team. Once we can compete with Linden and Georgetown, maybe we’ll be in the reckoning,” Pereira concluded.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) has hailed the achievements of West Indies ace batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is currently playing his 150th Test match against India in Mumbai.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said it is proud of Chanderpaul’s sterling contributions to world cricket. Below is the full text of the statement.
“The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport wishes to extend heartfelt congratulations to Guyanese and world renowned cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul who now has under his belt 150 Test matches. This achievement places him in the ranks with other cricket greats including India’s Sachin Tendulkar, who is playing his 200th and final Test match.
Shiv Chanderpaul’s career is a model of the adaptability and durability required to survive in the international arena. He has the third-longest Test career in West Indian history, coming in behind only George Headley and Garry Sobers.
Despite the slow start to his career, Chanderpaul has evolved into one of the most consistent batsmen in international cricket.
“Tiger” – as he is popularly known as in Guyana was born on August 16, 1974, at Unity Village, East Coast, Demerara, Guyana.
Apart from representing Guyana, Chanderpaul has played with several major teams, including the West Indies, Derbyshi re, Durham, Khulna Royal Bengals, Lancashire, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Stanford Superstars, Uva Next, Warwickshire and Warwickshire 2nd XI.
Shiv started his career
Robin Persaud powered to victory in stage three of the seventh edition of Ministry of Health/Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport/Guyana Cycling Federation’s “Ride for Life” five-stage cycle road race on Friday on the West Demerara roadways.
The stage, which was held in Region Three from Wales to Parika, saw Persaud, who placed 11th overall after the first two stages on Thursday, clocking an impressive 58 minutes, 42 seconds (58m: 42s).
He won ahead of stage two winner Team Coco’s Darren Matthews of Barbados. Last year’s overall winner Colombian Jaime Ramirez and local trio Alanzo Greaves, Geron Williams and Scott Savory rounded off the top six positions in that order. Some 38 cyclists faced the starter’s orders.
At the end of three stages, Guyanese Raynauth Jeffrey, one of four Guyanese representing the seven-member
in March of 1994 at the age of 19, when the West Indies played against England at Bourda ground.
He is the first IndoCaribbean to play 100 Tests for the West Indies, and captained them in 14 Tests and 16 One Day Internationals. A left-handed batsman, Chanderpaul is well known for his unconventional batting stance, which has been described as crab-like. This stance was adopted in order to see the ball clearly with both eyes, something Chanderpaul developed as a child when facing hostile fast bowling.
Chanderpaul went into his 150th match with 10,897 runs, which include 28 centuries. He has a 51.81 batting average, and from 2007 he achieved a 70.52 average in 48 Tests; with his top score being 208. In Test cricket, Shiv has bowled 1740 balls at a bowling average of 98.11 and 63 catches/stumpings and has taken nine wickets.
In 2008, Chanderpaul was named as one of the five Cricketers of the Year by the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, and the Player of the Year by the International Cricket Council. He was also named the number one Test batsman in 2008, 2009 and 2012; and is currently ranked third.
Chanderpaul is also the only Test player to bat for more than 1000 minutes before being dismissed.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport would like to congratulate Shivnarine Chanderpaul on all his achievements and wish him continued success in his career. May he continue to inspire the next generation of West Indian cricketers with his passion, tenacity, skills and love for the game. Congrats Shiv.”
Team Coco group, remained in pole position after claiming the “bunch time” on stage three. Jeffrey sprinted to victory in the first stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam on Thursday and finished sixth on stage two from Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue on the same day.
The race will continue today with the penultimate stage starting at 07:30 hours from Supenaam to
Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles. The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08:30 hours and finish on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, on Sunday, covering a distance of 62 miles.
(09h: 46m: 51s).
