Guyana times sunday

“Rambo” critical after NA prison stabbing incident

Performance of Region 2 NGSA top students celebrated Bandits shoot city store employee during attempted robbery

Police rank caught redhanded taking bribe AFC Councillor charged for assaulting wife

37 companies busted with fake products – as Food

and Drug Dept

intensifies crackdown

The reported influx of counterfeit products on the local market continues to see the Government Analyst--Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) taking action against defaulters and, according to agency Director Marlan Cole, some 37 companies were found to be in violation so far for the year.

to examine labels and to give licences to manufacturers, importers and distributors,” Cole said.

The workshop was held by the GA-FDD in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

The workshop attracted 42 participants from the GAFDD; the Guyana National Bureau of Standards; the City Public Health Department; the Food and Drug Department; the Environmental Health Unit and the Veterinary and Public Health Unit.

“We are basically inundated right now with counterfeit items on the market so this training could not have been more timely, she said, adding: “Our first line of defence as an agency to counteract counterfeit items is by looking at the labels because the counterfeiters make a lot of mistakes where labelling is concerned.”

Of the 37 businesses found to be selling fake products, five were major entities and 32 were retail outlets.

Cole told Guyana Times on Saturday that the measures taken included seizing and removing the fake goods from premises, withholding the processing of licences for businesses until there was compliance and the interception of shipment of counterfeit products.

So far, no court action has been taken against defaulters.

The GA-FDD is empowered by the Food and Drug Act of 1971 and its accompanying regulation of 1977, which gives it the power to enter any premises at any time to take action.

“It also gives us the power to seize, destroy and confiscate drugs and pharmaceuticals etc. It also gives us the power

The Director had told this publication just over a week ago that the discovery of fake items in circulation on the market was just “the tip of the iceberg” and had noted that more counterfeit products were surfacing on the market.

“We are finding a lot more counterfeit products on the market, including Fabuloso and Aji-no-moto, so we cannot afford to remain indifferent, but have to act before this situation gets out of hand.”

It was noted by Cole that bogus goods are coming in not only from China, but from other parts of Asia as well as the Middle East.

Asked whether the department was getting the necessary support from stakeholders to effectively tackle the upsurge of counterfeit products on the market, Cole said the support could be better.

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), in a press release recently, called on Government to adequately provide the necessary resources for the GA-FDD as well as

the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to police the markets more thoroughly and to find and destroy counterfeit products and goods smuggled into the country.

Cole agreed that there needs to be more collaboration, especially with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and noted that the GAFDD is prepared to act where necessary. “We have to try as much as possible to get it right, how we do it and when. We have the mechanism to adequately execute our duties, providing there is no interference…”

Nutritional labelling workshop

Another issue the Director had spoken about was goods entering Guyana from Latin and North America without the proper labelling. “Some of these products have their labels in foreign languages and so consumers are sometimes unable to read the health and safety precautions.”

It was therefore timely that a Food Nutritional Labelling and Water Testing Workshop was held on June 10-13 at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) building, University of Guyana.

He noted too that because of the increase in non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, Government has to ensure that the population is educated on the use of processed foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt.

“Our officers, those from the Food and Drug Department and those in the outlying regions, need to know how to properly read a label. So they form that gap between the producers and the consumers. We must be able to attest or to check, be it by examination or be it by analysis, the nutritional contents in addition to what claims are being made, including health claims. We must be able to determine, based on experience and the content, what it is.”

The workshop also attracted persons from the food and drug regulatory body in Jamaica, a nutritional and labelling specialist from Nestle Jamaica and Professor Marvin Reid from Tropical Research Institute, University of the West Indies.

Sunday Times Editor: Tajeram Mohabir

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

Mailing address:

238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Fathers and children

The great 19th Century Russian Novelist Ivan Turgenev’s masterpiece was given the title “Fathers and Sons” in its English translation. But in the original Russian, it was “Fathers and Children”. Its theme of “nihilism”, sadly, resonates in Guyana on this “Fathers’ Day” - with the news of children, especially young men, bereft, it would appear of any moral moorings,creating so much pain and havoc in the society.

To become a “father”, one must have created or adopted children: the dyadic pair is, by definition, inseparable. But in reality, fathers are often removed from the lives of their children, either physically or psychologically, with devastating effects of the children. The “child father”, an exponentially increasing species in Guyana, is not cause for even raised eyebrows.

Today, most families rely upon the incomes of both mothers and fathers. If a father is absent physically from a home, the child will statistically be most likely to grow up in poverty: most mothers’ wages are less than those of males, and in Guyana, significantly so.

But even if fathers are physically present, their psychological absence can be just as, if not even more, devastating. Previously, child development psychologists focused almost exclusively on children’s relationships with their mothers.

Today, however, they concede that fathers play a unique and crucial role in nurturing and guiding children’s development. It has been shown that fathers can be just as nurturing and sensitive with their babies as mothers. As their children grow, fathers take on added roles of guiding their children’s intellectual and social development. Even when a father is ‘just playing’ with his children, which is quite different from “play” with mothers, he is nurturing their development.

Both mothers and fathers encourage their babies to investigate the world, manipulate objects, and explore physical relationships. But mothers and fathers also have different styles of relating. Mothers tend to speak soothingly and softly in repetitive rhythms to their infants and snugly hold them. Fathers tend to provide more verbal and physical stimulation, by patting their babies gently and communicating to them with sharp bursts of sound.

As babies grow older, many come to prefer playing with their fathers who provide unpredictable, stimulating, and exciting interaction. This stimulation is important because it fosters healthy development of the baby’s brain and can have lasting effects on children’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. Infants with involved fathers tend to score higher on tests of thinking skills and brain development.

The results of the NGSA were just announced, which will have life-long repercussions on those children. It would be interesting to correlate the results with the role of fathers in their lives.

Generally speaking, the more actively involved and interested a father is in his children’s care and education, the more intellectually developed his children are. Why should this be the case? One reason is that, when fathers are involved, they tend to provide better economic support for their children. Children with better economic support have access to more educational resources and have better opportunities to learn.

Another reason that fathers influence intellectual development is that, when their children are school-aged, fathers spend a good deal of time helping them with studies. This level of commitment has an impact on children’s academic success. Several studies have shown that time fathers spend with their children has a direct link with maths skills. The Ministry of Education’s efforts to boost Maths scores would be greatly assisted if fathers become more involved with their children’s studies.

Finally, because fathers tend to challenge their children more, they encourage children to take on new challenges. This helps children not only to learn new skills, but also to take responsibility for their own actions. Fathers with a strong commitment to their families provide a model of responsible behaviour for their children.

We wish that on this Fathers’ Day, fathers would pledge to become better fathers.

Suicide transcends political gamesmanship

In the 1978, a study by a researcher named Richard Seiden found that 90 percent of people who tried to jump off San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge did not go on to die by suicide. From this, one can infer that victims of suicides would also have been relieved had they survived, which means that there is always a possibility of being able to help those who display any kind of behavior that may lead to suicide.

But such help can only be offered in a context of information dissemination and requisite training at various levels of society. And this context becomes so urgent given that not only does Guyana have the fourth highest suicide rate in the world, with 26.4 suicides per 100,000 people (2006, from all indications its higher today), but also because of the possibility that not all suicides end up in the official stats.

Furthermore, research reveals that for every person who commits suicide, 30 attempts fail, so there would translate into over 700 attempted suicides per 100,000 persons in Guyana. Additionally, there seems to be a certain predisposition to suicide within some families and within certain locations where suicide becomes an almost normative and/or copycat act.

Firstly, with respect to information dissemination, those who dispense drugs –agricultural and pharmaceutical – should be mandated to always provide information about the dangers of ingestion or overdose as the case may be, to each purchaser.

Such information can then be disseminated to everyone in the home, which must eliminate easy access to

all drugs and medications, by securely locking them away. Only the most level headed and/or responsible person in the household should have access to keys or lock combinations.

Secondly, there should be an ongoing suicide prevention programme, focused on educational and religious institutions, and medical care facilities. This would entail the provision of requisite training for health care professionals, religious leaders and educators.

Such training can be joint ventures between the public and private sector, including non-governmental organizations, professional and business bodies and sports, cultural and youth clubs. Such training should include empathetic communication, lack of which has been identified as a significant driver of suicide.

In fact, many of those suicides that involve teens in intimate relationships and teens getting pregnant are a result of lack of empathetic communication on the part of parents and legal guardians. Instead, scolding in anger, threats of dire consequences, use of force, guilting and scare mongering seem to characterize communication in these situations.

Emphasis should also be placed on self-acceptance. Researchers at Northwestern University in the US found that self-acceptance could help people to be more realistic about who they are, and less willing to internalize negative and dysfunctional behaviors, which drive suicide. Self-acceptance should go in tandem with self-forgiveness. As the late Maya Angelou suggested, “Forgive yourself for every failure...be-

cause if you’d known better you would have done better!”

Thirdly, there is need for ongoing focus on suicide and related issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, relationships and teenage pregnancy in all schools. Students can engage in research and investigations and express thoughts and feelings via writing (essays, poetry), art, drama, debates and focused events.

Naturally too, suicide, substance abuse, violence and teenage pregnancy should become part of the school curricula, especially at the secondary and tertiary levels and, if possible, the provision should be made for at least one staff member with a requisite level of training in guidance and counseling (such a pilot programme was in place a few decades ago).

Among other tasks, this individual should engage in regular contacts with parents/homes and other service entities within the school catchment area. This would create a network of alertness and quick-response to situations that may point to suicidal behavior and also provide assistance with related issues that drive suicide – domestic violence/abuse, teenage pregnancy and relationship issues and alcoholism.

While suicide is both premeditated and impulsive, last minute impulses often actualize from hopelessness, powerlessness, helplessness, loneliness, depression, fear, anger, whereas premeditation is driven by relationship and intimacy problems, teenage pregnancy, alcoholism, domestic abuse and other forms of violence. Thus those who are trained to man the anti-suicide campaign must be aware of the risk factors and

warning signs. And, they should take note of any behaviour out of the ordinary, language out of the usual and change in attitudes and immediately set the ball in motion by engaging in empathetic communication and making the nextstep referral.

The long and sort of it is that suicide is not a solution and should not be an option.

And given the frightening numbers cited above, suicide prevention should be everybody’s business, especially since suicide is inextricably linked with other social issues such as alcoholism, relationship and intimacy problems, drugs and substance abuse and domestic and other forms of violence. Thus we commend and applaud the efforts and actions of the students and teachers of Black Bush Polder, Essequibo and Berbice High Schools who have lofted the banner of suicide prevention for the rest of the nation to follow suit.

We hope students and teachers from throughout the nation will join in this effort and that the rest of society will become involved. Similarly we applaud the press statement put out by APNU and we hope APNU will now join with government in developing measures to address this is issue.

In the final analysis suicide transcends political gamesmanship and our politicians must display the will to lead the suicide prevention campaign, which will also result in tackling the other related issues.

Sincerely, Norkah Carter, DevvRamdas Daniel, Judy Deveaux, Annan Boodram

Guyana pursues oil, gas development support from Canada

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud recently headed a Guyana delegation to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, attending several meetings focused on improving the technical capacity of Guyana for natural resources development.

Minister Persaud, who was accompanied by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles, held several high-level meetings with various Government and private sector institutions which could help Guyana in building its technical human resources for an improved level of natural resources management, both in the private and public sectors.

Minister Persaud met Premier of Alberta, Dave Hancock, who is also Innovation and Advanced Education Minister. He indicated that Guyana can partner with the technical institutions of Alberta to improve public policy for the governance of the natural resources sector. Officials of the two Governments also discussed matters relating to

applied science and technology for collaboration with the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc and the University of Guyana.

The Natural Resources and Environment Minister also discussed matters relating to the development of a new regulatory framework for the minerals and oil and gas sectors as well as issues of fiscal management.

Minister Persaud stated that while Guyana has been working extractive sectors for over 115 years, the Government is committed to ensuring that there is greater responsibility and accountability of the management of the sectors and that future generation could benefit from the wealth of these natural resources.

Minister Persaud also met with International and Inter-governmental Relations Minister of Alberta Cal Dallas. The meeting between the two Ministers explored areas of trade and investment opportunities in the Americas for the two diversified economies. The Ministers noted that both Guyana and Alberta have economic starting bas-

es. Both economies have a strong agricultural foundation for economic growth and development.

Minister Persaud highlighted that there is a high potential for the development of an oil and gas sector of the Guyana economy and that there is much that can be adopted for the principles of growth, which have been successful in Alberta.

Minister Dallas stated that there is much emphasis on hydrocarbon development of the Guyanese economy and the entire natural resources sector, in general. The two Ministers agreed that cooperation could be established for areas of improved regulations, land use frameworks, water usage, air quality, biodiversity and options for creation of a sovereign wealth fund.

The Guyana delegation included Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Chairman Clinton Williams; Finance Ministry, Fiscal and Monetary Division head Donald Dyal; and Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Senior Policy Analyst/Advisor, Bobby Gossai Jr.

Scotiabank treats fathers at St Thomas Moore Home

The residents of the St Thomas Moore Home of Lamaha Street, Kitty, Georgetown, on Saturday received a “Father’s Day treat”, after the staff of Scotiabank’s Carmichael Street Branch, paid the home a visit.

Several staff committee members of the branch took it upon themselves to recognise the importance of a father, and decided to honour and show them the appreciation they deserve, by presenting them with a sumptu-

ous lunch and gifts.

The Scotiabank team presented the menfolk with toiletry hampers.

A member of the team stated that the Scotiabank Staff Committee has always been involved in charitable activities, something they are fond of doing.

They had visited the men’s home before and saw the need to do it once again, much to the delight of the residents.

Thanking the Scotiabank staff on behalf of the home,

a resident named Michael, said it is always a wonderful feeling to be remembered and given that little extra care, even just for a day.

The senior gentleman noted that there is always a big “huff and buff” celebration for mothers on Mothers’ Day and barely any recognition for the men. On that note, he thanked the staff of Scotiabank, who took time out from their personal lives, to recognise their efforts in life as fathers and as men.

The Thomas Moore Men’s Home is managed by the Catholic Diocese Guyana and currently has 22 residents. The administrator of the facility is Winston Playter, who is assisted by a housemother, a caregiver, an assisted caregiver and cook.

Donations are given to the organisation on a regular basis, but they are still many things that the home needs. The oldest resident at the home is 86 years old and the youngest is in his mid40s.

Westbury carpenter commits suicide over domestic dispute

A24-year-old carpenter of Westbury Village, Essequibo Coast, on Saturday hanged himself following a prolonged domestic dispute with his wife.

Dead is Roberto Smith, a father of three.

Third suspect arrested for Lusignan taxi murder

As Police continue their investigation into the murder of Dhanraj Latchman of Lot 115 Lusignan, a third suspect was taken into custody and is being questioned in connection with the carjacking and murder of the teenager.

The suspect is the prospective purchaser of the car, who is reportedly from the West Coast of Demerara, and is assisting the Police with the investigation.

Guyana Times also understands that the murdered teen’s cellular phones and car keys were found in one of the suspect’s house and his entire family was taken to the Vigilance Police Station where they are being detained.

According to information received, one of the suspects lives at Parika, East Bank Essequibo and has had brushes with the law before. It was while evading ‘D’ Division Police that he visited his aunt at Lusignan, a few houses away from the now dead teenager.

The two cousins confessed to killing the young man after he put up resistance when they attacked him. One of them reportedly told ranks that after strangling Latchman with the seat belt, he was taken out of the car and thrown into a clump of bushes in the Hubu area. Latchman’s car was discovered about two miles away from where his body was dumped, with the windscreen shattered.

The windscreen was reportedly shattered after the

young man put up a fight as the back seat passenger had the belt wrapped around his neck. Latchman was also badly beaten, according to a rank. There were several marks of violence about his body, which might have been inflicted by an unknown object.

While the motive for the murder appears to be hijacking, investigators believe it is more than that.

A Police rank stated that after the confession on Friday evening, the two young men were taken to the area where they identified the spot where they disposed of the body.

Tearful

The body was then transported to the Lyken’s Funeral Home and is awaiting a post- mortem. When Guyana Times contacted Latchman’s home on Saturday, his mother Tarmattie Daby was still in tears as she spoke over the phone.

“They coulda tek way meh son phone, money, jewellery and even he car… dem tek he life…. De car and so could a comeback but they tek he life,” she cried. The woman recalled that the last time she heard her son’s voice was on Wednesday evening about 20:00h, after which both of his phones were switched off.

This left the family worried, wanting to know why both of their son’s phones went “dead” at the same time. The last time she spoke to her son, he would have revealed the names of the persons he was transporting to Parika.

After time had elapsed and there was no word from her son, she went to the home of the two suspects who were already home. They claimed that the young man dropped them off at the Budget Supermarket and went his way.

The aggrieved mother told this publication that it is hard to lose her elder son, who was a gem.

“Whenever he out and coming home late, he does text… but after he nah do that on Wednesday night, we know something wrong.”

She too was not aware of the motive for the two suspects wanting her son dead and claimed that the Police are not briefing them on the case as they would expect. “They nah tell we nothing… we just want to know why they kill meh son,” she cried.

The body of the teenager was discovered on Friday evening at Hubu Backdam.

According to wife of the deceased, Tomika Marks, she and her husband had an argument on Friday night, but they had subsequently sorted things out. The wife related that her husband then left the house, stating that he was going to a friend, but he did not return.

the house and found him hanging on a tree.

Marks said she immediately untied the rope and alerted neighbours.

After making several inquiries, she stepped out of

Smith was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He leaves to mourn his wife and three children.

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

Today is Fathers’ Day, the day set aside to celebrate all of the fatherly figures in our lives. Kids all over the world will try to do whatever they can to make their fathers feel special.

Our Dads play a huge part in shaping the type of persons we eventually become. Apparently, my brother and I used to want to drink tea just like our Dad and read the newspapers. Never mind we were so little we’d hold the papers upside down.We were still ‘reading’. Dad used to read stories to us every night before bed, even “doing” all of the funny voices for the different characters. So it’s no wonder that my brother and I grew up with a love of reading.

Throughout my schoollife whenever I had questions, I’d ask Dad and invariably he’d have the answer and was able to explain the concept to me in a way that I’d be able to understand. Even now in Med School I still ask Dad

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano

PPP salutes Enmore Martyrs

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has saluted the memory of the five sugar workers, namely Lallabagee, Pooran, Rambarran, Dookhie and Harry, all of whom were gunned down by colonial Police on June 16, 1948.

my questions whether over Skype or during the holidays. For kids our Dad became a Superman-type figure who works, knows everything about anything, can fix our toys when they’re broken, fetch us off to bed when as toddlers we’d fall asleep on the couch and give us advice from experience at every step of our life.

But it shouldn’t take Father’s Day to remind you of how important your father is. Showing your dad that you care should be something that you do every day. It should come to you as naturally as breath-

ing or as eating (after all, in many families, the father is the sole bread-winner of the family and is the reason that you actually have something to eat in the first place). So yes, of course you have to do something special for your dad today.

The death of those sugar workers remain until this day a monument to the struggle of sugar workers for improved working and living conditions and the brute force meted out to the workers at the hands of the planter class.

Those five sugar workers are rightly referred to as the Enmore Martyrs, but the cause for which they gave their life triggered a much wider assault on the colonial status quo in the formation of the PPP on January 1950, a mere two years later.

But please don’t just post your gift in the mail, or make a quick phone call or send an e-mail to your fatherthat’s downright lazy! Take the gift in person, say ‘Happy Father’s Day’ in person.

Or better yet, cook a special meal for your dad or just spend some quality time catching up with him. Happy Fathers’ Day!

Indeed, the shooting to death of the five sugar workers was the catalyst that led to the formation of the PPP. It was at the grave side of the slain sugar workers that Dr Jagan made a silent pledge to dedicate his entire life to the cause of the working people of Guyana.

The party in a release, said that today, there are many who are seeking to deny the role played by Dr Jagan and the PPP in the struggle for better working

and living conditions of sugar workers. Some are even trying to project the PPP and the legitimate and militant GAWU as ‘anti-worker’ in their desperate and vain attempt to deceive the workers by making outlandish promises and statements which they very well know are untrue and cannot be realistically met.

“It is true that the sugar industry is currently experiencing some challenges, many of which are outside the manageable control of the sugar Corporation. Among these are drastic cuts in the price of sugar, reduced and erratic labour supply and changing weather patterns which coupled with technical problems experienced by the main sugar factory at Skeldon resulted in less than anticipated sugar production and consequently a sharp decline in export earnings. The PPP/C administration out of genuine concern for the well being of sugar workers intervened by putting billions of dollars into the industry in order to ensure its long-

term viability despite strong opposition from both the APNU and the AFC,” the party said. It said that it is encouraged by the fact that the industry has reached and even surpassed its first crop target this year and remains optimistic that the industry is now on the road to full recovery.

“This augers well not only for our sugar workers but the country as a whole since sugar continues to be the largest employer of labour and a major foreign exchange earner.

“The PPP takes this opportunity to congratulate all sugar workers and the management of GuySuCo on the good performance during the first crop and hopes that this trend will continue in the second crop and indeed in the years ahead. May the memory of our martyrs continue to inspire and guide us all in the pursuit of a better Guyana where there is peace, progress and prosperity for all,” the statement concluded.

Prime Minister hails Russia’s sociopolitical, economic gains

The relationship that exists between Guyana and Russia was on Friday evening hailed as the latter celebrated Russian Federation Day with an observance at the Russian Embassy in Kitty, Georgetown.

Speaking of behalf of President Donald

fronts were to be applauded. The fact that Russia is participating in the World Cup Football tournament, was also hailed by the Prime Minister who said that there is still time for a Guyanese team to participate in the next World Cup tournament scheduled for Russia in 2018.

duce tensions, and “like you, the double standards have not escaped our attention”.

Making reference to Russia’s membership of the forums of the developed and emerging countries, Prime Minister Hinds said that it is expected that that nation will advocate to the aforementioned countries for challenges to their development to be addressed.

“I look forward to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) meeting in Brasilia next month and I am heartened that there might be an opportunity for Presidents of South America to have a dialogue with their BRICS counterparts.”

The Prime Minister stated that at the bilateral level, relations have been very active with several Russian companies

Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the day was an historic one that celebrates the resilience of the Russian people.

He noted that their achievements on the socio-political and economic

“Let us keep hope alive that Guyana’s fortunes will be better in 2018.”

Hope was expressed by the Prime Minister that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine would see all parties exercise self-restraint and responsibility to re -

seeking to invest locally, with those already present such as Rusal and Petropavlovsk being recognised for their contributions. Inputs into the training of local security personnel was also noted by the Prime Minister.

Bandits shoot city store employee during attempted robbery

Moments after closing its doors for business, a worker attached to a store located at Robb and King Streets, Georgetown, was shot on the hand by a group of bandits in a failed robbery attempt. The name of the employee was not immediately available, but Guyana Times understands that he is being treated at a private medical institution. At the scene, Police ranks were

conducting their investigation and had retrieved at least five spent shells at the scene.

Persons there remained tight-lipped, but according to the information received, the man had just closed the business place and was carrying a bag containing an undisclosed sum of money, when two men held him at gunpoint and demanded that he hand over the bag.

He reportedly put up a fight, by which time a li-

censed firearm holder, who was passing at the time, realised what was happening and discharged a few rounds with the aim of scaring off the men.

The men reportedly ran towards a parked car that was on North Road, Georgetown, but due to the response from public-spirited citizens, they abandoned the vehicle and made good their escape.

The Police are continuing their investigation.

In brief remarks, Russian Ambassador Nikolay Smirnov noted that his country continues to perform strongly despite economic downturns internationally.

Diversification

“Last year, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth was 1.5 per cent; however, there is still a need to continue work for diversification of production and modernisation of the economy. The future programme for development includes several key elements, among which are space exploration, Information Technology, energy saving and pharmaceuticals.”

Russia’s economy will be further strengthened by the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union, which Armenia and Kyrgyzstan will soon join, he added.

Making reference to the civil wars being fought in Syria, Iraq and the Ukraine, Ambassador Smirnov noted that they highlighted the “critical importance of the supremacy of international law, in foreign affairs”.

He explained that Russia “does not pretend to be a country to claim global or regional hegemony. We do not impose our patronage or try to mentor other countries, how to manage their own affairs or find their democratic model of development. But we strive to be leaders, defending international law, respect for national sovereignty, independence and people’s identity”.

The Russian Ambassador, in closing, noted that Guyana and Russia share a common vision on most issues on the international agenda, in-

cluding the urgent need to reform institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, climate change, the need for assistance to small developing states and the fight against poverty.

“We welcome any steps that would lead to a broader cooperation between our two countries in the political, economic and humanitarian fields,” he said.

Scholarships offered to Guyanese students will also be increased according to the Ambassador.

Russia Day is the national holiday of the Russian Federation, celebrated on June 12. It has been celebrated every year since 1992. The First Congress of People’s Deputies of the Russian Federation adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic on June 12, 1990.

Berbice Bridge Company honours fathers

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) on Friday treated the fathers of the company during a celebration in honour of Fathers’ Day

The BBCI in a release said it recognises the influential role fathers play in their families and society, and saw it fit to reward them.

The BBCI over the years has also been a good corporate citizen. The company does not only play the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the retractor span and under the high span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities.

In the past, the company sponsored many events that benefited communities on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge, and many other regions such as Georgetown, Linden, Parika and the hinterland.

This year, the company has received some 51 public relation requests thus far; 42 of which were approved.

These include sponsorships of Mashramani 2013

events, horse- racing events and donations of trophies to various non-profit organisations and educational institutions.

Fathers’ Day is a celebration honouring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, though it is also celebrated widely on other days. Fathers’ Day was created to complement Mothers’ Day, a celebration that honours mothers and motherhood.

A complement to Mother’s Day

The occasion was inaugurated in the US in the early 20th century to complement Mothers’ Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting.

After the success obtained by Anna Jarvis with the promotion of Mothers’ Day in the US, some wanted to create similar holidays for other family members, and Fathers’ Day was the choice most likely to suc-

ceed. There were other persons in the US who independently thought of “Fathers’ Day”, but the credit for the modern holiday is often given to Sonora Dodd, who was the driving force behind its establishment.

Fathers’ Day was founded in Spokane, Washington, at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. Its first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910.

Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there. After hearing a sermon about Jarvis’s Mother’s Day in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honouring them.

Although she initially suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.

Eyew tness Justification...

...for Rodney’s murder?

In a very explosive interview with this newspaper, David Granger, leader of the PNC, APNU and the Parliamentary Opposition, declared that the killing of Rodney was justified!! That’s because, in his opinion, Rodney was planning a “rebellion against the Government”.

We don’t like to say “we told you so”. But you, dear readers, would know that the moment we heard Rodney’s erstwhile buddy Rupert Roopnaraine blurt out that Rodney was “collecting guns”, we announced it was an alibi for Granger and the PNC.

Granger claimed Rodney was “distributing leaflets” encouraging soldiers to refuse orders of their political handlers “and the Defence Force was being penetrated”. Yet his appointment as head of the GDF by Burnham one month after Rodney was charged for burning down Congress Place was totally serendipitous!!! Burnham just felt the GDF needed a top gun. Granger admitted he knew Gregory Smith...a head of the GDF knowing a Coast Guard!!...but not that Smith was selected to take out Rodney. And there is a Santa Claus!!

Granger argued: “During that civil rebellion, we knew that political forces were involved in instigating strikes against the Government; there were street protests and rallies against the Government. There was arson in which the headquarters of the People’s National Congress was destroyed by fire, there were several organisations launched against the Government and the Defence Force was being penetrated.”

And for this Rodney had to be killed? Never mind that Rodney and Roopnaraine and others were arrested and charged for the act of arson. Didn’t suggest that whatever else the WPA and Rodney might’ve been doing or planning, there was a “justice system” that could’ve dealt with them within the law. But that was the fly in the ointment, wasn’t it?

Even though the PNC had declared its “paramountcy over the state”, and flew their flag over the Court of Appeal, the WPA had demonstrated that the judiciary wouldn’t be cowed to do their bidding in railroading their targets - with the Arnold Rampersaud case. Burnham believed he was above the law - and he could be judge, jury and executioner of Rodney. And this is what Granger is justifying today.

So when Patrick Yarde and his public servants go on strike, they’ll be blown to smithereens? Or when APNU youths marched up and down Brickdam protesting the 2011 elections count, the Government should’ve had their leader (Bond??) executed? Or how about the chaps who burnt down the Ministry of Health HQ? Drawn and quartered?

C’mon Brigadier Granger, you have to do better? But the question is....can you? After all, you were neck deep in the stuff.

...for a cultural handout

This wanker Ruel Johnson (and he boasts about his wanking exploits) just doesn’t give up about his demand for a handout from the Culture Minister. Fella claims he’s a “writer”. Won a prize and all. Well if he’s such an acclaimed writer, why the hell does he need a job writing a policy document for the Culture Ministry? Shouldn’t his books be selling like hot cakes?

Well, it’s clear as daylight that he’s writing what no one wants to read. And that’s the trouble with these types. They have such an elitist view of what constitutes “culture” that all but a couple of snobs with their noses in the air ignore their “work”.

He doesn’t realise those days are long gone. The folk he dismisses as living in “Canecutopia” have the confidence as not to give a horse’s ass about Nereids and Circe. They have their own Mermaids.

And then which self- respecting writer will want to tell artistes and poets what to write? Wanker!!

...for open skies faith

Just when Caribbean Airlines thought they had us by the shorts, the hyper-energetic Tourism Minister Ali delivers so many alternative airlines, the traffic controllers at CJIA have to initiate “holding patterns”, until the planes can land!!!

Performance of Region 2 NGSA top students celebrated

By IndrawattIe natram

Region Two students who performed exceptionally well at the recently concluded National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) had praises heaped on them on Friday, when several high-ranking regional education and executive officials visited their schools.

The team visited prima-

NGSA students, but aspire to do better.

Meanwhile, Region Two top student Roshanee Daonarine credited her success to hard work and the support of her family and teachers.

The 11-year-old praised the commitment of her parents to her education before

ry schools at Good Hope, Aurora and Taymonth Manor.

Other schools visited included Fisher, CV Nunes, Sparta and Hampton Court primary schools.

Regional Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud, who headed the team of officials, urged the students to remain focused on their studies and aim for higher heights.

Seepersaud also congratulated the NGSA students,

describing them as her role models.

Deonairne was not surprised by her performance and informed that she intends to become a neurosurgeon.

Similarly, Premchan Rampersaud from Taymonth Manor Primary, who aims to become a pilot, and was Saskia Sukhai from Hampton Court, who wants to become an educator, both credited their success to the determination of

explaining that the region is extremely proud of the overall performance. The Regional Education Officer encouraged Grade Five students at the various schools to not only emulate the performance of this year’s

their teachers and family.

Other students who were recognised for their outstanding performances were Estephaniea Persaud from Taymonth Manor; Charrandat Narine from Sparta Primary; and

PPP reaches out to young professionals

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee, last Saturday hosted a successful dinner and interaction with a group of over 150 young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Mariah Bacchus from CV Nunes Primary; Ushanna Mohan of Fisher Primary School; Bovanie Sookraj of Good Hope Primary; Begum Baksh of Fisher Primary; Imtiyaaz Ally of Aurora Primary; Geeram Bissoondyal of Aurora Primary; and Sudarshana Moniram of Fisher Primary.

The group comprised doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs and politicians among others. Among the invitees were former President Bharrat Jagdeo; the PPP’s Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Housing and Water and acting Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali.

Following in the footsteps of the PPP founder-leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan, the General Secretary has already made ef-

forts to re-establish a National Teachers’ Committee and the Guyana Peace Council, and now this encounter with Guyana’s next generation of leaders to examine avenues to integrate their ideas and views in the developmental trajectory and to take the PPP to another victory whenever elections are called.

The interactive forum afforded the young professionals the opportunity to express their concerns, obtain clarifications and share ideas on national issues in keeping with the desire of young people to pursue aggressively, an ambitious and progressive national agenda for development.

Describing the forum as being timely and appropriate, the

young professionals were encouraged to become more active participants in the decision-making process.

The PPP views such interactions as an opportunity to boost young people’s morale and confidence, hence, the emphasis on engaging youth for their assistance in identifying needs and empowering communities, and to take on a sense of ownership in development efforts.

PPP leaders used the occasion to speak on the issue of corruption, pointing to the many safeguards for accountability and transparency implemented by the PPP/C Administration and the empty rhetoric of the Opposition to point fingers without being able to provide any evidence on corruption.

During the interaction with the young professionals and entrepreneurs, the party was encouraged to constantly review its policies and to take into consideration the growing demands of a rapidly changing modern world.

This interactive forum is part of an ongoing initiative by the PPP and its General Secretary to reconnect with supporters and sympathisers throughout the country.

Private sector helping to shape regional small business policy

Representatives of the business community in Guyana and officials of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat met on Thursday to advance discussions on a policy for regional micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Guyana leg of the consultations on the policy was held at the Caricom Secretariat, and was the first in a series of engage-

ments with the regional private sector.

Entities that were represented at the half-day meeting included the Guyana Manufacturers’ and Services Association (GMSA); the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); the Tourism and Hospital Association of Guyana (THAG); the Small Business Association (SBA);

the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED); the Guyana AgroProcessors Association and the Pomeroon Women’s Agriculture Association.

The consultations are being conducted to fulfil the urgent need for a legislative and policy framework in which to nurture MSMEs. The MSME sector is considered a critical pillar of economic development of Caricom as it contrib-

utes more than 70 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in some member states and often employs more people than large businesses across the Region.

Setting the context for the discussions, Private Sector Facilitation and Industrial Development, Deputy Programme Manager Leela Ramoutar said there was acknowledgement of the need to improve the business environment in the community.

She pointed to the limited access to financing, high transportation costs, lack of harmonised legislation and regulatory framework, and very weak business organisations as factors that stymied the growth of MSMEs.

A vision, mission and operating environment were the key issues that were discussed under the guidance of Dr T Jennifer Edwards, Consultant on MSME Policy Development. Participants identified competitiveness, wealth creation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, an enabling environment and a captive regional market as critical to the nurturing and development of MSMEs.

The consultations continued on Friday with representatives of the business community in Grenada and Suriname via videoconferencing. An additional four meetings will be completed by the end of June. It is anticipated that a draft policy will be completed by September and presented to Caricom member states for review. A final draft, which will be presented to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), is expected to be completed by October month-end.

Pass the Kutchie...

Satiricus was down in the dumps. He was feeling quite troubled at the news. Jamaica had just decided to “decriminalise” the possession of less than two ounces of ganja. Meaning if you didn’t exceed this amount, all you got was a ticket. Which you could pay at any station when you could walk straight to the station without falling over. All the fellas from the back street bar had decided to book their tickets on that Fly Jamaica outfit.

Satiricus knew Jamaica was on the ropes. In the hands of the IMF even. These fellas could get rough. But to actually force them to decriminalise marijuana?? This was going too far! You could throw out thousands of public servants into the streets and have their children beg for food. But to have people lighting up spiffs in the middle of the streets and gullies? Why? This was the end of civilisation. OK. Satiricus knew that Jamaica was on her knees because tourists from America and Europe had dried up? He knew too that the moment these tourists heard they could light up a toke of that good old Jamaican Gold - and not be thrown into the slammer - the island would be overrun with those pastyskinned foreigners looking to get high. And money would be flowing like a river and their budget would be balanced and all.

But Jeez! Was there no concern for the effects of marijuana? West Indians in general and Jamaicans in particular were already too laid back. Everybody mocked us for being on “Island time”, fumed Satiricus. Now with everyone free to light up and grooving, can you imagine what would happen to our reputation? “We might just defy the laws of physics and prove time goes backwards,” thought Satiricus, as he spied Cappo turning the corner. He had a wide smile.

“Look wha me get!!” he practically shouted, brandishing a piece of paper. “Me ticket to Jamaica!! A had to finish cuttin cane fuh de crap.”

“You too?” said Satiricus dolefully. “What you gon do?”

Cappo said, “At last me could sing the real songnot dis one. And he burst out in song:

“I seh, pass de Dutchie pon de left hand side, Pass de Dutchie pon de left hand side, It a gonna burn...”

“Is really ‘pass de Kutchie’ but Kutchie ah de ganja pipe and yuh coulden seh dah then.” And Cappo started to croon” Pass de Kutchie...”

Satiricus was left with his mouth open. Was Guyana next?

“Rambo” critical after NA prison stabbing incident

Aconvicted prisoner is reportedly in a critical condition after he was stabbed several times and chopped once by three other prisoners at the New Amsterdam Prison early Saturday morning.

Critically injured and still in an unconscious state up to press time is Tameshwar Khemraj, called “Rambo”, 27, of Lot 171 Nigg, Corentyne, Berbice.

Khemraj is currently serving a four-year sentence for robbery under arms. The stabbing reportedly occurred around 07:00h.

According to reports, as is the norm, the prisoners were allowed to empty their utensils in the night, and it was while Khemraj was doing his chores, he was attacked.

Reports say that Ramnarine and Kishan Jagmohan, two brothers on remand for murder and their uncle Jerry

Jagmohan, who is serving a sentence for rape, pounced on Khemraj, stabbing him several times.

A Police source close to the investigation told Guyana Times that the stabbing stemmed from an altercation between Kishan Jagmohan and the injured prisoner the day before.

It was alleged that Khemraj punched Jagmohan in the face, and used threatening language to him.

The younger Jagmohan reported the matter to his elder brother and uncle, who reportedly planned the attack.

Reports are that as the unsuspecting victim was exiting his cell to dispose of waste matter, the three prisoners moved on him, brutally stabbing him about the body.

According to reports, had it not been for the intervention of several prison of-

Region 6 top student wants to become doctor

Simeon De Abreu, one of the two students who topped Region Six at the National Grade Six (NGSA), has credited his success to his parents, teachers and the Almighty.

Simeon, of All Saints Primary in New Amsterdam, and Joel Persaud of Cropper Primary, each obtained 518 marks.

“I am very pleased with my achievement and I must thank God, my parents and teacher for making this possible,” De Abreu, who was awarded a place at Queen’s College, said.

His father, Clement De Abreu of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, said he is proud of the achievement of his son.

“I always told him that I wish to see his name on the Honours Roll and, he assured me that it will happen; thanks to Jehovah God and Sir Bassant for making this a reality.”

His teacher, Bassant Jagdeo, said Simeon and his colleagues were drilled after school and weekend lessons.

He said Simeon’s performance and Keayla Vanderstoop, another top student with 515 marks, came as no surprise.

“They worked hard during their preparations for the NGSA; our motto is: “Only the best is good enough”, is testimony that we have lived up to our standards and we will continue to do so.”

Bassant, a teacher with more than some 20 years experience, said parental involvement was a critical factor in the success of his students.

“Discipline on the part of the children was integral in their accomplishment and I am extremely proud of them.”

ficers, Khemraj would have been killed.

Several cellular phones, cutlasses, juckers (pickers) and other sharp weapons were also discovered by Police during a search on Saturday.

Poor security system

Reports say that the security system at the New Amsterdam prison leaves much to be desired.

Meanwhile, this publication spoke to the wife of the injured prisoner, Shameeza Ali, who said she was informed of the incident through a cellphone call by one of her husband’s friends, who is a prisoner.

“Dem stab Rambo,” the woman said she was told. On receiving the news, the young mother said she left her two children, and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

“The doctor told me he get plenty stab wounds,

but the ones on his neck and chest is bad and he say one of his lungs collapsed or something… oh and he get chop on he foot.”

Ali said this was all she knew about her husband’s injuries, pointing out that security at the facility had to be lax for the incident to have occurred.

“Me want know how

them get weapon and cutlass in them cell and no prison officers na know that.”

An investigation has been launched into the incident. Late last month, a lone prisoner at the said prison, overpowered a Prison officer, took control of his keys, before opening a cell, and brutally attacking four inmates with a cutlass and a corrosive substance.

Shawn Hubbard, a Prison officer for three years, was at the time performing duties in one of the blocks at the prison. He was reportedly choked and left unconscious before being relieved of the items he had and then placed into a cell that the prisoner opened with the keys.

The manoeuvre was carried out by an inmate, who is serving a murder sentence. This allowed him to have control of that section of the prison.

After arming himself

with a cutlass and a bottle containing a corrosive substance, he attempted to open the door to the cell, where four prisoners were being held.

However, after seeing who it was, the men inside the cell held on to the door and prevented him from pulling it open.

According to one of the four men who was in the cell at the time, acid was thrown on them, forcing them to flee to the back of the cell. After getting inside, a corrosive liquid was again thrown at the prisoners, followed by cutlass chops.

The finger of one of the prisoners was severed. Another almost lost both of his arms from his shoulders. All of the men suffered several chops.

The Home Affairs Ministry has since established a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident.

june 15, 2014

President Ramotar comforts grief-stricken Corentyne family

President Donald on Saturday visited the homes of the three girls who were killed in Wednesday’s hit-and-run accident on the Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six.

The victims are Tabithia Latoya Bagot, 18; Malkia Wanita Bagot, 16; and Shamain Cort, three. At their Phillipi Village home, the President met with family members and relatives of the trio, and extended his sympathy, noting that a lot of support is needed to overcome the tragedy.

“We want the family to know that we know what they are going through at these trying times. It is impossible to stop the grief because of the loss of lives, but at least, to offer support and let them know that the entire country is also mourning with them.”

He stated that the incident is one that affects the entire country and commended the community for their understanding in dealing with the traumatic incident.

One relative thanked the President for his visit and told him that the village is closely knitted, stating that the entire community is heartbroken and many have had sleepless nights since the incident.

Also present were the parents of Nakesh Persaud, the driver of the car that caused the accident. The father of the teen Lakeraj Persaud, in tears, said he is deeply saddened by the incident and expressed profound sympathy to the relatives of the deceased girls.

Some of the relatives reiterated their call for justice, while others expressed confidence in the Police and the judicial system. However, Pastor Ewart Bagot, the uncle of the three girls, called for peace amid the tears and sadness.

Love must be maintained

“We appreciate that love be maintained we don’t want a riot, we expect the best of unity to prevail because this boy wasn’t sent by his parents to kill nor did

the girls go out to get their death, if anyone knew, they would have stayed home. Let us put ourselves in each other’s shoes, we are here to sympathise with each other and let love be maintained.”

Pastor Baggot added that justice should be fair and must come from the courthouse, noting that if persons took matters into their own hands, it will only lead to

further problems in society.

Also present were Public Works Minister Robeson Benn; Regional Chairman David Armogan; ‘B’ Division Commander Brian Joseph and other senior ranks of the division. They all expressed sympathy to the relatives and pledged their support in any way possible.

Concerns were raised about street lights in the

the Public Works Ministry will look into the matter, and a response will be provided in two weeks.

A date is yet to be set for the funeral as the family awaits the arrival Tabithia’s and Malkia’s mother, Angela Baggot, who migrated to the US about two weeks ago.

community, the installation of speed bumps and traffic signs on the roadway so as to stop if not reduce the amount of fatal accidents.

Minister Benn, in addressing the concerns, noted that there is a process in which street lights are installed, and promised that

On Wednesday, Nakesh Persaud, 18, of 121 Number 51 Village, Corentyne, was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when he struck down five persons in three separate accidents, killing the three girls and critically wounding the other two victims. He appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Friday last and was slapped with 10 charges, including three counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Persaud was remanded to Prison until July 2, when he will make his second court appearance.

AFC Councillor charged for assaulting wife

ARegion Five Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor was on Friday charged for assaulting his wife and other related domestic violence offences.

The man (name given) appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrates’ Court to answer the charges after the matter was reported to the Police by his wife earlier in the week.

In her statement, the woman reportedly claimed that this was not the first time her husband had as-

saulted and abused her, but it was the first time she mustered the courage to report the matter.

When the matter was called, the woman did not turn up to give evidence against her husband; hence, the matter was dismissed.

The AFC at a recent press conference had announced its zero-tolerance approach in the fight against domestic violence, and called on the Police to take a more proactive approach in tackling the scourge.

Deportee shot during argument in Warlock

Adeportee from French Guiana was on Friday evening shot to his abdomen and back during an argument with another man at Warlock, East La Penitence. The incident occurred around 22:00h.

The injured man, Kellon Hinds,21, of Lot 465 East La Penitence, Georgetown, was admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and is said to be in stable condition.

According to reports received, Hinds was at a family get together when a heated argument started between him and another relative. During the argument, the relative reportedly pulled a .9mm pistol and shot him to the back and left side of his abdomen.

Moments after the shooting, the get together ended with the man being rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is presently in the Intensive Care Unit of the medical facility.

Initially, the young man told investigators that he

was shot by an unknown person during a robbery at Warlock Alley. Hospital officials confirmed that the 19-year-old was taken to the medical facility in a conscious state.

One official said the bullet that struck the man to his back was lodged, but was subsequently removed. Relatives remained tightlipped about the incident.

But the Police have reportedly questioned several persons following the incident. Hinds was reportedly deported from French Guiana after serving time for armed robbery.

Contrary to reports, the Police in a release stated that about 22:00h on Friday evening, Hinds, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was standing on the roadway at Warlock, East Ruimveldt, when two men approached him, discharged rounds in his direction and escaped.

The release added that Hinds was hit in the abdomen and has been hospitalised.

The police are continuing their investigation.

Truth Simply the

Parents, teachers, schoolchildren

TProfessor Daizal Samad

hose of us who have visited schools by the dozens would know that there are many teaching aids mounted on walls and other surfaces in our schools. Many of us cannot help but be impressed by these signs, which tell us that our teachers are genuinely dedicated to teaching and learning. And, indeed some people in the teaching profession are teachers in the true sense of the word. Not all, however.

We all know that learning begins with parents, and contemporary psychology done in places outside of Guyana (no research here chaps!) tells us that it begins even before birth. For instance, foetuses in the womb that are exposed to Mozart or Beethoven or Bach have a huge advantage in terms of intellectual development.

I suspect that the noise we listen to would have the opposite effect. Psychologists also confirmed that foetuses that are read to, tend to turn out much brighter than those who are not read to; then comes the infant stages and kindergarten and so on.

Teachers become progressively more important at the primary school level. We see in primary schools in Guyana a great many “teaching aids”, and one cannot help but be impressed by the work of these teachers who care enough to take the time to make these teaching aids. These teachers, we think, take pride in their work.

This would all be good except for the fact that these teaching aids are frequently the work of parents. Many parents have told me and several have shown what transpires. Primary school children are given “homework” or “projects”. Some of these “projects” I have seen include models (not drawings!) of the solar system, Venn diagrams, scrap books on nouns with pictures in colour, scrap books on national holidays with pictures in colour, and so on.

This means the acquisition of lots of materials: cardboard, paper, markers, pencils, colour crayons, rulers, access to colour printing, access to the Internet. It amounts to quite a bit of money, of course.

The “projects” also take a great deal of time; a certain level of skill; knowledge of

Internet use; and a great deal of intellectual sophistication. Even if there are some parents who have the wherewithal for all this, we can say safely that most of us would be quite lost. How many of us can build a model of the solar system? How many of us would have the time, skill, knowledge, and computer knowledge?

Behind all of this stuff is this fact: it seems that our PARENTS are being given homework to do. Let us put it this way: my child of nine comes home with an assignment to do a “project”. She is quite lost. I am a parent, so I do the work for her. But the work has to be done on large cardboards so that they could be displayed as “teaching aids”. My child takes the work that I have done to school. She gets a good grade, but has learned little or nothing.

If we are suspicious people, we would say that the teacher gave my child homework which in fact is a teaching aid that would make the teacher look good. So I am doing my child’s work and my child is doing her teacher’s work. So I am doing my child’s teacher’s work. But we still have to do the work since we want our children to be okay in school.

But that kind of thinking would only be for those who are critical thinkers. If we think like this, then we will make sure that our children learn something from the doing of these “projects”. So I am teaching. This gives a different spin to parent/teacher. For those of us who just accept it as a new act of new education or who can do nothing to help, our children simply sink.

One has to wonder what happens to children whose parents can hardly read or write. Or what happens to children with just one parent. Or what happens to children who have only one functioning parent, because the other is too irresponsible or too uneducated. Or what happens to children whose parents are simply too poor to buy this or that material? Or what happens to children whose parents know nothing about the internet?

We need to nudge ourselves ever so gently from our dreamy slumber and realise that “universal access to education” does not simply mean all children scrambling through the gates of schools and rushing into classroom spaces. “Universal access to education” is much more than about percentages and numbers. It means measuring what children take away in terms of learning. And learning is more than just swallowing bits and pieces of information like pieces of sinew and bread.

We all say, correctly, that the goal of education is to develop a nation of people who are independent thinkers and whole persons and civilized and responsible citizens. This is great. But we do need to take a look and see what is going on and if our current practices meet with what we say.

PAHO donates water kits to remote communities

With one of its mandates being the improvement of health, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recently donated a number of water- testing kits to the Environmental Health Unit of the Health Ministry for distribution to remote communities across Guyana.

The presentation of six kits was made by PAHO/ WHO (World Health Organisation) Guyana representative, Dr William Adu-Krow to Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department Director, Marlan Cole at a Food Nutritional Labelling and Water Testing

Workshop.

Cole told Guyana Times that the kits would enable Environmental Health Officers in the far-flung regions to make timely interventions when necessary. Kits were presented to Environmental Officers in Regions One, Two, Three, Six and Eight, while one was also presented to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

“So Environmental Health Officers in the outlying regions would not have to wait to submit their samples to the Food and Drug Department and wait for the analysis as the results would not be unique to the depart-

ment. They can generate results and then make interventions or take action.”

Day four of the workshop held in the boardroom of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, University of Guyana on June 10-13, saw members of the Food and Drug Microbiological Laboratory Department demonstrating the use of the DelAgua water-testing kits.

PAHO, founded in 1902, is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It provides technical cooperation and mobilises partnerships to improve health and the quality of life of the people of the Americas.

Police rank caught red-handed taking bribe

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating a policeman who was caught redhanded attempting to take a bribe to settle a matter from a man who was arrested for using threatening language.

The Police Constable attached to the Den Amstel Police Station was placed under close arrest after he was caught in a sting operation, which was set up after the man informed senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

According to information received, the Constable arrested an offender after a re-

port of using threatening language was filed against him at the said Police station. After being in the lock-ups for some time, the rank made arrangements with the man to settle the matter if he agrees to pay a sum of money.

The offender reportedly paid over a part of the money to the rank and was subsequently released, so that he could arrange for the remainder. However, the man informed senior Police officials and a sting operation was launched.

The man went back to drop off the money as was prom-

ised and upon collecting it, the rank was caught red-handed. He was immediately placed under close arrest.

Recently, the OPR was tasked with investigating a number of officers. Those involved in Colwyn Harding, Alex Griffith and the Junior Thorrington matters stand out.

The OPR was praised for their investigations in the Alex Griffith case, but a few loop holes were cited in the Harding and Thorrington matters. The investigation into the alleged corrupt transaction is expected to conclude before the end of the week.

Younge’s take Passing judgement

Modern and developing states today are slowly redefining their outlooks on life with the aim of building democratic and inclusive societies whose inhabitants can enjoy the benefit of peaceful coexistence.

existence with minority groups such as these. Such a position is akin to saying that gays are plagued by a disease which can only be contained and cured if they were by themselves.

He stopped short of saying that they should be killed! Doesn’t God hate the sin, but he loves the sinner?

At the heart of this coexistence are the concepts of religious, cultural, political and social tolerance, which serve to further strengthen the relationships shared between homo sapiens who dwell on this planet.

Pastor McGarrell has passed judgement on this group and is now inviting the rest of the population to do so by using his religion to belittle a minority group.

No attempt must be spared in protecting the gains made in fighting for equality of all peoples and the removal of discriminatory practices which seek to castigate and enslave minority groups.

Recall, that Whites misused religion to enslave millions of free men and women around the world, subjecting them to violence and forcing them to believe that their race was inferior to other races.

No attempt must be spared in condemning all utterances which invite ridicule, marginalisation and violence against minority groups with the aim of enforcing their conformity to social or religious ideologies that they do not espouse.

McGarrell should recall that Hitler did the same thing with the Jews. Yet, he has done this against the backdrop of sometimes violent confrontation between males and this minority group.

A developing state can ill afford to legitimise acts of violence, hatred and nontolerance for the human rights of these minority groups. Are these groups not breathing the same air as other homo sapiens in the same society?

Interestingly but not surprisingly, Pastor Ronald McGarrell recently suggested that gays should be made to reside on a separate island because homosexuality was spreading and endangering society.

This is a strong position for any man to advance in these modern times and in a society that is striving for peaceful co-

Do they not contribute to the overall development of the state? Are they not God’s creation? Are they not worthy and entitled to the same opportunities to work, live and co-exist like other homo

McGarrell has done so, even though there has been no advocacy for same sex marriages to be legalised here.

McGarrell has opened a can of worms. If he holds the view that God’s wrath may come upon them, one must ask whether he understood that to mean, that other citizens would be spared and their alleged sins not taken into account, were the gays to be on an island by themselves.

One would have thought that McGarrell would have used the occasion to advance the need for people who find themselves plagued by thoughts which he deemed ungodly to access the counselling services of his church.

After all, he did say that the devil was using gays and that they can change. Maybe, he could have presented the world with a cure to this type of lifestyle that was “spreading”.

No one enjoyed Pastor McGarrell’s “light joke”. No right-thinking citizen is laughing and it is time that he apologises. This pastor should recall the lessons learnt from Jesus’s interaction with the Samaritan woman and other sinners.

A review by Pat Dial (part two)

At the time she was about to be born, there was a terrible storm which was on the verge of sinking the ship. When she entered the world, however, the waters were stilled, the storm subsided and the ship was safe.

Growing up as part of Ramdat and Parvati’s family, though they loved the child, she never really belonged to them or the community. She was somewhat like Heathcliff in Emily Bronte’s <<Wuthering Heights>>.

Neela, from her earliest years, acted in strange, contradictory ways and as she became older, these characteristics became more marked. As a small girl, she was an ornament to the mandir with her beautiful singing of the bhajans and her uncanny knowledge of the Gita and other scriptures. Yet she was also known to go to the canal in the dead of night and disappear there for hours leading to the belief that she was a “water-mamma”, an evil mermaid, and there were many other examples of her strange, unexplainable and contradictory behaviour.

It was Billa Kotiah, the very intelligent, able and balanced Madrasi, who knew the secret and the explanation of the enigma of Neela. He was a full and complete devotee of Mariemmen, who was known as Kali/Durga in north India, and generally as Devi. It was his absolute belief in Mariemmen/Kali/Durga or Devi which allowed him to perceive that Neela was Devi incarnate at the time of her birth.

And he could accordingly recognise the unity and coherence in all her seemingly disparate and incongruous subsequent actions and activities.

He also had the awareness that others would be puzzled by her actions and that it would have to await the unfolding of time for others to grasp how coherent, positive and right was the final resolution of each of her actions and activities.

One of the most striking examples of Neela’s puzzling actions was when she very violently and harshly broke up the marriage arrangements between herself and the son of the Maraj family. She did this when the Marajes and the bridegroom-to-be were guests of her family. She assumed the terrible form of Kali and terrorised the Marajes and their son. This debacle caused the Marajes great embarrassment, hurt and distress and utter despair to her family. When the Marajes left, Neela returned to her normal gentle self and remarked to Parvati: “You knew Ma. You always knew. I had to save him.”

She obviously meant that if she had married the Marajes’ son, it would have been the persona of Taijnie, the badwoman who would have been the bride and would have brought even greater disaster, distress and despair to both the Marajes and Parvati and Ramdat.

When she took on the persona of Taijnie and became the night-club performer with all its degradation, horrors and suffering, Taijnie’s being was paying her Karmic retribution,

being cleansed and moving nearer to God. Billa was the only one from the village who knew of Neela-Taijnie’s degradation and suffering and on witnessing it, in a fit of disgust, “He turned away and even laughed at her.”

Karma On reflection, he realised that it was indeed Devi working out Taijnie’s karma, but when he went back to the club twice to ask her forgiveness, he understood she had gone forever, very likely having satisfied Taijnie’s retribution.

It was Billa who saw Devi dousing the flames of the burning capital city during the racial disturbances: “He saw that the goddess was once again the girl they had always known, the sweet-faced girl Neela and that her hair flowed and curled and swirled among the waters of the sea and that her voice was gentle and soft, was the sweet rushing sound of a seabreeze that ran high above the roar of the storm, and as he watched, he saw the wave grow even bigger, even taller, as it readied itself to storm over the

the sorrow it would cause them. She finally ended those sorrows and suffering by visiting the home after many years, when Parvati and Ramdat had paid their retribution for less than sincerely befriending Taijnie and secretly rejoicing in their hearts at her death.

During her visit, “they talked and laughed easily with her as if all the years which had passed had never been … whatever it was she had said to them, it made them smile, even laugh. Krish had never seen Aunt Parvati laugh like that in all the years he had known her, had seen her face lit up like a moon... Uncle Ramdat and Aunt Parvati had smiled and smiled into the night, as if it was enough that she had returned, even to say goodbye again”.

And when Sampson was in the process of leading a massive racial attack on Coverton, the Indian village, she became Sampson’s long-lost Mammie and led him to the canal where he disappeared forever, thus saving the village from attack and bringing retribution for Billa’s murder.

Unnoticed influence

But probably the most memorable action of Mariemmen/Kali/Durga, the Devi in the body of Neela, did in protecting the Indians’ religious and cultural life was her quiet and unnoticed influence on Reverend Davies, the devoted and able Canadian Presbyterian missionary who had come to Coverton to convert the Muslims and Hindus

to Christianity. Imperceptibly, over the years, the mission ary’s belief in the Bible and its miracles faded away and “When Krish came to men tion Neela, the Devi who used to walk among them, after a long silence, the Reverend said, “She is the only thing I believe in”. The Christian missionary had become a devotee of the Devi!

And when Krish, whose mind and spirit were worn down by the troubles and disappointments of life and politics, had lost faith in his religion, it was Reverend Davies who led him back to his Hinduism and after his conversation with the Reverend, “he let out a deep sigh and let go of his doubts and uncertainties, let go of them in the afternoon’s silence”.

Neela, as the Devi, was never attached to anyone or anything. She seemed to be different personalities at the same time – gentle and harsh, destructive and protective –but whatever she did, always eventually resulted in a positive and correct conclusion and Billa clearly perceived the unity and consistency in all her actions. He therefore saw the answer of what others saw as an enigma.

The author, without being confrontational or abrasive, quietly asserts the important role of women in society; and the fact that men and women are inter-dependent and that society works better if patriarchal male dominance is eschewed. She neutralises the myth of the deceitful and innately weak, wicked and evil woman-kind which largely de-

rives from the story of Eve, who was responsible for misleading Adam and bringing death and sorrow into the world. This myth, with its multifarious variations, led to the cruel oppression of women over the centuries. In the persona of the Devi, the author asserts the divinity of the female as much as of the male. This feminist strand is a refreshing undercurrent running through the novel. With its historicity, its account of the building of a new society, its description of Indian village life, its explication of the subtle strength of yajna deriving from the rural Hinduism of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as distinct from philosophic Vedanta, its capture of the feeling of despairing for the safety of life which forced many Indians to leave Guyana, its quiet but strong feminist assertion, with its interesting storyline with its suspense, drama and pathos, the novel provides an enjoyable read. It is a notable addition to the corpus of Guyanese literature.

34 per cent pregnant women iron-deficient – Health Ministry

The focus of this year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign is “Safe blood for saving mothers”. Every day, about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.

Severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth is a major cause of mortality, morbidity and long-term disability.

The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness about why timely access to

tries, national blood supplies are based on close to 100 per cent voluntary blood donation by the end of 2013.

Almost all of the deaths from pregnancy or childbirthrelated complications occur in developing countries. More than half of them occur in sub-Saharan Africa and almost one-third in South Asia. The risk of maternal mortality is highest for adolescent girls under 15 years of age.

Severe bleeding during

safe blood and blood products is essential for all countries, as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths.

Every day on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, blood donors for their life -saving gifts of blood.

Transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with higher quality of life, and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. It also has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.

However, in many countries, there is not an adequate supply of safe blood, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety.

An adequate supply can only be assured through regular donations by voluntary blood donors. The goal of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is for all countries to obtain all their blood supplies from voluntary donors by 2020. Today, in just 62 coun-

those rates were significantly higher in the Berbice region located on the coastal belt, where 90 per cent of the Guyana population resides.

To address the high rates of anaemia and hemorrhage in the maternity wards, the Berbice Regional Health Authority has implemented regional blood banks for the New Amsterdam and Georgetown hospitals that have the capacity to serve all pregnant women and mothers in the region.

Following construction of the blood bank and the instalment of appropriate technology, efforts to ensure the appropriate clinical use of blood saw the development and launch of guidelines on clinical use of blood.

Aside from increasing hospital maternity care capacity through the blood banks, health professionals in the region are being trained in clinical protocols, which will enable them to continue to adequately solve maternal health problems associated with anaemia.

The two public maternity facilities at New Amsterdam and Georgetown hospitals, both have the standards to resolve cases of anaemia and the capacity to properly address cases of haemorrhage during and after delivery. Currently, 75 per cent of Guyana’s blood demand is being met; an increase from just 22 per cent in 2005.

While more than 60 per cent of all blood donations are now voluntary, the expectation is that 100 per cent of voluntary donation will see a significant reduction of the risks to safe blood supply.

Both hospitals are now

delivery and after childbirth is a major cause of mortality, morbidity and long-term disability. However, access to safe and sufficient blood and blood products and the rational and safe use of blood transfusion still remain major challenges in many countries around the world.

Guyana’s overview

The 2014 theme is expected to increase awareness about why timely access to safe blood and blood products is essential for all countries as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths. WHO encourages all countries and national and international partners working on blood transfusion and maternal health to develop an activity plan to highlight the need for timely access to safe blood and blood products in the prevention of maternal deaths.

A recurring problem affecting pregnant women and new mothers in Guyana is anaemia, an iron deficiency that contributes to higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly through haemorrhage during delivery.

According to the Health Ministry, 34 per cent of pregnant women and 21 per cent of lactating mothers have iron deficiency, and in 2006,

able to replenish the blood volume of anaemic patients in accordance with the figures given by the laboratory tests that are carried out in both facilities, resulting in an expected decrease in anaemia in pregnant women from 54 per cent

to 30 per cent. Proper treatment for anaemia has ultimately resulted in a decrease in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage and maternal mortality due to haemorrhage, in the region.

Due to the success of the

Berbice Regional Health Authority’s programme, workshop training for postpartum haemorrhage has been developed and implemented in Regions Four, Six, Seven and the Guyana Nursing College.

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Reconsider old dreams, hopes and wishes. If you still feel the same passion, make the necessary adjustments to bring those ideas to life. Follow your heart.

(June 21July 22)

You can use negativity as a motivator, and it could help you re-evaluate your situation. A path you have shunned in the past will take on a new appeal that could lead to an exciting turn of events.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don’t hesitate; put your words into play and take action. It’s important to make your intentions clear so that there are no misunderstandings down the line.

(Feb.20March 20)

Your talents will be put to good use if you support a charity or community group. Choose a cause that inspires you for maximum satisfaction.

(March 21-April 19)

Your ability to shoulder responsibility has not gone unnoticed. You are much closer to achieving your goals than you realize. Now is not the time to give up.

(April 20May 20)

Don’t be gullible. Someone is probably offering you false information. Ask pertinent questions to find out exactly where you stand and how you should proceed.

(May 21June 20)

If you are seeking inspiration, look to nature. Getting away for a short trip will remind you of what’s important as well as help you appreciate what you have.

(July 23Aug. 22)

Romantic possibilities are in the air. Forming a closer bond with your special someone will lead to a greater understanding of your mutual aspirations. If you are single, get out and circulate.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You will be able to cross many items off your to-do list. Your heightened organizational skills will help you achieve much in a short amount of time.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A surprise will come from an unexpected source. Don’t let your responsibilities weigh you down. Make an effort to have some fun. All work and no play isn’t a healthy way to live.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Trouble is brewing on the home front. Don’t take sides. This is a great time to tackle some chores and thus avoid some discord.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Take the time to reassess your current situation. If you invite neighbors and friends for an informal get-together, you will be able to share different viewpoints and experiences, and have fun as well.

George breaks 18-year-old record

By Treiston Joseph

Olympian Winston

George is Guyana’s

new 400 metres record holder after a sterling performance at the Adidas Grand Prix on Saturday in New York City, USA.

George blasted out of the blocks and was his usual aggressive self in the first 150 metres of the race before speed-relaxing on the back stretch into the final turn.

Leaning off the turn, George opened up his strides and powered home to finish third, clocking the new national record of 45.57s. The previous record was held by Richard Jones since 1996, with a time of 45.65s.

George, in a quick comment with Guyana Times Sport just after the race,

noted how he felt about the 400 metres race.

“Working with Coach Ryan, the possibilities are endless; more fast times to come and I’m pretty pleased with my race,” George stated.

Coach Joseph Ryan, who coached one of Guyana’s top track stars in Aliann Pompey to Commonwealth glory, is working with George and related what he envisions for the quartermiler.

“It was a well executed race, and he has a lot more to go, personally I think if he keeps running on this model he’ll go faster this year,” Ryan stated.

Pompey was also at the event in support of her fellow Guyanese, and was proud of his achievement.

Limacol CPL call-up delights Hetmyer

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Seventeen-year-old

Shimron Hetmyer has expressed delight to be part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors preparatory camp, for the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, beginning July 11.

The former Berbice High School student, who has been a steady performer over the years, is among six Under-19 players, who will be part of the preparatory camp, starting July 1.

The Under-19 players will be involved in all training sessions and other team activities during the Guyana Amazon Warriors camp and match practice scheduled for their home games only. However, the players will not be part of the selection process on match days.

This year, each franchise team consists of a squad of 19 players, comprising two pre-selected playersone West Indies Franchise Player (WIFP) and one International Franchise Player- (IFP), selected by the franchise, as well as four Under-19 players from each playing franchise.

However, as an initiative geared toward the development of young cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has widen the pool of Under-19 players to six.

Hetmyer joins talented Everest Cricket Club fast bowler Kevin Paul; West Indies Under-19 opener

Chanderpaul; Demerara Cricket Club

left-arm fast bowler Daniel Basdeo, Essequibo allrounder Kemo Paul; and 16-year-old, West Coast Demerara, batsman Akshaya Persaud.

“I was a bit surprised not to be among the first four players selected first up, nevertheless, I’m happy to be part of the camp,” Hetmyer told Guyana Times Sport on Saturday from his home in Canje.

He added “I am looking forward to the training under head coach Roger Harper and team mentor Curtly Ambrose; also I am looking forward to mix with big guys in the squad.

This will definitely be another learning experience for me and I want to use the opportunity to develop my game. It’s a big step in my career so I am looking forward to it.”

The Warriors have retained Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, New Zealander Martin Guptill, Trinidadians, offspinner Sunil Narine, opening batsman Lendl Simmons and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, Jamaican Krishmar Santokie and Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul and Trevon Griffith from last year’s edition. The newcomers are Guyanese Leon Johnson, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus and Trinidad and

Shimron Hetmyer

Tobago fast-bowling allrounder, Navin Stewart. New Zealander Corey Anderson has been named as the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ International Franchise Player. The Limacol CPL II will take place from July 11 to August 16 with Guyana hosting three of the 30 matches to be played. The Jamaica Tallawahs

“Give of your best” – Kumar urges Test selectee Leon Johnson

By Avenash Ramzan

Director of Sport Neil Kumar has urged Test selectee Leon Johnson to give of his best and make the most of the opportunities afforded to him in the future.

Johnson, the 26-year-old Guyanese left-handed middle-order batsman, along with Jamaican batsman Jermaine Blackwood, have gained maiden Test callups for the second match against New Zealand, starting on Monday in Trinidad and Tobago.

They have replaced opener Kieran Powell and middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels, following their double failures in the opening Test at Jamaica, which the West Indies lost by 186 runs.

Speaking to this publication on Saturday, Kumar said Johnson is deserving of the recognition that has come his way.

“I want to first of all congratulate him on this milestone, I think it’s a great achievement for any cricketer to be considered good enough for Test cricket,” Kumar said.

ous talent during his days as a youth cricketer.

Identified as a future Test player ever since he cracked a double hundred against Barbados in 2005 in the Regional Under-19 competition, Johnson has been phenomenal with the bat over the past two seasons, scoring 1300 runs from 16 games at an average of exactly 50. Among those runs are nine half-centuries and two hundreds.

won the inaugural tournament when they defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets in the final in Trinidad and Tobago on August 24. They will defend their title against the St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.

He added, “I want to tell him ‘give of your best and make the most of the opportunities. Do Guyana proud and continue to produce the runs like you have been doing over the past two year.”

The Parliamentarian said he was not at all surprised at the call-up, since he personally would have recognised Johnson’s obvi-

In the current series against Bangladesh A, Johnson, playing for the Sagicor High Performance Centre, had scores of 56, 42, 74 and 63 not out in the two four-day games, and stroked a fluent 67 in the first List A match.

The Georgetown Cricket Club batsman has already represented the West Indies, having played three One Day Internationals back in 2008.

2014 Football World Cup round-up…

Wins for Italy, Costa Rica and Colombia

England’s World Cup campaign opened with a 1-2 defeat against Italy in the steamy heat of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.

Mario Balotelli’s header just after the break settled an entertaining game after Daniel Sturridge had equalised Claudio Marchisio’s fine strike.

England were undone by defensive vulnerability in a display that deserved a draw and contained plenty that would have pleased manager Roy Hodgson.

The bottom line, however, is that England now face a scrap for survival against Uruguay - and probably Luis Suarez - in Sao Paulo after Oscar Tabarez’s men lost to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica v Uruguay

Costa Rica produced a breathtaking second-half revival at Estadio Castelao to beat Uruguay 3-1 for the first time in their history in their Group D opener.

The victory was inspired by Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, who scored one and made another in the first match in England’s group. It was a far cry from a first half in which Edinson Cavani put a comfortable

Uruguay ahead from the penalty spot.

Costa Rica scored twice in three minutes through Campbell and defender Oscar Duarte to spark scenes of jubilation in Fortaleza.

But they were not finished there as substitute Marcos Urena raced onto Campbell’s through ball and clipped his shot beyond Fernando Muslera.

To make matters worse, Uruguay had Maximiliano Pereira sent off in injury

time for a spiteful challenge on Campbell. He will now be suspended for Thursday’s game against England.

Colombia v Greece

Colombia made an impressive start to their Group C campaign as an early Pablo Armero strike set them on the way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Greece.

The Napoli defender rolled in Juan Cuadrado’s fifth-minute cut-back.

Teofilo Gutierrez, leading Colombia’s attack in the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao, then touched in from a James Rodriguez corner after the break.

Theofanis Gekas headed Greece’s best chance against the bar, before Rodriguez steered in a late third.

It was a very solid showing from Colombia, who are looking to progress beyond the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time after finishing runners-up to Argentina in South American qualifying.

But the pressure is on attacking talents such as Gutierrez and Rodriguez to produce goals after Monaco forward Falcao, their ninegoal top scorer in the qualification campaign, was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. (BBC Sport)

Sangakkara century stalls hosts

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara struck his first Test century at Lord’s before three late wickets raised England’s spirits on the third day of the first Test.

The masterful lefthander filled a rare gap on his CV with 147 as Sri Lanka comfortably avoided the follow-on target of 376, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring 55 and captain Angelo Mathews an unbeaten 79.

But after Sangakarra had gifted Moeen Ali his first Test wicket with a tired cut into Matt Prior’s gloves, Liam Plunkett and Chris Jordan each claimed a scalp to leave the tourists on 415-7 in reply to England’s 575-9 declared

on a flat pitch. It was just reward for England’s bowlers, who strained every sinew but had to wait until the final hour of the day to really impose themselves on their opponents on a wicket offering precious little bounce or sideways movement.

Blocking England’s path for most of the day was Sangakkara, who was calmness personified as he drove, pulled, pushed and clipped his way to a 36th Test century. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

of wickets: 54 (Karunaratne), 151 (K Silva), 277 (M Jayawardene), 289 (Thirimanne), 385 (Sangakkara), 400 (P Jayawardene), 413 (Kulasekara)

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Johnson is definitely...

Johnson, who is a product from GCC, has already represented the West Indies, having played three One Day Internationals back in 2008.

The 26-year-old lefthander averages 33.18 from 50 first-class matches since making his national debut as a teenager in 2004. His selection comes on the back of a solid performance

from back page

Johnson, playing for the Sagicor High Performance Centre, had scores of 56, 42, 74 and 63 not out in the two four-day games, and stroked a fluent 67 in the first List A match.

“This was long overdue; Johnson work ethics is second to none and he deserves every opportunity. He is definitely Test material” Lynch said.

in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-Day tournament where he amassed 427 runs at an average of 42.70.

Johnson has been exceptional with the bat over the past two seasons, scoring 1300 runs from 16 games at an average of exactly 50. Among those runs are nine half-centuries and two hundreds.

In the current series against Bangladesh A,

Lynch, who was appointed full time coach at GCC in 2012 added “I have been working with Johnson for a long time and I know it just a matter of time for him to play at the highest level. He always put in that bit of extra training and he deserves this.”

Lynch a former England ODI and Guyana middleorder batsman, who played three ODIs in 1988 and 359 First-Class matches, also in-

dentified Johnson as a future West Indies captain. If selected in the final XI, Johnson will become the 48th Guyanese to play Test cricket and the first since Veerasammy Permaul made his debut against Bangladesh in 2012.

Meanwhile, the WICB selectors have also summoned uncapped batsmen Jermaine Blackwood to the 14-man squad. The duo comes in at the expense of opener Kieran Powell and experienced middle-order man Marlon Samuels.

Both newcomers are expected to play, with pressure on the West Indies to square the series ahead of the third and final Test in Barbados, beginning June 26.

West Indies squad: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Chris Gayle, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Jermaine Blackwood, Leon Johnson, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn, Shane Shillingford, Jason Holder and Shannon Gabriel.

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Separate horse race meet slated for July 27

PMTC/Digicel Classic sanctioned by GHRA

By Rajiv Bisnauth

President of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, Vic Ouditt on Saturday disclosed that the authority has sanctioned the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC)/Digicel Classic oneday horse race meet, and has not sanctioned or given permission to the Budhan’s Memorial Sports Complex and Race Track for their oneday meet. Both meets are scheduled for July 27.

“As far I am aware, the PMTC/Digicel Classic race meet has been sanctioned by the GHRA, but the Budhan’s race meet was not sanction nor was permission granted,” Ouditt informed this publication.

Ouditt further disclosed that there are a number of flaws in Budhan’s provisional programme, which according to him, need further discussion.

He, however, pointed out that once those flaws are ironed out, permission should not be a problem, since the race meet provides for the lower classes of animals.

Dennis DeRoop Vic Ouditt

Former Test cricketer Ivor Mendonca passes on

– players pay tribute

By Avenash Ramzan

Former Guyana and West Indies wicketkeeper/bastman Ivor Leon Mendonca passed away on Saturday morning, losing the battle to cancer. He was 79.

The right-handed batsman, born July 13, 1934, played two Test matches, both against India in 1962, scoring 78 on debut and taking four catches and effecting a stumping.

us into the cricketers we are today,” Singh reminisced. Mendonca also played a part in the upbringing of West Indies Test selectee Leon Johnson, and Singh said it is a pity the late cricketer would not be around to witness the left-hander make his debut.

“It’s very sad that he won’t be able to see Leon make his Test debut on Monday if he does, but that’s a moment he would have surely been proud of. I know his good wishes will be with him [Johnson] and I hope

The races are J1 and Lower, J3 and Lower Open, J3 and Lower Maiden, K and Lower, Unclassified A, Unclassified B and Cow horse race.

On the other hand, eight races have been confirmed for the PMTC/Digicel Classic rescheduled horse race meet.

The meet was originally scheduled for May 25 at the club’s race track, Corentyne, Berbice, but was resched-

Seven races are slated for the Budhan’s race meet to be held at Number 66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, race track.

uled to facilitate the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) pre-Independence Cup at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC).

The ‘C’ Class event will be the feature race over one mile and will see the horses galloping for a first prize of $2.8M.

Secretary of the PMTC, Chattergoon Ramnauth, told this publication on Saturday that the organisers have not considered an A Class race, since horse owners have voted against having that event. The deadline for registration is July 20.

He also appeared in 10 First-Class matches for then British Guiana, making three half-centuries and collecting 25 catches and three stumpings.

Former West Indies captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan, who worked extensively with Mendonca at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), said the late cricketer, born in Bartica, was a “people’s person.”

“One of the best persons I have ever come across. His support and the belief he had in me was unconditional. He give his heart to young people and has always been a people’s person,” Sarwan, speaking to this publication from England, said.

He added, “When he was manager at GCC he would

always be smiling and sharing his experiences with us and he always had us laughing with some of his old time stories. He would always be remembered.”

National First-Class batsman Vishaul Singh, also from GCC, reflected that Mendonca was an “instrumental figure” for most of his cricketing life at the club.

“It’s a very sad day for cricket in the region, especially at GCC, where he has been an instrumental figure for most of his years in cricket. From myself and the senior guys during his tenure at GCC he shared a lot of his knowledge with us and made

Leon can produce something big for someone we regard not only as our manager, but our guardian,” Singh commented.

Former national Under-19 and First-Class fast bowler, Jermaine Neblett, remembered Mendonca for his candid personality.

“I saw him as a very sharp, plain spoken person. He was very confident in his approach as team manger whenever there are team meetings etc. I can remember hearing about him becoming a wicketkeeper because that was the only way he could have made the Guyana team,” Neblett reflected.

He added, “I always loved to chat with him about his playing days. He was one of the men I can say had a passion for the game and wanted to see West Indies cricket back at the top.”

According to a brief profile on Cricinfo, Ivor Mendonca was a reliable wicketkeeper/batsman who had the misfortune to be at his peak at a time when there was no vacancy in the West Indies squad.

His two Test appearances came when Jackie Hendriks was injured, in the second and fourth Tests against India in 1961-62. In his debut, at Kingston, he scored 78 and took four catches and a stumping; in his other Test he again made five dismissals.

But despite this, Deryck Murray was preferred for the 1963 England tour and Mendonca was not chosen again. His second Test outing was also his final firstclass appearance.

Husbands wins P&P cycling

Youngster Stephano Husbands outsprinted the experienced Robin Persaud to claim top honours in the feature race of the 14th annual P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited’s 11race cycling programme on Saturday at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The youngest member of Team Coco’s (Guyana) rode brilliantly to finish mere inches ahead of the experienced Robin Persaud to win the 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race in a time of one hour, 16 minutes, 25.86 seconds.

It was Husbands’ first victory in the senior category, a clear indication of the strides he has made since entering the competitive arena a few years ago.

Commonwealth Games selectee Marlon “Fishy” Williams ended third, while Hamzah Eastman,

Raynauth Jeffrey and Junior Niles round off the top six finishers in that order.

Other category winners of the day included Jaleel Jackson, Junior Niles, Linden Blackman, Monty Parris, Alonzo Ambrose, Ozia McUally, Sherwin Sampson, Khristoff Austin and Keon Rutherford.

National cycling coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, expressed gratitude to P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited for once again demonstrating its commitment to the development of not just cycling, but young people in general.

Accounts Executive at the company, Varsha Panday, who assisted in the presentation of prizes, said the establishment is cognisant of its role in society.

“As a responsible busi-

ness entity, we are conscious of our obligations to the community and we seek to discharge that responsi-

bility by supporting many projects and events, including this one today,” she remarked.

The organisers of the Unity for Cricket match set for July 5 at the DCC ground, Queenstown, have informed that the two teams to contest the 20/20 game have been named- Roraima Strikers and Kaieteur Thunders.

A number of prominent businessmen, politicians, former West Indies and national players, administrators, disciplined service members, singers and radio personalities have confirmed their desire to play in the match that would be played under the spanking new lights installed at DCC.

Roraima Strikers will come from His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, Neil Barry, Lloyd Harper, Travis Dowlin, Jomo Primo, Gordon Moseley, Clifton Hickens, Orin Forde,

Anthony Rigby, Aaron Fraser, Jermaine Neblette, Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine, James Bond, Lennox Cush, Colin Stuart, Alfred King and Anand Sanasie. Kaiateur Thunders will come from Raphael Trotman, Asif Khan, Khemraj Ramjattan, Carey Griffith, Rabindranauth Seeram, Sheik Mohamed, Clyde Butts, Tony Najab, Reon King, Esan Crandon, David Harper, Alfred Mentore, Steve Ninvalle, Lakeram Mike Singh and Ramesh Sunich. According to the organisers, there would be a day of practice for each team under lights which would be confirmed shortly. In the meantime, players and coaches wishing further information are asked to make contact with Garvin Nedd on 617 9381.

Winston Geogre (first, orange suit) sprints home during the event

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Head Coach at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Monte Lynch, revealed on Saturday that Leon Johnson’s maiden call up to the West Indies team for the second Test against New Zealand, beginning on Monday at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad was long overdue, adding that the batsman is definitely “Test material.”

Johnson’s inclusion stemmed from consecutive batting failures by the West Indies, which contributed to a 186-run defeat inside four days in last week’s first Test in Jamaica...