Guyana Times Daily

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to south-easterly at 3.12 to 2.23 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:55h and 19:18h reaching maximum heights of 2.73 metres and 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:28h and 12:52h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.53 metre respectively.

Ramotar urges patriotism in quest to revive hydro project

President Donald Ramotar has called on stakeholders in both private and public sectors to embrace patriotism as he rallies support for the revival of the Amaila Falls project.

Ramotar was at the time addressing civil society stakeholders at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Thursday.

The president said there is an urgent need for Guyanese to unite for the realisation of the hydro project.

During his address to an informed and interactive audience, Ramotar said as a developing middle income country, Guyana should not settle for failure or nothing less than upward mobility.

“Like every other development country, there will at some point be a need for the construction and establishment of new infrastructure to accommodate the needs of a growing economy,” Ramotar said.

Affordable electricity

He said attaining cheaper and more affordable electricity has always been included in the manifestos of the other political party, and with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), it is no different.

“We must not stand still, standing still means we will be left behind... Guyana is now referred to as developing middle income country and we must work to enhance and developed the nation further,” the president said.

He noted that the PPP/C

is the only party that has come close to realising the hydro project, pointing out that they were two failed attempts to harness hydro electrical power from the Tiger Falls and Upper Mazaruni years ago.

According to Ramotar, when the project is made reality, Guyana will have a stronger manufacturing sector while the country’s economy will accelerate at unprecedented pace as a host of opportunities will be opened up.

He said too in the interest of transparency, the government been keeping the opposition and the private sector updated on the progress of the project, but for some strange reason, the opposition voted against the Hydroelectric Bill and a motion to raise the raise the debt ceiling that would create the financial architecture for implementation of the hydro project.

He said government will be making every possible effort to put the project back on stream.

Following the president’s presentation, Prime Minister Hinds and Housing Minister Irfaan Ail responded to questions from stakeholders and members of the media.

Ali in responding to questions asked, stated that the country’s fuel import bill would be reduced by 20 to 25 per cent or US$90 million annually when the Amaila Falls project comes on stream.

Carbon credits

In addition to this, he disclosed that Guyana stands to benefit from US$10 million in the sale of carbon credits using clean renewable energy derived from the project.

Prime Minister Hinds told stakeholders that with the completion of the hydro project, citizens would pay US12(cents) per kilowatt/ hour, less than half of the 25 cents being paid for power generated by heavy fuel oil and 30 to 37 cents from diesel.

He stated that the Amaila project would satisfy a demand of 110 megawatts with a 45 megawatt gap that could be absorbed in the first three years.

On Monday, Minister Ali had said based on an estimated 20 per cent reduction in electricity tariff from the commencement of the project, residential consumers would save approximately $208.7 million monthly or $2.5 billion annually.

Ali said a family paying $5000 per month for electricity would enjoy a $1000 reduction as a result of the hydro project.

He pointed out that a

family paying a bill of $8000 per month would see a minimum reduction of $1600 while commercial consumers would save $91.3 million monthly or $1.1 billion annually.

He said the average small business spends $15,000 per month on electricity, and when the hydro project comes on stream, they would save a minimum of $3000 per month.

According to Ali, Industrial consumer would save $84.1 million monthly or $1 billion annually.

It is estimated that with the Amelia Falls Hydro project, electricity tariffs could be reduced by as much as 40 per cent.

Reduced fuel bill

It would reduce the fuel import bill by approximately 20-25 per cent, resulting in the country saving more than US$90 million annually on imported fuel.

Current cost of generating electricity would be reduced by 20-40 per cent as electricity will be generated using 100 per cent renewable sources – this has the potential for the country to earn approximately US$10 million annually from the sale of carbon credit.

“Affordable and reliable energy is also important to accelerate our national efforts at structural transformation by making manufacturing and agro-processing activities feasible,” Ali had added.

The government has been calling on the joint opposition to rethink its decision on voting down the project.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Conversation on race

There has been the announcement of a committee – “The Ghana Day Committee/The Cuffy 250 Committee” – that is organising “the first in a series of conversations in the African Guyanese community to mark the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Slave Rebellion. “ The theme of the forum will be “The State of Black African Guyana: Time for Renewal and Empowerment”. Specific topics that will be discussed would be around “the current socio-economic, political and cultural condition of African Guyanese.”

The presentations will be by “leading intellectuals, members of civil society, and well-known Africanists”. In a report by another media entity, it was claimed than an individual who is from another ethnic group but is not phenologically African, was denied permission to participate. Of recent, he had been a vociferous proponent of the themes enumerated by the organisers.

We have absolutely no problem with this stance of the organisers because we believe that while all Guyanese must work towards forming “one nation” as stated in our national motto, there is no contradiction in recognising our various origins and heritages, including the consequences emanating from those identities. As such there is an ever-present need to have conversations among the several groups conducted separately in which there can be complete frankness. Very often, there are tremendous pressures on individuals and groups in our society to pretend that our aspiration for “unity” precludes having differences in opinion on specific matters affecting the said individuals and groups.

With that being said, we hope that after the conversations in the African Guyanese community, there will be followup conversations with other communities to facilitate the ultimate goal of forming “one nation” out of our diverse peoples. To make this latter exercise meaningful, we would encourage the other groups in the society to initiate similar conversations among themselves. If this were to occur maybe for the first time in our history we might have candid exchange of views that go beyond the “politically correct” platitudes that pass for “inter-ethnic dialogue”.

While the announcement emphasised the broad areas of presentations, the organisers have evidently already formed the conclusion that there is a “crisis” in the African Guyanese community. Maybe this might very well be so – we hope that this judgement would come out of data presented at the forum, which was supposed “to launch this fact-finding conversation”. As it is, it might be seen that those attending could be forced to adjust their presentations to fit an already constructed Procrustean bed.

There is also one other concern that we share about the incipient conversation. It was best articulated by U.S. President Barack Obama in the wake of the dismissal of charges against George Zimmerman for the killing of AfricanAmerican teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida. After discussing the troubled history of the group, of which he is a part, the first African- American president of the U.S. said:

“I think it’s going to be important for all of us to do some soul-searching. You know, there have been talk about should we convene a conversation on race. I haven’t seen that be particularly productive when politicians try to organise conversations. They end up being stilted and politicised, and folks are locked into the positions they already have.”

The committee has already announced as presenters at the forum the names of Nigel Hughes, chairman of the Alliance for Change; Sharma Solomon, member of parliament and central executive member of the People's National Congress (PNC); and Dr David Hinds, executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). These individuals are all politicians who have publicly locked themselves into longheld positions that might be difficult to fit into the ambiance of a “conversation”.

With those cautions, we wish the conversation all success.

Overcoming adversity

Communities must be monitored for possible criminal gangs

Dear Editor,

I was told that there are sections in Guyana that police are very much afraid to go into. The reason is that there are gangs, of mostly young people, both males and females, who rule the hood.

Gangs appear to now be firmly entrenched in Guyana. We have to face this reality. I think we

all remember the March 2013 incident, when an armed gang of about 13 youths ranging in ages of about 14 to 19 terrorised and robbed a minibus load of persons in an East Bank Demerara village, who were returning from the creek. This happened early one Sunday evening.

How about a few years

back in that same village?

A minibus conductor was relieved of cash by two passengers, moments after the bus had stopped on the Public Road for them to disembark. Even then the gang signs were quite obvious.

I call on the Guyana Police Force to make their raids. These were working brilliantly a few weeks

ago. So why stop them? The acting police commissioner has repeatedly called on people to report things like loitering, liming and gangs. This particular community and all others must be monitored for criminal gangs by the police.

Yours sincerely, Corrine Heyliger

Boosting the health sector

Dear Editor,

There has been yet another boost to our health sector – this time in Region Two. Eleven more Guyanese doctors graduated recently at the Suddie Public Hospital after successfully completing their one year internship at the institution.

As was mentioned at the graduation, a doctor must be willing to go way

beyond normal duties. Weekends, holidays and recreation all take a back seat when it comes to prioritising patients. What these medical practitioners must realise too is that, when they bungle up, irrespective of the fact that most times it is because of attitude problems, it is the government who must take the flak – unfair but real.

We have had a few

cases like this already. Doctors then must be monitored and always be held accountable. In the U.S., medical errors are responsible for the deaths of 98,000 Americans each year. Patients all over the world trust their doctors to act responsibly and they also trust state medical boards to hold doctors accountable if they cannot

and will not maintain accepted standards of competence and professionalism. In this vein, I call on the Ministry of Health to supervise their underlings. I also urge the public to expose any form of malpractice, particularly when it comes to non-professionalism.

Yours truly, Daisy Gobin

There needs to be more small-scale farming

Dear Editor, The Grenadian government is about to place particular emphasis on the rehabilitation and replanting of nutmeg and cocoa under the country’s farm labour subsidy programme, which was officially launched a few days ago. If all goes well, the programme will

cater for the employment of some 2000 people across the country.

Guyana has land mass and the land is very fertile. At the individual level, more people should move towards utilising the wasted space even in their own yards. People do not need a

or

gardening really work Fresh, home-grown greens and vegetables are highly sought after. People like these things because they are usually grown without pesticides or chemicals and they are picked the same day when needed.

We have a number of

media outlets and I think that there is need to get people to be involved in home gardening. I like the Farmers’ Notebook. I watch weekly, but how about a programme just for home gardeners?

Yours faithfully, Fabian Gonsalves

Stand up and be counted in the fight against crime!

Dear Editor, The robbery and killing spree by bandits goes on unceasingly. In some communities there is a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, since the criminals treat the lives of victims with no respect. With almost every home/business invasion someone is killed by the invaders. The bandits now dictate who should live or be killed.

The situation takes on more frightening proportions when ex-soldiers and ex-policemen are part of criminal gangs. Ordinary citizens are up against criminals who are trained to kill, and they do not hesitate to do so.

It puts one to wonder why, when a criminal snuffs out the life of someone whose only crime is to work hard to make a decent living and that criminal meets his end violently, there is a dedicated following who claims that the criminal was an altar boy, an upright member of society; he shouldn’t have died that way. Is it that criminals have constituents who benefit from the spoils of robberies and who live on blood money? Very often criminals profile their victims, case them, then attack, using the element of surprise – day or night. Some are more brazen – they just attack at random. Whichever way, the criminals carry weapons on their person, and they do not hesitate to use it.

Ex-Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani invoked the ire of the inner-city residents when he mapped crimes – geographically and by patterns. Profiling was used to deploy deterrent measures to hot spots. He also launched a campaign against petty crimes because that is where it all starts. He said that “freedom” did not mean “do as you please, where you please, when you please.”

Giuliani was successful. Crime in New York plummeted. While I would readily agree that every success has its downside, the greater good for the greater number must take precedence. The majority cannot be held under siege by the few. Can we seriously allow the current crime wave to go unchecked? How many more must die at the hands of these bandits who arrogate to themselves the role of judge, jury and executioner? The victims do not get a chance to defend themselves. They are just killed.

For too long we, as individuals, feel that it is not our fight. It was related to me a few days ago that someone got robbed in the vicinity of the General Post Office (GPO) in broad day light. The victim was pursuing the robber who was brandishing a knife. Scores of people saw what was happening. Not one person intervened!

I suppose I can’t argue too much about the reluctance to intervene, because

if you do the police may charge you or friends of the criminal may come after you. But if these marauding criminals continue to roam and rob and kill unchecked, it is only a matter of time before you and I become the next victim.

I therefore appeal to all to support those decent members of our police force whose conviction is to stop these criminals – before the criminals stop them, and us. That there are rogue cops I accept. But there are many decent cops too. Let us lean on the side of the positive.

The police cannot be everywhere and know every bandit. They need the active support of the communities. Our communities know who the bandits are. If we are scared to help to drive them out, it is only a matter of time before they turn on us.

The Affairs Ministry Home has introduced several initiatives to allow the ordinary citizen to pass on information on crimes and criminals without exposing the informant. Sadly, even this avenue is not used sufficiently. One wonders what else must be done to help us help ourselves.

We can either stand up and be counted in the fight against crime (any crime) or sit silently and await our turn to be consumed.

Respectfully, Taajnauth Jadunauth Chairman Enmore Police Station Management Committee

“Reading is Fun” programme must continue to expand

Dear Editor, It is very commendable that Courts Guyana Inc has come on board and donated $570,000 towards the University of Guyana (UG) “Reading is Fun” programme. This programme is designed to improve the reading and educational foundation of young children from less fortunate environs.

The children are from very disadvantaged situations and so the input will go towards the provision of just about everything –books, meals, stationery and other items that are needed by children who are set to go back to school.

Recently there has been an emphasis on summer programmes and it always dawns on me that outside of the National Sports Commission, very few people are thinking about those who may not be able to afford one such programme.

Some religious organisations that work along these lines, but good as this kind of input is, it is really about a selected group of people. With UG, it is different, as there is no bias, and the target group is simply that of being less fortunate.

I am wondering about other academic institutions. There are many less fortunate children and a lit-

tle help, even if only for a few days per week, can go a very long way in helping out. We have the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) and quite a few others. Maybe, if two or three of them can combine, something can be worked out. Or how about some people or groups just supporting the UG scheme and offering to help so that more students can benefit? We need to cater for children who are without solid financial support. Let us forget who gets the glory.

Sincerely,

Shaun Headley

Be proactive where minibus operators are concerned

Dear Editor,

There have been quite a few skirmishes already where minibuses are concerned – passengers versus drivers and conductors and operators versus operators. Whether it was the drivers or conductors, it does not matter.

Recently, the inside fighting drifted to the desire

to get rid of touts from some parks, as the operators are realising that they are more of a nuisance than anything else, as well as they have a tendency to harass passengers. All of these things have gone on and I have not heard or read of any kind of police intervention. Why this wait?

The decadence continues unabated. This time it is

an actual fight, man against woman and bus against bus. Shouldn’t our traffic cops seek to be more proactive and preventive?

I hope too that the laws will be enforced, and where necessary, new ones can be tabled.

Respectfully submitted, Gary Rogers

Page Foundation

Living with pets may protect infants from allergies

By AmAndA GArdner

Children who live with dogs and cats are less likely to develop allergies to those animals later in life, but only if the pet is under the same roof while the child is still an infant, a new study suggests.

with exposures early on, stays away from the allergic immune profile.”

This isn’t the first study to find that having a household pet may protect children from allergies, but it is the first to follow children until they were 18 years old.

infant, says David Nash, MD, clinical director of allergy and immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“In the end, we’ll probably find out that there are periods of opportunity when exposure to allergens, for

By the same token, don’t give away your beloved family pet because you’re concerned the critter will provoke allergies. “I would not get rid of my dog if I was having a child,” says Wegienka, an epidemiologist in the department of public health

Compared to babies born into cat-free homes, those who grew up with cats were roughly half as likely to be allergic to them as teenagers, the study found. Growing up around a dog reduced the risk of dog allergies by about the same amount for boys, but not for girls – a finding that mystified researchers.

Being exposed to pets anytime after the first year of life appeared to have no effect on allergy risk, however, which indicates that timing may be everything when it comes to preventing allergies.

Though they can’t say for sure, the researchers suspect that early exposure to pet allergens and pet-related bacteria strengthens the immune system, accustoms the body to allergens, and helps the child build up a natural immunity.

“Dirt is good,” says lead researcher Ganesa Wegienka, PhD, summing up the theory. “Your immune system, if it’s busy

Previous studies have had mixed results – some have even linked pet exposure during infancy to an increased risk of allergy – so it’s too early to recommend getting a dog or cat just to ward off allergies in your

some people, is going to have a protective effect,” says Dr Nash, who was not involved with the new study. “But we’re a long way from figuring out who it’s protective for and when that optimal period is.”

sciences at Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit. “There’s no evidence that you should get rid of a dog or a cat.”

Moreover, it’s possible that factors other than having a dog or cat in the house influenced the study partic-

ipants’ risk of allergy. For instance, although the researchers took into account whether the children’s parents were allergic to animals, they didn’t ask about a broader family history of allergies or other health problems. So it could be that children who are genetically predisposed to animal allergies simply are less likely to grow up in homes with pets.

In the study, which appears in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy, Wegienka and her colleagues collected information from 566 children and their parents about the children’ exposure to indoor pets and their history of allergies. In addition, when the children turned 18, the researchers took blood samples and tested them for certain immunesystem proteins (known as antibodies) that fight off cat and dog allergens.

The teenagers who lived with a cat during their first year of life had a 48 per cent lower risk of cat allergy than their peers, and the teen boys who lived with a dog had a 50 per cent lower risk of allergy. The authors suggest that infant girls may not develop the same immunity as boys because they may interact differently with dogs than infant boys, but that’s only a guess. (Time Magazine)

Vitamins for children: Do healthy children need supplements?

If you believe the ads, every child needs a daily Flintstone or Gummy Bear vitamin. But is it true? Not necessarily so, the experts agree. Ideally, children should get their vitamins from a balanced, healthy diet that includes:

* Milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt (preferably low-fat products for children over age three)

* Plenty of fresh fruits and leafy, green vegetables

* Protein like chicken, fish, meat, and eggs

* Whole grains like steelcut oats and brown rice

Which children need vitamin supplements?

Given the reality of timecrunched parents, those well-rounded, home-cooked meals aren't always possible. That's why paediatricians may recommend a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement for:

* Children who aren't eating regular, well-balanced meals made from fresh, whole foods

* Finicky eaters who simply aren't eating enough

* Children with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or digestive problems, especially if they're taking medications (be sure to talk with your child's doctor first before starting a supplement if your child is on medication)

* Particularly active children who play physically demanding sports

* Children eating a lot of fast foods, convenience foods, and processed foods

* Children on a vegetarian diet (they may need an iron supplement), a dairyfree diet (they may need a calcium supplement), or other restricted diet

* Children who drink a lot of carbonated sodas, which can leach vitamins and minerals from their bodies

Top six vitamins and minerals for children

In the alphabet soup of vitamins and minerals, a few stand out as critical for growing children.

Vitamin A. promotes normal growth and development; tissue and bone repair; and healthy skin, eyes, and immune responses. Good sources include milk, cheese, eggs, and yellow-toorange vegetables like carrots, yams, and squash.

Vitamin Bs. The family of B vitamins – B2, B3, B6, and B12 – aid metabolism, energy production, and healthy circulatory and nervous systems. Good sources include meat, chicken, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, and soybeans.(WebMD)

House votes to set up commission to probe maritime deaths

– Benn says sector has been significantly transformed

By Svetlana MarShall

Guyana’s maritime sector has been transformed significantly in recent years, Public Works and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn told the National Assembly hours before a motion was carried to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate maritime incidents, injuries, and deaths.

The transition from a courier to a commercial sector has created challenging circumstances, Minister Benn confessed; however, gigantic steps made over the years cannot go unnoticed.

Acknowledging that the number of speedboats or river taxis has more than doubled over the past five years, Minister Benn said the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has heightened its safety programme. In an effort to guarantee the safety of children, MARAD is aiming to distribute 1000 lifejackets to students in riverine communities before the commencement of the new academic year 2013/2014. Already, 200 safety jackets have been handed out, the

minister reported.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian pointed out that there have been regular inspections at the stellings to ensure that boat operators are operating in line with the stipulated regulations.

“Recently, we have been putting in additional safety signs on the Mazaruni River particularly, on the Pomeroon, on the Mouruka River,” Benn explained. Safety signs, he, said, now complement the frequent patrols conducted along the Cuyuni, Mazaruni, and Essequibo rivers. “Mr Speaker, we have taken the trouble – even with the great distress, even with the expansion with response to the higher gold prices, the movement on the river – particularly in the rainy season, we have taken the effort to engage with our people.”

Enforcement

Rejecting all claims that MARAD has failed to effectively execute its mandate to protect the lives of Guyanese and visitors alike, Minister Benn said he will not support the mo-

PYO pickets opposition over Amaila project

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) on Thursday staged a picketing exercise in front of Parliament, appealing to the opposition to reconsider its decision in voting down the Amaila Falls project.

The combined opposition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on July 18 voted against two pieces of legislation necessary for the materialisation of the Amaila project.

The youths who staged the protest said the AFC and the APNU did not act in the best interest of the nation, and urged both parties to review their decision on the project.

East Coast Demerara PYO member Gomattie Kalicharran told Guyana Times that the picketers and the Guyanese population as a whole are hoping that the combined opposition will have a change of heart.

“We want our youths to have a future and if the opposition does care for our youths, then Guyana is in serious trouble,” she said.

Kalicharran said if the hydro project is approved, all Guyanese will benefit, including the supporters of the opposition.

She noted that the opposition had previously indi-

tion for the initiation of a commission of inquiry.

At the time, he was responding to the motion, which was taken to the House by Opposition Leader David Granger. In defending the motion to establish a CoI, Granger said the complexity of the water transportation sector

requires the enforcement of regulations that will reduce the number of deaths caused by riverine accidents. According to him, the existing laws are adequate such as the Navigation Act Chapter 50:01 to tackle the situation, but simply require enforcement.

“We at the [A] Partnership for National Unity [APNU] feel that a commission of inquiry is necessary, to determine precisely how many deaths have occurred and in order to make recommendations to prevent further deaths from occurring,” the retired brigadier explained.

Based on documents presented to the House, by the transport minister, an average of nine persons die yearly in maritime accidents, the opposition leader noted. “We can’t afford to even lose one life because of lack of

enforcement. Mr Speaker, this assembly is not satisfied that the Ministry of Public Works has the capability to prevent further unnecessary loss of life – innocent lives!” he lamented.

Education

According to Granger, certification and education of some boat operators remains a major problem.

“My information is some of the boat operators cannot even spell boat! Much less qualified to be certified to operate those boats,” he revealed.

APNU’s Winston Felix told the House that the coalition is concerned about the number of deaths caused due to accidents in the rivers. He pointed to December 18, 2012 when six persons perished in the Pomeroon River; another 10 other died on January 22, when two

speeding boats collided on the Mazaruni River. Felix opined that the manner in which citizens operate their vessels and the level of enforcement are of significant concern not only to APNU but thousands of Guyanese. He further opined that the CoI will, after analysing the various cases, put forward recommendations that will help to boast the capacity of MARAD, which currently has a shortage of employees.

Approximately one week ago, Minister Benn informed the House that 42 persons perished in riverine and coastal accidents over the past 18 months. According to the document presented by the minister, 25 deaths occurred in 2012 and 17 thus far for 2013. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

cated its will to work in the best interest of youths, and as such, it should consider the impact the project would have on the future generation.

PYO Georgetown member Kirpal Jagnarain said the youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be persistent in pressing the opposition to act in the best interest of the people.

“We will continue this and stand strong as one, we want cheaper and clean electricity,” Jagnarain said.

The youths contended that the project will take the country forward and apart from that, Guyanese will pay less for electricity.

Their public demonstration in front the Parliament buildings was staged prior to the commencement of the sitting of the National Assembly.

The combined opposition had shot down a bill to amend the Hydroelectric Act and a motion to raise the debt ceiling that would create the financial architecture to implement the Amaila Falls project, without offering any major objections.

Government has also made several calls for the joint opposition to rethink its decision on hydro legislation and motion.

Man accused of murdering pensioner set free

Aman accused of murdering a South Ruimveldt, Georgetown pensioner was on Thursday set free after the jury deliberating on the matter returned with a verdict of not guilty.

Shawn Smith called “Bolo” was indicted with the murder of Hector Fitzroy Marshall, 64, between January 18 and 19, 2009, at Lot 362 Powis Close, South Ruimveldt.

The trial began two week ago after a mixed jury was selected. State counsels Natasha Backer and Dhanika Singh, who prosecuted the matter, called seven witnesses to testify against the accused.

The prosecution closed its case sometime last week after defence Attorney Peter Hugh made a no-case submission in the absence of the jury, telling

Freed: Shawn

the court that the prosecution had no substantial evidence against his client for him to be called upon to lead his defence.

The prosecution’s case is that the accused fingerprints were found on a gift box which was recovered by the police in the de-

ceased house. However, the trial judge, Justice James Bovell Drakes, subsequently overruled the no-case submission and called on Smith to lead his defence.

Smith elected to give an unsworn statement in which he maintained his innocence, stating that he did not kill the Marshall. The man told the court that he knew Marshall and had no reason to kill him. He recalled that he last saw the elderly man on January 14 when he (deceased) went to his (Smith) mother’s house. Smith said Marshall had asked him to fix a radio for him and he did.

After Smith’s statement, his attorney closed the defence’s case after the final arguments by the prosecution and defence.

On Thursday, Justice Drakes summed up the

evidences before the jury. He directed them on legal issues and what is required of them. The panel then retired to the jury room to deliberate on a verdict around 14:30h and returned two hours later.

The jury found the accused not guilty for the offence of murder and also for the lesser count of manslaughter. Both verdicts were unanimous.

After being told that he will go free, Smith bolted from the courtroom as his relatives rejoice, praising God.

The 64-year-old pensioner, who was living alone, was discovered dead in his bedroom by a neighbour. The man’s hands were tied behind his back and his feet bounded. There was also a piece of cloth around his neck and the house was ransacked.

Illegal firearm suspect further remanded

A28-year-old man was further remanded for illegal possession of a firearm on Thursday when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on July 9 at East Ruimveldt, Jamie Myers had in his possession a semi-automatic firearm when he was not the

holder of a firearm licence.

Myers first appeared in court before Magistrate Judy Latchman on July 10. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was rep-

resented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat. The defence lawyer had stated that his client was innocent, since the firearm in question was found in an umbrella in a yard.

However, the prosecution stated that the firearm was found in the defendant’s pocket. Prosecutor Rennet Bentham objected to bail on that grounds of the seriousness of the offence and if Myers is granted his pre-trial liberty, he will not return to court for trial.

Myers is set to return to court on August 5.

Cannabis trafficking accused on bail

Aman was granted bail for possession of narcotics when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Otis Haughn, 45, of Lot 96 James Street, Albouystown pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 23, he had in his possession 83 grams of cannabis at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara for the purpose of trafficking.

The defendant, who is currently unemployed, was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. He will return to court on August 16.

Eyew tness

The beat goes on...

...in politics

To be very frank, this confounded nonsense over the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) is getting just too ridiculous. We mean, how many ways can the opposition spin the same set of numbers? We’re now being told the cost of the project should include all the interest payments to justify saying it’s “too expensive”!! It’ll now cost US$2 billion!!! What a crock!!!

Is this what these fellas do when they purchase their house and take out a mortgage? So if I purchase a house for $8 million, I should go around telling people I bought it for $15 million, because that’s how much I’ll pay in total –including interest – over the course of, say, 20 years?? What these so-called financial whizzes are hiding is that thing called “opportunity cost”. The cost of the opportunities missed if we hadn’t gone into hydro. This has great value if we know what we’re doing, which obviously these fellas don’t.

The point is that you don’t shell out all the money for the house at one shot – unless you’re Bill Gates – you put down a downpayment. And with the money you have in your pocket, you can invest to bring in returns greater than the interest you’re paying to use somebody else’s money for the house you’re living it up in!!

The government is borrowing – yes!! – but the money’s not being squandered away. It’s being used to bring in a whole array of benefits to the country – opportunities gained! There’s the cost of the petroleum that AFHEP will make redundant. We would’ve been paying for that – and at higher prices. There’re some who say the oil price is heading downwards. Are they prepared to sell their homes and place a bet on that??

We thought not. Point of the matter is that oil’s been heading upwards for decades – and not all the “fracking” in the U.S. will not change that trend. China, the other members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa) and all the other “emerging” countries’ burgeoning factories will more than make up for the lower U.S. demand. Then we’ll be earning energy credits for our “greening” thrust –money in our pockets while we smirk virtuously.

Then there’s all the industries that’ll spring up once we have a reliable source of energy in our most remote areas?? These companies will pay taxes, pay Guyanese employees, bring in foreign currency, and open up the country. And we’re not even mentioning the cheaper electricity tariffs to regular consumers!!

But AFHEP is the opposition’s worst nightmare: they know if it’s reality, they’re yesterday’s news.

...in cricket

Okay, we know the West Indies team lost to Pakistan. But they did so, because they had a chap named Misbah ul Haq who did his darndest to imitate a West Indian player by the name of Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Misbah was the player of the series – and was the difference between the teams. But the grand poobahs decided Chanderpaul isn’t suited for One Day Internationals (ODIs). Go figure.

However, now that our ODIs are over...there’s light on our cricketing horizon – the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Now this isn’t just a case of blowing one’s own horn...we can already sense the excitement building to a crescendo. Our own Guyana Amazon Warriors are busy practising at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara – and from what we’ve seen, they’re looking real sharp. They’ll be joined by Sunil Narine and Mohammed Hafeez now – and the game’s really going to be on.

But what makes us even more excited is that the franchise owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors –NEW GPC – are sending all the right signals that they’re serious about cricket over the long haul – and not just as a fad. The Guyana Amazon Warriors might just make the miserable politics a bit more bearable!

...with youths

Your faithful Eyewitness passed by Parliament today and was quite impressed by the throng of Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) youths on the pavements – expressing their displeasure on AFHEP. Who says the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) only has old fogeys??

friday, july 26, 2013 |

Opposition votes against adjournment of Parliament

By Svetlana MarShall

Minutes after Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman called on the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); the Alliance For Change (AFC); and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to continue dialogue on issues of national interest, the majority opposition voted down a motion to resuscitate the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

As scores of Guyanese protested beyond the walls of the House, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds moved a motion to have the National Assembly adjourn to August 7, to provide additional time for the parliamentary parties to reach consensus on the project.

He told the House, that while the administration remains committed to the holding of the long-awaited local government elections, the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project is essential to the development of the country.

Committed

“Mr Speaker, we in the PPP/Civic are committed to having both of these, to having Amaila for the great improvement it will bring to people and country in the provision of electricity, and also the Local Government elections, we do need to refresh the representation of the local government after the last elections having being held in 1994,” he told the National Assembly.

The PPP/C has expressed concerns about two of the four local government bills, alleging that one may conflict with the Constitution of the country, but the party is willing to put aside its differences “in the service of the people”, the prime minister posited.

On that note, however, Hinds told the National Assembly that attention must be given to the HydroElectric Power (Amendment) Bill and the debt ceiling motion that will pave the way for the Amaila project.

“Reaching that agreement would create a new atmosphere, new relationships between us and in that atmosphere, we can forego, we could forebear on our substantial reservation on the two local government bills.”

Objections

APNU leader David Granger objected to the motion, informing the House that “there was no agreement which would likely be consummated within the 13 days that the Prime Minister has suggested”.

He added, “There is no agreement on the table, there have been no approach by the executive to the opposition to reach an agreement during this period.”

According to Granger, it would have been a waste of a good opportunity to adjourn the business of the National Assembly, on the grounds of a negotiation that lacked structure.

“There is nothing on the table for us to discuss, and the attempt, I may add, to postpone the sitting from today without consultation from the opposition… was a move in bad faith and it was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the democratic process of this House,” he declared.

Reflecting on July 18, the day the Hydro-Electric Power (Amendment) Bill and the debt ceiling motion were not carried, Granger said the decision made by the National Assembly cannot be overruled by the executive. “It can only be overruled in accordance with section 82 of the standing order of the

National Assembly and it has not been done.”

AFC executive member Moses Nagamootoo noted his party’s disapproval of the motion put to the House by the prime minister. He too denied his party’s involvement in any consultation. “We have not been consulted on anything, which may or may not have the effect of a forward movement,” he stated.

The AFC MP also condemned the manner in which the proposed adjournment was communicated to

the party, positing that the ruling party, as against requesting, demanded an adjournment.

But, government’s chief whip, Gail Teixeira flipped back the pages of recent history to justify the party’s request of an adjournment. According to the PPP/C spokeswoman, in the Ninth and 10th Parliament, postponements were made based on the request of the government; requests approved and implemented.

Back in August 2007, Teixeira said, the business

of the National Assembly was adjourned with the approval of the Speaker, while in August 2008, similar action was taken. She noted too that the then opposition had requested for more time to consult and debate on topical issues of the time. However, it was only until 2012, that such request was made by the ruling PPP/C.

Government’s right

“Mr Speaker, we believe that the government’s right to call a date and to postpone it is enshrined in the area where the standing order clearly states that when the House is adjourned to a date to be fixed, it is only the government that can name that date. When a date has been set, the government is of the view that circumstances that would make, that would help to further an issue in consultation is because almost all of the six times that postponement was called, except two, they were based on the issues of trying to reach some kind of accord and they all allowed,” she explained.

The government’s chief whip also critisise the opposition for misleading the National Assembly and the country at large into believ-

ing that the administration never approached the opposition to discuss the issues surrounding the Amaila Falls project. According to Teixeira, President Donald Ramotar had made contact with the leader of the opposition on July 19 with the aim of resolving the issues surrounding the hydro project. Additionally, she pointed out that APNU’s Joseph Harmon and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon have agreed to meet weekly.

Negotiations

Before the opposition voted against the motion, the Speaker emphasised the importance of negotiations and engagement if the 10th Parliament is to achieve some level of success. “If not this 10th Parliament and by that, I mean every member, thereof, will be considered a failure and for me, every effort should be made, an engagement, to pursue it and a dialogue, the door to that should never be closed,” he warned.

He, however, noted that the government does not have the prerogative to call off any sitting of the National Assembly.

Skills shortage affecting mining sector

First Bauxite

Corporation President

Hilbert Shields has said there is national recognition that Guyana is a mining country with a high percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) derived from this activity, a fact embraced by all sectors of the society.

Shields noted that Guyana’s government has a fiscal policy designed to stimulate direct foreign investment and large-scale entities are treated equally under Guyana’s laws, with a special incentive regime of tax and duty-free concessions.

Guyana also boasts a modern mining act and regulations and bilateral mineral agreements, with stability clauses and recourse to international arbitration.

During a presentation at an investment forum, Shields said there were both opportunities and challenges facing potential investors in Guyana.

Serious problem

He mentioned that the shortage of skills presents a serious problem for Guyana with its small population, migration challenges, and the lack of institutions for highlevel learning.

Globally, the acute skills shortage seen in Australia and Canada has spread to more places during the past year, with projects been plagued by this challenge.

The mineral exploration expert said strong commodity prices and confidence in the long-term sector fundamentals have reinvigorated invest-

An examination of Caricom’s trade performance since its establishment four decades ago has shown that intra-regional trade has generally been positive, with certain downfalls and variations owing to environmental changes.

This was revealed dur-

ment in mining and metals.

This increased investment is, in turn, driving demand for skilled workers around the world and drawing on the same global pool of talent.

Shields related that significant risks associated with skills shortage include impact on production, project delays, and increasing labour costs.

With regards to resource nationalism, Shields pointed out that 60 per cent of the top 40 mining companies’ revenues are from foreign sources.

Many governments around the world have gone beyond taxation in seeking a greater take from the sector, with a wave of requirements introduced such as mandated beneficiation, export levies and limits on foreign ownership.

Shields believes that Guyana should determine its appetite to share both benefits and the risks through national consensual policymaking.

Clear message

“The government should send a clear and consistent message of stability to its sector partners, across partisan lines and beyond electoral cycles,” he said.

Despite the decline of the bauxite industry, Shields stressed that mineral development has the potential to become an engine for economic growth in Guyana.

He presented several recommendations to deal with the constraints experienced in mining subsectors and to ensure the continued growth of the mining sector as a

ing a seminar hosted at the Caricom Secretariat on Thursday, to mark the regional block’s 40th anniversary and as part of activities to observe International Year of Statistics.

The information on the region’s progress over the years in trade, both at the intra-regional and extra-regional levels, was highlighted in a presentation conducted by Caricom’s Project Officer for Statistics Deoram Persaud.

Persaud said based on research, intra-regional trade was favourable during the early period of the institution’s establishment and during 2002-2008.

However, a major dip in the progress occurred during the recent global economic crisis.

“Changes in the global environment over the period would have impacted trade. These include the removal of preferential arrangements for sugar and banana, OPEC – oil prices hikes during the mid and late 70s, debt crisis of the mid 80s and the global financial and economic crises of 2008.”

whole.

Shields pointed to the high logistics costs highlighting that although access to the interior has improved dramatically with the construction of new airstrips and “bush trails”, roads with relatively high tolls can frequently become impassable due to excessive rainfall.

He mentioned too that the high maintenance costs on vehicles and slow access to and from the field are also hindrances.

Shields related that a safer mode of vehicular transportation is being compromised by the notion that enclosed four-wheel drive vehicles are luxury vehicles.

“It may be in the city, but not in the bush. Enclosed four-wheel drive vehicles are a necessity and not a luxury. It is not safe to have people travelling in the back of a pickup,” he stressed.

There are also concerns about having access to information about the limits of Amerindian areas and regu-

lations, as well as the availability of accurate maps and GIS information on definite legal mining areas and proposed areas not being online.

Shields also mentioned the issue of overlapping mineral rights and potential conflicts and the poor definitions of minerals in the different categories.

He added that there was need for public information on the short and long-term consequences of the Omai oil spill to counteract anti-mining sentiment.

According to Shields, small miners often lack the required financial strength to solely develop these projects and lack of infrastructure is a major obstacle to development.

Cost inflation

He detailed that cost inflation in the sector is expected to intensify over the next several years, due to a number of factors.

There is a massive pipeline of projects to be undertaken in the 2012–2015 period and at the same time, there has been high delivery cost inflation and heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.

Shields revealed that this uncertainty has been putting downward pressure on prices of mined commodities since 2011. However, he disclosed that although volatility in foreign exchange prices has placed extreme pressure on it, Guyana’s currency has managed to remain relatively stable.

People swingin like pendulum

De whole opposition does talk like if dem can’t mek up dem mind. Dem lookin like a pendulum… swingin from one side to another. One time dem supportin de hydro project. Next time dem not. One time dem goin to meetin. Next time dem walk out. Is like dem tekkin this opposition ting literally. Every ting dem opposin…even de good tings that dem not suppose to oppose!

De opposition leader seh de other day that de PEEN-C gettin ready fuh govern de country. He musta been dreamin bout a lotta riggin. Wid all de Burnham talk that been going on lately, is a lotta people dreamin bout riggin.

After all, is not just dem miners in de interior or dem CGX people who riggin fuh tings. De PEE-N-C lookin fuh join dem too. Just that dem want to rig sum ting else. No wonder dem tek de animal man and knock out Boodoo. Dem friken Boodoo like how some people friken voodoo.

Now Rum Jhaat kickin up a storm more bad than Dorian because Green Jah seh de PEE-N-C gettin ready fuh govern. He tink de KFC was in de mix. He tek a long time fuh know. Is either he head hard or he ears hard. Could be both. Now he might try fuh swing de other way pun de pendulum. But he know if he do that, dem gon swing he right back more fast than how he come.

But de biggest swingin goin on nowadays wid two big Rams. One does behave like Rambo and de other does walk like when he gettin ram. Both ah dem join up wid dem boys who seh dem is boys and every body swingin.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Somebody seh one of de Rams like de rammin more than de swingin he used to get at de Stabber!

Presenting on the period 1973-2011, Persaud said Caricom’s total export expanded at an average annual growth of eight per cent, while the average annual growth rate for import within that same period being 7.7 per cent.

He noted that the global economic crisis of 2008 saw a huge decrease in exports with a negative growth rate of 46.1 per cent and a decrease in imports at 25.9 per cent.

“Overall, the region’s trade was in deficit over the period and averaged US$2.2 billion.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. was recorded as the most significant market for Caricom’s exports, with total export averaging 44.2 per cent.

During the period studied, intra-regional trade came in second, averaging 17.2 per cent, followed by the European Union with 15.1 per cent.

“Total export, while increasing rapidly from 2006 to 2008, suffered setbacks and grew at an average rate of one per cent. For 1973-2005, the average growth rate was 8.2 per cent,” Persaud pointed out.

The average annual growth rate for intra-regional

exports from 1973-2011 stood at 8.8 per cent and 14.8 per cent for total export.

Trinidad and Tobago has been recorded as the most dominant intra-regional exporter, accounting for 71.3 per cent of the total intra-regional export over the period reviewed.

Jamaica followed as the top regional importer with 31.2 per cent of total intra-regional import while Barbados account for 15.5 per cent.

The commodities topping the intra-regional export market were mineral, fuels, lubricants and other related materials, followed by food, which

accounted for 15.6 per cent and manufactured goods 11.6 per cent, for which Guyana played a pivotal role, according to the project officer for statistics.

However, on the importation side, machinery and transport equipment were listed as the major commodities, followed by mineral, fuels and manufactured goods.

“The EU ranked second for the region’s extra-regional exports, accounting on average for 17.9 per cent for the entire period and 16.5 per cent from 2006-2011.”

Turning his attention to extra-regional imports, Persaud said “the average annual growth rate was 7.5 per cent”, with the U.S. being the region’s main source of imports, followed by the EU and the Latin American Integration Association”.

With the exception of between 2006-2001, there was phenomenal growth in intraregional trade. Persaud concluded that future analysis should focus on trade with attention on climatic and environmental changes that impact progress.

Food prices decline but remain high – World Bank

Global food prices declined for three consecutive quarters then rose in May and June, remaining close to historical peaks, the World Bank Group said on Thursday.

Some countries with high poverty and weak safety nets are now responding to this chronic volatility by scaling up consumer food subsidies, but these are often counter-productive, the World Bank Group’s quarterly Food Price Watch reported.

“Poorly designed food subsidy programmes that lack transparency and accountability in implementation do not benefit poor people. These programmes can be very costly and prone to corruption, and waste scarce fiscal resources,” said Jaime Saavedra, World Bank Group’s acting vice president for poverty reduction and economic management. “Reforming such programmes is a policy priority, leading the way to smart subsidies that target the most needed and complement existing safety nets.”

Falling food prices

According to the latest edition of the “Food Price Watch”, global food prices continued to fall between February and June – a trend observed since the recent alltime peak in August 2012 –but prices were only 12 per cent below the August peak. Higher production, declining imports, and lower demand generally pushed export prices down although international markets continue to be tight for maize (corn).

Current prices of wheat reflect expectations that world production will rebound this year from last

year’s declines. Rice prices continued to decrease moderately from a combination of offsetting factors.

Downward price pressures from good harvests in Thailand and Vietnam counteracted upward pressures from increasing demand and thinner supplies in India, Pakistan, the United States, and South America.

Uncertainty remains

Looking ahead, uncertainty in the international market remains. Recently, unfavourable weather conditions in northern and central Europe, the Russian Federation, and China may affect the prospects of a rebound in the world wheat production. The current situation in Egypt may also impact international markets of wheat, given that Egypt is the world’s top wheat importer.

Domestic prices, meanwhile, generally followed seasonal trends, but wide variations continued: where prices rose between February and June, it was mainly as a result of a combination of factors, including

bad weather, dwindling supplies, currency devaluations, and public procurement policies.

The World Bank Group is helping by making invest-

ment in agriculture and rural development a priority, boosting agriculture and agriculture-related investment to more than US$9 billion. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/International Development Association (IBRD/IDA) assistance in fiscal year 2012 was the highest in 20 years. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) made US$4.5 billion in private sector investments across the food supply chain in fiscal year 2013. These investments supported projects that promote access to finance, access to inputs like seeds, equipment and advice, and access to markets through infrastructure and food-processing facilities.

Former Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastor Marlon Holder appeared before a Scarborough, Trinidad magistrate on Tuesday on six charges of sexual assault.

He is on TT$100,000 bail with surety clerk of the peace approval. Holder appeared before Scarborough Magistrate Nannette FordeJohn, and was not called upon to plead as the charges were laid indictably, the Trinidad Express reported. Holder faced three charges of indecent sexual assault and three charges of having sex with a female, between the age of 14 and 16. He was charged by Acting Corporal Cavelle Walters. Holder was picked up at his rented apartment in Sou Sou Lands, shortly before midnight on Monday.

The court heard the incidents took place between July 1 and 31, 2011, and January 1 and December 31, 2011. The acts were committed at his

former home in Betty’s Hope and at another house located at Patience Hill. The victim was formerly a member of his congregation and was 15 years old at the time of the incident. The matter has been adjourned to August 20.

Contacted for a comment on the matter, the Tobago SDA Mission secretary/treasurer Pastor Clyde Lewis pointed out that the church had already taken action to deal with the matter.

“The pastor in question has resigned from the ministry effective June 30, 2013 and the matter is now in the hands of the police,” confirmed Pastor Lewis. Questioned, why the church took so long to deal with the situation, Lewis pointed out that the hierarchy of the church did everything to support Holder. “We arranged several counselling sessions with him hoping that he would mend his ways,” said Pastor Lewis.

Former TT SDA pastor on six sex charges Burglars

Police in Berbice are investigating the alleged break and enter and larceny of the Guyana Stores Limited branch located at Strand, New Amsterdam between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

According to reports, the bandits escaped with one generator valued $210,000; one flatscreen LG television valued $150,000; one STHIL saw valued $265,000; and $200,000 cash.

Guyana Times understands that on Wednesday about 16:30h, Sham Moonsammy, the manager of the establishment, secured the store by means provided, with the articles

mentioned intact and left for home.

Upon his return on Thursday morning about 08:15h, he observed a brush cutter on the ground and upon checking closer, he found the articles mentioned missing.

It was further observed that the mesh on the western side of the building was cut open, the means by which the burglars gained entry to the building. The police were summoned, and the scene was dusted for fingerprints. The police have subsequently questioned the guard on duty, but no one was arrested. Investigators are continuing their probe.

Berbice Expo opens today

Berbice Expo 2013, which opens this afternoon, will give small businesses a chance to see products that are worth investing in. This is according to Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Leekha Rambrich.

He told Guyana Times that the ninth Berbice Expo will be the biggest ever. The expo concludes on Sunday. The chamber president said already they have equalled last year’s expo’s numbers in terms of exhibitors and expect more.

Expo coordinator Tageram Adjodhea said the structure to host the expo is complete, and electrical fittings are currently being installed. A security inspection is expected to take place today.

In terms of exhibitors, he said most of the regulars will be returning. “Berbice Expo has been very good to them in terms of exposure

and business, that in itself will cause them to come again. We also have some other exhibitors who will be coming this year,” Adjodhea said, including the ministries of agriculture and tourism. What we did this year is make more space to accommodate exhibitors who want to come in, in the last minute. In terms of exhibitors, we expect to have about 150.”

“There will be lots of giveaways” and the usual entertainment, he added.

Rambrich said most of the exhibitors in the manufacturing sector will be dis-

playing new innovations and agricultural technology. “Berbice basically is an agriculture-based region, so we will be having a new company coming on stream to display modern ways of doing agriculture,” he explained. Among the techniques to be demonstrated are shading and irrigation.

“I think it is an opportunity that farmers should capitalise on to see what is happening in the modern world in agriculture and some of the practices that we need to adopt in this country,” the chamber president said. He also highlighted that “AINLIM has a new jet sprayer to display at the exhibition, which has the capacity to dispense pesticides for several metres. It is a modern way of applying chemicals to farms”.

The three-day expo is expected to be declared open by President Donald Ramotar, while acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali is expected to make an address at the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Sam Hinds is also expected to attend the opening ceremony.

ANSA McAL rewards five customers in TRINCHLORO Sure Cash promotion

A TRINCHLORO customer pulls the winning entries

ANSA McAL Trading Ltd on Wednesday held its first drawing for the TRINCHLORO Sure Cash promotion, and five lucky TRINCHLORO customers were the winners of US$100 each.

The drawing took place at Bounty Supermarket, Water Street, Georgetown. The winners are Felix Lee Ting of 112 Laluni Street, Queenstown; Savita Balram of 194 Marty’s Ville, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara; Ashonie Spencer of Suddie Old

Road, Essequibo; L Singh of Annandale, ECD; and Nicole Anderson Rodrigues of 142 Side Line Dam, Beterverwagting, ECD. The next drawing will be held on August 7, with the final drawing being held on October 2. This promotion will give 30 lucky persons the opportunity to win $1.5 million in cash with the first place winner receiving US$3000; second place US$1000; and third place US$500, with five fortnightly drawings giving away US$500 each.

Guyana Amazon Warriors tour House of Limacol

The Guyana Amazon Warriors were on Thursday given a guided tour of the NEW GPC INC headquarters located at Farm, East Bank Demerara, in the presence of franchise owner Dr Bobby Ramroop.

Led by Coach Roger Harper, Assistant Coach Curtly Ambrose, Team Manager Omar Khan, and Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, the Guyana Amazon Warriors were afforded the opportunity of witnessing first-hand several aspects of the company’s production.

NEW GPC INC is the owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise and the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) under its Limacol brand.

The players and officials of the team were later treated to lunch, compliments of the company.

The Warriors were also

led on a tour by senior company officials.

The company’s roots date back to the 1920s when Bookers Drug Store was formed to manufacture the principal proprietary medicines which, up to that time, had all been imported into the then British Guiana.

The company’s product line quickly expanded to include products such as Limacol and Ferrol, which were immediate successes on both local and international markets.

Over the years, these and many other of the company’s products have become household names in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.

NEW GPC INC carries on a 90-year tradition as the Caribbean’s oldest and largest pharmaceutical manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals, overthe-counter preparations, and veterinary products of the highest quality.

The tour was held in

an effort to bring all the players, support staff and team management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors together for an interactive session before the first match for the team bowls off on July 31. The players were welcomed to the team and urged to bring their A-game for all the matches and to aim high,

as team management expressed their confidence in the players.

Harper urged his charges that “this being the inaugural Limacol CPL, we need to reach for the prize. I wish to encourage you our valued players to put your best foot forward on the field at all times. It would be a remarkable and historical achievement if we could bring home the first trophy”.

Responding to the team’s management, Captain Sarwan noted that “we will strive to do our best in all our games, living up to the expectations of our management, coach

and all our fans, who are already growing in number”.

The team’s management, as well as the support staff, revealed that they are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the players give their best performance in all the games and expressed confidence in the players, as they were all carefully drafted for their own special talent.

The Limacol CPL bowls off on July 30, with matches in Guyana held on July 31, and August 2 and 4. The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be in action on July 31 when they take on the Trinidad and Tobago Red

Steel from 20:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The local franchise will then play Jamaica on August 2 and St Lucia on August 4. They will then play hosts Trinidad and Tobago on August 9 and Barbados on August 11, before playing hosts Jamaica on August 14. Their final preliminary game is against hosts Antigua and Barbuda on August 17.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine are the International and West Indies Franchise players respectively.

They will be supported by openers Lendl Simmons, William Perkins, Trevon Griffith, and Martin Guptill; wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin; all-rounders James Franklin, Christopher Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, and Narsingh Deonarine; left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie; fast bowler Keon Joseph; and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

The Limacol CPL will be contested by the Antigua and Barbuda Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks, and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Putting the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project in context

By Housing Minister irfaan ali

Moses Nagamootoo, in a letter (Stabroek News, July 24), without credible justification, attempted to discredit the arguments presented by the government on the motion to amend the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Act. The gravity of the inaccuracies contained necessitates a response for the benefit of the public.

In this regard, kindly permit me to offer some insights to the motion, as well as the government’s contribution in the ongoing national discourse on the motion. Apart from addressing the flawed arguments contained in Nagamootoo’s missive, it is important to highlight the economic soundness of the project, as well the benefits and outcomes to be accrued – benefits which will diversify the country’s economic base, create additional wealth, improve competitiveness, and strengthen our macro-economic fundamentals.

Myth of debt ceiling

First and foremost, it is important to establish and emphasise that the proposed amendment to the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Act will not add to the stock of national debt.

Nagamootoo sought to make the point that the amendment will automatically increase the national debt. An argument so premised is void of logic and would only be made by someone engaging a topic beyond their technical competence

Diamond

– such is the comedy of the reasoning.

The government-proposed amendment to the Guarantee of Loans (Public Corporations and Companies) Act in part, is a contingency to cater for any operational shortfall of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) during the life of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP).

This point has been repeatedly made by members from the government side to prevent any misinterpretation of the objective of the proposed amendment.

Soundness of the project

Existing feasibility analyses conclude that the AFHEP is not only financially sound, but more importantly it is economically feasible. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Surveillance Report (2010) highlighted the following financial and economic benefits:

* lead to a reduction in the current cost of generation between 20 to 40 per cent;

* save consumers approximately US$3.5 billion over 20 years through the reduction of tariffs to GPL consumers;

* reduce the fuel import bill by approximately 20 to 25 per cent and save the country in excess of US$90 million, in the process. This will protect GPL from volatile international oil prices;

* add cumulatively six percentage points to real GDP during project construction phase; and

* allow for the generation of electricity using 100 per cent renewable sources. This

has the potential of earning approximately US$10 million annually from the sale of carbon credit.

The derived benefits will translate into tangible savings for all categories of consumers. If one were to work with a 40 per cent reduction in tariff, benefits will accrue as follows:

* residential consumers would save approximately $417.4 million monthly (or $5 billion annually)

* commercial consumers (Tariffs B and C) would save $182.6 million monthly (or $2.2 billion annually

* industrial consumers (Tariff D) would save $168.2 million monthly or $2 billion annually – these are the large-scale production units of the economy and the drivers of innovation and structural transformation.

The catchment of our population which stands to reap significant benefits is the residential consumers. These are the low-income earners, our public servants, farmers, pensioners, and the vulnerable among us who

businessman

robbed of millions in goods

ADiamond, East Bank

Demerara businessman woke up on Thursday morning to find his motor vehicle’s rear windscreen shattered, with at least $2 million in cosmetics and other goods missing.

The Toyota Noah, bearing registration number GRR 5891, was parked in front of Fharis Mohamed’s residence, which is a stone’s throw away from the Diamond Police Station. The burglary is suspected to have occurred during the heavy rains in the wee hours of Thursday.

Mohamed, upon entering his car on Thursday morning, realised that all the goods he had left in his vehicle were missing and upon checking, he saw the shattered rear windscreen. The police were alerted and an investigation was launched, but it halted since the businessman thought that the process would be tedious.

He also claimed that it is strange that his vehicle

was burglarised without the police hearing any strange sound. He himself did not hear any sounds nor did his dogs bark to indicate that something was happening.

Dissatisfied

Mohamed’s fatherin-law, Pandit Narine Harricharran told Guyana Times that they suspected that the incident occurred sometime around 02:00h on Thursday, but he lashed out at the police for not being vigilant enough. He explained that the amount of goods in the car would have taken approximately 30 minutes to off load. Pandit Harricharran further stated that after his son-in-law realised the vehicle had been burglarised, they reported the matter to the police who had to wait for some time before the forensic experts arrived. They, in turn, dusted the vehicle for fingerprints.

They were told that the

vehicle would have to be impounded as the police conduct their investigation, but they declined and informed the police that they were not pursuing the matter. He said the decision was taken after the police seemed to be pussyfooting around on the issue.

In light of the recent robberies in the village, he is calling on community leaders and villages to join forces and get rid of the unwanted elements in the community who have been terrifying villagers and creating havoc. He explained that the police, as well, have to come on board and cooperate with citizens to address the issues rather than sitting in their offices. The pandit also related that once these rogues are gotten rid of, the community will be safe.

He also urged various organisations to assist in the fight against crime, and restore the beauty of our country where visitors can roam the streets without being victims of robbery.

will save $5 billion annually. This translates to $5 billion in additional disposable income for residential consumers that could transform the lives of our citizens.

These are persons who should be foremost in the consideration of our parliamentarians. They are a priority to the government.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has repeatedly hidden behind unsubstantiated arguments while showing complete disregard for lowincome earners who stand to benefit.

National growth

Further, by ensuring the realisation of the AFHEP through the amended guarantee, it will position the country on a path to energy security, which is an important prerequisite to continued national growth and development. A country lacking energy security runs the risk of being held hostage to the vagaries of the international market and external political uncertainties and pressures.

Affordable and reliable energy is also important to accelerating our national efforts to structurally transform our economy and to expand our production portfolio by making manufacturing and agro-processing activities feasible.

No government, neither the People’s Progressive Part/Civic (PPP/C) nor any other can contemplate continued national growth and development in an environment of energy insecurity.

Equally misleading, is the attempt by Nagamootoo to paint a picture of a deteriorating national debt sce-

nario, resulting from the amendment to the act. On this point, Nagamootoo had apparently experienced some exciting recollection of the People’s National Congress (PNC) government economic error triggered by his more recent associations and propaganda mandate on behalf of his new political allies, the morphed version of the PNC, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and its ally, the AFC. As noted earlier, the amendment will not add to the country’s debt stock, which can only change with additional borrowing. This feeble attempt at a debt analysis in isolation of the performance of the wider economy is mediocre at best.

Public debt

Nagamootoo should be aware of the important technical distinction between absolute and relative dimensions to such analysis. Any analysis of the performance of public debt has to take into account the other important dynamics within the economy – exchange rate movement and the growth in the economy over the years.

The $1 billion guarantee set in 1980 was approximately 73.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost in 1980. The amendment to the guarantee proposed approximates to 27 per cent of projected GDP for 2013. Based on projected nominal GDP by the IMF ratio of public guaranteed debt to GDP, it is likely to improve further to 20.8 per cent (2015); 14.4 per cent (2020); 9.9 per cent (2025); and 7.1 per cent (2030).

Prudent economic man-

agement and fiscal consolidation has resulted in marked improvement in our debt position over the past 20 years. Guyana’s total public debt was approximately US$2.1 billion in 1992 when the PPP/C assumed office and 96 cents of every dollar earned was used for debt service payment.

Debt service payment

As at 2012, debt stood at US$1.7 billion, a reduction of 22 per cent when compared with the 1992 figure. Guyana is now using less than ten cents of every dollar as debt service payment. This reversal occurred under the stewardship of the PPP/C. At the same time, our GDP has moved from US$371 million in 1992 to US$2.8 billion in 2012. Government’s revenue has risen from US$141 million in 1992 to US$637 million in 2012.

Debt sustainability analysis by the IMF for 2012 has confirmed that the debt sustainability of the country has improved significantly over the past 20 years, and it is projected to be robust over the medium and long-term based on most standardised sensitivity analysis. The national debt position will remain sustainable based on all the key debt indicators. This positive debt outlook is projected to obtain for at least the next 17 years, which is three years less than the estimated payback period for the AFHEP. This discussion will likely continue and the opportunity will be taken to provide relevant details and add required clarity for the benefit of the public.

Rowley defiant in wake of email lawsuit: “Government will not

silence me”

“What’s new?” That was Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley’s response on Tuesday to the legal action being taken against him by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Local Government and Works Minister Suruj Rambachan, in relation to the Section 34 email fiasco.

“It’s a continuation of an effort to keep me quiet, to prevent me from talking

about things that are uncomfortable to them,” Rowley told reporters outside the Susamachar Church, San Fernando, moments after he attended Appeal Court Justice Wendell Kangaloo’s funeral. Persad-Bissessar, Ramlogan and Rambachan are initiating legal action against Rowley for alleged defamatory statements he made about them over the email issue at a May 23 public meeting. The pre-action protocol letter seeks to bar Rowley from repeating the statements or making “any similar defamatory statements,” failing which the parties will “immediately seek injunctive relief before the High Court” without notice to him. When asked if he was fazed at all by the lawsuit, Rowley said: “It comes with the job. “When the state attorney general decides that pre-action protocols is a way of keeping the opposition shut up, he will continue doing that,” he said.(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Colombian leader Santos defends constitutionality of peace law

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Thursday defended the constitutionality of a law that paved the way for ongoing peace talks with Marxist rebels, as legal challenges risk undermining efforts to end five decades of war.

The so-called Legal

Framework for Peace, approved in Congress last year, modified the constitution and laid the foundation for punishment of war crimes, reparations for victims and eventual peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

The reform has been harshly criticised by the opposition and human rights groups as an inadequate law that offers a “backdoor amnesty” for horrific war crimes and may force victims to turn to the international courts for redress.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Culture Ministry donates $7.6M to African groups

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry on Thursday donated $7.6 million in cheques to 68 African organisations across the country to ensure their readiness for the upcoming Emancipation Day celebrations.

At a simple handing over ceremony on Thursday, minister with the portfolio Dr Frank Anthony handed over the cheques to representatives of the various organisations as he noted the importance of preserving Guyana’s culture.

He said 2013 is a milestone year, as it marks the 175th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, the 250th anniversary of the Berbice slave uprising and 190th anniversary of the Demerara slave uprising.

Dr Anthony is hoping that when emancipation is celebrated this year, persons will reflect on these historic events.

He said the Culture Ministry, in the past, has staged exhibitions, among other activities, to remind young Guyanese of their history, but acknowledged that there is still much more to be done in this regard.

The minister said too that it important the country starts writing its own history books and from its own perspective.

“Our history is being told by others who want to manipulate that history for

their own purposes so we have to start writing about ourselves.”

The minister said it is important that the country maintains its traditions, pointing out that the slaves were deprived of practising their rich traditions, some of which were subsequently lost.

“I am very pleased that the many community groups are working in this direction to restore our cultural, religious and linguistic traditions… this is all good and we must continue to support these endeavours.”

Dr Anthony said since he became minister, support for African groups has been growing and this trend will continue.

He said a number of groups are extending their work to include young people, noting this development is commendable as the youths are tasked with carrying on the tradition.

The minister observed too that over the years there has been a resurgence of pride in the way people dress and the way they talk about their traditions.

He also encouraged those with artefacts to donate them to the Museum of African Heritage.

“We will also make sure we annotate it so that people would know who donated it,” the minister said, pointing out that the museum has also been collecting stories

Women placed on bail over quarrel

Two women were brought before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after they were cross charged.

It is alleged that on July 9 at Albert Street, Queenstown, 31-year-old Shonnette Graham, of 236 Albert Street, Queenstown, made use of abusive language to Sharon Charles whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned. She pleaded not guilty to the charge read against her.

from older persons.

Some of the groups that received cheques include the Corriverton African Cultural Development Group, the Eccles Community Group and the Women’s Unite for Empowerment.

Stakeholders declare support for Amaila project

Several stakeholders representing umbrella associations, networks, and civil society groups, on Thursday declared their support for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, following the national stakeholder forum on the transformational project at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, the Government Information Agency reported.

“We appeal to all policymakers to engage in constructive, sincere and meaningful dialogue in order to urgently conclude the real-

isation of this project,” the group said in a declaration.

Among the groups/bodies endorsing the project are the Private Sector Commission (PSC); Guyana Small Business Association; the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG); The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana, (TAAMOG); the Guyana Arts and Crafts Producers Association (GACPA); the Region Three Chamber of Commerce; Indigenous People’s Commission (IPC); the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO); B Division Community

Policing Group; the National Toshaos Council (NTC); and the National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF).

Following the opposition’s voting down of the HydroElectric Power Bill and the debt ceiling motion on July 18, several groups and segments of society condemned the move.

President Donald Ramotar has since said that his administration will not give up on the project as it is badly needed for the future development of Guyana and its people.

Charles, 36, also of 236 Albert Street, Queenstown, was also charged with two offences and pleaded not guilty to both. The charges stated that on July 9, she made use of threatening and abusive language whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned.

There were no objections to bail raised by the prosecution and the women were both granted bail. Graham’s bail was set in the sum of $10,000 and Charles’ was set at $15,000. They were both placed on a bond pending the outcome of the matter, which is set to return to court on August 6.

Africa

TT gets new expertise from oil merger

Range Resources Ltd Wednesday announced the potential sale of its Russian assets for between US$120-$150 million ahead of its merger with Australia’s International Petroleum (IOP). Range Resources, which on July 12 loaned International Petroleum US$8 million (out of a US$15

North America

million loan facility), also announced that it was bringing International Petroleum’s most senior staff here to work intensively on its TT assets.

A release from the company Wednesday said: “in the course of discussions and due diligence in connection with the proposed merger of the two companies, Range has

been informed of the negotiations concerning the potential asset sale and remains committed in principle to pursue a merger transaction pending final confirmation of the sale terms.” The company said it “will update shareholders in relation to the asset sale and merger transaction in due course.” (Trinidad Guardian)

Facebook shares soar 25 per cent on strong mobile

ad earnings

Shares in Facebook jumped by more than 25 per cent at the market opening on Thursday, after it beat profit forecasts with stronger than expected mobile ad sales. On Wednesday, the social networking giant had reported profits of US$333 million (£217 million) in the second quarter.

When trading began in New York, Facebook shares were 25.6 per cent higher at US$33.30, the highest since May 2012. Facebook, which is the world’s largest social networking company, floated on the Nasdaq at US$38 a share last year.

Following the release of the latest results, at least 16 brokerages raised their price targets for the firm. “Facebook has discovered the formula to begin significantly extracting value from its 1.16 billion global users,” said JMP Securities analyst Ronald Josey.

Middle East Asia Caribbean

A year ago, Facebook had no mobile advertising and many analysts were sceptical about the firm’s abili-

ty to make money in the arena. Internet companies have been struggling with how to display adverts on smaller screens, as more people use their smartphones to access the web. Facebook’s revenue from smartphones and tablets made up almost half of total advertising revenue in the second quarter. (BBC News)

Europe

UK GDP growth of 0.6 per cent shows Britain is on the mend

Britain’s recovery picked up pace in the second quarter, official figures have confirmed, with GDP expanding by 0.6 per cent.

George Osborne, the chancellor, welcomed the fresh evidence that the economy has moved, as he has put it, “out of intensive care”.

“Britain is holding its nerve, we are sticking to our plan, and the British economy is on the mend,” he said, “but there is still a long way

to go and I know things are still tough for families. Unlike the unbalanced economy before the crisis, we are going to make sure that everyone benefits from this recovery.”

Labour’s shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, speaking from the U.S., said the stronger growth was “both welcome and long overdue” – but he stressed that for most families, living standards are still falling. “While millionaires have been given a huge

tax cut, for everyone else life is getting harder with prices still rising much faster than wages.” Balls added that the U.S. economy has grown almost three times as fast as the UK’s since mid-2010.

The 0.6 per cent quarterly rate of growth was twice the pace of the first three months of 2013, and exactly as predicted by economists, after signs of a pickup in retail sales and strong readings in business surveys. (The Guardian)

Europe to ban oil stolen from Nigeria

The European parliament is set to stop the purchase of stolen oil from Nigeria in Europe. Any crude oil meant to be sold in the European market is now to be accompanied with a certificate of origin.

This was one of the landmark decisions taken at the meeting of the members of the African, Caribbean, Pacific parliaments and their European Union counterparts (ACP-EU) at the conclusion of their three-day regional meet-

ing in Abuja last week.

Mitchell Rivasi (acting copresident ACP-EU) and Joyce Laboso (co-secretary general) told reporters that the need to stop the huge loss of Nigeria’s oil to organised syndicates of oil thieves necessitated the decision.

The Federal Government said last week after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting that 400,000 barrels of oil, an equivalent of N7.3 million, is lost daily to oil thieves.

Rivasi Said: “We want to ban European refineries from buying uncertificated oil. 400,000 barrels a day is a huge loss. We need to get traceability of oil to avoid theft. The oil companies are involved in this and everybody is making big money.

“The bunkering tankers are better equipped than the Nigerian Navy, This is a huge international organised crime. We did it with diamond; we can also do it with oil.” (allAfrica)

China’s slowdown tests official resolve for reform

Adeepening slowdown is challenging Chinese leaders’ determination to stick with painful economic reforms they say will deliver more sustainable growth in the long run. The latest gloomy data point: A manufacturing survey released on Wednesday showed this month’s activity fell to an 11-month low.

Communist leaders are trying to make China more like developed economies that are powered by domestic con-

sumption and reduce reliance on exports and investment.

Advisers including the World Bank say that is the right path to keep incomes rising even if it causes growth to slow in the near term.

Beijing has resisted calls to stimulate the economy, which would require a new round of government-led investment that would set back their reforms. But they face mounting pressure after growth fell to a two-decade low in the latest quarter, raising the risk of

politically dangerous job losses. “The tolerance of slower growth is not unlimited,” said JPMorgan economist Haibin Zhu in a report. The trigger for possible action, say analysts, will be jobs and whether the economy is creating enough of them. Steadily rising living standards help to underpin the Communist Party’s monopoly on power and the country’s unelected leaders worry unemployment might stir unrest. (Trinidad Guardian)

Nakheel boss claims buyers eager to splash cash on The World

The chairman of Dubai’s Nakheel is claiming he expects more work on its manmade The World project to start next year, with investors even handing over post-dated cheques to the indebted developer.

Ali Rashid Lootah told reporters on Wednesday that Nakheel, which had to be taken over by the Dubai government after it crumbled under a mountain of debt, had completed AED924 million of settlements with investors in

The World over the last six months.

Out of the 300 or so islands located just off the emirate’s coast, only two have been developed on since the project was launched in 2008.

Work ground to a halt due to a combination of the effects of Dubai’s financial crisis and logistical disputes over transporting construction materials to the islands.

“People have come forward and given us post-dated cheques. They want to con-

tinue on the project and we are helping them. We are giving them flexibility on payment terms because we want to help kickstart this project,” Lootah was quoted as saying. He added that many subdevelopers were in the process of starting engineering work on the islands, while Nakheel was fielding more enquiries from new investors. “People are not going to give me money, or give me cheques if they are not serious,” Lootah said. (Arabianbusiness)

Inspiring innovation examples from notable pioneers

(CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY)

Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney

In 1972, Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney were two computer programmers with a visionary idea – playable computer games on your home television. The pair founded Atari, the first major video game company of the modern era. The founders then hired Allan Alcorn, an electrical engineering and computer science specialist, to help in the development of the revolutionary idea of “video games”. Technology in 1972 was severely limited, with the creation of even a single moving pixel on the screen be-

ing an immense processing task, with many homes still using black and white television sets. It was a miracle that the trio was able to create a game with two movable paddles (two vertical lines) and a ball (a single pixel) to replicate a game of table tennis. Atari tested the product, Pong, at a local bar, placing the prototype next to pinball machines, the most popular entertainment system of the day, and the game became a smash hit. However, replicating the prototype for mass production was a painful and slow process, at only

10 machines per day, many of which failed quality control testing. But patience paid off for the Pong trio – by the next year, Pong had spread to foreign countries and had been hailed as the seminal product in the new field of video gaming. Without Pong, we certainly wouldn’t have had Pac-Man (1980), Super Mario Brothers (1985) and today’s triple A titles such as Call of Duty, Mass Effect or World of Warcraft. The Atari trio made everyday consumers believe that controlling objects on a television could be a reality. (Business Dictionary)

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

You’re right to be wary of a promotional scheme presented to you by an entrepreneur with a poor track record. She or he could be promoting another pig in a poke.

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

There will be an eventual day of reckoning if you don’t guard against impulses to make commitments that you never intend to follow through on, just to appease others.

Being willing to work hard is not the total answer for achieving success today. Unless you take off your blinders and evaluate things for what they are, you risk wasting your time and effort.

Usually, you are single-minded in your plans. Today, however, you could muddle your affairs by involving yourself in several projects, not properly following through on any of them.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

To use your time productively, you must first have a feasible, effective game plan and then stick to it. You may be tempted to start more than you’ll be able to finish – don’t give in.

(March 21-April 19)

Without thinking, you could allow an associate to lay claim to some of your resources. What’s yours does not belong to anyone else unless you choose to give it. Use your discretion.

(April 20-May 20)

Although you might get off to a good start by knuckling down to business, favourable results are questionable because you could let up just when the finish line is in sight.

(May 21June 20)

Just because a friend has an idea, don’t automatically give it credence. Check things out thoroughly – this glib pal might have a rather unsound plan.

Favors that you request today could either be ignored or carried out poorly by associates. To be on the safe side, it’s best you rely solely upon yourself and not on others.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

By including too many people in your plans today, your endeavours could be overshadowed by everyone else wanting to follow their own ideas. You could be left on the outside looking in.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, you could get caught smack in the middle of a situation where you have to please everybody. Don’t get snookered into it – it’s an impossible situation.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Even if your strong views are diametrically opposed to those of your colleagues, allow your intellectual adversaries a chance to express their thoughts. The helpful things you learn might surprise you.

All roads will lead to the Guyana National Stadium this Saturday evening when Pulse Entertainment hosts Summer Fete, 2013 featuring some of the biggest names in the soca industry.

Soca King, Machel Montano and his team are expected to arrive in Guyana this afternoon and are all hyped and ready to invade the National Stadium.

Montano will be the main act of the evening while other members of the High Definition Band including Farmer Nappy; Patrice Roberts and others will also take centre stage.

But that’s not the end of the cast! For the first time in Guyana, Trinidadian Chutney Queen, Drupattie will also share the stage

with Montano. She is popular for her collaboration with Montano titled “Wuk up de Larkhi”. Olatunji will also be performing live on stage.

However, as the countdown for the most anticipated Pulse Summer Fete heats up, corporate Guyana is feeling the vibes to the point that more than 18 sponsors are on board.

postponed to August 1

The Kid’s Closet Fun World event, which was scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed to August 1 due to inclement weather. The event was scheduled for the YMCA ground, Thomas Land, Georgetown.

Nevertheless, event organisers are reassuring persons that this setback will not affect the extraordinary elements that will make this a fantastic event for children. In fact, a number of new and exciting rides have been added to the event.

On August 1, gates will be opened from midday on Friday with lots of fun for the entire family. Children will be treated to two movies; Man of Steel and Avengers which will be shown in 3D high definition.

There will also be a hero’s enclosed corner where there will be various characters that are seen in movies which will definitely intrigue the boys.

The girls are not left out since there will be a “Fairly Land” to make each little girl feel like a princess. The little lasses will have the opportunity to meet the likes of Cinderella, Snow White and others. There will also be a toddlers’ corner with its own bouncy castle and other games. This will only be for children three years old and under.

Apart from all the excitement, there will also be a fashion show for the little princesses who will grace the occasion. Seating will be provided and they will be entertained by various characters who will display colourful and tempting children’s clothing.

Additionally, there will be the ‘Kids Play Land’ with bouncy castles; merry-go-round; trampoline; and other exciting features that will draw the attention of the children. There will also be a human ball and go-cart riding.

This is an event that you don’t want to miss. Tickets cost $1000 with $500 redeemable in chits. These tickets are sold in batches at the Kids Closet.

The list of sponsors

Soca

King Machel Montano who was here on several occasions is hyped to return to his second home, Guyana with some old favourites and mega new songs.

General admission to the Mega concert is $3000 while stage front tickets cost $15,000 and the Luxury VIP tickets cost $30,000.

Tickets for this event are on sale at Palm Court; Gizmos and Gadgets; Princess Hotel (Front Desk); Ashmins Trading; Pulse Office; Street Styles; Lifestyles Boutique; M&M Snackette, Harbour Bridge; Avon DVD Club, Uitvlugt; Dave’s Sports Bar, Grove; A Alli and Sons, New Amsterdam Berbice; The Garage, South Ruimveldt; Medi-Care Pharmacy, Hincks street and others. Palm Court is the only vendor for the Luxury VIP tickets.

and Gizmos and Gadgets.

Miss BVI added to Miss International Pageant

MThey are expected to compete in national

swim wear; talent; fantasy beach wear and intelligence segments. The winner will walk away with US$10,000.

Meet Miss BVI

At 18 years old, Kimberly Herbert, was triumphant in a local pageant which afforded her the opportunity of participating in the Miss Jamzone International Pageant.

This Great Mountain, Tortola beauty two years ago was the second runner up in the Miss Teen British Virgin Islands Scholarship pageant.

She is currently a student but in her free time, she enjoys being involved in community service, travelling, dancing, writing and listening to music with performable talents in the fields of dance and steel pan.

She dreams of beginning work as a certified social worker and helping her community find solutions to social ills in the next five years.

Kimberly says she is proud that her country is the sailing capital of the world and also the fact that there are over 60 islands and cays, white sandy beaches, exclusive hikes and tours, historic sites and national parks to explore, never leaving you without an option of beautiful places to explore.

LSunday, August 11 at the magnificent fresh water lake. The gates will be opened from 09:00h, with the regatta commencing at 11:00h, followed by the stage show immediately after the presentation of cash prizes and trophies.

Lake Mainstay’s

13th annual Regatta & Stage Show set for August 11

The day will see 15 power boat races including two 15 HP; three 40 HP; three 90 HP; three 200 HP; and three open HP. The races will be opened to both males and females. A memorial race in the 90HP category will be held in honour of Orin Bell.

There will also be one 200 Male Canoe Race; one 200 metres (Female) and one 200 metres Open Swimming race. Over three million dollars in cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs.

After the daredevil regatta races on the water, the big stage show and beach party will unfold with some of the best in soca and chut-

ney music. The cast include Trinidad’s chutney singer, Anil Bheem; Guyana’s soca queen, Vanilla and Guyana’s chutney star, Prince JP. The artistes will be backed by the Caribbean Hot Shot Band along with Pream’s Mega Sounds and Chinese Assassin Sound System out of the Essequibo Coast. Deejay Chris is also expected to steam up the show with his excellent deejay styles. Apart from the adult activities, there will be lots for the children including a children’s fun park with merry-go-round, trampoline and bouncy castle. There will also

be lots to eat and drink.

Lake Mainstay Resort regattas have grown over the years and has gained the reputation of being well organised, disciplined and the biggest in Guyana over the past two years. The organisers have stated that they are promoting a family event and anticipate attendance in excess of 8000 patrons from overseas and locals from across the country, especially the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Advance tickets for the event cost $1200 for adults with more at the gate and $700 for children under 10 years old and $1000 at the gate.

Eight

beautiful and intelligent young women will take centre stage of the National Cultural Centre on August 11 to compete in evening wear,

business wear and talent pieces with the aim of coveting the title of Miss Emancipation, 2013.

This year, in keeping with the United Nations Day of the Woman, the delegates will be

Franale Holder

choosing a strong woman of African descent to speak on as their platform.

On coronation night, the delegates will not only be vying for the crown but also monetary rewards. The queen

will walk away with $100,000 while the firstt runners-up will receive $75,000 with the second runners-up copping $50,000 and the fourth runners-up will collect $25,000 along with other prizes.

Meet the delegates

Jennel Lovell

D.O.B: April 16, 1990

Education/ambition: To become a pilot

Currently delegates have been working feverishly in raising funds for these ventures.

Tickets for the pageant cost $1000, $1500 and $2000 and are available at the National Cultural Centre; Nigel's

D.O.B: August 10, 1994

Education/ambition: To become a medical doctor

Shanice Bourne

September 21, 1994

Education/ambition: Second-year marketing student at the University of Guyana

Supermarket,

and Upscale Restaurant and Sport Bar,

Georgetown.

Shevona Jerrick

September 23, 1992

Education/ambition: Business management student at Nations University

Sunaika Adolphus

D.O.B: April 22, 1995

Education/ambition: Second-year international relations student at the University of Guyana

Miracle Hilliman

D.O.B: May 11, 1992

Education/ambition: Second-year communications student at the University of Guyana

No more Mr Brown for Guyana

The show “After Laugh is Cry” featuring David Mann also known as Mr Brown has been cancelled after the promotion group, Kingdom Dynamics exhausted all efforts to secure corporate sponsorship to assist in alleviating expenses.

The show had been postponed twice and was carded for July 20 but now it will no longer be held. As a result of the cancellation, every effort would be made to refund all customers who purchased tickets to attend the show.

This refund would be done on Saturday, July 27 at 15 North Road, Lacytown Georgetown (between Kids Closet and Kevin’s Reflection). Refunds will be done between 08:00h and 16:00h.

Makida Blake

D.O.B: August 4, 1990

Education/ambition: To become a medical doctor

D.O.B: May 24, 1994

Education/ambition: Second-year communications student at the University of Guyana

All executive members have committed personally to provide labour and any available resource which will contribute to every national effort in the decline of domestic violence in our society.

Finally, Kingdom Dynamics extends heartfelt gratitude and great thankfulness to those sponsors who remained committed from the very beginning of this promotion and made financial commitments to this venture.

The group acknowledged the support of Mr Charles Greaves; Chetson’s home of Clarkes; Rainbow Fashion; Andrew’s Supermarket; Hits and Jams Television and Radio; Micropoint Graphics and Fon Roje.

Kingdom Dynamics remains committed to assist in the fight against domestic violence and regrets any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused.

“After Laugh is Cry” featuring David Mann also known as Mr Brown has been cancelled

CAR RENTAL

Journey Inn Apartments & car

rental. Rooms & car to rent from $3000 Premio, Vitz. Phone: 6896668, 639-4452.

DENTISTRY

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte Street, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

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FLOWERS

Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

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All models of engines (Perkins, cummins, lister, deuez, john dere etc) enclosed and open air any size of KVA. Call Ram on 619-4483 or 226-6325

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MMonday, August 5 in St Kitts and Nevis. She will be competing with 12 other beauties from across the Caribbean for the coveted title.

ambassadorial wear; swimwear; evening gown; talent and intelligence segments. The delegates will also be judged on their ambassadorial speech.

To vote for Guyana’s representative; persons first have to “LIKE” the Nevis Cultrama Festival Facebook Page then search for Miss Guyana and click on her photo. The vote will be invalid once the “PAGE” is not “LIKED”.

Miss Guyana wings out on August 2 and will be competing in the preliminary rounds of the competition which commences on August 4.

Miss Guyana Jamzone is 23 years old, standing statuesque at six feet and possesses a humble personality filled with ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness.

She is a pleasantly calm, well determined and vigorous individual who embodies the philosophy that with hard work and determination, one can accomplish anything he/she sets his/her mind too.

Coming from humble upbringings, Alicia is an exceptional young lady who embraces life and all it has to offer. She displayed a passion for the fine arts at a very young age and embraced training in dance, drama and singing throughout her school and working years.

Bess is an active member in charity and community work and is also a peer educator offering advice on various social issues and assistance to persons in need.

Her love for the arts saw Alicia being chosen from a group of three young ladies to represent Guyana in the twin Islands of Trinidad and Tobago for a cultural show and competition.

In 2009, she was rewarded a RBL Arts and

Culture Award for her constant involvement in the three arts; drama, singing and dancing.

Bess ventured into the world of pageantry at the age of 21 as a way of becoming a more rounded young woman within society and won her very first pageant, Miss East Bank Supermodel, in 2010 and brought 1st runner up in the Miss RBL Caricom Pageant in the same year.

She continued her passion for pageantry by placing 1st Runner up in the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant 2013 while simultaneously winning Miss Congeniality in the same pageant and she is also the winner of the recently concluded Miss Guyana Jamzone 2013 where she won People’s Choice, Best Body, Best Gown and Best Smile.

She is currently enrolled as both an ACCA and ABE student with the hopes of reading for her Master’s in Business Management in 2014.

In addition to a hectic academic life, Alicia is the administrative manager and executive aide at AU Drilling Inc and the Australian Honorary Consulate respectively and president of her charity group “Expressions – Beacon of Hope”.

Alicia decided to join the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant as a way of showcasing her love and passion for Guyana’s Tourism Industry and her country at large. So join in and show your support for Miss Alicia Nichola Bess, a woman of substance in the 21st century.

Deejay Platinum wins inaugural Mackeson DJ Real Vibes competition

DJ Platinum (Andrew Billson) proved himself as the DJ with the newest concept in the entertainment arena as he walked away the winner of the Mackeson DJ Real Vibes Competition.

The first place winner is a proud Mackeson ambassador and will be given the opportunity to DJ at Mackeson sponsored events along with $600,000; a Samsung laptop and Beats high performance professional headphones.

DJ Platinum of Tucville, Georgetown said that, “The competition was exciting, especially to compete against other DJs and I look forward to showcasing my skills at Mackeson events.”

DJ Six (Yohance Roberts) was awarded second place and won $400,000 along with a Samsung laptop and Beats high performance professional headphones.

Auditions for the competition were held across Guyana where contestants were required to DJ before a

judging panel of veteran DJs and entertainers.

The Mackeson DJ Real Vibes Competition proved to be the ultimate disc jockey competition which aimed to expose fresh, young talent in the entertainment sector.

During a period of three months starting in April and concluding in early July, 25 Disc Jockeys from Linden, Berbice, West Coast Demerara and Georgetown were in fierce rivalry to win the title and bragging rights.

Limacol CPL Trinidad & Tobago Franchise is sold!

Lycamobile, Europe’s largest Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), has purchased the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel franchise just days before the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 Tournament gets underway.

The global cellphone carrier, which boasts a market share of 30 million customers across 16 countries, will use its worldwide influence to enhance brand awareness of both the Red Steel team and the LCPL.

Lycamobile Group Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah said:

“As Lycamobile’s presence expands across the globe, so too does the customer base we serve and interests they share. Lycamobile has a strong heritage in cricket as the sport captivates and unites many of our communities.

“We are incredibly excited to join the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel team from the very beginning of their journey and look forward to growing with them through the series of prosperous and victorious tournaments to come.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that Lycamobile has joined the Limacol Caribbean Premier League franchise family,” said Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the CPL. “We think that the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel franchise, indeed the league itself, is a good fit for Lycamobile because both parties embrace the values of hard work, tenacity in achieving its goals and delivering a quality product of the highest standard. We trust

that this partnership will be the catalyst for Lycamobile to establish its brand in the region, and expand operations into a very profitable market.”

The partnership also involves a minority ownership of Empire Media Group which boasts a number of high profile entertainment clients and, with Chairman Jon Talarico, looks to ensure a strong partnership.

Ajmal Khan, Chairman of Verus International and shareholder of the LCPL, commenting on the sponsorship, said, “The response from the corporate sector in Trinidad & Tobago has been fantastic and we are greatly encouraged that people share the vision and see the potential for this incredible tournament.”

Red Steel Team Manager Colin Borde believes this new development bodes well for the future of the team.

“A new owner of the magnitude and global experience such as Lycamobile sends a clear message that

the LCPL, and by extension the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, is viewed as a vibrant, professional and progressive unit,” said Borde. “This can only benefit all parties in this new age of technology and branding. Red Steel is proud to be part of this new and expanded vision as this can only be good for the development of local and regional cricket.”

Avid cricket fan Cearn Bello concurs.

"As a long-time supporter of Trinidad & Tobago cricket, the idea of a Caribbean T20 tournament is welcomed,” said Bello who has followed the T&T Red Force to Barbados and St Lucia in their previous T20 Tournaments. “What is even more pleasing is that an international company like Lycamobile would back the Red Steel team in this introductory tournament. That should say something about our potential as a team. We can do great things in T20 cricket, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes out of this partnership with Lycamobile.”

The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premiere League T20 tournament begins on Tuesday, July 30 and concludes on Saturday, August 24. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel’s first match takes place on Wednesday, July 31 in Guyana against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and the first match at Queen’s Park Oval will take place on Wednesday, August 7 when the Red Steel take on the Jamaica Tallawahs. Trinidad & Tobago will also host the semi-final and final matches.

He may just be 20-years old but all-rounder Kyle Mayers is no stranger to the big stage.

The talented Barbadian has already seen his fair share of action around the world at various age group levels, campaigns that have prepared him well for his next big assignment – the Limacol Caribbean Premier League which bowls off across the region in just a few days.

Mayers, who bowls rightarm seamers and bats lefthanded, was snapped up as one of the Under-23 players in the draft and will turn out for Barbados Tridents during the July 30 to August 24 tournament.

“At 20, I am very happy with the position I am in right now. I am in the High Performance Centre but in the past I played for West Indies Under-15s, West Indies Under-19s and all the Barbados youth cricket teams coming up so that is a plus for me,” Mayers said.

“I played for the senior (Barbados) team this season in the 50-over and the T20 after playing last season for Combined Campuses and Colleges, so I think I am going forward in my cricket. I was recently selected for the West Indies A team to play against Sri Lanka A so I guess things are going well.”

He added: “It is very challenging playing sometimes against Test cricketers and players who have played the game at the regional level for a long period of time. I think it is very testing, and playing

Scotiabank is extending its relationship with cricket by becoming an Official Partner for the first season of the 2013 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL). The sponsorship is part of the bank’s commitment to supporting cricket across the region.

“We are excited about becoming the official bank of the LCPL and contributing to the growth of a sport that celebrates Caribbean heritage,” said Heather Goldson, Scotiabank’s Marketing Director for the English Caribbean.

“Scotiabank has had a presence in the Caribbean for more than 125 years and with Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket we have been committed to youth cricket for 14 years. This year, we are taking the game to the next level by sponsoring the LCPL T20 tournament.”

The tournament will begin on July 30 and will end on August 24. Twentyfour matches will be played across six franchise countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago – and will feature top Caribbean and international players.

“Scotiabank has long been synonymous with the development of cricket in the Caribbean,” said Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director and Consultant to the Limacol CPLT20. “The

LCPL aims to spark a renewal and renaissance of cricket in the region, and in that sense Scotiabank is the obvious partner. We hope to work together to build LCPL community initiatives and we thank Scotiabank for supporting this landmark venture.”

In July, Scotiabank, through its Bright Future programme, signed a historic five-year contract with the West Indies Cricket Board, extending its exclusive sponsorship of the Kiddy Cricket programme.

Scotiabank and the WICB are working together to provide more than 150,000 youth in 15 territories with education and training to improve their cricket skills.

This year, the investment is providing 20 new positions for coaches to assist students and physical education teachers.

this cricket is a learning stage for me so it can only get better.”

Mayers has been one of the products of the West Indies developmental system and therefore, is an ideal fit for the Limacol CPL. What has been key for him, is that at every level at which he has played, he has gained valuable experience of performing on the big stage.

It is this know-how that he hopes to put to good use not only in the Limacol CPL but as he continues to play in the West Indies first class competition and hopefully when he breaks into international cricket.

“I was very excited to play in the Under-15 for West Indies. To be 15 years old and representing millions of people was great,” he reminisced.

“[At Under-19 level] we played together as a team for a year. We travelled to the United States, India and then we went to the World Cup which was in Australia.

“Although we did not do as good as we should have, it was still a great experience to travel to those countries to play against the youth players from around the world. Some of these players are at Test level now so we were definitely playing some of the best.”

The excitement of the Limacol CPL is likely to be right up Mayers’ alley. With strong arms and broad shoulders, he packs quite a punch when on the go.

His 21-ball 37 – including four massive sixes – for Barbados against Windward Islands in the Caribbean T20 earlier this year, is testament to his power.

“For sure, batting wise, I will bring power. I am a strong lad and can hit the ball a good distance. In the field, I am a good boundary fielder so I think I can bring those things to the (Tridents) side,” Mayers said.

“To be honest, I favour the

Pakistan’s Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbahul-Haq will replace Luke Pomersbach of Australia in the St Lucia Zouks team for the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 Tournament which begins in a matter of days.

Pomersbach has been forced to pull out of the tournament on compassionate leave.

Misbah, who has been captaining Pakistan’s ODI side against the West Indies in the Caribbean, will immediately link up with the Zouks squad ahead of the side’s first match – the tournament opener – against the Barbados Tridents at Kensington Oval on Tuesday.

Misbah’s latest Twenty20 action saw him lead the Faisalabad Wolves to victory in Pakistan’s Super Eight T-20 Cup in March and he scored 189 runs at an average of 37.20 during the tournament.

“Although it is unfortu-

shorter version of the game. It is more exciting and I like a lot of excitement in terms of boundaries, taking quick wickets, good fielding, so I prefer the Twenty20 and the 50-overs.”

With the prospects of playing alongside quality international players like Shakib Al Hasan, Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal, as well as West Indies stars Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Smith, Mayers is already chomping at the bit.

“I am very excited to be part of the Limacol CPL knowing that it is the very first one, and I am looking forward to making a mark and remaining in the league. You don’t know if you will be selected next year so getting into the first one was a good step. Now I just need to maintain a place and maybe move up the ranks,” he pointed out.

“I think I can learn a lot. These are international players who play all over the world so there is a lot to learn and cricket is a learning game. Whether it’s my regular teammates Carlos Brathwaite or Jason Holder or one of the international players, I can gain something from them, and I plan to do just that.”

Mayers’ first opportunity to learn will happen on July 30 when the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League bowls off in Barbados with the Barbados Tridents facing the St Lucia Zouks.

nate that Luke Pomersbach will not be joining us, we have a high-quality replacement in Misbah ul-Haq,” said St Lucia Zouks assistant coach Matthew Maynard about the change to the squad.

“He brings with him a vast amount of experience of international cricket, something that will only be of benefit to our younger players, and his latest Twenty20 performance speaks for itself. On top of that he has been in excellent form during the recent ODI series against the West Indies so he is completely acclimatised and matchready and that is an added plus for us and for him.”

Misbah joins a well-balanced squad with experienced West Indies international players like Darren Sammy and Tino Best, as well as exciting young talents like Andre Fletcher, Nelon Pascal and Dalton Polius and high-quality overseas players Herschelle Gibbs, Albie Morkel and Tamim Iqbal.

“We are excited Misbah is joining us and look forward

to working with him as we strive for success in this inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League,” added Maynard. Misbah made his international debut in 2001 and since then has played 39 Tests, 125 ODIs and 39 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In those 39 Tests Misbah has scored 2419 runs at 43.19, including three hundreds and 18 fifties. In ODIs he has a total of 3819 runs at 44.40 with 29 fifties, four of those half-centuries coming in the recently-concluded series against the West Indies, and in T20Is he has 788 runs at 37.52 with a strike-rate of 110.20 runs per hundred balls faced. In each format of the game his statistics improved after taking over the Pakistan captaincy and he has led his country in 20 Tests, 51 ODIs and eight T20Is. The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League starts on July 30 in Barbados and concludes on 24 August in Trinidad.

By Avenash Ramzan

As the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draws closer, Guyana Times will help to get you familiarised with the players on the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad. During the coming days

we will be featuring members of the squad, sharing with you their profiles and achievements.

Today we continue with our tits bits, and the players in focus are all-rounders Narsingh Deonarine and Christopher Barnwell and left-arm spinner, Veerasammy Permaul.

AName:

Narsingh Deonarine

left-handed batsman,

fter a productive stint at the youth level which saw him represent the West Indies Under-19 team three years, Narsingh Deonarine burst on to senior regional cricket in 1999 and has since been a consistent performer with bat and ball for Guyana.

The left-handed, middle-order batsman and right-arm off-spinner, who shares a birthday (August 16) with fellow countryman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, achieved stardom in 2006 when a brilliant slog sweep for six off leg-spinner Samuel Badree handed Guyana the Stanford 20/20 title against Trinidad and Tobago.

The Albion cricketer also created history in 2008, becoming the first batsman to score over 1000 runs in a single First-Class season. He racked up 1068 runs.

As a T20 player, the 29-year-old Deonarine is an asset to any team, as apart from “milking” the bowling, he is also capable of upping the tempo when needed.

His tidy off-spin also makes him a versatile player, who can be called upon to stem the tide of runs in the middle overs.

His experience is without question, as he has chalked up 5846 runs with nine centuries and 38 fifties in 105 First-Class matches, while he has appeared in 25 ODIs and 14 Test matches with a total of eight half-centuries.

Bowling wise, Deonarine has captured 124 First-Class wickets, and 19 each in Test and T20 cricket.

Name: Christopher Dion Barnwell

right-handed batsman,

Name: Veerasammy Permaul

right-handed batsman,

When it comes to all-rounders in T20 cricket, Christopher Dion Barnwell is arguably Guyana’s top player, being a regular name in the runs and wickets columns.

The flambouyant right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-pacer is Guyana’s leading runscorer in domestic T20 cricket, with 607 runs from 38 games and 18 wickets at an economy rate of 7.19.

Always a fierce hitter of the cricket ball, Barnwell earlier this year blasted a match-winning 88 from 49 balls against Jamaica to set up the unlikiest of victories, after a thunderous Chris Gayle hundred.

That innings caught the eyes of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise which bought the Demerara Cricket Club player for US$50,000 ahead of the Indian Premier League 2013.

Though he did not play a game, Barnwell said the experience has served him well, and he is eagerly looking forward to use that to maximum effect during the upcoming Limacol Caribbean Premier League.

The 26-year-old, who has also played five T20Is, will no doubt be a vital cog in the wheel of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and once he gets goingwhether it’s with the bat, ball or diving in the field- fans are sure to get their money’s worth.

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League provides an ideal opportunity for Veerasammy Permaul to make amends for his ordinary performance in this year’s Caribbean T20.

In what was a poor showing by his standard, the 23-year-old left-arm spinner, fondly called “Gunners” by his teammates, was dispatched to all parts of the outfield, especially by Chris Gayle, who packed 28 runs in a single over during his onslaught against Guyana.

Usually an effective and accurate left-armer and capable lower-order batsman, Permaul has found success in the longer version, having captured 194 wickets from 54 First-Class matches, but can still hold his own in T20 cricket.

A product of the Sagicor High Performance Centre, Permaul would be looking to make an impact in the Limacol CPL and prove to the fans and batsmen alike that his performance earlier this year was nothing more than a patch of poor form.

Unlike previous years, Permaul will not have spin partner Devendra Bishoo at the other end, and that is challenge that could yet bring out the best in the Albion-born cricketer.

Having been thrusted in the role of captain for the West Indies A team, Permaul will bring another dimension of the Guyana Amazon Warriors setup, and there is no doubt skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan can always call on him to offer leadership assistance whenever the need arises.

Who will steal the show on the final day of the Police Athletics Championships?

By Treiston Joseph

With three days of fierce competition in the books, the fourth and final day of the Police Athletics Championships today is expected to end in thrilling fashion at Eve Leary under floodlights for the first time in its 59 years of existence.

Over the course of three days A Division have amassed 224 points heading into today with an advantage of 21 points over defending champions Headquarters, who sit on a point total of 203.

For the past decade Headquarters have been the dominant force and for the first time in the decade they will be going into the final day behind any of the divisions which could prove to be a changing of the guard that can provide the final day of the championship with the fiercest competition it has ever seen.

Athletes such as Leota Bobb, Dennis Horatio, Alita Moore, Nadine Rodrigues, Natasha Alder, Trevor Scotland and Kevin Bailey will be looking to own the day for Headquarters to possibly grasp the lead and win the event for another year.

While athletes such as Shannah Thornhill, Jonella Jonas, Julio Sinclair, Shawn Semple, Ronald Payne and Tracy Moses will be looking to hold off Headquarters.

Headquarters definitely have an advantage in the female sprint category, with the likes of Moore, Rodrigues, Bobb and part time sprinter Alder that nucleolus of females is sure to make up ground on the points standing for Headquarters.

Clive Lloyd appointed Limacol distinguished ambassador

LOn the other hand, A Division will rely heavily on their male department to come out on top and will specifically look to Semple to rake in major points for them in the three sprint events, which he should take easily in the absence of Olympian Winston George who is currently training in the U.S. for the World Championships next month.

Meanwhile, Horatio, Giddings, Scotland and Bayley will be manning the events above 400m for Headquarters.

However, A Division will look to counter in the men’s shot put since they have championships record holder Julio Sinclair and former record hold for the event Ronald Payne to take care of business.

With the event starting from 14:00h on Friday and running into the night, the sparks from the competition might be enough to keep the ground alight but the competition might seemingly come down to the final events which might more than likely be the relay event.

Headquarters have the superior female team in both the 4x100 and 400m, along with having a strong male 4x400m team.

Whether A Division can hold off a strong Headquarters lineup on the final day of the competition, it is yet to be seen what Olympics coach Lyndon Wilson can whip up for the defending champions.

“We (Headquarters) are seeing more competition and it is not going to be the landslide victory like the past, it will be tough work to keep the championship.”

imacol has proudly announced the appointment of “Super Cat” and “Living Legend”, Clive Hubert Lloyd, as its distinguished ambassador. Limacol is the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League, officially known as the Limacol Caribbean Premier League.

Limacol, the cool, “splash-on” lotion that’s the “freshness of a breeze in a bottle” is a product of the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (NEW GPC). It has been popular for almost a century across the Caribbean and in the diaspora in the USA, Canada and Britain.

Clive Lloyd is the world famous cricketer who was the captain of the iconic West Indies team that dominated the game during its greatest era in the 1970-1980s. He subsequently maintained professional contacts with the game at its highest levels.

“We believe Clive represents in his person and in his career, the qualities that the Limacol brand wants inculcated in our lives in general and in our

cricket in particular in the Caribbean. We are “cool” and exuberant but we are also prepared to do what it takes to be winners,” said NEW GPC’s Executive Director, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop.

Asked why he accepted the offer to become Limacol’s brand ambassador, Lloyd said, “Limacol is a product found in every home in the Caribbean. I’ve used it since boyhood and am proud that the GPC has not only maintained its excellent standards but is now taking a Caribbean product worldwide.”

He added, “Limacol and its corporate owners have put their money where their mouth is as far as backing Caribbean cricket. As one whose entire life has been dedicated to the game, I’m proud to be associated with its insistence on being “world class.”

Clive Lloyd was one of the most successful Test captains of all time and captain of the West Indies teams that won the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979.

Clive Lloyd appointed Limacol distinguished ambassador

LCPL is an ideal opportunity to develop my game, says Santokie

– notes it will be awkward playing against his Jamaican teammates, having said that, it is a challenge that he is looking forward to.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

amaica fast bowler

JKrishmar Santokie

said that the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tournament is an ideal opportunity for him to develop his game.

The 28-year-old was chosen by the Guyana Amazon Warriors, whose attack he is expected to spearhead, along with Guyanese Keon Joseph.

“I am happy to be part of this tournament and I am just hoping to have a good tournament. This tournament will be showing worldwide and I am just looking to give out a good show, expand my name worldwide as well as my game,” Santokie said during an interview on Thursday.

Krishmar Santokie

Santokie, who represented the West Indies in two T20 internationals, said it will be awkward playing against his Jamaican teammates during the upcoming tournament. Having said that, however, it is a challenge he is looking forward to.

“It’s going to be kind of awkward as it’s the first time I will be playing against a team from my country, but it’s a challenge that I am up to,” said Santokie.

“For me it is just another game whether I win or lose or whatever the case may be, and an opportunity to show the West Indies selectors what I can do.”

Santokie, who has been Jamaica’s most outstanding T20 fast bowler for some time now, reflecting on not being selected to play for Jamaica, said while he accepted the decision of the team’s selection he hopes it had been different.

“I would have loved to be playing for the team from my own country, however, for whatever reason they did not think that I was suitable.

“But that’s life sometimes. One can’t debate on that too much as it is the coaches and the senior players call.

“I am happy that the coaches from Guyana saw it fit to pick me and I hope to repay them with some good performances,” he said.

Commenting on the LCPL tournament, the left-arm fast bowler said the tournament means a lot to Caribbean cricket.

“I think this tournament means a lot to Caribbean cricket, as you know 20/20 is been playing all over the world, so I think it’s a good stepping stone for the Caribbean,” added Santokie.