Guyana Times Daily

monday, july 14, 2014|

President welcomes establishment of Caricom “ganja” committee

President Donald Ramotar said the move by Caricom to establish a committee to look into the use of mari-

juana for medical purposes is a step in the right direction and is welcomed by the Guyana Government.

“I think it is something

that we need to examine thoroughly... it is a good thing. The United States has already implemented this in many of their states

across the country and a lot of people are pushing for it. A lot of emphasis has been placed on the positive side of it,” Ramotar said.

The President; however, highlighted that while is seems as a good idea thus far, there is need for adequate information on its effects before steps can be made to legalise the contraband.

“Many are pushing for it and people are looking at all the positives, but the question is how do we control and maintain the health of the citizens and how it is used? We need to look at the negatives too and see which one outweighs the other before we make a decision, but we have definitely welcomed the initiative,” he said.

The Caribbean trade bloc has created a Commission to study whether the Region’s 15 million people should be allowed to use medical marijuana and how courts should handle possession of small amounts of the drug.

The accord was reached at the semi-annual summit of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in Antigua. The Commission is expected to submit reports by Caricom’s next summit, scheduled for February 2016.

The Heads of Government agreed to establish a regional Commission on Marijuana to conduct a rigorous inquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Region and to advise whether there should be a change in the current drug classification of marijuana, thereby making the drug more accessible for a range of users.

A recent preliminary report from Caricom found that decriminalising medical marijuana could help boost the Region’s economy.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who was key in getting the issue on the agenda during his chairmanship of Caricom, expects the Commission to study reforms taking place around the world on marijuana policy, including Jamaica, the US, Sweden and Uruguay.

Puerto Rico is currently debating easing marijuana possession penalties, le-

galising medical marijuana and allowing cultivation of medical-grade marijuana, according to the company.

Marijuana has been decriminalised and considered taboo in other parts of the Western Hemisphere. Lawmakers in Puerto Rico have filed legislation over the past year that would allow medical marijuana and decrease penalties for possession of small amounts.

Medical marijuana laws

Uruguay recently became the first country to approve nationwide pot legalisation, while the US states of Washington and Colorado passed recreational laws in 2012. In addition, 20 US states and the District of Columbia already have medical marijuana laws.

Activists in Jamaica, St Lucia and other islands have pushed to legalise marijuana use, with Jamaica’s Health Minister recently stating he was “fully on board” with medical marijuana. However, many in the Caribbean still consider it a dangerous drug and marijuana possession can lead to jail time and stiff fines across the Region.

Researchers with Caricom have found that decriminalising marijuana and exploring its use for medicinal purposes could help boost the Region’s sluggish economy.

Experts said the Caribbean already has a built-in competitive advantage with marijuana cultivation, noting that Jamaican researchers have launched a company that produces therapeutic and cosmetic products derived from the plants.

Activists in Jamaica, St Lucia and other islands have pushed to legalise marijuana use, with Jamaica’s Health Minister recently stating he was “fully on board” with medical marijuana. However, many in the Caribbean still consider it a dangerous drug and marijuana possession can lead to jail time and hefty fines.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

No decision by Caricom on Hugh Wooding …

Guyana to make financial contribution

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

President Donald Ramotar said the Government is looking at the possibility that it may have to make a financial contribution to the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago to solve the uncertainty of acceptance faced by Guyanese students.

Speaking to Guyana Times in an interview on Friday, the Head of State noted that at the recently concluded Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, the issue was discussed extensively, but no solution has thus far been reached.

“We discussed the matter and the situation still remains the same. It is not that they do not want to accept the Guyanese students. It is an issue of space which has been mentioned before. They cannot accommodate more students; space is the problem,” Ramotar said.

He assured this newspaper though that the Government was doing everything in its power to ensure that a suitable agreement is drawn up so that the students will not be affected.

To this end, the President noted that while Guyanese students currently pay their full tuition fees in cash as compared to the other countries, the Government will consider making a financial contribution to the school if it will assist in easing the uncertainty of students being able to attend the institution.

“We have a year to solve this because the agreement we got from HWLS was that the students will only be accommodated for this year; but we are working to fix this by next year so that the students will not be affected… if the need arises that we have to make a financial contribution to the school, we will consider it,”

The President further related that the leaders of the participating countries, however, have assured him that there are at least two other institutions at which Guyanese students could be accommodated should the need arises in the future.

“We have facilities in Barbados and Trinidad where they can go. However, these will need to be expanded, but that should not be a problem. Additionally, we were informed that there is an upcoming law school in Trinidad so they can also be accommodated there if there is a need,” he said.

Legal education review Ramotar also disclosed that a decision has been taken by the Heads of Government for a comprehensive review of legal education in the Caribbean to be undertaken and this will be done in the coming months.

At a meeting which was held in June with the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall; Head of the Department of Law Programme at the University of Guyana Sheldon McDonald and

Chairman of the Council of Legal Education Jacqueline Samuels-Brown via teleconferencing under the guidance of Caricom Chairman, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the fate of the 25 students was discussed and Chairman Samuels-Brown related to the Attorney General that the Council has decided to honour its agreement with the Government of Guyana to accept the students.

It was related that while the Council is ready to accept the students; it was conditional. That condition was that the students will be accepted, but the Caribbean Community has to work on expanding the facilities of the institution if they were to continue accepting students.

Days after the Council for Legal Education had stated that it will not be guaranteeing any of the 25 places usually offered to Guyanese students at the end of the degree programme at the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr Gonsalves had written to the Council on the impasse.

In his letter, Dr Gonsalves had requested the Council to facilitate the students until

a review of the system was done and a suitable solution found. However, Chairman of the Council, SamuelsBrown had at the time explained that the placement issue was not one that was of pure bias, but one of space and accommodation for the students who stay on campus.

Samuels-Brown had said that UWI had, in the past, released statements alluding to changes in teaching methodologies, teaching content and the poor conditions of the facilities afforded to students as well as the overcrowded nature of the law school. In light of this, she noted that the school had initiated precautionary safety measures before facilitating students and it was on this ground that the decision was taken to accept the students only if space was available.

Samuels-Brown had noted that the Council was facing a monumental task in finding accommodation and facilities for students, as the law school was built to accommodate some 200 students, but is facilitating approximately 400 students. As part of a longstanding agreement between the Council and UG, every year, 25 automatic places are reserved for UG students at the Hugh Wooding Law School. The Council, however, had taken the decision that UG’s 2014 batch would not be guaranteed places. It was understood by this publication that the original agreement had initially expired in November 2012, but, at the request of the Government of Guyana, it was extended until 2013. Negotiations were scheduled to take place to facilitate the 2014 batch of students.

However, this discussion never took place until the matter arose some months ago.

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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Caricom and Options

Tomorrow, President Donald Ramotar will be jetting down to Brazil for the unprecedented meeting between all the Heads of State of South America and those of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations. BRICS might have started as a clever acronym concocted by a Goldman Sachs investment banker, but that serendipity has taken on a life of its own. In this, the sixth meeting by the BRICS leaders, they appear poised to transcend the Goldman Sachs “emerging countries” categorisation.

With 43 per cent of the world’s population and total foreign currency reserves of US$4.4 trillion, the BRICS’ imminent launching of their Development Bank and Reserve Fund offers a potent alternative vent for lesser developed countries that need development funding and trade. From their pre-Summit utterances, it is clear that the BRICS Heads of State envisage Latin America as a key region within their strategic plans for a new world order.

Not entirely coincidentally, talk has been resuscitated in Jamaica about “withdrawing”, albeit “temporarily” this time, from Caricom. Jamaica, under the prodding of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), of course, was the country that precipitated the breakup of the West Indies Federation. The calls for withdrawal have again emerged from the Opposition JLP. But the calls reverberate strongly in the corridors of the ruling People’s National Party (PNP).

Even before the present economic travails that pushed the country into an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme, a wide swathe of Jamaicans accepted the JLP’s argument that a temporary withdrawal from Caricom is allowed under Section 43 of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. This, they claim, would increase revenue flows to Jamaica through increased Customs taxes, and provide a breathing space for local producers and Government policy reforms to improve business efficiency and competitiveness, especially vis a vis Trinidad.

But the calls for withdrawal from Caricom, which have ironically been raised by TT also, are not only justified negatively, but by claims that globalisation presents new opportunities for these two countries to go it alone. During the US’s push for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), they both felt they would do better in that trading bloc.

Maybe also not coincidentally, after two years of “consultations”, a new “Strategic Plan 2015-2019” was approved by Caricom Heads at their meeting in Antigua at the beginning of this month. But in what can only be described as “a masterpiece of vagueness”, the plan merely identifies “eight integrated strategic priorities” for the Community.

Taking care to insert the cop-out that all parties must “take into account both human and financial resource limitations”, the plan failed to identify the concrete institutional mechanisms that should be put into place to ensure the anodyne goals are achieved.

The latter were stated as to: accelerate the implementation and use of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) – now officially “on hold”; introduce measures for macro-economic stabilisation; build competitiveness; and unleash key economic drivers to transition to growth and generate employment.

The remaining goals are pitched at an even greater level of Olympian generality: human capital development; advance health and wellness; enhance citizens security and justice; climate adaptation and mitigation, and disaster mitigation and management; develop the single, secure ICT space; deepen foreign policy coordination – to support strategic repositioning of Caricom and desired outcomes; public education, public information and advocacy; and reform of the Caricom Secretariat, the organs, bodies, institutions and governance arrangements.

With all due respect, we cannot see anything different about this “strategic plan” – tellingly labelled as the FIRST in the 40 years of Caricom’s existence. And we do not see it getting us – as a country or as a Region – anywhere. We believe Guyana should take a lead in forging new ties at the upcoming Summit with both the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and BRICS.

If the rest of Caricom want to come along, we should facilitate their involvement.

Demanding local elections is valid with all its limitations in a democracy (Part Two)

Dear Editor,

Any inheritances, any associations, any entitlement, any promises or whatever may be beyond reflection other than this response, to affect legitimate transfer and authenticity to secure what is desired, must first become established. Neither the PNC nor PPP possesses exclusive ownership of Lindeners to lose them, or otherwise.

Hitching one’s wagon to one or the other rather than rejecting them outright does no good for Lindeners. Electricity subsidy to Lindeners continues as legal discrimination against the rest of Guyanese nationwide who get none. It was boldly championed by full riotous PNC/AFC support and needless loss of life even at Agricola.

Any justification by which previous tenancy in government in a democracy becomes automatic conversion into ownership and inheritance of said government to confer and guarantee jurisdictional associative management to the rest of the entire kit and caboodle within, must be unalterably grounded beyond challenge even in law.

The previous PNC tenant who overstayed their welcome of four years

(1964-1968) remained for another 24 (19681992) years and completely destroyed the habitat. Reminder to all that the 28-year tenant was specifically imposed and only removed by intervention of foreign judges experienced in such matters.

Mr Norman Browne’s resolve of reclaiming what he feels was unfairly lost by democracy‘s free and fair elections must have, however, brought much good tidings of comfort and joy to many. Should our Amerindians who invited no one to Guyana to lord it over them reclaim their land?

Not only have they been conquered but they are on the short road to cultural extinction. They alone possess immense superior rights to demand all interlopers leave Guyana. Who speaks for them can only be by the precedent Mr Browne advocates or not. Failure to hold Local Government Elections in Guyana for some 17 years has apparently eclipsed fried plantains as a bestseller, but it cannot be due to its “Made in USA” production label. It should have been held earlier.

Those demands are not in compliance with established PNC tradition as followed by both Presidents Forbes Burnham and

Desmond Hoyte, with a well-known record of imbibing the usual “Made in USA”-shipped “special products”. It’s the horrific details at the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which are inflicting a massacre on the PNC’s image and the Local Government Elections chatter is the counter attack to deflect attention from their sins.

Convinced he is absolutely right by his own common sense reasoning, Mr Browne adamantly reasserts that “I refuse to beg for something that rightfully belongs to me. I refuse to hear your “no”, more than once, to my request for what is rightfully mine”. For Mr Browne to toss caution to the wind may open a Pandora volcano of misery for everyone.

Any claim that he assumes as his right also legitimises “outsiders”’ claims as well. Alcan’s Demba and Bookers would be most entitled to totally retrieve their properties which they built and developed in Guyana.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport, long ago Atkinson Airport, was once US property courtesy of Britain to America. They may try but slave descendants and all others would resist being reenslaved all over again.

Maybe it’s only overzealous youthfulness which motivates such assertions made by Mr Browne. To be fair to him, it cannot be assumed that he is setting the stage for British or American warships to invade and overrun Guyana as in 1953. The idea of Chinese gunboats sailing up the muddy Demerara River to rescue their laundromats, restaurants and fellow Chinese is too much to imagine.

Those across the border who actually believe two thirds of Guyana belongs to them, ever vigilant, could also become emboldened to make their move while we do our usual brawls. No Guyanese obeah, jahray, jadoo, cumfa or voodoo is any match for such external firepower.

Mr Browne’s earlier aspiration to be chief citizen of Linden is most commendable. With sincere advertisement to hand over power and by good fortune’s aid, he could elevate himself as the next AFC leader, just for the asking if they permit. That party’s commitment is a swansong which still has many fans even as it is on the wane.

Sincerely, Sultan Mohamed

Copa: “We’re no fly-by-night airline”

By Svetlana MarShall

Amid the collapse and struggles of some airlines, a top official of Panama-based air carrier Copa Airlines said that they are no “fly by night” operation and has committed to the Guyanese market for the long haul.

Guyanese can explore 67 destinations in 30 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean with the airline that launched its service here last week Friday. With a strong employment base of 3, 000 personnel, Copa, established back in 1947 in Panama, recorded a net income of US$151.4M for the first quarter of 2014. Excluding special items, Copa Holdings would have reported an adjusted net income of US$153.6M or

US$3.46 per share, signalling a 23.5% increase over the operating income of US$124.4M and US$2.80 per share for the first quarter in 2013.

World-class service

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Regional Sales Manager Diego Bermudez said Copa’s ability to offer a world-

class service at competitive prices would allow the airline to withstand the prevailing challenges within Guyana’s aviation sector, thereby capitalising on the existing opportunities. Even as Dynamic Airways suspends its operations here, Bermudez expressed confidence that Copa is here for the long haul.

Cops injured after car slams into container

Three members of the Guyana Police Force are now hospitalised following an early morning crash on the East Bank Demerara Highway.

The accident occurred around 03:10h on Sunday morning. Guyana Times was told that four ranks were on patrol duty when the white Toyota Carina AT 192 motor car, in which they were travelling, slammed head on into a parked container at Friendship, East Bank Demerara.

The four ranks have been identified as Police

Constables Durwin Eastman, Anthony Branch and Aaron Seegobin along with Rural Constable William Jeffers. The ranks were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they received medical attention and were admitted, with the exception of Seegobin, who was treated and sent away, sources at the hospital disclosed.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Eastman, Branch and Jeffers sustained mild concussions and were admitted for monitoring. When this

newspaper visited the accident scene, there were heavily armed officers milling around and the occupants of the car had already been removed.

A release from the Police on Sunday stated that “four Police ranks were on patrol duties in a police motor car which collided with a parked motor lorry on the Public Road at Friendship, EBD.” It is unclear who the driver of the vehicle was and what caused the collision; however, the Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

to spend more than 24hrs travelling to get here, but now they have an option that would provide them ease of access and a stressfree travel,” she explained. She added the airline is also a gateway for tourists to get a taste of Guyana’s rich culture and simultaneously view the country’s breathtaking tourism sites.

“We are not a chartered airline which seeks some kind of seasonal business; we are a world-class company that is here for the long term,” the Regional Sales Manager told this newspaper. On Friday, the Panamabased air carrier graced the tarmac of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on its inaugural flight to Guyana with 100 passengers on board. The Boeing 737700 aircraft touched down at 14:15h. With all systems in place, Copa is currently offering flights twice weekly. “We are trying to get the highest load factor,” he said. The aircraft has the capacity to transport 124 passengers.

The Local Sales Manager Nadine Oudkerk said Copa presents many opportunities for the Guyanese populace and international travellers alike. “It gives travellers all over the world the opportunity to connect with a reliable carrier…for example in the past, persons coming from Spain would have had

Oudkerk disclosed that the airline would be expanding its fleet this year. By the end of the year, Copa Airlines will have a fleet of 98 stateof-the-art aircraft, including a series of Boeing Next Generation 737-800 aircraft.

flight efficiency through the reduction of fuel consumption by 3.5%.

Additionally, Copa is the first airline in Latin America to utilise Vertical Situation Display (VSD) and the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning system on all its airplanes. Another first for the airline is the installation of “Slit Scimitar” winglets, which reduce aerodynamic drag, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of its flights.

The Local Sales Manager said in addition to its stateof-the-art aircraft, Copa pro-

Currently, the airline has 92 aircraft in operation.

Copa is the first airline to operate the Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft with their ground-breaking technology. Their winglets improve aircraft performance and simultaneously increase

vides one of the best services in The Americas. It was explained that business class passengers benefit from special check-in lines at airport counters, boarding gates and priority baggage handling.

Hunter shot dead

Osmond Fiedtkou, of Bartica, Region Seven, was shot dead while hunting, Police in the community have confirmed. According to reports, the man had gone hunting last

week but never returned home. His body was found Sunday morning at Groete Creek, Essequibo River. It is not clear whether Fiedtkou was accidentally shot during his hunting expedition.

Details of the incident are sketchy, as Guyana Times was unable to make contact with Fiedtkou’s family and the Police were unwilling to divulge further information.

Page Foundation

Sexual violence is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone’s will. It encompasses a range of offences, including a completed nonconsensual sex act (ie, rape); an attempted nonconsensual sex act; abusive sexual contact (ie, unwanted touching); and noncontact sexual abuse (eg, threatened sexual violence, exhibitionism, verbal sexual harassment).

In Guyana, this issue continues to be a major problem; reports have shown that this phenom-

enon is reaching alarming heights. This type of violence has a negative impact on various aspects of society, the health, welfare and overall family development.

On May 24, 2010, the Sexual Offences Act was signed into law after being unanimously passed in the National Assembly on April 22.

Tell Scheme

The Tell Scheme initiative has been formed as a means of eradicating this growing phenomenon. It is designed to encourage disclosure among prima-

ry school-aged children. In cases where the children have not experienced any sort of sexual violations, it then serves to provide information on ways of keeping themselves safe, preserving the integrity of their bodies and what they can do when a sexual violation is attempted.

The initiative has been designed in a very childfriendly way using, colourful posters, flash cards, songs and memorisation aids, all as part of making its use easy and effective.

The Tell Scheme initia-

tive is aiming to have children of all primary schools across Guyana knowledgeable on the ways they can protect themselves. As a result, all primary schools in Regions Two to 10 and Georgetown have had training and currently those in Region One are being trained.

The involvement of parents and teachers is significant in the success of the campaign. Both parents and teachers have their role to play in ensuring that signs

and behaviour changes in children are observed and noted. Not only is it important that these are noted, but referred, so the situations may be addressed since the priority is ensuring the safety of the child or children in their care while creating a safe environment for them.

Some important signs that may be observed are children who manifest the following:

* Sexual acting-out/or seductive or promiscuous be-

haviours

* Detailed knowledge of sexual behaviour that is not age-appropriate

* Change in eating or sleeping habits

* Withdrawal

* Sudden loss of interest in school activities; unable to concentrate on school assignments

* Arriving at school early and reluctant to return home

* Secretive, reluctant to share thoughts and feelings

* Low self-esteem

* Look at themselves as ”damaged goods” not worthy of love or respect

* See centre/school staff, grandmothers, aunts and peers as their confidant and someone who knows how to listen, counsel, nurture or care for them

Not all sexually abused children will manifest these symptoms but we should pay close attention to children who exhibit any of these behaviours.

If anyone has knowledge or direct information that a child is or may be in need of protective intervention, please make contact with the Child Care and Protection Agency on numbers 225-1257, 227-4082 or hotline number 227-0979 or at their office at Charles and Braod Streets, Charlestown. Contact can also be made to your nearest Police station or School’s Welfare Officer in your region. Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or at programmes.childlink@ networksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and any other challenges that you may be experiencing with your children.

Rice farmers will be paid … President gives commitment

By IndrawattIe natram

President Donald Ramotar announced on Sunday in Essequibo that rice farmers would be paid before the start of the new harvest and Government was doing everything it could to ensure that the agreement made by millers with farmers in relation to a payment schedule was met.

assist millers to pay farmers. Ramotar said while the issue of payments exists in the rice industry, the Agriculture Ministry is also tasked with providing better marketing opportunities for millers, thereby providing better prices for farmers’ produce.

rice varieties. Ramotar said the problem exists in finding new markets and adding value to the commodity.

The Head of State also called on farmers to cooperate and do not turn to protests whenever things are not going according to plan in the industry. He said strategies and plans have been drafted specially to protect the rights of farmers.

During his address, he reminisced on the state of the rice industry prior to 1992, and stated that the industry has come a far way, noting progress has been made under the People’s Progressive

“We are thinking to lock into prices that will be profitable for farmers to produce, so that we can, at least, have a flow price for rice and paddy,” Ramotar noted. The President explained: “We have to think beyond Venezuela to protect the industry, the Government has to look at every possibility, we have invested from 1992 heavily: drainage, new variety and many other areas.”

During his discourse, the President also spoke about the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and a Specialty

Ramotar was at the time addressing a famers’ meeting at Golden Fleece, Essequibo in the wake of violent protests by farmers agitating for their payments. Speaking to an audience of rice farmers and residents, Ramotar said the Government, through the Agriculture Ministry and major rice stakeholders Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) and Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) are negotiating with millers and bankers in making sure that farmers receive timely payments.

He said that billions of dollars has been released in the form of advances to

Party/Civic Administration. He reiterated that the PPP Administration has invested heavily in infrastructural development for the industry, providing proper drainage and irrigation networks as well as introducing new

Hospital.

Also speaking at the meeting, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said the agriculture sector is as important as every other sector. He noted that Guyana’s

rice sector has grown from 700,000 to one million tonnes. “This is how rapid this industry is improving, the yield has been improved, and the issue is Guyana is a small country; locally, we consumed rice in our industry, stock feed, etc, we consume, in excess of 120,000 tonnes of rice.”

“In 2006, we only used to export 260,000 tonnes, today, we were looking at exporting 500,000 tonnes, there is an increase of 25 per cent in rice and paddy as compared to previous crop,” Ramsammy said. Markets, he said, are being sought in various countries and a rice partner in South Africa has indicated interest in Guyanese paddy, “We are negotiating terms to ensure that markets are sustained and we open new markets as well,” he explained.

Ramsammy said the Agriculture Ministry, through the GRDB, is trying to represent all rice farmers and funds have been released to help farmers. He said the Ministry’s position is for rice farmers to be paid on time. “We have to make this work, remove the problem, I told rice stakeholders to meet with all farm-

ers across Guyana as well as millers. Millers must find a way to pay farmers, we’re not going into another crop without being paid.”

He noted some $400 million in outstanding monies has been paid already to all rice farmers owed. He mentioned that a meeting had been arranged with millers in Georgetown and to date, millers have paid farmers in excess of $1 billion. He said the Government of Guyana has advanced some $3 billion to repay millers.

“Twenty-three billion dollars worth of paddy that farmers sold to millers, millers paid out thus far $20 billion – 86 per cent achieved; all farmers must be paid,” Ramsammy explained.

Strategic steps

RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said logical strategic measures on how to deal with the Industry have been drafted, “We have never strayed from the narrow path, if you want to protest then you can do it peaceful; preferential treatment for Leguan and Essequibo were always there for millers,” Seeraj said.

He added that a ship-

ment of fertiliser is scheduled and all this is specially done in the interest of farmers, “we will continue along this way to deal with issues, hence helping and representing the farmers,” Seeraj noted.

“Put the politics aside, we got to deal with rice, this is we business, farmers you need to cooperate,” the RPA General Secretary said. Seeraj noted that the local prices are based on international market prices, explaining that millers had in stock a lot of rice in the system. He said that there has also been an expansion of the PetroCaribe deal with Venezuela.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud noted that although he pleaded with the rice farmers not to protest, they continued. Persaud said farmers told him during the protest that they want to be heard. On July 4, Region Two rice farmers had staged a protest over the delay in their payments. Later, the protest deteriorated to the point where Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Naithram allegedly stripped naked. Several farmers have since been charged.

Dismembered body of female identified as missing Guyanese mom

Almost one week after the dismembered body of a woman was found at Long Island, New York it was positively identified as US-based Guyanese, Chinelle Latoya Browne, formerly of 431 Baramita Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the identification was done based DNA test and the tattoos on her body. Part of the woman’s body was found close to a parking lot in downtown Bay Shore by two persons who were on their way to board a train in the area.

They immediately called 911, and as the Police arrived, one of the woman’s arms was found close to where her other body parts were discovered.

Relatives of the woman, who was last seen two Saturdays ago, were informed of the discovery. They gave a description of Chinelle and told ranks of the tattoos on her body. The husband Dale Browne is expected to travel up to the US to make the final identification of his wife’s remains.

Speaking to this newspaper, the frustrated husband said he was told not

to reveal any information to the media.

He also contended that he was not there and cannot say if the body parts are those of his wife.

Browne said he is in constant contact with Police in New York who are updating him on the leads that they are following.

He also noted that he has been in contact with his sisters-in-law, who are not too sure if the body parts are those of their sister. However, based on information received, the landlady of the apartment that Chinelle rented in Sumpter Street is listed as the key suspect in the murder, but the motive has not yet been established.

Police were seen in and out of her apartment on Friday looking for any clue that they can find.

Possible accomplice

It is also believed that the Trinidadian national might have an accomplice since investigators believed that the crime could not have been committed by one person. The dead woman’s roommates claimed that they last saw her two Saturdays ago as she was heading to the laundry room. Soon after,

they heard a commotion and screams, but did not take it seriously and went along their business. It was reported that a bad friendship started after the now dead woman reported to the authorities the faulty electricity supply to her home. Ever since, the two women have had several quarrels on the issue. Chinelle, a mother of four, who lived at 346 Sumpter Street up to the time of her disappearance, left Guyana on May 29, 2013 after securing her citizenship in 2008.

She returned in April 2014 for her husband’s and one of her daughter’s birthdays and left in May. Browne said he last heard from his wife via a text message last Saturday evening about 21:30h, claiming that she was with a friend at the Jamaica Queens Hospital. He tried several times to contact her after but his efforts were in vain. It was not until Sunday morning, he received a text from her phone, but to say that her phone was found in Manhattan.

He got worried and contacted her relatives there and instructed them to visit her apartment, but was told that she was not there.

Browne said he made contact with the landlady and enquired about his wife, but she claimed that she last saw her on Monday, which he said is a blatant lie.

The woman also confessed that she and Chinelle had arguments during which they assaulted each other, but neither of them was injured. They were just misunderstandings; the woman had reportedly told Chinelle’s husband.

From there, he knew something was amiss and contacted the NYC Police and related what the woman had told him. The woman was questioned, but is holding out that she does not know anything about Chinelle’s disappearance and, ultimately, death. Chinelle reportedly worked for the landlady at her store in the Mall upon her arrival in the US. Chinelle leaves to mourn her husband, four children and siblings.

Eyew tness

Doing the dirty...

...in politics

With elections for the PNC's leadership in the offing, some people might've missed the hot and sweaty (dirty??) talk and action between the said PNC and the AFC about tying the knot before the next general elections. As all Guyanese know by now, for the last three years the two Opposition parties have been issuing deep sighs over "what might've been".

More specifically, if they'd hopped into bed before the 2011 elections, they might've captured the Executive to get their dirty little hands on the Consolidated Funds. After all, hadn't Raphael Trotman, co-leader of the AFC, argued just this point to Ramjattan? But Ramjattan, couldn't miss HIS shot at being Presidential Candidate, could he??!!

The struggle became so bitter that Trotman announced his withdrawal from politics – on account of some mysterious and life threatening "medical condition". Many who'd supported Trotman's proposal for a pre-election nuptial with the PNC, remained - but sulking. Of course, when the PNC offered the Speaker's Chair to Trotman – saying he was "more trustworthy" that Ramjattan's nominee, Nagamootoo - Trotman had a miraculous recovery!! It just confirmed there was more in the mortar than the pestle.

But even though Ramjattan had sanctimoniously announced the AFC would "work with both the PPP and PNC" based on issues, the logic of Ramjattan's hunger for power, inevitably pushed him into Granger's arms. So recently we had the government acceding to APNU's demands for them to sign the AML/CTF Bill, but the latter reneging. As Granger's point man, Winston Felix, explained the AFC's demands hadn't been met! When it comes to the lovebirds PNC and AFC, it's all for one and one for all! But will the upcoming PNC leadership beauty contest have any effect on this budding romance?? The question, of course, is whether Norton can snatch the leadership from Granger. This Eyewitness believes that if the elections are "free and fair", Norton stands as good a chance as any to become the PNC's new leader.

The biggest asset he brings to the table is he's a dyedin-the-wool, PNC man. YSM nurtured, serving at all levels in the party – he displayed his grassroots, grounded approach in Linden at the last elections. Domestically, he's earned his PNC spurs way ahead of Granger. And in this era of globalisation, being the only PNCite with some solid Foreign Affairs credentials, can't hurt.

Looks like Ramjattan had better start casting some coy glances at Norton!!!

...against the PPP/C

We suspected something was rotten in the state of the PPP/C's extended family when the IAC concocted one of the sloppiest "argument" to claim Guyana couldn't catch up with Singapore for 254 years!!! They ignored the PNC's role in causing our fall from the same perch as the City State, and proposed we share power with the inheritors of the same PNC.

You get no prizes for guessing who latched onto giving the PNC a free pass and blaming the PPP/C regime. Adam Harris, if nothing, had demonstrated he's a loyal house slave not only to his present master, the Muckraker's Lall, but to his old owner Burnham. Somebody in the Constellation Orion whispers something positive about Burnham – even by omission like the IAC – and Harris will use his post at the Muckraker to trumpet it!!

And why aren't we surprised Ralph Ramkarran also picked up the bone?? Well not only because his tongue's been hanging out forever, hoping he'll get a squeeze in some "power sharing" government.

But he relished the implicit lash the IAC gave to the Jagdeo and Ramotar administrations. A bitter, old man!!

...in football

Your Eyewitness rooted for Brazil. But he has to admit he wasn't too enamoured of the dirty play they – and so many other teams – revelled in. He was hoping Argentina can pull off a miracle against the clean, but ruthlessly efficient Germans. Continental solidarity, and all that.

Guyanese vessel intercepted with 2500 pounds of ganja

AGuyanese registered vessel with the name An-nur was on Wednesday evening intercepted in the Caribbean Sea with over 2500 pounds of compressed marijuana.

The estimated cost of the bust is close to G$300 million. The operation was carried out by Guyanese law enforcement officers and their international partners. The five Guyanese crew members onboard are in custody assisting with investigations.

According to information received, that vessel operates between Guyana and Jamaica to transport rice. The vessel was reportedly on its way to Georgetown, Guyana when it was intercepted. The vessel remains in interna-

tional waters and is being guarded by heavy security personnel as the joint investigation continues. The boat is expected to be towed to Costa Rica shortly.

Speaking to Guyana Times , Head of Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) James Singh said that they are playing an integral role in the investigations and confirmed that the boat is registered to a Guyanese businessman. He added that the vessel was in international waters when it was stopped and searched during which the cannabis was found among the cargo onboard.

He could not confirm the exact date the boat left Guyana, but confirmed it had a five-member crew. They were immediately taken into custody

Copa: “We’re no...

Additionally, first-class travellers’ meal service includes the best wines and liquors, in addition to mouthwatering cuisine prepared by exclusive chefs. Regular passengers also reap the benefit of both food and beverages, particularly those on international flights.

The same day that Copa Airlines commenced operations in Guyana, it also launched its service between Fort Lauderdale and Panama City, Panama. The airlines will be offering four non-stop flights a week between the two cities.

In Latin America, Copa Holdings is one of the leading Airline Services as it bridges the gap between travellers and the rest of the world through its principal operating subsidiaries, Copa Airlines and Copa Colombia.

Dubbing the Tocumen International Airport in Panama, the “Hub of the Americas,” because of its strategic location, Copa said the airport provides convenient connections to the principal markets in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean,

and have been cooperative thus far. He said CANU remains committed in fighting the drug trade here and further afield.

From all indications, the vessel had been under surveillance for some time.

Exactly one week ago, CANU had a successful operation at Diamond and Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara which unearthed 2900 pounds of Jamaica marijuana and 4.2 kilograms of cocaine.

Dexter Daniels of Kara Kara, Linden was later sentenced to three years imprisonment while Reginald Brown is being grilled after a wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest. He reported turned himself in with his lawyer on Thursday. CANU is continuing its investigations.

From page 5

enabling it to consolidate traffic to serve several destinations. “We believe that Copa’s hub in Panama allows us to benefit from Panama City’s status as a centre for financial services, shipping and commerce and from Panama’s stable, dollar-based economy, free-trade zone and growing tourism,” the company said.

In its quest to grow profitability, Copa will continue to build on its operations as it provides superior customer service, convenient schedules and competitive fares.

Ramsammy pours cold water on calls for rice sector inquiry

The call by A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Leader, David Granger for the Government to convene a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the woes plaguing the rice sector is nothing more than “ridiculous.”

This was the view posited by the Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, when contacted by Guyana Times on Sunday. The Minister said that there was no need for the convening of a CoI into the issues affecting the sector when the issue was clear.

According to Ramsammy, the only issue affecting the rice industry is that of payment to paddy farmers who have not been in receipt of monies from millers for their produce in a timely manner. Ramsammy said that the Government and all the stakeholders are aware of this problem and are cognisant of the efforts to the Government to bring closure to the issue.

“What is it they want to investigate?” questioned Ramsammy, as he contended that “the rice sector has one issue and we know what it is and that is what we are trying to resolve”

Further, the Agriculture Minister argued: “Why should we spend our time and resources on a Commission of Inquiry?” He contended that the convening of a CoI into the rice sector would be a waste of resources that could be used in another regard and quite possibly go towards eradicating the problem affecting the sector.

He argued that while there might have been some production hiccups over the

years, the rice sector has seen “phenomenal”, consecutive growth with each crop being bigger than the other. Recently, a spate of protests by paddy farmers has marred the rice industry. The farmers have been protesting the inability of rice millers to pay them for their produce.

The most recent protest action by farmers in Region Two saw tyres being burnt on the roadways and 19 farmers subsequently appearing before the Magistrate's Court to face charges.

There were four other recorded protests this year which have ensued because of conflicts between millers and farmers. In a few instances, farmers were protesting the prices being offered them by millers for paddy.

The Agriculture Minister and Guyana Rice Development Board had then intervened and stipulated what prices would be offered to farmers.

But Granger said that in light of the challenges

faced by the rice sector, the Government should convene a CoI “to inquire into the impediments to the efficient management of the industry and to make recommendations for the improvement of the livelihood of the nation’s paddy farmers”.

He claimed that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) through Government agencies, exercises absolute control of the rice industry and must bear full responsibility for the problems affecting it.

On Friday, Granger said the constant predicament faced by rice farmers in terms of getting payment from millers and production issues cannot be ignored much longer.

“I don’t want to know what a few farmers or millers think.... five regions are affected all the way from Region Two to Region Six and we would like to hear what they say... there is no one problem affecting all five regions.... it is quite clear that Region Two has been a (protest zone),” Granger claimed, as he sought to support his call for a CoI. Granger also flayed the PetroCaribe deal with the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela, contending that the deal is only for some persons while the others are left out in the cold. “It has ignited anger over the management of this trade initiative which is generating wealth for a few. Millers in some areas of high production have lowered their prices, forcing paddy farmers to sell at reduced prices because of limited storage capacity.”

Consultations on $10,000 grant taken to Berbice

Education Minister Priya Manickchand continued consultations with parents and guardians on the new initiative undertaken by the Government of Guyana to give each school-age child a grant of $10,000.

This time, the Minister consulted stakeholders in Berbice, Region Six. During a visit to Berbice last week, the Minister, who was accompanied by Georgetown and regional education offi-

cers, engaged parents of 122 schools in several meetings on how the Ministry can best provide the grant to them.

According to a release by the Ministry, Manickchand asked parents to indicate by the show of hands whether they would prefer to be able to encash a voucher or if they would prefer to be able to purchase goods from accredited stores with the vouchers. The parents almost unanimously chose to be able to encash their

voucher.

The Minister also consulted the parents and guardians on the question of from which financial service they would prefer to be able to get their cash. The choices were the post office, Western Union, the banks or Mobile Money.

During the consultations, Minister Manickchand encouraged parents to bring to her attention issues that were of concern to them, education related or not.

Parents expressed concerns about businesses that take advantage of parents who use the uniform vouchers to purchase items for their children by increasing prices on school items.

Price-gouging

The parents were very angry that as soon as the Ministry says it is distributing vouchers, stores significantly raise their prices for school items. Parents were clear that ordinarily they would be able to get many more items if they paid cash than when they purchase with the vouchers and said they felt robbed. One woman at Tagore Memorial Secondary School said

Every body want more of some ting

Some people never satisfy in life. Any where yuh go in de world, some body does always want some ting more than whah dem have. Even if yuh give some people some ting, some of dem does still want more. Some would even ask yuh fuh more, then talk yuh name if yuh don’t give.

Dem ain’t different from de dog whah had de bone in he mouth and then want de one in de shadow too. Dem does end up losin bone and shadow like de dog. Old people ain’t wrong when dem seh ‘give people one inch and dem does come back fuh afoot’.

Is greedy minds does tink like that, and it got nuffa dem around in de Guvament, in de Opposition, and even among dem who ain’t know wheh dem deh, like dem I-Hay-Cee people, de Blue Cap fella, and not fuhgettin Nasty Mento.

Accordin to a preacher, de Creator don’t re-create whah he done create one way, but it still got people who does even want more than whah God give dem. De man pun de Essequibo Coast who drop he pants pun de public road turn out to like that.

Every body see de man had one inch, but he do all de wrong tings he coulda do fuh de pullice to lock he up so he could get de other 11. So was real lick up in de lock up when he tell he cell mate that he prefer to keep he one and tek de 11 on the other side.

De KFC want more protest after dem done protest arready. Green Jah want more Commission of Inquiry, although he hidin like cat from one Inquiry. And of course de Mayor-fuh-Life want more terms as Mayor. That is, 20year terms.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Now GuySuCo want more of some ting…a plan, because de board got bored readin de wrong plan de other day. But de Bell Crier feel de board gon be bored all over again even wid de right plan!

“these stores unreasonable. The Government trying to help the people and the store gouging out them eye”.

Minister Manickchand said if this was true, she was very disappointed with the stores. She assured them that if the Ministry found that stores raised their prices for parents shopping with the Government-issued vouchers, the Ministry

would deal with individual businesses condignly.

The Minister said on the other hand, she knew of some stores that would actually give parents shopping with the vouchers special tokens. She publicly called on storeowners to have a conscience, and explained to the parents that they have the power to make the stores offer competitive prices.

Parents also expressed their views on automatic promotion and made recommendation on how children should be promoted. Minister Manickchand addressed a range of other issues raised by parents in the Ancient County. She committed to bringing to the attention of the various Ministers the matters that were raised.

Thousands flee northern Gaza after Israeli warnings

Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing northern parts of Gaza after Israel warned it was targeting the area in its campaign to stop rocket attacks. The UN says 17,000 people have sought refuge in its facilities as Israeli air strikes continue for a sixth day. Israeli forces have raided a suspected rocket-launching site in Gaza in their first reported ground incursion. At least 159 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began, according to health officials in Gaza.

Jamaican-born chaplain tipped to become Church of England’s first female Bishop

The UN Security Council called for a ceasefire and peace talks on Saturday. The military confirmed it

The dead are said to include 17 members of one family who died in an Israeli missile strike on Saturday evening. Israel says it is targeting Hamas militants and “terror sites”, including the homes of senior operatives. However, the United Nations has estimated that 77 per cent of the people killed in Gaza have been civilians.

had dropped leaflets over the city of Beit Lahiya on Sunday morning telling civilians to seek shelter.

“We do not wish to harm civilians in Gaza, but these

civilians must know that remaining in close proximity to Hamas terrorists and infrastructures is extremely unsafe,” the

China national charged in hacking plot to steal US military data

US authorities have charged a Chinese businessman with hacking into the computer systems of Boeing and other firms with large defence contracts. Su Bin, who was arrested in Canada last month, is accused of working with two other suspects to steal data about military projects and sell it to China.

Prosecutors said Su was targeting information about fighter jets, military cargo aircraft and weapons. A 2013 US report identified industrial spying from China as a growing threat.

There has been no specific allegation of involvement by the Chinese Government in Su’s case, but the US has accused China of system-

Climate of unease in TT

Former hostages of the 1990 attempted coup believe TT’s national security agencies should be on the alert as a result of the climate of uneasiness pervading the land – rising murder toll, gang warfare, labour unrest and poor governance. They also feel that the authorities should take action against Fuad Abu Bakr, son of Jamaat leader Yasin Abu Bakr, for beating and dragging an effigy of the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader through the streets of Port of Spain.

On July 3, Abu Bakr posted on his Facebook wall “action against the injustice in our society starts today. Walking round and round has been ignored. It is time for a people who talk too much and take too much to act. To act now and ensure a better tomorrow. Our leaders will listen if we make them listen.” One day later, effigies of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Dr Keith Rowley were beaten and dragged through the streets.

In response to the beat-

ing of the bobolees, the United National Congress Tabaquite constituency called on the relevant authorities to act against the “disrespectful” actions against the PM. Three former hostages – Wendell Eversley, former National Security Minister Joseph Toney, and former National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) MP Rawle Raphael – feel that the Jamaat, with which Abu Bakr is associated, poses a serious security risk. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

atically stealing American high-tech data for its national gain. The US Department of Justice recently indicted five Chinese military officers for hacking into US businesses – charges dismissed by China as a fabrication.

Su reportedly runs a Chinese aviation technology company with an office in Canada.

He was detained on

June 28 while trying to gain Canadian citizenship, US authorities said. They allege that he and his co-conspirators have been trying to sell the stolen data to stateowned firms in China.

The justice department said it “remained deeply concerned about cyber-enabled theft of sensitive information”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The Church of England could be set to allow its first female bishops – and not before time, says one of those tipped for the job, adding the days of women being left to arrange the flowers are gone.

Rose Hudson-Wilkin thinks it would be “seismic” if the Church votes today to allow Anglican women to take the top jobs after decades of debate on their role. As a chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Jamaican-born Hudson-Wilkin is already one of the most prominent women in the Church of England.

But she is a passionate advocate of a woman’s right to break through the “stained glass ceiling”, 20

years after the first ordinations of female vicars. “It will be a big deal,” she told AFP, referring to a possible yes vote.

“This has been on the agenda of the Church since the 1920s, from the time of the suffragettes when women were saying actually, we’re human beings, we don’t want to be patted on the head and told: ‘There dear, you’ll be alright doing the flowers or making the cups of tea’.

“We have gifts and skills and abilities and we want what we have to be placed on the table as well.”

The Church of England’s General Synod will hold a vote today which, if passed, could see the first women bishops named by the end of this year. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

APNU’s Bulkan rails against setting up of IMCs

... renews call for local government polls

The continued imposition of Interim Management Committees (IMCs) on Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) goes against the Constitution of Guyana and should be halted immediately, A Partnership For National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Local Government Minister Ronald Bulkan has said.

He said the imposition of such bodies on NDCs and Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) directly takes away the right of the constituents to elect their community leaders or managers.

Bulkan made the comments at APNU’s weekly press conference at its Hadfield Street office, last week. He was at the time responding to questions posed by reporters with respect to the imposition of an IMC on a lower East Coast Demerara village.

Bulkan said: “The solution does not lie in the imposition of any IMC,” noting that what is needed is Local Government Reform as he echoed calls for the holding of Local Government Elections, which have not been held since 1994.

Bulkan told reporters that the Government’s plethora of reasons for not holding local government polls were nothing more than “manufactured excuses”.

He said statements made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon to the effect that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was not prepared for the holding of Local Government or General Elections is incongruous. Further, Bulkan ac-

cused the Government of hiding behind GECOM by making statements to that effect.

Bulkan said “it is the Government’s responsibility to show leadership... it is absurd of Dr Luncheon or any other person to hide behind an institution that is under the auspices of the Government.”

On Wednesday last, Dr Luncheon and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee had said the Commission is not in a state of preparedness for the elections.

At the weekly postCabinet press briefing, Dr Luncheon stated that GECOM’s Chairman and Commissioners have a responsibility to inform the voting public about their level of preparedness for the holding of either General and/or Local Government Elections.

“We have always accepted that GECOM has to signal its preparedness to hold whether Local Government or General Elections. It would be interesting if GECOM’s Chairman or

members of the Commission were to be consulted on their awareness on preparation on both Local Government and General Elections, and for them to advise on what seems to be a perspective that the Americans are out there pushing,” the Cabinet Secretary told reporters.

But, GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has dismissed allegations that the entity is not adequately prepared to host Local Government or General Elections, amid concerns raised by the ruling PPP/C.

Ready

When questioned on Thursday by Guyana Times on statements by the Government that GECOM is not ready to stage elections, the Chairman said, “and I am just as repeatedly saying we are ready”.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Vishnu Persaud highlighted that should the order for elections be issued by the Executive, President Donald Ramotar or Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, the Commission would need six months in which to prepare for elections.

Persaud said: “As it relates to GECOM’s readiness for Local Government Elections, we have been saying ad nauseam that we have a work plan.” He said year after year, the Commission has successfully submitted budgets to the National Assembly which would have included expenditure for Local Government Elections since there have not been any local government polls for last year.

But on Saturday, three of

the PPP Commissioners at GECOM expressed immense concerns over declarations and statements which are being made in the public domain that seek to suggest that the Commission is in a state of preparedness to host the elections.

The Commissioners, who were nominated by the ruling PPP/C, urged that such declarations be “treated with extreme caution”. The release was signed by Mohamood Shaw, Dr Keshav Mangal, and Athmaram Mangar. The Commissioners said that there were some operational issues that must be resolved before the Commission should embark on any election. These included constituency boundaries and demarcation issues. “Some constituency boundaries cut across established divisions and sub-divisions requiring field operations to effectively allocate existing registrants on the National Register of Registrants to a unique constituency,” the statement said.

Like the ruling party, the Commissioners believe that the resolution of transfers of numerous electors, particularly to constituencies must be addressed with dispatch as some constituencies do not have adequate registrants to effectively field adequate lists of candidates. The statement also noted that the analysis of the National Register of Registrants and subsequent printing of lists for Local Government Elections require operations that involve the Information Technology Division, which is without key top level and appropriate staff.

Four Canadian funded projects being piloted

Regions Two, Three, Four and Six have been identified to pilot the first set of local economic development projects under the Canada-funded Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) programme.

The six-year programme which was launched in May 2012, a project under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) which received funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development, targets the

Local Government Ministry Permanent Secretary Collin Croal

development of businessfriendly environments in which micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can prosper.

It is aimed at stimulating sustainable local economic development by helping local government implement programmes, policies and services to support existing enterprises, and attract new businesses. Locally, the programme is being implemented by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Collin Croal,

Gafoors Group makes contribution to gym at Islamic Complex

The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) will shortly establish a gym for the use of its large membership.

The establishment of this facility is being undertaken by the Women’s Arm of the Complex and will not be limited to usage by Muslims but like all ACIC’s facilities, activities and programmes, they are all open to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

According to a release from the complex, the establishment of the gym is part of the expansion projects to make the membership more health conscious and to assist in tackling the growing problem of obesity and illhealth due to non-exercise. The gym when established, will be the first such to be established in any Muslim institution.

Gafoors Group of Companies became the first institution to recognise the

project with a donation of a set of equipment to the effort. The donation was made at the company’s Houston Complex recently and was handed over to Ms Fazela Gafoor-Khan by head of the Gym Department of the company, Ms Shellon.

Ms Shellon expressed the company’s pleasure at being associated with such a commendable project and wished ACIC much success with the venture. Ms Gafoor-Khan thanked the Company for its immediate response to the request for the donation and that the donation will go a long way towards the establishment of this facility.

ACIC’s facilities have always been open to attendance from both Muslims and non-Muslims and it shares a good relationship with all Islamic organisations in Guyana as well as with all other religious groups.

reported that in Region Two the Tapakuma Women’s Agriculture Diversification Project, which is almost completed, is among the pilot projects. The Tapakuma women have benefited from capacity training and from the procurement of a number of pieces of equipment, including tractors and chainsaws. This project will be officially launched on July 30.

The remaining identified projects include for Region Three, the Canals Polder Green Initiative, which targets single mothers in micro farming by seeking to increase their incomes, as well as to generate employment opportunities for youth. The construction of a green house under this project, is expected to commence this month, Croal said.

In Region Four, the Friendship Swine Development project, which is the construction of the rearing facility, is expected to be completed by monthend. For Region Six, the venture identified is the Mara Agriculture Enhancement project, among which include the procurement of an excavator, as well as training for farmers in operating their machinery and diversifying their agricultural activities.

The farmers are expected to benefit from technical support on managing assets, farm management, operational management, as well as financial accountability. The Mara Agriculture Enhancement project is to be launched on July 21, Croal said.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary also disclosed that under the CARILED programme, Guyana is set to benefit from the visit of Councillor

Michael Thompson, a member of the City Council of Toronto, Canada. Thompson, who is also a member of the FCM Board of Directors, will be in Guyana for three days commencing July 31. He is expected to visit the project in Mara and the Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council to see first-hand some of the benefits from the Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP.) Under the institutional development and capacity-building aspect of the CRIP, which had been supported by the FCM, the Diamond NDC benefited from the construction of a new NDC office and also from capacity training and the purchase of a new computer system. Thompson will also be the feature presenter at a seminar that will be hosted by CARILED and the Local Government Ministry and which will focus on the role of council members in local economic development.

Times Notebook

Finance Minister did the right thing

Dr Ashni Singh is a young Guyanese scholar and a brilliant financial manager. He has distinguished himself as Finance Minister and has managed Guyana’s finances expertly during a period in which Guyana is about to record nine straight years of economic growth. No other country in Caricom has matched Guyana’s performance.

It is appalling that the Opposition is trying to demean this brilliant Guyanese son for the sake of scoring political points. The Opposition has decided that the Minister must be discredited as they continue to use Guyana’s Parliament for victimisation, blackmail and harassment.

It is preposterous that the Opposition’s vile attacks target young and brilliant Guyanese like Dr Singh, Priya Manickchand, Irfaan Ally, and Dr Frank Anthony. One of their own, Vanessa Kissoon, would not follow the script, and they have given even her a taste of their nastiness.

With support from A Partnership for National

Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), Carl Greenidge has moved a motion to refer the Finance Minister to the Privileges Committee of Parliament.

Indeed, Minister Singh did the right thing in ensuring that the Government is able to pay for the development works and the regular services of Government.

The Minister did not violate the Constitution nor the Parliamentary Standing Orders.

Harassment and political stunts

The motion is intended to continue their brand of harassment and political stunts, designed to create deadlock and make Guyana ungovernable. In so doing, APNU and AFC have combined their votes to stymie development and hurt Guyanese citizens.

In the face of intimidation by the Opposition and having to decide in a manner that serves the welfare of the people, Minister Singh did the noble thing – he decided in the interest of the country.

When the Opposition voted a sum of zero for the Presidential Guard, what does the Government

do? Close down the Presidential Guard? This is not an option since one cannot have a President and no security. When the Finance Minister released money from the Consolidated Fund to pay for the Presidential Guard, he released money for a legitimate Government service.

The Opposition argues that the issue is not whether he released the mon-

ey from the Consolidated Fund for a legitimate Government service, but rather that the issue is he released money not voted and appropriated by the Parliament. Yet the Presidential Guard is a regular service and is paid out of the budget of the Presidential Secretariat.

In the circumstances, the Finance Minister must recognise that this is a legal expenditure that

has existed since independence. In cutting this expenditure, APNU and the AFC were being reckless and vindictive. The case is made here for the Presidential Guard, but the same kind of case can be made for all the other expenditures.

The Amerindian Fund was approved as a programme several years ago and budgets have previously been approved. The Government, therefore, must continue to serve the people and ensure that this important programme continues. It would be an abdication of the Government’s duty to end the programme.

Reckless withholding

The framers of the Constitution wanted to ensure that an Opposition did not act in any manner inimical to the welfare of Guyana through reckless withholding of funds to victimise the Government.

The Constitution created provisions that ensure when a Government requires additional funding for legitimate programmes and activities, they could use funds from the Consolidated Fund

through three means: supplementary budget requesting more money to implement certain programmes; contingency funds for emergency expenditure; or monies for which not enough or none were appropriated (statements of excess).

Minister Singh has utilised provisions in the Constitution that the framers of the Constitution envisaged in order to prevent anyone from recklessly stalling the machinery of Government.

These provisions in the Constitution are deliberate and seek to prevent reckless behaviour and political stunts like the ones being perpetuated in Guyana’s Parliament today. It demands reasonableness from all and forces compromise. Where the Opposition refuses to compromise and be reasonable, the Constitution allows Government to govern. This is what Minister Singh did – he acted responsibly as guided by the Constitution.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Young entrepreneurs taking marketing to the “next power”

Pioneering new innovative ideas and ingenious concepts to blow Guyana’s marketing industry out of its present stagnated waters was the idea that led to two young entrepreneurs, Christine Gooding and Akila Mancey establishing what is now known as Market Square (M²)

Both Gooding and Mancey have a wealth of experience in the fields of marketing, public relations and event coordination, and together they brainstormed the idea for the venture that they call Market Square M² (marketing to the second power.)

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Gooding explained that they plan to break away from the conventionalities that govern the marketing industry and plan to use social media as a major and fresh concepts as the platform for the advertising business.

“Two young entrepreneurs decided that Guyana has a need for marketing with exceptional bright, standout concepts and not just the regular,” said Gooding. Being a fairly new company, the executives maintained that they plan to established a whole different code of ethics and

challenge other major advertising agencies.

“If we have Digicel as a customer, then we won’t take any business from its competitor and that would be GT&T, until such time that Digicel no longer requires our services, will not work for GT&T,” explained Gooding during the interview with Guyana Times

The team focuses on varying aspects of marketing such as corporate brand building, rebranding, social media management, ad placement, public relation services, marketing consultancy and corporate event planning. All of which are offered through three different packages: premium, standard and basic.

Gooding explained that

Market Square has not limited their services to bigger companies in Guyana, but also cater to the marketing and advertising needs of smaller companies. She said small businesses are the driving force of the economy and more emphasis should be placed on them.

“Whatever your budget is, we will work with you and try to fulfill your needs as a company,” boasted Gooding.

Plan to expand

Being a fairly new company, the duo have their sights set on being one of the better companies in the marketing arena in a few years after which they plan to extend their business. Gooding articulated that hope exists for expansion not only in Guyana, but also sister Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries where she believes that the ideas for marketing strategies like those offered by the company are abundant.

But, what Gooding explained is that this process is already well underway with their current regional client being the Chutney Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, for whom they are planning a grand event to be

held in October of this year.

The young entrepreneurs said the only challenge they have encountered thus far since the establishment of their business operations, is the rush of clients they had in the beginning, stating that they did not expect such enthusiastic support.

But Gooding contended that the challenge was accepted and overcome, but opinioned that the company will be experiencing “growing pains” sooner rather than later.

The group has been vigorously working to ensure that clients understand that while the company is in its formative stage, the prospects for success are tremendous, given its framework, work ethic and small-dedicated team, all with one goal – success in modern marketing.

According to Gooding, there are many marketing agencies that command respect; however, they are not intimidated by these established marketing giants. She said that their “fresh” approach brings a different energy to the arena. They are introducing new concepts to Guyana, to give their clients an international taste of marketing.

Haags Bosch garbage site’s completion extended

The Local Government Ministry has announced a new date for the completion of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Project, located at the back of Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara.

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker told a media briefing on Friday that November 15 is the new revised date agreed upon between the Ministry and contractors.

According to the Minister, work is ongoing at the site and there has been significant improvement despite concerns over the pace of construction.

The project is divided into two parts, construction and operation. Whittaker explained that officers from the Ministry has visited the site and reported that much work has begun on the pump station and the drainage area of Cell Number One. As it relates to the operation aspect of the project, he stated that the contractor was asked to provide a plan.

The Minister added that residents have been complaining of the stench from the site, and as such, a team from the Ministry met with the contractors, who explained that the problem has to do with the level of compaction and cover of the cell in the area.

Nevertheless, the Local Government Ministry will be working closely with the contractors to address this problem.

The Government and the IDB entered a loan agreement to finance the

US$20 million Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Project. The agreement was signed in 2007; however, operations began in the latter part of 2011. The landfill facilitates garbage disposal from Georgetown and some 15 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

Over dumping In 2013, approximately 110,000 tonnes of waste was dumped at the Haags Bosch facility; some 50,000 tonnes more than what is intended. It was designed to process about 6000 tonnes of solid waste per month, but is receiving some 10,000 tonnes. This has caused of-

of a whopping US$436 803, which was highlighted in one of the local newspapers. He noted that the article is misleading as it did not explain the reason the vehicle was bought at such a costly price. He added too that the IDB, which is funding the purchase, has approved of the cost.

The Minister disclosed that the truck includes a 32-tonne chassis, double front and rear axles, hook equipment, auxiliary crane, 10 closed top containers, an open top container and spare parts. Additionally, the cost also included provisions for training of four staff members by the manufacturer.

ficials to pronounce that the facility would not last its intended 26 years timeline.

The IDB-funded project also saw several garbage bins and truck being procured and handed over to the various NDCs. On the issue of procurements, the Local Government Minister took the opportunity on Friday to justified his Ministry’s action regarding the purchase of a truck to the value

Whittaker added that these equipment are all brand new; contrary to the truck that was publish in the article, which only has a single axle in the front. He added that advertisements were placed and two companies submitted bids for the truck. The Minister further revealed that other bid had the truck chassis at some $90,000 more than what is currently being paid.

Works Ministry to pave sections of Bartica/Potaro Road

The Transport and Public Works Ministry has signalled its intention to pave sections of the Bartica/ Potaro Road following protests by bus drivers and residents last week.

Heavy traffic and the inclement weather have resulted in the rapid deterioration of the laterite road, sparking protest action by the United Minibus Union, Bartica Branch over the past week. Sections of the road stretching from Bartica to Five Miles Housing Scheme, Potaro Road are nearly impassable due to huge potholes.

According to reports, a team of engineers from the Public Works Ministry held discussions with the Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford on Thursday after assessing the stretch of road. During that meeting, the Public Works Ministry disclosed that that section of the road will be rehabilitated using asphalt.

Subsequently, on Friday, the Regional Chairman

convened a meeting at the Regional Democratic Office (RDC) with representatives of the United Minibus Union, Bartica Branch, including the Chairman Keith Blair, Godfrey Marshall, and General President of the Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) Micah Williams.

According to Williams, while the United Minibus Union was informed that the bad stretch of road will be converted to an asphaltic surface, a commencement date has not been given due to continuous downpours.

However, the Public Works Ministry has reportedly agreed to start sending the requisite equipment to Bartica, not only to repair the road but also to rehabilitate the poor drains in the affected area. Once the rain eases, works could commence within weeks.

“We are happy that the Government now decides to get their act together by using the asphalt surface to resurface the Potaro, the BUYDG are confident

that Government is making the right move in a positive and productive direction,” Williams told Guyana Times While expressing appreciation for the commitment made thus far by the Public Works Ministry, the United Minibus Union advocated for the Bartica/Potaro road from One Mile to the Sherima Crossing to be reconstructed into a heavyduty all-weather highway/ asphalt surface road. Additionally, the Union is calling for the Government to place solid-concrete drains on both sides of the road and culverts at convenient points, along with the installation of street lights.

It said a committee comprising representatives from the United Minibus Union, BUYDG, the Regional Democratic Council and other interest groups should be established to ensure there is proper accountability and transparency for the execution of the road works, as per contract.

ID cards for NY Caribbean immigrants

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed legislation to create a municipal identification card for Caribbean and other immigrants living in the city, including undocumented persons.

“Even for those who already have IDs, we’re going to make sure that this card brings a lot to the equation, a lot of benefits that will go with it,” said de Blasio, whose wife, Chirlane, traces her roots to Barbados. “But for those who don’t have ID, it’s going to be crucial,” he said when signing on to the new law Thursday.

The municipal identification card is meant to ease access to New York City services for illegal immigrants and others. When rolled out in early 2015, the city’s ID system will be the largest programme of its kind in the US, offering a photo identification card with less stringent documentation standards than driver’s licences or state IDs.

Cities such as New Haven, Connecticut; Los Angeles; San Francisco; and Oakland, California have launched similar programmes.

De Blasio has made the ID card one of his signature initiatives, saying reliable identification is necessary to make the city’s libraries, schools and other core services more accessible to groups such as illegal immigrants, homeless New Yorkers, and transgender people.

As he signed the legislation, de Blasio said a lack of ID has made life difficult for the city’s estimated half-million illegal immigrants. “We are going to change that, once and for all,” he said.

Calling New York “a beacon of hope and inclusion”,

the Mayor said the city ID would serve as a national example on immigration reform, “since we so often can’t depend on our federal Government”.

But launching the programme successfully could be tricky.

City officials are pushing large banks to allow the cards to be used to open accounts, making it useful to illegal immigrants who often do not have accounts and are sometimes targeted by criminals because they tend to carry large amounts of cash. Michael Smith, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

of the New York Bankers Association, said the ID programme would have to meet federal criteria meant to prevent fraud and terrorism in order for banks to accept the card. For example, a non-US citizen must provide documents such as a tax ID number, a passport number, an alien ID card number and an unexpired photo ID from his or her country of origin.

“These regulations are stringently enforced,” Smith said.

Smith said his group has met with the de Blasio Administration and that banks are willing to work with the city to make sure

the ID satisfies the requirements. City officials said they had yet to finalise the list of documents needed to apply for the ID. They have said it is likely to include documents like a utility bill, or a document stating the person has a child enrolled in public school, and a kind of photo-identification such as a foreign passport.

A spokeswoman for de Blasio said the municipal ID would meet the federal rules, saying the city would not accept expired documents, for example, and would provide a unique number for each card holder. Another concern is making sure the IDs are widely adopted, so they do not become an indicator of immigration status.

Could backfire

The New York Civil Liberties Union declined to back the final version of the bill passed by the City Council last month, saying it could backfire – leaving illegal immigrants’ personal information accessible to law enforcement.

“While the ID will likely have great benefits for many New Yorkers, it is ultimately

an invitation to gamble with the stakes as high as prosecution or even deportation,” said Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

De

Blasio Administration officials said those concerns are overblown. “It’s not going to be a card that’s a telltale sign of immigration status,” said Nisha Agarwal, the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, which is rolling out the programme. “The information is going to be very secure.”

Agarwal said the programme will be run by the Human Resources Administration, the agency that handles the city’s welfare caseload and the sensitive personal information needed to get public benefits.

Among the safeguards is a requirement that the information submitted in applications for the ID must be destroyed after two years, for example. City officials said law enforcement agencies would be able obtain the information only with a court order. (Wall

West Indies legends declare long-term support for Limacol CPL

West Indies cricketing knights, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Viv Richards, have today confirmed their longterm support for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, after being appointed to the Senior Management Team. Sir Viv has been appointed as Performance Director, and Sir Garfield assumes the role of CPL Brand Ambassador.

Sir Garfield and Sir Viv are widely regarded as two of the greatest cricketers of all time, and their support speaks volumes for the success of the CPL, which began its second season with a thrilling opening weekend in Grenada, which saw wins for Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Red Steel, and the Jamaica Tallawahs, for whom, Chris Gayle scored the first ever CPL century.

Dubbed ‘The Biggest Party in Sport’, CPL thrilled sell-out crowds across the Caribbean in 2013. The tournament is set to be even bigger and better this year, with global stars including Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor, Kevin Pietersen, Sunil Narine, Shoaib Malik and Marlon Samuels among the world class cricketers on show.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said: “The support of these two giants of the game is a ringing endorsement for the CPL. The opening weekend showed we’re going from strength to strength, and we will benefit hugely from the vast cricketing expertise that Sir Viv and Sir Garfield will bring.” Sir Garfield Sobers, CPL

Brand Ambassador, said:

“I’m proud to be associated with the CPL, ahead of what promises to be a thrilling 2014 tournament. The CPL has been absolutely fantastic for cricket in the Caribbean, and this year’s tournament looks set to win even more fans across the region, and around the world.”

Sir Viv Richards, Performance Director, CPL said: “I’ve seen first hand the benefits the CPL has had on the Caribbean. Up and coming youngsters get the chance to play with and against some of the best players in the world, and the next generation of cricketers can cheer on their heroes in packed stadiums. 2014 is going to be even bigger and better than last year, so the future is bright for the CPL.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League runs from 11th July to 16th August, with 30 matches taking place over 37 days. In addition, the final week of the tournament, in St. Kitts and Nevis, will host Beefy’s Bash, an all-star charity match featuring Sir Ian Botham, Brian Lara and Piers Morgan, as well as a concert by hip-hop megastar, Rick Ross.

By TreisTon Joseph

Kwakwani Secondary dismantled the University of Guyana (UG) 62-24 for a berth in the final of the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) on Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. From the get go, UG seemed lifeless as if they knew they had no chance against Kwakwani who

scored at will by pushing the pace of the ball after every rebound or steal.

Shafeeq Thomas rained threes for his 19 points, while grabbing 10 boards in a double-double performance. Stanton Rose also played well for 13 points, while the big man down low Leonard Primo put in eight points but had a game-high 19 rebounds.

Plaisance Academy

made it to the final for the first time in the history of the tournament, defeating New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) in a thriller of a game that ended 47-46. NATI was up with a comfortable 10-point lead going into the last 18 minutes of the game, but lost focus and simply could not hold on to the basketball. Plaisance kept disrupting NATI’s offence with their full-court

pressure resulting in a number of steals as Plaisance found themselves up one with 24 seconds to play and held the basketball for the win.

Kelvin Yorrick dropped double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Terrence Daniels had 14 points and a game-high eight steals. Edmar Semple was the high-point man for NATI with 11 points and 15

rebounds in the losing effort.

In the Under-14 category, Marian Academy trounced St Roses 34-13 to make it to the final of the tournament. Jahleel Young carried the load for Marian with a game-high 16 points and 13 rebounds for the double-double effort.

Meanwhile, Kwakwani will meet Marian Academy in the final of the Under-14 category following a walk-

over victory against St Stanislaus College. In the only female game of the day, Kwakwani Secondary humiliated St Stanislaus College 32-0 as Makeda Rogers scored 10 points in the win. The NABF is sponsored by Digicel, Banks DIH and Beharry Group of Companies.

Germany beat Argentina to secure fourth World Cup title

Germany were crowned world champions for the fourth time as Mario Gotze’s extratime winner beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.

Gotze demonstrated perfect technique and commendable calm to chest down Andre Schurrle’s pass and sweep in a left-foot finish with the prospect of a penalty shootout only seven minutes away.

Argentina, with skipper Lionel Messi looking subdued despite flashes of his talent, could not respond and Germany claimed their first World Cup since they beat the same opponents in Rome 24 years ago.

The success means Joachim Low’s side have become the first European team to win the trophy in South America.

Gonzalo Higuain wasted Argentina’s best chance in the first half while Germany defender Benedikt Howedes hit the post with a header seconds before half-time.

Germany had to regroup after losing key midfielder Sami Khedira to injury in the warm-up - and his replacement Christoph Kramer to a blow to the head before half-time - but they shrugged off these setbacks to write another triumphant chapter in their sporting history.

Argentina’s fans were in the vast majority of a crowd that created a vibrant atmosphere inside the Maracana - although Germany were well represented and had

the support of many yellowclad Brazil supporters who still turned up despite seeing their hopes of watching the hosts in the World Cup final dashed by that stunning semi-final beating at the hands of Germany.

German supporters stayed in their places more than an hour after the final whistle as the victorious side indulged in lengthy celebrations of a win that vindicated the rebuilding plan put in place when they suffered the humiliation of going out of Euro 2004 at the group stage, which resulted in then coach Rudi Voller’s resignation.

Germany had reached the semi-finals of the previous two World Cups but have now managed the crowning

James Rodriguez wins Golden Boot

olombia forward

CJames Rodriguez won the Golden Boot for finishing as the top scorer at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. The 23-year-old, who plays for Monaco, scored six goals in five matches as his side reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to hosts Brazil.

Rodriguez finished ahead of Germany forward Thomas Muller, who netted five goals as his side won the tournament. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player, was in a tie for third. His four goals were matched by Brazil striker Neymar and Netherlands forward Robin van Persie. Rodriguez’s goals helped Colombia progress further than they had before at a World Cup.

He scored against Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan as they topped Group C before netting twice, one a sublime volley, during the 2-0 last-

16 win against Uruguay. Rodriguez’s final goal was a late consolation from the penalty spot as Colombia lost 2-1 to Brazil.

Germany’s Manuel Neuer, 28, won the Golden Glove awarded to the best goalkeeper at the tournament, while France’s 21-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba won the best young player prize.

achievement for coach Low, who not only brought the trophy back to Germany, but also ended Europe’s grim record in this tournament on South American soil.

Argentina failed to have a shot on target in the entire game and four-time world player of the year Messi looked an increasingly jaded figure as the game went on.

The Barcelona star never stopped striving to carry his team over the line in the manner achieved by his great predecessor Diego Maradona, who inspired them to their last World Cup when they beat Germany in Mexico City in 1986.

For Germany this completes the transition for a group of emerging players such as Golden Glove winner

Muller,

Kroos and even the injured

After destroying hosts Brazil 7-1 in Tuesday’s semifinal in Belo Horizonte, this was a game that required different qualities such as resilience and concentration - but Germany were never found wanting and their ecstatic celebrations at the end were in contrast to the tears of the Argentines.

And ominously, 22-yearold match-winner Gotze symbolises the next generation of Germany players that coach Low declared would dominate for years to come when he addressed the media 24 hours before this final.

For now, though, they have another World Cup to celebrate and while it may not have been the extravaganza many hoped would crown this thrilling tournament, Germany are worthy winners.

Argentina, with Messi’s speed and sleight of foot posing problems for the previously untroubled Hummels in the early phases, had the game’s first big opportunity courtesy of Toni Kroos’ error.

The Bayern Munich midfielder delivered a misplaced header that sent Higuain clear on goal but the striker did not live up to his elevated reputation with a horrible miscued finish that did not trouble Neuer.

Higuain had the ball in the net soon after from

Ezequiel Lavezzi’s cross but he was clearly offside - although his prolonged celebration suggested he thought differently.

As Argentina continued to trouble the German defence, it needed a crucial clearance from Jerome Boateng on the goalline as Messi pulled the ball back for his inrushing colleagues. It was not all Argentina though, and keeper Sergio Romero made a fine save from substitute Schurrleon for Kramer - a stop made even better as Ozil ducked right in front of the unsighted keeper as the shot came in.

The closest either side came to a goal was right on half-time, when Howedes crashed Kroos’ corner against the post with Romero beaten.

Messi had been threatening and he almost put Argentina ahead seconds after the break, only to pull a poor finish across goal with his normally lethal left foot.

As the final entered the closing 10 minutes, Kroos had Germany’s clearest opening for some time but he sent a sidefoot finish off target after Ozil had laid the ball invitingly into his path. So it was extra time - and while Rodrigo Palacio was off target when he lofted a finish over Neuer - Gotze showed class and composure to decide an increasingly attritional game with the final flourish of quality this Fifa World Cup in Brazil fully deserved as its conclusion.

lionel messi deserved World cup golden Ball - alejandro sabella

Argentina’s Lionel Messi deserved to be named as the best player at the World Cup despite their 1-0 final defeat by Germany, said coach Alejandro Sabella. Messi, 27, won the Golden Ball after scoring four goals in Brazil, but was subdued in Sunday’s final in Rio.

Former England captain Gary Lineker was disappointed by the Barcelona forward’s performances during the tournament. Sabella said Messi’s award was “very deserved”, adding: “He played a great World Cup to get us where he did.”

All of Messi’s goals at

the 2014 Fifa World Cup came during the group stage, with a double against Nigeria following goals against Bosnia-Hercegovina and Iran.

But the four-time world player of the year failed to score in the knockout stages, and he and Gonzalo Higuain were guilty of be-

ing wasteful as Germany triumphed 1-0 in extra time to win the tournament. “I’m not sure we saw the best of Messi,” said Match Of The Day presenter Lineker. “In the final he was largely suppressed.”

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand added: “Messi did some fantastic things but he wasn’t doing it consistently.”

But Sabella said Messi was “a fundamental factor for where we ended up”. The 59-year-old added he was proud of his players, and admitted they had paid the price for missing chances.

Mario Gotze scored the only goal of Sunday’s final, volleying home with seven minutes of extra time remaining. “Beyond the pain of the defeat in the final they can look themselves in the eyes and say they gave everything for Argentina,” Sabella said.

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England and India draw first Test

India survived a scare to draw the first Test at Trent Bridge and extend England’s winless run to nine matches. England raised their hopes of victory by taking three quick wickets on the final morning to reduce India to 184-6 - a lead of just 145.

But debutant Stuart Binny’s composed 78 steered the tourists away from danger, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (63 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (31) also making key contributions as India reached 391-9 declared - 252 in front.

As Alastair Cook rotated his part-time bowlers in the final hour, the game ended in comical scenes as the captain claimed his first Test wicket by having Ishant Sharma caught down the leg side before wheeling off in celebration.

England’s run without a win - dating back to the draw at The Oval in the final Ashes Test in August 2013 - is their longest since 1992-93, while India have now gone 15 away Tests without victory. However, beleaguered captain Cook will take comfort from the way his team recovered their poise to give themselves an outside chance of victory on a largely lifeless pitch.

In a match that featured two century partnerships for the final wicket for the first time, India held the upper hand when they reduced England to 202-7 on day three in reply to 457. But an astonishing Test record stand of 198 between Joe Root and James Anderson gave England an unlikely lead and provided a platform for the hosts to put India under pressure on the final day.

Resuming on 167-3 on Sunday, 128 ahead, India

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were put under pressure as Anderson and Broad found some reverse swing on an overcast morning. Broad trapped Virat Kohli lbw for eight with a full, inswinging delivery in the second over of the day, and struck again in his next over when he drew a nick from Ajinkya Rahane through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

A pitch that for four days had done nothing to assist the bowlers suddenly appeared a minefield: the ball fizzing and spitting at angles and beating the bat regularly. With Ravindra Jadeja missing more often than he hit, it was at the other end where England almost broke through. Anderson found the edge of Dhoni’s bat but Cook put down a simple waist-high catch at first slip. Liam Plunkett spared his captain’s blushes with his first ball as a full, fast and straight delivery brushed off Dhoni’s pads and smashed into his stumps.

With England in the ascendancy, India needed an innings of substance and Binny obliged. Showing character and courage, the son of India’s 1983 World Cup final hero Roger Binny eschewed risk as he accu-

mulated steadily and occasionally penetrated England’s attacking fields with cuts and drives. He added a crucial 91 for the seventh wicket with Jadeja, whose frenetic innings was ended by the new ball when he nicked an away swinger from Anderson through to Prior.

For the second time in the match, Kumar belied his position in the batting order to frustrate the hosts.

Cook accepted the game was up and withdrew his fast bowlers from the firing line, no doubt mindful of the second Test at Lord’s starting on Thursday, for which England have recalled Lancashire left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan a year after his chastening debut. Binny was denied a debut hundred when he was lbw to Moeen Ali, but Kumar batted on to the close. As the match meandered to its inevitable conclusion, there was time for frivolity as Gary Ballance bowled an over of highly credible legspin in between two hilarious overs from Cook. In the second, a long-hop down the leg side was flicked into Prior’s gloves by Ishant to provide a light-hearted end to the match.

SCOREBOARD

Brazil Fa decide my future – luiz Felipe Scolari

Luiz Felipe Scolari says he will leave the decision as to whether he continues as Brazil manager to the president of the country’s football association. Brazil’s World Cup ended in a 3-0 defeat by Netherlands in Saturday’s third place play-off, four days on from their 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany.

Scolari’s contract expires with the end of Brazil’s campaign but it has been suggested he could stay on. “It is up to the president to decide,” said Scolari.

“We agreed before this tournament that we would give our positions at the end of the World Cup,” the 65-year-old added. “I will finish my report and the president and the board will analyse it and do as they wish.”

Scolari led Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002 but his name was greeted with jeers as the Brazil

team were announced to the crowd before their match against Netherlands in Brasilia.

As the game progressed and Netherlands’ grasp on the game tightened, fans continued to express their anger at the manager, who was booed every time he appeared on the stadium’s big screen.

Prior to Tuesday’s semifinal against Germany, Brazil had not lost a competitive fixture at home for

end

39 years, but deprived of their star forward Neymar through injury, they were soundly beaten. Scolari described that game as the “worst day” of his life, as his team’s hopes of winning what would have been a record sixth World Cup title on home soil were extinguished.

Saturday’s defeat by Netherlands means it is the first time since 1940 that Brazil have lost consecutive matches at home.

Digicel Schools Football Tournament…

Santa Rosa Secondary reach semis in thriller

Region One champions Santa Rosa Secondary School (SRSS) had to dig deep in front of their home crowd to secure themselves a place in the Region One zone semifinal of the Digicel Schools

Football Tournament at the Kumacka Playfield in Moruca, Region One, on Saturday.

The scores were level at 1-1 halftime in the game against North West Secondary School and they

were then trailing 1-3 but the defending champions showed resilience to net two goals in the last ten minutes of the game to send their home fans in a frenzy and the team into the semi-finals of the com-

41st Ballot Martyrs 55-mile cycle road race…

Greaves attacked but DeNobrega resisted

Alonzo Greaves was probably the favourite but it seemed Paul DeNobrega wanted it the most as he dug deep to win the National Sports Commission (NSC) BallotBox Martyrs 55-mile Cycle Road Race on Sunday.

Greaves, who recently returned from a training stint in the United States of America, was determined to stamp his authority but was reeled in during the closing stages.

The overseas-based rider clocked two hours, 12 minutes, 50.40 seconds in winning the Chris Jagdeo sponsored event that started from the People Progressive Party (PPP) Freedom House New Amsterdam, Berbice headquarters, headed up the Corentyne Highway, and turned back at the Corriverton Police Station to finish at Number 63 Village.

DeNobrega made a surge for home and not even the experience of Greaves was enough for a comeback as he had to settle for second.

Christopher Holder

placed third, Michael

veteran’s category. In the female category, Marcia Dick was strong enough to emerge the winner.

petition.

The game boiled down to penalty kicks and Imran James saved two of the opposition kicks to gain hero status and a semi-final place for his team.

Santa Rosa Secondary now play Wauna Secondary in the semi-final on Monday. Wauna Secondary defeated Warimuri Secondary 4-0 on

Sunday at the same venue on Sunday.

Port Kaituma Secondary beat Kamwatta Secondary 3-nil to secure a final berth and await the winner of the game between SRSS and Wauna Secondary.

The final is billed for Tuesday.

Tony Martin wins Tour de France stage

– Gallopin leads race

Tony Martin raced to a solo victory on stage nine of the Tour de France as Tony Gallopin took over the race lead.

Germany’s three-time world time trial champion Martin was in an early break with Alessandro di Marchi but rode clear 50km from the finish in Mulhouse.

France’s Gallopin finished in a group two minutes, 45 seconds back to take the yellow jersey from Vincenzo Nibali, who had led since winning stage two.

Olympic great Ian Thorpe says he is gay

Five-time Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe has revealed he is gay in an interview on Australian television. The 31-yearold told British journalist Sir Michael Parkinson on Channel 10: “I’ve thought about this for a long time. I’m not straight.”

Thorpe had previously denied he was gay and wrote in his 2012 autobiography ‘This Is Me’ that he was heterosexual.

Australia’s most decorated swimmer has suffered from depression and was in rehab earlier in the year. In an emotional interview, Thorpe said he had only

become comfortable in the last fortnight about talking openly to close friends about his sexuality. He made his Olympic Games debut in Sydney in

Guyana Amazon Warriors return!

– first of three home games begins on Thursday

The Warriors touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Saturday evening to begin preparation for their home games on the 17th, 19th and 20th at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

The Guyana Amazon

ing spell meant last year’s CPL runners-up faced a modest target of 137. Guyana lost three wickets for two runs in six balls late in the chase but eventually eased across the line with three balls to spare.

Guyana captain Denesh Ramdin was named Man of the Match for his 51 off 36

Warriors laid forth their intentions to get back to the CPL final with a two-wicket win over Antigua Hawksbills on Friday afternoon in the opening match of the League in Grenada.

The slim final margin belied the true disparity between the sides after Sunil Narine’s near flawless bowl-

balls, but Narine was arguably the standout performer on the day. He returned sensational figures of 4-1-3-0 to tie a record for the fewest runs conceded in a four-over T20 spell. The mark is shared by two others including Shoaib Malik for Barbados Tridents in CPL 2013, also made against Antigua.