Guyana Times Daily - June 15, 2015

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Issue No. 2524

Monday, June 15, 2015

Page 13

…Goolsarran to audit NICIL; Ram GGMC, Gold Board

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Rice farmers P2 urge restructuring of GRDB ...say millers owe hundreds of farmers since March Enmore Martyrs Day

Murder toll climbs to 75 …with Goed Intent killing

P17

Page 2

Granger’s US trip was private

PPP/C plans rally, wreath laying P7 ceremony

Page 3

Mazaruni hydro project

Venezuela had blocked Brazilian firm from carrying P7 out studies

...returns home after skipping NY Victory Parade Singer Eddie Neblett performs “Love and Unity” as Government Ministers Raphael Trotman and Cathy Hughes dance during the coalition’s victory rally and parade in New York on Sunday

Ali rubbishes KN’s scrap metal story

...says operation of Unit above board

Page 10

Police look to rein in wayward youth as P9 part of anti-crime strategy 9 charged, 16 warned P12 over littering

2 news

monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Murder toll climbs to 75 Trio released on bail Murder of Hamson's owner

…with Goed Intent killing

Ramesh Puran

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he murder rate in Guyana has now increased by one to 75 for the year with the recent murder of a Goed Intent man who died two days after being involved in a fight with another man at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Wesley Douglas, 47, of Goed Intent, WBD, succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to information received, the now dead man and a group of men were imbibing at a rum shop in Canal Number One Polder when an

argument broke out. During the argument, he and another man ended up in a scuffle and he was punched to his face.

As a result of the punch he received, he reportedly fell to the ground hitting his head. He was picked up and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was a patient until his demise on Sunday morning.

Guyana Times understands that Douglas might have suffered severe head injuries, since he was bleeding through his nostrils on the night he was admitted to the hospital.

The suspect, Arlington Rodney, 43, of Parfaite Harmonie, WBD, has since been arrested and is expected to be charged with murder.

A Police rank told Guyana Times that the suspect told investigators that he and the now deceased man had an issue and he fell to the ground where he hit himself, but eyewitnesses confirmed that the two men were involved in a scuffle whereby the suspect punched the man to his head.

Investigators were up to Sunday preparing the file on the matter to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will provide her legal advice.

Douglas’s body is at the Georgetown Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

On Friday, the Police stated that murders were up

Sherwin Barrow

by 12 per cent with 66 murders being committed at the end of May 2015. Of this total, 23 were committed in A Division (Georgetown) followed by 12 in C Division (East Coast Demerara) and 10 in F Division (Interior lo-

cations). Nine were recorded in B Division (Berbice) while four each were recorded in D (West Demerara); E (Region 10); and G (Essequibo CoastIslands) Divisions.

Of the 66 murders committed, five persons were killed execution style while 10 died as a result of robberies, eight from domestic disputes, 17 as a result of mysterious circumstances, and a whopping 25 deaths were deemed disorderly – a 79 per cent increase from last year.

The Police also disclosed that eight murders were recorded up to the 11th day of June.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing in the cases of several matters including that of Sherwin Barrow, 19, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown who was shot dead during an argument with two men at Warlock, East Ruimveldt, on May 6, 2015.

Also, six men were arrested and questioned for the murder of Ramesh Puran of Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice who was fatally shot during an armed robbery at his home on May 14, 2015.

They were all released as Police continue their investigations.

T

he reputed wife of Farouk Ghanie and the two men who were arrested on Wednesday last for the murder of the Hamson’s General Store owner have been released on bail as Police conduct further investigations.

A senior Police rank told Guyana Times that the trio were released on bail on Saturday after the 72hour detention period had expired, but they were instructed to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters today for further grilling on the murder of the businessman.

The source further stated that they have evidence to build a strong case against the three people, but additional information was required after which the file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The three people were initially taken into custody, but were released; however, after several pieces of evidence surfaced, they were rearrested.

The woman who was only identified as Vanessa, however, is maintaining her innocence claiming that it was she who found Ghanie lying at the back of the house after she went over to his house since he had refused to take her calls.

She claimed that there was

no sign of forced entry and the person (s) who committed the murder must have been known to the dogs.

Ghanie was found dead at his Lot 97 Collingwood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home with two stab wounds to his chest on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

The father of four was last seen dropping off a worker in Georgetown before heading home.

Neighbours claimed that they did not see any strange movements or heard any unusual sound, except that the man’s house was in darkness the night before he was discovered. At that time, they thought that Ghanie was out of the country.

Upon the discovery, his brother, Fizal Hamid, explained that he received a call from the man’s girlfriend with the news. He concluded that the murderer had to be someone who was familiar with the man’s premises and dogs.

Hamid also stated that his now dead brother did not have any enemies and was not sure who would want to kill him in such a brutal manner. There were broken pieces of items on the ground in the area where the businessman was found which indicated that he put up a fight.

Rice farmers urge restructuring of GRDB ...say millers owe hundreds of farmers since March

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aying that hundreds of them have not been paid for paddy supplied to millers, Region Two (Supenaam-Pomeroon) rice farmers are calling for a radical restructuring of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), while urging the new Administration to seek out new markets for Guyana’s rice.

The farmers are also urging the new Administration to avoid a repeat of what occurred under the PetroCaribe Fund, under the previous Government.

Last week, it was revealed that money from the fund was used on other projects.

Naithram (only name), Tage Shewcharran, Bhim Singh and Karan Chand of the Essequibo Paddy Farmers Association made the comments during an interview aired live on the National Communications Network Sunday.

Naithram observed that hundreds of farmers on the Essequibo Coast have not been paid since March which has seen them going to the bank to continue their business, which is not the best way out. Shewcharran observed that former President Bharat Jagdeo had promised that the funds would have been filtered down directly to the farmers. The farmers stated that the Fund never

The farmers called for a national oversight committee to be set up for rice farmers

worked for them, and called for a better system to be put in place in wake of the failure of the Fund.

Naithram expressed hope that Government would step in and help the rice farmers.

He asked for a special revolving fund to be set up which was what the PetroCaribe Fund should have been, so they could be paid on time.

On June 11, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced that the Fund was empty and that US$15 million was needed to pay rice farmers. The PetroCaribe Fund was set up as part of Guyana’s arrangement with Venezuela, to pay local famers supplying rice to the neighbouring country under a concessionary fuel supply agreement. Thus far, the Fund should have contained

sums amounting to hundreds of millions of US dollars.

However, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in a statement said that contrary to Harmon no money whatsoever is missing from the PetroCaribe Fund, and even if it was that the Fund has a limited balance, that does not mean in any way that any money is missing from it.“As his colleague in the Finance Ministry can no doubt tell him, detailed records exist and can be made public on every single inflow into the Fund and every single outflow from the Fund, and these details will account fully for the operations of the Fund and can withstand any degree of scrutiny. Put simply, monies are deposited into the Fund when Guyana imports

oil from Venezuela under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

Those monies are managed by the Bank of Guyana. The monies are utilised for only two purposes. Firstly, to fund projects that are included in the national budget and submitted to Parliament for approval,” the Party said.

Reform of GRDB

Meanwhile, in calling for the reform of the GRDB and the removal of its head, Naithram said: “I am appealing to the Minister and the new Government that the GRDB Board must go.”

Naithram contended that the GRDB was working for millers and short-changing the farmers, on a number of issues including paddy prices, in terms of fertilisers and the grading of the paddy.

“You have transactions going on between members of the Board with some individual millers, whereby those on the Board are having drawback from the millers,” he alleged.

The farmers noted that millers purchase the paddy and then sell it to overseas markets and give the farmers a pittance.

The grading system law is broken by all the millers without penalties being administered, the farmers also said. Shewcharran noted that “all the millers break the law but nobody telling them anything. When you cut your paddy and carry it to the mill, you cannot talk for your rights, you get victimised …the grading system they are not implementing the law, even in the weight, even in the moisture and they are taking advantage over farmers and all GRDB telling us is that they gon look into it.”

The rice farmers also noted their concerns with the functioning and management of the drainage system on the coast, which they noted were pointed out to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder when he recently visited the region to conduct an assessment of the system.

They noted that the present pumps and Hymacs that are not functioning were operating before the National

Elections, and labelled this a move to sabotage the new Government. This deeply affected the farmers and the region should be held responsible for the issue, the farmers said. “…the Chairman, and the REO, amount of money have been given to them to pay workers, buy fuel and see these things operational, but the persons them who suppose to work this pumps, they do not go. The excavator is Government excavator… and they were given to private person,” Shewcharran explained.

The farmers called for the new Administration to have a better system in place, whereby not only the system would be more effective but will truly represent farmers. To this end, the farmers called for a national oversight committee to be set up for rice farmers of the country. They noted that for the oversight committee, the voice of the farmers must be heard with their inclusion on the committee. The reform of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) was also raised. Rice production this crop is expected to increase significantly and markets need to be sought, apart from Venezuela, from which the famers could benefit, they added.

news

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monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June, 15 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, June 16 – 05:00h-06:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June, 15 – 15:55h-17:25h and Tuesday, June 16 – 16:40h-18:10h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

Granger’s US trip was private ...returns home after skipping NY Victory Parade

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected in the morning and in the mid-afternoon, while heavy rainfall is expected late in the afternoon.

Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 03:15h and 15:45h reaching maximum heights of 2.67 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:10h and 21:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

President David Granger

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resident David Granger returned to Guyana Sunday afternoon following a short private trip to the United States.

It was widely speculated that President Granger had abruptly flown out to the US on Friday to be part of a Victory Parade and rally held in New York on Sunday, however, he was a no show at the event which commenced around 11:00h and by 15:30h he was back home.

It is unclear what the nature of the President’s trip was. On Friday when it was announced that the President had left the country there were no details.

However, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo writing on his Facebook page said “This morning our President

David Granger left for the USA on a private visit, and he appointed me to perform his functions until his return shortly.”

Speculations on Sunday were rife that the President had gone to the US for a medical check-up, however this could not be confirmed. Since being sworn in, Granger has had a hectic schedule swearing in ministers and attending several functions including his Independence Day inauguration and last week’s opening of Parliament.

Granger was elected and sworn in as the 8th Executive President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Head of State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. He is also the Leader of the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government elected on May 11, 2015. He is a graduate of the University of Guyana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees; the University of the West Indies, where he received his post-graduate Diploma in International Relations; and the University of Maryland, where he was a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow. He also attended the Urban Policy Development Workshop at the University of California, Los Angeles;

the Defense Planning and Resource Management course at the National Defense University, Washington DC; and the Counter-Terrorism Educators’ Workshop at the Joint Special Operations,

Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil, and the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria. He was a member of several defence and security agencies. He held the chairmanship of the Central Intelligence Committee; co-

President David Granger greeting Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo before he departed Guyana on Friday

University, Florida, USA. Brigadier Granger is a former Commander of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and National Security Adviser to President Hoyte. He received his military training at the Mons Officer Cadet School, and the School of Infantry in the United Kingdom; the Jungle

chairmanship of the Border and National Security Committee; and was a member of the Guyana Defence Board, National Drug Law Enforcement Committee, and the Disciplined Forces Commission. David Granger has served in several public organisations.

More city businesses join in cleanup campaign Flexton Slowe, the event coordinator, mentioned that the company has been involved in many community projects around Georgetown and will continue to do so as the need persists. The group had recently made several donations to the University

saturday, june 13, 2015

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Daily Millions Volunteers and members of GyM cleaning near the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry in Quamina Street

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rana and Montero (GyM), in collaboration with members of the Real Value Supermarket, JAPARTS and some eager volunteers on Sunday, made their contribution to the cleaning up of the city.

GyM Project Manager Max Scott stated that the company was committed to supporting the communities in which they operate.

He also mentioned that he was happy about the many persons who willingly came out to support the initiative and urged others to join the effort for the betterment of the country.

of Guyana, Vector Control Services and the East Bank Cricket Board, all of which they believed help to mould Guyana into a better country, and assured the country that there was much more to come.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, june 15, 2015

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Rodney COI

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he Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Dr Walter Rodney, which began its hearings at the end of April 2014, has been told by the new Government that it can only conduct one additional sitting and then it will have one month to present a summary of its findings.

We find this to be a rather peremptory action in view of the very grave matter it was constituted to investigate. In our estimation, the COI at least should have been asked as to how many more witnesses it intended to summon and how many days would they take to complete their testimonies.

As it is, a killing than has troubled large swathes of local and international observers would still be left hanging in the air - now with accusations that this was because of the premature end to the Inquiry.

Especially since the call for the end of the life of the COI was made by the Attorney General who represented the People’s National Congress (PNC) in front of the Commission.

And the latter party, which is the major partner in the new government, had vehemently opposed the very establishment of the COI. One question that has been raised, inter alia, was whether other members of the governing coalition, notably the Working People’s Alliance WPA), of which Dr Rodney was a leading member, and the National Front Alliance (NFA) whose leader Keith Scott is the brother-in-law of Rodney, were consulted on the decision.

For decades, the WPA, especially, has been fighting for closure on the death of the world famous historian, whose life was snuffed out through a bomb blast that literally blew away his face.

At that time, the WPA had presented the most formidable opposition to the the PNC regime, which was widely accused of holding on to power through electoral manipulations.

The WPA had directly accused the PNC of orchestrating the “assassination” of its leader through the agency of one Gregory Smith, a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Ironically, the WPA’s threat to the government was supposed to have been because it had infiltrated the GDF, one of the pillars of the regime.

Another question that has arisen is that since under the Cummingsburd Accord - forming the bass for the coalition between the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) - the Prime Minister is in charge of “domestic national affairs”, did the incumbent Moses Nagamootoo, in fact, make the decision to end the Rodney COI - a most critical “domestic national affair”. Nagamootoo had long emphasised his affinity with Dr Rodney when the latter was alive, and had also taken an aggressive stance in calls for an inquiry into his death.

The PNC, and several other individuals had expressed concerns that the COI, requested by the family of Dr Rodney, would have been used more to “embarrass” the PNC (via the APNU) during the lead-up to general elections.

However, this would have been true no matter when the Inquiry was held, since over the years there had been very damaging information revealed about some of the claims made by the PNC when the incident originally occurred. As a matter of fact, the PPPC has proposed a motion on the subject in Parliament in 2005, but the COI agreement petered out when the 2006 elections was scheduled.

All in all, we would like to reiterate that by taking the lead to end the Rodney COI so abruptly, the PNC through APNU is doing a disservice to its present efforts to present a “new face” to the people of Guyana.

Guyana has moved far from 1980 not just chronologically, but in terms of its ethos and indeed its Geist. No matter what the verdict, the people of Guyana are mature enough to deal with it maturely.

That verdict of the Rodney COI should not be stillborn.

Visitors and journalists jostle to capture the unveiling of a restored 800-year-old Buddhist statue in China this past weekend (Euronews)

PPP/C must reinvent, rebuild itself Dear Editor, As the emotional phase of the 2015 elections winds down, the PPP/C leadership must take stock of why it was edged out of office, as well as begin the process of rebuilding the party to address areas it went wrong so as to improve its chance of winning the next election.

A frank, incisive stocktaking is needed. The party must take cognizant of the fact that since almost 50 per cent of the population voted against the party two times in a row, something was amiss – perhaps its policies and implementation was/is in need of rehabilitation and its personnel (leadership included) replaced.

A reconfiguration of the party is badly needed if it is to re-attract those who left that led to the party’s defeat.

As many supporters complained during the 2011 and 2015 campaigns, the PPP/C failed to ensure that almost the entire population benefited from strong its economic focus and the many initiatives it undertook.

Supporters complained they were neglected and many did not vote, particularly in 2011. In addition, the party allowed its leadership, some Ministers and other lower governmental officials, to become

all too powerful, ignoring the wants of the people and dismissing their complaints.

In going into the 2015 elections, the party seemed to have learned little or nothing from its 2011 defeat. The party erred in not making necessary changes to its leadership and parliamentary representation after the 2011 election fiasco.

It did not bring in significant new faces to its parliamentary line up after 2011, did not reach out to those who were alienated, and it made several blunders in Parliament, not the least, working with the opposition majority.

It unwisely fought the ambassadors of the major Western countries that went out of their way to bring about the defeat of the PPP/C. In addition, credible individuals from the civic were not courted or recruited to show the party has changed, although supporters were crying out for change and pleading for service.

Not surprisingly, the party lost a sufficient number of supporters (failed to re-attract them) to prevent what took place on May 11. Because of so many unforced blunders, it will be a long haul for the party to return to government.

The leadership has to be creative and innova-

tive in trying to woo back those who abandoned the party and to win over those who voted for APNU+AFC. Unless the party reinvents and re-engineers itself with new leadership, it will go the way of the PNC after its defeat in 1992 – out of power for a long time.

For the party to make a comeback politically, it must appoint credible young faces in its parliamentary line up and leadership, as well begin the process of internal reform as part of a rebuilding process.

The latter requires a new wave of political thinking that centers around accommodative politicking or coalition building, which is opposed by the old timers and hardliners.

To make way for the newer generation, the party has to retire the old timers and those who are holdovers from the 1990s and those hardliners who find it an honor to oppose the major western powers. The latter are still stuck in a cold war mentality, while the world has moved on.

The party must move on to its second tier leadership to spearhead the reform and rebuilding process. The old timers can hold the fort for an interim period till the party holds a special election to choose new leadership (new blood).

There are a few strong young leaders within the party who can be a nucleus to bring needed changes and move the party into a modern era, moving it away from the 1960s model of political struggles.

Dr Ashni Singh, Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Priya Manikchand and Robert Persaud were rated very highly as Ministers, as well as Members of Parliament.

The party will have to find someone in the mould of a Cheddi Jagan who dedicates self full time to politics. There are not many like him around.

Persaud has indicated a lack of interest in politics and Nandlall, one of the most brilliant lawyers and a rising star, recently ran into problems with political gaffes and may find it difficult to recover his one time leading stature.

The party can tap into its civic component where there are several professionals with strong potential for parliamentary representation and leadership. Professionals from the civic have a greater ability to win over the critical business community and floating voters as well as draw cross ethnic support that will be needed for any future electoral victory because of the party’s declining support base.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, june 15, 2015

A Ramadaan message to my brothers and sisters Dear Editor, All should join in celebrating the fasting month of Ramadaan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which is prescribed by the Quran as dictated by the Holy Prophet (peace be on to him).

Being part of a Muslim family relationship, of which my mother was a Muslim, and all my cousins, aunts and uncles were Muslims in Guyana, I used to enjoy this period.

I (Hindu) used to join them some days in fasting.

I will wake up early in the morning, have my breakfast before 6:00h, fast until 18.00h, then have dinner.

After the last day of fasting, the day of Eid, all of us, brothers and sisters, will march to all our relatives in the evening, going around to each home and enjoying their sweet food and their relationship.

They did not give us meat because we do not eat beef. Those days are now memories.

It is believed that the first revelation to the Holy Prophet was sent down during the month of Ramadaan and is that which was revealed, the Quran, is a guidance for mankind and for right and wrong.

The name of Ramadaan came to light by the Prophet (peace be onto him) to remind people of the world of this glorious month.

The spiritual significance of fasting is being forgotten today as man is losing contact with his inner being.

Nevertheless, the science of

fasting, as preserved in the Vedas and Shastras in ancient times, is a method of purification, which can aid man in his mundane and spiritual life.

These ancient texts are inherited from our ancestors who understood and were in tune with the law of nature and man. The systems they devised came from their profound knowledge and enabled man to raise his consciousness into the higher realms.

It has been scientifically proven that fasting makes the mind calm and serene.

In yogic terminology, this is known as the sattvic (pure) element.

Because the mind becomes predominantly sattvic and more receptive, the scriptures advise the worship of certain deities during these fasting periods.

Today, fasting and yogaism through the Vedic Yajurvade are used scientifically, and studies are carried out by medical institutions throughout the world to help human beings.

In Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), the meaning of daan is very important, as it forms the basic of the principle of sacrifice. Daan means offering one’s possessions, money or other useful items, to others, unconditionally.

An important point is that we should give only those items we have earned.

Further, giving should be in the name of God, as if it is His grace (Prasad, sacrifice) and the giver is only a medium for delivering it to the end beneficiary.

As in this sense, His

Grace is rama, henceforth it is called “Ramadaan” – give in the name of God. It is understood that in Sanskrit, “rama-dhyana” means to meditate on Lord Rama.

In pre-Islamic times, Ramdaan became a pagan, tribal ritual and was practised and celebrated by the pagans and tribal Arabians with the same feature and characteristic as the Islamic Ramadaan.

Historically, Ramadaan or fasting is millions of years old, and originated from the Vedic teaching of Sanatana Dharma and was taken by people that migrated throughout the world from Bharata (India) over a period of time.

Historically, this was proven that around 400 BC, Ashoka Murya, of the great Muryan Empire sent out his trained monks to educate the world on spiritual teaching. History showed that all faith practiced fasting in some form or the other.

I am appealing to all that fasting is millions of years old and is neglected by some because of changing times. Everyone regardless of faith should take part in the month of Ramadaan.

Scientifically, it is for your good and for your health and will be beneficial to society.

I call on all religious organizations to make this event an international one through the UN, similar to that of the international yoga event.

Eid-Mubarak.

S N Singh

The man who cried wolf Dear Editor, I am continuously baffled about the Minister of State Mr Joe Harmon. Just about every single day this guy is finding some discrepancy in the handling of finance by the former government.

He unscrupulously tries to distort any findings to his fancy, further spreading political propaganda.

Crying wolf seems to be his egocentric agenda.

Which credible, competent person would cry foul with-

out first doing research into any allegation? All required financial info is at the hands of this Minister, but he refuses to look into further detail into the matter.

Is it because he is not capable? His incompetence is always being corrected by others. It is the same story over and over for the PNC/ APNU government.

They should get a prize for holding a nation hostage with their barrages of deceit. Is it not odd that no one

is questioning his spending?

The former government was and is being scrutinized for every penny spent under their administration. Is it ok if Harmon wants to use special firms to uncover PNC manipulated delusions?

Anybody complaining about the money that’s going to be spent on the auditors?

Double standards and media manipulation at its finest!

V Apana

Let’s keep our environment clean and tidy Dear Editor, I must congratulate all those individuals and agencies that have initiated the clean up my country campaign. While it is a good gesture, the sustainability of such exercise is most important of all.

These ventures have taken place in the past, but have failed to maintain the

objective of keeping the surroundings clean.

Several persons and agencies have adopted areas of interest to sustain and upkeep in a presentable manner. But these commitments have failed. I wish to urge the Minister and all those persons with responsibility for our environment to implement measures to keep

our country clean and pollution free.

Once the laws that govern our environment are implemented, we are sure to see a big change.

Please, my people, do your part to help keep the environment clean.

God bless.

A Basir

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Upper Demerara still languishing outside of national cricket structure Dear Editor, It is quickly approaching one year since the Guyana Cricket Administration Act was passed unopposed in Parliament.

This Act finally gave the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) the long overdue recognition it had unrelentingly fought for since 2000, and the UDCA in now officially and legally a constituent member of the Demerara Cricket Board.

Our inclusion in the national cricket fold will ensure that the UDCA can now be part of

the county and national cricket programmes and competitions.

Upper Demerara in the past has produced top quality cricketers, some of whom played for Guyana, and we will now be in a position to further develop and strengthen our cricket structure at the various levels.

Sadly, however, to date Upper Demerara has not been included in any aspect of Guyana’s cricket, and our youngsters continue to be deprived of the opportunity to play and develop their cricket themselves, and by

extension the community of Upper Demerara.

We therefore make an impassioned appeal to our Government to intervene on our behalf to bring an end to this injustice to Upper Demerara and to let us play our cricket unhindered.

The Guyana Cricket Administration Act is expected to bring order, transparency and accountability to our cricket, including proper and legal elections.

Bradley Fredricks President, UDCA

PPP/C must reinvent...

Individuals like Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Elisabeth Harper, Dr Mahinder Sharma, Joe Hamilton, and Africo Selman, among others, should be encouraged to play a leading role in the party, especially that they were on the civic list.

Their likability ratings are extremely high.

Ramsaroop and Sharma should be encouraged to play a front line role in the new Parliament as they are well liked by both the PPP/C and the APNU/AFC base.

It should not go unnoticed that Ramsaroop helped formulate the National Front Alliance whose leader Keith Scott is now a Minister in the coalition government.

Also, Ramsaroop was a key

executive in the “Reform”, which started change in the PNC that has helped with the capturing of the government from the PPP/C. Ramsaroop was also a key initiator in the formation of the third force that morphed into the AFC and a key player in JOPP, which ultimately transformed into APNU, that is now in government with AFC. Ramsaroop, Sharma, Selman, and Hamilton, and other civic members understand each of their politics and can play strategic roles in the rebuilding of the PPP/C. The PPP/C mustd eal with reality; it is out of government. Now that it is a de facto opposition, the PPP/C

from page 4

should consider appointing shadow ministers to keep track of government undertakings regardless of whether it sits in Parliament.

Leadership is about courage and the PPP/C indisputably needs new leaders that can demonstrate they are once again ready to lead the nation as Dr Jagan did in the 1950s and 1992.

The PPP/C needs to articulate an attractive vision and all efforts must be made to get out of the 1960s model politics driven by some old timers and embrace the modern approach to unity politics needed to win elections and govern diverse Guyana.

Vishnu Bisram

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monday, june 15, 2015

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation International Day for Yoga, June 21...

Yoga sensation for the nation Submitted by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Guyana (Hindus for Selfless Service)

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hroughout the various articles that you have been reading, the different yoga positions and postures that were presented to you involved your body muscles to be full in action.

However, today what you are going to learn is a very simple posture –called Shavasana or Corpse Pose.

The name derives from the Sanskrit words Shava which means "corpse", and Asana which of course means "posture" or "seat".

Shavasana is perhaps

the most important part of yoga practice. Relaxation and meditation are the key components for shavasana

and other sitting postures since maintaining a balance helps in the equal input of physical stimuli.

It is always important to have a clam and clear peace of mind before performing yoga. This helps significantly in meditation and concentration. If one has a clouded mind and is performing yoga, then it will just become a burden and stressful on the individual. The benefits will not be as rewarding as the individual would expect it to be.

Hence, it is strongly advised by many Yogis, professional trainers and even re-

searchers, to have a peaceful and calm mind but still be aware of your surroundings

when performing yoga. It may sound difficult but all it takes is concentration and patience.

“When the breath is free, the mind is free; when the breath is allowed to move naturally, the mind settle into itself” – Krishnamacharya.

How to perform this Asana?

Lying on your back with the arms and legs are spread at about 45 degrees, the eyes are closed and take a deep breath. The whole body is relaxed onto the floor with an awareness of the chest and abdomen ris-

ing and falling with each breath.

All parts of the body are

scanned for muscular tension of any kind, which is consciously released as it is found, optionally with a small repetitive movement of the area. All control of the breath, the mind, and the body is then released for the duration of the asana. It is advised to stay in this pose for 5 minutes for every 30 minutes of practice.

The asana is released by slowly deepening the breath, flexing the fingers and toes, reaching the arms above the head, stretching the whole body, exhaling, bringing the knees to the chest and rolling over to the side in a fetal position.

After a short time and a slow inhalation, you can be in a seated position.

Weight bearing structures In Savasana, the structures that are in full, weight-bearing contact with the floor exhibit the primary curves of the body. The blue shaded areas in the picture below show the major weight-bearing structures, including most primary curves.

Benefits of this Asana

Shavasana is intended to rejuvenate the mind, body and sprite. After the exertions of the practice,

this poses allows the body a chance to regroup and reset itself.

After a balanced practice, the entire body will have been stretched, contracted, twisted and inverted meaning that even the deepest muscles would have had an opportunity to release and “shake out”.

Shavasana gives the nervous system a chance to integrate that in what can be thought of as a brief pause before it is forced once again to deal with all the usual stresses of daily life.

As you would have read earlier that this form of yoga is a relaxation and stress relief one, some physiological benefits of Shavasana include: - Decrease in heart rate and respiration rate - Decrease in blood pressure - Decrease in metabolic rate and consumption of oxygen - Reduction in general anxiety –both in the number and frequency - Increase in energy levels and general productivity - Improves of concentration and memory - Decrease in fatigue along with deeper and sounder sleep - Improves self-confidence and self-esteem Whether you’re practicing in the morning or at night, always end with at least five minutes of Savasana, or corpse pose, so your body and mind can reap both the relaxing and rejuvenating rewards of your yoga.

Savasana creates a comfortable, peaceful transition between your practice and your day or your sleep time.

We urge you to continue practicing the many different yoga positions and exercises in the correct manner and daily because Yoga is one pathway that many persons take for a healthy lifestyle and a longer life span as well.

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monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Enmore Martyrs Day

Mazaruni hydro project

PPP/C plans rally, wreath laying ceremony

Venezuela had blocked Brazilian firm from T carrying out studies

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

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mid the tense standoff between Venezuela and Guyana over the former’s recent illegal claims on this country’s maritime space, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has revealed that the Nicolás Maduro Administration had blocked a Brazilian firm from conducting prefeasibility studies to determine Guyana’s potential to develop hydropower stations in the Upper and Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Greenidge made the remarks last week when he addressed the National Assembly on the maritime and border controversy. Guyana has since indicated it will be pursuing judicial settlement of the decades-old controversy and has already informed United Nations General Secretary, Ban Ki-moon on its position.

“I will make only passing reference to the many attempts at hindering development of this region, including Venezuela’s intervention seeking to prevent the implementation of the hydroelectric project in the Upper Mazaruni area and the pressure Venezuela has exerted at various times to discourage foreign investment in the region.

All of these acts of military, paramilitary and economic aggression have been well-documented,” Greenidge told the House during the opening of the 11th Parliament.

A Brazilian consortium had agreed to provide US$45 million to conduct the prefeasibility studies to determine Guyana’s potential to develop hydropow-

er stations in the Upper and Middle Mazaruni.

Queiroz Galvao (QG) and OAS are the two multibillion-dollar Brazilian companies that make up the consortium. They were expected to commence the prefeasibility study in April 2014. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had embarked on an exercise to brief stakeholders on the undertaking of the prefeasibility and feasibility studies, which will determine the potential of hydropower development in the area of 1500 megawatts and 3000 megawatts respectively.

During the execution of the prefeasibility and feasibility assessments, hydrology and aerial topographic studies would have been conducted to secure precise data on the areas of study. Hydrology involves the measuring and graphing of river behaviour and river flow within the district over a period of 12 months. To facilitate such, the consortium would have been required to establish substations at strategic locations within the Upper and Middle Mazaruni.

However, addressing the National Assembly, Greenidge said just last year, as part of its development programme and in pursuit of initiatives already agreed to within the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Guyana and Brazil began a programme that involved, inter alia, the examination of hydropower development in parts of the Essequibo region. ”The Government of Venezuela, also a member of UNASUR, formally objected to this development and requested both the Brazilian Government and the Brazilian firm undertaking the feasibility studies to desist from carrying any action in what the Venezuelan Government described as being ‘unquestionably Venezuelan territory’.”

The Minister said a similar sentiment was communicated to Guyana, noting that Venezuela insisted that its consent was required before any significant action could take place in Guyana’s territory.

Boasting of the consortium’s ability to execute the multibillion-dol-

lar hydro project if found feasible, a Director had pointed out that both QG and OAS have an annual revenue of US$3.5 billion or a collective US$7 billion in over 23 countries, spanning South America to Central America, Africa, South East Asia and Russia. They are specialised in infrastructural development, but more notably hydropower.

Guyana Energy Agency head, Dr

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Mahender Sharma had said at the time that the prefeasibility and feasibility studies in the Upper and Middle Mazaruni will identify the social, environmental and economic impacts of hydropower in this magnitude. Size of the reservoir, storage required, power output, how much power could be generated at any one time over the cycle of the project, expected energy output, cost of construction, cost of operation and the cost of transmission lines are among variables to be determined at the end of the feasibility study.

Preempting the findings of the prefeasibility and feasibility studies, Dr Sharma was convinced that tremendous benefits would derive from such an initiative in Guyana. He said the proposed hydropower plants in Region Seven would not only provide cheap but clean electricity, boosting the social and economic sectors through direct and indirect job creation. Experts have said that Guyana is the only country in South America without hydropower, although it is the Caricom country with the greatest potential for hydropower. Guyana has a potential of 7100-7600 megawatts of power.

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic will be hosting a wreath-laying ceremony today at the Enmore Martyrs Monument to commemorate the 67th Anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs.

Former President Donald Ramotar said that the PPP/C has been hosting the memorial service throughout the years, as it has strived to keep the memories of those who sacrificed for our nation alive.

Ramotar mentioned that this activity was started even before the Party itself, carried out by Dr and Mrs Jagan in remembrance of our people’s bravery, and the PPP/C will continue this great tradition. Today is set to also feature a public meeting at Robert Square, Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The Enmore Martyrs’ Monument was unveiled on June 16, 1977, almost 30 years after the tragedy, to honour the deaths of five labourers killed by colonial Police while protesting the social conditions on the East Coast plantations in 1948.

Designed by Guyanese artist Dennis Williams, the monument stands raised on a concrete base six feet high with five repetitive verticals each adorned with brass symbols reminiscent of cutlasses and inscribed with the names of the five martyrs. There is also

Former President Donald Ramotar

a plaque designed by another Guyanese, Stanley Greaves.

The five heroic sugar workers, Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry, were killed during a massive working-class protest.

As then Head of State, Ramotar in delivering the feature address at a commemoration service at the monument site had stressed the need to keep the spirit of the Enmore Martyrs alive and to let it inspire the fight to remove all developmental obstacles – a move that will benefit not only workers, but Guyanese and the country as a whole. Ramotar pointed out back then that the Enmore Martyrs’ fight was one of the turning points in Guyana’s history, as they not

only fought for better working conditions, but for industrial democracy and for political independence and the right to self-determination.

“It (the Enmore Martyrs’ fight) brought together several strands of struggle that were occurring in our country… it brought together an economic struggle. At the same time, it developed into a struggle for industrial democracy, to recognise and have a union of the workers’ choice, and developed into the call for political independence for Guyana,” he said.

According to him, the situation in Guyana at that time was “very oppressive” when one looked at the provisions for housing, education and health – all of which were provided based on the discretion of plantation owners. “Today much has changed, but still much has stayed the same,” Ramotar said.

He explained that “domination” still continues, as it did in the early 90s, but in a different form. “Domination continues in the form of global governance … the rich and powerful countries of the world are still using their power, and Third World developing countries have to deal with standing on unequal footing,” Ramotar said.

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monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Crum Ewing’s killing

New Crime Chief to meet investigating team

Slain ex-soldier, Courtney Crum-Ewing

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ewly-appointed Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Sunday disclosed that he will be meeting shortly with the team that was established to investigate the execution of Courtney Crum-Ewing in Diamond Housing Scheme in March.

Blanhum told Guyana Times that a special investigative team was set up comprising well-trained criminal investigations ranks.

He stated that he will be meeting with the group to be apprised of devel-

opments in the case and to strategise the way forward. To date, he confirmed, several persons have been detained but were all subsequently released. “That is all I can say at this time until I meet with the investigators,” Blanhum stated.

During the investigation into the murder of the father of three, the Police had taken the bullhorn that Crum-Ewing was using at the time of the shooting. This was to conduct ballistic tests and more so, to dust for fingerprints.

His mobile phone was also unlocked and the records of the recent calls were handed over to the Police following several requests by the investigators to Digicel Guyana Inc. The last call was to his girlfriend and Police were probing the numbers with the most calls, but nothing came out of that line of enquiry.

After viewing several surveillance recordings taken from nearby residents, investigators had a

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

car suspected to have been in the area at the time dusted for any blood residue but this also proved futile. Now, the investigators are at a dead end but remain optimistic that they will crack the case.

Forty-year-old CrumEwing, a former soldier, was gunned down execution style on March 10, while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots on May 11.

An autopsy report proved that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets to the head, one to the back of the neck and the fifth bullet entered

his body under one of his arms. All of the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was also found on the back of his collar. Two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head.

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes had stated that samples and photos were sent overseas for further examination with the intention of solving the mysterious murder since many believed that it was politically linked.

Crum-Ewing rose to prominence after he protested for the removal of Attorney General Anil Nandlall, following the revelation of a telephone conversation illegally recorded by Kaieteur News owner Glenn Lall between the Attorney General and one of his reporters, Leonard Gildarie.

Crum-Ewing’s father optimistic about justice

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he Courtney CrumEwing file has not yet been looked at by the new Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, but the slain anti-government protester’s father is optimistic that justice will be served in due time.

Crum-Ewing would have celebrated his 41st birthday on Wednesday last, but on March 10, 2015, the former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank died in a hail of bullets as he walked the streets of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, urging persons to go out and vote in the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Three months later, Police are yet to make an

arrest or a pronouncement on who may be responsible for the killing of the father of three. Last month, A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken stated that the three men held in connection with the crime were later released owing to the lack of evidence.

However, CrumEwing’s father is optimistic that despite the sloth, justice will be served.

“Justice seems to be a little slow but we are hoping that it will be served. We are also doing our personal work to try to find out who might have done this to him. I wouldn’t rest until I have found who have done this to him,” the senior Crum-Ewing related.

Public Security Minister Ramjattan, who had said that some cold cases will be reopened under his watch, was questioned by reporters on Wednesday for a report on the Crum-Ewing murder case.

“There is no progress. I haven’t picked up that file as yet, because I have other, more important matters at hand,” he said.

However, Guyana Times has learnt that the top brass of the Guyana Police Force have been asked to delve deeper into the murder of CrumEwing and other such cases by the Minister.

The international human rights group, Amnesty International had called

for a full and thorough probe into his execution, adding that the Guyanese authorities should guarantee a favourable context and peaceful atmosphere for the peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly and other civil and political rights. Then President Donald Ramotar and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had made just such a call for the Police to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act directly after the killing, while the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Unity coalition, on the campaign trail promised justice to his family.

Eyew tness Crossings...

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...over border

his border issue with Venezuela is clearly heating up. Why? Or perhaps more pertinently, “Why at this time?” Well, there’s clearly good, old Exxon striking oil off the Essequibo Coast and maybe the Venezuelans are suffering from an attack of the green-eyed monster?

But Venezuela’s practically sloshing around over the largest oil deposits in the world...what’s a billion barrel more or less to them?

Another suggestion is that it might be that it’s Exxon that’s going to benefit from the old strike - and relations between Exxon and Venezuela haven’t been exactly hunkydory of late.

After a court battle, our cash-strapped neighbour had to shell out almost US$2 billion to the oil giant last year.

And as we know these lawyers can really egg on clients in these cases. More fees for these bottom-feeders.

Then, of course, there’s the theory that the US wants to take out the pesky Maduro and his lefties so that access to the aforementioned oil deposits could be a little more assured in the hands of the friendlier Venezuelan Opposition.

So that the Exxon drilling’s merely a stalking horse for the US decades-long effort to bring back Venezuela into it’s orbit. In this scenario, the US, a la the Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” persona, is daring Maduro, “Make my day!!”

Allied to this theory is the other one which points out that Maduro’s being pressured internally by the aforementioned US-friendly Opposition that he’s not only “soft” on Guyana but actually colluding with us to give away Venezuela’s “birthright”.

Meaning, of course, our Essequibo. In this local version of the “Great Game” the US is playing both sides against the middle - which is what all big powers will do. Remember the old adage... There are no permanent enemies or friends just permanent interests.

So what do we do? Just sit back and be tossed back and forth like a bargaining chip? This Eyewitness does believe that the new government’s doing the right thing to ask the UN Secretary General that the matter be passed on to the ICJ for a full and final Judicial Settlement.

The Geneva Agreement has “judicial settlement” as one of options (in addition to his present, exhausted “Good Offices”) he can chose.

But there’s a point that Guyanese need to remember.

Guyana’s position - unlike Venezuela’s - is that the only matter is whether there was procedural fraud in the Arbitral Award of 1899. This is the “controversy” the Venezuelans introduced .

We have never agreed - nor should ever agree - to reopen the substantive aspects of the Arbitral Award.

...on NGSA

Our esteemed Minister of Education announced he’ll “see” the top 1% of the latest NGSA batch. “See” as in granting an audience to perchance give the Queens College bound lucky devils a pep talk or something.

Now we know the Minister means well...and as a former 1-percenter he’s sure to be full of advice to impart to those tabula rasas.

But with over 15,000 cherubs taking the NGSA, shouldn’t he be also meeting with the BOTTOM one per cent?? Let’s face the truth. Those kids heading to Queens already have it “made in the shade”.

Their worst challenge will be whether they want to take lessons in EVERY subject - or cherry pick a few. Most of the bottom one per cent on the other hand are most likely to become school dropouts - sooner than later.

And creating problems for a whole lot of government agencies - starting from school welfare and ending, almost inevitably, with the Guyana Police Force and Prison Service.

...cross dressers?

The British High Commish was all decked out in his Scottish skirt on the occasion of his Queen’s birthday. The Police didn’t arrest him for “cross dressing” because he called it a “kilt”. So what happens if those queens around St George’s Cathedral say they’re also wearing “kilts”?? Still bun dem?

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monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Inmates scared Police look to rein in wayward youth as part of anti-crime strategy of “lengthy sentence” Judge I – court hears

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wo men on murder indictments who had indicated their willingness to enter guilty pleas to the lesser count of manslaughter have changed their minds after learning that Justice Navindra Singh will be presiding over the June session of the Berbice Criminal Assizes.

This was learnt at the end of the February session.

The February session of the Berbice Criminal Assizes has been officially closed. The session, which was presided over by Justice Brassington Reynolds and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, closed on Thursday. Justice Franklyn Holder who replaced Justice Reynolds in the criminal court presided over the closing of the session.

Meanwhile, Officerin-Charge of the New Amsterdam Prisons, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Paul James, in making the gaol delivery at the closing noted that 29 persons are awaiting trial at the New Amsterdam Prisons. He told the court that all 29 have requested an early trial.

He said that five persons had initially indicated that they wanted to enter pleas of guilty, but two rescinded after they were told that Justice Singh was coming to preside over the June session.

Justice Singh has built a

Justice Navindra Singh

reputation of handing down lengthy sentences. According to Assistant Superintendent James, Navin Sugrim and Roy Lewis indicated to the prison that they no longer wanted to plea. Both Sugrim and Lewis have been indicted for the capital offence of murder. The others requesting to plea are Omar Bacchus, who was committed on December 21, 2011 to stand trial for murder; Bheem Evans who was committed on March 31, 2014 and Charles Goodluck who was committed on August 26, 2014. Of the remaining 24, 21 are indicted for murder and three for sexual penetration. No females are currently awaiting trial at the Berbice Assizes. The June session of the Berbice Assizes is expected to be officially opened on Tuesday.

Army takes control of soldier accused of raping elderly woman

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nvestigating Police ranks in Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) have handed over a soldier to authorities at Camp Ayanganna as they continue their investigation into the raping of a 75-year-old woman in New Amsterdam.

The soldier had initially eluded Police when they made efforts to arrest him after the incident was first reported on May 24. Contact was then made with their counterparts at Army Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, and the 30-year-old Private was held when he showed up for work.

He was subsequently handed over to investigators at Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. According to a source close to the investigation, the soldier was taken back to Camp Ayanganna as the investigation continues. The source said regulations stipulated

that he would have had to be placed on station bail as they continue to investigate.

According to the source, when the investigation is completed, Police will make a request for the Guyana Defence Force to hand over the soldier.

It had been reported in the media that the offence was allegedly committed in New Amsterdam at the woman’s home. According to sources close to the Police, a relative of the pensioner made the report after the elderly woman had confided the abuse. The source said that the victim is suffering from a stroke and was sexually abused numerous times by the same perpetrator.

The woman said that she was afraid to come forward and make a report, because she was threatened that if she did, she would be killed.

Each time, the offence was committed, the threat were made.

The investigation continues.

n light of the alarming increase in serious crime throughout Guyana, the Police Force is in the process of re-intensifying efforts aimed at crime prevention through its Police-community partnership programme along with social crime prevention interventions with special emphasis on empowering youths.

The Guyana Police Force on Friday disclosed that it has recorded a 10 per cent increase in serious crimes at the end of May 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014. Apart from the 66 murders committed at the end of May and 12 so far in June, there has been a decrease of eight per cent in robberies under arms (A decrease of nine per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearm,;

and a six per cent decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators).

The Police also seized a total of 50 illegal firearms – 31 pistols, 10 revolvers, three shotguns, five rifles and one pen-gun.

However, the Police feel that getting the youth involved in meaningful activities will help them to further reduce the crime statistics since it is believed youths are the main perpetrators. This is as a direct result of unemployment among the young people.

The Police stated that due to the election period, the Police-community partnership programme was put on hold.

Nevertheless, as the programme continues, members of Youth Clubs in E Division (Region 10) ben-

efited from Information Technology Classes and First Aid Training during the month. Also, officers and other ranks of B Division (Berbice) assisted in the cleaning up of New Amsterdam and were also involved in the enhancing of the environment at the St Theresa’s Primary School.

Intervention During May, there were a total of three interventions supported by the religious community in the Cops and Faith Community Network which deals with juvenile first offenders for minor crimes as a preemptive intervention to the New Opportunity Corps.

Since the launch of the Cops and Faith Community Network unto May 31, 2015, the Police stated that there have

been a total of 156 such interventions. In all cases, the youths were counselled by the religious leaders and following the involvement of parents/ guardians and the victims where necessary, the majority of them were warned and sent away.

In relation to the family liaison for victims of serious crimes and domestic violence project, which also falls under the Cops and Faith Community Network, there were three interventions by members of the religious community in response to two cases of domestic violence and an attempted suicide where the affected persons were counselled. The police will continue to hold seminars and other interventions with youths in the near future as it aims to reduce the crime situation.

10 news

monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ali rubbishes KN’s scrap metal story ...says operation of Unit above board

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ormer Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali has rubbished a Kaieteur News article which sought to cast aspersions on the management of the Scrap Metal Unit and its financial transactions.

In the article captioned: $200M frozen…Ramotar Cabinet moves $$$ millions from BoG to private bank”, the newspaper reported that the Ministry of Communities has launched a major investigation into the operations of the Government-run Scrap Metal Unit and a bank account containing almost $200 million that was under the control of Ali. According to KN, the Unit, once controlled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce, was placed under the Ministry of Housing during the tenure of the previous administration. It was tasked with collecting fees and monitoring the scrap metal industry.

KN also quoted Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott saying that an investigation was underway along with an audit into the Unit’s bank account which contained millions. “I found it weird that the former Cabinet removed the Scrap

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

Kaieteur News Editor Adam Harris

Metal Unit from another Ministry and placed it, under strange circumstances, under the authority of the Minister and one other person. We are investigating this and a number of other things that appear irregular like the operations of the bank account. We are talking about a very large sum of the taxpayers’ monies,” Scott reportedly said.

transfer of this Unit. He noted that the Unit was transferred by a Cabinet decision and established under the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

Upon the establishment of the Unit, a new account was established in a commercial bank and approved by the Board of CHPA. “All transactions were done from that account, there is no private account in any individual name or any mystery. All the transactions of this account were recorded according to financial rules and standard.”

Ali added that in managing this Unit, the responsibility was assigned to the Finance Director, noting that the account is held in

the unit’s name and during this period the revenue grew by almost 100 per cent. “I am trying to understand the imagined secrecy

No mystery

However, Ali in a swift response said after examining the article it was obvious that the newspaper was “trying to mislead the public on the working of the Scrap Metal Unit”. Firstly, the former Minister said there was no mystery surrounding the

the Kaieteur News in trying to convey. The account and the Unit did not disappear, it is all there. I am trying to understand where the wrong is? But I guess this is just another opportunity to attack the integrity of Government functionaries.”

Reiterating his arguments, Ali said the transfer of the Scrap Metal Unit by a Cabinet decision, was perfectly legal and within the rules. The CHPA Board approving an account in a commercial bank to manage funds of the Unit is also legal, he said.

“These accounts are not personal account but account held in commercial bank totally different from

a personal account. The account has to have signatories who will conduct transaction on behalf of the agency. The account is audited and the funds are held in the account; for a matter of fact, the account grew by almost 100 per cent over this period.”

Ali contended that the article was “yet another attempt to manipulate the minds of people through propaganda. Another point is that the CHPA is perhaps the only agency with up-todate audit reports. There is nothing like private account where funds are held in private names. This is a deliberate attempt to confuse people,” he stressed.

Minister Ferguson commences familiarisation tours

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson meeting staff at the Canawaima Ferry Stelling

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ess than two weeks after being sworn in as Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson kick started a familiarisation assessment of ongoing projects in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

On June 5, 2015, Ferguson, one of the youngest Ministers within the new Government, visited Bush Lot, Corentyne where she was able to gauge the recently-completed sea defence work in the area. The Minister also toured the Canawaima Management Company, which operates the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname.

“I am a firm believer in being on the ground to get a better understanding of what is happening. I have taken an oath to be a Minister for the people which I intend to fulfil 110 per cent,” Ferguson stated, according to a release from the Ministry.

Her visit to the Canawaima-Moleson Creek Terminal gave her an opportunity to evaluate management’s operations of the ferry service which operates twice daily from Moleson Creek, Corentyne to Nickerie, Suriname.

Canawaima has reportedly recorded a steady increase in passengers over

the past three years and according to the company, in 2014, approximately 132,625 passengers used the ferry service. Minister Ferguson stated that the increase in passenger flow augurs well for the country’s economy, and as a growing hub, several initiatives, including food and craft concessions, are being considered for the terminal building.

Exploring possibilities

“The management is amenable to such avenues which we will explore in depth,” Ferguson divulged.

Apart from Canawaima, the Minister’s portfolio includes overseeing: the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD); Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB); Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Guyana Post Office Corporation; Public Utilities Commission and Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. Despite a youthful appearance, Ferguson has a wealth of experience and qualifications in management. Prior to her Ministerial appointment, she worked assiduously as a Field Support Officer in the United States Agency for International Development (Admin), was instrumental in strengthening Non-Governmental

Organisations (NGOs) and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) in resource policies and practices. She was involved, for many years, in advocating for social issues, with specific focus on life counselling, HIV/AIDS support, adolescence guidance and counselling and domestic disputes. She also collaborated and facilitated coordination with NGOs, FBOs and Community-Based Organisations with a bias for social issues, inclusive of children, education, health and family.

Further, during her tenure as the Properties Manager of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) – 2004 to 2008 - Ferguson, among her many duties managed and advised management in relation to the Corporation’s real properties, managed projects undertaken by the Corporation, evaluated, awarded and supervised contracts, designed job specifications for contractors, prepared monthly reports for management and prepared the Corporation’s yearly budget and Bills of Quantity.

As such, Ferguson has acquired a unique set of skills which includes strategic planning, proposal and report writing, project management and events coordination. She is currently pursuing a Law Degree at the University of London, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and in Public Management from the University of Guyana.

Other academic accomplishments include: Diplomas from the University of Guyana in Social Work and Public Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Administration (Ed); Certificate in Project Management from UG/ Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution, UG/ Clark Atlanta University.

monday, june 15, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Times Notebook Stop playing political football with rice farmers T

he rice industry succeeded in getting the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News to give headline stories about breaking another production record during the first crop of 2015.

This announcement was made way before the May 11 General Election, but other than the Guyana Times, no one gave prominence to the story. At the time, one week before the election, them Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy announced that with about 95 per cent harvesting completed, Guyana had surpassed production of 350,000 tons of rice for the first crop of 2015.

This represented the largest ever single-crop production. By May 11, with 98 per cent harvesting, production was at about 358,000 tons of rice.

APNU+AFC, in opposition at the time, condemned the PPP/C government for emphasizing production.

Their response to yet another record-setting production was that production did not matter, that market was important.

They never acknowledged that in 2014 Guyana marketed more than 503,000 tons of paddy and rice and

by March 2015 all of the production of 2014 and the carryover from 2013 were sold on the local and international markets at prices above world market prices.

Instead of congratulating the farmers, APNU+AFC and their collaborators at Stabroek News and Kaieteur News found every reason to attack the PPP/C Government. Record production then was greeted with criticism about prices farmers were getting and about timely payments to farmers.

APNU+AFC and both Stabroek and Kaieteur News made it appear that the PPP/C Government was responsible for low and untimely payments to farmers.

Now, they are trying to take credit for record production, and they ignore payment issues that farmers face today.

Since the first crop of 2012, new production and export records were established for seven successive crops. Guyana surpassed 500,000 tons for the first time in 2013 and 600,000 tons for the first time in 2014 and set the stage for 700,000 tons in 2015.

Export reached 395,000 tons in 2013 and 503,000 tons in 2014. By End of

Rice being harvested from the field

April 2015, Guyana had exported almost 200,000 tons of export, the highest at this point in the year ever for any single year.

This growth came about for several reasons. One was better farming technology and techniques by the farmers, led by the Burma Research Center and the GRDB’s Field Schools.

The second is the research that led to better and more high-yielding rice varieties. The third is new markets, like the Venezuelan and Panama and other Central American markets.

The fourth is the PPP/C Government support, particularly in providing advance payments so that farmers could get paid.

Fifthly is the PPP/C Government’s subsidy for fertilizer.

For the entire period since 2011, APNU+AFC and their media collaborators downplayed the achievement of the rice industry and found many other reasons to be critical of the industry.

They even criticized the PPP/C Government for giving “handouts” to the rice industry. The present Minister of Foreign Affairs claimed that it was a private sector business and the PPP/C Government should give no support.

During the 2015 elections they claimed that they would give the farmers $9,000 per bags of paddy if they were to get into government. The rice farmers in Regions Two to Six cannot forget so quickly that various senior members and those who were advisors of APNU+AFC promised farmers that they deserved to be paid $9,000 per bag of paddy.

Now they occupy the seat

of Government and the time is now to deliver on their promise. They claim that the market must be found for Guyana’s rice.

One of those, Mr Turhane Doerga, a prominent advisor and member of APNU+AFC during the election campaign, who was almost daily on TV and in the newspaper promising the $9,000 per bag, now warns that farmers cannot expect more than $2,000 per bag.

As for APNU+AFC who promised the higher prices for paddy and immediate payment, they now are making many excuses. One of their excuses is that the Petro-Caribe funds are exhausted.

The Petro-Caribe is now only accounting for about 40 per cent of Guyana’s export market and so payments cannot be based on only the Petro-Caribe Funds. Also, the PPP/C Government worked with Venezuela to devise a programme that was aimed at ensuring Guyana’s access to a lucrative market, a market that in 2010 was almost 70 per cent of Guyana’s production.

APNU+AFC is trying to walk away from its promise of higher prices and immediate payments to farmers.

But it was the advisors of APNU+AFC who told the rice farmers in Essequibo and Berbice that there were more than one trillion dollars in the Petro-Caribe funds that could be used to pay farmers.

There never was a trillion dollar in the fund. The Petro-Caribe deal was originally an oil deal. The agreement catered for Guyana to buy oil from Venezuela and to pay a certain percentage of the oil bill cash at the time of purchase.

The remaining part was

to be a loan used in national development. The Guyana and Venezuelan Governments agreed on the projects, which included support to GPL and the construction of the Hope Canal.

This was not a grant, but a loan. Payment for rice was never a part of the original deal.

In 2009, in an agreement worked out by Presidents Bharat Jagdeo and Hugo Chavez, Guyana agreed to export rice to Venezuela and use the unpaid amount from oil purchase (the loan part) to pay to millers for paddy and rice.

Almost the full amount of the agreed price went as payments to millers and farmers, with only a small amount retained for logistical purposes. How much rice Guyana can supply was agreed to and had to be in keeping with the amount of oil Guyana purchased from Venezuela.

The consequence is very little of the payment Guyana had to make for oil could be kept as a loan. Most of the oil payments to Venezuela went to pay for rice, which

amounted to more than US$110M (G$22B) per year.

Oil purchase for this year from Venezuela has been very low and unless Guyana purchases more oil from Venezuela, our ability to export rice to Venezuela will be restricted.

The PPP/C worked with millers to mobilize a robust market that included the export of almost 200,000 tons of paddy and rice to Venezuela. Guyana will destroy this market, our most lucrative export market, if we do not ensure we preserve it.

The lie that APNU+AFC and their advisors told the farmers and the people cannot be erased by trying to mislead the people about Petro-Caribe and who pays the farmers.

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

12 news

monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

9 charged, 16 warned over littering T

he Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has brought littering charges against nine individuals and companies and has also issued warnings to another 16 as the agency ramps up its fight against littering. In a

statement, the EPA noted that recent cleanup activities that have swept the country have seen the participation of numerous individuals, groups and businesses. The EPA takes this opportunity to commend the work of all the individ-

uals, and urges citizens to desist from littering.

To report cases of illegal dumping, contact the Litter Enforcement Unit on 600-0620, 219-2630, 225-0506, or via email greenguyana@gmail.com.

In May 2015, several individuals and companies were found in breach of the EPA’s Litter Prevention Regulations:

Name Chavez Allicock of 33 James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Brian Lawrence ,of 40 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara Reuel Sauers, of 59 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway Winston Clarke, of 125 Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara Hemawit Mohabir, of 213 D’Andrade Street, Newtown, Georgetown Dennis M Lewis, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown Fay Elizabeth Parris Jupiter of 3545 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown Chaterpaul Singh of 132 Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown Devanana Samaroo of 8 Tuschen Scheme, East Bank Essequibo

Offence Illegal dumping of domestic waste at Success and Haag Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown Failing to provide receptacle in public transportation.

Litter Removal and Clean-up Orders were issued to the following individuals and businesses during May: Albert Ganesh Dr Agueda Surrey Ram’s Auto Spares Andrew Shanks Andrew Degrella Khemaraj Nanan Paulette Stephen Ryan Edward Aileen Mckinnon BK International Danny Gordon Angelica Barroncas Sharon Isha Sabsook Puram Chand Bharrat Tommy Ramdin

71 Second Street, Prospect, East Bank Demerara 23 First Street, Alberttown, Georgetown 141 Light & Fourth Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown 89 Light & First Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown 174 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown 32 Light and Second Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown 146 Cummings Street, Alberttown, Georgetown 65 Area Q, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara 28 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown 1-2 Mudlot, Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown 29 Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown 197 Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara 197 Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara 196 Samantha Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara 280 Block 12, Nonpareil, East Coast Demerara 278 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara

Conference approves work programme, budget for FAO

T

he United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) governing Conference last week approved the agency’s biennial programme of work and budget and sent a strong signal of support for continuing the strategic direction charted out by Director General José Graziano da Silva.

The Conference, which saw record attendance, formally approved a regular budget of US$1035.7 million for delivery of FAO’s programme of work over the period 2016-2017. Graziano da Silva in his closing statement to the Conference outlined FAO’s priorities for the coming years, in particular the eradication of hunger, raising levels of nutrition and addressing climate change. “If FAO’s main mission is to end hunger and malnutrition, then FAO needs to offer holistic support, needs to support sustainable production and management of natural resources, needs to be able to offer support in social protection to reduce rural poverty, needs to improve access to markets by family farmers and needs to help build resilience in rural populations,” he said.

The need to eradicate hunger was also underscored by Pope Francis when he met participants to the Conference during a special audience at the Vatican earlier in the week. In particular, the Pontiff urged the creation of a sense of global solidarity to ensure food security for all people, the importance of reducing food waste and the provision of education on nutrition issues.

In its final report, the Conference “expressed ... support for the Director General’s vision” and underlined “the importance of continuity in the strategic direction of the Organisation in the Medium Term Plan 2014-2017”. FAO’s next Programme of Work and Budget “will consolidate our work on the (five) strategic objectives and will add emphasis to climate change and nutrition”, Graziano da Silva told Conference participants. He also said that FAO would continue with its efforts to support South-South Cooperation – the sharing of experiences, policies, technology and resources between and among developing countries.

The final Conference report also stressed the importance of consolidating decentralisation efforts “on a region-specific basis”.

Graziano da Silva said that he would press ahead with the process of change, including reinforcing FAO’s subregional offices “to improve our support in regions such as West Africa, Central Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean”.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to do this without weakening the technical and normative capacity at Headquarters,” the FAO Director General added. “This is not magic, it is the result of streamlining administrative procedures, of cutting red tape so that we can do more and better with less,” he said.

The Conference session began on June 6 with the overwhelming re-election of Graziano da Silva to a sec-

FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva

ond term in office which will run from July 31, 2015 to through July 2019. The sole candidate, he received a total 177 votes, which represents the highest number of favourable votes ever garnered by a candidate for the Organisation’s top post.

Setting another record, this year’s meeting of the biennial Conference was attended by 191 delegations, the highest level of participation in the Organisation’s history. These included 16 Heads of State and Government and 116 Ministers. A total of 1700 delegates attended the Conference. The Conference awarded in a special ceremony 72 countries for having achieved the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the proportion of hungry people. Of these, 29 have also met the more stringent goal to halve the number of hungry people as laid out by Governments when they met in Rome at the World Food Summit (WFS) in 1996.

news

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monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt defies conflict of interest warning …Goolsarran to audit NICIL; Ram GGMC, Gold Board

Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma

M

inister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma has disclosed that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is the only state entity which is currently undergoing forensic audit even as the administration continues to defy warning over possible conflict of interest in handing some of the contracts to accountants who had publicly criticised the running of the entities they would be auditing.

For NICIL Sharma, disclosed that the audit is being undertaken by former Auditor General under the first PNC administration, Anand Goolsarran, while the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) are currently being conducted by Christopher Ram and his team at Ram and McRae. He noted that the others have not yet begun since the accounting firms were in the process of acquiring the records of the agencies.

An accredited chartered accountant had told this newspaper that it was wholly inappropriate for Ram and Goolsarran to audit some of the entities given their

public criticisms of these agencies. The accountant had warned that going ahead with the former government critics could destroy the credibility of the audits and had urged the accountants to walk away from the contracts and follow the principles of their profession.

A quick google check shows that Goolsarran had publicly commented on NICIL operations numerous times in local newspapers. On October 2, 2012 he was quoted in Stabroek News under the caption: “Goolsarran exposes raft of breaches involving NICIL” In the article it was revealed that the former auditor general has claimed a raft of breaches of the law by the government through the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and said there should be a judicial review of the entity’s operations should government continue to defend its action and not take remedial measures.

In another article in the same newspaper on October 4, 2012 “Goolsarran: NICIL not a public corporation, state property cannot be vested in it” In the article he said the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is not a public corporation as Government purports and therefore moveable and immoveable property cannot be vested in it.

Ram for his part was the lawyer representing former WPA MP, Desmond Trotman who had moved to the courts blocking a $3b loan agreement between GGMC and the Central Housing and Planning Authority. Ram and Goolsarran again were cited in a Stabroek News article on February 17, 2014 saying that GGMC has been running parallel treasury to circumvent parliament scrutiny In the meantime, Sharma has

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

played down reports that the involvement of Ram and Goolsarran present a conflict of interest in the financial accounting. According to Sharma, he was more than confident that despite the previous stance of the men, that they will be able to remain "professional" and carry out their duties effectively.

The junior Finance Minister further noted that the fact that the men have an understanding of what is being looked for and knew what the aims of the forensic accounting are, the work will now be easier.

“A conflict of interest is when Ashni Singh was Finance Minister and his wife was Auditor, this isn’t a conflict of interest. Not because they have been critical of the government means they cannot do their work… I had been critical of the previous government too, does that mean I can’t be the minister?” asked the junior Minister.

Sharma shared that while the audits were being done to some extent to satisfy and assure the international community that the government was serious about transparency, it was also being done to ensure that the agencies are not misusing funds and that

they can be trusted with taxpayers’ monies.

“It is being done to see if the money is being put in the right hands and if it is being used for the right purposes… I must have faith in the people I’m dealing with,” Sharma told the Guyana Times.

It was only on Monday that a certified accountant urged the David Granger-led administration to engage one or more international accounting firms to conduct the forensic audits it is undertaking at several state agencies, arguing that some of the local firms identified present a clear case of conflict of interest and could destroy the credibility of the work they are being contracted to do.

The accountant, who asked not be named, is also contending that a forensic audit is usually underpinned by legislative provisions, which are non-existent at the moment, and also called for greater transparency in the awarding of the contracts, citing that no tender was advertised for the auditing services but firms were just handpicked for the job. Finance Minister Winston Jordan, speaking to media operatives on Monday at the Parliament Building, related that his Ministry has contracted private independent firms such as Ram and McRae, Hinds and Associates, among others, to begin the audits into the operations and transactions of 30 plus agencies.

According to Minister Jordan, in an effort to ensure transparency and accountability, the audits are being done by a wide field of persons, and not confined to one firm or individual. The audit will target those agencies which, under the previous administration, were allowed to remain as offline accounts and did not follow the correct procedure of having their revenues placed in the Consolidated Fund, Jordan stated. However, in invited comment

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran

to Guyana Times, the accountant said that it is not the forensic accountants who determine fraud but instead the court. This means that it is necessary that there already exists a legislative framework to interpret the findings of the auditor and then later aid in the application of the law; otherwise a forensic audit will not have the intended consequences.

To this end the accountant said both Goolsarran and Ram are public critics of the past People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration and supporters of the current A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. The accountant noted that Goolsarran also worked under the People’s National Congress administration as the Auditor General.

He added that it is standard practice for the Office of the Auditor General to subcontract local firms to carry out periodic audits of various state entities on their behalf. This practice, in itself, renders any firm which has previously been engaged as auditor for a particular agency as ineligible to undertake a forensic audit on the same agency.

Container trade in Region rose 1.3% in 2014

T

he movement of cargo in containers in Latin American and Caribbean ports grew 1.3 per cent during 2014, according to figures released Thursday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

The United Nations organisation unveiled a new edition of its ranking of container port throughput, published in its Maritime Profile, which confirms great heterogeneity: with increases on the west coast of South America (5.3 per cent); Mexico (4.0 per cent) and Central America (3.4 per cent), and declines on the east coast of South America (-2.2 per cent) and the Caribbean (-8.2 per cent).

Nevertheless, the regional average of positive 1.3 per cent shows stagnation in port movement growth, considering that this figure measured 1.7 per cent in 2013, 5.8 per cent in 2012

The total volume of activity in 2014 was approximately 47 million TEU

and 13.8 per cent in 2011.

The total volume of activity in 2014 was approximately 47 million TEU (a standard unit of measurement, equivalent to a container of 20 feet, or 6.25 metres, which is to say, a metallic box of standardised size that can be transferred easily between different means of transportation, such as

ships, trains and trucks).

The first 40 ports in the ranking accounted for nearly 89 per cent of the operations involving this type of cargo, with activity levels of 41.8 million TEU, while another 80 smaller ports divided up the remaining 11 per cent among themselves (5.2 million TEU). ECLAC’s analysis reveals great heter-

ogeneity in the performance of port movements, both at a sub-regional level as well as by country. Mexico showed an improvement, going from a contraction of -0.1 per cent in 2013 to growth of 4.0 per cent in 2014, while Central America rebounded by growing 3.4 per cent last year versus a -2.0 per cent fall in 2013. In South America,

the west coast improved its growth to a rate of 5.3 per cent in 2014, up from 3.8 per cent in 2013.

The data of three countries stood out: Colombia (with a rise of 7.0 per cent); Peru (8.7 per cent) and Ecuador (7.9 per cent). The limited dynamism of the Region’s ports in 2014 was determined mainly by the above-mentioned fall in the Caribbean area and on the east coast of South America, where in the first case transfer operations represent a significant volume of port activity. This was explained mainly

by Jamaica, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, which showed annual declines of -3.9 per cent, -6.7 per cent and -9.9 per cent, respectively, and Argentina with -22.4 per cent.

Just as in previous periods, the reasons behind growth, deceleration or an outright decrease in port activity are varied. Some ports registered positive figures due to the success of their

projects and commercial management, while others were affected by low trade performance in general and some operational problems.

According to ECLAC, the stagnation observed in port movement growth largely stems from, in addition to the organic components mentioned previously, the changes in the nature of port activity that have occurred since the last wave of reforms in the Region’s terminals. Modern ports require a more sophisticated and complex governance to enable the port system to achieve goals that are useful for countries’ economic development, such as greater levels of services, efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Furthermore, new governance is needed for the integration of the logistics chain in the framework of comprehensive and sustainable public policies, based on an integrated and systemic view, the organisation indicated.

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guyanatimesgy.com

Monday, june 15, 2015

Regional

Venezuela-US talks take place September 7 will be Election Day in Trinidad and Tobago in Haiti despite tensions

C

itizens of Trinidad and Tobago will head to the polls in just under three months – Monday, September 7.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the election date in Parliament last Friday.

“We are ready because the vast majority of our promises to the voters of this country have been kept.

We are ready today because Trinidad and Tobago is today a more just and safer community than it was five years ago. We are ready to return to the voters, because every social and economic

Diosdado Cabello (right) is widely considered the second most powerful politician in Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro (left)

D

etails have emerged of a high-profile meeting in Haiti between Venezuela and the United States.

Thomas Shannon, a counsellor to the US Secretary of State, met the Chairman of Venezuela’s national assembly, Diosdado Cabello.

Venezuelan officials tweeted that both sides had been working to resolve the crisis in their relations.

Earlier this year,

Venezuela accused the US of plotting a coup and the US declared Caracas a security threat.

Venezuela ordered the US to reduce its embassy staff and imposed a visa requirement on US visitors.

In turn, the US ordered sanctions against seven Venezuelan officials it accused of corruption and rights abuses.

There have been other high-profile meetings be-

tween the two sides this year.

In April, President Nicolás Maduro met Thomas Shannon in Caracas.

Correspondents say both sides have lowered the tone in recent weeks.

The latest meeting comes after reports in US media that Washington is investigating Diosdado Cabello over alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. Cabello has denied the allegations. (BBC News)

sector of this county is today performing better than it was five years ago,” she said.

“We are ready to return to the people, because the young people in the country are once again confident and optimistic about their future. We are ready to return to the people, because our social partners and civil society report that the Government is today working and functioning far more effectively and efficiently than was the case five years ago.”

It is expected Parliament will be dissolved on Wednesday.

The ruling People’s Partnership (PP) coalition will be seeking a second consecutive term in office. It currently holds 29 of the 41 seats in the Parliament.

Following the announcement of the election date, business leaders called on all parties to run a clean campaign.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and said it anticipated the already “vibrant campaigning” to continue, but wanted it to be clean and for parties to put national interest over partisan concerns. (Caribbean360)

Nicaragua Canal protest: Thousands oppose Atlantic-Pacific plan

Digicel wins award for QEH project

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igicel has won the Avaya Caribbeanwide Project of the Year award for its ICT and Unified Communication platform deployed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados.

Digicel Business’ winning project involved upgrading the entire network at the hospital utilising Avaya’s solution which ensured a faultless migration from the hospital’s legacy network to the state-of-theart Avaya platform.

The product greatly improved communications at

the hospital, provided a high level of redundancy and reduced the hospitals costs.

In addition, the new system provides doctors with the ability to access the hospital’s Patient Archiving and Communication System for patient information so that they can make critical decisions in a timelier manner.

Digicel Barbados Business Solutions Director Martin Keogh said; “We are thrilled to have been acknowledged with the award for Best Project of the Year for our ICT solution deployed in QEH in Barbados.

QEH now has one of the most advanced, scalable, durable and highly available systems in the Caribbean, which is fitting for a regional institution of its calibre.”

QEH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dexter James said: “We want to thank Digicel Business and Avaya for providing us with a highquality product that will ultimately meet all of our needs. The switch from our old system to the new Digicel Business solution was seamless with zero downtime.

(Excerpt from Nations News)

Toute Bagai pushing Caribbean exports

T

he Caribbean Export OUTLOOK, the flagship publication of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and the Trinidad and Tobago basedToute Bagai Publishing (TBP), is preparing its second edition.

The Caribbean Export OUTLOOK, launched in November by TBP, producers of the MACO Caribbean magazines, fills a gap in a market for publications dedicated to providing market intelligence on trade and exports for the CARIFORUM region.

TBP, headed by Caribbean publisher Neysha Soodeen, has again been contracted to produce the publication, which the

Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Ambassador Mikael Barfod says serves as “a critical input for economic indicators, analysis, and the development of national policy and macroeconomic management”.

Executive Director at Caribbean Export, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said the publication provides the Private Sector with the information they need to enter new markets.

“The information therein will no doubt allow the Private Sector to gain a better understanding of the strategies used by successful exporters and empower them to understand trends in key export markets,”

Coke-Hamilton said.

Recalling the genesis of the magazine, Soodeen, Managing Director of TBP, lauded the vision of the Caribbean Export team, which recognised there was a need to better equip the business community: “We needed a publication which demonstrates that we can compete internationally from an emerging market and I believe the production of OUTLOOK does that.

We look forward to working with the Caribbean Export team again to produce this much-needed publication.

The distribution of the print magazine was global and, I am sure, reached a niche target market of importers and buyers.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

The demonstrators fear the environmental impact of the canal

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housands of Nicaraguans have held a protest against the planned construction of a canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The US$50 billion scheme, being built by a Chinese firm, will be longer, deeper and wider than the

Panama Canal.

But the demonstrators fear it will have huge environmental costs and force thousands off their land.

Nicaragua’s Government says the canal will bring vital investment to one of Central America’s poorest countries.

Some among the protesters, who were mostly farmers, accused President Daniel Ortega of selling Nicaragua to the Chinese.

Initial site work began last December, with completion due in five years. (BBC News)

Jamaica is “stressed out” – Opposition spokesman

O

pposition spokesman on Finance and Planning, Audley Shaw says Jamaica is stressed.

He also said that unemployment is still too high and poverty is up.

“Those on fixed incomes just can’t make ends meet due to the savage devaluation of the Jamaican dollar, plunging our purchasing power by 40 per cent,” Shaw contended in a release.

The Opposition spokesman stressed the importance of getting Jamaica’s economy to grow again.

“The solid positive yearafter-year growth rate that Jamaica saw in 1962 to 1971 period is a must. No Government, other than the [Jamaica Labour Party] JLP, can lay claim to a six per cent,

Opposition Spokesman on Finance and Planning, Audley Shaw

an eight per cent, a nine per cent, or 12 per cent economic growth rate in Jamaica’s post-independence period,” Shaw insisted.

Shaw also suggested having runaway investment and growth, targeting six per cent

annual growth over a sustained period of time.

“It is no secret, a larger tax base can happen, but we must increase employment.

Squeezing every last cent from businesses and individuals causes contraction in the economy, not growth”, Shaw pointed out.

“The JLP firmly believes that GCT, corporate and individual income taxes should be lowered over time. High tax rates perpetuate non-compliance and causes a heavier tax burden on tax-compliant persons,” Shaw stated.

He insisted: “The JLP has a track record of proven performance, we understand how a market economy works and we know how to attract investment and create jobs to move Jamaica from poverty to prosperity.” (Jamaica Observer)

monday, june 15, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Court orders Sudan’s President to remain in South Africa

S

outh Africa’s High Court has ordered Sudan’s President Omar alBashir to remain in the country until today, when it will decide whether to send him to the International Criminal Court.

Bashir, who is accused of war crimes in repressing an armed uprising in the Sudanese region of Darfur, was due to appear in Johannesburg on Sunday for an African Union summit.

The Hague-based ICC issued an arrest warrant in 2009, but Bashir denies the charges.

Before the ruling was announced, the judge said the court would decide whether a South African Government Cabinet decision to host Bashir would trump the ICC arrest warrant.

Bashir had boarded a flight on Saturday to Johannesburg to head Sudan’s delegation at the summit which started on Sunday, presidential sources and the state Sudan News Agency said.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that Bashir was later “welcomed by South African officials and Sudanese diplomats on his arrival in the country”.

South Africa is a member of the

South Africa’s government made a decision with the African Union to maintain immunity for heads of state [Getty]

ICC, which does not have its own police force and relies on member states to detain suspects.

Since the arrest warrant was issued, most of Bashir’s trips abroad have been to non-ICC states such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

But he has also been to member states that have declined to arrest him, such as Nigeria, which hosted him in

July 2013.

“Allowing President al-Bashir into South Africa without arresting him would be a major stain on South Africa’s reputation on promoting justice for grave crimes,” Elise Keppler, acting International Justice Director at New-York based advocacy group Human Rights Watch, said in a statement on Friday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Georgia flood: Tbilisi residents warned over zoo animals after devastating flood

H

eavy flooding in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, has killed at least 12 people, with officials warning people to stay indoors to avoid animals that have escaped from a zoo.

The missing animals include tigers, lions, bears and wolves. Three of the dead people were found within the zoo.

A hippopotamus was cornered in one of the city’s main squares and subdued with a tranquiliser gun.

Rescue workers are searching submerged homes to check for trapped residents.

Dozens of people have been left homeless.

A day of mourning has

The hippopotamus was tranquilised, but some animals have been killed

been announced for today.

Tbilisi Zoo spokeswoman Mzia Sharashidze told InterPressNews agency that three bodies had been found in the zoo, including those of two employees.

She said the grounds had been turned into “a hellish whirlpool”.

Sharashidze said wolves, lions, tigers, jackals and jaguars had been shot dead by Special Forces or were miss-

ing.

Floodwater rose to the rooftops of enclosures at the zoo, drowning hundreds of animals. Many animals were swept out of their enclosures and escaped.

A bear was found clinging to an air-conditioning unit half way up one building, while a man discovered a hyena on his balcony.

The flooding began when heavy rains caused the River Vere – normally little more than a stream – to burst its banks.

Thousands of people have been left without water and electricity while others have had to be airlifted to safety. (Excerpt from BBC News)

UN says Yemen peace Pakistan halts order to shut international charity talks on schedule

U

nited Nationssponsored talks aimed at ending the conflict in Yemen by bringing representatives of rival factions to Geneva are expected to begin today, the world body says.

Announcing the start of “preliminary inclusive consultations” in the Swiss city, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the UN’s peace envoy for Yemen, said in a statement the talks would bring together representatives of the exiled Government, the Houthis, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s General Peoples’ Congress and other Opposition groups.

“The United Nations takes this opportunity to appeal to Yemen’s political actors to participate in these consultations

15

in good faith and without preconditions, and in a climate of trust and mutual respect,” the statement said.

The internationally recognised Government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi said its delegation flew to Geneva on Saturday, but representatives of the Iran-allied Houthis and Saleh refused to board a UN plane from Sanaa to the Swiss city.

A Houthi official said the group’s refusal was because the flight was due to stop off in Saudi Arabia, which is leading the Arab coalition’s air campaign.

The peace talks have sparked hope among Yemeni civilians for an early resolution to the conflict. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

P

akistan’s Interior Ministry has halted the decision to close the office of international aid group Save the Children in the capital Islamabad, according to local media and an official.

Pakistan shuttered the group’s main office on Thursday for allegedly “violating its charter”.

By Friday, Save the Children had shut all its offices across the country.

“The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter of even number dated 11th June 2015 on the subject noted about. The competent authority has desired that the action on above letter

may be held in abeyance till further order,” an Interior Ministry statement was quoted as saying by local media on Sunday.

A senior Interior Ministry official, who spoke to the Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity, confirmed the decision, but did not elaborate as he was not authorised to discuss the decision.

Saeed Ahmed, a spokesman for Save the Children in Pakistan, said they had no word from the Government on the decision.

“We would appreciate relevant Government authorities to communicate to us officially,” he told AP. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Britain pulls out spies as Russia, China crack Snowden files – report

B

ritain has pulled out agents from live operations in “hostile countries” after Russia and China cracked topsecret information contained in files leaked by former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, the Sunday Times reported.

Security service MI6, which operates overseas and is tasked with defending British interests, has removed agents from certain countries, the newspaper said, citing unnamed officials at the office of British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Home Office (interior ministry) and security services.

Snowden downloaded more than 1.7 million secret files from security agencies in the United States and Britain in 2013, and leaked details about mass surveillance of phone and internet communications.

The United States wants Snowden to stand trial after he leaked classified docu-

ments, fled the country and was eventually granted asylum in Moscow in 2013.

He went to Russia via Hong Kong, and although he claimed in 2013 that the encrypted files remained secure, Britain believed both Russia and China had cracked documents which contain details that could allow British and American spies to be identified, the newspaper said, citing officials.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Snowden had done a huge amount of damage to the West’s ability to protect its citizens.

“As to the specific allegations this morning, we never comment on operational intelligence matters so I’m not going to talk about what we have or haven’t done in order to mitigate the effect of the Snowden revelations, but nobody should be in any doubt that Edward Snowden has caused immense damage,” he told Sky News. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Greeks seek debt relief as Europe turns toward confrontation

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras poses with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (R) ahead of a meeting at the EU Council in Brussels, Belgium, June 11

G

reek negotiators were expected to press international creditors for debt relief on Sunday as European leaders turned increasingly confrontational, trying to force Athens into accepting more austerity and reform in return for cash.

Even Germany’s Social Democrat leader, hitherto willing to give leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras the benefit of the doubt, warned Athens it risked falling out of the euro unless it stopped giving Europe “the runaround”.

European leaders piled pressure on Tsipras to offer major concessions in the search for a deal with the European Union and IMF as the country faces a debt default within little more than a fortnight.

The toughest language came not from Greece’s longstanding conservative crit-

ics, but from German Social Democrat chief Sigmar Gabriel, who until recently had been regarded as sympathetic, at least by Berlin standards.

He wrote in Bild newspaper that he wanted to keep Greece in the euro. “But not only is time running out, but so too is patience across Europe. Everywhere in Europe, the sentiment is growing that enough is enough,” said Gabriel, who is Vice Chancellor in Angela Merkel’s grand coalition government.

“The shadow of an exit of Greece from the eurozone takes on ever clearer shape,” he said. “Repeated apparently final attempts to reach a deal are starting to make the whole process look ridiculous. There is an ever greater number of people who feel as if the Greek Government is giving them the run-around.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 news

monday, june 15, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Test release of water at Hope Canal’s Northern Relief Channel successful

The cut made in the vicinity of the Head Regulator of the Hope Canal Project to release water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy into the Northern Relief Channel to be discharged via the eight-door sluice into the Atlantic Ocean

T

he entire operation of releasing water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Northern Relief Channel of the Hope/Dochfour outfall has been deemed successful. This was reported Saturday evening by Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth.

He told the Government Information Agency that

water was currently being released into the Atlantic Ocean via the eight-door sluice, one of the components of the Hope Canal Project, and that the level of the EDWC has begun to drop. Wordsworth said further work will be done tomorrow to ensure a higher level of release from the Canal, and the level of discharge will progressively increase in the coming days.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder joined the team at Flagstaff on the EDWC, and later at the Northern Relief Channel where the eight-door sluice is located.

He expressed satisfaction with the work that was done.

The entire operation became necessary due to the high water level of the EDWC, to safeguard the structural integrity of the Conservancy’s earthen embankments.

The release of water began at 06:00h, and was facilitated by workers cutting the embankment to have water flow into the Northern Relief Channel.

According the NDIA Head, this cut, in the vicinity of the Head Regulator, was widened at 12:00h to enable a greater flow from the Conservancy into the Hope outfall. Water is also being released from the EDWC into the Demerara River via the Land of Canaan, Kofi and Cunha relief channels.

Overseeing the exercise were Minister Holder, consultants, Ministry officials, contractors and other NDIA officials. The NDIA’s staff will be closely monitoring the situation over the next 24 hours. The Agriculture Ministry had reported on Friday that the water level in the EDWC was 58.25 Georgetown Datum (GD) at Flagstaff, 57.70 GD at Lama and 54.85 GD at Land of Canaan which were above the full supply level of 57.50 GD. The height of the Conservancy Dam is 59 GD. The release is the first official test of the $3.6 billion Hope Canal Project.

400 million can’t access essential health services – WHO report

A

World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank Group report launched last week shows that 400 million people do not have access to essential health services and six per cent of people in low- and middle-income countries are tipped into or pushed further into extreme poverty because of health spending.

“This report is a wakeup call: It shows that we’re a long way from achieving universal health coverage. We must expand access to health and protect the poorest from health expenses that are causing them severe financial hardship,” says Dr Tim Evans, Senior Director of Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank Group.

The report, Tracking Universal Health Coverage, is the first of its kind to measure health service coverage and financial protection to assess countries’ progress towards universal health coverage. The report looked at global access to essential health services – including family planning, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, child immunisation, antiretroviral therapy, tuberculosis treatment, and access

Norton proposes major overhaul of Suddie Hospital

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas inspecting the damage at the operating theatre of the Suddie Hospital

N

ew Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton has proposed a major overhaul of the Suddie Public Hospital, as he expressed disappointment with the state of the institution’s infrastructure and the non-availability of key medical equipment.

Dr Norton has been familiarising himself with the public health system and general operational conditions, through several visits to regional hospitals and other medical institutions. His latest visit took him and his team to the Suddie Hospital, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the Suddie Hospital operating theatre which was constructed over five years ago is not functioning, due to the shabby work done by the contractor. The tiled walls are hollow and the electrical work was badly done. The theatre of this hospital can best

be described as “scandalous”, Minister Norton said. “… it is a disgrace to see what persons might have approved and written off as work they were paid so much to do … the walls are literally hollow, even though it is tiled, and my impression is that you’ve got to break everything down. I am one of the persons who said we are not here to break and build over, but I think in this case, if we want the best for the citizens of the region, then we have got to do better, we got to break down this theatre, and build a new one.”

This, he said, will be discussed at the level of the Ministry, and insisted that there will be an investigation as to who signed off on the contract. Minister Norton said that the Suddie Hospital should be on par with the Linden, West Demerara and the New Amsterdam Hospitals, and “there is no justification for the condition Suddie is in at the moment”. Several parts of the

hospital’s roof are also leaking, and there are also issues of inadequate water supply and electrical supply, posing dangers to the staff. The Minister also spoke of equipment not being properly maintained.

“The mere fact that you can have those wards of your Paediatric Department soaked with a stream, actually running across the floor, tells you that we need a major overhaul in this entire hospital … I am not at all pleased with the hospital. A major step was taken to rebuild the Linden Hospital,

that cannot function because it is unsuitable.

There is also the case of non-availability of important medical equipment, no ventilators, and insufficient number of monitors and reagents. “We have got to get those things in place if we are serious about improving the medical services that we are giving to the population.”

The Hospital is staffed with close to 30 doctors, who complain of working under very unsuitable conditions: dwelling in a very cramped room while on call, with no bathroom facility, television or mi-

ers. “While I agree that salary scale has to be revisited, especially in terms of remuneration, nurses graduating from different courses and receiving the same salaries, we have to look into that, and all in all give the health workers job satisfaction. If we do not give the nurses, doctors, technicians and cleaners job satisfaction, we will continue to see the same work ethic being displayed, where technicians who are on 24-hour call duty are questioning the nurses as to why they should come out to work,” Dr Norton explained.

Dr Norton interacting with doctors at the Suddie hospital

and as such, steps must now follow,” Minister Norton pointed out.

The improper maintenance of medical equipment is not only contained to Suddie. “We have got to do better at what we are doing across the country in terms of maintaining and servicing of medical equipment.”

There are also cases of equipment being bought that is unsuitable. The Hospital has a portable x-ray machine

crowave. The Administrator explained that a house was made available to them a month ago; however, the doctors are claiming that no one informed them of that arrangement.

Dr Norton said that the Government will do what is necessary to better the situation; however, the local officers and the hospital administration have to do their part to improve the working conditions of health care provid-

He said that the system needs to be monitored more stringently, and his approach would be to deal closely with all Hospital Administrators.

Regional Health Officers, he also noted, should play a more integral part in the whole system. The Minister also visited the Oscar Joseph Hospital in Charity, and the Kabakaburi, Karawab, Abram’s Creek, Siriki and St Monica health posts.

to clean water and sanitation –in 2013, and found that at least 400 million people lacked access to at least one of these services.

“The world’s most disadvantaged people are missing out on even the most basic services,” says Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, Assistant DirectorGeneral, Health Systems and Innovation, at the WHO. “A commitment to equity is at the heart of universal health coverage. Health policies and programmes should focus on providing quality health services for the poorest people, women and children, people living in rural areas and those from minority groups.”

The report also found that across 37 countries, six per cent of the population was tipped or pushed further into extreme poverty (US$1.25/day) because they had to pay for health services out of their own pockets.

When the study factored in a poverty measure of US$2/day, 17 per cent of people in these countries were impoverished, or further impoverished, by health expenses.

“These high levels of impoverishment, which happen when poor people have to pay out of pocket for their own emergency health care, pose a major threat to the goal of eliminating extreme poverty,” says Dr Kaushik Basu, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at the World Bank Group. “As we transition to a post-2015 development era, we must act on these findings, or the world’s poor risk being left behind.”

Universal health coverage

WHO and the World Bank Group recommend that countries pursuing universal health coverage aim to achieve a minimum of 80 per cent population coverage of essential health services, and that everyone everywhere should be protected from catastrophic and impoverishing health payments.

“As more countries make commitments to universal health coverage, one of the major challenges they face is how to track progress,” says Dr Ties Boerma, Director of the Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems at the WHO. “The report shows that it is possible to quantify universal health coverage and track progress towards its key goals, both in terms of health services and financial protection coverage.”

This is the first in a series of annual reports that WHO and the World Bank Group will produce on tracking progress towards universal health coverage across countries. “As the saying goes, ‘what gets measured, gets done’. With countries around the world taking steps to provide universal health coverage, the ability to identify gaps and effectively measure progress will add critical momentum to this global movement,” says Michael Myers, Managing Director at The Rockefeller Foundation.

“This is an important tool for countries to achieve universal health coverage and build more resilient health systems.”

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news

monday, june 15, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

NGSA results

Building Aspiring Paediatrician relationships

tops Region 5

Lallchand Gajadhar

By Andrew Carmichael

L

allchan Gajadhar, the top National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) student of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), from Rosignol Primary, is to be rewarded for his excellent performance at the examinations with a trip to Disneyland after scoring 522 points and earning a place at Queen’s College, the country’s premier secondary institution.

Speaking to Guyana Times, the lad related that while there is some disappointment in the fact that he could not achieve his dream of topping the country, he is comforted that he has managed to come out on top in his region.

Gajadhar, who hails from Blairmont Village, said that in his pursuit for success, he was forced to give up video games along with his

en. “I would never revise until midnight like some of the other children because by 8:30 [20:30h] I get knock out and fall asleep.”

The ambitious young man disclosed to Guyana Times that he has his eyes set on becoming either a Paediatrician or a scientist.

Questioned on his choices, the young man, even at such a tender age, related that he has a passion for children. “I like to help children. I could teach, but I don’t like that because a teacher has to teach them all day,” Gajadhar said.

Given the distance between Berbice and Georgetown, Gajadhar is not likely to take up his place at Queen’s College and will attend one of the senior secondary schools in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In brief comments to this publication, the boy’s parents indicated that his performance came as no surprise since he has been topping his class ever since he entered primary school with averages in the upper 90s.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointment for one of the number two stu-

B

Vihdydevi Lalchand

come a surgeon. His father, a Pastor, had promised that if Molaha did well at the NGSA, he would get a trip to Splashmins, a stay at the Princess Hotel and a computer. According to Molaha, he fully intends to hold his parents to their promises. He expressed his appreciation for their guidance and support during the period leading up to the examinations.

Meanwhile, Lalchand wants to become a teacher. “Since I was small I have always admired teachers and how they go about their job and how they help the youths to become better. I want to make my country bet-

Abishai Molaha

Anusooya Singh

tablet, the two things he is most fond of.

The only child of a teacher and an engineer says he received excellent support from his parents as he prepared for the examinations. “My mother and father assisted me with my work by providing additional examples for difficulty problems.”

Apart from that, the top student went to lessons at his school from 07:45h every morning and also took additional lessons, administered by his class teacher, after school.

The lad related that this was a necessity since left on his own, studies would never have been undertak-

dents in the region as he watched the live broadcast on a cellular phone of the NGSA results. According to Anthony Sukra of Blairmont Primary, who secured 521 marks at the examinations, it was his fervent hope that he would have been among the top performers in the country and was disappointed when his name was not called among the top 10.

Sukra too said that he was comforted, however, when he placed second in the region.

The son of a cane transporter, Sukra credited his hardworking parents for the success he was able to achieve at the examinations which were written on April 1 and 2.

The young man, who is so far undecided on a future career, indicated to this publication that he too will not be taking up the offer of Queen’s College and will most likely remain in Berbice.

Suraj Singh, of Novar Primary, also placed second with 521 marks, and is one of the two students of that school in the region’s top 10.

The fourth spot went jointly to two students Abishai Molaha and Vihdydevi Lalchand of Bath Primary, who both scored 517 marks.

Molaha, of Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice, aspires to be-

Anthony Sukra

ter.”

According to her, the help ahe received from both her parents along with her teachers paved the way for her success. “I think it is very important for parents to do that, because if they did not do it, I would not have reached this level,” Lalchand said.

Occupying the sixth spot was Anisha Persaud of Zealand Primary with 514 marks. She was awarded a place at the Bishops’ High School. The seventh place went to Eon Duncan of Rosignol Primary with 512 marks which gains him a place at St Stanislaus College. Sarah Gamble of Rosignol Primary with 509 marks was also awarded a place at St Stanislaus College and placed eight in the region. Anuradha Ramnauth of Mortice Primary earned 508 marks, placed ninth and was awarded a place at St Rose’s High, while Anusooya Singh, of Novar Primary, with 505 marks rounds off the top 10 for Region Five. Singh also was awarded a place at St Rose’s.

ecause we are naturally social creatures as human beings, we tend to seek friendship because we want to interact with other people. That is why it is not surprizing that when se do we are better off with our relationships at work, meaning that we will be much happier and productive as well.

It is not uncommon for our work to be something that we enjoy a lot more when we have a good relationship with those Narine Dat Sookram around us. It is also easier for people to adapt to change when there is a strong relationship among each other.

Trust, is probably a good base for every good relationship. For example, when we trust our team and the people we work with, we are in a sense form a great bond that helps us work and communicate more effectively with each other.

Because when we trust those we work with, we will sure to be more open with the things we say and the good part is that we do not have to worry too much about it.

Let’s not forget too that the importance of mutual respect, which is where we respect the people among us, by valuing their input and ideas, and in return they value us as well. The bottom line is, when we work together, we can easily come up with solutions based on everyone’s insights.

Being mindfulness is another way to build relationships.

For example, we must take responsibility for the things we do. In other words, we must be mindful of what we say and should never let our own negative feelings impact those around us.

Welcoming diversity is also a great way to build relationship, because accepting diverse groups and opinions is a good way to make people feel that sense of inclusiveness.

And because we communicate frequently, whether that be by us sending emails or meeting face-to-face, we have to be conscious of this for the fact that the more effective we communicate with the people around us, our relationships become much richer.

For those who may wonder how to build good work relationships, should keep in mind that it starts with good people skills. However I would strongly recommend that we schedule time to build that relationship.

This can be done by devoting a portion of the day toward relationship building. It does not have to be long hours at a time, it can be just 15-20 and it does not even have to be done all at once.

This one is hard to do as human beings, but if we try tp avoid gossip, that’s a good thing, because this is a major fact that can ruin a relationship at work.

For example, if we are experiencing conflict with someone in our group, it’s a good idea to talk to that person directly to first address the problem, because when we gossip to others about it, things will only get worth.

Ideally, it is best to build good working relationships with everyone, which is certainly not an easy thing to so, but we can start off with key stakeholders first, because forming a bond with them can help us ensure that our career is somewhat on track.

For questions, comments or feedback, send them to mcnarine@rogers.com

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, june 15, 2015

ARCHIE

Carefully scrutinise any deals, purchases or commit(March 21April 19) ments that are offered to you. An obscure detail could be costly if it is overlooked.

Mixing business and pleasure will lead to regret.

ARIES

You will be asked to asTAURUS sist someone who helped you (April 20- in the past. It may be diffiMay 20) cult, but your grace and compassion will be appreciated.

Enter new projects with an open mind.

dilbert

You won’t know which GEMINI way to turn. Personal chang(May 21es will have to be made. It’s June 20) time to slow down and take a long, hard look at your options before you make a move.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

You will gain satisfaction from helping others, but you risk burning out if you don’t take some personal time as well. Don’t give in to pressure tactics.

Love is in the air. A LEO (July 23- change of direction is immiAug. 22) nent, and your self-confident attitude will be a bonus when it comes to making professional changes.

Calvin and Hobbes

If you pay attention to VIRGO small details, you will avoid (Aug. 23having to do extra work latSept. 22) er on. Once you take care of your responsibilities, you will have time for play. Don’t get involved in gossip.

LIBRA Everything will go your (Sept. 23- way and you will get the coopOct. 23) eration you need to pursue an

important project. If you display leadership, you will quickly gain followers. Romance will improve your personal life.

SUDOKU

Honesty is the best policy.

SCORPIO If you try to deceive someone, (Oct. 24Nov. 22) you will face opposition and your reputation will suffer.

Do whatever it takes to maintain the status quo.

Professional changes are SAGITTARIUS evident and joint ventures (Nov. 23look promising. You will reDec. 21) ceive a useful tip regarding a financial investment. Love and romance will lead to happiness.

Tuesday's solution

Devote some time to your CAPRICORN career pursuits. Get outdoors (Dec. 22with family or friends and exJan. 19) plore local areas of interest.

The togetherness will be good for you and will help clear your mind.

AQUARIUS

Don’t make a move until you have done your research.

(Jan. 20You are only getting half the Feb. 19) information you need to make a decision. Someone will try to take credit for your work.

PISCES You will misinterpret kind(Feb. 20- ness for weakness. Consider March 20) the long-term repercussions of any contracts or agreements before signing them.

Someone from your past will come back into your life.

monday, june 15, 2015

Bolt expresses concern for legacy W

orld’s fastest man Usain Bolt has expressed fairs his legacy could be tarnished if he fails to sort out the issues that have plagued him so far this season.

The Olympic and World Champion put on a ragged display despite claiming first place at Saturday’s Diamond League meet in New York. Bolt who competed in the 200m, and has the run the fastest time ever recorded over the dis-

tance at 19.19, clocked a sluggish 20.29, albeit running into a 2.8ms headwind.

With American Justin Gatlin finding himself in a rich vein of form since last year, having already clocked 19.68, Bolt while not pressing the panic button, is looking for answers.

“This season is not going so smoothly,” Bolt said. “I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. I need to get on top of things, try to work

my way back. … At this pace, my legacy is going to be in trouble,” he added.

Of course having already claimed six Olympic gold medals, talk of a tarnished legacy for Bolt, no matter what happens at the Beijing World Championships might be an exaggeration.

But, of particular concern to sprinter was his curve running on Saturday, typically one of the strongest aspects of his race.

“I got out of the blocks,

F

Sepp Blatter

by Swiss police.

He also introduced the news conference where Blatter announced his resignation and appeared close to tears as the departing president announced his exit.

Parting shot

De Gregorio's departure follows an appearance on Swiss TV when, at the end of the program, he was asked to tell his favorite joke.

He replied: "The FIFA president, secretary general and media director are sitting in a car. Who's driving.

Answer? The police."

A FIFA statement gave no reason for De Gregorio leaving what had become an increasingly thankless job of defending FIFA during the scandal.

"Walter has worked incredibly hard for the past four years and we are immensely grateful for all he has done," said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.

The race to succeed Blatter gathered a new challenger on Wednesday when soccer great Zico formally declared his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, but the Brazilian admitted his chances of success were limited.

Under FIFA rules he needs the backing of five countries affiliated to world soccer's governing body, which he does not yet have, while he said UEFA boss Michel Platini had advised

and I just didn’t go anywhere,” Bolt said. “After the turn, I pretty much gave up.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

him to run for head of the Brazilian Football Confederation instead.

The rules governing how the FIFA president is elected have come under the spotlight since the corruption scandal erupted, but any plans to alter the voting system are likely to meet stiff opposition.

Soccer chiefs in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean voiced concerns on Thursday at German proposals to change the one member one vote system and hand a greater influence to more established soccer power-houses.

The current system has been widely credited with providing Blatter with his power base as he ruled FIFA for 17 years, aided by votes from less prominent soccer nations that received development funds aimed at promoting the sport.

"If tomorrow one member association is going to be more equal than the other, then of course that is going to raise serious issues, and that would not be good for world soccer and that would not be good for FIFA," Pakistani soccer chief Faisal Saleh Hayat told Reuters.

Zimbabwe Football Association spokesman Xolisani Gwesela said it would be unfair for countries in Africa and the developing world not to have the same vote as Germany or England.

Raymond Tim Kee, head of the Trinidad and Tobago Soccer Federation, also opposed the German plan, saying: "Big nations will trample on small countries like us in the Caribbean."

Jacinto Reyes, President of the Nicaragua Football Federation, added: "I am totally against this attitude because we have always spoken about racial discrimination and this idea is also discrimination."

As the corruption scandal widened, Paraguay's congress approved a measure withdrawing immunity from the headquarters of South America's CONMEBOL soccer confederation.

(Reuters)

Women’s World Cup…

USA top of Group D

Usain Bolt

Top official leaves FIFA as EU urges Blatter to go now

IFA's director of communications Walter de Gregorio is to resign after making a joke on television about the scandal-hit soccer body, while pressure mounted for his boss Sepp Blatter to step aside at once.

The European Parliament said Blatter's failure to depart immediately would block efforts to rid FIFA of rampant corruption.

The FIFA president announced his resignation last week as U.S. and Swiss authorities widened their investigations into bribery and corruption at the sport's global governing body, but he is still at his desk.

EU lawmakers heaped pressure on Blatter, 79, voting in favor of an eightpage resolution with a series of demands to clean up soccer.

The resolution -- non-binding but still indicative of public opinion in Europe -- welcomed Blatter's decision to resign, but expressed "serious concern" that he might stay on for a further nine months before a new leader is appointed.

The election to find a replacement for Blatter will take place in Zurich between December and February, FIFA announced, with the exact date decided at an executive committee meeting on July 20.

The soap opera at FIFA took another turn when it announced that De Gregorio was leaving two days after making a joke at FIFA's expense on a Swiss chat show.

The Swiss-Italian, who had taken up his role September 2011, had become a prominent figure within FIFA as a mouthpiece for the organization, appearing in public debates and on television.

He had fronted up to the media storm two weeks ago in the immediate aftermath of a dawn raid on the luxury hotel when seven soccer officials, wanted by United States prosecutors on corruption charges, were arrested

19

Some of the action during the match between USA and Sweden

U

SA remain top of Group D of the Women's World Cup despite being held to a goalless draw by Sweden in Winnipeg.

Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl made a string of fine stops, saving a late header from USA captain Abby Wambach.

At the other end, Sweden went close as Meghan Klingenberg cleared Caroline Seger's effort from under the bar.

Fabienne Humm hit the fastest hat-trick in tournament history as Switzerland beat Ecuador 10-1, equalling the event record for most goals in a match.

She struck between the 47th and 52nd minutes for the Swiss, who are joint second with Cameroon in

Group C. Ramona Bachmann also scored three times for Switzerland, while there was a hat-trick of sorts for Ecuador's Angie Ponce who was credited with two own goals, but also scored Ecuador's consolation from the penalty spot.

Aya Sameshima and Yuika Sugasawa scored early goals as defending champions Japan beat Cameroon 2-1.

Cameroon pulled a goal back through Ajara Nchout in the 90th minute and had chances in the final stages, but Japan held on to maintain their 100% record with two wins from two.

In Tuesday's final Group D games, USA play bottom side Nigeria and the Swedes meet second-placed Australia. (BBC Sport)

Vanessa Sahinovic in coma after bus collision

S

ynchronised swimmer Vanessa Sahinovic is being kept in an induced coma after she and two other team-mates were hit by a bus at the European Games in Baku.

The 15-year-old suffered multiple bone fractures, including her spine, in Thursday's incident and doctors cannot yet rule out potential paralysis.

Sahinovic, from Austria, underwent 10 hours of surgery in Vienna after being flown from Azerbaijan.

A hospital spokesman said further surgery would be necessary.

Her injuries are not lifethreatening, doctors have said.

Asked if paralysis was possible, Austrian team press officer Wolfgang Eichler said: "The doctors in their statement are telling us it's possible, but they

need another week before they are sure about her condition, that is a normal scenario we are being told."

The arm injury suffered

by Luna Pajer, who was also flown back to Austria, is said to be "more complicated" than first anticipated.

Verena Breit is back in the athletes village having been released from hospital on Thursday.

Eichler added: "Vanessa underwent a very long operation having arrived back in Vienna on Thursday evening and we believe the operation has helped to stabilise her condition.

"Our team doctor here in Baku is in constant contact with the team back in Vienna and we expect to be in a position to provide more information about the extent of the injuries to the respective athletes in due course." (BBC Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, june 15, 2015

Manchester City FC, New York FC England undefeated launch landmark deal with Digicel in Euro qualifiers with late strike form Rooney

M

anchester City FC and New York City FC have launched a new multi-year partnership with Digicel, the number one communications partner across the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific.

The Barclays Premier League Club and new Major League Soccer franchise will come together with the leading telecoms brand to create a wealth of multi-media content, as well as community coaching and once in a lifetime opportunities.

In a landmark new partnership, a first for either club in the region, Manchester City, New York City FC and Digicel will work together on a range of community initiatives, unique content interaction across broadcast, digital and mobile – as well as promotional opportunities, VIP attendance at games in Yankee Stadium, New York to enjoy the MLS and at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester to enjoy Premier League games.

The partnership will also see collaboration on Digicel’s Kick Start coaching programme which delivers clinics across 15 markets annually and further coaching opportunities for up to 24 aspiring young footballers to take place in the training Academies of New York City FC, Manchester City FC and Melbourne City FC. This exciting new partnership is the next evolutionary stage in the already well-established Digicel Kick

E

Wayne Rooney celebrates his late goal.

From left to right: New York City Football Club President, Tom Glick, Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship, James Wynne, Digicel Group Director of Marketing Operations, Kieran Foley and Commercial Director of City Football Marketing, Omar Berrada mark the official launch of the partnership in Yankee Stadium, New York City.

Start programme – delivering more interaction for more fans with more big clubs than ever before in the world’s most popular sport.

Omar Berrada, Commercial Director of City Football Marketing, which brokers Manchester City FC and New York City FC’s commercial partnerships, said: “We are delighted to welcome Digicel as our very first partner in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific Islands. Digicel has invested significantly in growing, developing and marketing football across their regions for several years and we are looking for-

ward to working together to bring exciting promotions and content to football fans across these markets.”

Digicel Group Director of Marketing Operations, Kieran Foley, said; “Digicel is delighted to be working with Manchester City and New York City FC, both clubs who enjoy an international following. This marks the next phase in our development – marrying content and community programmes across all our markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific as well as into our Diaspora communities. Knowing we have set

the bar high with our previous partnerships from the Barclays Premier League and with the Caribbean Football Union, we are very excited to develop this platform with Manchester City FC and New York City FC, to deliver compelling and exclusive content which our customers can consume in broadcast, digital and mobile channels, exciting experiences and promotions, as well as the unique and greatly enhanced football development programmes that will be on offer through this deal to all aspiring young players across all our markets.” (Digicel Release)

Sangakkara likely to retire after first Test against India K

umar Sangakkara is expected to call time on his international career after three further matches - the last of which will be the first Test against India. The timing of his retirement will be finalised on Tuesday in a meeting with the national selectors, but Sangakkara has already informed the board that he will only play the first two Tests against Pakistan and one against India, as he juggles the tail-end of his international career with his commitment to county side Surrey.

This means Sangakkara is unlikely to play international cricket again in his hometown of Kandy, though he did have an unofficial farewell in Pallekele in December. The first two Tests against Pakistan are scheduled for Galle and Colombo, and the first Test against India is presently set for Galle - though the venues for that tour have not been formally announced. There appears a chance his farewell Test could be moved to Kandy, but with preparations already having begun for a major celebration in the south, Sangakkara will likely end his international career at the site of his debut - in Galle.

Sangakkara had originally intended to retire from all formats following the World Cup, but was convinced to stay on for two more series by the former selectors and captain Angelo Mathews, among others. The

Kumar Sangakkara

present selectors had also hoped to convince the batsman to play all six Tests against Pakistan and India, but Sangakkara had remained firm in his decision to step away. Surrey's schedule also played a role in limiting the number of Tests Sangakkara would play in these series.

With 12,203 Test runs, 38 Test hundreds and an average of 58.66, Sangakkara will retire as Sri Lanka's most successful Test batsman, and will likely stay fifth on the overall run-tally. Having hit a double ton in January this year, he is also only one short of

Donald Bradman's record double century count of 12.

Sangakkara was the fastest batsman to 8000, 9000, 10,000 (joint fastest with Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara), 11,000 and 12,000 Test runs, in terms of innings played, and presently the top-ranked Test batsman in the world.

The latest unconfirmed schedule for the India series has Sangakkara's farewell match beginning on August 18. He is expected to play for Surrey in between the second Pakistan Test and the first game against India. (Cricinfo)

ngland captain Wayne Rooney scored a late winner against Slovenia to keep his team firmly on track for Euro 2016.

Rooney's late strike, and two spectacular goals from Jack Wilshere, mean England have won all six of their Euro 2016 Group E qualifiers so far.

But their unblemished record was under threat when a catalogue of defensive errors saw veteran striker Milivoje Novakovic put Slovenia ahead just before half-time in Ljubljana.

Wilshere responded with two magnificent strikes for his first goals in 28 England appearances - but England had to suffer the anxiety of Nejc Petnik's headed equaliser before Rooney settled a thrilling affair four minutes from time.

England's captain had wasted a succession of earlier chances but made no mistake as he raced clear to score his 48th goal for his country, putting him level with Gary Lineker and one behind Sir Bobby Charlton.

It was an England display that will have given manager Roy Hodgson much pain before the pleasure of victory, some slick passing and lively attacking being mixed with dreadful defending that would invite greater punishment should it be repeated against a higher calibre of opposition than Slovenia.

Hodgson said beforehand he was not concerned about the manner of the performance so long as it brought the win - but there were aspects of this display that will surely worry England's manager.

The main plus points were the performance of Wilshere, looking dynamic and scoring the goals that had previously eluded him at this level, and the win that makes England's advance on next summer's Euros in France now look little more than a formality.

Hodgson kept faith with Raheem Sterling despite his ongoing contract wrangle with Liverpool and the jeers aimed at him during the goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland.

And he should have rewarded his manager inside three minutes when Rooney was dispossessed and the

ball fell perfectly to Sterling.

He only had Slovenian keeper Samir Handanovic to beat but lifted a tame finish over the top.

The miss apart, Sterling was a lively performer - but it was Rooney who came closest to putting England ahead with a low shot that was destined for the bottom corner until Handanovic stretched out and got a crucial touch to turn it just wide.

For all England's supremacy, Slovenia were a threat on the break. It brought their goal just before half-time but not without a huge helping of assistance from England.

Phil Jones started England's downfall with a dreadful throw-in and Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling compounded the problem by needlessly stepping up to play offside, allowing Josip Illicic to set Novakovic free to run on and beat Joe Hart.

Hodgson's half-time answer was a novel one, removing the hapless Jones to send on Adam Lallana, and putting midfielder Jordan Henderson at rightback while Nathaniel Clyne stayed on the bench.

Lallana played a part as England drew level 12 minutes after the restart, scrapping for possession in the area before Wilshere ran on to the loose ball and sent a searing 20-yard shot high past Handanovic.

Rooney then wasted two chances as his finishing let him down and it was left to Wilshere to be the main man again as England produced the move of the match to go ahead with 17 minutes left.

Henderson and Andros Townsend linked well on the right and Lallana delivered a clever flick that allowed Wilshere to take a touch to tee himself up before crashing another thunderous left-foot finish high past Handanovic.

England looked to be in control but once again eased off and were punished, Pecnik rising above Kieran Gibbs at the far post to direct a header down and beyond Hart.

As the home fans started to celebrate a point, Slovenia may have relaxed fatally to allow Rooney to edge closer to his place in England history with that late winner.

(BBC Sport)

sports

YELLOW PAGES monday, june 15, 2015

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21

Nadal wins 1st grass title since 2010 R

afael Nadal has won his first title on grass since 2010 by beating Viktor Troicki in the Mercedes Cup final.

The Spaniard, who was well beaten in the French Open quarter-final by Novak Djokovic earlier this month, won 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in Stuttgart.

Nadal, 29, hit 11 aces in his victory over the Serb and now has 66 career titles, four on grass.

He also won in Stuttgart in 2005 and 2007 when the tournament was held on clay.

Victory will boost Nadal's world ranking after the 14time Grand Slam winner slumped to a 10-year low of 10th earlier in the month.

He is now scheduled to

Rafael Nadal

play at Queen's - he has been drawn against Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov in the first round - before Wimbledon begins on 29 June.

In the Topshelf Open, Italy's 23-year-old Camila Giorgi claimed her maiden

title by beating Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic 7-5 6-3 in 's-Hertogenbosch.

France's Nicholas Mahut beat David Goffin of Belgium 7-6 (7-1) 6-1 in the men's event after entering the competition as a qualifier. (BBC Sport)

Ashwin’s 5-for bright spot in damp draw

R Ashwin is congratulated by team-mates after he dismissed Shakib Al Hasan.

O

nce the first session of the final day was washed out, the draw was inevitable, but India gave a glimpse into the possibilities had this match not lost 248 overs to rain by bowling Bangladesh out for 256 and enforcing a follow-on. Though he couldn't help India avoid slipping to fourth in the ICC rankings thanks to this draw, the most impressive player of the match, R Ashwin, registered his first five-wicket haul outside India. Bangladesh will be disappointed their first innings lasted only 65.5 overs on a pitch that India batted comfortably and lost wickets only when their batsmen went out of their way to score quick runs.

The final day's play began with Bangladesh needing 152 to avoid the follow-on with seven wickets in hand. A maximum of 67 overs could have been bowled on the day. Had Bangladesh batted sensibly they would have avoided the drama of having to bat again and hanging in grimly. Confronted with some excellent bowling from Ashwin but little else, Bangladesh failed to do so although theirs was a general air of just having a good time without having to worry about the result because it had been ruled out. In a live Test they might well

have shown more application.

Shakib Al Hasan fell manufacturing a cut, Imrul Kayes and Mohammad Shahid jumped out of the crease to Harbhajan Singh - all three of the returning offspinners' victims were batsmen outside their crease - and Soumya Sarkar and others kept swinging away even when not quite in control of the shots. Ashwin, though, was in a different league, relying on his offbreak, getting it to drift and dip, drawing sharp turn and

bounce, and brought some excitement into a match dulled by poor scheduling: the first in monsoon June in Bangladesh.

Even after Shakib fell early on in the day, the shots kept coming. Some of them came off - Sarkar managed an ungainly 37 - but they brought about wickets. The bright spot for Bangladesh was debutant Litton Das' 44 off 45, but he too struggled as Ashwin drifted the ball away from him. After having found himself away from the pitch of the ball, Das eventually gloved one bouncing offbreak to backward short leg. Das' wicket made it 232 for 8, and it was followed by a poor shot from Mohammad Shahid and poor running from Taijul Islam and Jubair Hossain.

Intent to give it every possible shot, Virat Kohli asked Bangladesh to bat again, but there was never going to be enough time to force a result. Hands were shaken the moment Bangladesh had batted out 15 overs in the second innings and the mandatory overs became due.

SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings 462 Bangladesh 1st innings Tamim Iqbal st †Saha b Ashwin 19 Imrul Kayes st †Saha b Harbhajan Singh 72 Mominul Haque c Yadav b Harbhajan Singh 30 Mushfiqur Rahim* c RG Sharma b Ashwin 2 Shakib Al Hasan c †Saha b Ashwin 9 Soumya Sarkar b Aaron 37 Litton Das† c RG Sharma b 44 Ashwin Shuvagata Hom c RG Sharma b Ashwin 9 Taijul Islam not out 16 Mohammad Shahid c Dhawan b Harbhajan Singh 6 Jubair Hossain run out (Ashwin/†Saha) 0 Extras (lb 9, nb 3) 12 Total (all out; 65.5 overs) 256

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-108, 3-110, 4-121, 5-172, 6-176, 7-219, 8-232, 9-246, 10-256.

Bowling: I Sharma 7-0-24-0, R Ashwin 25-6-87-5, UT Yadav 7-0-45-0, VR Aaron 9-0-27-1, Harbhajan Singh 17.5-2-64-3.

Bangladesh 2nd innings (following on) Tamim Iqbal not out 16 Imrul Kayes not out 7 Extras 0 Total (0 wickets; 15 overs; 46 mins) 23 Did not bat: Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim*, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das†, Shuvagata Hom, Jubair Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mohammad Shahid Bowling: UT Yadav 2-1-4-0, R Ashwin 6-2-8-0, Harbhajan Singh 5-2-11-0, M Vijay 1-1-00, S Dhawan 1-1-0-0.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, june 15, 2015

Guyana finish 3rd in NACRA, unable to qualify for Olympics T

he men’s national rugby squad lost their North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) seven’s title while also failing to qualify for the Olympics on Sunday in North Carolina.

According to the NACRA website, Guyana lost to the Cayman Islands and Canada in the group

stage while defeating The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago to finish third in the group, meaning that the team were out of the Olympics.

However, because of their low seeding Guyana were also unable to play for their NACRA seven’s title and finished the tournament by defeating Barbados

and Jamaica for the third position.

The wins against Barbados and Jamaica allowed Guyana to finish fifth overall out of the 10 teams that participated.

Guyana will now look towards the Pan American Games later in June in hopes of qualifying for the Olympics.

The men’s national squad earlier this year

Fletcher tips Zouks to challenge for title

T

he St Lucia Zouks have failed to sparkle in the two previous Caribbean Premier League tournaments, but there is a feeling in the camp it could be third time lucky for Darren Sammy and his boys.

With overseas stars like Kevin Pietersen and Ross Taylor committing to the duration of the competition and the class of Sammy and the likes of Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Fidel Edwards and Kemar Roach, some pundits are tipping the Zouks to challenge for the title.

We grabbed a quick chat with their star batsman ANDRE FLETCHER, who has top-scored for the

Andre Fletcher

Zouks in both CPL's so far and also keeps wicket for his side, to find out whether he thinks they can win it...

Q How excited are you about the CPL? A I’m very excited. I don’t think it’s only me that is excited - the other guys

NSBF Georgetown Conference

in team are. Everybody is.

Q Will this year be bigger and better than before?

I’m really expecting it to be better. The past two years have been very good.

Seeing the talent that is coming is going to make it very competitive.

Q What will the likes

of Mahela Jayawardena, Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi bring to the tournament?

A The likes of Ross Taylor, Pietersen and Shahid are class cricketers.

KP brought a good buzz to the team last year [during his two-match stint].

Having those guys around will be a very good help to the tournament. It will be a massive boost for us to have Pietersen available for the whole tournament.

He brings so many other things with him as well. I’m very happy and my captain [Darren Sammy] is too.

Q What is KP like around the dressing-room?

A To me he appears to be a fun person - he loves

to laugh and joke. We had a nice rapport last year, we enjoyed him playing at the Zouks and we are hoping with him there we can enjoy ourselves again.

Q Can he help the Zouks win the CPL? A Pietersen is a matchwinner - everybody knows that. Once he is playing at his best he can change any game for any team.

Once myself and Johnson Charles get a good start then he can come in and let the runs flow.

Q How much fun is the CPL to play in?

A In the West Indies, cricket is something we love and having the CPL in the Caribbean is something big. We as players all look

forward to it and not only us but the spectators too. It is around the carnival season and everyone is looking forward to it.

Q Who is going to be the biggest run scorer this season?

A Obviously, I’m looking to be at the top! I don’t know who will get the most runs but we at the St Lucia Zouks have a lot of players who can do it.

Q Who will take most wickets?

A I’m backing one of our bowlers, maybe one of our spinners. If we can get one of our batsmen to be top run scorer and one of our bowlers to be top wicket taker then we definitely should make the final. (CPL.com)

NSBF Berbice Conference

BEI continue dominance in NA zone St Rose’s, Marian Academy T claim big wins T he National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) Georgetown Regional Conference continued on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with St Rose’s High School dominating Bishops’ High School.

St Rose’s High School put on a smooth effort to win the only Under-19 encounter of the evening 59-46.

Nathan Saul was his usual high-scoring self, dropping a game-high 24 points while being a pesky perimeter defender with four steals. Stephan Joseph supported with 12 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Timothy Thompson led the way for Bishops’ High with a double- double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Daniel Haynes had a team-high 18 points but fell short of a double-double with nine rebounds.

Marian Academy were on top of their game in an Under-16 encounter, routing North Georgetown Secondary 61-25.

Joshua Brazao had a double-double for Marian, with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jahleel Young also had 14 points in the win.

Queen’s College pulled off a close 26-19 win in the other Under-16 match-up, as Omari Joseph scored a game-high 22 points out of his team’s 26.

The third Under-16 game saw St Joseph High School topping Christ Church Secondary 35-17, as Shamar Spooner was the top scorer in the game with 12 points to lead St Joseph to the win.

In the only Under-14 game of the day, St Rose’s ran all over Trust College with a 44-6 win. Anthony Yansen scored a game-high 12 points, while Trevon Miller added 10 points and 11 rebounds for St Rose’s.

The NSBF Regional Tournament, which is sponsored by DIgicel, Edward B Beharry and Company and Banks DIH, will continue on June 20 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

he Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) continued their dominance in the New Amsterdam Zone of the Berbice Conference of the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) on Tuesday at the Smythfield Drop-in Centre Court.

Led by Shamar France, BEI recorded a thrilling four-point win over Vrymens Erven Secondary (VESS), winning 28-24.

With less than one minute left on the clock and the scoreboard reading 25-24, VESS turned the ball over and

France made no mistake, hitting a dagger from downtown to seal the game for his team.

France had a game-high 17 points, while for VESS, Mark Wilson led a losing cause with eight points.

In the second game of the double header, New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) got the better of New Amsterdam Technical institute (NATI), winning 40-27.

For NAMS, Neil Wills scored 12 points and received good support from Ramone Fogenay and Antonio

Mohammed each with 10 points. Kwesi Mickle had a game high of 13 points for the losing NATI. The competition continues on Thursday at the same venue.

The zone is being played on a league basis with each school playing its competitors twice.

Teams will receive three points for each win and the team finishing with the most points will earn the right to play against the winner of the Corentyne Zone for the Berbice Championship, which is scheduled for June 28. (Andrew Carmichael)

Bolt not scared of Gatlin D

ouble-Olympic champion Usain Bolt has dismissed suggestions he is "afraid" of facing in-form American Justin Gatlin.

The 33-year-old has run 2015's fastest 100m and 200m - 9.75 and 19.68 seconds - but is yet to race Bolt this season.

The pair are set to meet in the World Championships in Beijing in August, along with other leading sprinters Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell.

"Afraid? When people say that, I laugh," said Jamaican Bolt, 28, who holds the world record in both events.

"I've been in the sport for years and I've never dodged anybody. When it matters, I've always showed up and shown that I'm the best," he added.

"Gatlin has been doing a lot of talking, saying a lot of things. He's proved he's running fast times and he's ready.

So it should be exciting going into the World Championships.

"I look forward to competing when

people talk... because if you don't back it up you look really stupid."

Bolt is in New York for the Diamond League Grand Prix meeting at Randall's Island on Saturday, but is competing in the 200m which is not part of the Diamond League standings.

It is the first time he has raced in the city since he broke the world 100m record for the first time in 2008.

His 2014 campaign was disrupted by foot and hamstring injuries and he only ran in three races - including a leg for Jamaica's victorious 4x100m relay team at the Commonwealth Games.

In April he won the 100m in Rio but his Jamaica 4x100m team were beaten by USA at the World Relay Championships in Nassau last month.

In his first race of the year in Europe last month he won the Golden Spike 200m comfortably in Ostrava but failed to break 20 seconds, clocking 20.13.

"I'm not in the best of shape and

Usain Bolt

I'm not going to put myself out there if I know I'm just coming back," said Bolt, who announced in February that he would retire after the 2017 World Championships.

"When I get to Beijing I'll be ready to go and that's when the showdown will be." (BBC Sport)

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, june 15, 2015

Guyana Amazon Warriors to play 2 practice games

A

Sunil Narine

Brad Hodge

s preparation continues for the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2015, the Guyana Amazon Warriors will conclude their one-week training camp with two T20 practice games against a Guyana Select XI at the National Stadium, Providence on Monday and Tuesday.

Start time for Monday’s game is 18:00h while Tuesday’s game will start from 16:00h.

The squads are: Guyana Amazon Warriors: Lendl Simmons, Trevon Griffith,

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brad Hodge, Christopher Barnwell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Narine, Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz, Ronsford Beaton, Akshaya Persaud, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, and Satsimranjit Dhindsa.

Guyana Select XI: Leon Johnson, Jonathan Foo, Ricardo Adams, Royston Crandon, Anthony Bramble, Stephen Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Andre Stoll, Raj Nanan, Steven Sankar, Raun Johnson, Renaldo Ali Mohammed, Vishal Singh, and Robin Bacchus.

Team Evolution dominates Father’s Day cycling

T

Orville Hinds

eam Evolution’s meteoric rise on the local cycling circuit continued on Sunday when they claimed a 1-2-3 finish in the 16th annual Father’s Day 50-miler sponsored by the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) under its Castrol brand.

Orville Hinds emerged champion of the race, which started in front of the Wales Police Station, and proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

Hinds battled the windy conditions to clock a leading one hour, 55 minutes.

His teammates Michael Anthony and Raul Leal fin-

ished second and third respectively.

The Team Coco’s pair Jamal John and Junior occupied fourth and fifth respectively, while young Raphael Leung of United Bike Shop enhanced his growing reputation with a sixth place finish.

John took the Junior division, with Leung second and Andrew Hicks third, while Deeraj Garbarran, Seon Budhan and Michael Holder were 1-2-3 in the Mountain Bike category.

Niles was the leading veteran rider, with Shameer Baksh second and Talim Shaw third. The race was organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.

23

Are West Indies' T20 stars keen on returning?

C

hris Gayle has stated that he hasn't turned his back on Test cricket, but the intentions of his fellow T20 freelancers are not yet known It is an issue that won't go away. Nor is it likely to anytime soon. Debate over the dichotomy of players' preference for the IPL and other such widespread domestic T20 franchise tournaments over commitment to West Indies has sharply split public opinion.

It prompted the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to introduce a "West Indies first" policy just over a year ago to let players know where they, and it, stand; most recently, it has drawn opposite views from two senior members of the coaching staff, the head coach Phil Simmons and his bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose.

Simmons, just three months into his position after eight successful years in charge of Ireland, appeared to counter the WICB's principle by stating that, as far as he was concerned, the door was open to IPL players previously unavailable for West Indies duties.

Although encouraged by the performance of a young team in sharing his inaugural series against England 1-1, he understandably wants to have all the best players on the selectors' list, those from the IPL among them. It's a view that has coincided with the struggles against the strong, uncompromising Australians in the current mini-series of two Tests.

Even if Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and others were keen to return, Simmons is realistic enough to appreciate that they wouldn't automatically slip straight back into the Test team. The difference between the shortest format and the longest is as striking as that between the 100 metres and the marathon in another sport.

His aim is to first get them back to lift standards in domestic cricket; all have played none or very little since the advent of the IPL. He must know that the vast disparity in pay is what lured them towards overseas T20 contracts in the first place; nothing has changed on that score. Even WICB's increases for its contracted players are insignificant in comparison.

"Obviously everybody wants to see those guys playing Test cricket for West Indies because they are certainly good enough to play that format," Simmons told a Trinidad newspaper.

"I hope to sit down with them and discuss my, and the selectors, vision for how we want West Indies to play Test cricket going forward and how they possibly fit into that. I can't rule anybody in or out of consideration until I do so."

He is certain to encounter resistance from the WICB itself. The first task of its director of cricket, the Englishman Richard Pybus, was to present a comprehensive report in

March 2014, recommending changes in the running of the game in the Caribbean.

"WICB to prioritise West Indies Cricket, domestic and international," Pybus advised.

"Eliminate participation of international players in other countries' T20 competitions to prioritise the skills development necessary for West Indies to achieve their vision goals."

The directors bought into it, especially in view of the formation of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) along the same lines as its Indian counterpart.

Ambrose echoes the stance.

"First of all, I believe we should try our best to feature our strongest team," Ambrose said while in England promoting his autobiography prior to the Australia series.

"Unfortunately, some of our top players are in the IPL at the moment. You can't really stop someone, or you shouldn't stop someone from making decisions. They've got to decide if they want to play for West Indies or go to the IPL. I know it is a lucrative thing (but) should we just allow these guys to come straight back into the team? For me, I think not."

It is more likely that the majority of "these guys" - there were nine West Indians in the 2015 IPL - aren't interested in returning to West Indies cricket.

In addition to their pay packets, they value the treatment they receive from their franchises, the competition supplied by some of the finest players in the game and the adoration showered on them

by India's passionate fans. It is a combination they are not ac-

corded back home.

Bravo noted the comments of Simmons and has hinted at an interest in returning to the West Indies T20 team; it is unlikely that he would be welcomed back. He has already paid for his place in the ODI team for his role as captain and chief spokesman for the players who contentiously abandoned last year's tour of India.

And there are still long memories at board level who recall his answer to an Indian newspaper three years ago.

Mumbai Indians or Trinidad and Tobago? He was asked.

"Of course T&T. It's my country. Mumbai Indians come second, T&T come first and West Indies third," he replied.

The surprise response to Simmons' open door comment came from Gayle. The powerful self-proclaimed "world boss" played the last of his 103 Tests last September against Bangladesh in the Caribbean; since then, he has missed nine Tests while battering helpless bowlers in the IPL and for Somerset in England's T20 Blast and further enhancing his popularity with his cricket and his personality.

With scores of 92, 151 not out and 85 not out in three appearances for Somerset, Gayle amassed 328 runs from 170 balls and with a remarkable 29 sixes.

Even so, he intended to discuss his Test future with Simmons and, possibly, the WICB on his return for the upcoming CPL in which he leads the Jamaica Tallawahs; significantly, the number he used on his shirt for Somerset was 333, his highest Test score.

It seemed repeated injuries had ended his 14-year Test career for West Indies. Yet he told ESPNcricinfo recently that he would "love to play a few more international games" although he did concede that the travelling is "very hectic" for a 35-year-old.

"I just want to see if they are still interested," Gayle revealed. "I am still interested so I'll look forward to that and see how best it can work out."

The West Indies next Test assignments are in Zimbabwe in July and August and Sri Lanka in October and November; three Tests follow in Australia over the Christmas and New Year period.

A fit and eager Gayle would make a difference to a team now without the experience of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, dropped for the current series against Australia after his rare slump in form; his contract with Melbourne Renegades for next season's Big Bash League in Australia suggests he won't be back at the top of the West Indies Test match order.

All the same, he supplied a flattering assessment of Test cricket.

"A Test match is fantastic," he said. "It's a test of character but the entertainment part of cricket is phenomenal. T20 has actually brought new cricket fans into the game, so we have to continue with this as well so that people who didn't watch can eventually get to watch Test cricket".

Not many of his IPL colleagues appear to share the view. (Cricinfo)

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

MONday, june 15, 2015

2018 World Cup qualifier

High-scoring draw ends Golden Jaguars campaign

By Avenash Ramzan

T

he dreams of a nation were shattered on Sunday evening as the Golden Jaguars’ campaign in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers ended in round two following a high-scoring 4-4 draw against St Vincent and the Grenadines in the return fixture at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

A partisan home crowd cheered on the Golden Jaguars to the very end, but the fact that the host nation conceded double the amount of goals they managed to score in the ‘away’ clash last Wednesday put paid to their chances of grabbing a spot at Russia 2018. The first game ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

England-based duo Emery Welshman and Neil Danns netted a double apiece, but the Golden Jaguars’ porous defence meant their efforts were

Neil Danns’ penalty shot flies past the St Vincent goalkeeper in the second half (Avenash Ramzan photo)

in vain.

The game got off to an aggressive start with St Vincent and the Grenadines controlling possession with their speed getting the better of the home boys in the early exchanges. They were soon rewarded when Myron Samuels drew first blood in the 16th

minute.

Welshman brought the hosts back into contention with his first goal in the 40th minute, but a mere minute later, Tevin Slater recaptured the lead for the “Vincy Heat”.

The half ended with the islanders leading 2-1, but five minutes after the resumption,

Danns took the penalty shot after Brandon Beresford was brought down in the box, and he duly found the back of the net to draw the scores level.

Eight minutes later, Slater scored his second goal to hand the Vincentians a 3-2 advantage, which soon became 4-2 in the 67th minute when Oalex

Anderson scored a spectacular goal. With time rolling by, it seemed all done and dusted, but Welshman reduced the margin in the 77th minute, before Danns equalised three minutes before full-time.

At the post-match press conference, Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Jamaal Shabazz, blamed the outcome on poor defence.

“I thought we had a glass door in defence, and while we always had to keep coming from behind, the little inspiration we got in getting back into the game, I think our defence left a lot to be desired. If we give up this many goals in international football, it’s always going to be very, very difficult to win, but a valiant effort. I thought the guys fought to the end, and while going down each time I want to give them credit for picking themselves up and fighting to the end,” Shabazz reflected.

Shabazz also explained

the reason behind the absence of England-based defender Matthew Briggs, who was forced to watch the action from the sidelines.

“He complained of something in his stomach for the entire night, and coming into it we felt that he would not be as fit enough, and in discussion with him we felt it better to give the chance to somebody who had more energy and a better feeling to play,” Shabazz revealed.

Meanwhile, St Vincent and the Grenadines Head Coach Cornelius Huggins said his team deserved to win, noting that in the first game they squandered many opportunities, something they were determined to rectify on Sunday night.

Looking ahead to the third round of qualification, Huggins said it will provide an opportunity for the island nation’s young players to market themselves on the big stage.

Windies suffer 277-run defeat to mighty Aussies A

ustralia completed a 277run demolition of West Indies inside four days at Sabina Park to win the Frank Worrell Trophy 2-0. West Indies began the day with eight wickets in hand, but their resistance was feeble. The contest was all but over after they lost 5 for 56 in the first session, and they crumbled for 114 shortly after lunch.

Mitchell Starc had accounted for Kraigg Brathwaite and

Rajendra Chandrika in the first over of the innings late on the third day, and he struck in the fifth over this morning. A full ball curled into Shane Dowrich after angling across him from over the wicket and brushed his front pad.

Starc whipped around to appeal for lbw, not realising the ball had gone on to hit off stump. He had figures of 6-4-2-3.

There was seam movement on offer in the morning and Josh

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st Innings 399 WEST INDIES 1st Innings 220 AUSTRALIA 2nd Innings 212-2 decl.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (target: 392) (overnight 16 for two) K Brathwaite b Starc

0 R Chandrika c Marsh b Starc 0 D Bravo c Marsh b Hazlewood 11 S Dowrich b Starc 4 S Hope b Johnson 16 J Blackwood b Hazlewood 0 *+D Ramdin c Clarke b Johnson 29 J Holder c Starc b Watson 1

23 V Permaul not out K Roach c Smith b Lyon 3 J Taylor b Lyon 0 Extras (b13, lb11, w2, nb1) 27 TOTAL (all out, 42 overs) 114 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Brathwaite), 2-1 (Chandrika), 3-20 (Dowrich), 4-27 (Bravo), 5-33 (Blackwood), 6-55 (Hope), 7-62 (Holder), 8-111 (Ramdin), 9-114 (Roach), 10-114 (Taylor) Bowling: Starc 13-5-34-3 (w1, nb1), Hazlewood 10-5-18-2, Lyon 7-3-12-2, Johnson 8-1-23-2 (w1), Watson 4-2-3-1.

Hazlewood bowled an impeccable length around off stump, moving the ball just enough to constantly trouble the batsmen. Darren Bravo eventually pushed forward with hard hands, and the deviation off the pitch caused the outside edge to carry to gully, where Shaun Marsh stooped to take a low catch. Shortly after, Hazlewood induced Jermaine Blackwood to play on to a delivery that nipped into the right-hander from a good length, and West Indies were 33 for 5.

The partnership between 21year old Shai Hope and Denesh Ramdin lasted nine overs before Mitchell Johnson let one rip from round the wicket. Hope pushed forward with a gap between bat and pad and the ball cut in to hit off stump. There was no resistance from Jason Holder this time; he fell clipping Shane Watson tamely to short midwicket.

West Indies were 72 for 7 at lunch but Ramdin and Veerasammy Permaul kept Australia waiting after the break. Their partnership extended to 49 at 4.5 runs at over

Shai Hope has his off stump pegged back.

before Johnson broke through. He squared Ramdin up and Michael Clarke dived to his right at second slip to take a low catch.

The offspinner Nathan Lyon had not been used much in the innings but in his seventh over he

ended the match off consecutive deliveries. Kemar Roach popped a catch to short leg, before Jerome Taylor was bowled slogging across the line to bag a pair. West Indies had lost 20 wickets in 101.5 overs in the Test. (Cricinfo)

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