Guyana Times Daily

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 1792

See story on page 7

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, June 7, 2013

Crackdown anti-drug policy doomed to fail – Rodrigues-Birkett tells OAS meeting

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Dead man not identified after three months P2 NGS launches university P11

UN urges P12 caution against selling natural resources

OAS adopts conventions P12 against racism and discrimination

Jagdeo gets fifth honorary doctorate from Trent University See story on page 3 From left: President of Trent, Steven Franklin; Professor at Trent, Suresh Narine; former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Chair of the Trent Board, Anne Wright; Chancellor of Trent University, Tom Jackson

NGSA results out today See story on page 7

Functions of Linden land use committee to be finalised See story on page 7

Serious challenges still remain in Caribbean economies – foreign minister P13

APNU says local govt poll doable this year P13

2news Online advertising agency Toucan launched friday, june 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

– sees Guyana as viable economy

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business seminar on social media and online advertising was on Wednesday hosted at the Pegasus Hotel to officially launch the services of Toucan, an international online advertising and marketing agency, in Guyana.

With offices in Dubai, India, Kenya, and the Caribbean, Toucan has a unique perspective on how to approach advertising in local, regional, and international markets and on how to engage with an online audience.

Managing Director Douglas Ames said it was his hope that many economic scales are achieved from this venture.

Ames said it was his be-

from the team in Kenya, so it gives a global perception when planning target markets,” Ames added.

He said people are usually fearful to invest in social media marketing and what the company aims to do is remove that cloud of doubt by partnering with them.

“We only pay if we reach a certain target whether it is sales online or increasing the numbers of likes on your Facebook page, we charge based on us meeting a certain target agreed upon before,” he explained.

lief that Guyana is a growing market and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country’s economy is expected to grow by five to six per cent in 2014.

When compared to other economies around the world, he said, this is good. He noted that Toucan is built on an international framework and has Caribbean roots.

International presence

“We want to tap into new markets and there’s a lot of synergy there between Guyana and the Caribbean; therefore, we decided to enter into the marketplace because of opportunities and cultural similarities available and we can do a lot here with the business communi-

Toucan Managing Director Douglas Ames

ty,” he said.

According to Ames, what sets his business apart from other advertising agencies is the fact that Toucan has an international presence. “We are a small team and the team from Jamaica will seek the concept and creativity

Software developers’ contest

Turning his attention to the impact of tourism on the economy, he said Guyana is a great tourist destination and it would be good to see the country being advertised online, as this will enhance the influx of tourists.

According to Ames, once the company would have

established an interest in Guyana, it will be opening a local office and persons will be trained and sent abroad to participate in international seminars to enhance their skills in this regard.

“Soon we will be promoting a competition which looks at innovation in terms of apps and games and it will be opened to all markets, including Guyana, where young and upcoming software developers will be encouraged to submit their ideas,” she said.

He stated that the ideas and concepts will be placed before a judging panel and persons will be rewarded with employment at Toucan and monetary prizes.

The company is seeking to partner with mobile and insurance companies mostly, but could provide packages for privatised organisations. Ames has expressed confidence that Guyana is a key emerging market for businessmen and investors in the Caribbean and the Americas.

He said social media gives them the scope and

the capacity to reach out to potential consumers, investors, and partners in Guyana and all around the world. But what you need to know is how to use that capacity to achieve your goals, and this is where Toucan comes in.

Ames further noted that the stage is set for Toucan to build a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with the Guyanese business community.

The company’s clients throughout the Caribbean are offered cutting-edge online and mobile apps, the latest web design technology, customised memes and animations, and the highest standards of social media management across the full spectrum of social media networks.

Toucan Limited, which was incorporated in Dubai, offers advice on Internet advertising and marketing, online consumer engagement, web design and publishing, search engine optimisation, and overall campaign management to businesses in emerging markets.

Peacemaker shot by brother during scuffle

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n East Ruimveldt man is nursing a gunshot wound to his right arm after he intervened in a domestic dispute between his brother and sister-in-law on Thursday in Self-Help Square, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Yohan Greenidge, 32, of Guyhoc Park, East La Penitence was treated at a city hospital and was sent away, while the shooter, Anthony Greenidge is on the run.

A relative of the two men told Guyana Times that about 10:30h at the family home on Thursday, Anthony and his wife had a misunderstanding and he started to hit her.

Upon seeing this, Yohan

intervened, calling on his brother to stop hitting the woman, but instead Anthony whipped out a shotgun and shot his sibling to his right arm. Reports reaching this newspaper suggested that Yohan and Anthony were also involved in a scuffle after he refused to stop beating the woman.

Immediately after the shooting, Anthony left the premises and has not been seen since. The relative could not confirm where Anthony got the gun but was certain that he does not own one. After the shooting incident, the injured man was taken to the hospital where he was treated.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Dead man not identified after three months

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lmost three months after an unidentified man was taken to the accident and emergency unit at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later succumbed, the police are soliciting the assistance of the public to identify him.

Based in information reaching this newspaper, the man was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital on March 28, with a number of injuries to his body.

He was dropped off by two men who left and never returned. From all indications, the man was involved in a vehicular accident and succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

The Guyana Police Force is seeking the assistance of the general public in identifying the man. He was of East Indian descent, about 5’ 7”, in his mid-sixties, brown in complexion, medium built. He was wearing a pair of blue denim threequarter pants and a multicoloured shirt at the time of admittance.

His body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour.

Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of the deceased is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2682298; 268-2222; 225-6411; 911 or the nearest police station.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, June 7, from 14:30h to 16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, June 7, from 16:00h to 17:30h.

WEATHER

Countrywide: Heavy rain showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to east north-easterly at 4.02 to 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 03:20h and 15:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.40 metres and 2.54 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:22h and 21:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.77 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013 Daily Millions

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

Jagdeo gets fifth honorary doctorate from Trent University F ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday received the honorary doctorate conferred upon him

by Trent University, his fifth such honour in recent years.

Trent University, with a world-class reputation in environmental and resource sciences, water science and biomaterials, conferred the honour on Jagdeo in recognition of his global advocacy for averted climate change through avoided deforestation, by linking economic development in forested countries to carbon sequestration, ecosystem services and preservation of biodiversity.

The citation was read

by Guyanese Professor Suresh Narine, director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research, and was attended by approximately 20 Guyanese dignitaries and academics.

In his address to the university graduating class of 2013, Professor Narine said: “We face a series of interrelated challenges: availability and affordability of energy; availability of clean water; a growing world population and increasing food scarcity; sustained meltdown of the world’s financial systems;

capable of convincing political leaders, the private sector and mass populations alike, across borders, cultures and nationalistic interests, of the urgent imperative for concerted action. Bharrat Jagdeo is such a leader.”

Most challenging barrier to concerted action relates to policy

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

continued mal-distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities between the developed and

Jagdeo urged the graduating students, parents and assembled academics to ensure that they play a role in the efforts to address the environmental issues facing the planet, in particular, climate change, as it was not suf-

“[Global] challenges urgently demand global leaders who are transformative thinkers: women and men who are capable of convincing political leaders, the private sector and mass populations alike, across borders, cultures and nationalistic interests, of the urgent imperative for concerted action. Bharrat Jagdeo is such a leader.” – Professor Suresh Narine developing world; and, climate change as a result of anthropogenic activities, including massive deforestation. These challenges urgently demand global leaders who are transformative thinkers: women and men who are

ficient to leave the issue up to scientists and policy leaders.

“Ensure you do not sleep walk through life,” he said to the graduands.

“You have within you individual and collective power to effect the massive

changes necessary to turn around the catastrophic outcome towards which the world is headed unless climate change is addressed.”

Trent’s outdoor convocation ceremony, set on the picturesque banks of the Otonabee River, was a fitting backdrop to Jagdeo’s message: “The most challenging barrier to concerted action to avert catastrophic climate change in our world relates to policy,” he told the attentive audience of some 1600 individuals. “And you have the individual and collective power to ensure that the correct enabling policies are adopted by your governments, through your advocacy, votes, and voices.”

The former president pointed out that it was no longer just an environmentally important imperative to address climate change, but that climate change threatened the economic viability of all nations on the planet. He made a convincing argument that the longer the wait, the more expensive the steps necessary to abate climate change will be, and that at some crucial tipping point, it will no longer be possible to halt climate change, regardless of the cost.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

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

Tax reform I

n our editorial, “Infrastructure”, we referred, en passant, to this year’s report by the flagship publication of the Inter American Bank (IDB), which is titled, “More than Revenue: Taxation as a Development Tool”. Today we would like to present its major recommendations, drawn from its Executive Summary, in this crucial but neglected area. The report is very frank and presents “taxation in Latin America and the Caribbean as a missed opportunity”.

Here, it is largely viewed as a means of generating income to keep the government in business. It lauds the region for progress made in increasing total revenue but notes that most countries in the region still lag well behind other countries with similar levels of development. More importantly, Latin American policymakers have not taken advantage of the potential of taxation to contribute to other important development goals. The weakness of the personal income tax structure has squandered the opportunity to attack the region’s serious income inequality and the failure to use taxes to improve environmental quality and general well-being.

In addition, governments have repeatedly missed the chance to influence consumption and production patterns by using taxes to effect relative price changes.

The structure of taxation in Latin American and Caribbean countries is usually described as suffering from four major shortcomings: collection is very low, taxes are barely progressive, tax evasion is rampant, and tax administrations are very weak. These characteristics create a self-reinforcing vicious circle, whose deep historical roots can be found in the distribution of wealth and effective political rights in the region. Opportunities to evade taxes that vary greatly across income groups compound this perverse structure, shrinking effective tax bases and resulting in low levels of revenue.

Although the tax situations in the region vary widely, the book proposes that the pro-development tax reforms required by countries in Latin America and the Caribbean must respect five basic principles: First, the reforms must include taxes that favour the poor.

The first priority is to improve the progressivity of existing tax systems with an income tax that has fewer exemptions, real redistributive capacity, and that preserves the income of poorer households.

Second, the reforms must establish tax systems that are simpler with broader tax bases. Most of the region’s tax systems are overly complex due to a plethora of exemptions.

The outcome is usually taxes that severely distort the allocation of resources and result in narrow and fragile tax bases. Shifting to simple tax systems with broad bases that create an environment conducive to innovation and business startups is one of the surest ways to promote higher productivity growth and a sustainable improvement in the region’s well-being and equity.

Third, tax administrations must be strengthened so that all citizens and businesses meet their tax obligations.

Reducing the high rate of tax evasion and creating institutions that guarantee that all economic agents and citizens contribute their share to the collective effort is an essential element of social legitimation and, as such, a requirement for the sustainability of any tax system designed to support development. Lower tax rates help immensely in this regard.

Fourth, institutional agreements and consensuses must be reached to ensure that local governments have the resources needed to act as agents of development. For decentralised spending to be sustainable, the own-source resources of local governments must be strengthened. Much of the great potential of local revenue is still wasted, especially property taxes.

Fifth, pro-development tax reforms should build tax systems that look to the future. Latin America and the Caribbean enjoy an extraordinary endowment of natural resources. However, environmental taxes or the current design of taxes on commodities do not reflect this situation.

To adapt the future to reality, tax systems must create incentives for the more efficient use of finite natural resources and take into account the needs of future generations of Latin Americans.

Army Chief-of Staff Commodore Gary Best inspecting a squad of soldiers, Drill Square, at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday

Media correction

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eference is made to the Kaieteur News article published on June 6, 2013 captioned “Contractor out of India gets mining concession”. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) wishes to state the following on the granting of a prospecting licence.

Who can apply for a prospecting licence?

1. Any other corporate body incorporated in or outside Guyana, including a company established outside Guyana 2. A company within the meaning of the companies Act 3. An individual who is a citizen of Guyana and an adult 4. A public corporation 5. A cooperative society registered under the Cooperative Societies Act 6. Any organisation estab-

lished by government or by or underwritten law in Guyana and authorised to carry on mining operations After satisfactory submission of the required documents the application is processed and, if recommended will be sent to the official gazette for publication. If there are no objections to the grant then ministerial approval is sought.

The term of the prospecting licence is for three years, with two rights of renewal of one year each. The Mining Act 1989 stipulates that three months prior to each anniversary date of licence, a work programme and budget for the following year must be presented for approval for the work to be undertaken during the following year.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and its board of directors follow due

diligence in the processing of all applications. Surendra Mining Guyana Inc applied for two prospecting licenses on March 02, 2012 which was approved by the board of directors of the GGMC on April 05, 2012 and published in the Gazette on November 10, 2012. After receiving no objections, clarifications or comments, the two prospecting licences were granted on March 04, 2013.

Further to the steps outlined above the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of in the interest of greater accountability and transparency advertised the list of applications for prospecting licence, mining permits and prospecting permits medium scale. The Prospecting Licence’s application in question Surendra Mines Guyana Inc, was contained in full page advertisements including the Kaieteur News on July 13,

2012. This was done to receive any objections or comments. None were received.

Additionally the list was also circulated to the media on July 12, 2012. Further, the granting of a prospecting licence is not a licence to mine but rather to prospect before consideration to grant approval for mining.

There is no secrecy and the process is open for review for any stakeholders. Further, the government through the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of also subscribed to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to have a high level of standard and transparency in the operation of the mining sector.

We reject any insinuations on the granting of this or any prospecting licence.

Parmanand Persaud Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

The operations of the forensic lab Dear Editor, The forensic laboratory is soon to be completed and staff are being recruited for some 21 positions. This is indeed a welcome initiative, but I have a few suggestions for the operations of this facility.

For sure, first class equipment require first class technicians or there will be no first class results.

Guyana must not compromise at all. The country must push toward finding the requisite skills that are needed to make this huge investment successful.

Forensic scientists apply scientific knowledge and methods, especially in chemistry and biology, to help police investigate and solve crimes. These scientific specialists collect and analyse various types of physical evidence, including blood and other body fluids.

They also collect weapons-related evidence.

Outside of academic and technical qualifications, these specialists must have inquisitive minds and a willingness to spend long hours in every situation.

Our potential forensic sci-

entists must have integrity and intellectual curiosity, since they will be working in the criminal justice system.

The work will be demanding – searching for and collecting evidence at the scenes of crimes, compiling written reports, gathering evidence, giving and defending evidence in court, recovering data from electronic equipment such as laptops, computers and mobile phones, and using appropriate analytical techniques.

This is how it is else-

where, and interested persons will do themselves great good by even watching some popular television series that deal with these things.

I hope that after going through its normal few teething problems, the forensic aspect of crime fighting will settle down into something that is most vital to Guyana’s development.

It goes without saying that when safety is assured, people perform far better.

Yours truly, Loaknauth Boodhoo

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

NBS is a major force Charity dormitory in the mortgage needs attention market Dear Editor, With the just announced reduction in mortgage interest rates, the New Building Society (NBS) has emerged as a major force in the residential mortgage market.

I recall that, around the late 1990s, the government created great incentives to encourage mortgage lending to low-income families.

The programme had great benefits for borrowers, allowing them a number of waivers. Then as recent as 2009, government approved an increase in the ceiling on loans, granted by approved mortgage finance companies for the purposes of low income housing.

The newly approved ceiling was $3 million, a 50 per cent increase on the previously applicable ceiling of $2 million and relates to loans granted un-

Dear Editor, Special attention has to be placed on the occupancy (students) of the Charity dormitory. I was the one who always used to advocate for such an institution.

My advocacy, along with that of others, has become a reality and the dormitory was established in Charity in 2012. The children from the riverbanks and the Amerindian communities will stay over for weeks with the government providing meals and

der the low income housing programme that government had established in 2001. This in everyday language means that just about anyone can build his/her house.

As regards the NBS low rates, people will seek to pounce on soft loans, so the onus is even heavier on government to set up in-

frastructure as quickly as possible.

We should never allow these houses and communities to outgrow things like roads, telephone and power. Lay the foundation and let the people do their thing.

Yours truly, Umadevi Singh

The use of community health centres Dear Editor, More and more health centres are going up all across Guyana and they are supposed to serve a great purpose. Health centres on the whole are a good buffer for a full fledged hospital.

Here in Guyana, they are government owned,

are essentially single-doctor clinics – usually with facilities for a number of minor ailments that do not need a visit to a hospital.

The investment from government has been heavy, and that is why people must be properly enlightened as regards these facilities.

They

must be utilised far more than they are at the moment.

Maybe, when patients with minor ailments go to the hospitals, they should be sent back to the closest health centre.

Yours respectfully, Sunita Jagmohan

other amenities.

Now there is a new development with some of the children acting abnormal, scaling the dorm fence and doing funny things. They sometimes run on to the road and have the entire village in total chaos.

There needs to be a stronger support system for the dorm’s “mother”, who is now aging. A “father” should be employed to look at the boys too.

Proper meals and snacks should also be looked at, so as to nourish everyone.

The environment is heading for better times

Dear Editor, It is heartwarming to see that the Environmental Protection Agency is about to get tough with those who litter. I think that we have waited too long. With government also addressing the issue of appointing litter wardens to monitor the situation, it is another good sign that better times are ahead for the environment.

Already, the judiciary has been notified in terms of requesting special courts in the magistracy.

This means a quick trial for environmental matters.

There will also be fines and a ticketing system. This is a proactive attitude that will go a long way toward changing what is happening here.

So it is time to take matters into our own hands and grab the bull by the horn. Let us all help to make Guyana look better and cleaner.

Yours faithfully, Margaret Harding

The security needs a guard hut, so he would not have to use part of the dorm’s living quarters as the security check point.

Also, all bags belonging to staff and other luggage entering in and out of the dorm’s compound must be searched at all times.

All for the betterment of the children’s education and future development.

Yours sincerely, Andrieko Basir

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Foundation

Strategies to help children become better spellers “Have a go” strategy This is a strategy for trying to spell unknown words as part of the writing process (ideal for children aged six years and older). Teach your child (or children) to apply the following strategy when they need to spell an unknown word. * Ask yourself, have I seen it before? * Say the word out loud and try to predict how many syllables you can hear. * Ask do I know any other words that sound almost the same? * How are those words spelt? * “Have a go” (Aussie vernacular for trying to do something) at the word. * Ask yourself, does the word look right? * Have additional attempts at getting the word right.

Look-cover-write This is a strategy that you can teach children of any age (who have started to write) to acquire new words. It has three simple steps.

Step 1 – When you need to remember how to spell a new word look at it, say it out loud, examine the number of syllables, any unusual grapheme/phoneme relationships etc.

Step 2 – Cover the word Step 3 – Try to write it from memory

Here is a collection of self-help strategies Children as young as six can be taught to try to learn new words. * After covering the word try to picture it in your mind. * Uncover the word and trace the letters, cover and try again * Look at the new word, break it into syllables. After studying the syllables cover the word and try to write it. * Look at the new word and try to memorise the most difficult part of the word (e.g. the “ght” in sight). * Check your writing environment for the word, or one like it (wordlists, other writing, dictionaries etc).

Using sound to visualise words An alternative to some of the more visual strategies above is a simple auditory strategy that can be used as follows. The key to the strategy is to keep encouraging the child; avoid making the child feel like spelling is one big test session. * Ask the child to write the word after saying it slowly at least twice. * Encourage them to listen to the word as they say it and to try to write the sounds in order. * Now repeat the word breaking it into its parts or syllables; for multisyllabic words some teachers have the children clap as they say the syllables out loud. * Encourage the child to try to think of other words

that sound the same and to think about how the other words are written. * Finally, have the child write the word (bit by bit) as they say the syllables.

Word family approaches Many young children will benefit from an approach that presents words in sets that have similar phonological elements. For example, you might present your children with a group of words ending in “ight”, that begin with “thr” etc. You can have fun forming the lists with your child (or children), writing them down, then trying to remember them.

Using a word connection strategy This is a strategy that supports the development of the ‘connection’ skill mentioned in my previous post on spelling. It is a meaningbased strategy. * Ask the child whether the word to be spelled reminds them of another word they know. * Encourage them to explain how it is similar and then use the information to help spell the word. * Then encourage them to think of other words like these words and to use parts of the new associated words to write the new word. * Encourage them to think of places or contexts where they might have seen this word used. * Then try to write the new word.

Morphemic (meaning-based) strategies For some words a meaning-based approach will help older writers. This starts with the parent or teacher pointing out a morpheme within a new word, explaining the meaning, then analysing a set of words. For example, a word like “unexpected” can be broken into two elements, “un” and “expected”. Discuss with the child or children what ‘expected’ means and then explain the meaning of the prefix “un”. Have the child think of other words that fit this pattern and then write them down. Depending on the age of the children you might even go further with an example like this and break it into “un”, “expect”and “ed” In this instance you would also consider how the suffix “ed” changes the meaning of the word.

For older children (aged 11 and up) you might also consider exploring Latin roots to aid spelling. For example: * “mare” meaning “sea”as used in marine * “pedis” meaning “foot” as used in pedestrian * “gress” meaning to walk as used in “progress” and ‘transgress’ * “tract” meaning to “‘draw”, “drag” or “pull” as used in “attract” and “contract” * “hyper” meaning “excessive” or “excessively” as in ‘hyperactivity’

* You can find a good resource for basic Latin word elements here.

Mnemonics Mnemonics are devices that help us to remember things. I’m not a big fan of this approach but sometimes it helps when a child (or adult) just can’t manage to avoid confusing two spellings. So it’s usually a strategy that people use to remember how to spell words that they get wrong habitually.

A mnemonic simply helps to remove confusion or narrow the options for spelling.

There is a down side to mnemonics though. If you use them too much you tend to reduce the use of other key spelling strategies, reducing your confidence and risktaking as a writer. A simple example of a mnemonic applied to spelling is one used to help us know the difference between “affect” and “effect”. It is based on the word “raven” used as an acronym:

R – remember A – affect V – verb E – effect N – noun (trevorcairney.blogspot.com)

healthy choices

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ore than in previous generations, today’s families eat many of their meals away from home, often in fastfood restaurants. In most cases, they are consuming quickly prepared and uniform meals, convenient and reasonably priced, and usually consisting of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fried/ breaded chicken and fish, and French-fried potatoes.

These meals tend to be relatively high in calories, salt, total fat, and the percentage of fat calories.

While these items are often called junk food – implying that (like candy and pastries) they have no nutritional value other than calories – that is usually a misnomer, since some fast foods are as nutritious as the food you may cook at home, even though they may be high in fat and calories. For instance, a fastfood hamburger may be prepared with a salt and caloric content similar to other common lunch alternatives, such as a tuna salad sandwich with mayonnaise or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

When eating with your children at a fast-food restaurant, talk with them about the benefits of making lower fat selections.

Encourage them to start their meal with a salad.

Many of these restaurants now have salad bars; although this is an excellent option, minimise the use of high-calorie dressings and high-fat cheeses. Choose grilled rather than fried foods, thus avoiding items like fried hamburgers, French fries, and deep-fried chicken. If your child finds hamburgers irresistible, order a simple one rather than a double burger with extra dressings. A baked potato, unless it is covered with butter and sour cream, is a good choice now available at some establishments. Also, select low-fat milk or orange juice rather than high-fat milk shakes, and keep creamy sauces to a minimum.

Remember, children learn most from example.

Preaching good nutrition is unlikely to be effective in guiding your child’s eating habits. Practice balance, variety, and moderation in your own and your family’s diet, and your children are likely to follow suit. (healthychildren.org)

news

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friday, june 7, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Crackdown anti-drug policy doomed to fail Functions of – Rodrigues-Birkett tells OAS meeting

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aying that a multi-dimensional approach was needed to tackle the burgeoning drug problem in the region, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues told the OAS General Assembly on Tuesday that drug policies which are centred on eradication and interdiction are doomed to fail.

She made the remarks during the second plenary session of the 43rd regular session of the General Assembly, being held in Antigua, Guatemala. Member states at the plenary debated the topic “For a Comprehensive Policy Against the World Drug Problem in the Americas”.

Rodrigues-Birkett said the topic is of extraordinary significance, noting that she welcomes the drug report which has been produced by the OAS. The Guyanese foreign minister underscored the need for a balanced and a multidimensional approach to tackling the drug scourge, saying if the report on the drug problem in the hemisphere means anything at all, then the time to step up these initiatives is past due.

“It boggles the mind that a kilogram of cocaine paste, which can be purchased at the source of production for US$650, can be converted to two kilos with a value of US$330,000 at the point of retail sale. Of the revenues and profits from the drug trade, one per cent goes to farmers and producers in source countries and 65 per cent goes to retailers,” Rodrigues-Birkett noted.

She said drugs flow in one direction while guns

Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the OAS General Assembly

and money flow in the other.

“Cracking down with new technology and more advanced equipment only pushes the traffickers ahead one step further. As with any other commodity, so long as there is a demand, persons will venture to take the risks involved in producing it and they will find ways to get it to the consumer. Therefore, drug policies which are centred around eradication and interdiction are doomed to fail.”

Public safety

According to her, leaving the economics aside, the drug trade has enormous consequences for public safety, public health, good governance, social and economic development, as well as human rights. In addition to increased social problems from the drug trade, something not often discussed is the degradation of the environment. “Imagine that the production of one kilogram of methamphetamine produces

five to six kilos of toxic waste.

Right here in Guatemala, some 40,000 hectares of forest in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve have been lost due to the activities of drug traffickers.”

She said in many places, and in varying degrees, criminal factions have forged ties with local political and economic sectors leading to the penetration of national institutions, influence peddling, and the manipulation of agencies, with concomitant effects on democratic governance.

“The expansion of impunity places added strain on already overburdened law enforcement and judicial sectors. Let us also keep in mind the strengthening of transnational criminal networks, giving rise to an expansion of their activities into other types of crime including the trafficking of persons, arms and even human organs.”

“Above all, Mr Chairman, what is of overriding signif-

NGSA results out today

T

he Education Ministry will be announcing the results of the 2013 National Grade Six Examinations at a press conference today, a release Thursday evening said.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand had said earlier that the results would be announced during the week of June 10 or before that.

This will be the first time the results are released so early.

“We intend to make early results a feature of the minis-

try,” she stated then.

The minister explained that the ministry was looking at measures to make the process faster; for instance, the use of technology to mark the multiple choice papers, as is being done across the world.

Minister Manickchand indicated her satisfaction with the process thus far.

In April, Manickchand, along with National Centre for Educational Resource Development

(NCERD) Director Jennifer Cumberbatch and other ministry officials, had checked on the progress of the marking of NGSA scripts during a visit to the Police Officers Mess where the process was ongoing. This year, 17,000 students wrote the NGSA during the Easter holidays, but prior to sitting the exam, candidates wrote the National Grades Two and Four assessments. The results will report on their overall performance at the three levels.

icance, is that the process which generates the maximum crime and violence is the transit of drugs, and it is this phase of the activity which poses the greatest public security challenges,” the minister noted.

Rodrigues-Birkett mentioned that Guyana, which is sparsely populated, with intricate river networks, porous land borders, outlying ports of entry and challenges to its security sector capacity will be a magnet for traffickers.

“Surely, countries who neither produce nor consume drugs are entitled to the fullest possible cooperation from producers and consumers in order to combat this dreaded scourge. While we must give recognition to the measures adopted so far, it must be conceded that the efforts which have been made at the national, regional, and hemispheric levels, have been ineffective and that it is necessary to formulate new approaches to address the problem of drugs. To delay is to condemn our societies to continued negative impact on their economic and social development.”

She said it is time to recognise and to admit frankly that the challenges involved in combating the hydraheaded effects of the drug trade, are goals whose attainment are receding over an ever-distant horizon; and that in order to rekindle optimism o policies and strategies must change. Among these strategies, the treatment of offenders and the reduction of demand must be critically examined.

Linden land use committee to be finalised

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epresentatives of the Region 10 Land Selection Committee are expected to meet with representatives of the Lands and Surveys Commission on Monday to discuss and prepare a final draft on functions of the committee.

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon said when the final draft is prepared, it would mean that the committee will be in a better position to assess the management and distribution of land in the region. “At the moment, we are in the process of finalising arrangements for its work module.

They (Lands and Surveys) are to send to us two senior representatives who would work along with members of the Land Selection Committee in preparing the final draft or the final position of functionality of the committee.

“This is where the Lands and Surveys Commission plays a very important role with the Land Selection Committee, and also this is where the working relationship between the two becomes more important, so that we don’t overstep each other, but we work in close coordination with each other,” the regional chairman said.

He went on to say

that the working relationship between the two bodies will bear positive fruit as long as both parties can collectively establish their intentions, without crossing each other’s jurisdictions. “Once we approve and they approve, or once we recommend and they recommend, the final recommendation lies in the Office of the President... so that is what we’ll try to do on Monday.”

He noted that while the final recommendation for lands in Region 10 comes from the Land Selection Committee, the final approval is made by the Office of the President.

He said that since the establishment of the committee last year, it has been working on gathering data and information that will inform its position on matters in relation to land distribution, since, he noted, information such as what lands are available and who is in possession of certain lands has been lacking.

“So at the beginning of any work to be done, we will be in a better position to do it, because we will have all the information to get the work done,” he said.

Solomon also stated that squatting continues to be a problem in Region 10.

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friday, june 7, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Quartet on several charges stemming from theft

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our men appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on charges of simple larceny, unlawful assault, and possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

George Hanover, 47, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, pleaded guilty to a charge of simple larceny. It is alleged that between April 10 and June 1 at 35 Miles Backdam, Kanawanuk River, he stole one diesel engine valued $200,000; one 100 feet of three-inch hose valued $35,000; one length of PVC pipe valued $9000; one metal drum valued $7000; one cutlass valued $2500; and one knife valued $500, property of Royston McCurdy.

McCurdy, 28, along with his brothers, Marlon Mcalmont, 23, of Second Street, Silvertown, Wismar, Linden and Utho Duke, 19, of Lot 70 Victory Valley, Wismar in turn pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful assault committed on June 2 on Hanover.

Mcalmont was also charged for possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking on June 3 at 35 Miles, Mahdia.

According to Prosecutor Vernetté Pindar, McCurdy and Hanover are miners who work at the Cuyuni River and on April 18, McCurdy became infected with malaria and left his mining camp for home. On June 1 around 14:00h, he returned and noticed that the articles mentioned in the charge were

missing. A search was conducted and he located the items at the accused’s workplace. The virtual complainant (VC) became annoyed and he contacted his brothers who, along with himself, dealt the defendant several lashes about his body with cutlasses. The matter was reported to the Mahdia Police Station and the defendants and VC were arrested.

Tortured

Hanover explained to the court that he only borrowed the articles and that he was not able to contact anyone before borrowing them. He added that he was tied to a tree and beaten naked, although he tried to explain that he had only borrowed the items.

Hanover said he was repeatedly tortured, gagged with a

cloth and left tied to the tree for three hours. Eventually, he managed to escape and floated himself across the river where he then proceeded to report the matter.

The magistrate asked to view the VC’s medical report and indicated to the prosecutor who did not object to bail, for all the parties that the matter was very serious, given the statements made by Hanover. She stated that the case warranted advice from the director of public prosecutions (DPP), and bail was denied for each of the brothers even after an application was made by their lawyer Collin Baveghems.

Hanover was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and the matter was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court for July 17.

Mason on assault charge

A

mason was on Wednesday granted bail by presiding Magistrate Ann Mclennan for assaulting his neighbour over a misunderstanding.

The defendant, Randolph Williams, 23, of 214 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He is jointly charged along with two others – Joel Hackett, 24, a self employed gold miner of 210 Half Mile,

and Coddel Mustapha.

Williams was granted $10,000 bail.

The trio is accused of unlawfully assaulting Victor Lustal on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Half Mile.

Williams told the presiding magistrate that on the day in question he was in front of his yard when Lustal approached, spat on him, and threatened to kill him with an ice pick. He went on to

say that he was afraid for his life and a scuffle soon ensued, during which he tried to take away the ice pick. He noted that later he made a report about the incident to the police station.

Prosecution facts on the matter revealed that the men are known to each and are neighbours. On the day in question, at about 08:40h, it is alleged that Lustal attacked the defendant with

an ice pick and threatened to wound him over a misunderstanding. As a result he was repeatedly kicked to the face by the trio. The matter was adjourned until June 9 for trial by the presiding magistrate.

Man charged for wife’s murder

Eyew tness Tempting fate?

W

...in the skies

e know Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has us between a rock and a hard place. Or put more brutally, has us by the “short hairs”. But what they’re doing to travellers in and out of Guyana is nothing short of “brutal”. In fact some terms that come to mind are “highway robbery” and “choke and rob”. We’re sure the Trinis have their own words for what they’re inflicting on us –and they’re having a good laugh saying it.

We know the Trinis are losing a bundle with CAL... especially after they took over Air Jamaica. But that doesn’t mean they have to get into the black in one fell swoop by holding us to ransom, does it? And what else, so you call a return flight to New York at more that US$1000? Next thing they’ll be asking for us to leave our first born as collateral. This has surely put a crimp on our visiting Guyanese, who we insist on calling “tourists”.

We guess against this background, the government felt it had to do something and gave the go-ahead to Fly Jamaica. But honestly, on this one we don’t have a good feeling. Whatever was the hold-up on getting the financials straight before the approval...it wasn’t straightened out. We ought to be told what it was. Every Guyanese knows by now – after going through more than 20 “airlines” in the same number of years – including Guyana Airways under about three incarnations – that a one aircraft “airline” just can’t cut it.

Especially during the peak periods when Fly Jamaica is getting into the business. Planes are mechanical devices in case we forgot. Some part or the other is bound to have a problem. And from there the problems cascade and escalate. The frantic rush to secure chartered fall backs...the disrupted schedules...the left behind luggage...it never ends. Until, of course, the “airline” collapses, leaving a trail of dejected souls.

And that brings us to the US$200,000 deposit that’ll be lodged once again. This amount has never, ever been sufficient to reimburse stranded passengers. We mean after 20 failures, we still haven’t learnt that we need at least double that amount? We believe a safer bet is Suriname Airways...who’s just acquired another jet. With five planes they can at least do some switching around.

Can we work on this? Please.

…fetching wood Dead: Geeta “Dian” Bissondyal

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hirty-four-year-old Probhudyal “Ramesh” Tarachand, a carpenter of Lot 67 High Reef, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice who allegedly strangled his estranged wife was on Thursday charged with the murder of the mother of three.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which states that on June 2 around 21:00h at High Reef, he murdered Geeta “Dian” Bissondyal, 27, after he confronted her about being unfaithful. He was remanded to prison by Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo when he appeared before her at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

He was represented by Attorney Marceline Bacchus, who presented the particulars of his client to the court. The matter was transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court for June 18 for report and fixtures.

Times have certainly changed. Your humble Eyewitness feels like a dinosaur. How many times he hadn’t fetched firewood before school. It was the Forbes Burnham years. The gas bottles had long been consigned to the backyard. Wood it was and “wood” meant yours truly didn’t have to just fetch the firewood, but split it with an axe as well.

Imagine if Miss Priya Manickchand had been around then. His mother might’ve been hauled off to Camp Street and dumped into the rock-breaking gang. It would’ve been OK for his sainted mother to smash rocks with a 16-ounce hammer but not for the young Eyewitness to do his chores.

Now we’re all for this “rights of the child” and all that.

But isn’t what we call “work” contextual? When tours truly goes into his garden nowadays, is he really working or relaxing? Trust this Eyewitness. It’s very relaxing after a day of writing about the exploits of our opposition.

Now that’s what you call “hard labour”.

But seriously folks. We have to get real with this child labour thing. Don’t just ask, “How high?” when the fellas from up north say, “Jump!” Do you know how many schoolchildren there still deliver newspaper before they go off to school?

…wasn’t me Basil Williams definitely spent too much time with Robert Corbin. After insisting on changing the already agreed-on rules on Local Government at the 11th hour, he insists: “It wasn’t me who delayed the elections.”

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friday, june 7, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

arrested for Sophia Search on for new Two bad road protest Miss Guyana World N

ew Miss Guyana World franchise holder Natasha Martindale is in negotiations with several local beauties to represent this country at the upcoming pageant billed for September in Indonesia.

Guyana Times understands that one of the persons being looked at reigning is Miss Guyana Universe Ruqayyah Boyer.

Over the years, a number of the Miss Guyana World contestants have been handpicked, in lieu of a contest. The reigning Miss Guyana World is Arti Cameron.

Meanwhile, according to a press release, the Miss World Pageant, which is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious beauty contests, has announced that New York-based Guyanese businesswoman and financial analyst, Martindale has been awarded the Miss World Franchise for Guyana.

Martindale will now be tasked with organising and hosting the Guyana leg of the international beauty event to find the best candidate to represent Guyana on the inter-

Residents of Sophia converge at the head of B Field in protest of bad road conditions

By Leana Bradshaw

New Miss Guyana World franchise holder Natasha Martindale

national stage, the release said.

Miss World Limited, which is based in London, England, thanked the previous franchise holder, Ken Chung for his years of service and offered him best wishes.

The new franchise holder is already exploring a new management committee for the Miss Guyana World Pageant which is expected to bring together a number of prominent Guyanese designers, business persons, public relations representatives, and beauty consultants.

Martindale, according to the release, is no stran-

Reigning Miss Guyana World Arti Cameron

Reigning Miss Guyana Universe Ruqayyah Boyer

ger to the world of pageantry in Guyana. Before migrating to the United States, she worked closely with a number of local pageants including the Miss Bartica Regatta, Miss Queen of Queens and Miss African Heritage pageants.

She is the co-founder of FACTS by Michelle Cole which is a fashion marketing and production company. Martindale is a mother of one child and currently works as an assistant controller/ financial planner and analyst for one of the largest financial reporting companies on Wall Street.

Though Guyana has been unable to capture

the Miss World crown, the country has, over the years, been able to grab the international spotlight with smart and beautiful representatives.

Martindale has indicated that she intends to continue along that trend and also put together a better programme for the preparation of the contestants and the eventual queen.

She is also promising to liaison more with the business community in Guyana and the tourism sector.

She is confident that with their support and the support of all of Guyana, Miss Guyana World will continue to be one of the leading local beauty events.

T

wo men were on Thursday arrested during a protest in Sophia over the deplorable condition of roads.

During the picketing demonstration, minibus operators who ply the Sophia route, engaged in strike action in light of the bad state of roads and were supported by residents. They used pieces of wood, zinc sheets, tyres and other materials to block street entrances and create human barriers specifically to block Dennis Street, Sophia. According to a police press release, the two men were arrested after they used a horse cart to hinder the flow of traffic along Dennis Street.

The “Guyana Police Force respects the rights of all citizens to protest peacefully on

issues of concern to them and the force has no objection to persons conducting peaceful protests. However, when protests degenerate into a number of unlawful acts infringing on the rights of other citizens, the police force will as a consequence have to take the appropriate action in response.”

Speaking to Guyana Times at the scene of the protest, which got underway at B and C Fields, Sophia, residents said the roads pose great danger, as well as cause damage to minibuses and other private vehicles plying the route.

Vincent Paul, a minibus operator and Sophia resident, said the bad road conditions allow for unlawful and scandalous behaviour in the community, since it would take police authorities some time to get into the area.

Turn to page 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

News Vagrants undoing city clean-up exercise – Whittaker says more work to be done, objective partly achieved

By Svetlana Marshall

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wo days after government ministries backed the Georgetown Mayor and City Council in completing a three-day clean-up campaign, piles of garbage continue to mount up across city.

But according to vendors at the Stabroek Market, the joint team is not to be blamed for executing a poor job. A vendor who wishes to remain anonymous told Guyana Times that City Hall workers were seen cleaning the market zone earlier in the week; however, shortly after “junkies” were seen dumping garbage at the said location.

“Dem people does come

Garbage lining Hunter Street

every other day, but by the time dem left, junkies does come and dump this that …,” she contended. She said the city constables should start penalising vendors and business owners who task “junkies” with the disposal of their garbage. “If these people don’t give them de garbage fuh throw way, dem wouldn’t do it, some business people of dem self guilty of nastying up de place,” the woman argued. She was backed by three other vendors who echoed similar sentiments.

When Guyana Times visited key areas such as the La Penitence, Bourda and Stabroek markets, there was evidence that the areas had been cleaned; however, the small piles of gar-

A small pile of garbage, which was created on Thursday, one day after the campaign concluded

bage could not have gone unnoticed. Punt Trench Dam in the vicinity of the La Penitence Market, which is commonly known for having a huge pile of garbage, was cleared.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Minister within the Local Government Ministry Norman Whittaker said the objective was partially achieved, but emphasised that more work is yet to be done.

He said during the clean-up campaign, which commenced on Monday, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council focused primarily on the East and West Ruimveldt areas. Using excavators and bobcats, the Public Works Ministry, backed by the ministries of

local government, health, agriculture and tourism, cleared unofficial dumpsites at the Stabroek, La Penitence and Bourda markets. Additionally, they cleaned Merriam's Mall, the Houston Bypass, and Main, Cowan and Parade streets.

“Primarily, what was done can be put in three categories, a lot of trench work, especially in the area of Mandela; you had removal of bushes on the road shoulders and removal of garbage

from unofficial dumpsites,” Whittaker explained.

According to the local government minister, the municipality was tasked with the responsibility of rounding up community support to aid the campaign, but this was a stumbling block. “In that area, we did not achieve the kind of support we would have wished, in the East and West Ruimveldt we did had some citizens coming on board, but outside of that we didn’t get the kind of public involvement,” he noted.

While the campaign has come to end, he said it is the mandate of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to clean the city every day of the year. “It was never our expectation that the city would have been entirely clean in the days but we would expect that the City Council continue to clean the town and at the same time garner the support of the residents.”

Although the private sector did not play an integral

role during the recently-concluded campaign, Whittaker anticipates that it will throw in its support and back the municipality in its endeavours.

Turning to the government, the local government minister pointed out that Cabinet has approved $20 million for the Public Works Ministry to aid in the restoration of the city. Currently with the input of the Local Government Ministry and the City Hall, the Public Works Ministry is deciding on critical areas to clean.

The joint campaign formed part of the many activities held in observance of World Environment Day on June 5, which is celebrated annually with aim of drawing attention to specific environmental issues. This year’s theme is “Think. Eat. Save.”

Although the observance has passed, persons are being asked to desist from littering since the environmental impacts are tremendous. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Two arrested for Sophia...

“If you talk security, the police can’t get behind there fast enough because there are so many criminal activities, because of the road. It cannot pay minibuses any longer to operate behind there, because you gonna make $2 today and spend $10 tomorrow to repair your vehicle,” Paul noted.

He is therefore calling on government to take immediate action.

Another resident, Kevin Roberts, who is also a bus owner, said: “We does gotta pay de lil fellas them to break up brick and full the road them and still it ain’t

working out.”

“The most we working for right now is expense to maintain your vehicle, your vehicle damage up. You ain’t working for nothing, you working for maintenance alone,” Roberts complained.

Michael McLeou, who chimed in on the burning situation, explained that the objective of the protest is them gaining some support in addressing the lingering road problem.

“Why we doing this? We been looking to see if we could get these roads fixed.

We got the little guys coming out and just patching the

FROM PAGE 9

road with the broken materials from the houses but when the rain fall, the vehicles go on the road and all coming out. We looking to see if we could get immediate help to fix this problem,” the Sophia resident concluded.

Residents are hoping the protest will attract the attention of local authorities, who they are calling on to address the situation.

They noted that they have made representations for the issue to be dealt with on numerous occasions, but to no avail thus far. (leannab@guyanatimesgy.com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, June 7, 2013

Economic benefits from CPL to be significant – commercial director

By Michael Younge

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uyana stands to secure unmatched economic and tourism benefits from its participation in the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which is scheduled to take centre stage when it bowls off early next month.

CPL Commercial Director Jamie Stewart, who is visiting several countries to meet with corporate entities and other stakeholders, told Guyana Times that the country can utilise the event as means of deepening ties among its people of different races, religions, and socioeconomic standing.

He was convinced that the CPL tournament could also be used as a means of reconnecting with the Guyanese diaspora in the world while re-establishing the Guyanese identity and the need for a rebirth of a new wave of celebrating “things Guyanese”.

Stewart, who admitted that he was extremely ap-

preciative of the warmth and remarkable levels of hospitality extended to him during his stay in Guyana, added that the event will also be the biggest of its kind in this part of the world.

He said Guyana should already commence the process of looking at new avenues and ventures to maximise the benefits that will flow from the staging of the CPL which hopefully will be extremely successful.

Tourism potential

The commercial director said with the staging of the CPL that Guyana, like other states involved in the event, can expect an influx of visitors: returning Guyanese and tourists. Stewart admitted that Guyana will also find itself securing a higher level of marketability and promotion in the islands as Caribbean nationals prepare themselves to be present for the matches scheduled to be played on Guyanese soil.

“I think it would be a

Caribbean Franchise players: Keiron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle and Darren Sammy

great rallying point for Guyanese,” he noted, while informing that there was still time for other corporate entities to come on board and sponsor a team. He also emphasised the need for those involved here to capitalise on the direct and indirect benefits that will flow as far as showcasing Guyana and its various tourism products are concerned to the world at large.

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali has also underscored the importance of the event for Destination Guyana explaining that his ministry and other tourism stakeholders plan to ensure that tourists and returning Guyanese experience the now diversified tourism products that exist.

He was particularly excited that the country will be

NGS launches university – all courses offered are internationally recognised

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he New Guyana School (NGS) has extended the range of educational services it offers to the public with the launch of its tertiary arm the New Guyana University (NGU).

The programmes offered are international recognised courses from the United Kingdom-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Association of Business Executives (ABE) , and Pearson VUE – computer-based testing solutions

through secure, electronic test delivery from the United States.

“NGS has the finest, largest and most comfortable campus in Guyana. Our reputation for excellence and integrity in education precedes us. We aspire to make our school a leading provider of higher education in the business field,” said Deputy Managing Director Alfonso De Armas-Archbold.

“Our team is looking forward to educating students, enhancing their professional

development, and connecting them with the many fine business and professional organisations in Guyana, and the greater Caribbean,” he continued.

The university curriculum includes subjects such as public speaking mastery, management, marketing, human resource management, leadership, financial management, planning, human relations skills for success, economics, accounting, modern sales techniques, customer service, a wide variety of

computer programmes, and on or off-site corporate training. It will also offer a highquality educational experience at competitive prices for ACCA accounting packages, ABE business packages, and PEARSON IT programmes.

The New Guyana School is one of Guyana’s oldest and most prestigious private educational institutions. The school began with the mission of providing an excellent academic and moral education within a Christian environment.

Recruitment teams for KKTC youth programme

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ecruitment teams for the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s skills training programme at the Kuru Kururu Training Centre (KKTC), LindenSoesdyke Highway will be visiting centres in Regions Four and Five from June 8 to July 13 from 9:00h.

Youths between the ages of 16 and 25, who have not completed their primary or second-

ary education and are interested in becoming part of the 10-month, full-time residential programme, which will run from September, can visit the established recruitment centres. Venues include Vryheid’s Lust and Paradise primary schools, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Helena, Mahaica, ECD; St Mary’s Primary, Soesdyke; Timehri Primary School, East Bank Demerara;

and Carifesta Sports Complex (Carifesta Avenue) and the Kuru Kuru Extension Centre in Georgetown.

Assistant Director of Youth, Devanand Ramdatt said the students will be trained in technical vocational skills of their choice. Visits will be made to places of interest pertinent to the specific skills areas. A six-week work attachment has also been ar-

ranged for the students.

Potential students who are younger than 18 must obtain permission from their parents or guardians. Proof of age is required and will be requested upon selection.

Interested applicants will be required to complete an application form and write the mandatory entry-level test; the application and test must be written using a pen.

able to tap into the lucrative market of cricket which will present Guyana with new opportunities to showcase the strength of its tourism products. Minister Ali acknowledged that the sheer magnitude of this event will help to strategically align Guyana, as the country will be featured in the extensive marketing and promotion of the CPL in the Caribbean and the wider world. He did indicate that preparations from the part of the tourism sector were taking shape.

Big announcement

Stewart hinted that Guyanese should brace themselves for what he referred to as “a big announcement”. He was speaking at the time on Television Guyana’s flagship Current Issues and Analysis Show.

“I suspect there is going to be a big announcement shortly with lots of impact for Guyana and the region…,” he said.

Stewart explained too that he has been engaged in meetings with a number of companies who are eager to get on board. When questioned further, he smilingly declined to give any details.

Asked about preparations for the CPL tournament, Stewart said that the organisers have been working feverishly to ensure that all plans are in place and the event bowls off with a bang.

“There is no doubt that cricket has been going through a shift… which started back in 2007 with the Cricket World Cup which was a huge success…,” he said. “Cricket had reached a crossroad then with the longer forms of the game quite frankly not fitting in with people’s lifestyles anymore”, as lives become busier and attention spans shorter.

Fastest growing

He said that the new format of the game was appreciated and proved successful in other parts of the world.

“T20 is the fastest growing format in the world over the last couple of years…It is given a format that youth are suddenly connected with and women are connected with,” he added.

Stewart reminded that the CPL is no one-off event as it has a 20-year licence with the West Indies Cricket Board. “We have this extraordinary showcase of the Caribbean. Then you have a very economic and material benefit with the investment of the franchise which is doubly expensive.”

“There has not been anything of this scale. This is a scale of your own and for the first time for 24 days and 24 games, Caribbean nationals can come home and watch the games with their families.”

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friday, june 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

UN urges caution against selling natural resources U

nited Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa has cautioned the Guyanese government against marketing its natural resources to multinational investors and countries with unlimited financial capital.

Musa, who was speaking at a recent environmental forum, said government must tread carefully when dealing with investors who are intent on gaining an edge as it relates to ownership of natural resources.

She conjectured that such seemingly genuine investments in a country’s natural resources can be the source of future conflicts between territories.

“Government must be really careful when powerful countries with plenty of money come to buy natural resources in smaller devel-

oping countries. It means you are losing control for the future. These issues can bring war and conflicts,” Musa pointed out.

She cited the example of Egypt depending on the River Nile which sources from Lake Victoria located in East Africa. During colonial times, authorities signed a treaty that the waters from Lake Victoria must be controlled by Sudan.

Resources must be preserved

However, as Egypt became gripped by the effects of climate change and began to experience irregular rainfall, the country began to realise that two countries cannot have 90 per cent control over a single natural resource.

She stressed that a country’s resources must be preserved and can later be used to provide valuable revenue

reports of water wells in Bangladesh being contaminated by sewage, stating that Guyana can one day soon market its clean water to Bangladesh.

However, she noted that although the country has an abundance of the precious resource, it must not be wasted. “Water is important, it should not be wasted even those who wash cars everyday must use it carefully.”

UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa

to that country.

“You can talk about land, waterways, and keeping all those resources clean and good which can nourish the fertile land and that land can be used for becoming a bread basket of the Caribbean, which is extremely important,” Musa emphasised.

She made reference to

Stringent efforts

Pointing out that Guyana is surrounded by the real beauty of nature, Musa noted that it is really important that local government, municipalities and all other government structures work together to be efficient.

Commenting on the growing garbage problem in the city, Musa stated that the country must reflect on where it is headed in the future.

“We must think how we

can reduce the continuous deterioration of the environment. This is not limited to cleaning up trash and making sure we have proper collection of solid waste, but also our footprints. We can’t say pick it up and then there’s nowhere to put the garbage after you pick it up; it’s still going to be a problem.”

Musa said she is making stringent efforts to work with all UN agencies to ensure a coordinated effort to this particular predicament due to its encapsulating effects.

She detailed that the UNDP is currently examining practices around the world to see how it can be applied to the local situation.

“It is important for every Guyanese to realise that trash can be money. In the U.S. where my family and I are based, as soon as you put out your trash, there are vehicles driving by to sort them through. This trend has increased especially during the economic downturn,” Musa said.

She believes that there

are many layers of development that can be achieved and promised to work closely with government which has expressed a willingness to introduce change to the country.

The coordinator made a special request of President Donald Ramotar to have the Housing Ministry restrict buildings with reflective glass.

Natural symbols

She related that many buildings are being constructed with reflective glass which mirrors the sky and kills birds, one of the natural symbols of Guyana.

According to Musa, in years gone by, constructers were wiser and utilised shutters.

“The birds – that is where the treasure of this country is. And it is only a matter of time before the number of these buildings keep growing and I would like to ask the Housing Ministry to forbid them.

Let’s work together and continue to preserve and work towards promoting a clean healthy environment.”

OAS adopts conventions against racism and discrimination

T

he 43rd General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) adopted the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance and the Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance on Thursday.

This decision by the general assembly, which is taking place in Antigua, Guatemala, marks the end of the process whereby the documents were negotiated and drafted. They are now open for the member states to sign and subsequently ratify.

A signing ceremony for the two conventions will be held today and will be attended by OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza.

Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister and General Assembly President Fernando Carrera Castro said that with the adoption of the draft resolutions, “we have proceeded to adopt two important legal instruments”.

“The Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Related Forms of Intolerance recognises the enjoyment, exercise, and protection, under conditions of equality, of all the human rights and fundamen-

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza

tal freedoms of all persons.

In turn, the Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance takes into account the victims of discrimination and intolerance in the Americas,” said Guatemala’s foreign minister.

OAS’s Permanent Council Chair and Panamanian Permanent Representative Arturo Vallarino, said: “Today sees the conclusion of the task that was begun by the OAS member states in the year 2000, when the general assembly instructed the permanent council to study the need to prepare a draft American convention to prevent, punish, and eradicate racism and all forms of discrimination and intolerance.”

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friday, june 7, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Serious challenges still remain in Caribbean APNU says local govt poll doable this year economies – foreign minister

F

oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodríguesBirkett has stressed the “important advances in economic growth” in the region over the past two decades, in which 50 million people emerged from poverty.

However, she said that many challenges remain in that regard, especially in the Caribbean area. Minister Rodrígues-Birkett was at the time addressing the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Guatemala on Wednesday.

“My delegation is delighted to be in beautiful and historic Antigua for this important occasion. We wish, first of all, to thank the government and people of the Republic of Guatemala for their outstanding warmth and generosity and to extend congratulations for the impressive arrangements, which have been made to facilitate our participation.”

The minister said the OAS was meeting at a juncture at which countries can be fairly contented about the progress of democracy. “The signing of the Democratic Charter nearly 12 years ago has assisted in a significant consolidation of the democratic order in our hemisphere. Over this period of time, we have also

made important advances in economic growth, in reducing poverty and inequality and in achieving macro-economic stability. Indeed, it has been reported that 50 million people in our region have emerged out of poverty over

quite clear that a different set of prescriptions are required for those communities and countries, including most of the countries in the Caricom region, which are falling behind.”

We ought to engage in sober appraisals of the ongoing challenges to integral development if we are to maintain the progress which has been achieved. Moreover, it is now quite clear that a different set of prescriptions are required for those communities and countries, including most of the countries in the Caricom region, which are falling behind.” the past two decades and that the Latin American poverty rate has fallen from 43.9 per cent in 2002 to 28.8 per cent in 2012.”

Notwithstanding such growth and economic progress, she said these figures should be viewed with guarded optimism, and we would caution against premature jubilation. “Instead, we ought to engage in sober appraisals of the ongoing challenges to integral development if we are to maintain the progress which has been achieved. Moreover, it is now

Economic growth too low

According to her , whereas economic growth in 2012 for Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole stood at 3.8 per cent, just slightly behind the global figure of 3.5 per cent, the rate of growth achieved by the Caricom region in 2012 was a mere 1.5 per cent. In Caricom, growth achieved overall over the past five years is significantly below the six to seven per cent, which is needed to propel Caricom into the category of high-performing developing

countries in the 21st century.

“In addition, the high level of public sector debt jeopardises prospects for mediumterm debt sustainability and growth. With very few exceptions, such as Guyana, which has managed to double its GDP over the last six years, the prospects for economic growth and sustainable development for the Caricom sub-region over the short to medium term gives cause for pessimism.”

As a result, she said, the possibilities for lifting our people out of poverty, creating employment, and providing better social services are diminishing.

“The rising tide which, we were told, was going to lift all boats, ebbed with the financial crisis of 2008-2009, and Caribbean economies are now stranded on the shores. As we are all aware, Mr Chairman, these small economies suffer from their own particular vulnerabilities. In addition to underdevelopment, the Small Island Developing States of our hemisphere are seriously challenged in the area of multidimensional security. There is a clear need for workable solutions to be implemented with respect to these countries,” the foreign affairs minister stressed.

Another death row inmate begs for clemency

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nother death row inmate has petitioned the High Court to commute his sentence to life imprisonment after spending 15 years behind bars.

Forty-seven-year-old Gary Moses was condemned to die on June 24, 2003 for the July 1993 robbery/murder of 53-year-old Leila Barrow after a jury found him guilty of the crime.

The murder was committed at the victim’s 259 David Street, Kitty residence.

Moses, also called Gary Daniels, was arrested in 1998 and convicted on the testimony of a co-accused Derrick Callender who is currently serving a life sentence. He had won a retrial in 2007 on an appeal after his first conviction, and was again condemned in August 29, 2009.

It has been four years since his last conviction, and Moses has again moved to the courts to spare his life.

Through his attorney Nigel Hughes, Moses is contending that the evidence against him is weak since the main witness who had placed him at the scene during the first trial has since recanted his testimony through an affidavit. According to the motion, there is no confession statement and the prosecution’s case was solely reliant on the evidence of the main witness, who is also a co-accused.

The motion added that although a fingerprint expert was called to testify and produced slides with fingerprints, there were no pictures to indicate they belonged to Moses or photographs to

show from which parts of the crime scene the prints were lifted.

The dead woman’s niece, Jennifer Hollingsworth, had claimed that she had given the keys to her aunt’s house to a man who she could not identify.

concert with anyone to use violence on the deceased,” appeal documents stated.

Therefore, the judge must have wrongly used Callender’s conviction in a previous and separate trial to label him an accomplice.

Fundamental misdirection

It was argued that the Judge usurped the function of the jury by implicitly informing them that someone else must have committed the crime since Moses denied knowledge, even though Callender identified him as the assailant.

Hukumchand contended that the statement amounted to an implication that Callender was not to be disbelieved and Moses not to be believed.

“In that Callender could not have been found to be acting alone in the execution of the criminal enterprise or in the commission of the murder,” he said. According to the lawyer, the judge omitted to direct the jury on the “interest to serve” principle on Callender’s part.

“In directing the jury that Callender was an accomplice, the judge pre-empted herself from giving to the jury any ‘interest to serve’ directions, even though from Callender’s evidence, he was not an accomplice in the murder but rather a person with an interest to serve.”

Hukumchand added that the judge erred when she directed the jury that the prosecution’s case turned on twin pillars of two witnesses, Assistant Superintendent

Moses is hoping to be removed from death row pending a yet-to-be scheduled hearing before acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

The first appeal was filed through Attorney Hukumchand and was heard

by Justices Claudette Singh, Ian Chang and Nandram Kissoon who set aside his conviction and ordered a retrial.

Among the grounds of appeal was that the judge made a fundamental misdirection when she premised the prosecution’s case on the concept of acting in concert in the commission of murder and gave extensive directions on that concept. However, prosecution’s star witness, Callender, was not the principal assailant in the first degree, but the appellant was.

Therefore, directions on acting in concert were totally unnecessary and could only operate to prejudice Moses’ case. In addition, the judge committed a misdirection of law when she erroneously directed the jury that the star witness was an accomplice in the crime.

“The witness Derrick Callender was saying that he was not at all party to the use of violence on the deceased, and that he was not acting in

Flawed case

Thomas and Callender.

“Since the evidence of ASP Thomas, even if believed, was incapable of proving that Moses was party to the use of violence, the case turned on the single pillar of Callender’s evidence,” Hukumchand submitted.

He noted that on no account could the evidence of Callender be described as twined with that of ASP Thomas since it could not have had similar evidential value.

At the very least the judge, having described the evidence of both witnesses as “twin pillars”, ought to have further directed the jury that accepting Thomas’ evidence could not yield a lawful conviction.

Therefore, once the evidence of Callender was not accepted, Moses should have been acquitted.

The lawyer further highlighted that the judge gave explanations for material omissions made by Callender, and, therefore, improperly engaged in bolstering the credibility of the witness in the eyes of the jury. “Since explanations as proffered by the judge rather than the witness himself were hardly valid explanations, (since the witness had the right to remain silent, not just before he was convicted and sentenced but after), but being explanations proffered by the Judge herself, the jury was likely to accept them as good and valid explanations,” Hukumchand said.

The appeal also challenged the statement, “…He is in the box therefore he did it,” made by the judge.

Basil Williams

Ronald Bulkan

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Thursday once again made the call for the long-awaited local government elections to take place before the end of 2013.

At a news conference, APNU’s local government and regional development shadow minister, Ronald Bulkan and chairman Basil Williams stressed that APNU would like local government elections, which has not been held in 15 years, to occur this year.

Williams underscored that APNU is prepared for any elections whether local government or general.

The special select committee, which was set up last year to deal with the

local government bills, is about to end with about four bills to be tabled in the National Assembly and then sent for assent to President Donald Ramotar.

Bulkan said there is no reason why this cannot be concluded before the end of June, thereby allowing for notice to be given to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for preparations for elections to commence.

He stated that after this GECOM must then declare how much time it will need for the holding of these elections, assuming that there cannot be any valid reason why it cannot take place before the end of this year.

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GPL to give workers back pay today

S

ome six hundred plus Guyana Power and Light Inc workers represented by the National Association of Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Employees (NAACIE) are expected to receive their back pay, commencing today.

This is according to NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph who told Guyana Times on Thursday that he and other officials of the union have been engaging its members at the power company on what they can expect.

Joseph said that visits were made to various GPL locations and workers are anxiously awaiting their back pay, after the union was successful in an arbitration set up to deal with the issue. The NAACIE official added that he was informed by a representative of GPL, via telephone, that payments will be ready for disbursement today for all staffers. The union has taken steps to inform its members and ensure that they have a clear understanding of the agreement.

Several workers had expressed their disappointment with the move made

NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph

by the GPL, after the company failed to deliver on its promise to pay workers by May 25.

The arbitration panel recently awarded a maximum of six per cent in salary increases for workers at GPL, ending a protracted bitter dispute between the power company and the union. The arbitration tribunal said the power company’s grade one workers will receive an increase of six per cent, while the other categories will receive an increase of 5.5 per cent retroactive to January 2012. Attempts made to confirm this information with the GPL CEO and public relations officer proved futile.

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guyanatimesgy.com

News

opens ninth Cross-dressers look forward SASOD Painting the Spectrum to positive ruling Film Festival T T wo of the litigants challenging the laws against cross dressing here are hopeful that the acting chief justice, Ian Chang will rule in their favour, when the case comes up again for decision shortly.

Quincy McEwan, Seon Clarke, Joseph Fraser, Seyon Persaud, and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) had filed the constitutional challenge back in February 2009 by SASOD and four of seven persons convicted and fined in 2009 for violating section 153(1) (xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, which makes it a criminal offence for men to wear female attire and for women to wear male attire in a public place for an improper purpose.

Ruling On Tuesday, Justice Chang, sitting in the Constitutional Court, heard full arguments from lawyers acting on behalf of the applicants.

He will make his ruling at a later date.

According to a SASOD release, McEwan, better known as Gulliver, said, “If the decision is positive, we can safely go about wearing our clothes with-

out the police arresting us for dressing a certain way – and this case is evidence that we do face discrimination.”

Fraser, known as Peaches, said, “There are plenty of transgenders out there who are looking for jobs; who don’t feel comfortable in male clothes, so they are discriminated against because of the way they dress – and as a result, engage in sex work to make a honest living. If the chief justice does not rule that this law is unconstitutional, everything will go back to square one and we will continue to be oppressed,” Peaches added.

Discrimination SASOD said this is an important case that will help to determine the implications of the commitment made in the Guyana Constitution to “eliminating every form of discrimination”.

Attorney, University of the West Indies law lecturer and UWI Faculty of Law’s Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP) co-coordinator, Dr Arif Bulkan, and Attorney Gino Persaud appeared for the applicants. Dr Bulkan argued that Section 153(1) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, which criminalis-

es cross-dressing for an ‘improper purpose’ violates the Constitution of Guyana because it is discriminatory and vague.

He argued that the crossdressing law is discriminatory on the basis of sex and gender as it seeks to criminalise persons who do not conform with socially constructed stereotypes associated with their biological sex.

Human dignity “Tuesday’s full-day court hearing is really the culmination of more than four years’ work between SASOD, U-RAP, Guyanese human rights attorneys ,and the transgender folk who suffered egregious abuses and enduring injury to their human dignity during the February 2009 police crackdowns on crossdressing,” said SASOD co-chair Joel Simpson.

“Justice can only be served by the court declaring this insidious law unconstitutional, null and void,” Simpson concluded.

The case of Quincy McEwan and others versus attorney general was filed on the eve of World Day of Social Justice, February 19, 2010.

The counsel for the state, Kamal Ramkarran, presented arguments that the courts could re-

solve any ambiguities in the law in section 153(1) and provide a definition of what is proper and improper conduct through the normal practices of interpretation. He also said that it is a matter for Parliament to determine the appropriateness of any law. Article Eight of the Constitution provides that it is the supreme law of Guyana, and any other law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

Great significance According to Dr Rosamond King, Caribbean International Resource Network cochair and Brooklyn College assistant professor, the outcome of this case is, therefore, a matter of great significance – and “people around the Caribbean are watching to see whether this patently vague law will be allowed to stand”.

Red Thread National Coordinator Karen De Souza, who attended the court proceedings, observed, “It is immoral that so much time and money has to be spent on doing what is right. That is immorality.”

The team of lawyers involved in this case also includes Nigel Hughes and Miles Fitzpatrick, SC.

Misunderstanding leads to court case

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n East Ruimveldt resident charged with unlawful assault appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday. Dexter Carter, 38, of Lot 354 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown

pleaded not guilty, when the charge was read against him.

It is alleged that on February 16, at White Castle Fish Shop on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Carter unlawfully assaulted Marcia

Layne.

According to his attorney Mark Waldron on the night in question, the accused was at the White Castle Fish Shop trying to get the attention of a waitress when she alleged that he touched her inappropri-

ately. The misunderstanding resulted in an exchange of words and the matter was reported to the police.

The magistrate released Carter on his own recognisance and the matter was transferred to Court 10 for June18.

Cellphone theft suspect denied bail

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man charged with simple larceny appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

Kevin Moore,39, of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara pleaded guilty to the charge which states that on May 19 at Mahdia, Potaro he stole one 8570 BlackBerry Curve phone valued $55,000, a case valued $2000, Digicel SIM Card valued $3000 and a memory card val-

ued $5000, property of Kenwin Herman.

On the day in question, around 01:00h, the virtual complainant (VC) was at his business place when the accused entered his shop and started looking at the football game that was showing on the television. Herman fell asleep, leaving his cellphone charging with Moore still in the shop.

When he woke up, he noticed that the accused was gone and his phone was missing, but the charger

remained. Before reporting the matter to the authorities, he confronted Moore who behaved disorderly when approached, so he went to the Mahdia Police Station and reported the matter. Police officers subsequently arrested the accused.

In his defence, Moore stated that the VC’s phone was returned, telling the chief magistrate when asked that he did not steal the phone. The chief magistrate then entered a not-guilty plea

on his behalf. Prosecutor Vernetté Pindar reported that Moore had two pending matters of robbery under arms and simple larceny in Mahdia.

Attorney Collis Baveghems who represented Moore told the court he was instructed that such matters were already dealt with. The chief magistrate then asked that inquiries be made. Bail was refused until this morning when the matter will be addressed.

he Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) opened its ninth Painting the Spectrum Film Festival with an array of films in celebrations of its 10th anniversary – with a focus on illuminating sexual and gender diversity as an important aspect of humanity.

The festival consists of documentaries by awardwinning Guyanese such as “You Are Not Alone”

by New York Association of Black Journalists’ Antoine Craigwell and “My Wardrobe, My Right”, which includes the views representing the litigants in the constitutional suits against Guyana’s laws which penalise cross-dressing by Neil Marks.

Additionally, a documentary on SASOD highlighting the issue of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) Guyanese was shown. Other films shown included “Last Chance”, a Canadian film that focuses on LGBT persons institutionalised within the Middle East and Caribbean seeking refuge in Canada. The film, which took some 10 years to

complete, was directed by Paul-Emile d’Entremont.

The festival also showcased films focusing on the dilemma between Jewish, Indian and Iranian traditions and modern social changes, and unique experiences of coping and surviving LGBT in various ideological constraints within society. The festival includes discussions and informal interactions on the lessons behind the films, and tolerance and importance of education on various issues connected to LGBT around the world and in Guyana.

SASOD is a human rights advocacy group in Guyana working against discrimination, particularly on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, since 2003. The group also organises various activities to promote respect and tolerance for all forms of diversity in a plural society. SASOD has managed to conduct some activities but always in an atmosphere of apprehension. The films are screened at Sidewalk Café in Middle Street from June 3 to 25 at 19:00h. Admission is free. All films are intended for mature audiences.

Man calls wife dog, gets slapped with two charges

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43-year-old bus driver appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, charged with unlawful assault and using abusive language.

Winston De Nobrega, of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges which alleged that on June 3, he unlawfully assaulted Shemar Chaster De Nobrega and used abusive language against her.

According to court documents on June 3, the complainant was sitting in a motor car when she was approached by the accused who called her a dog and then proceeded to pull her out of the car.

Attorney Collis Baveghems, who represented the defendant, reported that his client was seeking to take his child who was crying in the car from the complainant. He indicated that it was merely an intervention and that the accused had intentions of taking his child to Royal Castle.

In his appeal for reasonable bail, the lawyer stated that the VC and the accused are husband and wife and that he has no pending matters in court.

Bail was set in the sum of $60,000 for the assault charge, and $20,000 for abusive language. The couple was placed on a bond to keep the peace and the matter will be called again on June 24 in Court 10.

Lindener fined for breach of insurance

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Lindener was on Wednesday fined the sum of $25,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Ann Mclennan for motor vehicular breach of insurance.

Kirk Adonis of Lot G 21 Canvas City, Wismar, Linden appeared at the Christiansburg Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge. It is alleged that on

Thursday, April 11, at Half Mile Public Road, Wismar, Adonis used minibus BRR 249, while a policy of insurance in respect to third party risk was not in force.

He was ordered to pay the fine by the presiding magistrate, if in default he will spend eight weeks in prison. He was given one week to pay the fine, that is until June 12.

15 Around the World

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Suu Kyi eyes presidency Israel reacts angrily to despite constitutional ban Austria’s withdrawal

M

yanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday declared her intention to run for the presidency as she sets her sights on elections due to be held in 2015.

Addressing world leaders and heads of business at a major forum in the capital Naypyidaw, the Nobel Peace laureate called for the amendment of the militarydrafted constitution which prevents her from leading the country.

“I want to run for president and I’m quite frank about it,” the veteran democracy activist told dele-

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Thursday that she wants to run in Burma’s 2015 presidential election. Burma’s constitution, however, bars anyone with spouses or children overseas from the office; Suu Kyi’s two sons are British nationals

gates at the World Economic Forum on East Asia.

“If I pretended that I

didn’t want to be president I wouldn’t be honest,” she added.

A major hurdle to her presidential ambitions is the current constitution, which blocks anyone whose spouses or children are overseas citizens from leading the country.

Suu Kyi’s two sons with her late husband Michael Aris are British and the clause is widely believed to be targeted at the Nobel laureate. President Thein Sein’s quasi-civilian government has surprised the world since coming to power two years ago with dramatic political and economic changes that have led to the lifting of most Western sanctions. (Excerpt from Frnace24)

Britain to compensate tortured Kenyans

B

ritain has agreed to compensate Kenyans tortured during the Mau Mau uprising against colonial rule in the 1950s, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

Hague expressed “sincere regret” on Thursday that the abuses had taken place and told parliament the government would pay

a total of US$30.8 million to 5228 clients represented by a British law firm.

A lawyer for the vicitms had said on Wednesday the settlement had been agreed without disclosing the sum. “[The negotiations] have included everybody with sufficient evidence of torture.

And that number is about 5200,” Kenyan lawyer Paul

Muite said.

Negotiations began after a London court ruled in October that three elderly Kenyans, who suffered castration, rape and beatings while in detention during a crackdown by British forces and their Kenyan allies in the 1950s, could sue Britain.

The torture took place

during the so-called Kenyan Emergency of 1952-60, when fighters from the Mau Mau movement attacked British targets, causing panic among white settlers.

Al Jazeera’s Peter Greste, reporting from the Kenyan capital, said Britain would also pay for a special memorial to be erected in Nairobi.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indian police arrest three in gang rape of American woman

I

ndian police have arrested three men in the gang rape of an American woman who authorities say was attacked after visiting a popular Hindu temple in northern India.

Police announced the arrests Thursday.

All three are in their early 20s, Police Superintendent Vinod Kumar Dhawan said.

Evidence collected from a vehicle police seized has been sent to a lab for analy-

Girls and women at a candel light vigil

sis, he said.

A day earlier, authorities arrested three other men in the case, but the woman said they were not the men who attacked her.

The 31-year-old woman was raped after leaving the Vashishth Temple site around 01:00h. Tuesday, according to police. After failing to find a taxi to take her back to her hotel, she accepted a ride from three men who took her to a wooded

area where they raped and robbed her, authorities said.

She remains under the protection of a police officer while investigators searched for her attackers. The woman was unable to provide significant details about the men or the truck they were driving, posing a challenge to investigators, Dhawan said.

Violent rapes in India have made headlines recently. (Excerpt from CNN)

Russia’s Putin and wife Syrian army “retakes say their marriage is over Golan crossing”

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resident Vladimir Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, told Russians on Thursday that their 30-year marriage was over, confirming longstanding speculation that they had separated. In a rare appearance together on state television, Putin was asked about rumors that they no longer lived together and answered: “That is true.” The announcement removes a big question mark about the private life of a president who has increasingly touted traditional values and championed the conservative Russian Orthodox Church as a moral authority.

Politically, Putin may have calculated that it was better to be seen coming clean about the separation than to be suspected of living a secret life. The cou-

ple looked nervous as they stood side by side on a parquet floor in the Kremlin, speaking to a lone reporter. Putin smiled woodenly as Lyudmila spoke, though they both appeared more relaxed after dropping the bombshell. Lyudmila, a former airline stewardess five years younger than the 60-year-old president, said it had been “our common decision”. “Our marriage is over due to the fact that we barely see each other,” she said. Putin also said it had been “a joint decision”.

The Putins married in 1983 and have two daughters, both in their 20s. The announcement comes one year into a third presidential term for Putin, who has not ruled out seeking reelection in 2018. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he Syrian army has taken control of a UNmonitored crossing in the Golan Heights that had been overrun by rebel forces, Israeli military sources say. Tanks and armoured vehicles were used in the fighting at Quneitra, near Israeli-held territory.

Austria has said it will withdraw its peacekeepers from the Golan Heights because of the fighting. It comes a day after Syrian troops backed by Lebanese Hezbollah militants retook the key town of Qusair.

The involvement of Hezbollah and the upsurge of fighting near the ceasefire line with Israel in the Golan have both raised fears that the conflict could spread across Syria’s borders.

Rebels seized the cross-

ing near the town of Quneitra earlier on Thursday, with explosions and heavy shelling rocking the area. But an Israeli military source said Syrian government forces retook the symbolically significant position hours later, and that it was now relatively quiet in the area.

Two UN peacekeepers were wounded as fighting raged around the crossing and Quneitra. Austria said it would withdraw its soldiers because the threat had “reached an unacceptable level”. Austrian troops make up more than a third of the more than 900-strong UN force monitoring the demilitarised zone and Quneitra – the only open crossing between Syria and the Israelicontrolled Golan Heights.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

from Golan Heights

I

srael has reacted angrily to Austria’s decision to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from the Golan Heights, saying the move has undermined the authority of the United Nations as the Syrian civil war threatens to spill over the border into Israel.

Israeli officials say the withdrawal of Austrian troops from the peacekeeping force monitoring the demilitarised border area following the injury of a Filipino soldier during clashes on Thursday threatened the role of the UN Security Council in any future negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

In a statement issued late on Thursday afternoon, Austria announced its decision to remove all 380 of its troops from the 1000-strong force on the Israel-Syrian border due to the “continuing deteriora-

tion of the situation in the area”.

“Austrian soldiers face an uncontrollable and direct threat, which has increased to an unacceptable level.

The development in the early morning hours of today has shown that it is no longer justifiable to watch and wait,” said the statement issued by Werner Faymann, Austria’s federal chancellor, and Michael Spindelegger, vice-chancellor, of its mission in the Golan.

Syrian rebels groups briefly seized control of the Quneitra border crossing after hours of sustained and intense fighting with tanks and artillery, during which several shells exploded inside Camp Ziouni, a UN compound inside the demilitarised zone, and three mortars reportedly exploded inside Israelioccupied territory. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

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friday, june 7, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean

Africa

TT$18M agricultural facility Southern Africa must unite to boost tourism ompeting players in fines of the Southern African bouring countries must for Tabaquite farmers the tourism industry Development Community work more closely together

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abaquite farmers will benefit from the construction of an TT$18 million agri-packinghouse at the old Tanteak site at Brickfield. Yesterday Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj, together with Local Government and Works Minister Dr Surajrattan Rambachan, the MP for Tabaquite and National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (Namdevco) officials turned the sod for construction of

the second of five planned packinghouses.

The first is currently under construction at Brechin Castle, Couva and other packinghouses will be constructed at La Gloria, Wallerfield and Cushe.

Maharaj, addressing the ceremony at Brickfield, encouraged farmers to see the packinghouse as an opportunity to advance from food producers to entrepreneurs.

He said the facility will provide employment opportu-

nities through linkages in agro-processing and can create further vertical linkages with restaurants and fast food outlets when the packed produce is marketed.

“The initiative of this packinghouse will provide long overdue support and a modern facility for the farmers in their respective areas.

Farmers will be encouraged to not only simply be farmers but to become agro-entrepreneurs,” Maharaj said.

(Trinidad Guardian)

C

in southern Africa are putting aside their rivalry in pursuit of a common goal – a big boost in tourist numbers to the region. Mmatsatsi Marobe, the chief executive officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, told IPS that South African tourism players “are well aware of the regional Africa dimension and have been active in this market for years, although restricted within the con-

(SADC) countries.

“In recent years, we have seen a growing interest in markets beyond the SADC region – as shown by the increasing number of operators in the hotel and tour operating businesses expanding beyond South Africa’s borders,” she said.

The central message from the Tourism Indaba, a tourism conference held in May in Durban, was that neigh-

in marketing and promotion to sell southern Africa – and not just its individual nations – as a destination.

Marobe argued that the benefits of greater regional cooperation would extend far beyond the business of tourism to conservation as well. She added that the private and public sector needed to join hands to address the ongoing scourge facing South Africa’s rhino species.

(allAfrica)

Asia

North America China likely to tolerate seven per cent Chocolate firms Nestle and growth before hitting stimulus button Mars accused of price-fixing hina’s new lead- past three decades needed en per cent, compared with

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uthorities in Canada have charged the food giants Nestle and Mars, together with a network of independent wholesale distributors, in an alleged conspiracy to fix prices of chocolates. The Competition Bureau in the capital Ottawa said it has uncovered “evidence” suggesting price-fixing. Nestle Canada, Mars Canada, and the distributors ITWAL have been

charged. The Bureau said the Canadian division of the U.S. confectionary company Hershey cooperated with its investigation. Officials said Hershey Canada, an alleged co-conspirator, is expected to plead guilty at a hearing later this month in exchange for leniency.

“We are fully committed to pursuing those who engage in egregious anticompetitive behaviour that

harms Canadian consumers,” said John Pecman, Interim Commissioner of Competition. “Price-fixing is a serious criminal offence and today’s charges demonstrate the Competition Bureau’s resolve to stop cartel activity in Canada,” he added. Mars Canada said in a statement: “Mars Canada intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations. (BBC News)

Europe

European Central Bank cuts growth forecast

T

he European Central Bank (ECB) has revised down its eurozone growth forecast as it voted to hold rates at historic lows. The ECB now expects the euro area to contract by 0.6 per cent this year, having earlier predicted a GDP fall of 0.5 per cent. ECB President Mario Draghi said the Bank still saw “downside risks” for the eurozone economy, but insisted a gradual recovery would begin in

2014. The ECB’s benchmark rate was kept at 0.5 per cent, after being cut last month.

May’s cut from 0.75 per cent was the first in 10 months. The decision not to cut rates further came despite an ongoing recession across the 17 countries that use the euro. Draghi told a press conference the bank had also marginally revised up its 2014 forecast to 1.1 per cent growth.

“The governing council

Market statistics

continues to see downside risks surrounding the economic outlook for the euro area,” he told journalists.

“They include the possibility of weaker than expected domestic and global demand and slow or insufficient implementation of structural reforms in euro area countries.” However, he stuck with previous predictions that a gradual recovery would begin in the second half of the year. (BBC News)

Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

Fixed as at January 7, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Buying

Selling

U.S.

GBP

$310.58

$344.58

Cambio

CAN

$161.50

$181.42

Gross

$312,663

USD

$198.42

$205.58

Net

$290,776

Selling

$322,632

Cur

$1645.25 $202.17

Indicators as on June 6, 2013 Live Spot Gold

Indicators

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1413.70

$1414.70

Low/High

$1394.70

$1425.00

Change

+11.00

+0.78

June 6 USD GBP EUR June 5 USD GBP EUR

London Gold Fix AM 1399.50 906.12 1066.69 AM 1396.50 909.42 1068.89

Crude Oil Price Silver Platinum

US$ per barrel

Change %

$103.04

+0.12

USD per Ounce

Change %

$22.59 $1527.00

+0.04 +16.00

PM 1400.00 905.68 1063.43 PM 1404.00 914.18 1072.90

C

ers have adopted a greater tolerance for a slowdown in the economy than their predecessors and are likely to allow quarterly growth to slip as far as seven per cent before triggering fresh stimulus to lift activity, sources say.

The government of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang has flagged for some time that the rapid GDP growth of the

to shift down a gear as the economy moves towards consumer-led expansion.

But it was not clear where Xi and Li would draw the line in the sand, leaving financial markets guessing over how the government would respond to successively weak economic data.

Government economists at top think tanks involved in policy discussions say that line is likely to be sev-

their predecessors who implicitly observed a level of 7.5 per cent to eight per cent.

“The new leaders’ tolerance of economic slowdown is definitely higher than their predecessors,” said Zhang Yongjun, senior economist at China Centre for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), a wellconnected think tank in Beijing. (Reuters)

Middle East Qatar Rail awards US$8.2B Doha Metro contracts

Q

atar Rail, the company overseeing the construction of the Gulf state’s railway network, has awarded four design and build contracts worth about QR30 billion (US$8.2 billion) for phase one of the Doha Metro.

The project will include four rail lines and an underground section in the centre of the capital Doha and will link stadiums for the 2022 World Cup soccer tour-

nament to be held in the tiny Gulf state. It said the awarding of the contracts marked “a key milestone” in the development of Qatar’s ambitious rail plan.

Qatar Rail said construction of Phase one was scheduled to begin later this year, and expected to be completed by 2019. The contracts related to Phase one comprise the Red Line North (RLN), Red Line South (RLS), Green Line (GRN) and major sta-

tions. The RLN project contract has been awarded to a consortium led by Impregilo and comprising of SK Engineering & Construction Co Ltd, and Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and Contracting, Qatar Rail said.

The RLS was won by a consortium led by QDVC and including GS Engineering and Construction Corp, and AI-Darwish Engineering.

(Arabianbusiness)

Investors' guide Tips for buying a business (continued from Thursday)

Gather a team of experts

At minimum you should be working with a good attorney, a CPA, and a CVA, or certified valuation analyst. A CVA is exclusively in the business of creating accurate pictures of how much a business is actually worth.

All three of these individuals can help you avoid spending too much money or making dangerous legal mistakes.

They can catch legal and financial problems, spot negative aspects of the company the seller might rather keep hidden, and keep you from

allowing excitement overrule your good senses. They also know the buying process inside and out and can help you conduct yourself in a way that ensures you are taken seriously by sellers.

Be prepared for an investment of time

Buying a business usually takes 18 months – at minimum – if everything goes well. Furthermore, depending on your involvement, it can require your full time attention. It’s not something

you do out of desperation or on impulse. To protect yourself, it’s a good idea to have living expenses saved up for at least one year, because it might be difficult to hold down a full time job while you are attending meetings, scouting opportunities, and performing other tasks for your business.

Buying a business is much like starting your own.

You have to be fully committed, have the necessary expertise, and possess the desire to make it succeed. (Business

Dictionary)

Business concept – Risk

Last:15040.62

Changes: +80.03

% Change: +0.53

Open: 14952.38

High: 15040.62

Low: 14844.22

% YTD: +14.78

52Wk Hi: 14887.51

52 Wk Lo: 12035.09

A probability or threat of damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, and that may be avoided through pre-emptive action. In finance, it is the probability that an actual return on an investment will be lower than the expected return. Financial risk is divided into the following categories: basic risk, capital risk, country risk, default risk, delivery risk, economic risk, exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operations risk, payment system risk, political risk, refinancing risk, reinvestment risk, settlement risk, sovereign risk, and underwriting risk.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

17

ARCHIE

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) If you are too forceful and insistent, you’re apt to be disappointed. People won’t want to follow a domineering leader.

DILBERT

Even if certain companions sometimes annoy you, concentrate on appreciating what they do right.

It’s imperative that you stay on the sunny side.

LEO

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

(July 23Aug. 22)

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) When around a friend who is constantly demeaning others, don’t stand idly by. Do what you can to change the situation for the better. You could be an instrument for this person’s good.

PEANUTS

(June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

Though you’re aware of the plight of someone who has helped you in the past, you might take no action to alleviate matters. This would be a shame.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

CANCER

If you have to work with someone whom you’ve disagreed with in the past, try to let bygones be bygones. It’s time to learn how to work together.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Although circumstances might force you to socialise with someone whom you’ve been trying to avoid, don’t let your true feelings show. It will only make you look bad.

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Your reputation could be shaky, so tread lightly. Behave as if the whole world is just waiting for you to make a mistake.

Be careful about how you treat a workplace rival. Others are watching you closely, so be a gracious and fair competitor.

SUDOKU TAURUS (April 20-May 20) No argument is worth the cost of losing a friend, especially if the issue is completely unimportant.

You don’t always have to be the one who is right.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Even if you believe your ideas are far superior to those of your companions, you should treat them fairly. A balanced conversation will only improve everyone’s thinking.

Thursday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, be appreciative of what you’ve got. Gratitude not only produces peace of mind, it also builds friendships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Try to think beyond the material. Don’t be concerned about how much you can get, but about the goodwill and consideration that you can generate.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Entertainment

Ashley Cameron

A

Alicia Bess

fter a rigid screening process, three young ladies were shortlisted to be a part of a voting process to choose the fitting delegate to compete in the International leg of the competition slated for August 21 at the National Cultural Centre.

The three delegates Alicia Bess; Ashley Cameron and Christel Mittelholzer will be presented to the general public during the premiere launch of the Miss Jamzone Pageant, 2013 on Sunday evening. Persons

Christel Mittelholzer

can tune into Hits and Jams TV from 20:00h.

A special number will be available to the public so that persons can vote for their favourite contestant. The voting starts on Sunday evening and will close at the end of the month when the winner will be announced.

Thus far, a number of Caribbean beauties have confirmed their participation in this year’s contest. Miss Jamaica Keri Baylis is the reigning Miss Jamzone International.

P

ulse Entertainment presents the ultimate lighting party tonight at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown. Patrons are encouraged to be a part of the event and experience the lighting effects.

These lights range from strobe lights; spot lights; laser lights; beam lights; LED lights; disco lights and many other that will leave you mesmerised.

Pulse Entertainment will be turning up the lights extra bright to have that kaleidoscope effect all night long. There will also be the Pulse Deejays who will be mixing the music to suit the audience’s pleasure. Soca, chutney, retro, old school… you got it!

Ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h and will pay $2000 at the gate before 23:00h and more afterwards.

B

EAN Entertainment Productions will hosts its first production titled “SNAPPED”; a play written by Darren Anthony Mc Almont billed for the National Cultural Centre.

The theatrical presentation will be opened to the public on June 7 at 20:00h with a second staging on June 8 at the same time.

The play is set in modern times and features issues that are very common in Guyana, the

(The Movie), “Watch De Ride” amongst others productions.

Yarde was also awarded the Best Director award of the National Drama Festival 2012.

Other members of the cast are Clemencio Goddette mostly recognised for her roles in “Nothing To Laugh About”, Nathaya Whaul who copped the Theatre Guild’s Best Actress award in January 2012; Gerard Gilkes, who won the counterpart Sonia Yarde

D

J Stress’s Wet, Wild & Colourful Party this Sunday at Jubilee All roads will lead to the Jubilee Fun Park and Resort, Timehri, East Bank Demerara this Sunday for the highly anticipated DJ Stress Wet, Wild and Colourful Party.

There will also be a number of competitions including the wet and colourful swimsuit competition; lime and spoon race; sack race; soccer small goal race; tennis roll eating competition and others. Gizmos and Gadgets will be giving away a Blue Jenny cellphone to the winners of all the events.

71 Sounds will be in full swing with all the great hits to dance all day and into the night. DJ Stephan

along with DJ Dauren from Berbice; DJ Anand from East Bank Demerara and DJ Stress from Georgetown will all be there throughout the event.

Ladies should head out to their favourite boutique or one of the many Chinese stores to find that special colourful and sensual swimsuit. It does not have to be a bikini but it sure has to be a colourful for the judges to take notice.

Please be advised that only proper swimwear will be allowed into the swimming pool and water slide area. Everyone is allowed to walk with their food baskets and coolers but the Jubilee Restaurant and Bar will be opened all day and you have access to tasty fish and chips, chicken and chips and other del-

icacies.

Admission is only $1000 for both adults and children and this gives you access to free parking, water slides, boating, trampolines and more.

The swimming environment will be kept safe and secure with the presence of highly trained lifeguards and members of the Guyana Police Force. Gates will be opened from 09:00h so patrons can party to the music until 00:00h.

Jubilee Water Park is located only five minutes past the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Patrons are asked not to turn off onto the Linden/ Soesdyke highway but to simply drive straight towards the airport and follow the Jubilee Water Park signs.

educational.

Henry Rodney plays the title role of the character Michael.

Rodney has performed at the Theatre Guild of Guyana, City Hall, the National Cultural Centre, overseas in Antigua, New York, Canada and many other places across the country. His name is well-known and most people remember him as “Franklin” or “Suga Baby” – the character he Henry Rodney

Darren Mc Almont

region and the world at large – from one spouse dealing with bare-faced infidelity or “blow” as it is commonly referred to in local Guyanese parlance, to sexual molestation and incest of a young school girl.

It also highlights the struggles and great determination of an ambitious young woman in her final year at university, but is distracted by her seven-monthold pregnancy out of wedlock.

This is Mc Almont’s first full length play which took him approximately six months to write. He completed the script in March of this year.

“SNAPPED” is filled with music including the torch song “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the Broadway musical Dream Girls. It promises to be enlightening, uplifting and

of that same award in 2012; Melissa King who has been acting since the tender age of six and travelled to Antigua to perform with the cast of “Somebody Gon’ Horn Yuh”. Rounding off the cast that is no less than an all-star is Mark Kazim, Jennifer Langevine, Clement Stanford and Latoya Kellman.

“SNAPPED” will also feature one of Guyana’s most accomplished entertainers, the Diva herself, Charmaine Blackman; as well as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s principle dancers from the most acclaimed dance studio – the Metamorphosis Dance Company.

Tickets are now on sale at the NCC Box Office and Giftland Office Max at $2000 for auditorium and $1500 for balcony.

Mark Kazim

played in “Fuh Better fuh Worst”.

Sonia Yarde plays the title role of Nadine. Yarde has been the leading female performer in almost every major production and has performed with the cast of Guyana’s longest running satirical production “Link Show” in the USA and Canada. She is also notably remembered for her role in “Till Ah Find A Place”

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, june 7, 2013

19

Entertainment

All set for

Mega Concert this Sunday

T

he undisputed King of Qawwali and Sufi music and the glorious voice behind some of today’s most popular Bollywood songs will arrive in Guyana in just a few days for the mega concert slated for the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday, June 9.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will be accompanied by his full band of musicians on stage and they have been working on putting together a special collection of Bollywood songs to thrill their fans.

Khan expressed his utmost excitement about coming to Guyana and says that he and his troupe are looking forward to performing in the country for the very first time. The artiste added that they have been to the Caribbean before but never Guyana.

Khan further noted that he has prepared mostly Bollywood numbers for his fans since he heard that Guyanese are big fans of his Bollywood songs. The voice behind popular songs like “Tere Mast Mast Do Nain”, “Sajda”, “Tere Ore” and many others, Khan is the nephew of the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan; one of the most famous Qawalli and Sufi singers the world has ever known.

In addition to the main act, the first West Indian and only Guyanese individual selected to participate in SA RE GA MA PA International, Purnash Durgaprasad will entertain the crowd with Bollywood favorites.

Purnash, along with local artistes Neil Maharaj Purnash Durgaprasad

The renowned singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

and the Ishara Dancers will join Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for an unforgettable evening. It promises to be a unique and breathtaking experience. It will be a mega concert, one not to be missed.

Elite Entertainment in collaboration with international promoter Portfolio Marketing and Events (PME) and in association with Dave Imports is extremely excited to have Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali perform for the very first time in Guyana.

The entertainment group thanked their sponsors, without whose support, the concert would not have been possible. These include Carib, BK International, Digicom, Indian Arrival Committee, EMTEC, Jai Signs, Traveller’s Sound and Lightening, Star Party Rentals, NTN, and Brands 4 Less.

The gates to the National Stadium at Providence will be opened from as early as 16:00h for the grand performance of the legend, which is scheduled to begin at 18:00h sharp.

Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early so that they don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see Khan on stage.

Tickets are on sale at locations across the country and cost $1500 for general admission, $2500 for seating, $5000 for reserved seating, $15,000 for the VIP section and $20,000 for the Luxury VIP section.

“J

azz, Wine and Words” Those who are still thinking about a special gift for their magnificent father; think of spending an evening of wine, breathtaking performances and stimulating conversations entitled “Jazz, Wine and Words”.

This event is promoted by the Rotary Club of Stabroek and is billed for the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown on Saturday, June 15. Showtime is 18:00h sharp and is expected to last for four hours.

The event will see tasteful tributes to fathers as their special day [Father’s Day] will be celebrated on June 16. The headline act for the evening will be popular Jamaican

comedian, Paul Keens Douglas and the Desi Jones Quartet with Karen Smith.

There will also be performances by the Georgetown Jazz Project; excerpt of fine drama pieces from Guyanese dramatist, Mark Edwards and poet, Yaphet Jackman. Apart from the performances, there will be servings of wine and great cheeses which will be one social aspect of the evening.

Tickets for the event cost $6000 and are available at Nigel’s Supermarket, Robb Street; Bounty Meat Centre, Alexander St, Kitty and Kings Jewellery, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The event is sponsored by Digicel among other stakeholders.

20

Entertainment

YELLOW PAGES

FRIday, june 7, 2013

ACCOMMODATION

Furnished rooms and apartments; 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments- long & short term rental.

Affordable rates Call: 227-2199, 227-2186, 227-2189

car rental Journey Inn Apartments & car rental. Rooms & car to rent from $3000 Premio, Vitz. Phone: 689-6668, 6394452.

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

EDUCATION It’s here again!!” Music summer camp 2013” register now !! keyboard, guitar ,drums recorder &voice training starts –july 8-19 from 10-12pm phone :225-1151, 611-8416, 652-8176, 644-1736 or 617-4200, Electronic course- practical, beginning June 3, limited space available, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 2266551, 225-0391 WHERE CAN YOU GET A BOOK FOR $40? THE MASSIVE BOOKSALE, NOW ON AT BOOKLAND, ABOVE MATTS RECORD BAR (226-2874).

BOOKLAND, ON A SAL MISSION “ TO GET BOOKS IN EVERY HOUSHOLD”.

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

FOR SALE Clean garden earth & builders waste. Also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling. Phone: 616-0617 or 663-3285.

Cummins currency counters, used by banks wordwide and in Guyana.

Specifically programmed to detect counterfeit Guyana currency. World Imports, Sales & Service. Phone: 227-4983.

Husehold furniture. Phone: 6875653

health Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationship and sexual problems.

Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses, and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments.

By appointments only. Clinic hours: 11:00 – 17:00h. Tel: 592-621-0552.

Email:healthworldhc@gmail.com

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK, Immigration and Visa matters. Self Sponsorships, Holiday/ Visitor’s Visas, Work Permits, Students Visas, Family, Class, Immigration Forms, Embassy Enquiries, Appeals for Refused Cases, U.S Green Card Lottery, Business Class Waivers, Pardons etc. Get your Visa approved. High Success Rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts.) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

“

KEY CUTTing

Tackle me like Jacky Chan Richardson”; “be patient like Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle”; “use the long handle bat” and “slam me fuh six against the wall”.

These are some of the lyrics of a new song released

by Guyanese soca sensation Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts.

The song, a hard hitting soca track titled “Slam It” draws on the common situation of a bragging male who boasts of wanting to be with a female only to be left speechless when he sees her.

The song also reflects the boldness of many of today’s women who are not timid about telling a man exactly what they need. This, her first single after her duet with B52 “Tear The Roof” was recorded at Kross Kolor Records and marks the first in a series of releases for 2013. The video for the song will be launched in two weeks. The song was produced by Peter Simeon of St Lucia.

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 2750322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

spirituality Learn transcendental meditation and gain deep relaxation, eliminate stress, increase creativity and intelligence , promote health, attain inner happiness and fulfillment and contribute to peace for the world.

Contact certified teacher Ashoka: 233-6921, email kashokejp_68@yahoo.com Suriname astrology palmist and djuka healer, the most powerful spiritualist in the world, are you suffering from the following problems-(any religions) love, marriage, family, health, business, husband and wife relationship, property, court, children, promotion, visa, pregnancy, education, depression, job, sexual, jealousy, enemy, money, drinking, also you can have all evil forces destroyed such as black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, obeyah, etc, and give powerful protection. Private and confidential. Phone: 601-5947.

Dutch Spiritual work. Unite lovers, get rid of evil, enhance prosperity, good luck baths and charm bowu guards etc. Phone: 220-0708, 6126417, 687-5653 Divinations and cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá and Khemetian spiritual guards, pendants, crystals, and rune stones to help you overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money and many more. Call 10:00-16:00h on: +592-690-1824. Email: anew-life@ live.com

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota harrier, PJJ excellent condition, fully loaded $3.6m. Phone: 227-7365, 626 5413 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA PREMIO; TOYOTA SPACIO; TOYOTA RUNX; TOYOTA VITZ (NEW SHAPE); TOYOTA NOAH; SUZUKI SWIFT; MERCEDES BENZ C200 COMPRESSOR; BMW 318I; CALDINA WAGON; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED; 4WD EXTRACAB PICKUP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRACAB PICKUP 3RZ & 5L; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS; 3; 3.5; TONS OPEN TRAY; 3 TONS WITH TAILGATE HOIST; 2 TONS 4WD; 3 TONS DUMP TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762 , 220-5177. A NAME AND A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST. TO let

289 Thomas St, middle and top floor of storey house phone:227-7365

WANTED Are you selling your land in Parfaite Harmonie? Phone: 675-7292 One female cook for interior.

Phone: 612-2125

Celebrate with

Classified Ads

$5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

this weekend @ your favourite party spot

T

hings have just gotten cooler in Guyana with the recent addition of Corona Extra distributed exclusively by TopBrandz to the beer market.

With this in mind, kick off your weekend at White Castle Fish Shop with Corona and get a chance to mingle with the Corona beauties. The Corona team will be at both locations; John and Hadfield Streets and Barr Street, Kitty with its “buy three, get one free” promotion from 18:00h to 20:00h.

On Saturday the Corona team will also be at Seeta’s Bar, Lot 6 Station Street, Kitty for yet another Corona happy hour. There, patrons will again be privileged to meet the stunning Corona beauties

between 18:30h and 21:30h.

The party continues on Sunday as the weekend winds down. All roads will lead to Altitude Cocktail Bar and Lounge, Lot 3 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.

So if you’re the type of person who likes a quiet chic atmosphere, this is the place to be on Sunday evening. Join the Corona and Altitude team for an evening of fine music and meaningful conversation while sipping on your favourite beverage under the stars.

Corona Extra which took Guyana’s market by storm was officially launched a month ago through the auspices of TopBrandz Distributors.

Corona Extra delivers a unique fun, sun and beach

state of mind. It is a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously or try too hard to impress. It is defined by a laid back image originally created

by Corona consumers when it first became available and which remains the brand’s foundation today.

It is one of the top-selling beers worldwide. Outside of Mexico, Corona is commonly served with a wedge of lime or lemon in the neck of the bottle to add tartness and flavour.

Today, Corona Extra is also the number four bestselling beer overall in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Corona also falls number four on the list of most preferred and most consumed beer in the world.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

India beat South Africa after Dhawan century

Sharapova to face Williams in French Open final Azarenka managed to get a foothold at the start of the second, and a brilliant forehand winner off a highbouncing Sharapova shot set her up to break for 4-2.

With rain starting to fall, Azarenka broke once again to level the match before play was suspended, and when the action resumed a little over half an hour later it was Sharapova who pressed first.

A cross-court winner gave her the break at 2-1 but the double faults that have plagued her in recent years began to tell.

Her ninth, to none from Azarenka, gifted the advantage straight back in game four, and after blasting her

W

orld champions India began their Champions Trophy campaign with a 26-run victory over South Africa in Cardiff in the first match of the tournament on Thursday.

Shikhar Dhawan (114), who hit the fastest debut Test century in March, struck his first ODI hundred and shared a stand of 127 with Rohit Sharma (65).

Ravi Jadeja made a rap-

Shikhar Dhawan

SCOREBOARD India innings R Sharma c Peterson b McLaren 65 S Dhawan c sub (AM Phangiso) b Duminy 114 V Kohli c Amla b Tsotsobe 31 D Karthik c †de Villiers b McLaren 14 MS Dhoni*† c du Plessis b Tsotsobe 27 S Raina c Duminy b McLaren 9 R Jadeja not out 47 R Ashwin run out (McLaren) 10 B Kumar not out 0 Extras: (lb4, w8, nb2) 14 Total: (7 wkts, 50 overs) 331 Fall of wickets: 1-127, 2-210, 3-227, 4-240, 5-260, 6-291, 7-323 Bowling: M Morkel 6.5-0-270, L Tsotsobe 10-0-83-2, R Kleinveldt 10-0-81-0, R McLaren 10-0-70-3, R Peterson 3.1-024-0, JP Duminy 10-0-42-1

South Africa innings H Amla c †Dhoni b Yadav 22 C Ingram c Raina b Kumar 6 R Peterson run out (Jadeja/†Dhoni) 68 AB de Villiers*† c Jadeja b Yadav 70 JP Duminy lbw b Jadeja 14 F du Plessis c Raina b I Sharma 30 D Miller run out (I Sharma/ Raina/†Dhoni) 0 R McLaren not out 71 R Kleinveldt c †Dhoni b I Sharma 4 L Tsotsobe b Jadeja 3 M Morkel b Kumar 8 Extras: (lb1, w7, nb1) 9 Total: (all out, 50 overs) 305 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-31, 3-155, 4-182, 5-184, 6-188, 7-238, 8-251, 9-257, 10-305 Bowling: B Kumar 7-0-49-2, U Yadav 10-0-75-2, I Sharma 8-066-2, R Ashwin 10-0-47-0, R Jadeja 9-1-31-2, S Raina 6-0-36-0

id unbeaten 47 as India posted 331-7 having been put in.

Robin Peterson (68) and AB de Villiers (70) added 124 and Ryan McLaren hit 71no but South Africa were 305 all out.

South Africa were without fast-bowling spearhead Dale Steyn, ruled out by a side strain, and with key allrounder Jacques Kallis opting to miss the tournament for personal reasons, it left the onus on giant paceman Morne Morkel.

His probing opening four-over spell cost only eight runs but the support bowlers were less accurate and were seized upon by the India opening pair of Dhawan and Sharma, Lonwabo Tsotsobe one of three to go for in excess of seven and a half runs per over. (BBC Sport)

Bolt beaten by Gatlin in 100m at Diamond League

21

Serena Williams

S

erena Williams remains on course to win a second French Open title after powering through to the final, where she will face defending champion Maria Sharapova.

The world number one and the second seed will meet on Saturday after coming through their semi-finals in very different manners.

Williams thrashed Italy’s Sara Errani 6-0 6-1 to reach her first Roland Garros final since she won the tournament back in 2002.

Sharapova had earlier coped with a rash of double faults to beat Victoria Azarenka 6-1 2-6 6-4.

“To come back as the defending champion, it’s extremely special to get back on that stage where it comes down to the last two players of the tournament,” said the Russian.

Sharapova prevailed in a semi-final that swung wildly in momentum, dropping serve in the opening game

Maria Sharapova

with a double fault and sealing victory with an ace more than two hours later.

In between, the ferocity and depth of Sharapova’s hitting, particularly off the return, was often too much for Azarenka, and 14 winners flew past the Belarusian as the first set raced by.

way to a 5-2 lead as her returns continued to pepper the baseline, Sharapova faltered dramatically when serving for the match.

Four match points came and went before she lost the game, inevitably, with her 11th double fault of the day.

(BBC Sport)

West Indies plan to entertain and win L

Usain Bolt (right) was beaten by Justin Gatlin on Thursday

J

ustin Gatlin beat Olympic champion Usain Bolt by one-hundredth of a second to record a surprise 100m win in Rome on Thursday.

Bolt, 26, was fastest out of the blocks at the Diamond League meeting but American Gatlin, 31, powered past the Jamaican to win in 9.94 seconds.

“I need two months to get ready so I am not worried,” Bolt told BBC Sport.

In his first major meet since his early exit from

the London 2012 Olympics, Phillips Idowu finished seventh in the triple jump in a season best of 16.44m.

The 34-year-old Briton produced the leap in the first round but failed his next two jumps to bow out of the six-round competition, which was won by America’s Olympic and world champion, Christian Taylor, 22, at the halfway stage with 17.08m.

Gatlin, however, looked in fine form as he maintained his unbeaten start to

the season over 100m.

The 2004 Olympic champion, who went on to serve a four-year doping ban, recorded his third Diamond League success after victories in Doha and Eugene by the narrowest of margins.

Bolt, who suffered a hamstring injury last month and was making his debut in the competition this season, jumped out of the blocks but was blowing hard by halfway as Gatlin began to impose himself on the race. (BBC Sport)

ONDON, England – Dwayne Bravo’s message was clear as he looked forward to the West Indies’ crucial opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 today.

The Windies skipper made it known what his team’s intentions are as they prepare to face Pakistan in their first Group B encounter at the Oval. First ball is 10:30h (05:30h Eastern Caribbean Time/04:30h Jamaica Time).

“We are really looking forward to it. I just can’t wait to get the first game out of the way. It’s my first time as captain in a major tournament as this, and I have a very good team and good players and I’m looking forward to leading the guys out on the park,” the 29-year-old all-rounder said on Thursday.

Bravo was speaking as the West Indies held a full training session at the Oval.

“We are really excited about the tournament on the

whole. Our aim is to get off to a good start. That is the most important thing in a short tournament like this, to try to win the first game.

It’s a very good team we’re coming up against and we have to play our best cricket in order to be successful.”

The Windies Number 47 added: “We’re going to try to make sure that we have the best batting line-up to try to counter their bowling attack. We have the best batsmen in the world, so they'll be aware of that also. So, yeah, it should be a very good game. If both teams actually turn up on this day, it will be a cracker of a game and hopefully it will be good for the fans.

Bravo has been a crucial member of the West Indies team with both bat and ball since his debut back in 2004.

That year he was a member of the side which won the ICC Champions Trophy with a superb victory over England in the final. He was also a vital member of

the team which won the ICC World T20 Championship in Sri Lanka as he celebrated his 29th birthday.

Asked about his style of leadership, Bravo noted that he still plans to be a livewire in the field.

“I want to be seen as a well respected captain, one who leads from the front. Also in terms of being on the field, I am an attacking captain by nature – I like to attack, I like to look for wickets. I read the game a lot and I’m very proactive. So you will see some strange placing in my system, strange moves, but sometimes if it does work I look like a genius, but if it doesn't, then you guys are going to have a go at me.

“I think I'm the type of person that trusts my instincts and believes in the decisions that I make and I will stand by them. I have the right team, the right players to do the job that I ask for, so hopefully things can work out our way” Bravo added. (WICB)

22

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Johnny praises Yaw’s and James’ performances in TT – blasts notion of limited senior competition

By Treiston Joseph

C

oach at the Running Brave Athletic Club (RBAC) Sham Johnny praised the performance of Jason Yaw and Stephan James after both participated at meets in Trinidad and Tobago over the past three weekends.

Yaw placed second in the 400 metres under-20 at Hampton Games with a time of 47.76s and won the Trinidad and Tobago national junior championships under-18 400 metres in 47.97s.

James, in his 400 metres at the Hampton Games, won the men’s open event in 47.05s.

“The trip was successful we stayed an extra week so Jason (Yaw) could run at Trinidad nationals, Jason has scary potential and he has no competition home except for Stephan (James) or (Winston) George. James is expected to be good which he was but Jason has scary potential and he doesn’t like the 400 metres he prefers the 100 and 200 metres but have a lot flaws with both,”

Stephan James

Sham Johnny

Jason Yaw

Johnny told Guyana Times Sport.

Johnny also revealed that former national sprinter Quincy Andrews has been the sole sponsor of Yaw, 17, whose dietary supplements and gear are covered.

“Quincy has really been a tower of strength in helping to get yaw to where he is, he takes care of everything,” Johnny noted.

Meanwhile, despite the unfavourable training conditions presently due to the rainy season in Guyana, Johnny expects Yaw to improve by the time World

Youth Games roll around in July. He also believes that James can take a second off his time to make the World Championships later this year.

“We don’t have good conditions here to train at all but Yaw is training strictly with Stephan, there are not a lot of under-17 athletes running the 400 under 48 and I know Jason will be in the final 16.

“However we want Stephan to make the World Championships and we are going to Trinidad for the national seniors and he

will have good competition there, he has been running in the 46s for a while now and we are looking for him to hit a low 46 or high 45s we know it’s about a second off of his time but it’s possible,” Johnny mentioned.

Further, Johnny believes that Guyana has a good crop of talent and they should be harnessed as soon as possible.

“Guyana has a good crop in the making and if we are channeled in the right direction with the government and the private sector going in the right way we can do things because Jason is a prospect for 2016 and he can be up there with the best,” Johnny told this publication.

On the other hand, speaking on lack of senior competition, Johnny said, “At all the development meets and junior meets there were senior events that a lot of persons did not participate in, so to sit and say there were not senior meets is something I don’t understand…

the one senior meet they (The Athletics Association of Guyana) had had to be postponed because of rain and we can’t control that.

“I mean we don’t have the facilities here where the ground will dry in 15 minutes, there are meets in Trinidad that clubs have been going to and you need exposure so to say that I don’t understand…track and field have a lot of pretenders they just want to ridicule everything and the association have done a lot in the short period of time,” Johnny opined.

Meanwhile, Johnny confirmed that he will be taking a team to the Trinidad national senior championships scheduled for later this month.

National women basketball team to defend title in Antigua

T

he women’s national basketball team will be heading to Antigua to defend their title at the 13th annual Gillian Brazier basketball shootout contest slated for June 30 to July 7.

The team which will feature 15 players is expected to retain the championship according to coach of the team Mark Agard.

“We are definitely in a position to do so (retain the title) this competition is expected to feature more teams and have some more overseas player involved so it should be tougher but we can do it,” Agard told Guyana Times Sport via telephone on Thursday.

With the team having some out-of-town players, Agard mentioned that training is on point and will be better once those players are integrated.

“Since the sports hall is unavailable we have been using the Gymnasium our only problems is that we have some out of town players and they should be

Mark Agard

down this weekend so we can get things flowing… we should also be moving to the Burnham Courts so we can get a full workout because the lights at the Gymnasium are not too good,” Agard stated.

Agard also revealed that there will be tune up games so the players can get in game shape in time for the tournament in Antigua.

“Coming down to the final two week we will be holding some exhibition games to get them ready and we would want them to

be publicised,” Agard stated.

Meanwhile, Agard made a call to the public and the private sectors to support the team in an effort to prevent last year’s occurrence of the team being stranded in Antigua when the completion had already started.

“Well we want this to be publicised because we need the support, DC Jammers did us a favour of buying our tickets the last time around but we are finding it tougher to get sponsorship this year so we hope persons would come onboard and support us because as you know we were stranded for a bit last year after the tournament,” Agard alluded.

The team is made up of: Natasha Alder, Amera Alphonso, Kean Andrews, Shanna Chester, Timike Joseph-DeRouche, Lowquantor Gibson, Tamera Hunter, Ginelle Ifill, Sharon Jerome, Nicola Jacobs, Natoila Primo, Kristy Roberts, LaToya Rodney, Sonia Rodney and Shakiella Sampson.

Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy…

Georgetown leg concludes on Saturday

T

he Scotiabank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy will continue with the finals of the Georgetown leg on Saturday at the Education Ministry ground, Carifesta Avenue, commencing at 11:00h.

The females will start the action rolling with a game between New Campbellville Secondary and Tutorial High.

Campbellville Secondary will start with the psychological advantage, having needled Tutorial High 1-0 in the preliminary round.

The Tutorial girls said they have other ideas this time around, therefore a keen and exciting encoun-

ter is expected with Natiffa Marville and Sheekela Fraser taking up the fight for Tutorial and Cindy McPherson spearheading Campbellville’s challenge.

The winner will progress to the national playoff.

In the male encounter, which will commence at 12:30h, a new development has transpired.

Originally, the boys from Charlestown Secondary were slated to play Christ Church Secondary.

However, Christ Church has been disqualified due to a misunderstanding with regards the age limit of the players and a protest from

Lodge Secondary.

This competition is an under-15 tournament and according to the rule players must be born on or after January 1, 1998.

One of Christ Church players was born in 1997 and he will be 16 in July.

However, the school was under the impression that once a player is 15 before the completion of the tournament, he/she was eligible.

With Christ Church now disqualified, Lodge will now take on Charlestown with the winner also moving to the national playoff on June 16 at the Ministry of Education ground from 09:00h.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Under-19 ruggers commence training for upcoming championships

By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

he national Under-19 rugby squad commenced training on Thursday at the National Park for the upcoming North American and West Indies Rugby Association (NACRA) Under-19 Championship in Trinidad and Tobago from July 6-13.

The sessions are being conducted by Head Coach Laurie Adonis and his assistant Troy Yhip and continue on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Adonis, speaking with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday, said that despite it was just the first day, he envisages the sessions will be affected a bit by the absence of a few players who are preparing for the CSEC examinations. He was optimistic that the turnout will surpass 80 per cent.

This year’s tournament will see a record number of teams competing, hence it takes on the format of the International Rugby Board U-20 tournament, with a

Cup competition for the top tier teams and a Trophy competition for the lower ranked teams.

According to NACRA it is anticipated that with similar numbers competing in the future, there will be regular promotion and relegation between the two competitions. Promotion and relegation between NACRA Cup and Trophy will be considered after the tournament based on standard of performance.

While the Cup competition sees the powerhouses in Bermuda, TT, Mexico, Cayman, Barbados and Jamaica, the Trophy format will see relatively unknown teams at the Under-19 level, with the likes of Turks and Caicos Islands and St Lucia, both of whom will be making their debuts at the regional Under-19 level.

The format of the tournament was decided on Monday and the Cup competition or Group A consists of Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Jamaica, and Group B consists of TT, Mexico and

Some of the players from the national Under-19 squad during their first training session on Thursday, at the National Park (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)

Barbados.

The fixtures are: July 6 – Bermuda versus Jamaica and TT versus Mexico; July 7 – TCI versus Bahamas and Guyana versus St Lucia; July 8 – Cayman versus Jamaica and Barbados versus Mexico; July 9 – TCI versus Guyana and Bahamas versus St Lucia; July 10 – Cayman versus Bermuda

Digicel launches schools’ football tourney next Monday

Flashback! Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean (right), and other officials of the company pose with the 2012 champions, Wismar/Christianburg Secondary

G

uyana’s premier secondary schools football competition, the Digicel schools’ championship, will get rolling on Monday with the official launch at the Savannah Suites of the Pegasus Hotel.

The third annual tournament will be played later this year featuring age group footballers from schools in all 10 administrative regions of the country.

At the launch next week, top officials of Digicel will be on hand to divulge plans for the 2013 competition, while Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony and his counterpart at the Education Ministry, Priya Manickchand, are expected to deliver remarks.

Newly elected president of the Guyana Football Federation, Christopher

Matthias, and Sales and Marketing Director of Banks DIH Limited, Carlton Joao, have also been invited to be part of the launch.

Defending champion

In 2012, local school football was celebrated in fine fashion when a packed Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, was treated to a brilliant display by the two best teams to emerge from the second annual competition.

After the on-field exchanges and the dust settled, it was Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary that had their name etched on the beautiful wooden lien trophy. The Region 10 champions used their speed and height to good effect to de-

feat a determined and skillful Waramadong unit 5-2 in the championship game.

The margin of victory clearly did not do justice to what transpired on the field. Both teams were at each other from the opening to the final whistle, and though the goalkeepers were for the most parts on top of their game, it was those brief moments of lapse that the Waramadong custodian especially had to rue at the end of a keenly contested final.

Eventual Most Valuable Player and the competition’s highest goal scorer with 13, Marmarlaque Davidson, was again the leading marksman for the Linden unit, blasting in a helmettrick in the 43rd, 47th, 54th and 83rd minutes.

and TT versus Barbados; July 11 – No matches – development and planning session workshop.

On the final two days, July 12 – TCI face St Lucia and Bahamas tackle Guyana then on July 13 – the finals, third in Pool A versus third in Pool B, second in Pool A versus second in Pool B and first in Pool A versus first in

Pool B. Rebby, Allister Peters, The shortlisted national Iswar Dean Bhoopa, squad reads: Levi Mitchell, Troyton Braithwaite, Shaquille McBean, Shaquille Brumell, Trevon Shaquille Paul, Kevin Davidson, Fidel Neils, Joseph, Dellon Jones, Osafo Elroy Gibbons, Shaquvan Selman, Orande Mc Donald, Williams, Daniel DeAbreu, David Lowenfield, Ryan Floyd Sealey, Christopher Aimran, Terrence Clarke, McLennon, Jeffon Bowen, Joshua Allen, Telroy Mc Dean Peters and Loranzo Calmont, Jermaine Leacock, Forde.

Jason Solomon, Carl

friday, june 7, 2013

TOP SCORES

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

India 331-7 (Dhawan 114, Rohit 65) beat South Africa 305 (McLaren 71*, de Villiers 70, Petersen 68) by 26 runs

CPL to forge one Caribbean identity, says Stewart

C

ommercial Director of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Jamie Stewart, says apart from offering exciting on-field rivalry featuring some of the best players in the world, the tournament is geared towards shaping one common Caribbean identity.

Stewart, who was based in India during the early days of the Indian Premier League (IPL), said that tournament was able to unite an Indian population that inhabited different states and shared diverse religions, ideologies, beliefs and even languages.

He pointed that an almost similar situation obtains in the Caribbean with people from the different territories sharing distinct cultures, which CPL would seek to combine into one unique Caribbean identity.

Stewart made the comments during an exclusive interview with this news outfit during his visit to Guyana earlier this week.

“Cricket is a language that cuts across race, gender, language, belief, faith… it cuts across all these things because it’s something like glue that unites everyone,”

The upcoming CPL is expected to draw massive crowds, as fans from across the region and further afield cheer their respective franchises

he posited.

The CPL official added, “In terms of the Caribbean region, I watched that beautiful film “Fire in Babylon” recently about West Indies cricket in the 70s and how that became something of a collective identity for the people of the Caribbean, and I think T20 can similarly have that second round of that resurgence of Caribbean identity – that shared passion and common experiences, which is basically what the Olympic Games do… this is about breaking down barri-

ers and coming together to have a shared experience.

CPL I think can be a gamechanger.”

Like the IPL has done over the past six years, Stewart believes the CPL can also serve as a springboard to catapulting new talents unto the world stage.

“But what is even more exciting is that here is a platform to discover the stars of tomorrow and who knows we might throw up two or three players, who next year, can become someone like a Sunil Narine – a franchise player

here in Guyana – who came from almost complete anonymity to a global cricket star...and we expect CPL to provide that opportunity for some talented young players,” Stewart reckoned.

The six-team franchise tournament, which is a format used for the first time in the Caribbean, will bowl off on July 30 and conclude with the grand final on August 24.

The CPL has replaced the Caribbean T20, which was hosted by the West Indies Cricket Board after the infamous Stanford 20/20 became

defunct.

The highly anticipated Players’ Draft of the League took place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Wednesday with the each of the six franchises receiving their quota of 15 players.

The Guyana 15-member squad is Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Lendl Simmons, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Denesh Ramdin, James Franklin, Christopher Barnwell, Krishmar Santokie, Williams Perkins, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul and Martin Guptill.

The Antigua franchise includes Marlon Samuels, Ricky Ponting, Johnson Charles, Kieran Powell, Kemar Rocah, Steve Smith, Shelon Cotterell, Dave Mohammed, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge, Rakheem Cornawall, Jahmar Hamilton, Anthony Martin, Montcin Hodge and Justin Kemp.

The 15 players selected for the Barbados franchise are Keiron Pollard, Shoaib Malik, Shakib Al Hasan, Dwayne Smith, Umar Akmal, Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, Reyad Emrit, Ashley

Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathon Carter, Kyle Mayers, Devendra Bishoo, Kirk Edwards and Raymon Reifer.

Jamaica’s franchise comprises Chris Gayle, Muttiah Muralitharan, Andre Russell, Ravi Rampaul, Shaun Marsh, Vernon Philander, Danza Hyatt, Carlton Baugh, Nikita Miller, Jacques Rudolph, Chadwick Walton, Jermaine Blackwood, Akeem Dewar, David Bernard Jr., and Nkrumah Bonner.

St Lucia’s franchise is made up of Darren Sammy, Herschelle Gibbs, Albie Morkel, Tino Best, Tamim Iqbal, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Andre Fletcher, Garey Mathurin, Liam Sebastian, Dalton Polius, Kaveem Hodge, Kenroy Peters and Nelon Pascal.

The Trinidad and Tobago franchise is made up of Dwayne Bravo, Ross Taylor, Darren Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Aaron Finch, Samuel Badree, Kevon Cooper, Sulieman Benn, Adrian Barath, Delorn Johnson, Nicholas Pooran, Yannick Cariah, Miguel Cummins, Justin Guillen and Kevin O’Brien.

Batsmen dominate Day 2 of 1st 'Test' B

ASSETERRE, St Kitts – Left-hander Assad Fudadin was eyeing a century as West Indies A made a strong reply on the second day of the opening four-day “Test” against Sri Lanka A here Thursday.

The Guyanese, opening the batting, finished the day on 81 not out, laying the foundation for the hosts’ 147 for one in their first innings at Warner Park.

Earlier, Sri Lanka A converted their overnight 310 for five into an imposing 472 all out, driven largely by Chathuranga de Silva’s 109.

Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller finished with six for 141.

The 27-year-old Fudadin searching for redemption after a very poor first class season, put on 83 for the first wicket with Kraigg Brathwaite who struck 37.

Overall, Fudadin struck nine fours in a positive innings that has so far required 153 balls and lasted 195 minutes.

He lost the 20-year-old Brathwaite after tea, caught at forward short leg off rookie off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal but added a further 64 in an unbroken second wicket stand with captain Kirk Edwards, who was 22 not out.

Edwards has faced 47 balls and counted three fours.

Sri Lanka had earlier batted themselves into a near impregnable position thanks to de Silva’s superb century.

The right-hander, with only four first class matches behind him, struck eight boundaries and three sixes in a knock that lasted 149 balls and 194 minutes.

(Windiescricket)

SCOREBOARD

Assad Fudadin

SRI LANKA A 472 (Chathuranga de Silva 109, Dimuth Karunaratne 101, Ashan Priyanjana 65, Kithruwan Vithanage 62, Udara Jayasundara 57; Nikita Miller 6-141) WEST INDIES A 147 for one (Assad Fudadin 81 not out, Kraigg Brathwaite 37, Kirk Edwards 22 not out) SRI LANKA A 1st Innings (overnight 310 for five) U Jayasundara c wkp Walton b Miller 101 *D Karunaratne c Brathwaite b Cotterel 57 K Vithanage lbw b Miller 62 +K Silva c Johnson b Miller 26 A Perera c Johnson b Miller 4 A Priyanjana b Gabriel 65 C De Silva c wkp Walton b Miller 109 P Kaushal c Edwards b Cotterel 4 M Lakmal lbw b Permaul 1 S Lakmal st Walton b Miller 35

L Gamage not out 1 Extras (lb5, nb2) 7 TOTAL (all out, 130 overs) 472 Fall of wickets: 1-104, 2-198, 3-229, 4-233, 5-284, 6-354, 7-380, 8-406, 9-471, 10-472.

Bowling: Gabriel 17-2-56-1, Cotterel 24-3-93-2, Carter 6-1-160, Miller 51-11-141-6, Deonarine 5-0-37-0, Permaul 27-1-124-1.

WEST INDIES A 1st Innings K Brathwaite c Perera b Kaushal 37 A Fudadin not out 81 *K Edwards not out 22 Extras (b4, w1, nb2) 7 TOTAL (1 wkt, 48 overs) 147 Fall of wicket: 1-83.

Bowling: Lakmal 6-1-12-1, Gamage 5-0-12-0, Kaushal 20-071-1, De Silva 6-0-22-0, Lakmal 9-1-21-0, Jayasundara 2-0-5-0.

Position: Windies A trail by 325 runs with nine wickets intact.

Toss: Sri Lanka A.

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