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INSIDE Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2052 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Speaker: Guyana must pass AML bill Monday, February 24, 2014

See story on page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

OAS debates riots in P7 Venezuela

Shot teen to be flown to U.S. for treatment

P7

World P8 peace vital for human development – President

Mash prevailed!

Golden Arrowhead hoisted at Parliament Building See centre and page 17

This exquisitely designed float of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry truly captured this year’s Mashramani theme, "Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44" (Carl Croker photo)

North West residents affected by vomiting, diarrhoea

See story on page 2

P9

Woman busted with over two kilograms of cocaine See story on page 9

Govt mum on commissioners for Rodney P10 inquiry Professor Seecharan urges open dialogue on race

P10

2 News

monday, february 24, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

to crack down on North West residents affected GRA remigrant fraudsters by vomiting, diarrhoea – uncovers major irregularity in vehicle concession scheme

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Several shacks with accompanying latrines along the river bank in Port Kaituma, North West District

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

F

ormer A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Richard Allen said the increasing cases of vomiting and diarrhoea at Port Kaituma, North West District are of grave concern.

He said the gastroenteritis like symptoms have landed several persons, including children in the Port Kaituma Regional Hospital for the last two months.

Approximately one year ago, more than 500 residents of Port Kaituma and neigh-

bouring communities within the North West District fell ill with gastroenteritis.

Three children reportedly died from the disease.

Reports from the Health Ministry at the time indicated that residents had consumed contaminated water from the river and a nearby well. It was also stated that the waterways were polluted with results showing the presence of a high levels of E coli bacteria. According to Allen, the situation in Port Kaituma has remained the same, with piles of garbage along the river bank.

Despite residents were

warned against the construction of latrines in proximity of the river and upper hill, he said these structures can still be seen in almost all parts of the community. According to him, little is done for the people of Port Kaituma; hence, their standard of living remains very low.

But Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran told Guyana Times that while there are recorded cases of vomiting and diarrhoea in the district, they have not reached an alarming state.

Dr Ramsaran said the NWD, like the other regions, is be-

ing monitored frequently.

But, he too expressed concerns about the existing latrines and open defecation which can pollute the river.

Complacency

According to the Health Minister, Cabinet was recently informed that another outbreak struck Port Kaituma and communities such as Canal Bank, Citrus Grove and Oronoque, due to complacency.

Opposition Leader David Granger said too that another outbreak can hit the NWD. While the Health Ministry’s records show that three children might have died due to the disease between February and March 2013; Granger has contended that about 10 children died.

In June 2013, APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC) used their collectively one-seat majority in the National Assembly to pass a motion for the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the gastroenteritis outbreak in Region One. However, the motion at the time was passed without the support of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Minister Ramsaran had argued that the government quickly responded to the outbreak, noting that the ministries of local government and regional development, housing and water and natural resources, with support from the Civil Defence Commission, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had given the Health Ministry unwavering support during this period. To date, the commission has not been established.

Granger told Guyana Times had the commission been established, effective systems would have been implemented to prevent another occurrences. The North West District was first affected by a gastroenteritis outbreak in 2010. At the time, seven persons died and hundreds were hospitalised. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an investigation into suspected irregular and illegal transactions concerning vehicle concessions to remigrants.

The GRA said the probe was prompted by intelligence it received. GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said, “recently, it was reported to management that persons allegedly posing as remigrants are benefiting others who are supposedly financing highly illegal schemes to grant themselves with the concessions for various classes of luxury vehicles”.

He said that it would appear from recent revelations that attempts are being made by disgraced elements, officers who would have been disciplined and taxpayers who would have been placed before the courts, to resort to undermining the efforts made by management to address various areas of weakness in administrative controls and to exploit such weaknesses.

Sattaur said that even though the agency may have appropriately dealt with the officers, who in some cases because of the severity of the offence, the agency would have had to part ways with; or in the case of taxpayers, prosecuted them for committing breaches in the law, they seem bent on criminal practises.

“As a revenue collecting agency, it is to be expected that rouge elements, both within and without, would attempt to corrupt the system that protects against revenue leakages. In most cases these systems depend significantly on the integrity of the officers tasked with conducting various law enforcement activities and procedures,” the commissioner general said.

Don’t be silent

He said notwithstanding measures being put in place to detect such schemes, “GRA wishes to remind the general public that they are an invaluable source of information in stamping out corrupt practices that may exist or appear to exist in any of its areas of operation. The GRA is once again considering publishing the names of persons who have not reported to the agency as required on the basis of the issuing of the concessions, but is mindful that such a measure may play in the hands of criminal elements.”

Over the past three years, GRA said it has prosecuted many remigrants for not honouring their obligations under the scheme and have detained their vehicles while awaiting the outcome of the court matters. The revenue body said it is now considering prosecuting

such offences under 218 of the Customs Act, which provides for both the offender and those found in collusion to face a penalty of three times the value of the item and years imprisonment if found guilty.

“The GRA will spare no efforts to address such alleged wrongdoing and recently launched an independent investigation involving the Guyana Police Force and the Auditor General to determine whether the information received from conscientious and good intentioned informants have merits in order to address this issue and will be requesting the DPP to file criminal charges against persons found to be criminally involved.”

Guidelines

The remigrant scheme of the government of Guyana is administered by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in conjunction with the GRA. The ministry is responsible for determining and granting remigration status while the GRA administers the tax exemptions.

Under the remigrant scheme, a Guyanese who is 18 years and above, who has been residing legally overseas for a minimum of five consecutive years and is now returning to Guyana, can benefit. Also, Guyanese student/graduate who has attended or is attending a training institution and residing overseas for a minimum of four years and is now returning to Guyana, can also benefit.

Applications must be submitted in person to the remigration officer, Foreign Affairs Ministry, South Road, Georgetown, within the first three months of resettlement in order to establish remigrant status.

Regarding documentation, the applicant is required to submit his/her current passport which must be at least five years old. If the passport is less than five years old, then the previous passport must be submitted.

In the case of students, evidence from the university, college or educational institution confirming the duration of the course of study or time spent at the institution must be submitted. Besides, documentary evidence of how the potential remigrant intends to earn a livelihood in Guyana to re-establish permanent stay; a statutory declaration, which must be prepared by a Justice of Peace or Commissioner of Oats to Affidavits in Guyana must also be presented.

This must include the items for which exemptions are sought – for personal and domestic use – and are not for sale or exchange, and whether the remigrant has previously/never enjoyed tax exemptions.

News

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monDay, february 24, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, February 24 – 12:30h-14:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, February 24 – 10:20h-11:50h

WEATHER TODAY

Countrywide: Thundery showers can be expected during the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Wind: East north-easterly between 3.05 metres and 3.33 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:59h reaching a maximum height of 2.30 metres.

Low Tide: 05:23h and 18:13h reaching minimum heights of 1.03 metres and 0.87 metre respectively.

saturday, february 22, 2014

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Speaker: Guyana must pass AML bill

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL AND JOMO PAUL

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uyana must pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (amendment) Bill 2013 by February 28, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman said.

Trotman made the comment shortly after leaving a specially convened high-profile meeting with Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Financial Advisor Roger Hernandez and members of the AML/CFT parliamentary special select committee.

Trotman, who left the meeting very impressed with Hernandez’s presentation, said, “If Guyana wants to be favourably considered... the bill has to be passed by the 28th.” He said Guyana, like other Caribbean countries in default, must comply with the regional deadline.

Hernandez on Friday confirmed that the deadline must be met, noting that Guyana must submit a report to CFATF on its followup process.

Deadline

It was explained that in order for the bill to be considered by CFATF plenary, it has to be passed and enforced

by February 28, and submitted with a report to CFATF. This is necessary, he said for CFATF to analyse the bill for compliance, paving the way for a report to be submitted to the plenary in May 2014.

The CFATF financial advisor had also informed the Alliance For Change (AFC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that the proposed amendments by the coalition can make Guyana

Speaker Raphael Trotman

non-compliant with international AML/CFT standards.

But APNU, despite being advised, has remained firm on its position. The coalition leader David Granger told Guyana Times that APNU will proceed with its three proposed amendments to the bill.

The amendments are seeking to remove the powers of the finance minister to appoint the director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and give it to a committee of the National Assembly, along with the setting up of an Anti-Money Laundering Authority, comprising 10 members appointed by the House.

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan said his party will await the final draft of the proposed amendments before making a decision.

The AFC has made it clear that it will not support the bill until the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is established and operationalised.

This position by the alliance has not changed.

Ramjattan told this publication that the PPP/C administration has approximately

seven days remaining to establish the PPC. In addition to setting up the commission, he said approximately $50 million to $100 million must be given to the institution, so that it can effectively execute its mandate.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said now that Hernandez, CFATF's representative, has visited Guyana and interacted with some stakeholders on the anti-money laundering bill, the principal actors and nation are asked to pay heed to the crucial areas that CFATF requires a report on Guyana’s progress by February 28.

Blacklist

The union said the CFATF official was keen to point out that Guyana will not be automatically removed from CFATF’s watchlist (blacklist) even if the bill is passed and, earlier informed that from experience, the minimal period for removal is approximately two years.

Hernandez had said, “You require implementation; it is not just passing the law. It is about implementing the law.”

According to the GTUC, the bill is attracting the draftsman’s attention, and it is highly improbable that it can be debated and assented to by February 28.

“Progress is being made and CFAFT’s review date for Guyana is May 2014. The areas raised by CFATF regarding amendments to the principal act and present bill and need for conformity should be noted.”

This nation should pay heed to Hernandez’s pronouncements regarding the amendments proposed

by APNU which will put Guyana at risk of being noncompliant to international requirements.

“Guyana is capable of

achieving this without comprising our Constitution and desire for good governance by realising a fool proof act and bill that would ensure adherence, proper policing and accountability by those tasked with implementation,” the GTUC contended.

It said in principle, this position is not dissimilar to CFATF’s interest and here is where heads must come together.

The union said that the private sector in taking a vociferous role on this matter and must rise to the occasion beyond requiring the opposition to pass the bill.

“It must equally require and ensure the administration gives true meaning to previous AML/CFT laws through implementation, along with other laws that it is openly flouting. The PPP/C administration has a poor record of implementing laws that run counter to its and allies’ interest. The "GTUC wishes to state that as it engages the opposition on the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) impasse, it is not prepared to accept any guarantee that the arbitration will commence.

"GTUC wishes to have the arbitration letters re-issued before passage of the bill, because this administration almost two years ago gave the Supreme Court the guarantee it will re-issue the letters, and to date, nothing has be done.”

Additionally, the GTUC said the demands to assent to outstanding bills, implement outstanding structures in the AML/CFT principal act and the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, are consistent with a principal concern CFATF has with Guyana, that is, respecting/implementing laws.

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monday, february 24, 2014

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

Education as a priority

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he road to national development can be achieved only through learning, creativity and hard work. Countries that have made huge investments into their human capital have been transformed and now their citizens are enjoying higher standards of living.

Education is the solution to many problems facing society.

People who are educated or have a good skill are in a better position to contribute to the development of themselves, their families, and their community as a whole. Education was ranked top of the list among major priorities that citizens of the world believe would make their lives better.

On February 12, the United Nations Millennium Campaign; the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); the Overseas Development Institute (ODI); and their partners announced that more than one million people had so far voted in the global MY World survey, for education as a priority that would make the most difference to their lives.

The MY World survey was launched in 2012 as part of the UN-driven “Global Conversation” about the priorities for the Post-2015 global development agenda that will follow the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) after their target date in 2015.

The survey asks people to choose six out of 16 possible issues that could improve their lives, identifying priorities for global policy-making at the UN. Two out of three people identified education among their top priorities, making it the most popular issue that people want the international community to focus on.

Director of the UN Millennium Campaign, Corinne Woods said the call for better education is coming from every corner of the world. The findings of the UN survey reveals that peoples’ demand for education is closely followed by their call for better health services, honest and responsive governments, and better job opportunities – all key catalysts for improving their lives.

Woods stated that the provision of education, as well as improving health services, creating jobs and providing access to food, water and energy are emerging as central elements that people want to top the post-2015 development agenda.

In Guyana, education is being treated as a national priority, considering the huge sums that are being allocated annually in the national budget for the sector. Over the past decade or so, the Education Ministry has taken a number of crucial steps to improve education. Some of these initiatives are already bearing fruit, while others are still in their implementation stages.

There are better examination results in the school system, more students attend school, more teachers are in training, a number of schools have been constructed or are being renovated, and there is more involvement of parents and the community in education.

Roughly half of all MY World votes came via the MY World online platform available in 16 languages and from polling by mobile phones. The other half came from interviews conducted by polling teams, which hiked to remote villages in Bangladesh, Peru, Rwanda, and other countries to survey communities without access to cellphones or the Internet.

In addition to the survey, the UN teams organised public discussions about priorities for the future global development agenda in 88 countries, and held 11 thematic consultations with civil society and experts on the most critical development issues, including education, inequality, health, economic growth, and employment.

The last MDG report on Guyana stated that this country has already met the targets for nutrition and child health, and is on track to achieve the goals relating to water and sanitation, and HIV/AIDS. Guyana has also advanced in its efforts to reduce hunger, increase access to social services and benefits, improve enrolment in and completion of primary education, increase empowerment of women and achieve environmental sustainability.

The public and private sectors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can enhance the effectiveness of the collective drive towards attaining the MDGs. The consultation process, which the UN and other partners are leading, ought to produce an ambitious but achievable development agenda for improving education all over the world.

Celebrating cultural folklore on Guyana's 44th republic anniversary on Sunday, one of the outstanding costumes on display during the national costume and float parade (Carl Croker photo)

Bulkan does not understand the Constitution Dear Editor, Please permit me to respond to Janette Bulkan’s letter in another section of the press, dated February 19, under the headline, “The Constitution and the Standing Orders provide no barrier to the management of the debate line by line”.

It is not surprising, being anti-government, Janette Bulkan, a so-called forest expert, fully supports the opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC), to cut the 2014 budget estimates, misusing their one-seat majority in the National Assembly.

In justifying that the National Assembly has the power to increase or reduce the Finance Minister’s budget estimates, Bulkan referred to Standing Orders and articles which she has misinterpreted, basically to mislead or misinform the public.

But in relation to budget cuts, the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, in his final ruling, said: “This court holds that, while the Assembly may approve or not approve the Minister’s estimate of expenditure, it has no power to amend those estimates by way of reduction (or of increase).

“It is the executive Minister’s estimates and it is he who must amend them to obtain the Assembly’s approval, so that the Cabinet may recommend or consent to the presentation of an appropriation bill to the Assembly for passing for the purpose charging those estimates to the Consolidated

Fund.”

The acting Chief Justice further said: “In the circumstances, the court sees it fit to declare that the National Assembly, through the Committee of Supply, has acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally in purporting to reduce or cut the estimates of expenditure of the Minister of Finance for the financial year 2012.

“The court sees it fit to further declare that the power of the National Assembly is limited to giving or withholding its approval for the Minister’s estimates.”

This ruling by the acting Chief Justice is so simple to understand, since it is self-explanatory that the National Assembly does not have the power to either reduce or increase the Finance Minister’s estimates of expenditure, because that will be unlawful and unconstitutional. Bulkan needs to accept the truth as declared by the acting Chief Justice.

What are the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, which Bulkan, like her colleagues in APNU and AFC, is trying to say give power to the National Assembly to cut or increase the budget estimates?

This is totally wrong, since Standing Orders are not written laws and Article Nine of the Constitution never converted pre-existing Standing Orders made by the Assembly from their status as procedural rules of self-regulation into procedural rules of law.

Further, Standing Orders can be repealed and amended by the Assembly

itself without the need for any repealing or amending legislative provision, which clearly show that they are not written law.

In this regard, the acting Chief Justice pointed out that, whatever their contents, the Speaker cannot interpret them and the Assembly cannot apply them in such a manner as to contravene the Constitution.

So, Standing Orders are merely rules of procedures for the internal operations of the National Assembly.

So get it right, Bulkan!

Article 171 (2) (a) (II) states: “The National Assembly cannot proceed on any bill for imposing any charge upon the Consolidated Fund or any public fund without the recommendations or consent of the Cabinet.”

In this regard, the National Assembly can propose amendments and not itself make amendments to the Minister’s estimates.

But the acting Chief Justice said that if the Assembly has already amended the estimates, then this obviates the necessity for its subsequent approval and the requirement for approval in Article 218 is effectively negated.

This simply means that if the National Assembly amends the Finance Minister’s of estimates, then the requirement for approval becomes unnecessary. Then what becomes of Article 218 in our Constitution?

This shows clearly that the National Assembly violated the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, in

cutting the 2012 budget estimates, which the parliamentary opposition again intends to do in 2014. What absolute lawlessness!

Bulkan in her letter said: “I suggest that a broader reading of articles in the Constitution, together with the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, will show that there is really no problem.”

This is indeed a good suggestion, but for Bulkan herself, who needs to properly or rightly understand what are Standing Orders of the National Assembly, and not misinterpret them, which her colleagues in the parliamentary opposition are currently doing.

Finally, Bulkan said in her letter states: “All the serious debate and horsetrading take place in the Committee of Supply, without needing to consider the convoluted wording of Article 171, which deals with both bill and motion, are not in a congruent manner.”

This is where Bulkan has exposed that she does not know about Guyana’s Constitution and is being misleading to suggest that the Standing Orders of the National Assembly can be used to reduce or increase the national budget estimates.

Article 171 of the Constitution is not convoluted, neither incongruent.

Bulkan’s problem is that she is simply unable to understand our Constitution.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

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

How Guyana became a dictatorship, Our youths need all the republic and democracy (part two) guidance they can get Dear Editor, Recognising that Dr Cheddi Jagan won a lopsided majority in the legislature with a minority of the votes, under the first-passthe-pole system, the British, in cahoots with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), replaced first-past-the-post (FPTP) with proportional representation (PR) to bring about Jagan’s defeat.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) mustered only 47 per cent of the votes in elections in December 1964 and was ousted from office by a coalition formed by Forbes Burnham’s 42 per cent and the pro-capitalist Peter D’Aguiar’s United Force (UF) with 11 per cent. The British proceeded to grant independence to Guyana, even though almost half of the population remained opposed.

Burnham proceeded to manipulate the racial conflict to rally support around his corrupt, racist rule transforming the state from a democracy to authoritarianism. He rigged the 1968

election and used his twothirds magic majority to quickly revoke the right to appeal to the British Privy Council.

Thus, no challenges could be mounted against election rigging and to his illegal rule. Then in 1970, he ended Guyana’s ties to the Crown by declaring Guyana a republic, a measure that did not receive widespread support among Guyanese. The UF was opposed to republican status.

But the PPP opposition unwittingly lent their support to Burnham to break with the British without guarantees against authoritarian rule.

With the opposition’s silent support, the PNC proceeded to acquire control of almost every aspect of the economy which it used to dominate and oppress Guyanese. The PNC stressed autarchic (inward looking) development, a process of nationalisation that saw some 80 per cent of the economy in government hands, and a new orientation in foreign policy involving closer relations with Cuba and the

former Eastern bloc.

These actions angered PNC’s sponsors Britain and the U.S. and soon Guyana became isolated from the West. Aid dried up. And increasingly, Guyana became unable to meet the basic needs of its population, leading to social disturbances and triggering a massive migration that began in the mid-1970s.

To control rising dissent, the PNC increased repression of opponents and widespread human rights abuses, including electoral frauds in 1973, 1978, 1980, and 1985. The nation breathed a sigh of relief with Burnham’s passing in August 1985. He was succeeded by Desmond Hoyte who initially played hard ball, refusing to give in to pressure to ease restrictions on imports, freedom of the press, and persecution of political opponents.

But soon Hoyte, under pressure from London and Washington, reversed course and adopted “Hoytestroika” opening the economy, ending the ban on basic imports, and introducing political re-

forms that would allow the opposition to carry out their political activities, although some in the PNC were adamantly opposed to giving the country political freedom.

In fact, Hamilton Green referred to Hoyte as a schoolboy politician for freeing up the country.

The West was pleased with Hoyte’s policies, but wanted full restoration of democratic rule. An international effort, led by a handful of Guyanese exiles in America, appealed to the U.S., Canada and England to pressure the PNC to democratise the country.

Western nations turned the screws on Hoyte forcing him to hold a relatively free election in October 1992 that led to a PPP victory and an end to the dictatorship.

Under PPP’s governance, democracy is being institutionalised with people exercising freedoms like never before experienced in the history of the society. (Part one published in Sunday’s edition) Respectfully submitted, Vishnu Bisram

My appreciation to the Berbice High School students

ways in which they can help you to stop this high rate of suicide!

I must once again express my appreciation to the Berbice High School students and teachers in their fight against suicide! Let us all join hands and say NO to suicide and yes to life!

Yours truly, Shazam Somwar

Fourth and fifth form students of Berbice High School during their first suicide awareness walk

Dear Editor, Recently I had joined the fourth and fifth form students of the Berbice High School, along with their teachers, who held their first suicide awareness walk through the streets of New Amsterdam, sensitising residents and especially the young people about the dangers of suicide.

I must commend them for taking this initiative in trying their best to prevent suicide, which is relatively high in Guyana, especially in the Region Six area.

A recent study shows that

Guyana tops the Caribbean in terms of its suicide rate, and Berbice leads Guyana with the number of suicide cases reported – 67. This is a very huge number, particularly among young people living in Guyana.

Speaking with the students of the Berbice High School, they were all annoyed with this, so they decided to plan their walk in an effort to help prevent the suicide rate from escalating even higher.

“Hope and pray, suicide is not the way,” they chanted as they paraded through the

streets of New Amsterdam.

During their walk, residents in the area commended them for taking this initiative and also encouraged and supported them to keep on doing what they are doing to make a change in the society.

I am appealing to other schools and young people out there: come together and form yourselves into groups, reach out to your community, your school and have them join you in preventing suicide and even educate them about the causes which lead to suicide and

Dear Editor, The criminal lifestyle of a teenager recently resulted in his unfortunate, premature death after he invaded a property and was shot dead.

Apparently, the young man was known by many for his involvement in illegal activities, but was, however, never discouraged from his wayward lifestyle or reported to the police.

Chances are if this delinquent had been reported, he would have been on a remedial path and his life could have been spared.

Additionally, this lad should have been in school; and on that note, I have to ask what measure is being taken to address matters of truancy.

Ideally, it should be every parent’s and teacher’s re-

sponsibility to follow up on any student who fails to be present during school hours.

Such actions will – if not deter – then, at least, greatly minimise any possibilities of our children being involved in unlawful activities.

Moreover, as adults, we all contribute significantly to the morals and principles that our children gain and it is for this reason that we must never hesitate to discipline them when they err.

It is absolutely important that much more emphasis be placed on keeping our children in school and out of trouble. We all need to play a role when it comes to keeping our youths constructively and positively grounded.

Sincerely, Zakhir Hussain

Cancer awareness Dear Editor, Guyana recently observed World Cancer Day under the theme, “Debunk the myth”. The theme was selected based on the assumption that many Guyanese are not fully aware of the particulars relating to cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the third leading cause of death in Guyana, and unless strict interventions are made to fight against this disease, it will continue to claim the lives of our loved ones.

Reports from the Health Ministry have indicated that the common cancers affecting Guyanese include cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, and cervix. Though this disease is not contagious, there are numerous factors that can make us susceptible, including the use and exposure to chemicals and radioactive elements.

Aside from one’s genetic

makeup, people’s social lifestyles and diets can play a significant role in the determination of who will be afflicted. High-fat diets have been known for causing obesity, which can further increase the risk of cancer. Though anti-cancer diets and actions may not guarantee cancer prevention, it will surely help to reduce one’s risk of contracting the disease.

Additionally, smoking has over the years been associated with various types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix, and kidney. Additionally, chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas.

I urge the Health Ministry and other relevant authorities to continue to spread awareness on cancer and healthy living and eating habits

Sincerely, Gajanand Kumar

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Foundation

Parenting For Success

“My teenage daughter is difficult” – ChildLinK’s vision is a Guyanese society where every child enjoys the right to a childhood in a safe and caring family, free from poverty, violence, and exploitation

T

hese were the words of Mrs Roberson when she walked into the office of the counsellor.

“This child is driving me crazy, she is causing my blood pressure to rise. I don’t understand this child. She wakes up late every morning for school. When I ask her to do simple tasks in the house, she always claims to ‘forget’. If I ask her to peel the potatoes, she takes one hour; asking her to wash the dishes is like asking her to climb the highest mountain. She spends more time in front of a mirror and on the telephone than anyone I know. We seem to fight about everything, because we can’t agree on anything.”

Mrs Roberson went on to explain the latest incident between herself and her daughter, which occurred two days before she visited the counsellor. “I noticed that Lisa’s school bag had a hole and the straps begun to peel, so I decided it was time for a new school bag. I checked several stores, but there were only three that had quality bags that were made of genuine leather.

I took Lisa to these three stores and told her to choose a school bag, because they have the best school bags.

This child embarrassed me.

The first store she claimed straps were too short; the second, straps were too small; in the third store, Lisa complained how the bags look too masculine.

The bag that Lisa want-

ed had straps that were longer but the quality was not good. This developed into an argument in which Lisa raised her voice. The storeowner intervened by explaining to Lisa that she should choose the bag her mother identified because it is stronger since it is made from genuine leather. ‘In fact,’ said the store own-

er, ‘my daughter who attends the university has been using this very bag for two years now because it is strong’. Lisa’s reply to the man was, ‘I don’t care about your daughter, I don’t like the bag.’”

Mrs Roberson said she scolded Lisa for being rude and disrespectful to the shopowner. After she did not

get Lisa to choose an appropriate bag, Mrs Roberson took Lisa to school with her old torn school bag. “Lisa is being difficult and stubborn, and I don’t know how to deal with her,” said Mrs Roberson.

Discussion with Lisa

With the aim of assessing Lisa’s behaviour, the counsellor provided her with the opportunity to explain the situation at home from her perspective. “Yes, I do wake late and that is because I would be so tired from all the assignments and homework that I have to complete every night for school and lesson too.

Mommy says I am lying if I say I forget to do a task she ask me to do. When I tried to explain things or talk to Mommy, it always ends up into either a lecture or a sermon. I don’t think that Mommy listens to me and we always end quarrelling.

Two days ago, Mommy and I went shopping for a school bag. Mommy had identified three stores stating that these have the strong school bags and I should choose a

bag from these three stores.

The bag in the first store straps were too short, the second store had bags that were nice but the straps were too small which would have hurt my shoulders, the third store had bags that look too masculine.

I tried telling this to Mommy, but she was not listening and said I was being difficult and I should choose a bag from these three stores. Feeling like I was not being heard, I raised my voice and then we began to quarrel. The store owner said his daughter who attends the university uses the same bag because it is strong. I told him that I don’t care about his daughter and I don’t like the bag.

Mommy began to lecture me saying that I was rude and disrespectful to the shopowner. I started to cry because I thought no one was listening to me”.

Mediation session

After listening to what both mother and daughter said, the counsellor encouraged both parties to say to each other how they felt about what took place.

Lisa told her mother that she feels unloved when her mother doesn’t listen to her and forces her to do things she is not comfortable with.

Lisa further told her mother that she was not being rude or disrespectful when she raised her voice, but was just trying to get persons to listen to her. Mrs Roberson said the reason she chose those three stores was because they had strong school bags and she was taking into consideration the number of books that has to be carried in the bag. Mrs Roberson told Lisa that she loved her and the decisions she has made are only in her best interest and she was sorry if it made her feel that she didn’t love her. Mrs Roberson said she would start listening to Lisa because she understood how important it was to listen to your children. The family was encouraged to continue to communicate with each other to prevent matters developing to this stage.

Please contact us on telephone number 231-7174 or programmes.childlink@ networksgy.com for any support you may need on parenting and any other challenges that you may be experiencing with your children.

news

7

monDay, february 24, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Shot teen to be OAS debates riots in Venezuela flown to U.S. T for treatment

Oumesh Ballram

T

he 16-year-old Berbician who was shot last Thursday night is expected to travel to Miami, U.S.A. for treatment, family members have confirmed.

Oumesh Ballram was shot in the abdomen during a robbery attempt at Number 69 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, last Thursday.

He was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital then to the New Amsterdam Hospital before finally referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment, where it was revealed that the bullet hit him just below his heart and caused damage to his spine.

According to his father, Dinesh Ballram, doctors at the Georgtown Public Hospital have not performed any surgeries to remove the bullet.

He related that they told him that his son had to be taken to the U.S. for treatment. The father disclosed that his son is conscious and doing well; however, he is only being fed liquids and fruits.

Ballram explained that he cannot take his son to a private hospital because the travel documents are being prepared by the Georgetown Public Hospital through the Health Ministry.

Distraught father

The distraught father said that by Tuesday, he will know exactly how far the processing of the papers has gone when he meets with a panel of doctors and the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan.

Meanwhile, the cambio dealer pointed out that the police have since held a person, whom he alleged is the perpetrator, only to let him go on $50,000 station bail.

He stated that the lawmen even failed to inform him that someone was held; instead, he learnt from friends that the person was arrested but subsequently released. The man stressed

that no identification parade was even held for suspect. “This country na get law… he get free and me son deh suffering there,” he vented.

He noted that he was busy with his injured son and did not get the time to check with the police on their investigations.

However, Ballram remains adamant that the person held by the police is the same person who invaded his home and shot his son.

He disclosed that the alleged robber, who hails from Number 68 Village, is a known criminal and was only recently released from prison.

He added that the person was caught stealing and was beaten by residents.

Ballram said that the incident has left his entire family in trauma since his other two children, ages 12 and 18, are scared to be alone in the house.

The cambio dealer at Skeldon Market, who sometimes does airport trips, lost his wife to cancer a few years ago and now he is forced to stop the hire trips to be with his children.

Power outage

Around 20:00h on Thursday evening, there was power outage in area and when electricity was restore, Dinesh went downstairs to switch over power from the inverter, leaving his two sons on the veranda while his daughter was in her room.

Oumesh was told to turn on the main switch which was located next to the veranda door; however, before he could do so, he was confronted by a man armed with a firearm and was subsequently shot.

Ballram fled for his life as several shots were fired at him. Nevertheless, after an alarm was raised, a minibus stopped and honked its horn, causing the gunman and his crew to panic and escape.

he Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) last week debated the current situation in Venezuela and received a preliminary report on the recent visit of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to The Dominican Republic, during a regular meeting at the headquarters of the organisation in Washington, DC. During the meeting, several permanent representatives who expressed their concern over the acts of violence that have taken place in Venezuela in recent days, echoed the call for calm made by the OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, and urged the beginning of a dialogue between the opposition and the government, a position strongly advocated by the OAS secretary general.

Secretary General Insulza appealed last Monday to “the responsibility of the government to avoid the use of force by police or related groups”, and called on the opposition “to demonstrate peacefully, avoiding provocations”.

In addition, the OAS leader emphasised the need for authorities to “respect the freedom of expression and for the media to be conscious of the influential role it plays at this political juncture”.

The representatives of the U.S., Brazil, Peru, Canada, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dominica, Argentina, Uruguay and Costa Rica, all took the floor during the debate, largely to read statements from their respective governments.

The issue was brought up in “other business”, at the request of the U.S.

Purpose of visit During the same regular meeting, the Permanent Council received a report with the preliminary observations of the IACHR, a product of its visit to The Dominican Republic at the beginning of December, “in response to an invitation from the state”.

“The purpose of the visit was to observe the situation as it pertains to the rights of nationality, identity, equality, nondiscrimination, as well as other rights and related issues,” and “to supervise the compliance with the commitments freely assumed by the state of The Dominican Republic in exercise of its sovereignty,” states the document.

The preliminary observations presented at

The Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS), last week debated the current situation in Venezuela

the meeting, whose final version will be presented shortly to the council, were read by IACHR Second Vice Chair and Country Rapporteur for The Dominican Republic, Rosa María Ortiz.

As Commissioner Ortiz explained, her report was based on the press release and the annex to the press release published

by IACHR on December 6, upon finishing its visit to the Caribbean country.

During the visit of IACHR, a principal and autonomous organ of the OAS, a central

role was played by judgment 0168/2013 of The Dominican Constitutional Court, “whereby it gave a new interpretation as regards the acquisition of nationality by individuals born in the country to foreign parents in transit.

Based on this interpretation, individuals who previously had been recognised as having Dominican nationality were denationalised,” states the document read

by Ortiz. This situation particularly affects Haitian immigrants, adds the text.

The delegation of The Dominican Republic, through Mayerlyn Cordero Diaz, alternate representative, took note of the preliminary observations of the IACHR and assured that “the government of The Dominican Republic reaffirms that no person holding Dominican nationality will be stripped of it”, and that Dominican President Danilo Medina will submit to Congress a law to address the situation of 24,392 people who were not declared with proper documentation.

8 News

monday, february 24, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

World peace vital for human development – President

Eyew tness

Justice...

...and the magistracy he quality of mercy,” the Bard once remarked, via the lips of the proper Portia, “is not strain’d/ It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/ Upon the place beneath./ It is twice blest:/ It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” But recently in our dear 44-year-old Republic, some have questioned as to whether mercy flows at all from the legal bench, the putative dispenser of Justice to our fair citizenry.

The quality and qualifications of our Magistrates have come in for scrutiny after one member of that fraternity imposed a five-year sentence (the max) on a baby sitter. The latter confessed she’d snapped at the recalcitrance of a one-year-old baby, and “cuffed” her. The medical report said “strangulation” was also involved. While we have no desire to get into the merits or demerits of the case (it is being investigated), we’d like to look at the institution of the magistracy itself.

After all, they’re the first line in the dispensation of Justice in our dear land and leave a lasting impression on the people who appear in front of them. Magistrates are widely used in England, which bequeathed the institution to us – right after the abolition of slavery. They were called “Stipendary Magistrates”. For those pushing for Magistrates to be “more qualified in the law”, they might be interested to know that in England, these worthies are regular “lay” people who receive three days training before they are placed on the bench. Three days!

More important than “knowledge of the law” is common sense and good character. They’re advised on the legal niceties by a qualified lawyer and are mentored by a senior Magistrate. The point is, for the type of cases that come before magistrates for judgement, nothing more than common sense is needed. For harder cases, the Magistrate simply kicks them upwards to the judges. In fact, right now in England, a Commission has recommended that Magistrates be placed in police stations so that when persons are “booked”, they can be placed before the Magistrate immediately.

English Magistrates aren’t even paid and serve on a voluntary basis. They receive ongoing training continuously.

Now for us in Guyana, the eminent former Attorney General Bernard De Santos has opined that the present crop of Magistrates is too young, as well as underpaid. These are not fatal afflictions and should be remedied immediately.

The latter correction (more money) will resolve the former condition (older, more qualified lawyers not interested).

“T

President Donald Ramotar addressing Rotarians in New Amsterdam at a dinner to mark Rotary International’s 109th anniversary

F

ebruary 23 is a key date on the Rotary International Organisation’s calendar as it marks 109 years of the existence of an organisation whose motto is “Service above self” and which has several branches across Guyana.

On Saturday, the New Amsterdam branch hosted a dinner to mark its anniversary and to promote “World understanding and peace”.

Delivering the feature address, President Donald Ramotar said that just as

how internal peace is vital for any nation’s development, world peace is also of tremendous importance.

Recalling the effects of the two world wars, which resulted in millions of deaths, and destruction of property, the President said that it is only when someone visits war museums in some countries that a sense of the impact of such wars can be appreciated.

The President recalled the period of the “Cold War” and the present push by many nations to build their

armaments, despite the fact that there are already enough weapons available to kill every person on the planet, several times over.

According to the President, an even more dangerous situation is that of the increasing rise in poverty, internationally, “and that has been a result of the grave inequality between countries and within countries”. The gap between the rich and poor, which is evident across the world, continues to grow and the upper one per cent of people in

the developed world, handle 80 per cent of the world’s wealth, he noted.

President Ramotar cited more figures to highlight the disparity in earnings in various countries, which he said has created “relative poverty”.

The call for a New Human Global Order made by the late President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, and since adopted by the United Nations, stemmed from his realisation of these issues, said the President, and many are now adopting ways to redistribute income, create opportunities for wealth generation, and reduce inequalities in societies.

Social spending

The Guyana government, according to the President, is the only Caribbean government that spends 30 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the social sector and this is not only humanitarian, but also makes good economic sense.

The richest countries, it was noted, are those with a highly developed human capital and government is doing what it can to boost education and training opportunities to enhance the skills, lives and economic circumstances of all Guyanese.

The President highlighted several countries and territories which are constantly in conflict such as Palestine and Israel, where the actions taken by the Israelis were soundly criticised. He also spoke about the need for all Guyanese to support the passage of anti-money laundering legislation, the failure of which could lead to Guyana being blacklisted internationally.

Rotary is an international organisation whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

It is a secular organisation open to all persons regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are 34,282 clubs and over 1.2 million members worldwide, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

...compromised in Ukraine The other foot has fallen in the Ukraine: the President has been forced out in what he described as a “coup”. It’s “Orange Revolution 2” and like all sequels, there’s been the requisite scenes of blood, gore and flaming cars in the streets. As with so many places in crisis, while internal conditions might have been the proximate cause of the ouster, it was not the ultimate cause. Remember the old distinction between casus belli and cause belli? The occasion for the war and the cause of the war.

The Ukraine was part of the old USSR – with the western part abutting Europe and the western part, Russia. Not surprisingly, even though the Cold War was supposed to have ended in 1989, these rivalries tend to continue though new tracks created. So in 2004, we had the U.S.EU backed Viktor Yushchenko (U.S. funding youths in “democratisation”) triumphing over Russia’s favourite, Victor Yanukovich, who turned the table at the next polls.

He’s now been ousted.

It’s déjà vu all over again. But this time it’s beyond farce. ...delayed Finally, after 33 years, there might be some justice for the memory of Walter Rodney, assassinated by agents of the then PNC regime. We seem to be inching towards the establishment of the long-promised Commission of Inquiry – hopefully for restorative justice to be dispensed.

9 Low education, self-esteem, Golden Arrowhead hoisted at frustration causing suicide Parliament Building news

monDay, february 24, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

on Essequibo Coast

– study by American University of Research

Low education, self-esteem and frustration causing suicide on Essequibo Coast, a recent study conducted by American University of Research finds

L

ow level of education, low self-esteem and frustration were identified as some of the major factors contributing to the high incidence of suicide in Region Two, an American university-sponsored study has found.

The university announced its findings of the research last week during a news conference. The research was part of the institution’s initiative to address mental health issues in Guyana. Focusing on the root causes of the issue, 11 psychology diploma students from the university and two professors departed on February 17 to conduct the survey in Region Two. The programme was initiated by American University of Research President, Dr Eton Simon, along with prominent psychologist and counsellor, Dr Yaswantie Beekhoo.

The initiative was supported by Teaching Services Commission Chairman Leila Ramson, American University of Research Project Officer Jennel Williams and Guyana Professional Counselling Association Coordinator Zairol Neisha.

The survey was done to collect information on some of the contributing factors to suicide, its effects and possible solutions to reduce this phenomenon.

Dr Simon, speaking at the press conference, stated: “We believe that the first step in getting to the root cause of any situation is to first examine the contributing factors before determining a solution.

"There are lots of solutions to address suicidal issues, but we have to find a solution that would work with our people in this country. We believe that each person has what

it takes to transform themselves, but the transformation must start with you.

Be aware of what is causing you to behave the way you do; be aware of what is triggering your thoughts; how your thoughts are affecting your emotions; and how your emotions are affecting your response to others.”

External circumstances Based on the survey done, it was found, according to Dr Yaswantie Beekhoo, that the risk for suicide frequently occurs in combination with external circumstances.

These included teens who are unable to cope with the challenges of adolescence, interpersonal losses, family violence, sexual orientation confusion, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and bullying.

It was also found that predisposing vulnerabilities such as mental disorders causes persons to commit and attempt suicide since they are not able to cope well with stress.

She noted too that while there were 113 reported attempted suicides in the region, only 17 deaths were recorded. It was revealed that in 2013, 113 cases of attempted suicide were reported, 97 were treated, six died by hanging and 11 died by consumption of poisonous substances.

Over the period 2009 to 2013, 498 cases of attempted suicides were reported, 406 were treated, 25 died from hanging and 67 died from consumption of poisonous substances.

The researchers added that the main cause of these increases of suicide comes from lack of thinking on a rational level and overreaction to emotionally-tensed situations in the lives of the individuals, which relatives are often not privy to.

In this scenario, there is no one to confide in, to seek advise, and as such, the individuals become overwhelmed and confused and unable to make a rational decision or choice except to follow the now common trend of taking one’s life.

The team stated that based on the research carried out, the major contributing factors of the high suicide rate were found to be the level of education of the individuals, low self-esteem, frustration, poverty and a technological imbalance.

This was seen in the case of a 16-year-old girl, who had attempted suicide after her cellphone was taken away by her mother. The level of education plays and integral role as persons not equipped with knowledge to deal with certain situations, and as such, act in the manner of the norm he or she sees taking place around them, the study found.

The findings indicate that suicidal thoughts and behaviours are commonly found at an increased rate among individuals with major depressive disorders.

Solution initiatives The university stated that they are one week away from officially launching their solution initiatives to combat the suicide scourge on the Essequibo coast, which would include self-development courses in life skills psychology for parents, students and teachers.

It is expected that these courses will provide basic information regarding selfrealisation. In addition, a youth movement will be launched in which survivors of suicide attempts will provide lectures and talk of their experiences in an attempt to highlight the truth of suicide.

A help centre is also in the phase of construction to provide moral support, counselling and guidance, both over the phone, Internet and in person.

It is also expected that sensitisation will be done through television programmes and frequent outreaches to the more suicideprone areas.

The initiative is expected to be launch in Berbice as early as next week. The programme is expected to be a continuous one, predominantly managed and nurtured by the University of Peace Studies and Research.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; President Donald Ramotar; Culture Youth and Sport and Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; and heads of the Joint Services at the Republic Day flag-raising ceremony

T

he Golden Arrowhead was Sunday morning hoisted in the fore court of Parliament Building in the presence of the Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Ramotar and the military top brass, to celebrate Guyana’s 44th Republic Anniversary.

The Golden Arrowhead was raised by a Flag Ensign and accompanied the ceremonial 21-gun salute as members of the Cabinet, the diplomatic corps and the public observed the sombre tradition.

Preceding the flagraising was the arrival of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was given the general salute, followed by the President’s arrival, the presidential salute and the inspection of the guard of honour. There were four

guards on parade: Number One was commanded by Lieutenant Akeem Curtain; the second guard comprising GDF female ranks, was commanded by Lieutenant Texine Daw; the third guard, comprising GPF females, commanded by Cadet Officer Joel Hales; and the male guard of the GPF, commanded by Assistant Superintendent Manny Bacchus.

One hundred and four ranks, along with six officers, led by Parade Commander Dale De Mendonca, drawn from the Joint Services, formed the honour guard for the proceedings.

Sub-Lieutenant Rondell Douglas was the National Flag Ensign.

GDF Lieutenant Lionel Beckford was the state colour ensign. The Force Colour Ensign was Lieutenant

Rickford Warden. Escorts to the force’s colours were Warrant Officer Class 2 Rawl Rodney, Sergeant Jerriton Osborne and Sergeant Jermain Fraser.

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud, Imam Shaik Zakir Khan and Pastor Wendell Jeffrey offered prayers on behalf of the Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities. The GPF band corps and choir, directed by Major Robert Burns, led those gathered in renditions of national songs and the National Anthem, after which the parade marched on, bringing an end to the morning’s proceedings. Guyana gained Republican status on February 23, 1970, close to four years after it achieved Independence, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Woman busted with over two kilograms of cocaine

A

woman was early Sunday morning busted with over two kilograms of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

This was confirmed by head of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh, who said the suspect has been taken into custody while investigations are ongoing.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the woman was on her way to New York via an Air Jamaica flight when the bust was made just after midnight.

Two weeks ago, CANU ranks discovered 20 kilograms of cocaine in achar during a scan. Two outgoing passengers destined for the John F Kennedy

Airport, New York, were held and subsequently charged for trafficking in narcotics.

Winston Blake, 77, and his Guyanese accomplice Sadika Neola Odie, 38, of Lot 186 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge and are currently on remand.

This publication was told that upon the arrest of the couple, they told ranks that someone had given them the achar as a present for persons in the U.S. The cocaine was wrapped in brown tape and shaped to mimic seeds in the tamarind achar. Blake was intercepted with 9.6kg, while Odie was intercepted with 10.45kg, Guyana Times was informed.

CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah had told the court that Odie, who the holder of a U.S. visa, is a well known traveller.

He added that in a statement received, the defendant said she was offered the sum of US$10,000 to transport the substance, but was only given US$400 and the plane ticket which she accepted.

The law enforcement agency has since sent out wanted bulletins for persons suspected to be involved.

A bulletin was first sent out for Dawn Roberts, a shopkeeper of Lot 9, North Road, Bourda, Georgetown. Three days after, another bulletin was issued for Tarachandra Persaud of Republic Park, East Bank Demerara.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, february 24, 2014

News

Professor Seecharran urges open dialogue on race D istinguished Guyanese Professor Clem Seecharan said the issue of race should not be a taboo subject, but must be discussed openly if this country is to progress.

He also believes that not all of the indentured labourers were tricked into coming to Guyana, noting that he has set about investigating what other reasons might have brought them to Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean.

Professor Seecharan made these comments during a lecture last week as part of the Culture Ministrysponsored Republic of Guyana’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Professor Seecharan spoke on the topic “El Dorado Complex in the Shaping of the IndoGuyanese: A Revisionist Perspective”. The lecture was held at the Umana Yana last Wednesday.

In his discourse, Seecharan urged that open dialogue on the issue of race differences, particularly between Africans and East Indians, must be held. He said in such multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies like Guyana, topics such as Indian prejudice against Africans and possible solutions to these issues can be found in discourse.

The academic said these are particularly sensitive issues and are often ignored by society as it is presented as a taboo subject. “We live in multi-caste, multi-religious, multi-ethnic societies and it is important that we have ongoing dialogue. If you want people to live and share

Distinguished Guyanese Professor Clem Seecharan

with you, to create a nation, then we must do this [open dialogue],” he added.

Seecharan encouraged the audience not to lose their intellectual curiosity, but to continue the search for answers to their questions.

Never final

He noted that history is always in the making and is never closed or final. He encouraged those present to challenge theories and to challenge orthodoxies as he intends to do. He stated that he intended to challenge the theory that all Indians were kidnapped and tricked into coming to the then British Guiana, Trinidad and other countries to work on the plantations as indentured labourers.

“To assume that all these people were so stupid that they were tricked, and that they were kidnapped is really a historical insult, and a degradation of people of tremendous strength of character;

men and women who have as we know from the history of this country, made a tremendous contribution to the advancement of this country and the region,” Seecharan insisted.

He noted that while an element of deception was present, it was not a major contributing factor. The circumstances of the individuals were what pushed them to come to British Guiana and the Caribbean. These included hunger, chronic epidemics, and extreme poverty, which made them susceptible and desperate to escape from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, states which to this day remain the most impoverished in search for better living conditions.

Better relations

He closed by stating that better relationships need to founded between Indians and Africans as we all have a role to play in the country’s development. He pointed out in these differences, though Guyana is a sovereign state, it has yet to become a nation.

“If we are not secure in our identity and race, then we will not be friendly to others who do not look like ourselves. Our country consciousness is slow but our race consciousness is quick.

We need to become Guyanese conscious and not race conscious,” he expressed. “If you have mutual respect and love for each other, then only then we will become Guyanese and not Indians or Africans,” he said.

Professor Seecharan is a writer/historian of the IndoCaribbean experience, who

was born in Guyana and grew up in East Berbice, Corentyne.

He obtained a doctorate at the University of Warwick, and later taught at the University of Guyana for some years. He was awarded a professorship at the University of North London (now a part of London Metropolitan University) in 2002, and is now the head of Caribbean Studies at London Metropolitan University, and a distinguished Caribbean historian who currently teaches on the Caribbean Studies programme at London Metropolitan University.

His publications include (with Frank Birbalsingh), Indo-West Indian Cricket (Hansib, 1988); India and the Shaping of the IndoGuyanese Imagination: 18901920 (Peepal Tree, 1993) and Indians in British Guiana 1919-1929 (MacMillan). The 2014 Republic of Guyana’s Distinguished Lecture Senes was well attended and included members of the diplomatic corp; Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; Public Works Minister Robeson Benn; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; University of Guyana Pro Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir; and local writers Pitamber Persaud and Ian McDonald.

Every ting mash up G

uyana gotta history of mashin up every ting since de days of Burnt Ham. In dem not so long time days, Burnt Ham mash up de guvament and he mash up de people. He had try to mash up de Pee-P-P- too. When that didn’t happen, Burnt Ham mash up all de elections so that he coulda stay in power to mash up whah ever was still leff to mash up.

So de mash up mentality deh round a long time now.

Burnt Ham mash up de railway and bring in Tata buses.

Tata buses get mash up. Burnt Ham bring in school buses to fetch dem school pickney. School buses get mash up too.

Now de pullice tek a cue from that and dem mashin up all de brand new vehicles whah dem get. Dem so accustom to mashin that dem mash a fella all de way near de hairport and then mash another fella and mek he jump up high.

Even whah suppose to be Republic Day get mash up.

Nowadays every body just wanna mash up pun Republic Day. So de real reason fuh Mash Day get mash up. No wonder people wake up this morning and find every ting mash down.

Green Ham look mash up and de whole of GT de garbage town look mash down. But Green Ham look mash up a long time now, ever since de Heights Man mash he down. De only ting ain’t mash down is de garbage. Instead, that buildin up.

De Cee-FAT-Fella come and mash up Green Bridge and Rum Jhaat. Dem was de two who was mashin up from Harry Wrang to Harry Right bout some kinda money bill. That is why de Cee-FAT-Fella come in de Mash season.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie!

Even Gayle come back from injury and get mash up again.

Then Hire Land come and mash up de Waste Indies, but Waste Indies mash dem back. Now de U-19 team get mash up. And de Women’s team get mash up too!

Govt mum on commissioners for Rodney inquiry

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

G

overnment remains tight-lipped on the formation of the International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that will investigate the circumstances which led to the assignation of renowned Guyanaese historian, Dr Walter Rodney, although a Caribbean lawyer has revealed some names.

In a recent editorial, Guyanese-born journalist and lawyer Oscar Ramjeet said the CoI would be led by Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Richard Cheltenham. He would be accompanied

by Guyanese-born Senior Counsel Senauth Jairam, who has been practising in Trinidad and Tobago since 1979, and Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacquelene SamuelsBrown, the chairperson of the Council of Legal Education.

But Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall told Guyana Times on Sunday that Ramjeet is not the government’s spokesperson.

Nandlall said he is unable to say where Ramjeet got the information from; however, he noting that the government is still in the finalisation stage of selecting the comissioners.

During a recent interview with Guyana Times,

Dr Walter Rodney

President Donald Ramotar disclosed that the long awaited CoI would be established “soon”. According to him, the body responsible for the setting up of the CoI has a few minor issues to iron out before the commission is launched.

But though Rodney was the founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), current members have not been updated by government on the inquiry. WPA member, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine told this publication that the party is still awaiting word from the government.

Rodney was executed on June 13, 1980; more than 33 years ago. At the time, he was

sitting in a car outside the Georgetown Prison when a bomb in the form of a walkietalkie exploded in his lap. It has since been alleged that exarmy Sergeant Gregory Smith planted the bomb that killed the political activist. He had gone there, upon the request of the former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) electronics expert to test the device near the jail’s metal fence.

It is also alleged that officials from the then Forbes Burnham government were responsible for his death, a claim that has been denied by his party, the People’s National Congress (PNC).

After the tragedy, Smith fled to French Guiana where he lived under the pseudonym Cyril Johnson until his death several years ago.

But 25 years after the incident, Smith was charged with murder in absentia.

It is hoped that the CoI will solve most, if not all of the unanswered questions surrounding Rodney’s gruesome death. Family members of the deceased, former political allies in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the WPA and international colleagues are expected to give evidence during the inquiry. (svetlanam@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Feature

11

monday, february 24, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Times Notebook

Celebrating Guyana I

n 1970, we were a very poor but proud nation with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of only about US$300 per capita. By 1990, we were a least developing country and one of the worst indebted nations on Earth with a poverty rate between 66 and 88 per cent.

Our education and health systems became the worst in the Caribbean. Life expectancy at birth was no better in 1990 than it was in 1964.

We were a dictatorship with rigged elections. Citizens were afraid to speak and there was no freedom in the land. We had two newspapers and one radio station.

By 1990, we were the Caribbean’s laughing stock, gone from the “bread basket” to the “basket case” of the Caribbean. Yet, even then we could have celebrated our roles in establishing the Caribbean Community (Caricom); the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta); and Iwokrama, our gift to the world. Guyana was still our country.

In 2014, on our 44th republic anniversary, we are a middle-income country, with a GDP of about US$3800 per capita, more than 10 times what it was in 1970. We have reduced our debt and we are among the better coun-

tries in the world for debt management. Our children more often than not top the Caribbean in regional examinations and we can do medical interventions such as dialysis, open heart and brain surgeries and kidney transplants.

even make up negatives or simply embellish them.

Times Notebook is not urging us to ignore our many mistakes and blunders. Our garbage problem is a failure of government and of our people. There is no political party on the right side of this equation.

Success story

We are a democracy and our people are protected by human rights commissions.

Our indigenous people, by law and practice, have a right to their lands and a voice in our country. We have at least six functioning radio stations, four daily newspapers, about 30 television stations, and innumerable Internet media networks. Thousands of our people own their own businesses and hundreds of thousands of people live in their own homes.

Our nation is building a compendium of success stories, as a country, as communities, and as individuals. Surely we can celebrate these successes without rancour and without prejudice.

There must be times when we can put aside partisanship and sectionalism to celebrate genuine Guyanese success stories.

We can celebrate that Guyana had the foresight and is in the forefront of trying to

Collective benefit

President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and heads of the Joint Services at the Republic Day flag-raising ceremony, as the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted

do something about climate change. Dr Cheddi Jagan spoke eloquently of environmental degradation, former President Bharrat Jagdeo is a global champion and a tireless crusader, President Donald Ramotar has written about global warming since 1989, and Navin Chandarpal has made a career championing the global warming and climate change issue. We established the Environmental

Protection Agency and developed a Low Carbon Development Strategy.

When U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry recently declared that climate change is real and spoke of the disastrous impacts of climate change in developing countries and when Obama signed a Presidential Order to reduce carbon emissions from heavy-duty trucks, they were

following Guyana’s example.

Guyana is an example around the world of managing and working its way out of a debt crisis. America can learn from us. We must build a nation of one people and one destiny, not divide our people into sections.

Times Notebook despises the practice of so many commentators of only highlighting negatives everyday in Guyana. Despicably, they

When political parties incited our people to violence in 2012 in Linden and Agricola leading to injuries and death, it is not the Guyana we dreamt of when we fought for independence and became a republic. Parliamentarians must not be spared when they behave recklessly as they do in Parliament today.

Celebrating our nation’s successes must not be a partisan matter. This must be our legacy – a nation that can work together for the collective benefit of all, a nation that avoids sectionalism and partisanship and forever commits never again to be suffocated by debt. We must be a nation able to celebrate our successes, even as we confront our failures – together as one people, one nation, one destiny!

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

12

monday, february 24, 2014 | guy

Revellers enjoying themselves as th (Carl Croker Photos)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand poses with a citizen just before her float takes off on the road

A packed Irving Street on Sunday

The Education Ministry's costume band giving the judges on Church Street a taste of their tramping skills

Fun a

This family relaxes under a tent, watching the floats pass by

Guyanese of all ages viewing the float parade

Tourists were also given a taste of Guyana’s culture by their Guyanese friends on Sunday

A panel of judges at the National Park scoring the floats as they pass

One of the many floats on the road on Sunday – this one made out of recycled bottles

13

ry 24, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

as they celebrate Mashramani 2014

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry's band ‘ready for the road’

These children were the least bothered by the scorching hot sun as they watched the parade pass by

Fun and enjoyment is what the Mash float parade is all about

he road on Sunday cled bottles

Spectators enjoying the parade at the culmination point – the National Park

That’s one scary looking costume!

These revellers making their way into the National Park

One of the many creative designs on the road on Sunday

The revellers of the Digicel costume give the National Park crowd something to cheer about

14

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, February 24, 2014

Regional

Rival protests continue Gangs, gays, ganja and gender in Venezuela

The opposition’s Saturday rally drew thousands of people angry about insecurity, inflation and what they view as the criminalisation of dissent

T

he streets of Venezuela’s capital were quiet on Sunday morning. Throughout the day and night previously, competing demonstrations brought tens of thousands onto the streets in the biggest rallies since recent tensions erupted in early February.

Backers of Socialist President Nicolas Maduro say far-right elements in the political opposition are attempting to capitalise on high inflation and insecurity to bring down the elected government.

Demonstrators at the opposition rally, meanwhile, said they were facing violence from security forces and armed pro-government collectives, and Maduro’s government was steadily eroding the economy and democratic institutions.

“Our protests have been attacked by collectives with guns, so people are scared,” Alexis Perez, a student, told

Al Jazeera. “If the repression continues, more people will join our demonstrations. At some point the government will have to sit down and negotiate with the opposition.”

On Saturday, Maduro called for a national peace conference to be held on Wednesday, so Venezuelans could come together to “neutralise violent groups”.

The death toll from the recent unrest rose to 10 on Saturday, after medics announced that a 23-yearold student shot in the face three days ago in the industrial city of Valencia had died of her wounds.

Many government supporters rallying under the banner of women’s rights accused the opposition of exaggerating reports of violence to paint themselves as victims. Government backers also dismissed concerns over repression and inflation as the rhetoric of a vocal, upper-class minority who lack

the political support to win elections.

“The opposition is causing inflation and they exaggerate it [in their media],” said Caridad Blanco, a retiree and government supporter. “We have the political power, but they still have the economic power.” She fears the opposition is trying to stage a coup, as happened in 2002.

Opposition leaders told Al Jazeera they want dialogue – not an immediate end to Maduro’s government – and said they were working to build trust in poor communities traditionally aligned to socialists.

“Our party has launched a campaign to broaden our base in the popular sectors of society,” Juan Pablo Lopez Gross, a politician with the opposition party Voluntad Popular told Al Jazeera. “We have networks [in poor areas] where teams of four or five people organise around specific problems

in the community and anyone is welcome to join, regardless of their political affiliation.”

He credits this strategy for the opposition winning Petare, a poor community in Caracas, during municipal elections in December.

But Layday Granados, a student at one of the newly created Bolivarian Universities, doesn’t trust such tactics.

“The opposition wants us to go back to the time before the revolution, when we were poor and hungry,” Grandos told Al Jazeera, as she marched with government supporters. “The revolution has brought positive changes; many things have improved.”

Pro-government candidates secured more than 75 percent of municipal seats nationwide in the most recent electoral test, meaning the opposition still isn’t winning the hearts, minds and ballots of the poor majority.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Opposition legislator calls Tension at Petrotrin Barbados to pay court fines

T

he Jamaica government is being called upon to assist 35-yearold Shanique Myrie collect the monies owed to her by the Barbados government following a ruling by the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) last year.

Myrie successfully sued the Barbados government after she was refused entry into the island in 2011.

The CCJ, which was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court, and also functions as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional integration movement, awarded pecuniary damages in the sum of Bds$2240 (One Bds dollar = US$0.50 cents) and non-pecuniary damages to the tune of Bds$75,000.

Opposition Senator Robert “Bobby” Montague, speak-

ing in the Senate on Friday, called on Foreign Affairs Minister AJ Nicholson to ensure that Bridgetown meets its payment to Myrie.

“Let us insist, Mr Minister, that Miss Shanique Myrie be paid the funds the court has ordered. The lack of that quick payment by our sister nation makes the dream of a Caribbean Court of Justice just a dream, nuff bark but no bite,” Montague said as he made his contribution to the 2014 State of the Nation Debate.

“Can you imagine the cries and howling if it was Jamaica to pay?” Montague said.

“Minister, the weakness of your government is showing… We can’t allow our citizen to be poorly treated; get a court ruling in her favour and allow others to be thumbing their noses at us. Minister, call your colleague from Barbados. Put down your foot,” Montague said. (CMC)

S

tate-owned Petrotrin is facing another financial challenge, as there are reports that 21 of 23 plants within the aging refinery have been shut down, a pending multimillion-dollar security bond payment is due and there remain unpaid bills piling up from the two-month-old oil spill.

While Petrotrin has remained mum on the shutting down of the plants, workers at the company have reported to their representing union, the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), that the sub-plants have been “offline for several days”.

This, workers said, will invariably lead to more financial losses for the already cash-strapped organisation.

OWTU boss Ancel Roget has questioned why the company was keeping news of this shutdown quiet. In a telephone interview on the issue, Roget said if the

workers had been behind the shutdown “it would be all over the news.”

“But it’s shut down now because of poor management and we are hearing nothing,” Roget said.

“There is no feed stock to keep the machinery going and the workers have nothing to do with that. That is strictly as a result of poor management and poor decisions at that State feeding trough called Petrotrin.”

Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine did not return phone calls and did not respond to e-mails on the situation. Petrotrin Chairman Lindsey Gillette, President Khalid Hassanali and Communications Manager Gillian Friday have not answered repeated calls, texts and e-mails regarding the shutdown, but one source close to the executive has confirmed that the plants have been off-line due to a lack of raw material feed stock. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington says gangs are just one component of the targets of the bill

P

olice Commissioner Owen Ellington has welcomed the passage of the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act, popularly called the AntiGang Bill, by the House of Representatives, and urged the Senate to follow suit.

“I am very encouraged by this movement of the bill through the Lower House and I am just anticipating its passage through the Upper House (Senate), so that very shortly we can get this tool,” Ellington said a day after the bill sailed through the House of Representatives with the full support of the opposition last Tuesday.

It was not clear when the Senate would debate the bill, but no one is expecting any obstacles to its passage on its way to becoming law when the governor general gives his assent, because of the clear bipartisan support.

Ellington made his comments in an interview with the Jamaica Observer in which he addressed issues dealing with gangs, gays, ganja and gender in the police force, alleged extra-judicial killings as well as calls for his resignation.

The full report of the interview will be published Wednesday, February 26, 2014 in the Observer.

He described the antigang law as a piece of legislation that looks at organised crime in all its elements: the formation of criminal groups, syndicates or gangs; recruitment into these; the criminal enterprises in which they engage; the methods that they use to conceal their crime and ill-gotten gains; the facilitators that they co-op, such as corrupt police persons, corrupt lawyers, corrupt accountants, bankers, real estate developers. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Baby Doc case reopened

H

uman rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has welcomed a decision by the appeal court in Haiti to open new investigations into former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity.

Amnesty International said the decision is a “major boost for the victims in their long quest for truth and justice”.

“This much-needed green light to continue the investigations is a victory for the victims of torture, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations committed under the rule of Duvalier and their relatives,” said Javier Zúñiga, special adviser for Amnesty International.

“It also bolsters hopes for a new Haiti, founded upon the rule of law and equality of justice for all,” he added.

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal reversed a January 2012 ruling by an investigative judge.

The earlier decision stat-

ed that Duvalier could not be charged with crimes against humanity filed by victims of alleged forced disappearances and torture during his rule from 1971 to 1986 because the time for the prosecution of those offences had elapsed.

But the Court of Appeal ruled there is “substantial evidence”, pointing to the indirect involvement and alleged criminal responsibility of Duvalier for the alleged human rights violations during his presidency.

The court has appointed one of its sitting judges who has apparently been tasked with obtaining new testimony from victims who did not have the chance to testify during last year’s appeals hearings.

“The Court of Appeal has correctly ruled that there can be no statute of limitations for crimes against humanity, and this is a major step forward for the Haitian justice system,” Zúñiga said.

(Excerpt from CMC)

15 Around the world monday, February 24, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Ukraine appoints interim President U

kraine’s parliamentary speaker Oleksandr Turchynov is named interim leader, a day after the dismissal of President Viktor Yanukovych on Saturday. Turchynov told parliamentarians they had until Tuesday to form a new unity government.

Later, in a TV address, Turchynov suggested Ukraine would re-open talks with the European Union about closer links. Yanukovych’s rejection of an EU-Ukraine trade pact triggered the protests that toppled him.

In his address, Turchynov said he was “open to dialogue with Russia” as long as Moscow respected “Ukraine’s European choice”, according to translated remarks carried by the AFP news agency.

Hours later, Russia recalled its ambassador in

Ukrainians in Kiev appear broadly optimistic about the future

Ukraine to Moscow for consultations on the “deteriorating situation” in Kiev.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, who was freed from jail on Saturday, has ruled out becoming prime minister again.

Her release was one of the conditions of the EUUkraine trade pact that Yanukovych rejected last year. Thousands of opposition supporters remain in Kiev’s Independence Square, heeding opposition

calls not to disperse.

The Health Ministry says 88 people, mostly protesters, are now known to have been killed in clashes since February 18.

In response to reports that her name was being mentioned as a possible candidate, Tymoshenko issued a statement reading: “Noone has agreed or discussed this with me.

“Thank you for your respect but I would like you not to consider my nomination for the post of the head of government.”

Turchynov, a close associate of Tymoshenko, has described forming a unity government as a “priority task”.

“We don’t have much time,” one of the opposition leaders, former world champion boxer Vitaly Klitschko, said as the parliament began its debate. (Excerpt from BBC News)

17 dead in bombings Indian media: Outrage and shootings in Iraq over MPs’ behaviour

A

t least 17 people were killed and dozens wounded in bombings and shootings in northern Iraq and Baghdad on Sunday, police and medical sources said.

In the deadliest attack, gunmen killed three policemen and four detainees travelling in a police convoy near the northern city of Baiji.

The police had carried out 65 arrests in the town of Siniya, near Baiji, and were returning south to its base in Tikrit when gunmen ambushed them with a roadside bomb and sprayed gunfire, police said.

In Baghdad, a bomb exploded in a second-hand market for bicycles and motorcycles in the Shi’ite neighbourhood of Sadr City, killing five people and wounding 22, police and medical sources said.

In the eastern Baghdad neighbourhood of Waziriyah, at least four people were

killed and 18 wounded when a bomb exploded on a busy street, police said.

Gunmen attacked a police checkpoint and killed one policeman near the mainly Sunni town of Tarmiya, north of Baghdad, police sources said.

Clashes and bombings have become a daily occurrence in Iraq as resurgent Sunni militants have launched a sustained campaign of suicide bombings.

The Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has found itself locked in a battle with Sunni extremist and rebellious tribal groups in the western province of Anbar.

Members of the extremist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant are holed up inside Fallujah along with Sunni fighters angry at Maliki over what they say are policies which discriminate against Iraq’s Sunni minority. (Excerpt from Reuters)

M

edia are calling on lawmakers to get their act together after a series of recent incidents in which members of the parliament in Delhi and state assemblies resorted to unruly behaviour during proceedings.

The Pioneer quotes a top Delhi police official as saying that penal action will be initiated against the MP who last week used pepper spray against his colleagues during a heated debate on the bill to create the new state of Telangana.

A report in the Deccan Herald says that a member of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly has had to apologise for repeatedly slapping a marshal who was escorting him out of the House after he created a ruckus.

The Indian Express recalls another unruly episode, in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, where two lawmakers took off their shirts this week to protest against the

delay of payments to sugarcane farmers.

They have been referred to the conduct committee of the legislative body, the paper says.

“Honourable members of our esteemed assemblies and parliament, it seems, can’t keep their shirts on. Or contain their violent urges,” The Tribune exclaims in an editorial.

“They would have us believe they are doing it to defend the interests of the people they represent. They need to understand their acts are seen for what they are – criminal offences,” the daily adds.

For The Pioneer, such acts are “a mockery of democracy”.

The newspaper is worried that while incidents of “disruptive and inappropriate behaviour seem to have taken on alarming proportions in recent weeks, the fact is that this has been an upward trend”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Nigeria seals state border with Cameroon

N

igeria has closed its northern border with Cameroon to block the movement of Boko Haram members who use the area as a launch-pad for attacks.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Nigerian military claimed fighters have set up bases in sparsely populated areas of its north-eastern neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Niger; and have used them to flee across the border after staging attacks to avoid military pursuit.

The border closure extends from the northern Borno state, by Lake Chad, to the southern end of Adamawa state, one of three states in the northeast placed under emergency

Nigeria closes its border with Cameroon to block the movement of Boko Haram (AP)

rule in May following waves of attacks by Boko Haram fighters.

The closure comes as suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed the mostly Christian village of Izghe

in Borno state on Saturday, north of Adamawa, killing more than 100 people.

“What I did was completely seal off the borders, no going in, no going out,” Brigadier General

Rogers Iben Nicholas, the top military commander in Adamawa, told the AFP news agency.

He said the measures had been in place since Monday and had already curtailed “the influx of terrorist elements” into Nigeria.

The state of Adamawa is thought to provide key transport routes for fighters.

Despite the state of emergency, Boko Haram has continued to carry out attacks in the north-east, with more than 300 people killed this year and thousands since 2009.

On Wednesday, an attack by Boko Haram in Bama, some 60 kilometres from the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, killed 60 people.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Morsi accused of leaking state secrets

E

gyptian prosecutors have accused ousted President Mohammed Morsi of leaking state secrets to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

The claim came during the second hearing of his trial on espionage charges.

Prosecutors allege that he and 35 others were involved in a plot to destabilise Egypt. The trial was later adjourned to February 27.

The deposed Islamist leader is facing four separate trials. Morsi’s supporters say he and other senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders are the victims of politically motivated prosecutions.

The espionage trial opened on February 16, and on Sunday, prosecutors detailed the charges against Morsi and his co-defendants.

They were specifically accused of “delivering to a foreign country... national defence secrets and providing the Iranian Revolutionary Guards with security reports in order to destabilise the security and stability

of the country”, AFP news agency reported.

The statement read in court did not identify the “foreign country”.

Morsi is also accused of collaborating with the Palestinian movement Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement. If convicted, he could receive the death penalty.

During Sunday’s hearing, Morsi was held separately in a soundproof glass cage to prevent him shouting and disrupting proceedings.

Morsi was ousted by the military last July following mass street protests against his government.

There has since been a severe crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood group, as well as on other activists seen as hostile to the military-backed government.

The Brotherhood has been declared a terrorist organisation and authorities have punished any public show of support for it. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

China, eyeing Japan, seeks WWII focus for Xi during Germany visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping

C

hina wants to make World War Two a key part of a trip

by President Xi Jinping to Germany next month, much to Berlin’s discomfort, diplomatic sources said, as Beijing tries to use German atonement for its wartime past to embarrass Japan.

China has increasingly contrasted Germany and its public contrition for the Nazi regime to Japan, where repeated official apologies for wartime suffering are sometimes undercut by contradictory comments by conservative politicians.

Ties between the two Asian rivals worsened when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on December 26, which China sees as a symbol of Tokyo’s past militarism because it honours wartime leaders along with millions of war dead.

Xi will visit Germany in late March, as well as France, the Netherlands

and Belgium, Beijing-based diplomats said. China’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment on Xi’s agenda as the trip has yet to be formally announced.

“China wants a strong focus on World War Two when Xi visits Germany and Germany is not happy,” said one diplomatic source who has been briefed on China’s plans for the Xi trip.

The German government declined to comment. But the diplomatic sources said Germany did not want to get dragged into the dispute between China and Japan, and dislikes China constantly bringing up Germany’s painful past.

A second diplomatic source with knowledge of the trip said China had proposed Xi visit the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. When that was immediately rejected by Germany, Beijing suggested Xi go to Berlin’s Neue Wache Memorial, which honours war dead but not recognised war criminals.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

16

monday, February 24, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean

InvesTT looking to China for $$B investment

I

nvesTT President Racquel Moses says the nation’s investment promotion agency is hoping to use this week’s mission to Beijing, Shanghai to encourage companies in that country to invest in TT’s non-energy sector.

InvesTT is leading a delegation of more than 30 entrepreneurs and business executives who are going to China to investigate the pos-

sibility of opening up new markets for TT goods or for new suppliers for imported inputs.

While in China, Moses says she will be looking to lure Chinese companies to invest in TT. “We are hoping to sign several memoranda of understanding with some Chinese firms regarding investment opportunities in T&T.” The main thrust of the investment promotion

agency in China will be to promote investment in a combined solar park, which Moses estimates could attract up to US$1.8 billion in new investment.

Moses says the proposal is for the co-location of four discrete yet conjoined manufacturing facilities, whose ultimate output would be solar panels for export to the regions and the hemisphere.

(Trinidad Guardian)

North America

China’s Huawei seeks U.S. foothold in smartphone race – executive

C

hina’s Huawei Technologies believes it can take advantage of recent changes in how operators in the United States sell phones to get a foothold in the all-important market, an executive with its consumer division said on Sunday.

Huawei, best known as a maker of telecom network gear, became the world’s third-biggest smartphone manufacturer last year, through the sale of midpriced handsets within its fast-growing domestic mar-

ket and an increasing appeal to price-conscious consumers in Western Europe.

But the group, which lags market leader Samsung and Apple, has yet to gain a foothold in the high-end segment of developed markets such as the United States, where it is viewed with suspicion after lawmakers flagged Chinese telecommunications equipment as potential security risks. It has also suffered from its difficult-to-pronounce brand name, its executives have acknowledged.

After launching five new devices at the Mobile World Congress trade fair in Barcelona, Huawei’s Colin Giles said the group was taking early steps in the United States to build better relationships with mobile operators and directly with consumers via online shops.

“We recognise that the U.S. is a very competitive and very tough market for us,” Giles, the executive vice president of Huawei’s consumer business group, told Reuters.

(Reuters)

Europe

Africa South Sudan govt orders embattled oil state to keep crude flowing

S

outh Sudan has reversed a plan by local authorities to partially shut down oil production and evacuate foreign workers in its main oil-producing region after it was hit last week by the worst fighting since a January ceasefire.

Thousands have been killed and more than 800,000 have fled their homes since fighting began in South Sudan two months ago, triggered by a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, his former deputy whom he

sacked in July.

The warring sides signed the ceasefire on January 23 to end weeks of fighting, but sporadic clashes have continued.

Since Tuesday, the capital of the main oil-producing Upper Nile region, Malakal, has been divided between the army and rebels after forces loyal to Machar raided the town and fought against government troops.

Local officials on Friday ordered the evacuation of foreign oil workers from the

Adar and Gumri oil fields, citing security concerns, but the national government overruled them.

“This one was just an irrational decision from the (Upper Nile) state authorities without consultation with the national government,” South Sudan’s Minister in the Office of the President Awan Guor told Reuters via telephone.

“The presence of rebels in Malakal doesn’t mean that our oil fields are in danger right now,” he said.

(Reuters)

Asia

Samsung tries again with smartwatches

S

amsung has shown off the Gear 2, its second attempt at releasing a smartwatch that has mass appeal with consumers.

The company demonstrated the device alongside another new model, the lighter Gear 2 Neo. Both have a heart rate sensor, a pedometer and various tools to measure exercise, sleep and stress levels.

The watches run on Tizen OS, a fledgling mobile operating system, rather than Google’s Android software.

The move is being seen as part of a wider strategy from Samsung to move away from Google’s platform and to lessen its reliance on the search giant’s product. Crucial to Tizen’s longer-term success will be whether it can attract the same breadth and quality of apps compared to Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Currently there are offerings from the likes of CNN, Ebay, Evernote and Paypal available on Tizen, as well as some slightly clunky but

nonetheless functional workarounds that allow Android apps to run on the platform.

At Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress tonight, Samsung is expected to launch the latest iteration of its flagship smartphone range, presumably to be called the Galaxy S5.

The current model, the S4, has proved to be a hugely popular product for the South Korean firm, and is widely considered the only real rival to Apple’s iPhone. (BBC News)

Eurozone inflation to offer clues on ECB action Australia urozone inflation due The ECB cut its main reFriday’s February in- G20 meeting targets an additional on Friday will be financing rate to a record low flation figure could cause firmly in the sights of 0.25 per cent in November a fine-tuning of those fore- two per cent economic growth of financial markets eager and left it at that level at its casts, which form the basis

E

to establish whether the European Central Bank (ECB) has enough ammunition to ease monetary policy in the following week.

Inflation in the 18-member eurozone unexpectedly slowed to 0.7 per cent yearon-year in January, matching a four-year low set last October and confounding expectations for a rise to 0.9 per cent.

meeting earlier this month, but put markets on alert for a possible move in March.

ECB President Mario Draghi said the Governing Council had not acted because of the complexity of the situation and the need to have more information.

The next meeting on March 6 will have new forecasts from the bank’s staff extending into 2016.

of the ECB’s monetary policy.

“The big issue is whether they are comfortable with their medium-term trajectory. That’s obviously something that’s going to get revised down a bit ... Next week’s reading will in some sense influence their thinking,” said JP Morgan chief European economist David Mackie. (Reuters)

Market statistics Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Cambio Rates

Fixed as at July 24, 2013 Calculated at 94% purity

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

GBP

$343.33

$347.63

CAN

$184.41

$186.54

USD

$205.98

$208.44

U.S.

$1335.00

Cambio

$202.67

Gross

$254,331

Net

$236,527

Selling

$262,426

Indicators as on February 18, 2014 Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1326.10

$1327.10

Low/High

$1319.00

$1329.20

+3.10

Change

+0.23

London Gold Fix

Feb 21 USD GBP EUR

Feb 20 USD GBP EUR

AM

PM

1320.75 792.20 963.63

1323.25 791.61 961.94

AM

PM

1313.75 788.90 959.22

1316.25 789.26 959.30

Indicators Crude Oil

Price Silver

Platinum

US$ per barrel

$110.30 USD per Ounce

$21.85 $1424.00

Change %

-0.15 Change %

+0.03 +10.00

Last: 16103.30

Changes: -29.93

% Change: -0.19

Open:16136.37

High:16191.92

Low: 16093.80

% YTD: -2.86

52Wk Hi:16174.51

52 Wk Lo: 12471.49

F

inancial leaders from the 20 biggest economies have set a goal of generating US$2 trillion in extra output over the next five years.

During that period they aim to boost the Gross Domestic Product of G20 countries by two per cent above the levels currently expected.

It is hoped the move will create tens of millions of new jobs. The goal was announced at the Group of 20 weekend

meeting in Sydney. The main G20 meeting is in Brisbane in November.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said the agreement was essential for “turning the next page’’ in the global economic recovery.

“G20 members have spoken clearly: boosting growth and demand tops the global economic agenda,” he said in a statement.

And Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey heralded the an-

nouncement from finance ministers and central bankers as being “unprecedented”.

He added: “We are putting a number to it for the first time – putting a real number to what we are trying to achieve.”

The communiqué from the group, which represents about 85 per cent of the global economy, also said they would take concrete action to increase investment and employment.

(BBC News)

Investors' guide

Big consumer companies cut costs, Wall Street wants bolder steps

I

nvestors are growing impatient with the makers of global brands like Cadbury chocolate, Campbell Soup and Tide laundry detergent, as these stalwart consumer products companies try to boost profits through cost cuts and brand makeovers while smaller rivals take risks and grab market share.

Organic and soy milk seller WhiteWave Foods Co, privately-owned yogurt maker Chobani Greek and Keurig coffee brewer seller Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc have shaken up their categories and chalked up envi-

able growth while big companies such as ConAgra Foods Inc, Danone SA and General Mills Inc struggle.

Shares of the companies that make everything from Cheerios and Pepsi-Cola to Pampers disposable diapers have been a defensive play for investors in uncertain times. But the companies have been struggling with weak demand in North America and Europe, cooling emerging markets and increasingly fickle consumers empowered by social media and online search and comparison tools.

Investors flocked to pack-

aged food stocks last year, hoping to benefit from dividend increases and potential takeovers following the purchase of HJ Heinz. Now they have begun to trade out, making consumer staples the worst-performing sector over the past six months.

Analysts warn their shares could sink further.

During the last five years, the Standard & Poor’s 1200 Consumer Staples index had a total return of 117 per cent, ranking sixth out of the 10 sectors measured. Over the past six months its return has been the worst of the 10, down 0.55 per cent. (Reuters)

Business concept – Back freight A payment that is owed to a maritime shipping company when the transportation of goods extends beyond the contracted destination port due to circumstances beyond the shipper’s control.

news

17

monday, february 24, 2014| guyanatimesGY.com

Mash prevailed!

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

I

n brilliant sunshine, Guyanese from all walks of life turned out in their numbers to witness the traditional costume and float parade as Guyana celebrated 44 years as a republic on Sunday, but evidently, they were disappointed with the number of floats that were showcased.

The streets were packed to capacity with spectators and a large number of tourists in their colourful outfits, gyrating to sweet soca music. Some also took the opportunity to click photos of the bands as they slowly went through the streets.

At every corner, there were food and drink bars, catering for the weary revellers. Then, there were the face painters, skillfully painting the faces and bodies of spectators who were desirous of having such done while some were also busy selling toys and other eye-catching items for chil-

A part of the Digicel Band as it entered the National Park tarmac for final judging on Sunday evening

also stood out among the rest.

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s Band was accompanied by steel pan music and live performances by the Heat waves Band.

Another float that was rocking and had an ef-

get out of their seats and shake their fragile bodies.

Banks DIH’s GT Beer revellers also turned out in their numbers and hit the streets in grand style, although they did not have a float.

All in all, the day undoubtedly belonged to Digicel for their uniformity and most of all; they might have had the largest contingent on the road when it comes to full costume band. As they traverse the streets, hundreds of items were distributed, which saw the young, the old, and the not so old stretching and jumping to collect. The items range from umbrellas to bandanas and cups.

This year, major compa-

time around there might have been less than 20.

Meanwhile, while several songs were entered for the Road March competition, the judges will have a hard time to decide which Guyanese song played the most. Those which were heard repeatedly are “Yada Yada” by Vanilla, “Who We Are” by Jonathan “Lil Red” King, Jumo Primo’s “Nosey People”, but Adrian Dutchin’s “Bend Over And Roll” might possibly see him getting his sixth Road March title.

Guyana Times caught up with several ministers, including Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who led her ministry. She expressed excitement to be back on

the country.

More revellers, less floats No doubt, Guyana Mashramani is becoming like Trinidad Carnival, and this was evident on the roads: there were less floats, but rather a barrage

Revellers onboard the Pulse party truck on Sunday

A member of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry band showing off her dancing skills

dren of all ages.

Nevertheless, the parade kicked off after 10:30h from Church and Carmichael streets, Georgetown and traversed along the specified routes, where they were judged at strategic locations. During the parade, Trinidad soca music boomed through the speakers of elevated music systems on trucks, but as they approached the judging area, they quickly switched gears and played a few Guyanese selections.

There were some impressive floats which were created to perfection, notably Digicel “Arabian Night” designed by Olympia Small Sonaram, the Education Ministry looked fabulous in white while the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry

fect on the crowd was that of ANSA McAL under the Tropical Rhythm Brand. These floats were designer by Maxi Prince and were displayed by well known male and female characters, who entertained the crowd fully.

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry added some steam to the parade as its beautifully decked out revellers in a combination of colours did not hold back, but rather went down to the ground, proving to the Georgetown posse that they enjoy themselves just the same.

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) was led by Alexi Ramotar and had a few hundred revellers who were drawn from several groups throughout

of revellers in skimpy outfits. This was noted in the Pulse Entertainment party trucks which attracted thousands, compliments of Deejay Ryan.

Hits and Jams Entertainment supporters also took to the streets in their numbers, creating a storm as they blared some of the best soca selections, which caused the old to

Another of the interesting floats on display

nies including the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, ANSA McAL and Banks DIH which Guyanese are accustomed to see, did not participate in the mash tramp.

Less floats Last year, there were some 30 odd floats that created a kaleidoscope on the roadways, but this

the road having a grand time.

The Minister explained that her band comprised of over 300 revellers, who were all dressed in white, showcasing peace and unity in Guyana and the education system. She also posited that Guyana has come a long way in its 44 years a republic nation and she remains committed to further developing her ministry and ultimately the country in the years to come.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster was also delighted as she led her band. Webster said that Mashramani is a time to celebrate and that was exactly what her revellers did. Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony was impressed with the turn out, stating that his band came out with their full complement this year and intends to emerge victorious in their category. The results of the 2014 Costume and Float Parade will be made known by the end of the week. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, february 24, 2014

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) Shake your lethargic attitude by doing something physical. Walking, swimming, cycling or hiking will not only engage your muscles; they will also help to release your imagination.

dilbert

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) You are a dynamic and talented individual. Devote your time to building up your self-confidence and creativity. Those around you will be pleasantly surprised by your versatility and ingenuity.

Calvin and Hobbes

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) To attain your goals, you will require the support and care of your colleagues and family. Your peers are eager for you to succeed and will offer beneficial advice.

Peanuts ARIES (March 21-April 19)

SUDOKU

It’s not the day to share details with others. Focus your energy on your own projects, and you will come out ahead. Don’t feel you have to respond to every request.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Saturday's solution

Not everyone will honor a promise. The information you are given is likely to be false. Save yourself embarrassment by forming conclusions based on facts that you’ve verified yourself. Trust your own judgment.

GEMINI (May 21June 20) You have a great deal of creativity, and you should use it to your advantage. Your insight and intuition could lead to a new moneymaking opportunity. A change in locale will inspire you and offer a new perspective.

CANCER (June 21July 22) Your personal life is in need of a makeover. The time is right to re-evaluate your goals and form a strategy to succeed. Your determination will provide the changes you desire.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22) There is a certain cause that you care deeply about. Make an obligation to put yourself in the forefront and participate with vigour. Others will be very impressed by your passion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Romance is in the air.

Remind your loved one of your devotion by being especially attentive today.

An intimate outing will serve to stimulate your senses and strengthen your relationship.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23) Your ego may be feeling bruised by some recent tension at home.

Don’t dwell on the negative influences around you. Reaffirm your selfconfidence by channeling your abilities into a new hobby.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Keep yourself occupied today. Get together with some close friends or trusted relatives for some stimulating conversations. You will get moody and restless if you spend too much time alone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) You will unintentionally hurt some feelings if you act in haste today.

Spend your time studying up on one of your many interests, and stay away from conflicts and arguments.

news 19

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A section of the gathering at the Fort Wellington, Regional Democratic Council ground during the flag-raising ceremony

A

s Guyanese ushered in their 44th Republic Anniversary, residents of Region Five were urged to unite and work together in order to secure a brighter future by junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill.

On the eve of Guyana’s Republic Anniversary, Minister Edghill addressed a large gathering at the Fort Wellington Regional Office ground, who gathered for the symbolic flag-raising ceremony.

The evening proceedings got underway with the audience being treated to several cultural presentations, which all depicted this year’s theme for Mashramani, “Cultural folklore celebrat-

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Guyanese and working towards the ultimate realisation of one people, one nation, one destiny.” The minister called on the gathering to look away from the past and focus on the future as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has worked over the past 22 years to secure a bright future for all.

“Every Guyanese is guaranteed a secured future, we work hard to pave a way and charted a course to ensure that they have a future, we want to see a Guyana that is prosperous and a Guyana where the rights of all are respected,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported him as saying.

The Minister further lamented that the current ad-

Finance Minister escapes unhurt in accident

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Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill addressing the Region Five gathering

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ing 44”.

Each cultural presentation represented Guyana’s rich ethnic diversity through music, dance and drama.

From tasa drumming to steel pan music, contemporary Indian and African dances, the cultural programme did not fail to entertain the crowd.

Meanwhile, the youths who all made the cultural programme the success it was, were lauded for their efforts by Minister Edghill, who noted that the programme reflected energy, diversity and dynamism.

“The cultural programme is a true reflection of what it means to be great Guyanese and when we can cross the barriers of ethnicity, of class and village and we can come together and celebrate as

The Minister reminded the gathering that Guyana is coming from a history of that is full of suspicions and mistrust, and one where there has been disunity where there has been challenges and crisis.

“We have to ask ourselves, do we want to continue in that way or we want a brighter future, do we want to repeat the mistakes of the 60s, do we want experience of the 70s and the distressing times of the 80s, what you want is a future that is progressive and one that is bright.”

On this note, the Minister said that while the administration is doing its best to continue along the path of continued progress, a situation looms that will hold each citizen’s future in uncertainty.

“Tonight, I stand here with a heavy heart and that has to do with the fact that after we would have transformed Guyana’s economy… we have a very serious threat that is hanging over this country and that is the possibility of Guyana being blacklisted, if we don’t have the passage of the AML/CFT amendment bill.”

Alluding to the fact that the current administration has brought affordable housing, universal, primary, and secondary education, excellent healthcare to all Guyanese irrespective of their political affiliation, all Guyanese, he said are at risk of a bright future being snatched from them.

ministration has done their best to provide equal opportunity for all Guyanese, where the vulnerable are taken care of, and those who have made their contribution in the past can enjoy a bright future.

“For the last several years, the people of Guyana have entrusted the stewardship of the governing of this nation to the PPP/C and I am happy to report and I proudly declare that what the PPP has done over the last 22 years is something we can be proud of.”

Best yet to come

He however noted that while there is much to celebrate on this 44th Republic Anniversary, the best is yet to come under the PPP/C administration.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh Sunday evening escaped unhurt when his Pathfinder pick-up slammed into a car in Campbellville, Georgetown.

No one was hurt in the accident, but both vehicles were badly damaged.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

Australia v West Indies, U-19 World Cup, quarter-final…

Australia move into semis despite Pooran 143 A

t 70 for 8, Australia Under-19s looked like wrapping up West Indies Under-19s for a sub100 total, until they ran into Nicolas Pooran, who played the innings of the tournament to lift his team to 208.

The fightback went in vain as Australia coasted to victory by five wickets and set up a semi-final clash with South Africa on Wednesday.

The alarming trend of top-order collapses continued at the Dubai International Stadium and on Monday it was West Indies’ turn to suffer. Pooran, however, showed it was possible to bat 50 overs even after losing eight for nothing. The unsung hero was his partner Jerome Jones, who pitched a tent at the other end and ensured Pooran got as much strike as possible.

Pooran’s 143 constituted a staggering 69% of West Indies’ runs. His stand of 136 with Jones was a record for the ninth-wicket partnership in U-19 ODIs, and Jones contributed just 20.

Of the 23 boundaries in West Indies’ innings, Pooran hit 20, evidence of the control he had. He began by flicking Greg Walker to fine leg before clearing the infield on both sides of the wicket against the seamers. Pooran started farming the strike once Jones joined him at 70 for 8 but he showed enough trust in his partner’s batting ability.

Pooran turned down several singles and was successful in taking a single off the fourth ball on many occasions, letting Jones play the last two.

The 50 stand took only 47 balls and Pooran faced 39 of those. His driving and placement through the off side was crisp and the shot that stood out was his straight six off

Nicolas Pooran hit 20 of the 23 boundaries in West Indies’ innings

Walker, not just for the distance covered but also for the follow-through. Thomas Andrews was treated harshly, Pooran slogged him over deep midwicket and hit three sixes in the penultimate over.

Pooran deftly flicked Ben Ashkenazi to fine leg to move to 95 and two runs later their stand swelled to 83, breaking the record for the ninth wicket in U-19 one-dayers. He brought up his century with a flicked boundary to fine leg and had all but ensured that West Indies batted out 50 overs.

Australia’s fielding standards subsided as the partnership grew, with several fumbles and a run-out opportunity missed. Pooran had dug out a yorker and Jones charged out for the single but was sent back. The throw was too high. Pooran lost his middle stump in the final over and he walked back to warm gestures of appreciation from the Australians who each shook his hand.

SCOREBOARD West Indies Under-19s innings (50 overs maximum) SO Hetmyer b Stanlake 1 T Chanderpaul c Gregory b Walker 4 JL Solozano c Gregory b Bazley 10 JA Drakes lbw b Walker 0 N Pooran† b Walker 143 BA King c †McDermott b Ashkenazi 7 RA Lewis* b Ashkenazi 1 G Moti-Kanhai c Mortimer b Andrews 1 BNL Charles c & b Andrews 1 JJ Jones run out (†McDermott/Walker) 20 ROO Jordan not out 0 Extras: (lb 2, w 18) 20 Total: (all out; 49.5 overs) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Hetmyer, 2.6 ov), 2-7 (Chanderpaul, 3.5 ov), 3-7 (Drakes, 3.6 ov), 4-32 (Solozano, 13.3 ov), 5-52 (King, 18.5 ov), 6-64 (Lewis, 22.3 ov), 7-66 (Moti-Kanhai, 24.4 ov), 8-70 (Charles, 26.3 ov), 9-206 (Jones, 49.1 ov), 10-208 (Pooran, 49.5 ov)

Bowling: B Stanlake 8-1-161 (1-w), G Walker 9.5-0-443 (3-w), MW Short 2-0-100, JJ Bazley 10-1-35-1 (4-w), B Ashkenazi 10-0-37-2 (4-w), AJ Gregory 2-1-7-0 (1-w), TD Andrews 8-0-57-2 (1-w) Australia Under-19s innings (target: 209 runs from 50 overs) MW Short c & b Jordan 52 J Morgan c Solozano b Charles 55 D Mortimer st †Pooran b Charles 12 J Doran not out 49 AJ Gregory* b Jordan 3 BR McDermott† c Moti-Kanhai b Jones 29 JJ Bazley not out 0 Extras: (lb 6, w 3) 9 Total: (5 wickets; 46.4 overs) 209 Fall of wickets: 1-107 (Morgan, 20.6 ov), 2-112 (Short, 21.5 ov), 3-144 (Mortimer, 32.4 ov), 4-151 (Gregory, 35.5 ov), 5-204 (McDermott, 45.5 ov) Bowling: JJ Jones 9-0-33-1 (1-w), ROO Jordan 8.4-1-34-2 (2-w), G Moti-Kanhai 10-0-44-0, RA Lewis 9-0-51-0, BNL Charles 10-0-41-2

Poor batting West Indies may not have managed a par score, but it was a fighting one, which also looked unlikely given how they had begun. Australia bowled five seamers in the first 25 overs and induced several mistakes. They stuck to fuller lengths but it was the extra pace and hint of movement that the batsmen found tough to negotiate.

Billy Stanlake bowled one of the best deliveries of the tournament - a fast, inswinging yorker - to uproot Shimron Hetmeyer’s middle stump.

The left-hand opener barely had time to get his bat down to dig it out and the quality of the delivery was enough to dent the psyche of the rest.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, West Indies’ in-form batsman, pushed at a delivery from Walker that moved away and edged to slip.

Walker was on a hat-trick after he trapped Jonathan Drakes lbw padding up to one that came back in.

Jeremy Solozano attempted an expansive drive off James Bazley and edged to slip, where Alex Gregory took a sharp, high catch.

West Indies lost half their side for 52 when Brandon King edged Ashkenazi to the wicketkeeper. Ashkenazi then flattened Ramaal Lewis’ middle stump before the left-arm spinner Andrews dismissed Gudakesh Motie and Bryan Charles in similar manner. Australia had to wait 23 overs for their next breakthrough.

Australia were carried by a solid opening stand of 107 between Jaron Morgan and Matthew Short. Morgan began with back-to-back boundaries off Jones, pulled wide of midwicket and the second over the bowler’s head.

Morgan had a close call earlier in his innings when he went down the track to Lewis, only for the wicketkeeper to fumble the stumping. (Cricinfo)

South Africa v Australia, 2nd Test, Port Elizabeth, 4th day…

South Africa defy Rogers and rain threat to win

I

t doesn’t matter how accurate the South Africa Meteorological Department is.

Dale Steyn’s spell-binding afternoon burst of reverse swing inspired the home side to a 231-run victory in the dying moments of the fourth day to level the series. South Africa ripped out nine wickets in the evening session while Australia lost 10 for 90 in total after an opening stand of 126 between Chris Rogers and David Warner.

With a poor forecast for the final day, Graeme Smith, who declared 40 minutes before lunch, was desperate to wrap up the win and not leave anything resting on the vagaries of the climate. He claimed the extra half an hour, which began with Australia seven down, and Steyn claimed his fourth when he trapped Ryan Harris

Dale Steyn picked up four wickets as South Africa thumped Australia by 231 runs in the Port Elizabeth Test

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings 423 Australia 1st innings 246 South Africa 2nd innings GC Smith* b Johnson 14 D Elgar c †Haddin b Siddle 16 HM Amla not out 127 F du Plessis c †Haddin b Siddle 24 AB de Villiers† c †Haddin b Johnson 29 Q de Kock c Clarke b Lyon 34 JP Duminy not out 18 Extras: (b 2, lb 6) 8 Total: (5 wickets dec; 64 overs; 298 mins) 270 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Smith, 4.1 ov), 2-42 (Elgar, 11.6 ov), 3-112 (du Plessis, 25.5 ov), 4-167 (de Villiers, 36.6 ov), 5-231 (de Kock, 56.6 ov) Bowling: MG Johnson 15-1-512, RJ Harris 13-1-74-0, NM Lyon 17-2-48-1, PM Siddle 19-2-89-2 Australia 2nd innings (target: 448 runs) CJL Rogers run out (sub [AN Petersen]) 107

DA Warner lbw b Duminy 66 AJ Doolan c Smith b Morkel 5 SE Marsh lbw b Philander 0 MJ Clarke* c du Plessis b Steyn 1 SPD Smith lbw b Steyn 0 BJ Haddin† b Steyn 1 MG Johnson lbw b Philander 6 RJ Harris lbw b Steyn 6 PM Siddle not out 3 NM Lyon lbw b Elgar 0 Extras: (b 2, lb 17, w 2) 21 Total: (all out; 73.4 overs; 337 mins) 216 Fall of wickets: 1-126 (Warner, 29.2 ov), 2-152 (Doolan, 42.6 ov), 3-153 (Marsh, 43.6 ov), 4-156 (Clarke, 48.4 ov), 5-156 (Smith, 48.5 ov), 6-166 (Haddin, 52.6 ov), 7-197 (Johnson, 59.1 ov), 8-209 (Harris, 68.6 ov), 9-214 (Rogers, 72.1 ov), 10-216 (Lyon, 73.4 ov) Bowling: DW Steyn 20-5-55-4 (2-w), VD Philander 17-3-39-2, M Morkel 15-6-46-1, JP Duminy 14-3-33-1, D Elgar 7.4-0-24-1

with an iffy lbw. Rogers, who had compiled a magnificent fourth Test hundred, was run out by the substitute fielder Alviro Petersen at mid-off to end a 237-ball stay then, when Smith was told the light was too poor for his quick bowlers, Dean Elgar trapped Nathan Lyon lbw although subsequent replays showed he had found a thin edge but Australia had no reviews left.

Given the way South Africa had been hammered in Centurion, the issues they faced over the balance of their side, the lack of a main spinner, the loss of one of their frontline bowlers and a pitch that did its best to defy fast bowling it will have to go down as one of their finest victories. (Cricinfo)

Gary Kirsten open to England coaching role in 10 years

W

orld Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten says he would consider the England job - but only in 10 years' time.

The ex-India and South Africa boss, 46, recently ruled himself out of the vacant England role for family reasons.

Kirsten had been identified by many as the ideal man to succeed Andy Flower, who left following the Ashes whitewash.

"Any position of this nature that requires a lot of travelling might be a consideration later in life," Kirsten told BBC Radio 5 live's

Sportsweek.

"I've got really young kids so we are talking 10 years from now, and I'm sure in 10 years people would have forgotten about me!"

With ex-England spinner and current limited-overs coach Ashley Giles favourite to replace Flower, Kirsten also confirmed he had received no approach from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

But he added: "I would regard any position of that nature as a privilege.

"I'm not really at a time in my life where I could accept it because of the na-

ture of my family situation.

I need to spend some time at home."

An opening batsman, Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for his native South Africa in a decade-long international career.

Then, as a coach, he took both India and the Proteas to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings, as well as winning the 2011 World Cup with India.

He announced in May 2013 that he would step down as South Africa coach at the end of his contract three months later. (BBC Sport)

monday, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Team Coco sweeps Burnham Memorial cycling – Jeffrey, Anthony and Niles are category winners

By Avenash Ramzan

R

aynauth Jeffrey, Michael Anthony and Junior Niles combined to give Team Coco (Guyana) a clean sweep of the three categories of the fifth annual Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham Memorial cycling race on Sunday.

Competing in the twostage race, Jeffrey copped top honours in the Senior category, Anthony carted off the Junior spoils, and Niles took care of the Veteran division.

The first stage took place from Linden to Homestretch Avenue, while stage two started in front of the Ocean View International Hotel, proceeded to Belfield, East Coast Demerara, and returned to the start point for the finish.

Jeffrey, who ended third on both stages, clocked an overall time of three hours,

Geron Williams won the first stage for Linden to Georgetown (Photos: Avenash Ramzan)

Raynauth Jeffrey receives his cash incentive from Vincent Alexander of the Burnham Foundation

52 minutes, 47 seconds (03h: 52m: 47s), leaving Anthony to settle for second, followed by Hamzah Eastman, Shaquille Agard, Niles and Godfrey Pollydore in that order.

In the Junior division, Anthony led Agard and Alonzo Ambrose, who had to settle for second and third respectively, while Niles won ahead of Raymond Newton and Talim Shaw in

the Veteran showdown.

The opening stage was won by Geron Williams in a time of two hours, 52 minutes, 08 seconds (02h: 52m: 08s). He was followed by Alanzo Greaves, Jeffrey, Anthony, Eastman, Agard, Paul Choo Wee Nam and Christopher Holder in that

order.

Niles won stage two in exactly one hour. Pollydore, Jeffrey, Eastman, Ambrose, Agard and Newton followed Niles, gaining the “bunch” time.

The race was sponsored by the Burnham Foundation and organised by the Guyana

Cycling Federation (GCF).

Approximately $200,000 in cash was presented to the outstanding riders.

The race was held to coincide with Burnham›s 91st birth anniversary, and was witnessed by members of the foundation, led by Vincent Alexander.

Russia tops Winter Olympics

Athlete marshals come together to form the Russian flag in Sochi at the 2014 Winter Olympics at Fisht Olympic Stadium

Closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics

Host nation Russia finished on top of the medal table as the 22nd Winter Olympics came to a close in Sochi on Sunday after 17 days of competition.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach officially closed the Games during an extravagant 130-minute ceremony.

South Korea were given the Olympic flag as Pyeongchang hosts the 2018 Games.

Britain equalled their best Winter Olympics performance with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

The build-up to the Games was overshadowed by concerns over the threat of a terrorist attack and the impact of protests against Russian anti-gay legislation.

But Bach said Russia and the Black Sea resort city of Sochi had “delivered all that it promised” and risen above the concerns to deliver an impressive Olympics.

“These were excellent Games that may lead to the reversal of some criticism of the Russian organisers that preceded the Olympics,” he said.

Bach used his speech at the closing ceremony in the Fisht Stadium to emphasise Olympic values.

“By living together under one roof in the Olympic Village you send a powerful message from Sochi to the world, that of a society of peace, tolerance and respect,” he said.

“I appeal to everybody implicated in confrontation, oppression and violence to act on this Olympic message of dialogue and peace.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who watched the ceremony from the stands and made several appearances at the Games to oversee the nation’s investment of £600m in elite sport, did not get his wish of a gold medal in the ice hockey.

But victory for the four-

man Russian bobsleigh team gave the host nation their 13th gold medal of the Games - and 33 medals in total - to ensure they topped the medal table, emulating Canada’s achievement four years ago.

It marked a stunning turnaround from the 2010 Vancouver Games where Russia won just 15 medals, including three golds, to finish 11th overall - their worst ever result.

“People kept asking me whether I believed Russia could do as well as Canada did in Vancouver and I didn’t believe it,” said Russian Alexander Legkov, who won gold in the 50km cross-country.

“Now this is our pride, it’s wonderful. What could be better than ending the Olympics with a gold medal and helping Russia top the medal table?”

The Games cost £30bn, making Sochi the most expensive Olympics ever, and featured a record 2,800 ath-

Russia fans at the 22nd Winter Olympics

letes from 88 countries, with 12 new events added to attract young audiences.

But there were also six failed drugs tests - five more than in Vancouver - as the most extensive anti-doping programme in Winter Olympics history saw a record 2,453 tests carried out.

The host nation’s problem with stray dogs has been well documented and struck a chord with many competing athletes.

Many have adopted dogs, while US ice hockey player David Backes is working on plans to open a shelter back home and bring the strays

over.

Organisers made a joke at their own expense in the closing ceremony as dancers formed themselves into four rings and a small clump in a nod to the malfunction in the opening ceremony, when one of the Olympic rings failed to open. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

Britton wins men’s singles

Reece wins again

– Edghill takes female title

By Treiston Joseph

S

hemar Britton was virtually unstoppable on Saturday as the young racquet wielder played without losing a set point to win the National Sports Commission (NSC) table tennis men’s singles on Saturday at the National Gymnasium.

Britton came up against former national champion Nigel Bryan, who was a bit rusty due to his lack of training time, and took down Bryan in four straight sets.

Britton attacked from the get go, forcing Bryan on the defensive with power shots that Bryan found tough to handle, as he won the first set 11-3.

Bryan who got his eye in against Britton played a better second set as he started to use his trademark loop shot that Britton struggled to counter, but displayed his delicate touch with the use of his forehand to come back and win the set 13-11.

Britton would then down Bryan 11-7 in the third set and dominated the final set

N

The awardees

Shemar Britton

Chelsea Edghill

11-6.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Edghill overcame a troublesome Natalie Cummings to win the women’s title 4-2 in their encounter.

Cummings wasted no time in showing her aggression, pegging Edghill down to win the first set 12-10 before Edghill would show great skill to win the second set 13-11.

Cummings’ power was in full display in the third set, as she out shot Edghill with brute force to dominate the set and win it 11-2.

However, Edghill would show great character after a light break to compose herself, before going on to win the next three sets straight at 11-5, 11-7 and 11-7.

Meanwhile, Britton would also play undefeated to win the male under 21 title by defeating Elishaba Johnson 4-0 at 11-8, 11-5, 11-8 and 11-8.

The novice category was won by Nicholas Romain who defeated Brad Hutson 3-1 at 11-3, 11-6, 11-13 and 11-7.

Somwaru retained as GCUC president

eil Reece, for the fourth straight year, has been awarded at the most outstanding cyclist in Berbice.

The aware came as the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) held its annual prize giving and awards ceremony for 2013 on Saturday.

Reece, who was not present at the ceremony, was awarded the Berbice River Bridge Trophy.

Syborne Fernandes was the runner-up athlete and the most outstanding veteran. The senior rider was the only club member to have finished in the top three in an event outside of Berbice last year.

The other riders awarded were Wazim Hassnu; for his outstanding performances in 2013; Elijah Bijadder, the top junior wheeler; and Adrel Ross as his runner up.

Coach of the club Randolph Roberts noted that, for the first time in years, the club is without female riders.

He also spoke of some of the challenges that were encountered during 2013 and took the opportunity to thank those who supported the club.

In 2013, the FACC or-

Syborne Fernandes recieving his trophy

ganized ten events, which were the most cycling events organized by any club in the country.

Roberts expressed his gratitude to Banks DIH, the Guyana Beverage Company, Furniture World, Berbice River Bridge Company Inc, Benjamin Sports, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Anthony’s Funeral Home, Feroz Grocery and Bounty Farm.

Roberts said the club was extremely grateful that the management of Water Chris Hotel has allowed the

club’s athletes to stay at no cost when preparing for and participating in cycling events in Georgetown.

Last year, the FCC was crippled when some of its better riders departed and joined the newly formed Trojan Cycling Club.

However Roberts said that the club is more united now and the riders who are with the club form a stronger unit.

The FACC was the first club in Guyana to hold an event for 2014. To date the club has organized two races for the year.

Liverpool edges Swansea

J

Members of the GCUC executive. Standing from right are Heuvel Cunha, Dawchand Nagassar, M Yosef-Yisrael and Zaheer Mohamed. Sitting from right are Shannon Crawford, Dhieranidranauth Somwaru, Eddie Nicholls and Areligh Rutheford. Missing are Zabeer Zakier and Nigel Duguid

D

hieranidranauth Somwaru was reelected unopposed as president of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC), when the body held its Biannual General Meeting at the Georgetown Cricket Club on Friday.

Shannon Crawford was

returned as the Vicepresident, while Nigel Duguid retained his position as the secretary. Former international umpire Eddie Nicholls will serve as treasurer, Arleigh Rutherford is the new assistant secretary treasurer, and Zaheer Mohamed is the public rela-

tions officer. The committee members are Heuvel Cunha, Zabeer Zakier, Dawchand Nagassar and M. YosefYisrael. Speaking after the elections, Somwaru thanked the members for their confidence and urged the executive to work together for the development of the council.

ordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge scored twice as Liverpool beat Swansea in a thriller to tighten their grip on fourth place in the Premier League.

Sturridge’s opener came two minutes in and Henderson soon bent in a second.

But Jonjo Shelvey pulled one back with a fine 20-yard shot and Wilfried Bony headed in off Martin Skrtel to level.

Sturridge headed in his second from Luis Suarez’s cross but Bony pulled Swansea level from the penalty spot before Henderson stabbed in the winner.

The best and worst of Liverpool was once again on show as the Reds closed the gap to Premier League lead-

ers Chelsea to four points.

But manager Brendan Rodgers was once again relying on his team’s attacking class to override its defensive deficiencies as they maintained their bid to end a five-season exile from the Champions League.

There were flashes of fine forward play as Sturridge became only the second player to score in eight consecutive Premier League matches, taking his tally to 18 league goals for the season in the process.

The Reds are now the Premier League’s top scorers with 70 goals but looked ragged at the back far too often for Rodgers’s comfort.

Garry Monk’s Swansea, who remain four points above the relegation zone, deserve

credit for the way they fought back from Liverpool’s early goals, and showed no little quality themselves after the exertions of Thursday’s goalless draw with Napoli in the Europa League.

The hosts moved in front after just two minutes when Raheem Sterling played through Sturridge, who took the ball around visiting keeper Michel Vorm and clipped it into an empty net.

But the Reds were far from convincing, and Swansea had created two chances for Bony before Henderson doubled their advantage.

Sturridge chased down a long ball from Suarez and drifted in from the right before laying off for Henderson to bend a shot into the top corner. (BBC Sport)

monday, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

guyanatimesGY.com

NSC Mashramani badminton concludes

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) annual Mashramani age group tournament was played off at the weekend at the Queens College Badminton Courts.

The tournament was well attended by players from schools around Georgetown in the under-11, under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19 events.

Both of Guyana’s top players, siblings Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani, defended their titles by winning most of the events and maintaining their strong form of being Guyana’s best, not only at this tournament but throughout the years.

They boast of a record of never losing an age group tournament or any tournament locally for over five years.

Below are the results

Priyanna Ramdhani (backing camera) during one of her games

of the various finals: * Under-11 Boys Singles: Elan Rahaman defeated Vikash Mootoo 21-6, 21-8 * Under-11 Girls Singles: Sarah Samad defeated Jayde DaSilva 21-4 * Under-13 Boys Singles: Elan Rahaman defeated Tyreese Richards 21-15 * Under-13 Girls Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Abosaide Cadogan 21-4, 21-4 * Under-15 Boys Singles: Hemraj Beharry defeated Joshua Singh 21-6, 21-8 * Under-15 Girls Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Abosaide Cadogan 21-8, 21-3 * Under-17 Boys Singles: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Jonathan Mangra 21-11, 2114 * Under-17 Girls Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Ambika Ramraj 21-5, 21-11 * Under-19 Boys singles: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Jonathan Mangra 21-14, 21-11

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Novice powerlifting championship set for April 6

T

he Guyana Amateur P o w e r l i f t i n g Federation (GAPF) has identified April 6 as the date for the hosting of the annual novice and junior powerlifting championships, following an executive meeting on Friday.

According to Public Relations Officer of the GAPF Paul Adams, a venue has not yet been decided, but several locations have been earmarked for consideration.

“These venues will be inspected and the most suitable one chosen,” Adams said in a press release.

“Novice is the stepping stone for up and coming powerlifting stars, as well as the seasoned junior athletes, who will vie for the title of national junior powerlifting champion,” he added.

Athletes interested in competing are asked to contact Adams via email, joe_ grine_2k6@hotmail.com, cell phone number 6416021, or any other mem-

Paul Adams

ber of the GAPF executive body.

The deadline for registration is March 28 and the competition registration fee is $1,000.

“Entrants who are not registered members of the GAPF will be required to register prior to competing.

Applicants are being urged to register on time so as to allow adequate provision of trophies for competitors in the respective weight categories,” said Adams.

Love drops first career BCB holds triple-double in win K

emba Walker scored 31 points and the Charlotte Bobcats won for the fourth time in five nights, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 92-89 Saturday night.

Charlotte is 4-0 since the All-Star break, marking its longest winning streak since March 2011.

The Bobcats used an 18-3 run in the fourth quarter to break open a tight game and then held on down the stretch with Walker making four free throws in the final 25 seconds to snap Memphis’ four-game win streak.

The Bobcats won despite the Grizzlies holding Al Jefferson to just six points on 2-of-13 shooting. Jefferson came in having scored 29 points or more in eight of his last 11 games and at least 20 points in 17 of the last 19.

The Grizzlies were led

by Mike Conley, who had 16 points but missed two 3-pointers on Memphis’ final possession that would have tied the game.

TIMBERWOLVES 121, JAZZ 104

Kevin Love had 37 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double to help Minnesota cruise past Utah.

Minnesota was again playing without starters Nikola Pekovic (ankle) and Kevin Martin (finger), but Love filled the void, keeping one step ahead of the Jazz through the game. He compiled all his statistics in 32 minutes to earn a spot on the bench for the final nine minutes of the Wolves’ third runaway win against the Jazz this season.

Ricky Rubio had 15 points, and Corey Brewer and Chase Budinger scored 13 apiece as the Wolves won their third straight for just their third streak of three-plus victories.

Enes Kanter couldn’t stop

Love, but had success against him on the offensive end, scoring 25 points for the Jazz, who dropped their third in a row after a season-best three-game win streak.

the third quarter to take a 7473 lead on Lou Williams’ 3 early in the fourth.

The Hawks never trailed again.

WARRIORS 93, NETS 86

Nene made the go-ahead dunk with 0.9 seconds left and matched a season high with 30 points to propel Washington past New Orleans.

Washington trailed 93-92 when Anthony Davis hit two free throws with seven seconds left. After a timeout, the Wizards inbounded to John Wall, who dribbled to the lane, drew the defense, and dished to a cutting Nene, who slammed the ball with his right hand. It was the 12th assist of the night for Wall.

The play spoiled a big performance by Davis, who had 26 points and 11 rebounds.

Anthony Morrow added 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting.

But their efforts were trumped by Nene, who made 13 of 19 shots. With Wall and Beal, the Wizards’ top two threats, combining for just 21 points, Washington turned to its frontcourt. Center Marcin Gortat contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Jermaine O’Neal had season highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds, Stephen Curry banked in a big 3-pointer in the final minute to finish with 17 points, and Golden State held off Brooklyn for its third straight victory since the AllStar break.

With Andrew Bogut sidelined with a left shoulder injury and David Lee out with a stomach flu, O’Neal and Draymond Green more than filled the void in the absence of Golden State’s frontcourt regulars. O’Neal shot 10 for 13 from the floor, and Green scored a career-best 18 points to go with 10 rebounds.

Deron Williams had 20 points and six assists, and Joe Johnson scored 15 points for a Nets team that made just 2 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc.

HAWKS 107, KNICKS 98

Mike Scott scored a careerhigh 30 points, Jeff Teague added 28 and Atlanta snapped an eight-game losing streak by beating New York.

Carmelo Anthony finished with 35 points for the Knicks, who blew a double-digit, thirdquarter lead for the second straight night.

New York has lost two straight and seven of nine to fall 5½ games behind Atlanta for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Atlanta began the game without All-Star forward Paul Millsap, who sustained a right knee contusion late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s loss at Detroit, but the Hawks rallied from a 17-point deficit in

WIZARDS 94, PELICANS 93

PACERS 110, BUCKS 110

Paul George scored 32 points and David West tied a season high with 30, helping Indiana hang on to beat Milwaukee.

Lance Stephenson added 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Pacers, who had lost three of their previous five games. Stephenson scored seven straight points to open the fourth quarter.

Brandon Knight scored 30 points for Milwaukee, including 20 in the first half. Khris Middleton added 13.

With the Pacers leading by seven at the end of the third quarter, Stephenson

opened the fourth with a pair of inside scores and a 3-pointer, extending the lead to 8268. Milwaukee kept the game close into the final minutes, but West hit a jumper with 48 seconds left to help put away the game.

fund raiser

KINGS 105, CELTICS 98

Rudy Gay scored eight of his 22 points over the final six minutes, Isaiah Thomas added 21 points and matched his career high with 12 assists, and Sacramento beat Boston.

DeMarcus Cousins had 13 points, while Derrick Williams and Carl Landry added 10 points apiece off the bench for Sacramento. The Kings never trailed and limited the Celtics to one basket over the final 7½ minutes after Boston tied the game midway through the fourth quarter.

Jeff Green scored 29 on 7-of25 shooting for the Celtics, who played without Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger.

MAVERICKS 113, PISTONS 102

Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, Vince Carter added 18 and Dallas held off Detroit.

Dallas had surprising success on the boards against Detroit’s imposing front line.

The Mavericks finished with 16 offensive rebounds. The Pistons, who came in as the NBA’s top team in that department, had only nine.

Detroit star Andre Drummond was in foul trouble all night and finished with only eight points and three rebounds in just under 20 minutes of action.

Josh Smith kept the Pistons in the game for a while and finished with 32 points, his most since signing with Detroit last offseason.

Monta Ellis had 12 points and 13 assists for the Mavericks. (AP)

Roxane Padumah pulls one of the winning tickets, while Secretary of the BCB Anil beharry and Second Vice President Hubern Evans look on

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), in an effort to develop cricket, and more particularly at the junior level, held a fund raiser in the form of a raffle, which was drawn at the board’s New Amsterdam office on Friday.

Second Vice President of the BCB Hubern Evans, speaking at the drawing, thanked all those who supported the event through the selling of thickets.

He also thanked all those who donated prizes towards the fund raiser.

The first prize of one 19inch flat screen television set was won by ticket num-

ber 0002081, while ticket number 0003584 won the second prize of a washing machine.

The third prize of one micro wave oven went to ticket number 0003183. Fourth prize is one three-burner gas stove and that was won by ticket number 0004058.

Secretary of the BCB Anil Beharry is asking all winners to call the board’s office at 333-2375 so that arrangements can be made for the presentation of the prizes.

Beharry said persons have 90 days from Friday’s drawing to claim their prizes.

monday, FEBRUARY 24, 2014

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

TOP SCORES

Smith, Powell set up West Indies victory W

est Indies made use of a solid opening partnership between Dwayne Smith and Kieran Powell to beat Ireland by four wickets in their one-off One Day International at Sabina Park, Jamaica on Sunday.

This was West Indies’ second victory on the trot following an 11-run win against the same opponent in a Twenty20 International match on Friday to draw the two-match series.

West Indies started in a hurry with Smith and Powell attacking the Irish bowlers and sharing 100 runs for the first wicket.

Smith, who was drafted in the team to replace an injured Chris Gayle, made good on this opportunity and raced to 55 off 53 balls.

Ireland brought themselves back into the match when Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo went in quick succession.

But Powell stayed around for a well played 57 off 72 balls.

INSIDE TODAY’S SPORT

Britton P wins men’s singles 22

Dwayne Bravo (3-36) and Nikita Miller (2-30) were the pick of the bowlers.

Ireland, with one win from three matches on tour of the Caribbean, will switch attention to the International Cricket

Council (ICC) World Twenty20 Tournament in Bangladesh.

West Indies will engage in England in a three-match ODI series in Antigua followed by three T20s in Barbados.

SCOREBOARD

West Indies celebrate their victory over Irelandin their one-off ODI at Sabina Park

Captain Dwayne Bravo had a quickfire 35 to bring the West Indies closer to their target.

Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy were left un-

beaten at the end left to carry the West Indies home.

Earlier, Ireland recovered from 78 for 4 to reach 202 all out, thanks mainly to a 45-run stand be-

tween Gary Wilson (62) and Kevin O’Brien (22). Stuart Thompson also frustrated the West Indies’ bowlers with a stubbon 33.

Jason Holder (3-34),

W Porterfield* c Ramdin b Cummins 25 P Stirling b Holder 4 E Joyce c Holder b Dwayne Bravo 25 Niall O'Brien c Ramdin b Dwayne Bravo 12 G Wilson+ c Edwards b Sammy 62 Kevin O'Brien c & b Miller 22 A Poynter c Ramdin b Miller 3 S Thompson c Powell b Holder 33 M Sorensen b Holder 1 G Dockrell c & b Dwayne Bravo 1 T Murtagh not out 2 Total: 202 All Out (49.2 Overs) Extras: (lb 2, w 7, nb 3) 12 Fall of Wickets: 1-6 (Stirling, 2.5 ov), 2-54 (Porterfield, 11.2 ov), 3-69 (Joyce, 16.5 ov), 4-78 (NJ O'Brien, 20.5 ov), 5-123 (KJ O'Brien, 32.2 ov), 6-132 (Poynter, 36.3 ov), 7-193 (Wilson, 47.1 ov), 8-198 (Sorensen, 48.1 ov), 9-199 (Thompson, 48.3 ov), 10-202 (Dockrell, 49.2 ov) West Indies Bowling: J Holder 9-1-34-3, M Cummins 6-1-42-

1, Dwayne Bravo 9.2-0-36-3, D Sammy 8-0-29-1, N Miller 100-30-2, M Samuels 7-0-29-0.

West Indies (Target; 203) D Smith c Wilson b Thompson 55 K Powell st Wilson b Stirling 57 K Edwards run out (Dockrell) 2 Darren Bravo c Wilson b Thompson 1 Dwayne Bravo* c Thompson b Sorensen 35 D Ramdin+ LBW Dockrell 15 M Samuels not out 26 D Sammy not out 1 Total: 205/6 (36.4 Overs) Extras: (lb 5, w 8) 13 Did not Bat: J Holder, M Cummins, N Miller Fall of Wickets: 1-100 (Smith, 16.5 ov), 2-105 (Edwards, 18.3 ov), 3-108 (DM Bravo, 20.5 ov), 4-160 (DJ ravo, 28.5 ov), 5-172 (Powell, 31.2 ov), 6-190 (Ramdin, 34.6 ov) Ireland Bowling: M Sorensen 4-0-34-1, T Murtagh 6-1-41-0, G Dockrell 9.4-1-48-1, P Stirling 10-2-42-1, Kevin O'Brien 3-018-0, S Thompson 4-0-17-2.

Team Coco sweeps Burnham Memorial cycling See story on page

21

– Jeffrey, Anthony and Niles are category winners

The various category winners pose with their prizes and members of the Burnham Foundation (Photo: Avenash Ramzan) GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, Tel: 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230, 223-7231, Fax: 227-0685 - SALES AND MARKETING - sales@guyanatimesgy.com PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.