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UNICEF to undertake cluster survey on Guyana’s children P2 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, May 31, 2013

Issue No. 1785

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana gets November deadline to pass bill

Rohee P3 upbraids police for shoddy investigations

See story on page 7

Establishment of procurement body requires mature politics – Edghill

See story on page 9

Woman P8 charged for Vergenoegen murder

CANU gets vehicles to boost P10 operations

Members of the Cuban medical brigade that has been serving Guyana for the past two years and Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran (fourth from right standing) at a ceremony to honour the contributions of these stalwart medical practitioners. See story on page 12 (Carl Croker photo)

Canal Number Two farmers reeling from flooding See story on page 11

Cricketer charged for murder on Orange Walk

See story on page 8

Gonsalves says private P12 sector should set up regional ferry service

Govt to P13 focus on special needs education – Manickchand

2news

friday, may 31, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

UNICEF to undertake cluster survey on Guyana’s children

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is in the process of partnering with government to undertake a multiple indicator cluster survey of the country through which information pertaining to the most vulnerable populations can be up to date and available. UNICEF resident representative Dr Suleiman Braimoh revealed that the survey will be undertaken particularly with reference to children and those living with disability in the country. Dr Braimoh stated that society must shift its focus to realising and understanding that issues relating to disability are not only about access to education, but involves participation in general.

Full participation

“We must focus in such a way to ensure full participation of these children.” Dr Braimoh said a good start to refocusing efforts towards children would be the generations of requisite data to plan and design a programme targeted at ensuring their participation in society.

The UN representative is of the opinion that stakeholders at the country, international and development assistance levels must ensure children in all ranges enjoy their rights to the fullest. Dr Braimoh stressed that children should not be treated as members on the fringes of society, but must be incorporated into the mainstream of society.

countries with already limited resources. Dr Braimoh described as unfortunate, the fact that developing countries, such as Guyana, do not have a comprehensive view of the situation, although there is some insight as to the number of children enrolled in special needs education schools.

First steps

Mainstream society

“This is not something we talk about today and then tomorrow it goes into the background of our deliberations. Children with disabilities are children too. They deserve to be part of mainstream society.” In 2005, UNICEF in partnership with the National Commission on Disability (NCD) and Office of the President undertook a survey of 1500 persons living with disabilities in Regions Four, Six, Seven and Nine. Dr Braimoh said 61 per cent of the respondents were found to have accessed mainstream education, 39 per cent were unable to access a mainstream education while 15 per cent had

Dr Suleiman Braimoh

never attended school. “This is what UNICEF is interested in. We are interested in the most vulnerable; they are the ones in need of more support and assistance,” the UNICEF representative remarked. He pointed out that this year’s focus would be on children with disabilities described as humans below the age of 18 with long-term physical, mental, intellectual and sensory impairment, which

may during interaction with various barriers hinder the full, effective communication and participation in society on an equal basis with others. There are at least one billion people globally with one or more disability based on the definition provided and of these 10 per cent are children. Since 80 per cent of these children live in developing countries, the major burden of ensuring they are able to participate in society rest on such

He also lamented that those schools are only located in urban areas along the coastland with little or no penetration in the hinterland and interior communities given the peculiar terrain there. Studies have found that the first steps towards inclusion are taken at home during the early years. If children with disabilities do not receive love, sensory stimulation, adequate health-care and social inclusion, to which they are entitled, they can miss important developmental milestones and their potential may be unfairly limited with significant social and economic implications for themselves, the families and societies in which they live. Early identification of disability is important since

approximately 80 per cent of the brain’s capacity develops before the age of three and because the period between birth and primary school provides opportunities to tailor developmental education to the child’s needs. Studies also suggest that children who are at a greater disadvantage stand to benefit the most. A child whose disability or developmental delay is identified at an early stage will have a much better chance of reaching his/ her full capacity. Scientific evidence has shown that several preconditions must co-exist to ensure that children get the best start in life and the opportunity to thrive. Effective and responsive care of young children by the primary caregiver, family and community, access to and use of quality basic social services and a supportive social policy, environment in place, well implemented interventions combining early childhood development, health, nutrition, education and protection interventions increase the likelihood that a child will reach his/her full potential.

Caricom-Germany cooperation places focus Moco Moco Bridge on climate change, renewable energy to be rehabilitated

limate Change, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and Natural Resources Management and Biodiversity will be the focus of Germany’s assistance to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for the programming period to 2018. This was reiterated recently when a German delegation met here to review the Caricom-Germany technical cooperation programme, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release. The German delegation was led by Ullrich Kinne, deputy head of mission for the German Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, while the Caricom team was

led by Percival Marie, executive director of Resource Mobilisation and Technical Assistance (RMTA). While outlining the areas of focus for the current programming period, the German delegation also pointed out that the Caricom Secretariat was regarded as Germany’s major development partner in the Caribbean for the planning and coordination of regional projects. Projects which have been approved over the last three years under the Caricom-Germany cooperation programme have involved the provision of German resources in excess

of 60million euros. The current portfolio of German-funded regional projects includes three projects in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention, two in renewable energy, two in climate change, and one in natural resources management.The meeting was notified of the priorities of the community and in particular of recently approved policies for agriculture, nutrition and food security, crime and security, aid for trade, and Information Communication Technology for Development. With regard to the Post-2015 Development Agenda, the German delegation pointed out its awareness of the special developmental constraints of the region and indicated an interest in holding discussions on an appropriate definition of development which took into consideration those constraints.

– Minister Benn

ublic Works Minister Robeson Benn said the Moco Moco Bridge in South Rupununi, Region Nine that collapsed earlier this month, will be rehabilitated using elements from the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The minister said that the engineering work has been done, and a design drawn-up; however, the cost is being contemplated. While there would be some modifications to the structure, the minister said the collapse would not be repeated. Several weeks ago, a truck loaded with a bulldozer collapsed while crossing the bridge. This incident was not due to the weight of the truck and bulldozer, but as

a result of several pillars of the structure being shifted by a heavy torrential stream. Additionally, the 400-foot dam was washed away on the same day, the government information angency reported. Access to communities beyond the bridge, however, is still available through the St Ignatius Bridge. The equipment involved in the accident is owned by V Dalip Enterprise and was heading to Lethem from the Deep South Rupununi after completing work on the Waradapo Bridge. No one was injured in the incident. Heavy-duty vehicles traversing the route usually use the creek bed during the dry season.

News

friday, may 31, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

bridge openings

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, May 31, from 10:00h to 11:30h. The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, May 31, from 09:25h to 10:25h.

Weather

Countrywide: Cloudy to overcast conditions can be expected with intermittent rainfall and thundershowers over some coastal regions and areas in Regions Seven and 10. Elsewhere, partly sunny conditions can be expected with brief isolated showers. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 33.5 degrees Celsius over coastal areas and near inland locations. Waves: Moderate, reaching about 1.8 metres in open waters. Winds: North-easterly to easterly at zero to 10 metres per second, gusting at times over some areas. High Tide: 09:19h and 21:49h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.60 metres respectively. Low Tide: 15:14h reaching a minimum height of 0.85 metre.

Rohee upbraids police for shoddy investigations

n one of his more stern rebukes of the Guyana Police Force, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee on Thursday criticised the organisation’s poor investigative work, saying that a number of probes have fallen through the cracks as a result of the incompetence and apathy of ranks. Rohee has increasingly been showing a greater level of intolerance of the poor work being done by investigating ranks, and only last week urged the force to speed up the probe into the murder of Sheema Mangar. In recent times, police have lost a number of murder cases in the High Court, owing mainly to poor investigation. To their further embarrassment, last week two suspects – one of whom was charged with the murder of Police Corporal Romain Cleto – were freed after the Director

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Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

tively of Sideek. The minister said the Jumans insisted that Sideek was murdered, noting that they received conflicting reports concerning the progress of the investigation into his death. Accordingly, the Home Affairs Ministry wrote to the DPP requesting a status report on the investigation. Subsequently, he said the DPP advised the ministry that her chambers requested the file on the murder case after reading of Juman’s untimely demise in the newspapers. The DPP, Rohee said, declared that the investigation conducted by the police was severely lacking and the file, therefore, was returned to the police for further investigation.

Incompetence and apathy

18 B

Murdered

Dead: Sideek Juman

of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack found the cases against the men were lacking. In his statement on Thursday, Rohee added that he wished to register his dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation into the death of Sideek Juman, whose body was found in a swimming pool at the popular Double Day Hotel, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo on November 19, 2012. Rohee said during the month of April, he met with Farida and Marzaban Juman, the mother and uncle respec-

“Trying to determine the progress made by the police in response to the instructions from the DPP, the Ministry of Home Affairs formally wrote to the Commissioner of Police (acting), Leroy Brumell to which it was revealed, by way of a letter received by the ministry on 24th May, 2013, that the DPP returned the investigative file again to the police, highlighting the critical issues that needed to be clarified and accordingly demanding further investigations into the death of Mr Sideek Juman.” “This investigation, unfortunately, seems to have been hampered by incompetence

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud

and apathy displayed by the investigative ranks within the premier criminal investigative institution in Guyana. This attitude is not an isolated anomaly, but is symptomatic of an organisation that does not seem to appreciate that failure to resolve serious crimes swiftly, comprehensively, and efficiently paints the Guyana Police Force in a negative light,” Rohee charged. He said the Home Affairs Ministry anticipated that decisive action would be taken by the Guyana Police Force to satisfy the conditions detailed by the DPP in order to facilitate a dignified resolution of the Juman case. Speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, Juman’s uncle stated, “to my understanding the police still is investigating the case, since the Director of Public Prosecutions got involved”. He revealed that there are still pressing issues yet to be sorted out by the authorities, and presently the family are still awaiting information. He pointed out that the police have been somewhat slow in solving the case. The family noted that despite them offering a reward, no one came forward with any information, so the reward was withdrawn. “He is not a person who would visit that place,” said the uncle. The family said police might still be in contact with one of the friends who were with Sideek on the day in question.

Relatives of Sideek have long contended that he was murdered. Officers at Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara had responded to the call from the hotel’s proprietor that a body was discovered floating in the swimming pool by staff. Police upon their arrival cordoned off the scene and summoned undertakers from the Ezekiel Funeral Home. Within a few minutes, Juman’s motionless body, clad only in a pair of brown beach trunks, was pulled from the pool. None of his personal belongings were discovered. No marks of violence were visible but foul play was not ruled out. During a telephone interview, the hotel proprietor, Rabindra Bhola had said that Juman was seen the day before with friends at the poolside imbibing alcohol, after which he purchased a pass granting him admittance to the pool. The hotel owner related that activities at the pool ceased around 19:00h. The staff then cleaned the area, but there was no sign that something was amiss. The 20-year-old Juman, a mechanic, resided with his parents at Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara. According to the dead man’s aunt, the family also do not believe Juman visited the Tuschen hotel to swim, as he was not a swimmer and did not even like such activity. She had explained to this newspaper that her nephew was a devout Muslim and was not the type to indulge in drinking sprees. She said the hotel is claiming that Juman was in the pool in the company of friends, but when the family asked to review the security tapes to determine the identity of these friends, the hotel could not provide such footage. She said staffers told relatives that the facility does not have a surveillance camera at the entrance of the building, only in the reception and pool areas.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

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

Editorial

Stress time

n all of the excitement, feigned or otherwise, over the independence celebrations, everyone seemed to have missed the stress that most of the new generation, who will be inheriting what we have wrought, are undergoing in what will be the most stressful period of their lives. In fact, on the Monday we were given as the “Independence Day holiday”, almost 17,000 youths were writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) does not seem to cater for national holidays in their scheme of things, not to mention marking schemes. Will Guyanese students be credited for the distractions they fought off from their independence celebrations? But it is not just the stress of writing an exam on a day of celebrations that produces the unremarked stress in our children: it is the role that exams have come to play in our country presently. These exams will more or less determine the future of these youths. While the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is also stressful, students know at the back of their minds they have an opportunity to catch up over the next five years. And we see this reflected in the results of CSEC where an increasing pool of top performers are coming from the “non-premier” rural schools. Because of the importance of the exams, the stress arises primarily from students’ fear of failure, which is in turn generated because of the disappointment their parents may feel at their failure. While it may not be deliberate – and in an increasingly rising number of cases, it is – parents make children anxious about failing, as if life is going to be an unending string of successes. Failure is part and parcel of any normal life and it is important that children are taught how to deal with it early on in their lives. Failure to learn this lesson can result in depression and in some cases, even suicide. The parents, sometimes at great cost, send their children to lessons, which consume so much of their free time that ought to have been spent on leisure activities. All work and no play make Jack and Jill dull boys and girls: children whose intellectual and creative abilities were not developed. They are raised in a hothouse atmosphere between school, lessons and home, afraid of making mistakes, afraid to explore and afraid to test the unknown. Most lessons and schools simply emphasise rote learning that must be regurgitated in the examination rooms. After considering all their parents “have done for them”, the children are filled with guilt if they fail. Parents have always been concerned with the education of their children, but in today’s world of cutthroat competition, shallow relationships, narrow viewpoints and nuclear families, this natural concern becomes a high level of anxiety if the child does not perform to their expectation. Another reason for the failure is that most of our children cannot relate to what is being taught to them in schools. We can first start with the language and vocabulary uses in these “total institutions”. Just as with the old plantations, or in the asylums from where the phrase was adopted, the school imposes an order which the child is not expected to understand but one to which he or she must simply conform. Take the language of “standard English” that is used from the moment the child enters the school system at age three. It is a totally alien language for most and it is highly scandalous for children to feel inferior just because their intonation might be different from the teachers’. Most children taking the CSEC and CAPE exams are right now fearful of failure not because of some innate lack of intelligence, but because they became bored and confused by the system that was supposed to “educate” them. We have to do better if we really want our country to be independent.

Students take a break and have some fun in the playground in the National Park (Carl Croker photo)

World Environment Day 2013 W orld Environment Day (WED) was first celebrated in 1973, after being established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. It is celebrated annually on June 5, with focus on a particular theme to draw attention to specific environmental issues. This year, World Environment Day will be celebrated under the theme: “Think. Eat. Save.” Like many countries around the world, activities are being organised in Guyana, to draw attention both to the issue and the absurdity that high volumes of perfectly edible produce are never making it from the farm to the fork. If food is wasted, it means that all the resources and inputs used in the production of all the food are also lost. This year, WED will seek to highlight the rippling effects of food wastage and seek to reverse such callous behaviour. As such, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s Environmental Protection Agency is organising a number of activities to mark World Environment Day. These include a Green Walk, a WED ceremony, Ride-for-the-

Environment in Linden and Essequibo, an environmental camp, TV programmes and newspaper features. World Environment Day observances will commence on June 2, with a Green Walk starting at the Umana Yana, Kingston and concluding at the National Park. At the end of the walk, Natural

Resources and Environment Minister Robert M Persaud will deliver remarks along with other senior government functionaries. Trophies would also be awarded to participants for Best Banner, Best Chant, Most Uniform among others. The Green Walk is a much-anticipated annual activity and there is usually keen competition amongst participating groups for the awards. Several governmental agencies, non-gov-

ernmental organisations (NGOs), youth groups and environmental clubs are expected to participate in the event. Global food security Additionally, on World Environment Day, June 5, a special ceremony and exhibition will be held at the Umana Yana, beginning at 09:00h to bring into focus

global food security and the need to think before we eat, which can save time, money and resources. On June 16, at 08:00h, a Ride for the Environment will take place in Linden. The ride will start at the Kara Kara Bus Shed and end at the Christianburg Community Centre. There, participants will be enlightened on the significance of the World Environment Day theme and actions that can be taken to contribute towards its realisation.

Prizes will also be awarded to the youngest and oldest participant and largest contingent. It is expected that the local scout groups, secondary schools and other community-based youth groups from Linden will participate in this event. In Essequibo a Ride-for the-Environment will take place on June 29, at 08:00h from the Queenstown Bus Shed to the regional office in Anna Regina. Youth groups and secondary schools from the area would participate in this event and prizes would be awarded in the same categories as for the Linden ride. A panel discussion and World Environment Day message on this year’s international theme will also be broadcasted. The observance of WED will continue with a threeday environmental camp, targeting a total of 50 Grade Six students and 10 teachers from selected secondary schools in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 will be held in July at Camp Sommerville, Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Participants will be involved in learning about the environment in the environment, while emphasis will be placed on experiential learning, using the environment as a major learning tool as well as the WED theme.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

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

Young professional wants Comfort for our fisherfolk snap elections Dear Editor, I pen this letter in support for the call for snap elections, which was in a letter published in your daily newspaper. As a young professional who has seen the many strides our country has made today, I am proud to be a citizen of Guyana. The opposition has used its one-seat majority

to place a stop on all development projects which our country benefits from, especially through employment, foreign direct investment and growth of our economy. Today, we have benefited though effective governance and prudent management of our resources by having access to medical care, jobs, roads, traffic lights, in-

creased standard of living and many more. If the opposition cannot see what I am seeing today as I look around me, then it is time to go back to the polls. Concerned young professional, Name withheld

Tour guides and first aid training Dear Editor, The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) just completed facilitating a two day first aid training programme for tour guides. First aid training should be made mandatory for a number of professions. In 2009, St John’s Ambulance carried out a survey, where more than 1500 school children took part, of which seven out of 10 said they would not know how to help in an emergency. In driving classes here, there is a section dealing with first aid, but this is just a mere glimpse and nothing else. As far as I am concerned,

first aid, being that vital, should be mastered by the common man. One thing to keep in focus about tourism is that of the incoming people and how they feel. They must be assured, that in the event anything goes wrong, measures are in place for immediate attention, particularly where safety and survival are concerned. Knowing that tour guides can swim, drive and administer first aid is really comforting to visitors. I hope that the tour guides will see it like this too. Too many times people, particularly professionals,

just down play their roles. They have to rise to the occasion. All tour guides should realise that they are a part of the entourage promoting a healthy, secure and a safer environment, and instilling confidence amongst visitors, tourists, their colleagues and associates. No one should be so carried away with nature’s great deposits to Guyana to the point that he/she is endangered. The precautionary measure here is to have well equipped and qualified tour guides. Yours sincerely, Lloyd Giddings

Dear Editor, There was a five-month or so period, prior to 2013, when Guyana was really plagued with a number of attacks on fishing vessels. It became so bad that quite a few from this sector just quit completely. Fishing is not easy and when these hard-working people will not only go out against the odds, but risk their lives, they want some kind of support. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard is now saying that its floating base at Pomeroon is proving to be a valuable national asset in the fight against

piracy, particularly in the Essequibo River. In fact, according to Coast Guard Commander Gary Beaton, there has been no reporting of any piracy attack in the Essequibo area since this development, which took place in November last year. At one time, prior to this, there was quite an upsurge in piracy activities along the coast of Guyana. In December 2011, there was an attack on two young Essequibo fishermen, who had suffered three previous attacks. Then in February 2012, pirates went amok, attacking and robbing 20 fishermen off Essequibo, ram-

paging through four fishing boats. The Coast Guard will always prove invaluable where tracking down an alleged piracy act is concerned. Therefore these ranks can accost vessels operating illegally in Guyana’s waters. This means that where piracy is concerned, at least it is possible to prevent foreign boats from being involved. I trust that, in the future, other such facilities will be deployed along the coast. It’s about time our fishing industry is made safer. Yours truly, Quincy Samuels

Garbage and flooding Dear Editor, I keep hearing about the “Pick it up Guyana” programme, but I am not seeing any visible change. The problem is still persisting. Maybe the slogan should have been “Don’t drop it”. This would mean there would be nothing to pick up. I am concerned because the rains have come upon us and half of our troubles with flood waters are due to clogged water drains. There must be a campaign along this line. If a campaign is to be launched and members of the general public are called to give account for whatever impediments are in their

surroundings, there will be some change. We just cannot continue in this trend. On the one hand, it is the antithesis to everything that speaks of a nice looking environment. The bigger problem is that it creates the backing up of water and this affects entire communities. Many people these days have the habit of extending their concrete work unto the entire parapet. They dig drains and set up concrete structures. I have noticed that these deep concrete drains accumulate silt and hence the drainage is blocked. These property owners are

not affected as they have taken the precaution of ensuring a high concrete yard. So what is the word on the depth of these concrete drains? Many times it is not easy to clear this kind of clogging as these owners are not around to allow access to the drains. We have to start behaving more responsibly. In the event we do not, then the law must be enforced. I am fed up with short term emphasis for keeping the place clean and quick fixes when the water comes. Concerned resident, Annesa Mohammed

Dear Editor, Recently, it was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that squash can finally have its place in the 2020 games slated to be held in London. This is great news for our Guyanese players such as Nicholette Fernandes, Nyron Joseph, Mary Fung-A-Fat and others in the Guyana national team. It would certainly be a dream come true that one day our Guyanese compet-

itors can bring the gold medal home. Squash has long had its place as a popular sport in Guyana and is an excellent extracurricular activity. Sport brings with it the benefits of improved physical health. Sports leads to higher grades, greater self-confidence, stronger relationships and can

act as a change agent. The Ministry of Sport and other corporate giants have thrown their support behind this sport. Let us rally around our Guyanese players as they embark on this journey for Olympic Gold! Yours in sport, M Marks

The Beijing baby and child care protection Squash in the 2020 Olympics

Baby 59, who was rescued after being trapped in a sewage pipe moments after his birth, lies in an incubator in China

Dear Editor, The recent incident of a baby in Beijing sliding down a toilet pipe is not without concern by those locally and abroad. There are many un-

answered questions where this is concerned. According to reports, the mother was not aware she was ready to deliver. While her attempts to retrieve the

baby were unsuccessful, she flushed the baby down in order to get rid of the blood. Was she not aware the baby would go down the toilet too? Her actions defy logic and child care protection authorities will decide the course of action for this mother, although she is deeply regretful for her actions. I am happy the baby’s condition is listed as stable and it is my hope this child will find a happy and safe home to be brought up in. Regards, Daniella Romeiro

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

Page

Foundation

Child abuse

hild abuse is so pervasive that it must be highlighted time and again. It is hard to imagine someone intentionally hurting a child, yet millions of children are abused every year. And these are only the reported incidents of child abuse − many more cases are unreported and undetected, often because children are afraid to tell somebody who can help. Most of the time, children know their abusers and the abuse occurs in the home. This makes it difficult for children to speak up. They may feel trapped by the affection they feel for their abusers or fearful of the power the abusers have over them − so they stay silent. That’s why it’s especially important to be able to recognise the signs of child abuse.

What is child abuse?

guyanatimesgy.com

Child abuse happens when a parent or other adult causes serious physical or emotional harm to a child. In the United States, the laws defining what constitutes child abuse vary from state to state, but generally speaking, child abuse can take these forms: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment, and emotional or psychological abuse. The most serious cases of child abuse can end in death. Those who survive may suffer emotional scars that can linger long after the physical bruises have healed. Children who are abused are more likely to have problems building and maintaining relationships throughout their lives. They’re also more likely to have low self-esteem, depression, thoughts of suicide, and other mental health issues.

Physical abuse

When people think of child abuse, their first thought probably is of physical abuse – such as striking, kicking, or shaking a child. Physical abuse can also include: holding a child under water, tying a child up, intentionally burning a child or scalding a child with hot water, throwing an object at a child or using an object to beat a child, and starving a child or failing to provide a child with food. Abusive head trauma, or shaken baby syndrome, is a specific form of physical abuse. It’s the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the U.S. Most incidents last just a few seconds, but that’s enough time to cause brain damage or even kill a baby.

glectful. Basically, anything that interferes with a child’s growth and development constitutes neglect. This also includes: failing to provide medical care when a child is injured or sick, locking a child in a closet or room, and placing a child in a dangerous situation that could lead to physical injury or death. Abandonment is a type of neglect. This occurs when a child is left alone for extended periods of time or suffers serious harm, because no one was looking after him or her.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse happens when a child is raped or forced to commit a sexual act. But it’s also any sort of sexual contact with a child or any behaviour that is meant to sexually arouse the abuser. So, in addition to having sex with a child, fondling a child’s genitals or making a child touch someone else’s genitals, sexual abuse also includes: making a child pose or perform for pornographic pictures or videos, telling a child dirty jokes or stories, showing a child pornographic material, forcing a child to undress, and “flashing” a child or showing them one’s genitals.

Neglect

Neglect is any action − or inaction − on the part of a caregiver that causes a child physical or emotional harm. For example, withholding food, warmth in cold weather, or proper housing is considered ne-

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse or psychological abuse is a pattern of behaviour that has negative effects on a child’s emotional development and sense of self-worth. Ignoring a child or withholding love, support, or guidance is considered emotional abuse. So is threatening, terrorising, belittling, or constantly criticising a child.

Substance abuse

The use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs can hinder a caregiver’s

Munchausen by proxy syndrome

judgment and put a child in danger, leading to things like neglect or physical abuse. Examples of child abuse due to a substance abuse problem in the house include: allowing a child to drink alcohol or take illegal drugs; manufacturing, ingesting, or distributing illegal drugs in the presence of a child; or exposing a foetus to illegal drugs or other substances while pregnant.

Profile of an abuser

It would be simpler if all child abusers followed a pattern and were easy to recognise. The truth is that child abusers come from all walks of life. They can be parents, other family members, teachers, coaches, and family friends. Virtually anyone who has access to a child is in a position to mistreat the child. Fortunately, the vast majority of people don’t. Sometimes, people who abuse children can show some behavioural signs. For example, parents who abuse their children may avoid other parents in the neighbourhood, may not participate in school activities, and might be uncomfortable talking about their children’s injuries or behavioural problems. Adults who sexually abuse children typically know the children beforehand. Rarely will a sexual abuser pick a child at random. The abuser may use this relationship to his or her advantage, telling the child to keep the relationship a secret or warning that the child will be hurt or in trouble if he or she tells anyone. Many times, people who abuse children were themselves abused as children. This cycle of abuse can be hard to break and can pass down for generations within a family. (Excerpt from kidshealth)

TO BE CONTINUED

unchausen by proxy syndrome (MBPS) is a relatively rare form of child abuse that involves the exaggeration or fabrication of illnesses or symptoms by a primary caretaker. Also known as “medical child abuse,” MBPS was named after Baron von Munchausen, an 18th-century German dignitary known for making up stories about his travels and experiences in order to get attention. “By proxy” indicates that a parent or other adult is fabricating or exaggerating symptoms in a child, not in himself or herself. Munchausen by proxy syndrome is a mental illness and requires treatment.

About MBPS

In MBPS, an individual − usually a parent or caregiver − causes or fabricates symptoms in a child. The adult deliberately misleads others (particularly medical professionals), and may go as far as to actually cause symptoms in the child through poisoning, medication, or even suffocation. In most cases (85 per cent), the mother is responsible for causing the illness or symptoms. Typically, the cause is a need for attention and sympathy from doctors, nurses, and other professionals. Some experts believe that it isn’t just the attention that’s gained from the “illness” of the child that drives this behaviour, but also the satisfaction in deceiving individuals who they consider to be more important and powerful than themselves. Because the parent or caregiver appears to be so caring and attentive, often no one suspects any wrongdoing. Diagnosis is made extremely difficult due to the ability of the parent or caregiver to manipulate doctors and induce symptoms in their child. Often, the perpetrator is familiar with the medical profession and knowledgeable about how to induce illness or impairment in the child. Medical personnel often overlook the possibility of MBPS because it goes against the belief that parents and caregivers would never deliberately hurt their child. Most victims of MBPS are preschoolers (although there have been cases in children up to 16 years old), and there are equal numbers of boys and girls affected. (Excerpt from kidshealth)

NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anti-money laundering act

Guyana gets November deadline to pass bill

he Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has given Guyana until November to make the necessary amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act to avoid blacklisting. The extension was granted after intense lobbying by government after it had failed to get the bill through the National Assembly ahead of the two-day meeting in Managua, Nicaragua which ended on Wednesday. In a statement, CFATF said in November 2011, it brought to the attention of its members in several jurisdictions, including Guyana, significant strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes. With a view to encouraging expeditious rectification of the identified strategic deficiencies, the CFATF, in conjunction with Guyana, developed an action plan with identified target dates to address the strategic deficiencies that existed in its national architecture to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The body said Guyana has taken steps towards improving its AML/ CFT compliance regime, including strengthening its recordkeeping requirements and the functionality of its Financial Intelligence Unit. “However, the CFATF has determined that Guyana has failed to make sufficient progress in addressing its significant strategic AML/ CFT deficiencies, including certain legislative reforms.

Guyana has introduced an amendment bill into Parliament to address the deficiencies. CFATF encourages Guyana to urgently approve and implement these legislative amendments.” The body said if Guyana does not take specific steps by November, then it will identify Guyana as not taking sufficient steps to address its AML/CFT deficiencies and will take the additional steps of calling upon its members to consider implementing countermeasures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Guyana. At that time, CFATF will also consider referring Guyana to the Financial Action Task Force International Cooperation Review Group (FATF ICRG).

Breathing room

The extension will allow the government and the opposition more breathing room to hammer out amendments and to discuss enforcement of laws that are already in place. It was noted that despite the CFATF Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), that member states can conversely by failure to comply with the MoU and the recommendations with regards to any instance of a member’s failure to comply, the plenary shall – invite the member to report to the plenary its position regarding the alleged non-compliance and its proposed remedial actions or, in the case of a negative Mutual

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall spearheaded Guyana’s lobbying efforts

Evaluation Report, to provide a status report regarding any corrective action(s) it may have taken. While upon a negative assessment of this report, and depending upon the severity of the deficiency in question, the plenary may determine that the member in question should provide a further status report at the next plenary or council of the CFATF. Meanwhile, the FATF standards have been revised to strengthen global safe-

guards and further protect the integrity of the financial system by providing governments with stronger tools to take action against financial crimes. The FATF closely monitors progress of these jurisdictions and the implementation of their action plans.

Other extensions

Under the extension granted, Guyana is not alone, with Belize and Dominica being given the grace peri-

od as well. In the instance of Dominica, it was mentioned that the CFATF recommends that the status quo for Dominica remains at this time. However, the CFATF noted progress presented by Dominica, in particular, the enactment of legislation and issuance of relevant guidelines addressing AML/CFT deficiencies. Therefore, the CFATF recommends that Dominica brings into force mechanisms to address its AML/CFT deficiencies by November 2013. If Dominica fails to take such action, the CFATF will be issuing a further public statement on Dominica in November. Whereas, Belize has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT compliance regime, including improvements in the criminalisation of money laundering, and strengthening its customer due diligence requirements and the requirements for freezing terrorist assets. However, the CFATF has determined that Belize has

failed to make sufficient progress in addressing its significant strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, including certain legislative reforms. If Belize does not take specific steps by November, then the CFATF will identify Belize as not taking sufficient steps to address its AML/CFT deficiencies, and will take the additional steps of calling upon its members to consider implementing countermeasures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Belize, and at that time CFATF will consider referring Belize to the FATF ICRG. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 seeks to detect and deter money laundering and the financing of terrorism, contribute to public confidence in the financial system, and improve Guyana’s compliance with international laws and best practices.

PPP hosts medical outreach at Leonora

he People’ Progressive Party held a medical outreach programme at its office in Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Thursday. The event commenced at 09:30h, with Dr Carl Niamatali administering the tests. It started out with about 50 people present, but as many as 200 people were expected to be part of the exercise. The programme

was organised by Housing Minister Irfaan Ali and was the second of its kind for the year 2013. Its aim was to provide proper health care for the residents living on the West Coast of Demerara, so they do not have to travel all the way to Georgetown to receive the care they need. Some of the tests administered were blood glucose, blood pressure and urine

tests. Ali said: “This is what the PPP is about – this is our commitment to the people of this country that every single person will benefit. We represent everyone and care about everyone equally.” According to Ali, the PPP has always fought to ensure the people’s standards of living are improved and that everyone has access to the same qual-

ity of service. One man, a resident of Ruimzigt said that it was a very good move by the party to accommodate the residents of Region Three who cannot afford to travel all the way to Georgetown for medical treatment. A resident of Cornelia Ida, Abiola Morrison, said that it would be even better if there was a centre in every community.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman charged Cricketer charged for Vergenoegen for murder on Orange Walk murder T he woman who reportedly killed 62-year-old Azaad Ganie by striking him with a rolling pin on Monday night at his home in Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo was on Thursday charged with murder. Zorena Whittington, 44, of Vergenoegen, was remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdell IsaacsMarcus at the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court, West Coast Demerara. The murder accused was not required to plead to the indictment, which states that on Monday 27 at Vergenoegen, she murdered Ganie. She will make another court appearance on July 4. A post-mortem examination performed on the body of Ganie gave his cause of death as brain haemorrhaging resulting from blunt trauma to the head. The autopsy was conducted by local pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Ezekiel Funeral Home on Wednesday. Ganie was discovered around 20:30h on Monday with injuries to his head. Following the discovery, the murder suspect and her two grandchildren were arrested. Ganie’s son, Azaad Jr explained that he received the

Eyew tness The man with... ... a plan hey say you should keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer. Point is, of course, it’s the latter who’ll do you in – and most likely will. So you’d better know what they’re up to. As you’d have figured out by now, we read the opposition MuckrakerKN and Stabber News rags religiously (even though we have to take a bath right after) just so we know the thinking of those wankers, who’re all enemies of this country. If you think that’s a bit extreme, what else do you call people who calmly held the gun of foreign blacklisting to the government’s head, unless the government did what they wanted? This isn’t even horse trading, it’s downright blackmail and highway robbery. In horse trading, at least the government would’ve been offered a lame or sick horse. Here, all they got was a finger stuck in their eyes. Anyhow back to knowing your enemy. In its (free) column in the MuckrakerKN, the economic guru of the Alliance For Change (AFC) – Khemraj Ramjattan? Nah...Sasenarine “Thunderbolt” Singh – scoffed at the government’s “macroeconomic policy” (sic). Right off the bat, what do you tell these dumkoffs who don’t even know that they’re talking about a menu of “policies”... that’s plural, if they still didn’t get it. Anyhow since they can’t get away from the elephant in the room of continuous growth in the economy for the last six years, they brush it off and say it’s all due to gold! What an utter piece of crock! How many countries don’t have money flowing in from natural resources exploitation and they’re stagnating? The economists even have a name for it – Dutch Disease. Remember when their North Sea petroleum was gushing in and yet their economy was going nowhere. Stagflation, anyone? Hey, right next door isn’t the money flowing into Venezuelan coffers from the largest petroleum reserves on the entire planet? So how’s their economy doing? The AFC panacea is to have an economic “PLAN”. And these are the guys who say they’re in favour of the free market? So we’re going back to the grand five-year plans of the communist regimes. Remember that Forbes Burnham had plans. Lots of plans. He changed them even before the last one was over. Remember the plan to “Feed, House and Clothe” the nation, back in the early 1970s? Yep. The one that left the country so bankrupt by 1979 that the People’s National Congress (PNC) had to rush to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and say, “rape us!”. Guyanese were left hungry, homeless, and naked. Yeah... another (despot) with a plan! Wankers!

T Dead pensioner: Azaad Ganie

shocking news late Monday night from a neighbour who claimed that she heard the man screaming for help from within his home. The police were subsequently called in. Upon arrival at the scene around 20:30h, the ranks were forced to break a padlock in an effort to gain access to the house. The 64-year-old man was found lying on his back in his sitting room in a pool of blood, with the broken rolling pin nearby. The woman reportedly confessed to killing the man after alleging that the elderly man was in the habit of sexually abusing her. No police reports were made about the allegation of sexual assault.

Murder accused Carlyle Barton (inset, head covered in top photo) being escorted to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

local cricketer who plays for a club in the city was charged with the murder of Shawn Nelson who was gunned down on Orange Walk early Sunday morning. The 23-year-old accused, Carlyle Barton, of 39 Hadfield Street, Georgetown, was remanded to prison by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell when he appeared before her in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday afternoon. Barton was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which states that on May 27 in the Georgetown Magisterial District, he murdered Nelson. Clad in a brown shirt and a white pair of jeans, Barton stood silently close to his lawyer, Mark Waldron while the charge was read. Waldron told the court

that since the police have completed their investigation and all statements are intact, he is requesting a speedy Preliminary Inquiry. On this note, the prosecutor told the court that the investigation is not complete, noting that other statements have to be taken from witnesses. After hearing both sides, Magistrate Lovell set a date for reports before the commencement of the PI. The charge came less than 24 hours after the Director of Public Prosecutions, Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack recommended that Barton be charged with murder. On the other hand, Barton reportedly denied that he pulled the trigger, saying that the footage the police presented to him only showed that he had a gun not that he actually pulled the trigger. The murder weapon, Guyana Times understands, is a 9mm pistol. On the day of the shooting incident, Nelson left his D’Urban Street home and was walking to his Robb Street job when Barton saw him and reportedly whipped out the gun to “bluff” him, Guyana Times was told. The gun went off and Nelson was shot to his head. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. After driving away from the scene, a panicked Barton crashed his car a number of times on his way home. The car was abandoned in the East Ruimveldt area. The shooter later surrendered to the police in the company of his lawyer. The post-mortem examination carried out on Nelson’s body revealed that he died from shock and haemorrhaging resulting from a single gunshot wound to his head. Barton will make his next court appearance on June 7 before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in Court One.

...patience President Donald Ramotar just had some talks with Leader of the Opposition, David Granger. They’re both being very tight-lipped about what it was all about. All we know is that Ramjattan and his motley crew were noticeable by their absence. But this isn’t surprising in light of the last time there were “tripartite talks”, Ramjattan undercut both major parties with his manoeuvres in Linden. Now, we really admire the patience of the president with holding all these talks. There’s nothing wrong with having talks. In fact, talking – we Guyanese call it “gyaaffing” – is a national pastime. The Trinis have their “ole talk”, but it can’t hold a candle to our gyaaf. The reason gyaaffing is so popular is that everyone knows there’s no seriousness to what’s said. There’s no commitments and such things. The Americans’ “just shooting the breeze” expresses the idea a bit more graphically. So we hope that the president doesn’t expect anything substantive, much less substantial, coming out of these gyaafs. It’ll be the same ole, same ole, next time at the OK Corral...oops!...Parliament. ...a godfather Joey Jagan is pushing for his “godfather” Burnham to get the Tambo Award. Nothing wrong with a man boosting his godfather. But how did Odo earn this honour when both Cheddi and Janet were not “of the church”?

NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Establishment of LBI man wins top prize in Tropical procurement body Rhythms promotion requires mature N politics – Edghill

mid campaigns by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, Junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill said Guyana must not be misled into believing that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) does not support the implementation of the commission. Edghill was responding to calls by Georgetown Chairman of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Chairman Clinton Urling and former Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Dukhoo at the Procurement Symposium held at the Guyana National Conference centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Thursday. The finance minister set the record straight by pointing to the fact that it was the PPP/C government while holding a majority in the National Assembly, enacted the Public Procurement Act 2003. The act caters for the initiation of a Public Procurement Commission.

Dialogue

Minister Edghill contended that the implementation process is being hindered due to a lack of mature political dialogue, emphasising that the National Assembly must arrive at a consensus on the membership of the Public Procurement Commission. “This is a commission that requires, two-thirds agreement in Parliament... twothirds of all the members of Parliament must agree on the names for the Public Procurement Commission.” He however reiterated that consensus will only be achieved if the parties engage in meaningful discussions. “It requires political dialogue and agreement... political dialogue takes place in a responsible environment where the needs and the interest of all parties are adequately addressed and you get an outcome that all are prepared to live with.” He said President Donald Ramotar is holding talks with the joint parliamentary opposition with the hope of obtaining common ground on the membership of the Private Procurement Commission. As Guyana awaits the implementation of this critical commission, the junior minister said through the Public Procurement Act, systems are in place to ensure that contracts are procured in a transparent manner. He explained that contractors who feel cheated during the bidding process can seek clarification at var-

Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill

ious levels, including a Bid Protest Committee. “You could first protest to the procuring entity, you can write the permanent secretary, you can write the REO or the entity that is procuring and if you are not satisfied with the outcome, the law provides a Bid Protest Committee.” The Bid Protest Committee comprises of three persons appointed by the finance minister, attorney general and the private sector.

Transparency

Addressing the issue of transparency, Edghill said the Ramotar administration is strict in this regard. “Transparency in public procurement is non-negotiable,” the minister said. Public procurement, he added must continue, however, the process he stressed must be fair and accountable. Addressing the issue of transparency and accountability, he reiterated that any contractor or persons who feel that a bidding process was flawed must make his case to the relevant authority, emphasising that a review system is in place. Making an accusation without utilising the review process will be simply mischievous. At the execution level, the minister, while underscoring the importance of the private sector in building the country, said government remains stern on the view that taxpayers must get value for their money. Substandard work must not be condoned at any level, he said. He pointed out that there was an incident where one contractor was awarded several projects that surpassed his capability as he lacked the equipment and human resources to execute the projects within the specified timeframe. This trend, he said must cease since it contributes to substandard work. With fair competition, the minister believes that contractors will not become complacent, but would rather strive to produce quality work and at a reasonable cost to stay on top of their game.

avindra Singh is now the proud owner of a Mazda Axela car, the grand prize in The Tropical Rhythms “For The Fun of Life” promotion. He also won the Apple iPad when the drawing was done at the ANSA McAL office, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. Singh, of Lot 23 La Boone Intention Housing Scheme, ECD, when contacted and told the good news asked if a joke was being played on him. His response when convinced that the news was genuine was: “I am shocked, surprised! You can’t believe. All sorts of emotions going through me right now. I knew I had a good chance of winning, because I put in a lot of entries, over a hundred! I collected Tropical Rhythms corks from friends and family, and bought a few cases just to ensure that I had a good chance of winning something.” The jubilant man added that he has participated in all of ANSA McAL promotions, hoping to one day win big and now that he has won, he just cannot believe it. The other winners in the final draw are Robin Bacchus of Lot 90 Bougainvillea Park, Farm, East Bank

The car that Navindra Singh won

Demerara who won the Apple iPhone and Sue-Channie Chan of 10 Sixth Street, Better Hope, ECD who won a 32” LCD television. Tropical Rhythms Brand Representative Anjeta Hinds said, “I must congratulate all the winners, especially the lucky Singh. Thank you to everyone who participated countrywide and let me apologise for the miscommunication as to the date of the extension of the promotion; however, the ad was subsequently pulled. And I would also like to state that due to

the magnitude of entries received in this promotion that for the next promotion, drawings will be done countrywide.” In this promotion, there were nine consolation prizes and one grand prize, with winners hailing from Linden; West, East Bank, and East Coast Demerara and Georgetown. This is the first national promotion for Tropical Rhythms, but the company assured that it certainly will not be the last. “Once again congratulations to all the winners.”

19-year-old remanded Misunderstanding between cousins ends for possession of up in court cannabis

man was remanded on a charge of possession of cannabis when he appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday. Alex Scott, 19, of Parimeter, Region One pleaded not guilty to the charge, which states that on May 29 at Ogle International Airport, he had in his possession 64 grams of cannabis. According to court documents, on the day in question, the defendant was a

passenger on a TransGuyana flight when a search was carried out and local authorities discovered a black and white ‘hair food’ bottle containing the substance mentioned in the charge. When asked if he had any knowledge of the substance in the jar, Scott responded positively and claimed ownership. The magistrate remanded Scott until June 4 where the matter will be heard at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

man was granted bail for unlawful wounding when he appeared before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday. Mark Pooran, 23, of Lot 75 Diamond, East Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge, which states that on May 27, he unlawfully wounded Muneshwar Daggernaught. According to the prosecutor, the defendant and the virtual complainant (VC) are

cousins. On the day in question, they had a misunderstanding and the defendant pulled out a knife and dealt the VC a stab to the neck and hand. Attorney Paul Fung-AFat told the court that his client recently returned from Barbados and that the VC and his client are trying to resolve the issue. He then made an application for reasonable bail. The magistrate granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and Pooran is to return to court on June 10.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

News

Rohee orders report into collapse of murder case against Shaka Chase

he Home Affairs Ministry said it has noted with dismay the recent events with regards to the killing of Corporal Romain Cleto and has ordered a report from the police chief detailing what led to the collapse of the case against the suspect. Last Thursday, the police’s case against Shaka Chase who was controversially charged with the murder of Cleto dramatically collapsed after the Director of Public Prosecutions advised the lawmen to withdraw the charge. Another man who was arrested the same week for the same charge was also set free. In a statement, the ministry said it shares the disappointment of the relatives of the deceased on the setback in the matter. “It is our hope that with diligence and persistence, the police will achieve the breakthrough

Shaka Chase being escorted out of the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts as family, friends and media operatives flocked around (file photo)

we all anticipate in order that justice may be served.” In the meanwhile, the ministry said it is awaiting a police report requested from acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell detailing the circumstances that prompted the DPP to withdraw the charges laid against the individuals, who were arrested in connection with the

killing of the young corporal. Further, the ministry said it has directed Brumell to investigate, through the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the allegations of torture committed on the suspects that were arrested. “The ministry is particularly interested in learning about the flaws in the police investigations,

which it will endeavour to address at the policy level.” When Chase was charged, the prosecutor had indicated that the case did not benefit from the DPP’s advice. The man’s lawyers had argued that he was tortured into signing a confession statement and they had secured several alibis which placed Chase at venues other than Regent Street and the Avenue of the Republic on April 27 when Corporal Cleto was gunned down. Chase was remanded to prison on his first court appearance. Defence counsel James Bond told media operatives that justice has prevailed based on the submission of several alibi statements to the DPP and the alleged torture of Chase by the police. Bond added that a charge that is based solely on a confession statement is tenuous.

CANU gets vehicles to boost operations

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) was the recipient of three spanking new vehicles on Thursday to boost its operations. The vehicles were presented to CANU head James Singh by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, at the ministry’s location at Brickdam, Georgetown. The fleet comprises one “Pitbull” bus and two pickup trucks. The vehicles were bought at the cost of $16.8 million with funds from the 2012 budget.

Singh thanked the ministry for providing the vehicles to the agency, noting that it came at a time when it is in need of them. “The Ministry of Home Affairs’ support by providing the three vehicles will boost capacity in terms of ranks being able to move around the country and carry out operations and other duties” said Singh. Rohee stated that with CANU now under the supervision of the ministry, the state body is tasked with procuring assets for the agency to improve its caThe three vehicles handed over to CANU

pacity. He added that with the presentation of the vehicles, the ministry is kicking off its capacity-building programmes for CANU. “I feel optimistic now that we have begun rolling out the capacity-building programme for CANU, particularly in terms of its assets and its mobility so that

its ranks can move more freely and won’t have to depend on the old way in which they work,” the minister said, adding that “this presentation of vehicles will go a far way in making CANU more effective and more efficient in… drug enforcement activities”. Rohee went on to say that CANU continues to have “serious national responsibilities” as it is the only agency in the country which is outfitted to execute functions under the Customs Act. He noted that CANU is being supported by the anti-narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force, that is, the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), under the Guyana Revenue Authority and Task Force. The home affairs minister disclosed that they will also be expanding the agency’s human resources. He said: “CANU will have more and more assets and we will employ more and more operatives within ranks of CANU. I am very optimistic about the future of CANU, which is a very important role to play in terms of fighting drugs.”

Nagga Man stiflin he conscience

e opposition parties got de biggest liars in Guyana. Rum Jhaat get ketch lyin de other day when he seh that de Feathers people never pay he any ting and that dem is not he client. It was a good ting No Gel Hugly spill de truth, fuh once, right in front of Rum Jhaat at de Side Ways Café. But No Gel join de group wid dem boys who seh dem is boys, and every body know that, no matter what, dem boys don’t tell de truth. Not Mook Lall, not Fool Sarran, not Sus Penders, not Baddamn, not even Cling Tongue. It was a slip of de tongue fuh No Gel because he tongue does slip out a lot. Then before that, Lie Man Nagga Man, aka Jack Ass, get ketch in Parliament when he seh that he never vote fuh de Former Presidents’ Benefits and Other Facilities Bill. Is a good ting de House does keep record of every ting that happen. Nagga Man still had de guts to tell people that is pressure from de party mek he vote fuh de bill. So if it wasn’t fuh de records, people woulda tink that de Nagga Man was tellin de truth. No wonder he mek so many false promises pun de campaign trail and de people believe he. Wait till next time and see! Well de Nagga Man not only lyin, he also stifling he conscience. De other day a reporter see de Nagga Man goin to a function at de Peg Ass Hot Hell and he can’t find parkin fuh he duty-free vehicle. And rain was fallin plenty, so de Nagga Man skin get wet up! When de reporter ask Nagga Man if Guyana need another hotel, he look up at de Marriott and screw up he face. Is then de reporter realise how bad Nagga Man can stifle he conscience. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, de reporter not sure if Nagga Man was stifling he conscience, or if cockroach eat it out!

Probe ordered into prisoner’s beating

he Home Affairs Ministry has ordered an investigation into allegations that a prisoner was beaten by officers at the Camp Street jail. In a statement, the ministry said it received a report about the beating of an inmate of the Georgetown Prison, allegedly by prison officers. The ministry said it views this matter very seriously, since the allegation runs counter to the policies and procedures adopted for the institution for the treatment of prisoners. “As part of the reform

process of the service, and even as efforts are made to implement the service’s strategic plan, the ministry is on record in regard to how prisoners must be treated, recognising that their inherent dignity and value as human beings must be upheld. The Prisons Directorate and officers are well aware of this,” the ministry noted. As a result, the ministry said it will move to investigate this recent allegation, so that its concerns and those of the relatives of the inmate could be addressed and corrective action taken where necessary.

11 News Canal Number Two farmers reeling from flooding guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

– losses estimated in the hundreds of thousands, poor drainage blamed By Svetlana Marshall

armers operating along the conservancy dam at Canal Polder Number Two have been hard hit by widespread flooding for the second time in a year, a disaster caused by the ageold drainage problem. Despite many pleas for help, the main drain, which stretches for approximately two miles, has remained clogged with thick vegetation for the past 15 years, the farmers complained bitterly to Guyana Times. Now, they are paying a high price as their cash crop farms are destroyed. Standing in his flooded pak choi nursery, an upset and frustrated Narine Dindial said he continues to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in crops as the rainy season intensifies. “Me and meh son a do garden here, and every day the rain fall we a get flood, we nah getting no drainage, we nah get no kind of drainage and this is de thing we depend on.” After investing approximately $200,000 in his farm, Dindial said he is now plotting his next move, since more than half of the cash crop is damaged. “You see, abedese plant pak choi here, dis done; abedese can’t get one dollar from this nursery – abedese can’t get one dollar coz everything spoil. Abedese now got to start back all over again,” he complained. The flood comes at a time when fertiliser and labour costs continue to increase.

Drainage is main concern

Another farmer, Narine Sukhan, who cultivates cash crops and rears livestock, said he had to find alternative land for his cows and goats, since his farm is now covered in water. Sukhan was, however, unable to save his crops, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. “You see these animals way dem pun de dam, I can’t keep dem at home, because the water deh up to me knee. Right now, drainage is our main concern... and farmers continue suffering all the time, so it is very critical to us here.” He said years of complaining to the regional authorities and the Agriculture Ministry have been to no avail. "The ministry promised to come in here – up to now, we still waiting,” he said. According to him, the poor drainage situation is compounded by a decision made by the Agriculture Ministry to open the B-line koker. Sukhan said the koker has been opened for the past week and farmers continue to face the consequences as the rainy season intensifies. “The B-line koker open and now the water overflowing on the land, and as it increase, the farms get flood out. We talk about it and still

Narine Dindial looking helplessly at his flooded pak choi nursery on Wednesday

the koker open.” A 67-year-old woman, who has been living on the conservancy dam for the past 15 years, said it is the “grace of God” that is keeping her. She told this publication that dealing with the clogged drains which have led to the flooding has grown beyond her tolerance. “Every year is the same problem, meh kitchen garden always flood out, is just faith we does go and plant back.”

Pleas falling on deaf ears

Jai Parbhu, another farmer, said he was more than tired of complaining to the authorities, as his pleas are apparently falling on deaf ears. “When you go to the village office, the village office seh go to de region, let de region look after the trench. When you go region they a send you Ministry of Agriculture, now dem a seh hold on, dem a clean it before the rain start fall, how dem a clean it before de May-June rain. This is May-June rain and we done get flood, now dem a seh dem afe wait on weather; by time dem come, everything gun done dead,” the farmer said. He too complained of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The farmers are now making yet another request for the Agriculture Ministry to deploy an excavator to clear the clogged drains; although they noted it can be done by hand. Parbhu also used the opportunity to complain about another promise that is yet to materialise. According to him, back in 2006, government had promised to rehabilitate the main access road, which is used by hundreds of residents, particularly students and is in a deplorable state, but to date residents are still waiting.

Unsafe

“When rain fall them children can’t go school, dem got to use boat to go a school, and if them ain’t get boat, dem got stay home,” Parbhu pointed out. “Look how much year the road deh, look how much year deh promise fuh do it... I really can’t seh what de government a do. The last time

before elections they tell we that as soon as they come in power dem a build de back road. Look, up to now, we still waiting.” Parbhu explained that

The main drain, which stretches for approximately two miles, has been clogged with vegetation for the past 15 years

with a rehabilitated road, students can be transported to their various schools. “It is not safe for children, we have dem young gal children, it’s al-

most nearly a mile to the public road, nearly a mile. If the road is built properly, we will get transportation to come in, but right now, nobody can bring dem ve-

hicle here; look, a bus stuck there – it can’t go out, it can’t come in.” (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

12 news

friday, may 31, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

GPHC honours its donors

Food For The Poor Guyana Chairman Kent Vincent and Guyana Burn and Health Care Charitable Foundation Inc representative Pam Harakh with their plaques

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday evening demonstrated its appreciation to the Food For The Poor Guyana organisation and the Guyana Burn and Health Care Charitable Foundation Inc for the entities’ continued contributions to the hospital over the years. In light of this, the hospital

handed over plaques to Guyana Burn and Health Care Charitable Foundation Inc representative Pam Harakh, and Food for the Poor Guyana Chairman Kent Vincent. GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Khan lauded the efforts of both organisations in aiding the work of the hospital. In recognising the contributions of the Guyana Burn and Health Care Charitable

Foundation Inc, the CEO pointed out that the organisation is responsible for GPHC establishing its Burn Care Unit. “This organisation has been helping us tremendously with not only health care, but helping us with the maternity unit and today, they are even conducting a training course in new born resuscitation.” Moving his attention to the Food For The Poor Guyana, he noted that the organisation donated items and also assisted greatly whenever GPHC is in need of items to reward its nurses. In receiving the plaque, Chairman Vincent said whenever the organisation is recognised, it sees that as an acknowledgment of those who support and provide donations to the entity. He called on the private sector and other organisations that do not support Food For The Poor to support the organisation. “Without the support of the local community here in Guyana, we would be unable to do what we are supposed to do. All our outreaches, all our local operations are financed locally.” Foundation representative Harakh stated that all the contributions of the organisation are possible due to the Lord and divine intervention. She noted that the organisation is happy to help the hospital and it will continue to doing so.

Health Ministry praises work of outgoing Cuban medical brigade

he Health Ministry Wednesday evening hosted a reception in honour of the outgoing Cuban medical doctors who served in Guyana for about two years. At the event, Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran noted that the relations between the two countries for decades have been fruitful, adding that Guyana has benefited particularly from medical training and services from Cuba. He said many years ago the Cuban brigade was the backbone at the primary health-care specialist level in the main hospitals in the country. However, this has changed due to Cuba’s assistance in teaching medical Guyanese practitioners and helping them to become graduate doctors especially since February 2006. Cuba has aided Guyana to become selfsufficient. “We’re happy that coming out of the efforts of the Cuban universities… we have been able to, over the years, duly and correctly register several hundred young Guyanese as doctors.” He underscored that many of the graduate doctors from these Cuban Universities return to Guyana to work with their teachers from Cuba, while many of the Guyanese doctors who return to

Guyana are sent to areas which previously lacked doctors. In recognising the contributions of the Cuban brigade, the health minister also pointed out that the doctors are scattered across hospitals in the country as well as health centres. He said many of the Cuban doctors who contribute their service in Guyana engage in furthering their studies noting that several of these doctors are in post-graduate programmes and also host scientific conferences. “The Ministry of Health is exploring the possibility of having these, the scientific conferences with your concurrence and with the concurrence of the embassy and the universities in Cuba…to have those recognised as credits.” Ramsaran added that the Health Ministry is hoping to push for Guyanese doctors to do the same since it would like them to continuously be engaged in educating themselves. “For example, Guyanese doctors to be reregistered in the new year need to undergo 12 Continued Medical Education Sessions in the previous year.” In concluding, he thanked the outgoing batch of doctors for their time and dedication to the country and its people.

Gonsalves says private sector should set up regional ferry service

t Vincent's Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves said establishing a fast ferry service in the southern Caribbean is a risk the private sector must take, with government assistance. “This is not as easy as some people think. It is a lot of money which is involved. In fact, the reason why you haven’t had it, despite all sort of efforts, is because it is a difficult proposition,” Gonsalves said at the 43rd special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) that ended in St Vincent late on Wednesday. But Gonsalves, who has lead responsibility for transportation in Caricom, said regional governments can help private investors by offering them various concessions. “These are easy things for us to do. We do that in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said, adding that ferries registered and operating here are imported tax-free, pay no tax on their earnings, and there is not value-added tax on the service. He said that when fer-

St Vincent Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

ry operators import a vessel, they are only required to pay a four per cent Customs Service charge. “So when (business people) talk about a fast ferry service… I say by all means, register the vessel in St Vincent and you get all these concessions and we can work out with all the other countries to get these concessions. And we can provide the port facilities,” he said, adding “and I use this platform to invite investors who want to get involved to do it”.

Trial run

He, however, said that

people discussing a fast ferry service often want governments to fund at least a six-month trial run. He said only Trinidad and Tobago among Caricom countries has such resources. “So, it really is going to be up to them whether they are going to fund it,” he said, adding that a six-month trial will cost about US$5 million. “And the enthusiasm of some ministers in some countries on this subject always comes up against the realities as spelt out by various ministries of finance,” said Gonsalves. “If it is a financial proposition for the private sector, let us give them all the concessions. I don’t see why we can’t give them all the concessions and I believe governments will give them all the concessions, certainly my government will doing it and I will encourage others to do the same. “But you have to take the risk. Government might even be able to help you to source cheaper money than you would get going to a normal commercial bank... But let us get the serious people who want to be involved in

the ferry business, let us get it on the road,” Gonsalves said. His comments came even as he earlier noted increasing trade in agricultural produce between the Windward Islands, and Trinidad and Barbados. “In fact, the trade with Trinidad and Barbados now in agricultural produce from St Vincent and the Grenadines exceeds by far the value of what you trade with Europe,” he said, adding that the situation was similar in Dominica and St Lucia. “So, among the things we have to talk about, is how we are transporting this produce. It is critical to addressing rural poverty and to address food security in the region.” Gonsalves noted the importance of regional air and maritime transportation but also observed that it was the first meeting of COTED dealing with transportation since 2007. “Somehow, everybody talks about transportation being very importation but people just don’t find the time for us to sit down to talk about it. Well, I think that is changing,” he added. (CMC)

NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to focus on special needs education – Manickchand

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand said that government is in the process of compiling a five-year action plan from contributions received during consultations with stakeholders on children with special needs. Manickchand believes that the true measure of a country’s performance is the manner in which it treats the most vulnerable populations. She was at the time delivering the feature address at the launch of a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report on the “State of the World’s Children 2013”, with a focus on children with disabilities. Manickchand said that there are varying levels of vulnerability, with the most severe being a combination of poverty and other issues which prevent people from accessing services than can propel them out of poverty. “People with disability, to my mind, are the most vulnerable in the country. Statistics around the world will show that children with disability from poorer homes have little scope for climbing out of poverty,” the education minister said.

There is more we can do as a country

Manickchand stressed that it is, therefore, incumbent on governments and non-governmental organisation (NGOs) to change the circumstances for children with disabilities. She described the report as “timely” and “a good reminder” that there is much work to be done in the area of disability. “As well as we have done and despite recognition locally and internationally…. I believe there is more we can do as a country, but this does not take away what has already been done,” Manickchand stated. She said that should Guyana implement every aspect of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the country will be well on its way to addressing the relevant issues. Manickchand pointed

out that Guyana has adopted, ratified, and incorporated the conventions into its constitutional provisions thus forcing compliance as far as socio-economic conditions would allow. She revealed that government has invested heavily to ensure that children with disability and special needs are served. “Last year, we completed a series of consultations including with parents, teachers, children, and caregivers to hear what it was we could do to make the lives of children better; to make sure they access a sound, quality education that would see them

being the best they can be,” Manickchand said.

Agents of change

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake emphasised in the report that inclusion of children with disability in society is possible, but requires a change of perception, a recognition that they hold the same rights and can be agents of change rather than beneficiaries of charity. He pointed out that the voices of these children must be heard and heeded in policymaking and government programmes. Lake stated that society continues to contribute

to the exclusion of children with disability by failing to gather enough data to inform policymaking. “Is there a child who does not dream of being counted and having her or his gifts and talents recognised? No, all children have hopes and dreams – children with disabilities and all children deserve a fair chance to make their dream real,” Lake noted. He added that the report contains contributions from young people and their parents who show that when given the chance, children with disabilities are capable of overcoming hurdles and take their rightful

place as participants in society. “But for far too many children with disabilities, the opportunity to participate simply does not exist. Far too often, children with disability are last in line for resources and services especially where these are scarce to begin with. Far too regularly, they are objects simply of pity or worse – discrimination and abuse.” Lake added that the deprivation faced by children and adolescents with disabilities are violations of their rights and the principle of equity, at the heart of which lies a concern for

the dignity and rights of all children, including the most vulnerable and marginalised. “Fortunately, progress is being made, albeit unevenly. The report not only examines the challenges involved in ensuring that children with disabilities have the fair access to services that is their right. It also explores initiatives that show promise in such areas, as health, nutrition, education and emergency programming.” According to Lake, the path forward will be challenging, but children do not accept unnecessary limits and neither should we.

friday, may 31, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Woman, granddaughter Moves afoot to strengthen public procurement injured in fire – evaluators to sign confidentiality, conflict-of-interest declarations A E 56-year-old woman and her two-year-old granddaughter are nursing second-degree burns about their bodies after a fire broke out in their home at Lot 463 Section C Block X, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara on Thursday. Joyclyn Johnson sustained second-degree burns on both hands and superficial burns on her face, while the toddler, Drimetriya Lopes, was badly burnt on her back, hand, and foot. When the fire started around 09:00h, the two were alone in the flat concrete two-bedroom house. Guyana Times understands that the woman was outside the house when the fire began and she went in search of her granddaughter. She found the child inside a bedroom on a bed which was on fire.

Johnson told this newspaper that she was outside doing chores when the scent of something burning hit her, so she went into the house to investigate. She said that she went into the room and saw her granddaughter on the bed, braced against the wall as the fire raced towards her. “When I went into the room, I start scream, because I thought she get bun up, but then I watch in the fire and see she standing on the bed, backing the wall, so I rush and scramble she and both of we fall down,” she recalled. The woman said that by the “Grace of God”, she was able to get out of the room with her grandchild and raise an alarm after which neighbours began pouring out to assist. She noted that because of continuous heavy rainfall,

there was a lot of water in the yard, so persons formed a bucket brigade and were able to douse the fire by the time the fire service had arrived. Johnson explained that along with the mattress and the bed frame, clothing and some documents were destroyed in the blaze, which scorched half of the room. She said that after the fire was doused, she and the toddler were taken to the East Demerara Regional Hospital (Diamond Diagnostic Centre) where they were treated and then referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Johnson pointed out that she cannot speculate as to the cause of the fire, since there were no candles or lamps in the room and dismissed speculation that the toddler might be responsible for the blaze.

El Salvador court denies seriously ill woman abortion

he Supreme Court of El Salvador has refused to allow a seriously ill pregnant woman to have an abortion, even though her foetus has almost no chance of survival. Lawyers for the young woman - who suffers from lupus and kidney failure had argued that continuing the pregnancy would place her life at risk. The foetus itself is missing part or all of its brain. All abortions are prohibited in El Salvador under any circumstances. The constitution in the majority Roman Catholic country protects the right to life “from the moment of conception”. The 22-year-old woman – referred to as “Beatriz”, not her real name – is said to be in fragile health, suf-

valuators involved in the public procurement bidding process are now mandated to sign confidentiality and conflictof-interest declarations. These two new regulations were implemented with immediate effect by the Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill on Thursday during an Evaluators Workshop at Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal. Addressing the chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, permanent secretaries, regional executive officers and engineers, Minister Edghill said that the declarations will strengthen the procurement process. The minister explained that evaluators will now sign the confidentiality declaration before the bidding process commences. He said this will prevent leakage of information. According to Edghill, the board has been faced with situations where

contractors are furnished with information on the recommendations made to the evaluators even before a report is compiled and submitted to the board itself. The conflict-of-interest declaration on the other hand has been designed to root out corruption. It was explained that evaluators before engaging in the evaluation process will have to declare where they have linkages with bidding contractors. This, the minister posited, will remove every cloud of suspicion and provide a sense of objectivity.

Public servants applauded

The finance minister also used the opportunity to applaud public servants who aid in the public procurement process for their outstanding performances. As the junior finance minister, Edghill said he will not allow the good done to be evilly spoken because of a few. Despite working ear-

nestly for the public’s good, the public remains “very unthankful” and are most times never satisfied with the work of public servants, the minister said, but this should not be the case. “I find that we are committed; I find that we mean well; I find that we work hard; I find that we go beyond the call of duty; I find that we take our time to answer the difficult questions to deal with the difficult situation; and I will never allow the few that makes all of us look bad to determine the character of this group of people.” To rebuild a reputation of transparency and accountability, he said, corruption must be rooted out. “I believe we need to cry out against every corrupt public official, I think we need to cry out against everyonewho is negligent in the performance of their duty.” He said it was time public servants decimated threats and perception of corruption.

Hurricane Barbara lashes Mexico’s southern coast

H `

fering from the chronic immune disorder lupus as well as kidney failure. Tests suggest her 26-week-old foetus is developing without a complete brain, a condition called anencephaly. Almost all babies born with this condition die before or shortly

after birth. A medical committee at her maternity hospital, the Ministry of Health and rights groups had all supported Beatriz’s request to terminate her pregnancy, but judges at the Supreme Court voted four-to-one to reject the woman’s appeal.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

urricane Barbara has been lashing parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast after making landfall in the town of Santo Domingo Zanatapec, in Oaxaca state. Two people have been killed in the state, the authorities say – an American surfer and a young Mexican swept away by flood waters. Fourteen fishermen were also report-

ed missing at sea. Barbara quickly lost strength over land but drenched coastal areas with rain, leading to flooding in some areas. The hurricane came ashore some 130 km (80 miles) east of Salina Cruz, home to Mexico’s biggest oil refinery. A warning was issued for the stretch of coast between Puerto Angel and Barra de Tonala. Thousands

of people in Chiapas and Oaxaca states have been evacuated. Roads have been closed and sea traffic suspended in the area. The storm that preceded the hurricane caused floods in many coastal areas, including the resort city of Acapulco, further north. The hurricane is expected to dissipate in the next 24 hours. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Barbadian finance minister rubbishes talk of IMF agreement

New Cayman government T ready to roll

he new government of the Cayman Islands has pledged to immediately get down to business after being sworn in Wednesday during a ceremony held outside and inside of the Legislative Assembly. The ruling government and opposition benches took their final shape as former Premier Juliana O’ConnorConnolly was nominated as Speaker of the House, replacing Mary Lawrence in that role. “Let us rise to the challenge and begin a new form of politics so that our children, when we leave this stage, can look at this junc-

Alden McLaughlin is the new premier of the Cayman Islands

ture as a defining moment in time,” O’Connor-Connoly said. “Egos will be put in a little box and throw away the key and statesmen and [states]women will rise from this chamber.” Not counting O’Connor-

Connolly, who as speaker will not get to vote in legislative matters, Premier Alden McLaughlin will have 11 people in his new government. That includes himself and eight Progressives party members, as well as independents Tara Rivers and Winston Connolly. United Democratic Party leader McKeeva Bush sat in the customary opposition leader’s chair aside his colleagues Bernie Bush and Captain Eugene Ebanks during the inside proceedings. He was nominated and confirmed as opposition party leader Wednesday. (Excerpt from

cayCompass)

he Barbados government has described as “malicious and unfounded” reports that the island has held talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler has also rubbished suggestions that Barbados would be devaluing its local currency which now trades at 50 cents to one United States dollar. “There will be no IMF programme – not now, not June, not this year, and if we act as we are supposed to act, not in the foreseeable future and absolutely no devaluation of the Barbados dollar,’ Sinckler told members of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI). He said there were people in the country bent on spreading panic and have in the past made statements

Barbados Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler

indicating that the Freundel Stuart government would be retrenching as many as 6,000 public servants because of the financial situation. “There has been no such meeting that took place and no such discussions have been taking place in my ministry,” he said, adding that because of the global economic challenges “we made choices we believe to

be correct. “Yes, domestic demand has fallen because there is less disposable income, but we know that given what we faced in 2010 and now 2013, that if we do not anchor our macroeconomic policy response around the foreign exchange function in this economy, we will run out of options when those reserves are dissipated. (Excerpt from Antigua

Observer)

15 Around the World

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

Syrian President Assad says Threatening letter sent to Obama, army “has balance of power” U.S. Secret Service says

he Syrian army has scored “major victories” against rebels and now holds “the balance of power” in the conflict, President Bashar al-Assad has told a Lebanese TV station. He also suggested Syria may have received the first shipment of an advanced Russian air defence system. Russia vowed earlier this week to go ahead with sending S-300 missiles. Meanwhile, the main opposition outside Syria said it would not take part in peace talks while massacres continued. Speaking in Istanbul where the Syrian National Coalition is meeting, its interim head, George Sabra, said talk of diplomatic conferences was farcical while Syrian government forces backed by the Lebanese Shia movement

“The repercussions and wider dangers seem to be growing every day,” reports Jim Muir in Beirut

Hezbollah were carrying out heinous crimes. Last week, a spokesman for the National Coalition had said it would attend, but only if Assad agreed to step down. In his interview, Assad said Syria would “in principle” attend the talks if there were not unacceptable preconditions. However, he

said it would not be surprising if the conference failed, and if it did, it would not make much difference on the ground, because what he called the “terrorism” of the rebels would continue. President Assad’s interview with Hezbollah-linked alManar TV was broadcast on Thursday. (Excerpt from BBC News)

uthorities intercepted a threatening letter addressed to President Barack Obama that was similar to ones sent to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Secret Service said on Thursday. Letters sent to Bloomberg and his gun control group contained material believed to be the deadly poison ricin and contained a reference to gun control, New York police said on Wednesday. A Secret Service official said the White House letter was similar but did not elaborate. The White House mail screening facility turned the letter over to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the

hortly after a French soldier was stabbed in a Paris business district just days after the May 22 hacking of a British soldier in London, French President François Hollande was quick to caution against drawing links between the two incidents. But as details of the French investigation began to emerge, patterns of similarities between the stabbing incidents on both sides of the Channel became evident. A day after French police arrested the main suspect in the stabbing incident, French security services – like their British counterparts – are facing questions over whether they failed to catch the early warning signs of yet another lone wolf attacker. In many ways, the profiles of London hacking suspects Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale and French stabbing suspect – identified as Alexandre D – share critical similarities. All three men were fairly recent converts to Islam. British-born Adebolajo and Adebowale are of Nigerian Christian descent and converted to Islam in their teens. French police officials have described Alexandre D as a “pure Gaul” and the “son of a respectable family of Trappes” – a multiethnic commune in the western Paris suburb of Yvelines, where he was arrested on Wednesday. Born on May 30 1991, Alexandre was a troubled

youth who made frequent appearances in a local juvenile court for his “refus-

al to bow to parental authority”. (Excerpt from France24)

The question is how can authorities track potential lone wolf attackers before it is too late. Pictured are Alexandre D and Michael Adebolajo

Secret Service official said on condition of anonymity. Authorities have stopped several ricin-laced letters in recent weeks. A Tupelo,

Pakistani Taliban names new second-in-command

A ‘Lone wolf ’ attacks stir debate on both sides of Channel

U.S. President Barack Obama

Mississippi, man was charged last month with sending poison-laced letters to Obama and two other public officials. Everett Dutschke was being held on charges of developing and possessing ricin and attempting to use it as a weapon, according to the Justice Department. Authorities also intercepted a letter sent to Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker that preliminary tests showed contained ricin. Last week, federal authorities arrested a man in Washington state on charges of mailing a letter containing ricin to a U.S. district judge in Spokane. (Reuters)

day after denying that a U.S. drone strike had killed its second-in-command, the Pakistan Taliban has chosen a new deputy commander to replace him, Taliban sources have said. Wali ur Rehman was killed in an attack by a missile-firing U.S. drone aircraft in the group’s stronghold of North Waziristan, on northwest Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, on Wednesday, Pakistani security officials and the fighters said. A Pakistani Taliban committee met late on Wednesday, choosing Khan Said as a new deputy, after Rehman was buried in a low-key ceremony, three Taliban members told the Reuters news agency on

Thursday. The members said Said, 38, had served as Rehman’s deputy. He was involved in planning a 2011 attack on a Pakistani navy base in Karachi in which 18 people were killed and a 2012 jail break in which nearly 400 jailed fighters escaped, they said. “There was absolute consensus over Khan Said,” one Pakistani Taliban member said. Wednesday’s

drone strike, which also killed six other people, was the first in Pakistan since a May 11 general election in which strikes by the unmanned U.S. aircraft was a major issue. It was also the first reported U.S. drone strike since U.S. President Barack Obama announced last week that the Washington was scaling back the drone programme. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean

Asia

Angostura:10 Cane Rum did India hopes inflation-linked not bring sufficient returns bonds can curb gold buys

ngostura decided not to renew its contract with luxury giant Moet Hennessy to produce 10 Cane Rum in TT because the premium rum was not generating sufficient business. In a statement Wednesday, Angostura said: “After almost a decade working with Moet Hennessey, Angostura decided not to renew the contracts since it did not bring the returns necessary to continue the business.” The company said they had started to close down operations

years ago. “Part of the operations for 10 Cane rum was actually closed for a few years because of insufficient demand. We worked with their team on relocation and wish them all the success in the future,” Angostura said. The Parisbased Moet Hennessy, one of the world’s leading wine and spirit groups, moved its production of its 10 Cane rum brand from Trinidad to the Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados. This is expected to pour in as much

as US$50 million in foreign exchange in the Barbados economy. Sir David Seale, chairman, Foursquare Rum Distillery, in announcing the agreement, described it as “Barbados’ gain over TT”, Barbados Industry Minister, Donville Inniss said Barbados is not a low-cost location for manufacturing and as a result they have to tap into the niche areas and rum is a product that is synonymous with Barbados and they will have to exploit fully the rum industry. (Trinidad Guardian)

North America

Google to challenge iPhone with Moto X

oogle is preparing an attack on Apple’s iPhone with a device that is more aware of its surroundings and smart enough to anticipate how it will be used next, according to the head of the internet company’s Motorola subsidiary. The gadget, called the Moto X, will be made in the U.S. and will be part of a campaign to drive down the cost of smartphones and end the high profit mar-

gins companies such as Apple have enjoyed, said Dennis Woodside, the Google executive installed to run Motorola after it was acquired in late 2011. Woodside’s comments, made at the D11 conference in southern California, marked the first official confirmation by Google that it would launch a “hero” phone, or flagship handset capable of competing with devices such as the iPhone and Samsung’s S4.

The Moto X “is more contextually aware of what’s going on around it. It allows you to interact with it more than other devices today. It anticipates my need,” Woodside said. Sensors inside the device, such as a gyroscope and accelerometer, will be constantly powered up so the phone will know whether it’s in a car travelling at 60mph or being taken out of a user’s pocket, he said. (CNN)

Europe German unemployment rises in May

nemployment in Germany rose during May, according to the latest set of official figures. The country’s labour office said that, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the number of people out of work increased by around 21,000 to 2.963 million, well above analysts’ expectations. Bad weather and a relatively high number of public holidays are being blamed for the increase. However, the jobless rate remained unchanged at 6.9 per cent.

Labour office chief FrankJuergen Weise insisted that the German job market was “fundamentally sound and is developing solidly in a difficult economic environment”. Analysts said that while the long, harsh winter was a factor, employers were also still cautious, following concerns about the economic situation in Italy and Cyprus. ING DiBa economist Carsten Brzeski said: “It is far too premature to start singing swan songs on the labour market.” Natixis

Market statistics

economist Paul Beaumont said he was confident that the German labour market would continue to remain reasonably resilient in the face of subdued economic conditions. “All in all, we expect the German unemployment rate to remain close to a post-reunification low at 6.9 per cent in 2013,” he said. Last week, a survey showed that staffing levels fell across the private sector in May, the first time that has happened since January. (BBC News)

Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

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

Buying

Selling

U.S.

GBP

$310.58

$344.58

Cambio

CAN

$161.50

$181.42

Gross

$312,663

USD

$198.42

$205.58

Net

$290,776

Selling

$322,632

Cur

$1645.25 $202.17

Indicators as on May 30, 2013 Live Spot Gold

Indicators

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1392.70

$1393.70

Low/High

$1382.40

$1396.40

Change

+11.30

+0.82

May 28 USD GBP EUR May 27 USD GBP EUR

London Gold Fix AM 1385.25 917.75 1071.43 AM 1376.75 903.62 1069.15

Crude Oil Price Silver Platinum

US$ per barrel

Change %

$104.23

+0.11

USD per Ounce

Change %

$22.46

+0.19 -8.00

$1452.00

PM 1408.50 930.44 1084.88 PM 1368.75 901.50 1068.00

Last: 15302.80

Changes: -106.59

% Change: -0.69

Open: 15399.94

High: 15399.94

Low: 15229.53

% YTD: +16.78

52Wk Hi: 14887.51

52 Wk Lo: 12035.09

ndia will sell inflationlinked bonds next week – something it tried unsuccessfully more than a decade ago – in the hope that eventually they will catch on enough to help wean millions of Indians off gold, their favoured hedge against rising prices. Next Tuesday’s auction by the Reserve Bank of India of Rs 10 billion of so-called linkers will be the first in a series, with the government planning to sell up

to 150 billion rupees worth in the fiscal year ending in March, 2014. The likely buyers are buy-and-hold investors such as insurers seeking long-term investments, and banks looking to include them as part of securities that must be set aside to meet regulatory requirements. Pricing and liquidity concerns could dull their appeal initially, however. Investors expect India will offer effective returns

between 1.25 per cent to two per cent on Tuesday’s initial auction of the 10-year inflation-linked bonds, according to a Reuters poll of 10 banks, primary dealers and mutual funds. That would make returns – the measure investors are using to price the debut debt – lower than equivalent nominal government bonds, which have returned an average of around 2.5 per cent over a five-year period.(Times of India)

Middle East Dubai stock market hits new 54-month high

AE bourses mounted a late-session rally and Dubai’s measure rose to a 54-month high after speculation index compiler MSCI might upgrade UAE to emerging market status. Dubai’s index climbed 1.2 per cent to finish at 2367 points, its highest close since November 2008. Dubai Financial Market, the Gulf’s only listed bourse, surged 8.7 per cent. It extends 2013 gains to 59.8 per cent, catching up to other stocks’ bullish run this year.

MSCI, which has US$7 trillion in global assets benchmarked against its indices, put UAE and Qatar on review for upgrade to its emerging market index but has snubbed both the countries five times. It will announce its decision on June 12. “Retail investors are buying ahead of an MSCI rebalancing next month,” said Ali Adou, portfolio manager at The National Investor. “The market is on the verge of a correction. Valuations are in line with fair value

and more value will only come next year when infrastructure projects pick up in Abu Dhabi.” Abu Dhabi’s benchmark climbed one per cent to 3563 points, heading back towards last week’s 54-month high. In Qatar, the index advanced 0.9 per cent to finish at 9238 points, extending 2013 gains to 10.5 per cent, as it catches up to a bull run in other regional markets. Dubai’s measure is the best performing with year-to-date gains of 45.9 per cent. (Arabianbusiness)

Oceania

NZ formula draws bad news in China

hinese state-run television has put the heat on New Zealand’s lucrative infant formula manufacturing industry in a series of news stories, raising concerns that this country’s reputation for high-quality food products – the driving force behind more than US$2 billion in annual dairy exports to China – may have taken a hit. In one of the news items, broadcast this month to a potential audience in the hundreds of millions, a

journalist from the CCTV 13 channel visited the Auckland address provided on the cans of a New Zealand-made baby milk brand sold in Chinese supermarkets. The address turned out to be a panelbeater’s yard in Great South Rd and staff at the business had no knowledge of the infant formula firm. In another story a CCTV reporter drew up a list of around 30 New Zealandmade baby formula brands sold in China and visited

Pak ‘n Save and Countdown supermarkets looking for those brands. All the journalist found were brands that would be familiar to many Kiwi consumers, such as Karicare. From a translation provided to the Business Herald, it’s understood that CCTV suggested that the brands’ absence from New Zealand supermarkets was a concern, despite the fact that most infant formula products made in New Zealand are produced solely for export. (NZ Herald)

Investors' guide U.S. first quarter GDP revised slightly lower; austerity bites

drop in government spending dragged more on the U.S. economy than initially thought in the first three months of the year, although consumer spending looked relatively resilient to Washington’s austerity drive. Other reports on Thursday showed the number of new jobless claims rose modestly last week while contracts on previously owned homes climbed to a three-year high in April. Together, the reports pointed to an economy

that has held up reasonably well despite government constraints, but nevertheless faced headwinds severe enough to dissuade the U.S. Federal Reserve from trimming its monetary stimulus in the immediate future. “(The reports) paint the picture of an economy with strengthening fundamentals that is facing significant fiscal drag,” said Ellen Zentner, an economist at Nomura in New York. Gross domestic product, a measure of the country’s total eco-

nomic output, expanded at a 2.4 per cent annual rate during the first quarter, down a tenth of a point from an initial estimate, the Commerce Department said. Analysts had forecast a 2.5 per cent gain. Government spending tumbled at a 4.9 per cent annual rate, which was faster than the 4.1 per cent rate initially estimated. Also holding back growth during the quarter, businesses outside the farm sector stocked their shelves at a slower pace. (Reuters)

Business concept – Foreign reserve Holdings of foreign currency held by a government. A substantial foreign reserve of consistently stable currencies, such as a reserve currency like the dollar or the Euro, can dampen the effect of inflation or of a currency crisis. Also called currency reserve, forex reserve. See also central bank.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

ARCHIE

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) If you attempt to appease associates rather than follow the dictates of your judgment, many of your efforts could turn out to be counterproductive.

DILBERT

(June 21July 22) It’s extremely important that you maintain a realistic but positive attitude concerning your work. If you inflate the difficulty of your job, all initiative will desert you.

AQUARIUS

LEO

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

(July 23Aug. 22)

Your spending habits are likely to be influenced by the company you keep. If you’re with high rollers, chances are that you’ll be more extravagant than usual.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

CANCER

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Be careful, because you follow an inclination to test your will against a colleague’s. It’s an exercise in juvenile expression that you’ll later regret.

Your survival today depends on how well you can function independently of others. Don’t operate under the illusion that co-workers are looking out for anyone other than themselves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) It would be wise to support your mate in public, even if you secretly disagree with his or her position. It’s a good strategy to show a united front.

PEANUTS

ARIES

LIBRA

(March 21-April 19)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t be intimidated by someone who expresses him or herself in a bold, traumatic fashion. There could be nothing at the bottom of such a display.

Instead of trying to impose your thinking on your co-workers today, first listen to their ideas and/or what they have to say. They might have some suggestions that are far superior to yours.

SUDOKU TAURUS (April 20-May 20) It’s best not to enter into a joint venture without a clear sense of who does what and where it will all lead. Make sure everyone’s priorities are in place.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) Since finances are likely to be a touchy issue, instead of getting involved in a joint endeavour where another controls what you invest, try to handle all of your funds yourself.

Thursday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) Underestimating your competition is apt to produce undesirable results. Unless you carefully evaluate the strength of your adversities, you could lose out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) If you’re in a position of authority, be careful of how you treat your subordinates. If you come on too strong, you could create a situation that might get out of hand.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, may 31, 2013

Entertainment

What’s your flavour, blackjack, darts or dominoes?

ne week after Pulse Entertainment successfully hosted its Pool Party at the Princess Hotel Poolside; the entertainment company is doing it again this Saturday with “Body Shot” slated for Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown. Experience the enticing taste of lime and salt while you get your bodyshots!!! That’s not all – there will also be a tequila happy hour and an exciting pulse lighting show which will definitely add some excitement to the atmosphere. Ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h while admission to the event costs $2000 before 23:00h and more after. Music and lighting will be provided by Pulse Entertainment. As usual, Deejay Ryan from the entertainment company will spice up the party with his fabulous selections of music. This event is powered by Pulse Entertainment and Banks DIH Limited.

n Thursday, J u n e 13, Divine Entertainment in collaboration with L&L Restaurant will be launching its monthly Poetry and Jazz Night under the theme “Seduction” commencing at 19:00h. This

event will feature some of Linden’s best jazz singers and poets; not forgetting invitational presentations from poets affiliated with Upscale Restaurants’ Poetry Night. The main objective is to create a relaxed ambience through soft music and entertaining poetry in a classy atmosphere while fostering young talent. This concept will encourage poets and singers to present their pieces through a structured programme named the open microphone segment then followed by the featured presentations. Monthly jazz and poetry night can accommodate a maximum of 250 persons all of whom will be served beverages, dinner or snack on an order basis. To maximise on the event’s potential and to capitalise on mileage, Divine Entertainment and L&L Restaurant will be recording and later televising the event on the first weekend of every month on NCN Channel 13 (Linden). “Seduction” is a fusion of rhythmic poems, mime, vocals and acoustic instruments that are aimed at portraying intimacy in a sensual way. The artistes to be featured in June’s edition of poetry and jazz are: Omi (jingle and song participant), Diana Chapman (jingle and song finalist), Luela (New Jazz singer) and Jamelle Petty (Mime) along with others. Due to the shows content, a strict admittance of 18+ will be enforced. In July, which will mark the second month of the programme’s existence, Divine Entertainment and L&L Restaurant will be featuring a team of poets and musicians from Reggae Island Jamaica and The Bahamas under the theme “Reflection- Journey through emancipation”. The event is sponsored by Banks DIH and NCN Channel 13.

oin the Guyana Karate College (GKC) for non-stop fun at the social event of the year called ‘Monte Carlo Night 2013’. At this first annual fundraiser that will be held this Saturday, June 1, no matter how you play, you’ll find lots of intrigue, mystery and surprises, all part of an evening of good gaming, music, tasty delights and the best beer and cocktails in the world. This GKC signature event will be held at the Malteenoes Sports Club on Thomas Road, in Thomas Lands which is located between the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and the Transport and Harbours Sports Club and will start at 17:00h. For one evening, the Malteenoes Sports Club will be transformed into a mini-Casino complete with two bars, local gourmet food and a variety of grilled and barbequed meat. Persons should consider this Monte Carlo Night a ‘mustattend’ event. You won’t want to miss this fabulous night of gaming and fun with your colleagues and friends. Hope to see you there.

uyanese rapper Don Gialiani has recently released two new singles that he believes will showcase his versatility as a rapper. The new songs; “Island Girl” and “MIA remix” were released to local radio stations recently and have been creating a stir on the local airwaves. The video for “Island Girl” has been completed but a date for the launch has not been air-marked. The song “Island Girl” is an infectious dancehall theme track and the rapper said that he wanted to step out of his comfort zone and “try something new”. Gialiani said he wanted to do something like this for a while and jumped on the opportunity to get it done. The young and versatile artiste intends to release a number of new tracks over the next three months and is also looking at a number of other Guyanese singers to complete some collaborative projects. For Don Gialiani’s music downloads visit his ReverbNation page http://www.reverbnation.com/dongialiani

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, may 31, 2013

Entertainment

Alesha Fortune

n less than 48 hours, the Garage and Grill, Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt will be bursting with laughter when some of the best in comedy showcase their talent as Chow Pow hosts his annual event dubbed Comedy Jam. The event will see the likes of Chow Pow, Henry Rodney, Leza Singh, Chris Gopaul, Chubby and Kwasi Ace. Names such as Randy Critchlow, Tash Innis, Mark Luke Edwards, Mark Kazim, Granny Ivelaw, Lisa Punch and bodybuilders Kerwin Clarke, Alesha Fortune and Devon Bess were also added to the event to boost excitement. It is expected to be an irresistible night of wholesome entertainment. The venue provides a more relaxing atmosphere for fans that can savour the flavour of their favourite beverages and enjoy the show. Chow Pow also promised that all the comedians will be performing new material and Granny Ivelaw also has something special for his fans. It will be a night of pure fun and laughter and is dubbed a must see. But remember it’s for adult audiences only. Advance tickets cost $800 and are available at the Garage and Giftland OfficeMax, pay more at the Tash Innis door. Show time is 20:00h.

Kerwin Clarke

Lisa Punch The reigning Miss Guyana Universe, Ruqayyah Boyer

Granny Ivelaw

arib Beer’s “Chutney Mania” The highly anticipated Carib Beer’s “Chutney Mania” which was postponed numerous times due to the inclement weather is confirmed for June 15 at Better Hope Community Centre Ground. The headliner for this evening is Trinidad’s number one Crossover Band, Jmc3Veni with its headliners, Kris Persad (KI) and Nishard. Many have witnessed the duo performing at the “Clash of the Titans”, “Music of the World” and their recent performance at Pulse Entertainment’s Cooler Fete, hence they are known for their energetic performance. They are also known for their versatility as they perform different genres of music including soca, chutney, and reggae. The Guyanese cast will include the “No Curfew” singer Prince JP who recently launched his singles “Haterz” and ‘Gal Don’t Bother”. Aamir Khan, Bunty Singh, Fiona Singh, and the Shakti Strings Orchestra comprising Steven Ramphal; lead keyboardAvinash Roopchand and Pooran Seeraj will also add some excitement to the evening.

ist,

wish to Carib and get earlier

Patrons who be a part of the show can purchase six Beers from any leading Carib dealer a free ticket. Those with tickets obtained from promotions are still valid.

iss Guyana Universe, Ruqayyah Boyer continues to promote her country and more so, herself as she continues her reign. Boyer who represented Guyana in Las Vegas last December was recently elected as the Public Relations Officer of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN). She has recently visited various Caribbean islands to promote Guyana and the CYEN. Miss Boyer is presently attached to Guyana Times as a reporter. She intends to use her experience as she diligently performs her duties as PRO of the established organisation. The CYEN is a non-profit, civil society and charitable body that focuses its resources on empowering young people and their communities. The mission of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network is to improve the quality of life of Caribbean young people by facilitating their personal development and promoting their full involvement in all matters pertaining to the environment and sustainable development. The organisation promotes education and training, Caribbean integration and community empowerment as tools to develop an ethic among young people that assists in the conservation and protection of natural resources within the wider Caribbean. The work of the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network started since the early 1900’s. The vision is set to create an appropriate opportunity to participate in the design, development, implementation and promotion of progressive and substantial programmes across the wider region of the Caribbean. The organisation was developed to make a positive impact on the environment by youth ages 15-29 participating in these activities. It’s known to be, without a doubt, the largest youth environment group in the Caribbean. As of July 31, 2006, the CYEN included 29 organisational members and 264 individual members across the Caribbean. Nations include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Entertainment

YELLOW PAGES

friday, may 31, 2013

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optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

services EDUCATION Electronic course- practical, beginning June 3, limited space available, Abdul Electronics. Phone: 2266551, 225-0391 WHERE CAN YOU GET A BOOK FOR $40? THE MASSIVE BOOKSALE, NOW ON AT BOOKLAND, ABOVE MATTS RECORD BAR (226-2874). BOOKLAND, ON A SAL MISSION “ TO GET BOOKS IN EVERY HOUSHOLD”.

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

FOR SALE Clean garden earth 7 builders waste also bobcat rental, excavating, clearing and leveling phone: 616-0617 or 663-3285. Cummins currency counters , used by banks wordwide and in Guyana specifically programmed to detect counterfeit Guyana currency, world imports, sales & service phone: 227-4983.

health Healthworld Holistic Centre: Psychotherapy available for all types of abnormal behaviors – addictions, emotional, suicidal, anger, relationship and sexual problems. Treatment of stress disorders, depression, fear, low self-esteem, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic sicknesses, and children's disorders. We also conduct IQ evaluations and behavioral assessments. By appointments only. Clinic hours: 11:00 – 17:00h. Tel: 592-621-0552. Email:healthworldhc@gmail.com

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isa Mary Johanna Punch is a young budding artiste who is making a name for herself in the local music industry. As she is commonly called “Punch” or “Punchy” by friends and relatives, this 20-year-old talented young woman was born at the Georgetown Public Hospital to John Punch Snr and Nafieza Daniels. She is blessed with six siblings namely Emika, John Jr, Lemuel, Tiffany, Joel and Malia. She spend most her life in the compound of the Guyana Police Force’s Headquarters, Eve Leary but also spent part of her life in Eldorado City, Berbice and Charlotte Street, Georgetown. Her dad is a serving member of the force. She is presently employed as a radio announcer/producer at the National Communications Network (NCN). The young woman, who is blessed with a powerful voice attended the Smith Memorial Primary School where she wrote the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE) and was rewarded a place at North Georgetown Secondary where she obtained 12 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). The admirable Punch then got enrolled to Bishops’ High School where she secured four out of five subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She described her childhood as being wonderful; one that was full of excitement and fun. During her early years she enjoyed lots of games and was always a “tom boy” thus, she was always outdoors. She recalled playing with the horses in the police compound during her time away from school. She started the journey in her music career at the age of nine when she started to sing at home and school but at the age of eleven she made her first appearance on “Talent Exclusive”. She then participated in the VIP Talent Search at

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Lisa Mary Johanna Punch

the age of 12. So far, Punch has a compilation album that is made up of nine singles including “One last time”; “Secret admirer” and “How we party’’. This album was recently launched at the Upscale Restaurant and is called “The Evolution of Lisa Punch” The young artiste has spent 10 years in the music industry trying to overcome her challenges noting that she is at a point in her life where she is allowing good things to be attracted to her. “No more negatives! So right now I’m enjoying it” she told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview. Some of challenges include not getting the exposure that is expected. “I am not getting enough jobs to perform or showcase my talent and not being able to earn off my creative work”, she added. Her favourite colour is yellow and she enjoys curried chicken. Her favourite movie is “The Bodyguard”. She also enjoys computer games such as “the cake game”; “virtual families”; “virtual villagers”; “sorority life” and “etclol”. She also loves to write, act and dance. She hopes one day to be married to a loving and caring husband while adding that having children will follow after marriage. Besides those two, she added that she will continue to produce programmes and hopes for her acting career to flourish. Her aspiration is to be on the international scene performing before a massive audience while her husband is by her side. “On a serious note I’ll be making Guyana proud in everything I do”, Punch noted. While she has a few role models, Whitney Houston is definitely at the top of the list. She advised young people who want to pursue a career in music to stay focused; keep their heads up high and stay humble. “What you perceive is exactly what you will receive”, she stated.

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ormer Miss Guyana World 2011 contestant, 20-yearold Sabrina Nandalal will represent Guyana in Cancun, Mexico for the Miss United Nations Pageant slated for July this year. Presently, Guyanese Soyini Fraser is the title holder after she outshone her competitors in Miami, Flordia July last. With the aim of another Guyanese capturing the title for a second time, Nandalal who currently resides in the United States of America is eager and ready to compete. She enjoys singing; dancing; reading; drama and modelling. This beauty stands 175 cenimetres tall and is presently a student at the Profession Business College in New York, City. Nandalal will be competing amongst 35 other beauties around the world in the swimsuit; national costume; national wear; evening gown; and intelligence segments. The other pageants that will be hosted around the same time are Miss Teen United Nations; Mr Teen United Nation; Mr United Nations and Mrs United Nations. The events are slated for July 6 at the Moon Palace Gulf and Spa Resort, Cancun, New Mexico.

friday, MAY 31, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

plans successful FIFA to appoint first Rampaul return to Windies squad woman to its C executive committee

IFA will elect a woman to its powerful executive committee for the first time in its history this week. Former Australia international Moya Dodd is one of three women vying for a four-year term as a FIFA executive. “I would hope I could contribute something, not just for women’s football but for women in football,” Dodd, 48, told BBC Sport. Her election rivals are Burundi’s Lydia Nsekera and Sonia Bien-Aime of the Turks and Caicos Islands. New Zealand’s Paula Kearns was also a candidate but withdrew from the race on the eve of today’s vote. Her absence means that all three remaining candidates will serve on the executive committee – one as elected member for four years and two as co-opted members for one year. Nsekera already has experience of the executive committee, which is the decision-making body of FIFA, having been co-opted for one year at the last congress in Budapest. Dodd is convinced female representation on the executive committee can only be a good thing. “Can you imagine a family or a society or a workplace with no women in it?” said the lawyer, who played in the first Women’s World Cup in 1988. “It would be much the poorer for it. Football is the same. “It’s a very exciting time to be part of football and a part of women’s football. I really do think we’re on the edge of something good.”

Moya Dodd

Earlier this year, Alexandra Wrage, a reform adviser for FIFA, resigned in protest over what she saw as a “neutered” reform process launched in response to the various scandals to hit world football’s governing body. She also complained about the “startling” sexism she had encountered from leading FIFA officials. Dodd is aware of Wrage’s comments and says she is determined not to be a token appointment if she is elected. “This position is a great opportunity for a woman to make a definitive contribution at the highest level,” said Dodd, who currently serves on the Asia Football Confederation’s executive body. “If you want to be a token presence, then that’s what it’ll be. If you want to be actively engaged in the best interests of the game, to work with your colleagues from around the world, then that is a great opportunity.” One of Dodd’s aims is to improve women’s access to the game. She has been involved

FIFA set to vote... “Of course the mere adoption of those codes have not acted as a deterrent from a global standpoint so now we’re going to mandate, with the support of congress, that these be adopted in all 209 member associations around the world.” That raises the prospect of club sides facing penalties such as points deductions and possible relegation if their fans continually break discrimination rules. Webb is convinced that financial sanctions have failed to modify behaviour and that sterner measures are therefore necessary. “We believe that when you continue to have offenders there must be another level of punishment and expulsion,” he said. “There

in developing a “safe” head scarf that would allow women players to abide by FIFA’s playing regulations and still conform to cultural values. “There are 650 million Muslim women in the world,” said Dodd. “Now, if they’re good enough, they can play in a World Cup final. That’s what football is all about. It fuels the dreams of millions of people.” And such is the “extraordinary” growth in the women’s game, says Dodd, that it should not be unthinkable for a Premier League team to appoint a female manager in the future. “In Europe, there are dozens of female pro-licensed coaches,” she said. “Most of them aren’t really considered, at this point in time, for roles in men’s football, but why not? “What’s a good coach? A good coach is someone who is a good teacher, a good people manager, a good tactician and a good leader. “Women have shown themselves to be good at all those things, so why wouldn’t they be good at coaching?” (BBC Sport)

ARDIFF, Wales – Ravi Rampaul had a long lay-off from the game at the international level and now the West Indies fast bowler is looking to make an impactful return during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The 28-year-old last played for the Windies last December when the team was in Bangladesh before he was sidelined by an injury. He returned to competitive cricket for Trinidad and Tobago in the Regional Four-Day and Super50 tournaments earlier this year, and was also impressive for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recentlyconcluded Indian Premier League. Rampaul said the time away from the team gave him a chance to reflect, regroup and plan his new approach. “I always want to perform for West Indie and I always want to perform for my country,” he said. “I have not played for West Indies for a couple months now, so I want to come back and get the ball rolling and get some wickets and some good performances. I’m ready to go. I’m feeling a lot fitter and stronger. I managed to lose some weight, so I’m ready and confident.” Rampaul was speaking as the Windies continued their intense preparations for the Champions Trophy,

Ravi Rampaul

which begins next week. The Windies assembled in Cardiff, Wales, earlier this week and have been training at the Swalec Stadium. The Caribbean side play their first warm-up match on Saturday at the same venue. They then travel to Birmingham for the second warm-up against Sri Lanka next Tuesday at Edgbaston. “I played a few times in England before and the ball does swing around and seam around,” said Rampaul. “Once you stick to the basics and get the ball in the right areas, it will do something, so the key to bowling here is to be consistent and the ball will do the work for you. You don’t have to try too many things, the ball will do something for you – just get it in the right areas.” While Rampaul was out of the team, Tino Best made a return to international cricket and grabbed his opportunity. Rampaul said he was looking forward to bowling alongside Best and the oth-

ers in the bowling unit. “We have a good bowling attack and a lot of variety as well with different types of actions and at different speeds,” he said. “One of the key factors would be to bowl in partnerships. Tino brings energy into the bowling attack and into the team. Everyone is geed up when he is around. He gives you that extra effort and enthusiasm. We need somebody like Tino in our team to help us bowl teams out. “My aim is to help West Indies win this Champions Trophy. We did a great job when we won the World Twenty20 last year in Sri Lanka and the spirit of victory and the awesome feeling of winning is still alive in the squad.” The ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies. The tournament will be played across three venues from June 6 to 23. The Windies have been drawn in Group B alongside the Indians, Pakistanis and South Africans. They open against Pakistan on Friday, June 7, at the Oval in London and return to the famous venue on Tuesday, June 11 to take on India. The final preliminary match will be against the Proteas on Friday, June 14. (WICB Media)

Mayweather to fight Saul Alvarez in September

From page 22

must be point deductions, there must be the possibility of relegations. “It will be a wake-up call for the unfortunate individual or club who has this happen to them in the first instance.” The taskforce is also proposing the introduction of anti-discrimination officers at key games to aid evidence-gathering and the introduction of a hotline for players and fans to report incidents. “This must transcend the entire FIFA family, all 209 member associations around the world. The resolution must take effect. If we’re going to have zero tolerance it must be zero tolerance in all 209 member associations.” In addition to the sanctions for racial abuse from

the stands, the taskforce will ask for a minimum fivematch ban against players to be enforced. But Webb believes there must be a concerted effort by all within the game to enforce the rules if the new resolutions are to have any impact. “If we’re going to go through with this process, if we’re going to implement and have the approval of these sanctions then definitely the disciplinary boards, the disciplinary committees, not only from FIFA’s standpoint but from a confederations standpoint, must do their job,” he said. “Racism on the field is deplorable and we must adopt complete zero tolerance.” (BBC Sport)

Floyd Mayweather Jr (right)

nbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr will fight Saul Alvarez in a light-middleweight unification world title bout on September 14. Mayweather took his record to 44 wins when beating Robert Guerrero for the WBC welterweight title on May 4. The 36-year-old, who is also the WBA’s ‘super’ light-middleweight champion, will meet undefeated

Mexican Alvarez, 22, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “I’m giving the fans what they want,” Mayweather tweeted. Alvarez, nicknamed ‘Canelo’ or ‘Cinnamon’ because of his distinctive red hair, is undefeated in 43 contests and has won 30 fights with knockouts. He unified the WBC and WBA light-middleweight titles on April 20 in San Antonio with a unanimous

victory over Austin Trout. The fight is reportedly going to be at a catchweight – or non-standard weight limit – of 152lb, two pounds below the lightmiddleweight limit. But both fighters will put their light-middleweight titles on the line. It will be Mayweather’s second fight since serving two thirds of a three-month prison sentence for domestic violence. (BBC Sport)

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2013

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

McRae returns to familiar waters, aims to regain top position By Treiston Joseph

arlando McRae is back within the swimming fold and looks to rediscover his position as one of Guyana’s top swimmers. After a four-year hiatus, the poster boy at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and at the Colgrain swimming pool returned because of his adept and strong connection to the pool. “I just love the sport and I just wanted to start back swimming plus I have been getting encouragement from my coach (Shawn Bash) and from friends and family to start swimming again,” McRae told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview.

The 24-year-old who swims for Acra Swimming Club revealed that he has some amount of regret for moving away from the pool but is confident that he will return to form quickly. “Well I feel good, first when I came back it was tough it took a while about a month to get back in shape, I even regret that I stopped in the first place but I’m certainly getting back to myself,” the 2007 multi-Goodwill gold medalist told this publication. With his strongest competitor being Olympian Niall Roberts, McRae failed to turn up last weekend at Guyana Amateur Swimming Association’s long course championships,

saying “really and truly I had to work and the meet was on a Saturday and I would not have gotten the time off so my coach decided not to sign me up.” McRae, who works at Bounty’s Meat Centre, also mentioned that while he looks to regain top form he wants to be the best despite his stringent work schedule. “It’s been tough working and training it’s really intense now especially since I have to attend the World Games but everything is coming along alright right now,” McRae emphasised. The swimmer who had left the pool because of personal reasons gained selection to the nation-

al squad to participate in the upcoming World Swimming Championships in Barcelona, Spain, in July. McRae said he is looking forward to making Guyana proud as he did on many occasions in the past. “Right now I just feel good to be honest to be back in the pool, I feel good that I can represent my country again… it’s been a long time but I just want to go out there do my best and hopefully make my country proud,” the 2008 multi Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) gold medalist mentioned. McRae is set to take part in the 15th FINA World Championships along with countrymen Britany Van Lange and Roberts in July.

Corruption in the IPL…

BCCI treasurer considers resigning

CCI treasurer Ajay Shirke is mulling resigning his post because of the manner in which the board handled the betting charges against the arrested Chennai Super Kings official, Gurunath Meiyappan, who is N Srinivasan’s sonin-law, and the spot-fixing charges against the three Rajasthan Royals players. Shirke has held his office since October 1, 2011, the day N Srinivasan became president. “I will wait and see for the time being. If the board continues to ignore what I consider is primary responsibility, I will find it difficult for myself to be associated with it,” Shirke

told ESPNcricinfo. “It is an evolving situation, so I will wait and see. “A few days, maybe within a week, I will make up my mind. If there’s going to be more and more room for fingers to be pointed away, I will have to take a call. That doesn’t mean I will run away from fulfilling my responsibilities, but and I cannot let my personal reputation and credibility be tarnished. That for me stands above everything else.” While calls for Srinivasan’s resignation have been getting louder, he has repeatedly declined to resign. Though the BCCI constituted a three-member commission, which in-

cludes two former Tamil Nadu High Court judges, to probe the complaints against Meiyappan, the Super Kings owners India Cements and the Rajasthan Royals owners, Shirke highlighted the deficiency in the board’s handling of the matter. Shirke said the BCCI reaction to Meiyappan’s arrest had been “more damaging” than the player arrests. “What has been happening is, people who have no knowledge about the functioning of the board have been referring to the board as a sham, a body of hoodlums and goons, which is very unfair. I don’t want to name anybody but if such

people start talking about the way Indian cricket is administered, then people are bound to be misguided. We know how much of an effort we put into running the board. “I can vouch for myself and all my colleagues for making it one of the most credible and most professionally-run sporting bodies in the country by a distance. We don’t get government grants, we pay huge taxes to the government, we generate foreign exchange of around Rs 350 crore every year and we have not just created topquality infrastructure all over the country, but have also maintained all those assets in top conditions. (Cricinfo)

TVG’s Sports Beat relives Windies’ Champions Trophy triumph tonight

ith the 2013 C h a m p i o n s Trophy set to bowl off next week, Sports Beat, TVG’s premier sports programme, will relive the 2004 tournament, which was won by the West Indies under Brian Lara’s leadership. Like 2004, this year’s competition will also be held in England. On tonight’s programme, which will be aired immediately after the Evening News on TVG Channel 28, moderator Avenash Ramzan will present a detailed review of the 2004 final, including highlights of the heroic partnership between

Barbadians Ian Bradshaw and Courtney Browne that sealed a sensational twowicket win over England at The Oval. Man-of-the-Series in the 2004 tournament, Ramnaresh Sarwan, is also part of the programme as he looks ahead to West Indies’ chances this year via a WICB Media audio interview. Several Guyanese will also share their views on West Indies’ chances this time around, as well as the appointment of Dwayne Bravo ahead of regular captain Darren Sammy ahead of what is dubbed the “mini World Cup.”

FIFA set to vote on anti-racism and discrimination proposals

IFA will hold a vote today about proposals it hopes will help eliminate racism and discrimination in the game. The planned measures, from FIFA’s new anti-racism taskforce, will introduce extra observers at games and tough penalties for clubs whose players, officials or fans are guilty of racism. The head of the taskforce has warned that the reforms will be wide-ranging and impact on every member association. “No-one will be immune to this,” Jeffrey Webb told BBC Sport. Speaking in Mauritius, where FIFA’s annual congress is being held, Webb described the sanctions as a

“wake-up call” and warned that even future World Cup hosts could be punished under the new sanctions. “For us, we have a problem. We must find the solutions and everyone must take note that if you infringe on this then penalties... must apply,” he added. The new regulations were designed initially for FIFA’s own competitions but Webb’s taskforce will propose that the new sanctions should be universally applied. “FIFA adopted disciplinary codes against racism in 2001,” said Webb, who is also a vice-president of world football’s governing body. TURN TO PAGE 21

Azarenka, Djokovic into third round T

hird seed Victoria Azarenka reached the third round of the French Open with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Germany’s Annika Beck at Roland Garros. But former champion and sixth seed Li Na was beaten 5-7 6-3 6-2 by American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Ninth seed Sam Stosur will play 18th seed Jelena Jankovic next after both won in straight sets. Britain’s Dominic Inglot and his partner Treat Huey won through to round two of the men’s doubles. Inglot and his Filipino partner Huey beat Tobias Kamke and Florian Mayer of Germany 7-6 (7-5) 6-4. British pair Colin Fleming and Jonathan Marray were beaten 7-6 (74) 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 by Feliciano Lopez and Andre Sa. Heather Watson and her Ukrainian partner Irina Buryachok went out of the women’s doubles 3-6 6-4 7-5 to Oksana Kalashnikova

Victoria Azarenka

and Alicja Rosolska. Belarus’s Azarenka, 23, faces either France’s 31st seed Alize Cornet or Spain’s Silvia Soler-Espinosa next, with Cornet leading that match 6-1 3-3 when rain intervened. Women’s second seed and defending champion Maria Sharapova led Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard 4-1 in the first set before being forced off Court Philippe Chatrier. Mattek-Sands’s best Grand Slam showing came at Wimbledon in 2008, when she reached the fourth round.

Novak Djokovic

She appeared on the verge of defeat in the second set when rain prompted a 90-minute delay but was a different player on her return. “I wanted to play aggressive, and that’s what I did,” said Mattek-Sands, the world number 67. “That’s one of the best wins of my career.” “I was a little bit surprised today the way she’s hitting,” said Li. “Well done for her. The weather didn’t change anything - for both of us it was the same.” Australia’s Stosur beat Kristina Mladenovic 6-4 6-3

and Serbia’s Jankovic beat Garbine Muguruza 6-3 6-0. Other women who managed to defy the rain and win a place in the third round were former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and American 17th seed Sloane Stephens . Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic overcame Argentina’s Guido Pella on a rainy Paris day to set up an intriguing third-round clash against Grigor Dimitrov. The world number one took to Court Philippe Chatrier later than scheduled at 16:00h (French time) after the pre-

dicted bad weather interrupted play. Djokovic was held up once again by the rain in the second set but, when on court, wasted no time in seeing off world number 83, Pella, 6-2 6-0 6-2, to reach the last 32. There he will meet Dimitrov, the Bulgarian 26th seed, who beat Djokovic on the Madrid clay earlier this month. Dimitrov made it through around a couple of rain delays with a comprehensive 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 win over France’s Lucas Pouille on Court Suzanne Lenglen, and

Djokovic was clearly determined not to hang about on Chatrier. Moving Pella around with his characteristically precise groundstrokes he opened up a space to thump away a smash and break for 4-2, and a run of 11 straight games either side of the rain delay as good as ended the contest. When the sun briefly shone as he was closing on victory, Djokovic gestured to the sky to clear, much to the shivering crowd’s delight. He will face Dimitrov on Saturday, weather permitting, in a match that is already the talk of Roland Garros. “It’s different when you play a Masters event, best of three sets, and then you come to a Grand Slam,” said Dimitrov. “Your mindset, everything you set up in a different way. “I feel I’m playing good. I know I can bring a bit more steam into the game. I think I might need that in the next round.” (BBC Sport)

friday, MAY 31, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Sensational Shiv puts Branford slams helmetDerby in control Bryden’s Super Classic Indoor Hockey...

trick for Cadets

ERBY, ENGLAND – Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s sensational century – his first for the club – has put Derbyshire in a strong position after the opening day against Surrey at the County Ground. The West Indian batsman shared a sublime 203-run partnership with Captain Wayne Madsen, who ended the day unbeaten on a faultless 92, as bad light forced the players off with the hosts on 232-2 – with Chanderpaul 112 not out. After a lengthy rain delay, play finally got underway at 3:15pm with 63 overs scheduled to be bowled in the day. Derbyshire won the toss and elected to bowl first, but they got off to a slow start losing the early wicket of Chesney Hughes who was bowled by Chris Tremlett without scoring in the opening over. Billy Godleman began the counter-attack hitting four quick boundaries to move onto 17 inside the opening 10 overs, but he was removed shortly after by Tim Linley as the opener edged to third slip to reduce the hosts to 292. But Chanderpaul and Madsen developed a magnificent partnership to remain unbeaten at the interval. World number two Test batsman Chanderpaul played some beautiful shots

Aroydy Branford

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

through both the on and off side, including back-to-back boundaries straight past Linley, to complete a 65-ball half century before Tea. Derbyshire restarted on 121-2 and Captain Madsen quickly followed his batting partner and reached an excellent half century from 92 balls, which included six fours, as the pair completed the 100-run partnership in the 34th over. The duo continued to accelerate the run rate in the evening session scoring over five an over at times, as the pair exchanged boundaries off Tremlett on the way to a sublime 150-run stand.

Chanderpaul batted with poise and displayed his class against an experienced Surrey attack, hitting 13 fours on his way to a faultless century from 116 balls – his first three figure score for the Club. Derbyshire moved past 200 inside 47 overs, going at over four runs an over, as Captain Madsen continued his assault on three figures, effortlessly knocking the Surrey bowlers through both the on and off side, but he ended the day eight runs short as bad light forced an early closure to proceedings with Derbyshire 232-2. (First pub-

lished by Derbyshire County Cricket Club)

Brazil-England friendly in doubt over Maracana safety concerns

The recently-renovated Maracana stadium

ngland’s friendly with Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday has been suspended over safety issues at the recently-renovated Maracana stadium. A court order on Thursday ruled that the game cannot go ahead. But senior officials at the Football Association have told BBC Sport that they have received assurances from their Brazilian counterparts that the game will be played as scheduled. The problem is understood to relate to the submission of necessary paperwork. The Rio de Janeiro government has already ap-

pealed against the court’s decision. The iconic 78,000-seat Maracana reopened in April after nearly three years of work updating it for the 2014 World Cup finals. Even though it reopened four months behind schedule, local newspapers still reported problems with the venue. Days before the first test event at the stadium on April 27 – a friendly featuring former Brazil players – seats were still being installed and pavements laid near the venue. The Jornal do Brasil reported at the time that visitors “needed patience to deal with the many problems” at

the venue, arising from the rush to complete it. It highlighted uneven flooring with small gaps and holes, flooding in the VIP area and a dysfunctional lift, and said some staff had tried to prevent journalists taking pictures of the affected areas. England’s visit is due to be the first major international test of the facility, with the Confederations Cup beginning two weeks later. Roy Hodgson’s squad have already arrived in Brazil ahead of what would be England’s first game at the Maracana since 1984, if the friendly does go ahead.

(BBC Sport)

roydy Branford of the Cadets was on a goal scoring spree on Wednesday evening as the Bryden’s Super Classic indoor hockey tourney continued at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. With a helmet-trick to his name, Branford spearheaded his team to a 5-2 victory over defending champions Hikers in the entertaining feature match of Kellogg’s Men’s first division competition. With the Hikers going ahead in the eighth minute of the match through captain Robert France, the pace of the young Cadets overwhelmed their senior counterparts and Branford managed to complete two successful finishes by the half to see his team to a 2-1 lead. The Hikers would see more from Branford in the second half as he hammered home his third in the first minute of resumption and another five minutes later. The Hikers, long known to be a team which fights to the end, managed to pull one goal back through Rayon Branford but the Cadets defence would prove too strong to allow any further breaches. The 5-2 victory catapults the Cadets to the top of the table, making them favourites to take the championship. The Tetley Tea ladies competition saw Spice wrest control of the competition with their second victory, this time a 3-1 result over the Hikers Divas. Although the teams seemed to take some time to settle into good play in the opening minutes, there was a strong even battle in the first half which expired without either team able to

Jamarj Assanah

Robert France

make a breakthrough. The Spice girls however, looking the better side, managed to break the deadlock when they earned a penalty stroke three minutes into the second half. Trisha Woodroffe converted the stroke and Samantha Fernandes completed a wellexecuted attack, netting a second for Spice in the very next minute to give them a 2-0 lead. The Divas got a shot of enthusiasm as they managed to convert on a penalty corner through Marisha Rodrigues in the 25th minute but Woodroffe would seal the deal for Spice with her second for the night in the dying minutes to secure the 3-1 victory for Spice. The Mr Topper’s Men’s second division competition saw two more big wins for Western Union Hikers and Ol Skool. The Hikers made it a dismal evening for the All Greys by dishing out a 13-1 battering which is the widest margin of victory thus far in the tournament. Jamarj Assanah led the onslaught with five goals, while Michael Harding added a hat-trick, Cove Bowman a double and Aroydy Branford,

Alan Fernandes

Colonel Heywood and Shaquille Adams one each. Azad DeAbreu scored the lone goal for the All Greys. Ol Skool maintained their perfect run thus far also with a 6-0 defeat of lowly Saints. Alan Fernandes was top scorer for Ol Skool with four goals, while Damon Woodroffe and Marcus Fiedtkou added one each. The GCC and Old Fort Men’s second division match proved to be the most competitive of the evening as, despite GCC taking the early lead through a Mark Sargeant field goal in the sixth minute, Old Fort would reel of three goals in succession to take the 3-1 lead. Omassi Fraser scored the first of his two goals for Old Fort midway through the first half and added a second field goal shortly into the second half. Terrence Shaw added the third for Old Fort, giving them the 3-1 lead and confidence to anticipate a victory. Mark Sargeant however would keep GCC in the game with two more goals of his own to complete a hat-trick and leaving the match tied at full time on 3-3. Matches will continue this evening from 17:30 hours with All Greys versus Saints, Old Fort versus Hikers and GCC versus Ol Skool in the Mr. Toppers Men’s second division. The lone Tetley Tea ladies competition match will feature Revelation and GCC Tigers, while Old Fort will play GCC in the Kellogg’s Men’s first division competition. The tournament will run until Sunday evening with all matches being played at the National Gymnasium.

Tagenarine hits third... Put into bat, Sutton Bonington’s top order frustrated the usually potent Lambley attack before debutant Stephen Nunn’s assured half-century elevated their total to 166. Lambley’s batsman were up to the extra workload though and Dan Greenalgh (54), Elliot Griffiths (44) and Jake Bircumshaw (39) got them home with ten overs to spare. Lowdham registered their first win in an exciting finish at high-flying Wilson’s (149-6). The experienced final pair

of Bill Austin and Mark Dawn saw them over the line for a welcome win at 150-9. Wollaton II skipper Joe Fish led from the front making 119 in his side’s comfortable 140-run win against Collingham II (106). Gary Clark (51 and 3-53) proved the only thorn for Wollaton, who had seamer Faisal Ayub (3-5) and spinner Will Tuck (3-9) both turning the screw. Chilwell (261-9) hammered struggling Burton Joyce (52). Four wickets apiece

from back page

for Ishtiaq Ali and Zahid Mahmood meant Burton Joyce were never in the hunt. All-rounder Ishtiaq had earlier smashed 54, while Ben Folkes and Richard Wilkinson also claimed four wickets for the visitors. The league’s leading wicket taker, Alex Scott, took three more scalps to keep himself and Notts and Arnold II ahead of the pack. He also hit a brisk 85 in the 55-run win over Belvoir (138) to keep up their 100 per cent start in Division Four.

friday, MAY 31, 2013

TOP SCORES

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

England 354 (Root 104, Bairstow 64, Boult 5-57) and 287 for 5 dec (Cook 130, Trott 76) beat New Zealand 174 (Swann 4-42) and 220 (Swann 6-90) by 247 runs

CPL weekly show to air in Caribbean B

Line & Length Network Producer Barry Wilkinson (left) and Marlon Samuels

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – The inaugural Caribbean Premier League does not start until July, but it will be on air from as early as June via a weekly television programme – CPLT20 TV – that is being filmed in each of the six franchise countries where the T20 cricket tournament will be played. In six half-hour episodes, fans around the region will be taken behind the scenes, and get up close and personal with the families, friends and officials who have played a part in making the CPLT20 a reality. Barbados company Merville Lynch Productions has teamed up with Line & Length Network Producer Barry Wilkinson to capture and document the historic coming together of

“CPLT20 TV” will also feature such personalities as Curtly Ambrose, Sylvester Joseph, Marlon Samuels, Herchelle Gibbs and Tino Best. “It will be fun! We will take fans on a journey during each programme to ensure that when the first ball is bowled on July 30th, they will indeed come out to play,” – Barry Wilkinson

the CPLT20. When the first episode airs at the end of June, following the ICC Champions Trophy, it will be shown weekly on terrestrial TV Stations in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad & Tobago and in many other countries soon to be announced, leading up to the first ball of the tournament on July 30. “The amount of excitement and anticipation that is already being felt in the islands for the CPLT20 is unbelievable,” said Wilkinson on location in Kingston, Jamaica. “We just interviewed the former Jamaican Prime Minister, The Most Honourable PJ Patterson who made some stunning revelations; last week we toured through Santa Cruz in Trinidad & Tobago

with Dwayne and Darren Bravo’s parents and basically we have been capturing the key ingredients to making this tournament happen,” he said. Wilkinson said the CPLT20 Show will also take viewers to Antigua, Barbados, Guyana and St. Lucia and look back at some historic moments in cricketing history that has made each of these countries unique. “CPLT20 TV” will also feature such personalities as Curtly Ambrose, Sylvester Joseph, Marlon Samuels, Herchelle Gibbs and Tino Best. “It will be fun! We will take fans on a journey during each programme to ensure that when the first ball is bowled on July 30th, they will indeed come out to play,” said Wilkinson enthusiastically. (WICB)

McRae returns Tagenarine hits third unbeaten century to familiar waters, aims N to regain top position OTTINGHAM, out to get them to their tarENGLAND get with an over to spare at N o t t i n g h a m 167-8. Badshahs II were the latTom Anderson (3-19) and est victims of Tagenarine Williams (48*) starred in a Chanderpaul, the son of West first victory of the season Indies legend Shivnarine for Gedling and Sherwood Chanderpaul. against West Bridgfordians The 17-year-old hit his II (108), while new boys third unbeaten century in a Rainbow have found their row for Stainsby Hall to infeet in Division Five. flict defeat on the Notts side An opening stand of 130 in Division Six of the Newark in 20 overs from Ejaz Ahmed By Treiston Joseph Alliance. (69) and Adeel Arshad The left-hander took (77) grasped the initiative arlando McRae is Stainsby to 257-9 off their 40 against previously unbeaten back within the overs. In reply for Badshahs, Gotham. Paul Blatherwick’s swimming fold and following up his four wickets, productive 17-ball spell of looks to rediscover his po- Ijaz Mahmood made 37 then 5-7 curtailed Rainbow’s prosition as one of Guyana’s Annan Ali (35) batted well. Tagenarine Chanderpaul gress, but 236 proved more top swimmers. But 3-32 from Dale the job started by Matthew After a flurry of ear- than enough as Gotham was After a four-year hia- Humphreys, 2-12 from Ben ly Kashmir wickets, bowled out for 86. Brindley’s excellent opentus, the poster boy at the Bignall, plus two bonus Ehsan Raja claimed five ing spell (2-9) that helped re- Muhammed Irfan’s 77 forced Cliff Anderson Sports Hall wickets for Chanderpaul put strict BATS to 131-7. wickets to cap another fine their total up to 165. team performance. and at the Colgrain swim- Stainsby Hall top of the pile. Irfan then took three Sandiacre Town’s John A strong Notts and Murfin blasted 107 not out wickets to put Kashmir firmRainbow have moved secming pool returned because of his adept and Arnold III’s beat previous to chase down local rivals ly in charge until number ond behind their next oppostrong connection to the leaders Beeston and Toton Heanor Town’s 204-6. eight Liam Elliott came in to nents, Lambley, who came Sycamore by six wickets. pool. Keyworth registered rescue Keyworth’s flagging through a stiff test at Sutton Connor Brindley (48) and their third win at Kashmir. Earlando McRae run chase, blasting 64 not Bonington. Turn to page 23 See full story on page 22 Craig Harrison (34*) finished GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, Tel: 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230, 223-7231, Editor - 225-5128 Fax: 227-0685 SALES AND MARKETING: - sales@guyanatimesgy. com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.