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President apologises to APNU leader for oversight – Teixeira

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Issue No. 1776

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Dr Dabydeen defends management of Caribbean Press

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Regional body formed to P2 fight for police officers’ welfare

See story on page 10

– says Ruel Johnson, other local writers lazy

19 vehicles added to police fleet

Electronic licence will rein in untrained drivers – traffic chief

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Guyana among top destinations for ACCA training – director P11

See story on page 14

Bosai rents three generators to ease blackout stress in P14 Linden

See story on page 12

Roraima Airways P14 honours outstanding local pilot Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell look on as an officer took one of the newly acquired ATVs out for a spin at the Tactical Services Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Tuesday morning. Also in the photo is ‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner George Vyphius (Carl Croker photo)

City Council Caribbean unemployment a total to fall to 6.2 per disgrace cent in 2013 – ECLAC, ILO – Gaskin See story on page 9

See story on page 17 ECLAC, ILO predict Caribbean unemployment to fall 6.2% in 2013-

New guidance, counselling group launched P15

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wednesday, may 22, 2013 | guyanatimeSGY.com

Regional body formed to fight for police officers’ welfare – hosts first AGM in Guyana

By Danielle Campbell-Lowe

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n striving to create unity among police forces and bring about a mechanism to tangibly recognise the contributions of servicemen and women around the Caribbean, a regional federation is intensifying its lobbying efforts to enhance the social provisions for police officers and their families.

The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Association hosted its first annual general meeting (AGM) at Kunuku Suites, Campbellville on Tuesday, promising to bring greater representation for law enforcement.

Main objective

Newly-elected federation president, Richard Corbett told Guyana Times that the main objective of the federation is to foster harmony and bring about a “single force” as it relates to policing and the welfare of police officials. “We are interested in the whole aspect of sharing information and exchanging of ideas among Caribbean territories as the means by which we can perfect our crime reduction abilities to improve the safety of the citizens at large.”

Corbett mentioned that the federation also intends to partner with governments throughout the region to ensure that crime is effectively managed. “…because when countries are crime-free, we will have a more comfortable environment for our children to live,” the federation president remarked.

Corbett, who also serves as vice president of the Trinidad Social

and Welfare Association, emphasised that while crime is pervasive, the whole intention behind a security force is to ensure that citizens feel protected in their homes, while removing the general sense of fear.

“So that generally, policing anywhere in the Caribbean is, in fact, the same as any other part of the world. The challenge though, and what we think is important, is the policeman and the work that he does. The fact that he is a policeman, a husband, father, community worker, and is looked upon to bring about change in society.

So, we are looking after the whole aspect of the welfare of our officers and certainly we believe that if we work together, we definitely will bring about a police force that we can be proud of,” Corbett related.

Positive outcomes

He said that coming out of the meeting, committees will be formed to address the many issues affecting police officers generally and in that regard expressed hope for a positive outcome based on the situations discussed. “…that when we would go back to our various countries and examine the whole question of implementation we would be heading in the direction of the positive growth.”

Trinidad Police Social and Welfare Association President Anand Ramesar, the general secretary of the federation, said that the advent of the federation remains an important occasion for the Caribbean region.

Caribbean governments to improve the welfare benefits of officers and their families. Trinidad and Tobago has created a Foundation for Fallen Officers, which is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of police officers’ families until after their children become adults.

Model

Members of the Caribbean Police Federation: First Vice President Brenton Smith, President Richard Corbett, General Secretary Anand Ramesar and another official

“One of the things we recognised immediately is a disparity in the level of representation in the manner which associations are treated, and are allowed to represent their members coming out of limitation posed by legislation and other policies affected by the relationship with commissioners and the legal framework in which they operate,” Ramesar related.

He pointed out that one of the major objectives is to be able to transfer knowledge, ideas, and information to examine best practices in a way that can move the organisation forward as a body that can make representation to governments and police commissioners.

According to Ramesar, there appears to be a deficit in terms of structure and in facilities that provide a support system to members of the police force.

He said the aim of the organisation is not to hijack local associations but to act by way of proxy and as a representative body that will uphold best practices.

Compensation

The general secretary revealed that a major issue is the lack of sensitivity and proactive involvement on the part of government, organisations, and stakeholders that fail to reach out to the families of those slain in the line of duty.

“One of the things that we have found, having had reports of recent deaths of policemen in Guyana, Trinidad, St Vincent and Jamaica, is the provisions for those policemen who are killed on duty and this is something that has affected us.”

Ramesar noted that the federation felt compelled to propose an important recommendation to

“So we want to see that transcend to other countries and different organisations. So Trinidad by itself is a model and stands out as some of the things that can be put in place.”

The federation’s first vice president and St Vincent and the Grenadines Association general secretary, Brenton Smith disclosed that the general federation was formed in May 2007 in Nassau, Bahamas.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between members representing Police Welfare Divisions from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“We have since moved a bit further in creating this transformation in policing in the region.

We understand the whole issue of trans-border activities that normally take place and we are hoping that we can eliminate that somewhat and have it corrected… We are hoping to synergise within the region and have a greater collaboration with communities to better serve the public,” Smith said.

News

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wednesday, may 22, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

bridge openings

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, May 22, from 14:30h to 16:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, May 22, from 14:00h to 15:30h.

Weather Countrywide: Light rain showers are expected during the day, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East north-easterly at 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 01:59h and 14:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:01h and 20:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

Electronic licence will rein in untrained drivers – traffic chief

By Sabatini Daniels

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raffic Chief Hugh Dehnert believes the introduction of electronic drivers’ licence will aid significantly to curb traffic accidents since this will ensure legitimate licensed drivers are on the roadways.

Over the years, a number of persons have resorted to purchasing their licences through various links instead of gaining it through the correct means; forgery included. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times at his Eve Leary Georgetown Office, the traffic chief highlighted that this will be difficult to do once the new system is in place.

Right procedure

The new system, he said will force persons to go through the right procedure which in turn will help the traffic department considerably in reducing accidents.

Thus far for the year, there has been an increase of accidents from 2012 compared to 2013; to date, 41 accidents have occurred resulting in 44 deaths as compared to 31 accidents resulting in 33 deaths for last year. While

SaturDAY, MAY 18, 2013

Dehnert was cognisant of the fact that there is much more to be done on the part of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in limiting road accidents in the country, he underscored that people also have a vital part to play to decrease mishaps.

“All road users have a duty to be in conformity of the law, it’s not only up to the police,” he stressed.

Value for lives

He emphasised that road users must have greater value for their lives since many times when they know the police are at a certain location on the road; they would comply with the laws but the minute they pass the police, they would break the traffic regulations. Dehnert said the GPF has found in many cases occupants of vehicles do not voice their concerns when drivers are being reckless and many times it is too late.

“They sit there and the drivers are doing a whole host of things on the road and only when there is an accident, you would hear ‘oh he was speeding’, ‘he was drinking’, but before that accident, no one would speak to the driver about what he was doing.”

The traffic chief stated that

the private sector must play a greater role to partner with the traffic department to tackle this issue since reducing accidents should be a priority for the country, all in an effort to protect the country’s people.

“If these organisations come onboard, they themselves would be able to educate their employees by putting up simple road safety pamphlets in their offices… by doing this; I think it help to assist.”

Safety for children

Dehnert disclosed that the traffic department is currently looking to ensure greater safety for children, and this is part of several initiatives to improve its work.

However when asked to go into detail, he remained tightlipped, stating that he does not want to divulge too much information until the announcements are made.

Traffic ranks have been known for collecting bribes from persons who misuse the roadways and for often harassing persons into paying bribes. In light of this, Dehnert said the “ipaidabribe” website was introduced at an opportune time as efforts are being made to root out corrupt elements in the

Traffic Department.

“It will help to curb the allegation of police demanding or accepting bribes as inducement for any offences committed or any other services.”

The traffic chief also believes that the initiative will have a meaningful impact on persons who may be thinking of joining the force with the motive of getting wealthy through the collection of bribes.

Professional job

“I think it will also be the deterrent for them, being a police is a professional job, when you come in, you are here to serve the members of the public… if you intend to come here and you are not prepared to serve for the salary that is offered… I think you should not endeavour to join the force.”

The Home Affairs Ministry on Friday launched the ipaidabribe.gy website, which will give citizens a chance to document cases of them being required to bribe public officials. The website will encourage the accountability of government officials, political leaders and every Guyanese citizen serving in private or public organisations.

LOTTERY NUMBERS OLPF project distributes over 1500 laptops J 05 08 19 16 15 23 28 FREE TICKET

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Tuesday, may 21, 2013 Daily Millions

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he government of Guyana through the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme handed over 1577 laptops to persons who applied for the instruments throughout Region Four.

Beneficiaries hail from communities such as Lancaster to Helena, Enmore to Bachelor’s Adventure, Buxton, Sophia, Albouystown, Lane Avenue, Festival City, Soesdyke, Kuru Kuru, among others.

This publication visited the Sophia Exhibition Centre where 280 laptops were distributed. OLPF Information Technology Administrator Azarial Asim said the distribution of the laptops in

Sophia will positively impact the community.

“In the Sophia area, persons are excited they have a device they can go on the Internet with their children and do research, they reconnect with various social media and learn many new things.”

He posited that the distributions of laptops are likely to create more job opportunities throughout the country since persons are always eager to earn money. Asim said persons have even approached employees and told them what they expect to do with their laptops.

Meanwhile, recipients also expressed pleasure upon receiving their lap-

tops. Yolander Allen said the donation is timely since she recently signed up for a programme at the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI).

Shelian Clarke said, “I appreciate it since I can’t afford to buy one and I will now be able to edify myself with it.”

Another recipient thanked the government for the OLPF initiative, noting that she will use her laptop to learn more about her religion and correspond with her family overseas. After receiving their computers, persons were given a basic introduction on how to power on and power off it.

Training is expected to follow soon. Additionally, hubs have been set up in areas so

that persons with OLPF computers can have access to the Internet.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, may 22, 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

Pushing ICT4D

Test of statesmanship

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oday, in our Parliament we will witness whether, on the cusp of the 47th anniversary of our independence from Britain, our political leaders in the opposition have matured into statesmen or they have remained mired in “vaulting ambition”. On the agenda before the National Assembly is the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill. Guyana has to pass this bill today and, if we do not, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which meets next Monday in Nicaragua, will place our country on an international blacklist for not doing enough to combat money laundering and financing for terrorism.

Because of the changes in the global financial architecture, the mechanisms to facilitate financial flows have developed so rapidly in the last few decades, it has become a key point of attack in the war against criminal enterprises and terrorism, as well as other financial crimes which have mushroomed during that period. Formed in 1989 by the G7, FATF, as an independent inter-governmental body, has since issued “Forty Recommendations” on money laundering and the nine “Special Recommendations” on Terrorism Financing (TF).

As with many other jurisdictions, Guyana has already set in place legislation and other legally-binding measures that fulfil most of the two sets of recommendations. The present bill before the House seeks to plug loopholes in our present regulations and processes identified by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which is an associate member of FATF. If we are placed on the blacklist, officially known as the list of “Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories” (NCCTs), then overseas banks will have to observe a more stringent check on transactions originating or terminating in Guyana.

All of this will necessitate more time being spent on those transactions. In the modern world of global business which demands a seamless flow of information and data, time means money: money that will have to be paid by local users of the financial system. Today, this does not mean only businesses but the individuals that send US$400 million as remittances into our economy. At the macro level, Guyana will be stuck with a label of being an undesirable location for doing business that is certain to cloud our record on attracting Foreign Direct Investment.

With all of this, and more, at stake for our country, one would have hoped the opposition would rise to the occasion and eschew their usual penchant for scoring cheap political points. And this is what the just-announced excuse of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – that the president should have passed on two weeks earlier, a letter from CFATF demanding the changes by May 27 – amounts to.

The recommendations of CFATF, more like demands, have received wide coverage and comment in the Caribbean during the last decade because of its sub rosa rationale to clamp down on off-shore banking, which was very prominent in several regional jurisdictions. As a matter of fact, the possibility of Guyana becoming such a centre was raised a decade ago and was shelved because of the new, onerous regulations.

As this newspaper has pointed out, the opposition is unfortunately not cutting its nose to spite its face – it is cutting Guyana’s nose and spiting Guyana’s face. Its action on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill is reminiscent of their action in the 1960s when they betrayed the united nationalist independence movement and collaborated with foreign forces with their own agendas, to oust the then legallyelected People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. Their selfishness and callousness plunged our beloved country into a virtual civil way, from which we are only now recovering after 20 years of focused work by a new PPP regime.

It is said that history repeats itself – first as tragedy and then as farce. The second time is “farce” not because it is not as tragic, but because we refuse to learn from the first occurrence.

Beneficiaries of the One Laptop Per Family initiative undergo training at the Sophia Exhibition Site, Greater Georgetown. The project is part of government’s push to use Information Technology For Development (ICT4D) (Carl Croker photo)

The PPP/C should go for snap elections

Dear Editor, I think that the present parliamentary impasse, so symptomatic of happenings these days, must be finally dealt with. Guyana is at a standstill in so many ways and this should not continue. If I have my way, I will say go for broke. Then let the chips fall where they may. It is time for snap polls, and the earlier the better.

More gridlocks are promised by the opposition parties. They intend-

ed to oppose for the sake of opposing. When they cannot oppose, they stall and stymie progress all the time. They have confidence in upstaging the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). But with the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) polls, earlier this month finding that the ruling party holds the edge over the combined opposition, they must be having second thoughts.

If the NACTA predictions hold true, it will mean another win for the PPP/C, even if not by majority again. It is a chance worth taking by the PPP/C, as the next election, in 2015, is almost three years away. This will only allow for the opposition members to continue having their many field days.

When power hungry people become politicians, we can never expect them to listen to common sense and

mature reasoning. Many from the joint opposition are of this calibre. Quite a few in fact were defectors of the PPP/C because personal plans and self aggrandisement were not given the goahead. That explains why these behave as they do.

So, I suggest some careful thinking and planning from the PPP/C and then the snap polls.

Yours sincerely, Hansraj Etwaroo

Getting new opportunities in the EU capacity-building programme Dear Editor, I am big on second chances and extra-big when it comes to investing in people who want to make much more of their lives. I think gone are the days when many Guyanese mothers used to just sit at home and mark time.

In the Solomon Islands’ capital of Honiara, the World Bank recently developed a rapid-response proj-

ect, aimed at helping to provide temporary work and training for urban youths and vulnerable residents, so as to soften the blow of the economic crisis and reduce tensions. From June 2010 to end September 2012, the Rapid Employment Project (REP) trained and created jobs for over 4500 people, of whom 57 per cent were women and over 50 per cent were youth.

Recently at Sand Creek, 71 people, inclusive of many women, graduated in the areas of garment construction, costing, tendering and construction management, as another phase of the $37 million European Union (EU)-funded capacity building programme. It goes to show that remote areas in Guyana are not excluded in the least.

With the entire project

is slated to last until May 2014, the next phase will be with the Amerindian population, including the Wapishana peoples in this particular case. Maybe, we will hear from many of our media houses, who have been silent or slow in capturing positive people and community stories.

Yours truly, Mark Correia

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, may 22, 2013

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

Another police blunder Dear Editor, One of your contributors lamented the absolute joke that is being displayed when prisoners are being charged for having drugs in the house of incarceration.

The very day that I am reading about how a prisoner was charged with possession of cannabis and how we just cannot gloss over prisoners with drugs, I picked up

on the story that police are hunting for someone again after he escaped from the police station. What an indictment this is on the police force generally, and directly on those officers, who were in charge at the time.

The report is that the arrested and confined man bolted past the female, knocking her aside, and then made good his escape.

I just wish this could have been on camera. The explanation now is that the Reliance Police Station is overwhelmed with prisoners because the Central Police station has been torn down, and most of the prisoners and suspects in the New Amsterdam/Canje area have to be relocated. So does this mean that the general public must be at risk?

I think that too many crimes have been trivialised and the idea of police responsibility is quite remote these days. We need to wake up and stay alert. Police officers are at best when they prevent crimes, and of course, this means that the people are much happier this way.

Respectfully, Christopher Bennett

CSEC exams for the blind a welcome move

Dear Editor, While the lucky people go about fighting and fussing and not capitalising, a few others are striving ahead, even though they have to deal with the duress of blindness. It is blind awareness month, and very refreshing it is to read that a few students from this coterie are getting the opportunity of their life time: they are sitting the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC). Whatever the end result, these special few must be commended. This sitting of the CSEC was made possible by the effort of the Guyana Society for the Blind, and it underscores the importance of a high school education, which is free, yet taken for granted here in Guyana.

It may seem like a cliché, but the value of a high school certificate cannot be overstated. Graduating from high school offers tangible career benefits as well as intangible value to the holder. While higher education often leads to even greater career opportunities, for some, graduating from high school is a ma-

jor accomplishment. This is the very foundation. So for these blind students, I am sharing in their anticipation for self-improvement and plans for whatever else they have in mind.

At this juncture, the Guyana Society for the Blind is offering online classes to CSEC students living in rural and outlying areas across the country. One of the body’s lead figures revealed that there are currently 17 students preparing for the 2014 May/June CSEC examinations.

A few years back, the education sector in Cameroon thought of the idea that no one should be left behind, even the severely handicapped. Thus the visually impaired students were prepared for writing the General Certificate of Education (GCE). Since then, because of the success of the project, it has become the norm for the blind students there to go about their academic lives however they choose. I can see the same for Guyana.

Yours truly, Robin DeAbreu

Anthony Robinson preparing for the 2014 CSEC exams

The importance of forensics in police investigations

Dear Editor, I feel a fear coming on, and it is for the many criminal elements we have here, especially those who act with impunity and arrogance.

According to the home affairs minister, the forensic laboratory, now under construction, is expected to be completed by June 17, 2013. In fact, the equipment for the laboratory have already arrived in Guyana. I guess it is just a matter of time.

I think that crooks read the papers or at least they know what is happening around them. For now, they better change their ways as the police force will soon be equipped with the tools to follow and find them wherever the trail leads. This is very comforting for me. I feel so frustrated when I know who the thieves and rapists are, and I cannot prove my case against them.

They end up laughing at me.

One thing I really want to see in Guyana is a quick way of doing fingerprints and testing. The same goes for DNA matching. I know I will have

to wait a while, but I do not mind. That is why the security sector must focus even now on setting up their database. We are little back in this. I know that many times, when an accident is reported, and the vehicle’s number plate is being traced, it takes too much time and doing. At least within the hour, the last whereabouts of that driver (the registered owner that is) should be accessed.

Forensic science plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing investigators with scientifically based information through the analysis of physical evidence. These days, it is the norm – forensic evidence is collected at a crime scene, analysed in a laboratory and often presented in court.

Such evidence is quite irrefutable. Do I need to remind anyone that fewer crimes mean a boost to the economy and an enhancement of people’s lives?

Yours sincerely, Alex Gould

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wednesday, may 22, 2013

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

When should you give your teenager their first cellphone?

By Akela Talamasca

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t this point in our shared history, cellphones have become indispensable. Not only have they become the go-to way to keep in touch with each other, today’s smartphones are robust enough to use in a business context. They’re essentially tiny computers that we carry around in our pockets, without the need to spend a chunk of time having to learn how to navigate a potentially complex operating system. You turn them on, and with a few key presses, you’re ready to go.

Smartphones like the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S III are very hot right now; everybody wants one.

This includes your teenager, who will insist that he won’t last the week without getting one, that all his friends have one – and you don’t want him to be uncool, do you?

Well, whether or not you’re concerned with your child's social standing, it can be a good idea for your teen to have his own phone.

Why does a teen need a cellphone?

One of the main reasons parents should give their children a cellphone is so they can know where they are at any time – if not their actual location, at least to know that they’re okay. If he can answer his phone, he’s fine. For the most part, this will be a consideration of your teen’s readiness and

maturity level. If your child is old enough (and this varies by family) to go places with his friends un-chaperoned, then he should probably have a cellphone of his own.

What goes along with that is your child’s responsibility to be available to answer the phone at all times.

You will need to make that rule very clear and inarguable. If he is unwilling to be “on call” at all times, then he shouldn’t have a cell phone.

It could be argued that there is an issue of trust at stake. Your child will likely say, “Don’t you trust me? I’m not going to be doing anything I shouldn’t, and it’s embarrassing to have to talk to my parents when I’m with my friends.” However, that argument works both ways.

If he is trustworthy and understands your concerns, he won’t mind answering the phone every time.

A good compromise is to make it a rule to respond by text, if not by voice. That way, his friends needn’t listen in on a potentially ridicule-causing phone call.

If you are of a particularly paranoid bent, create a password for the two of you to use that will confirm your child’s identity. You’ll know that it’s really him answering, and not a friend on lookout duty while he’s busy getting into shenanigans.

App overload

Another consideration is your child’s ability to moder-

ate his o w n phone usage.

The potential for going over monthly usage allowances is fairly high with teens. It’s fun to talk and text with friends, but depending upon your carrier’s plan, too much of either can result in onerous bills.

Have a talk with your teen before adding a new phone to your existing plan to hammer out the details of what his usage time allows each month. This will be a good test of your child’s growing maturity and ability to manage responsibility.

This applies to apps, as well. It’s easy for your teen to see a lot of fun-looking applications and games and want to download them all – they’re cheap! Even the sub-US$1 apps will add up if unchecked, however, and your teen shouldn’t think of the phone as an endless supply of diversions. These limits should be discussed and adhered to well before the phone ever touches your child’s eager hands.

Smartphone or standard?

Keep in mind that just because you may own an iPhone, Windows Phone, or Android device, that doesn’t mean that your child has to have one as well. If the main

Techniques to develop trust and responsible behaviours in teens

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reason he wants a phone is for communication, then any cellphone will do.

However, these days, the selection of educational apps can make owning a smartphone a very attractive option. Some phone families also feature useful interoperability, like the FaceTime feature for iPhones.

Also, remember that GPS tracking is a two-way street.

You may want to keep it enabled to make it easier to keep tabs on your child’s whereabouts. Keeping GPS enabled also includes the potential for him to give away his location with the use of apps that include that information as part of a status message or as metadata in photos. If this is a concern, make sure you know how to turn location services off on your child’s phone.

any teenagers who have trouble with trust and responsibility are similar to the “behaviour children”; in order to develop self-discipline and a responsible attitude, they must first develop the desired behaviour (cleaning their room, doing their homework, coming home on time). In other words, the focus is more on behaviour than on attitude. After the behaviour is developed, hopefully an appropriate attitude will gradually be established.

The following techniques help the child develop selfdiscipline, responsibility, and trust.

Define the rule and the consequence

You must tell the teen-

out rules and consequences at the same time. Put the responsibility onto the adolescent’s shoulders. If good things happen to her, it is up to her. If bad things happen, it is also up to her.

When trying to develop responsibility in youngsters, many parents focus primarily on assigning chores (cutting grass, putting out the garbage, feeding the dog). This is fine, but it is not the main way that children develop responsible behaviour.

Chores usually involve consequences; that is, if a child does not put out the garbage, he does not get his allowance. The reason that chores are often used to develop responsibility is that predictable consequences usually follow the teenager’s behaviour. Therefore,

Making the call

Giving your child a first cellphone can be fun for the both of you and a good way to teach your child some new responsibility. Sit down and have a conversation about what you both want from the experience, then go bond together over shopping for that new phone. (www.techland. time.com)

ager what you expect, but more important than the rule is what will happen if she complies with your request and what will happen if she does not. Spell

when you are trying to develop responsibility or selfdiscipline in your child, you should spell out the rule and the consequence before the rule is broken.

Then whatever happens to the teenager is a result of his behaviour and no one else’s. Responsible behaviour can be encouraged throughout the day with this method.

Also, by spelling out consequences ahead of time, you avoid using random discipline and giving the teenager the impression that others are responsible for the consequence that has happened to him. This is extremely important to the adolescent, because with random discipline he feels unfairly treated.

Most parents are careful and specific rule setters: “I want you home at 01:00h, no later.” However, many parents make the mistake of deciding the consequence after the teenager breaks the rule. Under these circumstances, the youngster is apt to feel unjustly treated. If an adolescent is dealt with primarily in this fashion, it is somewhat difficult for him to feel in control of what happens to him and to develop responsibility for his own behaviour. (www. life.familyeducation.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

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wednesday, may 22, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

UCLan, UG team up to “Tell it to the police!” promote biodiversity Rohee urges Puran’s family I U niversity of Guyana Pro Chancellor, Professor Prem Misir has noted that Guyana is very rich in biodiversity resources that are largely underutilised.

As such, the local university has teamed up with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to examine the possibility of promoting conservation of the environment and greater biodiversity awareness.

Misir disclosed that discussions are currently ongoing with senior faculty members of UCLan to create a linkage with the school of Earth and Environmental Science, particularly relating to promoting biodiversity and conservation management in Guyana.

He has been working very closely with Professor Jaipaul Singh from the School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences; Professor Akin Akintoye, dean of the School of Built and Natural Environment along with Professor David Phoenix, deputy vice chancellor of UCLan, who have all shown great interest in the project.

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Coordinator Shanomae

UG Pro Chancellor Dr Prem Misir

Rose has also expressed similar interest in the project.

“This project will help to enhance the status of biodiversity courses worldwide, but most importantly in Guyana. This is not an area that is given much importance. Rigorous scientific research is hardly ever done on biodiversity in the region,” Dr Misir pointed out.

According to Misir, the UCLan team is working on forming a model similar to “Operation Wallacea” to meet the expenses of the biodiversity project.

Operation Wallacea refers to a network of people or academics working to-

gether for the achievement of common goals.

However, if successful, the project will offer joint courses which will allow UCLan students to access or complete their education in Guyana.

The exchange programmes will also allow local students to have the opportunity to study at UCLan. The tuition fees, accommodation and other expenses associated with the exchange will not be saddled on the University of Guyana and the project will benefit Guyanese students without any additional cost to them.

Professor Misir expressed hope that the project after being implemented in Guyana will result in the further enhancement of the status of biodiversity and conservation management and for the betterment of the students here.

Dr Misir was awarded a professorship in public health at the University of Central Lancashire in September 2011.

Since his appointment, Dr Misir said the project has been under contemplation and discussions have been ongoing with members of UCLan.

Tearful 29-year-old remanded for armed robbery

A

29-year-old man left the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday in tears after appearing before Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge of robbery under arms.

Kevin Durant, of Lot 7 C Tucville Terrace, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

It is alleged that on April 24 at Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Gary Semple of one BlackBerry valued at $40,000, one gold chain valued $140,000, one gold band valued $100,000, one gold ring valued $150,000, and $12,000 cash.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the penalty the offence attracts, prevalence of the offence, and the likelihood that if bail was granted, the defendant would not return for his trial.

Attorney Paul FungA-Fat stated that his client, who is an employee at Humphrey’s Bakery, has a time sheet at work showing that he was not present at the scene where the crime transpired. He made an ap-

plication for reasonable bail.

The magistrate denied the defendant his pre-trial liberty and requested that the prosecution have statements available for the next

court date.

Durant, who left the court room crying saying that he has never been to jail, is scheduled to appear in Court One on June 5.

n wake of allegations that the late Attorney Vic Puran was murdered and did not die as a result of an accident, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has advised the family to approach the police with whatever information they have so that a thorough investigation could be conducted.

Late last week, the late attorney’s daughter, Mikhaila Puran, wrote several media houses alleging that her father was murdered based on “forensic” evidence in her possession. She said his body was placed in his vehicle and pushed into a canal at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Rohee, in a comment to media operatives, said as a professional organisation, the police force does not base their investigations on letters placed in the media. He noted that while the force is willing to take the letter into account, they need to be approached by the Puran family.

“She has to approach the Guyana Police Force, that is, the Criminal Investigations Department, if she is convinced and if she has incontrovertible evidence that her dad was indeed murdered. I think the best thing to do is to approach the CID and insist that proper investigations be done to her satisfaction,” noted the minister. While adding that by placing the letter in the media, Puran’s daughter will not get any

Vic Puran

proper answer.

Months after his death, the Puran family finally broke their silence, stating that they have been waiting in hope that some measure of justice would be meted out on those who killed him. The family claimed that as a result of fear for their safety, they were silent and has since put measures in place, both locally and internationally, so that in the event of their sudden demise, as the attorney, their deaths would not go unsolved.

In the letter, the daughter slammed the autopsy report which suggested that her father died as a result of asphyxiation, nothing that she is convinced that he was actually tortured before he died. She cited the conditions under which her father was found as unusual.

“Those of us, who knew Vic Puran, knew that he

never drove to Mahaicony with his windows up. Ask this, how can a person who drowned have a mask of dried blood on his face?

Wouldn’t he have bled out into the water while drowning? How can you drown and be dry at the same time?” the daughter questioned.

Another observation, she disclosed might be proof to substantiate her claims, is the fact that when her father was discovered, his vehicle was in park, the headlights were not on, the windows were up and the air conditioning was not on.

These observations have thoroughly escaped police investigations, and the attorney’s daughter dubbed it a mystery. She added that she was told her father’s vehicle was sold. “I am ashamed of our justice system for making no effort whatsoever to investigate and find those responsible,” the woman disclosed.

The daughter also slammed that autopsy report which suggested that Puran died as a result of asphyxiation and is convinced that he was actually tortured before he died.

Puran was found dead in a crouched position on October 16 last year, in his Toyota Tundra at Esau and Jacob, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and was believed to have drowned.

His vehicle was spotted, partly submerged in the canal by a farmer who was making his way to his farmlands.

8 news

wednesday, may 22, 2013| guyanatimesGY.com

Tryst led to robbery, lady of the night tells court A

trio was remanded to prison on several counts of robbery under arms when they appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

Samantha Primo, 33, and Shawn Williams, 22, of Lot 50 Castello Housing Scheme and Lasaul Duke, 18, of Lot 59 Durban Street, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to each of the charges that were read separately.

It is alleged that on May 19, together with others and while armed with a knife, the accused robbed Hanichand Persaud Nanknan of one BlackBerry valued $40,000, one silver chain valued $25,000, and $10,000 cash.

The second charge states

that the defendants robbed Imtiaz Allie of $4000 cash and one cellular phone valued $7000.

Primo’s lawyer, Paul Fung-A-Fat told the court that on the night in question, his client was in a yard having a threesome with the virtual complainants when the two other defendants came and attacked them. He stated that his client was wrongfully accused and he pleaded with the VCs to admit the truth. The lawyer then made an application for reasonable bail.

Primo begged for clemency, stating that she has a sick brother, who is infected with HIV, and children to feed. The woman told the court that she is a lady of the night and the two VCs were her clients

on the night in question, but they asked her for a specific sexual act and she refused, stating that she could not comply for only $2000. However, they became aggressive and she called for help. The two other defendants then came running.

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to bail, citing the sentence that the offence attracts, the weapon used in the offence, and the likelihood that if bail was granted the parties would not return for trial. He added that Duke has a pending matter of simple larceny in Court Five.

The magistrate, after listening to both sides, refused the trio bail and they are to return to Court One on June 3.

However, mayhem erupted outside the courtroom as the male defendants resisted arrest, causing a squad of policemen to assemble in an effort to detain the two men. Duke could be heard, claiming that his hand was hurting and he did not want to be handcuffed, a friend of the accused was seen pleading with police officials while she reassured Duke that she ‘had his back’.

As the duo descended the stairways to depart the courthouse, they damaged the wall of Court Five, creating a huge hole. The uproar attracted a small crowd which gathered outside the courthouse to witness the proceedings. The police officers eventually managed to subdue the two men.

Thieves raid pensioner’s home

T

hieves continue to prowl the Essequibo Coast robbing from supermarkets to homes periodically with no suspects being held.

Early Tuesday morning, pensioner Jaspattie Dwarka, also known as “Mary of Station Street” of Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast was plunged into distress after she found out her home was broken into by thieves, late Monday night.

The robbers carted off $1 million worth in gold Jewellery, $30,000 worth in food stuff, clothing and brand name cosmetics. The pensioner suspects that two persons committed the burglary due to footprint evidence on the stairway and in the kitchen.

According to the 71-yearold woman who lives alone, she was coming out of her bedroom around 07:00h Tuesday morning when she noticed her clothes were scattered on the floor outside her bedroom. The pensioner further stated that when she looked up, she saw the door upstairs open.

The mother of five said she went to the last room in her two-storey concrete house and again saw that bags and clothing were scattered on the bed. Upon entering the middle room, Dwarka said she was shocked to see her wardrobe drawers ransacked.

The pensioner has since made a report to the Anna Regina Police Station. Police have visited the robbery scene and an investigation has been launched.

Eyew tness

Lashes

...for writers ost Guyanese don’t give a hoot about the little band of snot-noses who pretentiously and portentously go around announcing to all and sundry that they’re “writers”. The one who’s most obnoxious about this affectation is the now long-in-thetooth poseur Ruel Johnson. Groomed as an act of charity and expiation (you know how these liberals are about the ‘depressed’ classes) by Ian McDonald, the teenaged Johnson was allowed to submit a mishmash of jottings for the Guyana Prize for Literature.

This was a mistake of the first order, compounded by the farce that the fellow was allowed to cop an award.

Well, talk about swollen heads and egos!! The fellow threw his weight around so much that even his personal relations shattered. Crux of the matter is the Guyana onebook wonder never produced anything of substance since.

He’s been reduced to hanging around coffee shops, ostentatiously tapping away at a laptop to impress customers who’d rather look at their salaras and pine tarts.

As far as we can tell, all he’s producing are some bitter letters to the press (if they call that “writing” then Guyana is full of writers, along with something else!!). The recent subject of his vitriol has been Minister of Culture, Dr Frank Anthony and the latter’s running of the Caribbean Press.

If we cut to the chase (and we know your eyes are already glazing over with the details of this twit), Johnson basically wants a squeeze with the culturati so that he won’t have to work another day in his life. Ironically, Dr Anthony seems to be feeding the man’s ego, not realising that as Cultural Advisor (note the capitals) Johnson wants his job. So Anthony regularly offers Johnson paid workshops and lectures...but all he gets for his pains are more lashes in the letter pages.

In his latest missile, Johnson widened the sweep of his lash and included the head of the Caribbean Press, Prof David Dabydeen. Big mistake. But that’s the point: people like Johnson don’t know to quit while they’re ahead. Prof Dabydeen, a Cambridge graduate, full professor at an English university, head of a department, and more to the point – a published writer in prose and fiction, just came down on Johnson like a ton of bricks.

Turns out Prof Dabydeen bought with his own money the laptop Johnson strikes poses with. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!!!!

M

....for doggerel and puppyrel Referring to Johnson’s wunderkind aspirations Dabydeen noted that he’s not even producing doggerel (atrociously composed free-form “verse”) but “puppyrel”!!!. The good professor thus reveals why more local writers, including Johnson aren’t being published.

They not writing – just typing!! We’ve been saying this for years, but it’s good to be validated by an expert.

Evidently, Johnson was challenged by Dabydeen to write something and submit it to Caribbean Press...but failed to do so. One can’t even call his problem “writer’s block” since one has to first be a writer to suffer that ailment. The whelp couldn’t even turn up on time for a United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) workshop arranged by Prof Dabydeen. The professor also put a lash on that other whiner Barrington Braithwaite, who also has delusions about being an “artiste”. Dabydeen pointed out that the closest Braithwaite’s come to earning that honour is to “nearly share” a surname with the great Caribbean poet Kamau Brathwaite!! Ouch!!!

But a word of advice to Dr Anthony and Dr Dabydeen. The rage of Johnson and Braithwaite has nothing to do with their protestations. At the bottom is what Nietzsche called their “ressintiment”: they should be the ones enjoying the positions of honour. ...from Rambo The no-nonsense Raymond “Rambo” Gaskin, came out in defence of acting Town Clerk Sooba. As the one who compiled the report on the Augean Stables into which City Hall had descended, he’s most qualified to tell it as it is.

Join Rambo, citizens. Let’s clean the stables!

news

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wednesday, may 22, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

City Council a total Tobacco giants join forces to disgrace – Gaskin fight illicit trade in cigarettes – calls for sacking of Green

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lasting them as moribund, illegitimate and a total disgrace, former City Hall consultant Ramon Gaskin called for the wholesale sacking of the longstanding Georgetown City Council. He also chided Mayor Hamilton Green for harassing the current acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, saying that the incompetence of Green and the entire council is legendary.

There has been a fierce battle for control of the

the Municipal Act 28:01 and it sure as hell does not include being subordinate to any councillor,” Gaskin declared.

He said in male-dominated societies, as a general rule, men have problems with independent, assertive women in leadership positions and when challenged, invariably demand an “apology”, “respect” and “subservience”. Some of these men are living in the past and deserve the rebuff they sometimes reConsultant Ramon Gaskin

Mayor Hamilton Green

cash-strapped municipality, with Green mobilising vendors, councillors, and other citizens to pressure Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud into sacking Sooba.

Green has never gotten along with any of the previous town clerks.

In a letter to the editor, Gaskin said it ought to be clear to everyone that Green and some other councillors are waging a multi-pronged war on Sooba to force her out. This unrelenting campaign, he said, consists of strikes, picketing exercises, demonstrations, a letterwriting campaign, struggle within the council, mobilisation of staff and vendors, and approaching the minister to secure her removal.

According to Gaskin, the city has never seen such a campaign planned, orchestrated, and prosecuted in such an unconscionable fashion by former politicians who claim to be elected by the citizens, but, in fact, have had no legitimacy since 1997.

“These very politicians who operate under an illusion that after 19 years one can still be legitimately a city councillor obviously are not familiar with the Municipal Act 28:01 or the Constitution of Guyana. These are the same former politicians who in the days and years of the worst excesses and corruption and stealing at City Hall never once raised their voices against those involved in racketeering and lawlessness.”

Notorious

Noting that he holds no brief for Ms Sooba but has some familiarity with City Hall, Gaskin said it was par-

tially in response to his reports to Mr Keith Burrowes on his findings at City Hall that led to the removal of the notorious troika of Town Clerk Yonette PluckCort, City Engineer Gregory Erskine, and Andrew Meredith and the elevation of Sooba to the position of acting town clerk.

“From the very beginning, many members of the now ineffective and expired council were unhappy with the minister’s decision, but having previously readily accepted the imposition of the now dismissed town clerk by a former minister, they found themselves in an unenviable position arguing against the present minister’s decision,” he asserted.

Since the minister did not impose the council’s own favoured candidate selected from among their own old boys/old girls network, the campaign was immediately launched to make life uncomfortable for Sooba in every possible way in order to drive her from the position, Gaskin reasoned. He said this campaign of intimidation and bullyism has continued uninterrupted.

Hogwash

Referring to a letter by Green in which he attempted to give the reasons for the great “frustration” felt by his councillors and to illustrate Sooba has behaved like a “dictator” and showing disrespect and displaying “insubordination” to the mayor in a memo, thus provoking his request for her “immediate removal”, Gaskin said all of this was hogwash.

He said the entire notion of Sooba being disrespectful and insubordinate is rubbish. “The expired councillors who are waging an allout war against Ms Sooba cannot command any respect from her, and if indeed, she appears not to have any respect for them, then they brought it upon themselves and should stop complaining.

They deserve exactly what they get. As for ‘insubordination’, this is pure nonsense.

The town clerk is never subordinate to any councillor.

His/her duties are set out in

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

ceive. “The fact of the matter is that this so-called council is an utter disgrace and is not respected by anyone as far as I am aware. They lack all legitimacy having been elected 19 years ago, and they have been a continuing disaster visited upon the city. Their incompetence is legendary and lack of concern for the welfare of the city and its citizens is well-documented.

For years they happily presided over and never raised their voices over the corruption, nastiness, and dishonesty rampant in the place.”

Illegitimate

Gaskin said central government also bears some responsibility for this continuing travesty, noting that the time has come to establish the Local Government Commission as required by the Constitution and to hold new elections. He added that while this is being put in place, the minister should use his powers under the act and immediately dismiss the entire lot of councillors from all the parties in this decaying, moribund, expired and illegitimate forum.

“They have all failed miserably and are a total disgrace. Only someone without pride and totally oblivious to the citizens’ welfare would presume to continue to sit there and to collect monies and perks.”

He said the minister ought to urgently and immediately consult with all the political parties represented in the National Assembly and other relevant groups to put in place a temporary council of persons of integrity and ability to assist the city managers to serve this city.

T

he world’s four largest tobacco companies are involved in a joint venture to fight the illegal trafficking of excisable consumer goods.

British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco Group, Japan Tobacco International, and Philip Morris International on Tuesday launched the Digital Coding and Tracking Association (DCTA), set up to promote international standards and digital technologies to help governments fight smuggling, counterfeiting, and tax evasion. The Demerara Tobacco Company is a subsidiary of British American Tobacco.

According to a release, the DCTA draws upon the industry’s collective expertise in securing international supply chains and developing sophisticated technologies to help distinguish genuine products from counterfeit ones.

Eliminating the illicit trade in cigarettes and alcohol requires international cooperation and smarter tools to help customs, border, and tax officials tackle the guilty criminals. The DCTA offers a proven, secure and costeffective solution, based on Codentify® technology, for this purpose.

Codentify® makes the leap into the digital age, offering quick and easy access through a mobile phone to all the information governments need to protect tax revenues, verify the legitimacy of shipments, and

meet international regulatory requirements, including the World Health Organisation’s protocol to eliminate the illicit trade in tobacco.

Can make a real impact

DCTA spokesperson Pat Heneghan said, “Today’s legal supply chains are global, complex, and involve many parties. When combined with the sophistication of the criminals and terrorists who traffic illicit goods, it means national governments must use the latest advances in technology to secure supply chains if they are to make any real progress in addressing this dangerous and growing problem.

“The world’s four largest international tobacco manufacturers have come together to launch the Digital Coding and Tracking Association in order to offer governments a 21st century solution to the international problem of illicit trade.

With governments looking at ways to secure tax revenues in these austere times and crack down on the criminals that prosper from the black market, we are certain that the DCTA can provide the technologies and expertise needed to make a real impact.”

The DCTA promotes technical standards and digital solutions designed to secure supply chains for excisable fast-moving consumer goods, such as tobacco and alcohol. “We aim to provide

all stakeholders – from finance ministries and customs to the trade and consumers – with the tools, information, and capacity needed to really tackle illicit trade.”

According to independent research, it is estimated that around 12 per cent of the global cigarette market is illicit, equivalent to some 660 billion cigarettes each year, costing national governments more than US$40 billion a year in lost tax revenues. The illicit alcohol trade is also substantial, with the World Health Organisation estimating that around 30 per cent of all alcohol consumed globally is illegally produced, or ‘unrecorded’ .

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, may 22, 2013

News

Dr Dabydeen defends management of Caribbean Press – says Ruel Johnson, other local writers lazy

G

uyanese writer and poet Dr David Dabydeen has defended his management of the Caribbean Press, while labelling some Guyanese writers as lazy and declaring that doggerel or ‘puppyrel’ would not be published at the facility.

Dabydeen, who is also Guyana’s ambassador to China, made the comments in a letter in response to local writer Ruel Johnson who has been challenging him on a number of issues regarding the functioning of the press. Dabydeen also flayed Johnson personally, calling him lazy and mentioning that he had gone as far as purchasing a laptop computer and securing a UNESCO job for the young writer.

He asserted that the press will not publish lazy and incompetent work.

“Unfortunately, Guyana at present only has a small handful of consistent writers of quality (I am thinking of creative writers like Rupert Roopnaraine and Paloma Mohammed).

Hence in the 25 years of the Guyana Prize, only one resident Guyanese has ever won the Fiction Prize, and only two the First Book of Fiction. One resident Guyanese won the First Book of Poetry prize.

“Mr Johnson can bark

Poor writers

Guyana's Ambassador to China, Dr David Dabydeen

and snarl at the judges (all distinguished writers/ scholars from Guyana, the Caribbean, North America, Britain), but the fact remains that the writing coming out of Guyana, with notable exceptions, is poignantly poor. Mr Ruel Johnson can bark and snarl as much as he likes, but doggerel, much less ‘puppyrel’ will not be published by the Caribbean Press. And, sorry to say, most of the poetry sent to me by resident Guyanese writers is doggerel or ‘puppyrel’.

The press can set up all the committees it likes and issue grand policy statements, but dross is dross is unpublishable dross,” Professor Dabydeen who has written numerous books

Ruel Johnson

and poems declared.

He referred to Johnson’s comments about the press’ closeness to Freedom House, but noted that it will be publishing the parliamentary speeches of all of Guyana’s presidents. He also debunked claims by Johnson that the press has not published Martin Carter. “And why has Mr Johnson not submitted anything to the press for consideration, though I have asked him many times? Is it because, deep down, he knows he has not written anything of quality for many years?

Has any other Caribbean or Guyanese press published his work? Although I found his dismissal of Wilson Harris to be arrogant and silly...,” Dabydeen wrote.

He said most of the submissions that went to him are not writing, but typing.”It was a real struggle getting sufficient poetry for the forthcoming Anthology of Contemporary Guyanese Poetry (resident Guyanese), and in the end the press had to go on the basis of promise rather than achievement.

Fortunately, two, perhaps three, of the poets were good, so their work will carry the anthology.” He said instead of making an effort to learn how to write (for example, by reading, re- reading and rereading distinguished writers like Mittelholzer, Martin Carter, Sir Wilson Harris, and so many others), most of the Guyanese would-be or self-styled writers he has encountered have read little.

He said to make books available free of cost to the people of Guyana, especially the young, the press has reprinted the work of Mittelholzer, Wilson Harris, Denis Williams, Jan Carew, and others. He said of the 60 titles published or about to be published so far, an increasing number is by winners of the Guyana Prize (Elly Niland, Maggie Harris, Mark McWatt, Ian McDonald, Cyril Dabydeen, David Dabydeen, Fred D’Aguiar) or by writers like Sasenaraine Persaud who have been shortlisted on every occasion for the Guyana Prize.

“They are in the ‘Classics’ series because they are modern classics (eg, Penguin and other presses have modern classics). The quality of the Caribbean Press speaks for itself: dozens of international scholars published, and some of the best creative writers produced by Guyana.

That I have longstanding friendships with almost all the living writers (two of whom, happily, are family and Guyana prizewinners) has helped to get their permission to re-publish their works. Almost all the writers waive royalties and agree for 400 copies of their books to be given freely to Guyana’s libraries, an act of charity and a concern for the young readers in Guyana. Some have even put their work on the press’s website for free downloading: www.caribbeanpress. org. So, again, Ruel Johnson is being devious in accusations of bias.”

Dabydeen also spoke about the furore created

by Johnson over the press publication of a book written by the daughter of Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony. He said Ashley Anthony showed such promise as well as true quality and he hopes other children, reading it, will be inspired to write.

Choir boys S

atiricus was confused. Now this was not an unusual circumstance for Satiricus. But this time, he just couldn’t make head or hair of what was going on.

Or going down. He’d just turned on his television and there was this young man, who said the policemen had tortured him to make a confession. Now Satiricus had learnt not to jump to conclusions in these matters.

But then as he looked at the long-haired young man in immaculate white shirt and pants, it seemed to Satiricus like a case of déjà vu all over again. The police were up to their old tricks harassing choir boys. For the life of him, Satiricus couldn’t figure out this mystery.

What did the police have against choir boys?

Satiricus remembered when there was all that trouble on the East Coast Demerara. Every day the police would be hauling in choir boys just because police were being killed like flies. And like the case on TV right now, it didn’t matter what all the friends and relatives and neighbours of the young man said about how angelic the young men were...the police were unmoved.

There was the matter that the choir boys almost always had police records...armed robbery, attempted murder, murder. You name the crime and these boys had the charge. Their rap sheets were each pages long.

Some of them even did the time. But after listening to the character witnesses who were trotted out, it was obvious that the police had fobbed off the charges on the choir boys and worked with their friends in the judicial system to put them away. Their parents and brothers and sisters and friends wouldn’t lie, would they? These poor choir boys had been framed...every one of them.

And the police just wouldn’t let up. Only last year, Satiricus remembered that there were these nice choir boys just singing hymns by the street corner in their village of AgriKola. Out of the blue, these big, burly police swooped down on them like the destruction of Sennacherib.

As one of the choir boys told the story, in biblical allusion: “The police came down like the wolf on the fold, And his cohorts were gleaming in black and gold; And the sheen of their guns was like stars on the sea, When the brown wave rolls nightly on deep Kitty.”

Again Satiricus asked himself, “What was it about the choir boys” that seemed to drive the police over the edge. As he mulled over the conundrum, the answer suddenly dawned on Satiricus. These choir boys represented all that the police were not and could never be. They were sweet and gentle; they helped old ladies across the street; they contributed to blood drives. And they sang hymns on street corners. After all, their relatives always said so.

The police were just jealous of these choir boys, that what it was. Flat out jealous. After all what did THEY do? Just go out, day in and day out to fight crime.

Man gets three years and fined $135,000 for ganja

A

man who was prepared to do the time went ahead and committed the crime. Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo sentenced William Shawn Lee of 167 Charlotte Street, Georgetown, to three years imprisonment when he appeared before her in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

On Sunday last, Lee was spotted by a party of police officers at Strand New Amsterdam on mobile patrol acting in a sus-

picious manner. He was approached and a search was carried out on him where 150 grams of cannabis was found wrapped in a black plastic bag. Lee pleaded guilty to the charge. Asked if he had anything to say before sentenced was passed, Lee said he did not have much to say. “I know that the offence carries a jail term,” he told the magistrate.

In addition to the threeyear sentence, Lee was also fined $135,000, an amount three times the street value of the illegal drug.

11 News

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, may 22, 2013

Guyana among top Court throws out AFC’s Ramayyah destinations for ACCA $50M lawsuit against Mustapha training – director T

O

utside of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana is ranked third in the Caribbean as one of the preferred training grounds for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programmes.

Over the years, Guyana has been transformed into one of the most preferred places for training for aspiring accountants and managers. This is according to one of the directors of Cacique Incorporated, Ramdeo Kumar.

“In the Caribbean, the ACCA courses are of great demand and outside of Trinidad and apart from Jamaica, Guyana is the next major training ground for training in this field because of affordability and accessibility,” he said.

Young adults who see themselves as potential accountants can without hesitation get in tuned with the accounting world and what it has to offer through the Foundation in Accountancy programme (FIA).

This programme is somewhat new to the wide crosssections of programmes being offer by the ACCA; it allows students to work at their own pace and sit their examinations through a computerised format.

“The FIA is not so new to the ACCA worldwide, but some people may not be aware of it either,” he explained. Cacique Chairman Errol Chapman said previously students would be required to spend six months finishing at least two Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) papers.

“FIA is a programmes that young people can pursue right after they would have completed their secondary school studies, FIA is a course that you can do

at you own pace whereas you would have had to spend six months or more finishing two papers, it’s no longer like that all exams are computerised and we have in-house facility,” Chapman stated.

FIA consists of a suite of awards, including certificates, diplomas and a revised CAT qualification.

This flexible award focuses on the core skills of financial and management accounting, and the wider role of the accountant in business at the high levels.

Chapman said the programme is an ACCA initiative and is in keeping with the move to where the world is going in terms of technology.

Meanwhile, he said often there is a great misconception about ACCA and what the programmes focus on. ACCA is not only about the accounting aspect of the profession, but it also focuses on management, law and behavioural patterns in the working environment.

He noted that while in the past students would have to travel abroad to complete their studies in this area, Guyana is now well equipped and has enough tutors.

There is also the Association of Business Executives (ABE) being offered by Cacique, which focuses more on management.

This provides flexible professional business qualifications, which can lead to university matriculation.

The ABE offers diplomas in business management, entrepreneurship, human resource management, marketing management and travel, tourism and hospitality management. The ABE qualifications are accredited in the United Kingdom.

olice to clamp down on speeding, P “boom-boom” minibuses in Region Two

R

egion Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo said speeding, overloading and loud playing of music on minibuses on the Essequibo Coast will be addressed by the police.

He gave the assurance to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillor Wazir Latiff during the Region Two, Regional Democratic Council statutory meeting on Tuesday.

Samaroo said he will hold a meeting with the G Division commander in relation to the matter. Samaroo said the matter is getting out of control on the Essequibo Coast and it must be address once and for all.

Latiff said minibus drivers are speeding and playing loud music on the two-lane

roadway. He said often the buses are overloaded with school children. The councillor also spoke about stray animals on the public road, streets and access dams. He said the stray animals are also a threat to traffic and several accidents have occurred over the past months as a result of animals on the roadway.

Samaroo in responding to the councillor in relation to the stray cattle said the Anna Regina Town Council and the five NDCs on the coast are trying to bring the situation under control by employing stray catchers.

He said the regional administration has sought assistance from the Home Affairs Ministry for assistance in clearing the public road of stray animals.

he $50 million libel suit by Alliance For Change (AFC) executive member Veerasammy Ramayyah against former Region Six Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha was thrown out of the High Court because of a legal error by his Attorney Charandass Persaud.

On January 25, 2012, Attorney Persaud filed a writ in the Berbice High Court on behalf of Ramayyah, claiming $50 million from Mustapha.

Ramayyah through his attorney claimed in court documents that he was “libelled” by Mustapha, while he (Mustapha) was speaking at a public meeting on November 8, 2011 at Whim, Middle Walk Dam, Berbice around 19:00h. The period referred to was during the political campaign in the

AFC executive member Veerasammy Ramayyah

lead up to the November 28, 2011 general elections.

Apart from the $50 million, Ramayyah through his attorney, who is also a AFC executive member, also sought costs for aggravated or exemplary damages, (legal) costs and any other orders as the court would have deemed

Zulfikar Mustapha

just and proper.

However, on April 12, both AFC executive members were left embarrassed when it was revealed that they had filed the case under the wrong heading as instead of “libel”, the case should have been filed as “slander”.

The primary difference

between libel and slander is that libel is the written or otherwise printed public defamation of a person or entity, while slander is the spoken defamation of a person or entity. The action further unravelled as the High Court in its ruling to abandon the case also found that no effort by Ramayyah through his attorney was made to file relevant documents or continue the proceedings since Attorney Adrian Anamayah entered an appearance on February 1, 2012 to represent Mustapha.

In an invited comment, Mustapha, who is now the executive secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) indicated he was confident all along that the case would not hold up in court as the charges against him by Ramayyah were frivolous.

12

wednesday, may 22, 2013 | g

Ministry of Natural Resources an

Upper Brickdam, Georgetown, Guyana (GGM

Biodiversity -

Critical for Maintaining Our Water Supply

T

he term "biodiversity" refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms - in essence, all living things on earth – and their interactions within ecosystems.

In recognition of the importance of biodiversity, the United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the 'International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB).' Initially, it was celebrated on December 29 however, due to the number of holidays observed around this time of year; it was subsequently changed to May 22 in the year 2000 and today celebrated in over 190 countries around the world.

This year IDB is being celebrated under the theme 'Water and Biodiversity, coinciding with the declaration of 2013 as the 'UN International Year for Water Cooperation'.

This theme highlights the interconnectivity between water and biodiversity; water is essential for life and ecosystems play a pivotal role in purifying and maintaining our water supply.

Water covers approximately 75% of the earth's surface and is a habitat itself, sustaining the lives of numerous species including; fishes, birds, viruses, corals, reptiles and mammals. Water underpins the existence of all ecosystems.

Ecosystems and water security The provision of clean water depends on functioning ecosystems. Wetlands, for example, are home to a diverse number of organisms which purify and recycle water through filtration and storage.

Water that flows into a wetland usually contains toxins, bacteria, sediment and elements that can harm aquatic life and contaminate our water supply. Many plants and bacteria within wetlands have the ability to improve the quality of water by removing elements such as phosphorous and nitrogen, pesticides, metals and other types of pollutants, preventing them from negatively impacting aquatic life and reaching our drinking water.

In addition, wetland ecosystems such as mangrove forests act as natural buffers between up-

lands and waterways, helping to reduce risks from flooding.

Forests also play a significant role in providing water for us. The trees within a forest influence rates of water uptake (transpiration) and water loss (evaporation) as well as the flow and storage of water in watersheds. Trees also affect infiltration and retention of water in the soil. However, the ability of forests to prevent erosion is one of the most important functions of forests in sustaining water quality.

To ensure that these ecosystems continue to function effectively and efficiently, we also need to play our part by using resources sustainably and stop overuse and wastage. We need to work together in maintaining the health of these ecosystems, since compromising our environment compromises our quality of life and that of future generations.

Activities to Observe IDB The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is Guyana's focal point for the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD).

As such, the EPA plans, coordinates and implements, programmes, legislations, strategies and guidelines towards the fulfillment of Guyana's obligations Convention. The three (3) main objectives of the Convention are: 1. Sustainability of resources; 2. Conservation of resources; 3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from resources.

Take Action for Biodiversity!

To protect our water and biological resources we can perform simple tasks within our homes and communities such as practicing proper water and waste management and being involved in community activities such as cleanups and beautifications. Educate yourself and make a conscious effort to do your part for a clean and healthier Guyana where we can bask in the abundance of our resources and enjoy a comfortable life.

Remember small changes in our lifestyles can make a big difference!

In observance of IDB the EPA will be conducting a number of activities to raise awareness of this year's theme. These include; a documentary night, a tour of the Mangrove Heritage Trail, exhibitions at the National Library and Museum, a Youth Forum in Linden, a newspaper feature and an IDB Art Competition for Grade 6 students.

13

2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

and the Environment

GGMC Compound)

Message by Honourable Robert M Persaud, MBA, MP Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment

on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013

G

uyana became a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, and ratified it in 1994. This signaled to the international community that Guyana is committed to implementing the agreed measures to conserve and sustainably utilise its biological resources.

Guyana's wealth of biodiversity acts as a source of livelihood for a large proportion of the country's population and contributes to the national economy. Biodiversity is the basis of our productive sectors of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and wildlife; as such, its maintenance offers considerable opportunities and advantages. Our forests for example, are valuable reservoirs of biodiversity; they contain many animal and plant endemics, provide habitats for wildlife and are an integral part of the country's freshwater ecosystems.

We therefore recognise biodiversity as an important national asset that offers our country many economic options.

Today, as we join with the rest of the Global Community to celebrate International Day for Biodiversity under the theme Water and Biodiversity, we recognise that water and biodiversity are not mutually exclusive but are interdependent and integral parts of the environment and that water

is an important ecosystem service for biodiversity. Guyana's vast water resources face threats from unregulated mining, logging, and wildlife extraction activities due to the increasing access to these areas from improved hinterland road network. We are therefore constantly working with our local and international partners to monitor these areas thereby ensuring the protection of this irreplaceable natural resource.

At the national level, the Government has taken important steps to reduce the factors that lead to biodiversity loss and increase its conservation and the sustainable use of its components. Guyana's position on the protection and conservation of biodiversity is elucidated in various pieces of legislations and National Policies. These include the National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable use of Guyana's Biodiversity (1997); National Forest Policy (1997); National Forest Plan (1998); National Biodiversity Action Plan (1999); National Biodiversity Action Plan 11 (20072011); Code of Practice for the Utilisation of Mangroves (2005); Species Protection Regulations (1999); Wildlife Import and Export Regulations (2009); The Protected Areas Act (2011); The Fisheries Act (2002); The Fisheries Management Plan (2006). Additionally, Guyana boasts ar-

eas of recognised global importance to Biodiversity such as the Iwokrama International Forest Reserve and Kaieteur National Park.

Whilst the Government of Guyana recognises the interplay between water and biodiversity, we are cognizant of the realities of global threat to our biodiversity, including coastal and marine resources in the form of climate change and climate variability. This will require the implementation of an integrated management approach to water and biodiversity resources in order to achieve sustainable development in Guyana.

The onus is on all of us, to work together, to find tangible solutions to water issues that emerge - let us not take for granted Guyana's abundant supply of freshwater.

Compromising our water resources through negative environmental actions will inevitably compromise our quality of life and that our children. It is therefore pivotal to underscore that, water is the pillar for all ecosystem services. This International Day for Biodiversity, I wish to advocate to all Guyanese 'to take a stand for life, take a stand for biodiversity'.

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wednesday, may 22, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

News

19 vehicles added to police fleet

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee hands over the keys to the 19 vehicles to acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) received 19 spanking new vehicles on Tuesday to aid in executing efficient services to the Guyanese public.

The fleet of vehicles was handed over to the acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell by Home Affair Minister Clement Rohee during an inaugural ceremony at the police headquarters, Eve Leary. The vehicles acquired are two canter trucks, two “Pitbull” buses, three Toyota Hilux motor vehicles, six Allion motorcars and six ATVs, to a cost of $61 million from the 2012 budget. With the addition of this fleet of 19 vehicles, the number of vehicles owned by the Guyana Police Force is now tallied up to 396.

Address the gathering, Rohee said as the premier law enforcement agency in Guyana, the GPF must at all times be equipped with the assets that enable it to execute its functions. He noted

that the government is striving to fully equip the police force and other law enforcement agencies to make them mobile, effective and recognisable in society.

“The Guyana Police Force must have the necessary tools to execute its functions, I believe that the vehicles which are handed over will go a far way in assessing the force… we can never stop as a government, in providing these asset to the Guyana Police Force.

The force is growing, its demands are increasing, its responsibilities are widening and therefore the people are looking forward to a more effective force that provides them with services and protection.

The minister is also asking the Guyanese public to play their part in ensuring that these and existing vehicles within the police force be used for service and protection. Meanwhile, Brumell thanked the minis-

ter for the donation, which he said will boost and modernise the work carried out by the GPF. He noted that there cannot be a police division without any mobility.

“You have to have vehicles to patrol, to respond to reports etc.”

“This generous donation here, we are very grateful for it and sir I want to assure you that the vehicles we have will be used for the intended purpose,” he added. The commissioner further stated that he is aiming to have at least two pickups at each of the seven divisions countrywide by the year-end.

In a short comment, A Division Commander and Assistant Police Commissioner George Vyphius said it is always a joy for the GPF to receive.

“It’s a joy, because it helps to strengthen our mobility and it helps us to serve the community and serve this nation.”

Roraima Airways honours outstanding local pilot

L

ocal air carrier, Roraima Airways last week honoured former pilot Miles Williams, who also served in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at a special ceremony held at Duke Lodge, Kingston.

In brief remarks at the ceremony which coincided with William’s birthday, Roraima Airways Managing Director Gerry Gouveia said many times people live their lives, and do extraordinary things and then they fade away. He said life challenges and family obligations consume and direct what “we do and where we go”.

He described Williams, a former Special Forces officer, who was also a military pilot, as a Guyanese hero. Williams is the son of Toni and Dennis Williams, the famous anthropologist, artist and historian.

Williams, Gouveia said joined the GDF as a second lieutenant and served as a paratrooper and Special Forces officer before being transferred to the Air Corps where he was trained as a pilot.

“He served under me in the Air Corps and flew with me as my co-pilot on many missions to save lives, rescue people and resupply our forces in the far flung reaches of our hinterland.”

Gouveia said in the early years when they flew together, there were no navigational aids to guide the airmen.

“We used pilot age and dead reckoning and the good old skills of recognising and remembering the shapes of the mountains and the rivers as well as the colour of particular leaves on trees as we descend low to find the destinations we were looking for.”

According to Gouveia, what always struck him about Williams was his will-

Roraima Airways Managing Director Gerry Gouveia presents the award to Miles Williams

ingness to learn, but more particularly, he was always willing to volunteer “to accompany me on dangerous missions as we ventured out into the jungle at night to save people’s lives. Miles is a patriot and a dedicated humanitarian. He is a lover of nature and is always at home in the jungle”.

Gouveia spoke of Williams’ bravery and skills as a navigator in the jungle. “He is a leader of men.

During his years of service with Roraima, he served as our chief pilot and did many night medivacs, saving many lives. He is a first class and skilful pilot whose involvement in search and rescue operations is well known among his peers.”

“The day that Derek Leyoung crashed into the jungle in the OMAI area, Miles was there, he immediately lead a team of OMAI security personnel on an overland search and rescue mission.

Unfortunately, by the time he reached the crash site, all he found were the dead bodies. I remember meeting him

at that crash site shortly afterwards and he and I loaded the body of the pilot in a body bag and carried the body of Derek up and down the jungle slopes and rough terrain for hours as we made our way back to the runway.”

Gouveia added: “He was always ready, always willing, always brave, he is a natural pilot who used his skill to fly his planes into some of the most challenging and dangerous areas, landing on some of the shortest runways to bring food to the hungry, medical drugs to the needy, and medical evacuation to the critically injured.”

“Today on his birthday, I applaud him, I would like to say thank you Miles for your unselfish service to Guyana, to service beyond the call of duty... tonight, I would like to offer you a small token of our appreciation, I offer you this Roraima Airways award which I am honoured to present to you tonight as a token of our appreciation for your service.” Williams is married to Pat and has an18-year-old son.

Bosai rents three generators to ease blackout stress in Linden

A

s Lindeners continue to fume over constant electrical power outages in the town which commenced on Thursday evening – Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI), the town’s main supplier – has now indicated that it has made a decision to rent three generator sets, with the intention of minimising the effects of the blackouts.

BMGGI Community Relations Officer Vanessa Davis on Monday stated that a full report on the situation which was expected to be made on Monday would have been made available on Tuesday.

On Thursday, at approximately 19:00h, the entire community was plunged into blackout after the company began experiencing technical problems with two of its generating engines, which sustained damage to their crank shaft and bearings. On Monday, BMGGI issued a release to residents that shows the specified periods that each area will be receiving

electricity.

According to a release, disruption of electricity supply from 14:00h to 22:00h was expected on Monday at Amelia’s Ward, Amelia’s Ward Water Treatment Plant, Mines, One Mile, Half Mile, Wismar Housing Scheme, Block 22 and Canvas City.

Meanwhile, Richmond Hill, Watooka, Noitgedacht, Fair’s Rust, Mackenzie Hospital, Number One Water Treatment Plant, Amelia’s Ward, Amelia’s Ward Water Treatment Plant, Mines, Wismar Water Treatment Plant, Victory Valley, Christianburg, Blueberry Hill, Wisroc Water Treatment Plant, West Watooka Water Treatment Plant, Upper Demerara Hospital, One Mile, Half Mile, Block 22 Front and Canvas City were expected to receive electrical power from 22:00h on Monday to 6:00h on Tuesday.

These was a residential power outage at 22:00h on Monday to 6:00h on Tuesday at Cockatara,

Constabulary Compound, Kara Kara, Retrieve, Block 22, Rainbow City, Industrial Area, Speightland, Retrieve, Retrieve Water Treatment Plant, back of Block 22, Wisroc and Wisroc Water Treatment Plant.

BMGGI sells electricity to the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI), which supplies electricity to the Mackenzie shore of Linden, which in turn sells power to the Linden Utility Services Co-op Society Limited (LUSCSL), which supplies the Wismar shore. Both the Wismar and Mackenzie shores have been receiving electricity at varying intervals since the shutdown.

This is the second time in months that the company has developed such issues, causing power outages in the community. On Friday, the company made a decision to shut down the two kilns operating within the bauxite plant so that the community could receive scheduled electricity supply.

15 News

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, may 22, 2013

New guidance, counselling Manickchand attending GPE group launched

meeting in Brussels

E

From left to right: Social Life Issues executives Will Campbell, Joan Alleyne, John Greaves, Fay Greaves and Beverly Rogers

A

s Guyana continues to face challenges in addressing many social issues, a new guidance and counselling services group dubbed Social Life Issues was launched on Tuesday.

The organisation is the brainchild of its coordinator and well-known counsellor, John Greaves, who worked for several years with the Salvation Army’s Drug Rehabilitation Programme.

Greaves told media operatives on Tuesday that the organisation hopes to address a range of issues that plagues society to bring about changes in family life and to create a better society for all.

“We intend to move into various social ills as an organisation. In fact, our objectives states that we would like to bring assistance to those in need of such a service, as it relates to the many social ills that can result in dilemma or disaster for the family and the individual and, by extension, society, Greaves explained.

He also disclosed that the

organisation has introduced its Drug Prevention Education Programme in two private schools – Josel Educational Institute and Mercy Wings Vocational School – and plans to have 12 more schools on board by September.

Vision

The coordinator added that while there are several other organisations that provide similar services, Social Life Issues is more practicalbased group and has what it takes to bring meaningful changes to families and individuals. Greaves said he is confident about this, given that a competent team has been put together to oversee the affairs of the organisation. These persons include: experienced counsellors and psychologists such as Fay Greaves, Will Campbell, Joan Alleyne, and Beverly Rogers.

The coordinator said, “We have a vision which is founded in the fact that given my own experience where I served as a senior counsellor for many years and the

others in the team and the amount of clientele which I have come into contact with, brought about that vision to create an organisation to help address social ills.”

Greaves noted that financial support is necessary if they are to achieve the objectives of bringing needed change to the Guyanese society.

So far, the organisation has received some support from Digicel, DaSilva House of Optics and Lucky Dollar Food Shop among others.

Digicel is currently sponsoring the two schools.

In addition, the group is looking forward to hosting annual workshops for businesses and other interested groups and organisations that are willing to participate. Focus will also be placed on helping young single parents to focus on family planning and family development among other critical issues to help in social development.

Social Life Issues has a week of activities planned to introduce the services it offers. The group will open

OAS drug abuse commission opens 53rd session

T

he 53rd regular session of the InterAmerican Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organisation of American States (OAS) was inaugurated on Tuesday in the headquarters of the hemispheric institution in Washington, DC, with a focus of the “Report on the Drug Problem in the Americas”, produced by the hemispheric body.

CICAD chair, Costa Rican Public Security Minister Mario Zamora inaugurated the first plenary session celebrating the fact that “this meeting has been preceded by the pre-

sentation of the “Report on the Drug Problem in the Americas” by the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza”.

“Costa Rica agrees with the guiding principles that guide the analytical approach to this issue,” he said.

Upon opening the sequence of speeches, Minister Zamora invited participants “to overcome the dichotomy between health and safety in addressing this issue”, warning that “so far a zero-sum approach has prevailed, where a gain in health is perceived as a loss for security, and vice versa”.

He then noted that “the public health approach just as much as the public security approach is essential to a strategy that reduces the damages caused by drugs and their consequences”.

During the opening session, participants approved the calendar of activities and the draft agenda for the semi-annual meeting of CICAD, which ends today.

It also approved the creation of a Working Group to prepare the annual report of the CICAD, to be presented at the 43rd OAS General Assembly to be held in Antigua, Guatemala, from June 4 to 6.

its office at 193 Charlotte and Wellington streets, Georgetown, while a special cocktail ceremony will be held at Water Chris Hotel on Saturday. A roundtable discussion is also planned for later this week.

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand is attending a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), in Brussels, Belgium from May 20 to 22.

The minister was reappointed in 2013 as a director representing Latin America and the Caribbean.

This important face-to-face meeting of the board will deal with some issues related to the governance of the GPE, the replenishment of funds to the organisation, and the approval of requests for support from various countries, the ministry said in a release.

The GPE, which comprises approximately 60 developing countries, donor governments, international organisations, private sector, and civil society/nongovernmental groups, was established in 2002.

In its current strategic plan, the partnership

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

has five objectives. Two of these objectives: a dramatic increase in the number of children learning and demonstrating mastery of basic literacy and numeracy skills by Grade Three and improving teacher effectiveness by various means are major priorities for Guyana.

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wednesday, may 22, 2013

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean

Ben and Jerry’s co-founder coming to TT for CIF 2013

T

he high-calibre speakers who will be present at this year’s Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) are intended to make TT a more attractive destination for investment, said Kelvin Mahabir, president, invesTT. “The distinguished speakers and panellists will bring leading-edge thinking and practices which allow us to further augment our investment climate and value propositions to make

TT and the region, an attractive investment destination.”

He was speaking at Tuesday’s official launch of CIF at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel, Port of Spain. The theme of the CIF, now in its third year, is Caribbean Competitiveness: The Nexus of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and will take place on June 10 and 11 at the Hilton Trinidad Hotel and Conference Centre, St Ann’s. Mahabir said the CIF

will serve as a platform for different business persons and investors to inter-connect. “Caribbean businessmen and the industry experts have the opportunity to showcase the competitive advantages that their businesses and countries have to offer the potential investor. It is an avenue for direct engagement of international counterparts and a direct link to new projects and investments profiles,” he said. (Trinidad Guardian)

North America

Apple grilled about tax havens

A

pple executives defended the company’s tax strategy on Capitol Hill Tuesday, claiming that it pays one of the highest effective tax rates of any major corporation.

A Senate panel called the hearing to examine what committee leadership said was the iPhone maker’s strategy of shifting income to an Irish subsidiary to avoid paying U.S. taxes. Apple officials said the money resided with its

overseas operations, such as those in Ireland, not to avoid taxes but because of the growth of Apple’s sales overseas.

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said the company paid an effective tax rate of 30.5 per cent on profits it made on U.S. sales. He said Apple paid US$6 billion in U.S. corporate taxes last year and expects to pay more this year.

“I’m often asked if Apple still considers itself

an American company,” Cook said. “My answer always has been an emphatic “Yes.’ We are proud to be an American company, and equally proud of our contributions to the U.S. economy.”

He said Apple has never considered moving its headquarters out of the United States. “It’s beyond my imagination, and I have a pretty wild imagination,” Cook said in response to a question. (CNN Money)

Europe

Former Saab Automobile chiefs arrested for accounts fraud

T

hree former top executives from carmaker Saab Automobile have been arrested in Sweden on suspicion of accounting fraud. The three are “suspected of aggravated attempts to avoid tax controls”, according to Swedish prosecutor Olof Sahlgren.

Sahlgren alleged that the trio falsified parts of Saab Automobile’s accounts between 2010 and 2011. The

crimes carry potential prison sentences of up to four years.

The prosecutor did not identify the three, who worked for Saab Automobile during the period it was owned by Dutch luxury car maker Spyker. Spyker bought the Swedish firm from General Motors in 2010.

However, Spyker failed to reinvigorate the loss-making brand, and Saab Automobile

filed for bankruptcy in December 2011.

The carmaker was then sold to National Electric Vehicle Sweden, a Hong Kong based firm, which is planning to make electric cars that carry the Saab badge.

Saab Automobile is not part of Saab Group, which makes fighter jets and other defence and security equipment. (BBC News)

Market statistics 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 21, 2013 Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask

$1360.20

$1361.20

Low/High

$1354.60

$1384.10

-25.70

-1.85

Change May 17 USD GBP EUR May 3 USD GBP EUR

London Gold Fix AM 1376.75 903.62 1069.15 AM 1412.25 926.67 1094.51

Indicators

USD Per Once

Crude Oil Price Silver Platinum

US$ per barrel

Change %

$104.71

+0.07

USD per Ounce

Change %

$22.26

-0.43

$1454.00

-21.00

PM 1368.75 901.50 1068.00 PM 1410.00 925.20 1095.57

Africa

Tanzania could boost its economy by reforming the Port of Dar es Salaam

T

anzania and its East African neighbours could boost their annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to US$1.8 billion and US$830 million respectively by taking measures to improve the efficiency of the Port of Dar es Salaam, according to the latest Tanzania Economic Update published by the World Bank.

So far, Tanzania and six neighbouring countries have missed this opportunity,

notes the new report titled, ‘Opening the Gates: How the Port of Dar es Salaam Can Transform Tanzania,’ authored by Jacques Morisset, the Bank’s lead economist for Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi.

With its strategic location, the Dar es Salaam Port is the gateway for 90 per cent of Tanzania’s trade, clearing US$15 billion of merchandise annually (a sum equivalent to 60 per cent of Tanzania’s

GDP in 2012). In addition, the port provides vital access to Tanzania’s six landlocked neighbours: Malawi, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Eastern DRC. In 2012, the total global welfare loss resulting from inefficiencies at the port was estimated to reach a value of US$1.8 billion for the Tanzanian economy and US$830 million for the neighbouring countries. (al-

lAfrica)

Asia Chinese premier pushes for trade pact with India

C

hinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday said that China was willing to launch talks for a regional trading arrangement with India, a statement seen as a fresh push for Beijing’s attempt for a trade pact.

Addressing business leaders at a conference organised by Ficci, the premier said that an RTA would be good for the progress of the two countries and the re-

gion.

While China has long pursued the issue, India has been reluctant to start negotiations, fearing that the trade deficit would widen further. Last year, the trade deficit was estimated at over US$40 billion. But during Li’s first trip China has managed to reopen the issue and even get one of the joint working groups (JWGs) on trade to look into the proposal.

During his address, Li expressed keen interest in tackling the issue of a gaping trade deficit between India and China and suggested that there was scope to offer greater access to Indian products.

With India-China bilateral trade heavily skewed, he said increasing mutual economic exchanges will help spur the market for competitive goods on both sides. (Times

of India)

Middle East

Eight bosses sacked in big Kuwait Petroleum shake-up

S

tate-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has sacked the heads of all of its eight subsidiaries in the company’s largest ever shakeup, following a controversial US$2.2 billion compensation payment to U.S. firm Dow Chemical, according to local media.

Kuwait Oil Co managing director Sami Al-Rasheed, the country’s longest serving oil executive, was replaced

by Hashem Hashem, while Kuwait National Petroleum

Co (KNPC) managing director Fahad Al-Adwah will retire, to be replaced

by Mohammad Al-Mutairi, and Asaad Al-Saad will take over from Maha Mulla Al-Tarkait as managing director of Petrochemical Industries Co (PIC).

Tarkait and several other leading officials at PIC had been suspended on Thursday over the US$2.2 billion penalty payment to Dow Chemical and the whole issue was referred to the public prosecution.

The changes follow the suspensions of three top officials, including Tarkait, and the replacement of KPC’s CEO Farouk Zanki with Nizar Mohammad alAsani on Thursday.

The shakeup is seen as being in response to a US$2.2 billion damages payment to Dow Chemical Co after PIC pulled out of US$17.4 billion K-Dow petrochemical venture in December 2008, citing the deteriorating global economy. (Arabianbusiness)

Investors' guide How to start an eBay business

(Part three)

C

olouring books and tablet computers do not complement each other, while colouring books, children’s’ books and stuffed animals do. You can consider buying wholesale, clearance or outlet products in bulk to increase your margins, but remember that if the first product does not sell, you will end up taking a huge loss on your inventory. For your product listings, keep the descriptions

short, concise and to the point. List only pertinent information – such as new or used, size (with precise dimensions), shipping time and a short description. Use plenty of well-lit, detailed photos. A picture is worth a thousand words – let them do the talking for you. New items are inevitably more popular than used ones, but be honest when listing your item – sellers are commonly banned for dishonesty.

Lastly, use insurance or delivery confirmation on all your products. This insures that you have verifiable evidence that your product arrived, and deters dishonest buyers from trying to push for a refund or threatening to tarnish your reputation with negative feedback.

Give your sellers a tracking number, if applicable, and respond to service requests promptly and professionally. (Business Dictionary)

Business concept – Organisation

Last: 15351.40

Changes: +121.18

% Change: +0.80

Open: 15234.75

High: 15357.43

Low: 15234.75

% YTD: +17.17

52 Wk Hi: 14887.51

52 Wk Lo: 12035.09

A social unit of people that is structured and managed to meet a need or to pursue collective goals. All organisations have a management structure that determines relationships between the different activities and the members, and subdivides and assigns roles, responsibilities, and authority to carry out different tasks.

Organisations are open systems – they affect and are affected by their environment.

NEWS

17

wednesday, may 22, 2013 | guyanatimesGY.com

Caribbean unemployment New Argentine ambassador to fall to 6.2 per cent in calls on Granger T 2013 – ECLAC, ILO

T

he average regional urban unemployment rate could drop by up to 0.2 percentage points to stand between 6.4 per cent and 6.2 per cent in 2013 – the lowest rate in recent decades – according to a new report from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

In the new issue of the joint publication “The employment situation in Latin America and the Caribbean”, the two institutions indicate that the 3.5 per cent economic growth expected for the region in 2013 should maintain the positive trends in labour indicators. ECLAC and ILO underline that the 6.4 per cent unemployment rate in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2012 had been the lowest in recent decades, having fallen from 6.7 per cent in 2011. This rate is impressive given the difficult labour situations experienced by other world regions.

Cautious optimism

“With respect to 2013, there is cautious optimism regarding the performance of the region’s labour markets. If projections of 3.5 per cent in the region’s economic growth in 2013 are borne out, labour indicators should continue to gradually improve.

This will bring new increases in real wages,” according to ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, and ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean Director Elizabeth Tinoco, writing in the foreword to the publication.

According to the report, last year the number of urban unemployed fell by around 400,000, on the back of relatively strong job creation.

Nevertheless, they point out that around 15 million are still jobless in the region, and that labour indicator perfor-

mance was not homogenous across the region: out of the 14 Latin American countries analysed, six saw their unemployment rate fall by at least 0.2 percentage points, while it remained stable in five countries and rose in three (Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Paraguay).

Labour market

They add that the situation is clearly not as bright in the English-speaking Caribbean, where three of five countries with information available (Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago) saw unemployment rise between 2011 and 2012, taking the rate to a high of 14 years in Barbados and 16 years in Jamaica. The Bahamas was the only country to record a decrease in unemployment, which, nevertheless, remains high.

Furthermore, the gender gaps in labour market participation, unemployment and employment narrowed, albeit slightly; waged work rose by 3.5 per cent and formal employment (with social protection) increased by around four per cent; the hourly underemployment rate declined; and average wages rose.

Real minimum wages were up by 2.8 per cent (versus 1.3 per cent in 2011), albeit with wide differences between countries. This issue of “The employment sit-

uation in Latin America and the Caribbean” also analyses the concept of decent work, progress in measurement, and challenges for building a Decent Work Information System, 14 years after the concept was first formulated.

In terms of measuring decent work, the document explains that the main aim is to provide agents (government, workers and employers) with tools to assess each country’s progress in respect of decent work. However, there have been some measurement and comparability problems – particularly in developing countries.

The organisations, therefore, state that it is not currently possible to establish a shared set of variables for measuring decent work in all countries, and suggest that countries make progress in measurement in accordance with the priorities they set, based on information that is available and can be generated in the future. However, it is vital to advance towards harmonisation among countries, and for this task they can rely on technical support from ECLAC and ILO. The agencies highlighted the importance of some countries’ contributions that have not only included paid work but also unpaid work and the use of the concept to illustrate gaps in terms of gender, ethnicity and territories.

he newly-appointed Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Luis A Martino, paid a courtesy call on Opposition Leader and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman, Brigadier (retired) David Granger, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Tuesday.

The leader of the opposition was accompanied by Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Deborah Backer, and the policy adviser, Lance Carberry.

The ambassador was welcomed by Granger who provided an insight into the geographic and political ori-

Brigadier (retired) David Granger

entation of Guyana, including the impact of the territorial claims by Venezuela and Suriname, APNU said in a release. The discussions

were very cordial and wide ranging, including the historical, legal, and political position of the government of the Argentine republic with respect to the Malvinas Islands. The ambassador provided APNU representatives with a specially compiled dossier for information.

In addition, the ambassador informed the leader of the opposition of the decision by the government of the Argentine republic to provide extended technical and financial support, including international and local training, for Sports in Guyana, particularly rugby and ladies hockey, from the level of schools and community clubs to the national team.

GGMC targeting illegal miners – Persaud

N

atural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said “Operation El Dorado” is still on stream to tackle the ongoing problem of illegal mining in Guyana.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the ministry’s Brickdam office, Persaud said illegal mining continues to be an issue, with more Brazilians getting involved in the sector without proper authorisation.

As such, he assured that Brazilian miners are being targeted among those who are engaging in illegal operations. He said, “We have a team right now, because we received reports of some incursions, and that team is investigating. Where there are reports in addition to the routine, we do go out and we do send out.

I have given clear instructions that the issue of illegal mining, Brazilians or nonBrazilians must be brought under control.”

He also pointed out

that this matter has been brought to the attention of the police and is being investigated. The minister noted that when complaints are made, there are mechanisms that are used to determine its seriousness.

Operation El Dorado is intended to target illegal and unregulated mining activities. Persaud noted previously that through this initiative, a large number of Brazilians were caught engaging in illegal mining activities.

Following the detention of the scores of illegal Brazilian miners here and the need to combat widespread illegal mining in Guyana, the ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) launched Operation El Dorado. The minister, along with GGMC officials have in the past met with a high-level delegation from the State of Roraima, Brazil to examine and ensure Brazilian miners are registered, en-

gaged in sustainable mining activities and comply with Guyana’s laws.

In Puruni, Region Seven, a search was conducted by the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit team to check for guns, ammunition and drugs, while an immigration team checked the status of foreign workers. This resulted in some 94 foreign miners, who breaching the mining, environment and/or immigration laws being detained.

The GGMC is being supported by the Guyana Police Force in carrying out Operation El Dorado.

The operation involves inspection of mining camps and activities there, verification of mining privileges and certificate of registration for persons employed, inspection of the requisite documentations, including dredge licences and production books, sanitation, environmental and occupational health and safety compliance.

Man granted bail for unlawful Teen among three to face trial assault of older sister for murder A

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hree persons, including a 19-year-old young man, will be on trial for the fatal stabbing of a Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown man outside of Demico House, Stabroek.

The murder accused are 23-year-old Selassie McFarlane, of Lot 933 Sophia, Georgetown; Ceretse Rogers, 24, of Lot 676 B Field Sophia; and 19-year-old Marcus Roberts, who was 14 years old at the time of the murder. The trio is indicted with the murder of 20-yearold Jermain Ziage Anderson, of Lot 57 Bent Street, Werken-Rust, on April 24, 2008 on the pavement alongside Demico House.

On Tuesday, a 12-member mixed jury was empan-

elled before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court.

The prosecution is being led by state counsels, Rhondell Weaver and Renita Singh, and they are expected to call approximately 15 witnesses during the trial.

The accused are being represented by Attorneys Nigel Hughes, Basil Williams and Hukumchand Parag. The trial will begin on Thursday.

According to reports, Anderson, along with some relatives, was drinking at the Demico House Roof Garden, but then left for a while. His cousin was drinking with two other friends and they were dancing when a group of young men started to hurl insulting comments at them,

which led to a confrontation.

Upon his return, Anderson was briefed on what transpired, so he went to enquire from the young men what caused the problem and was told everything is fine.

Anderson then bought beers for the young men before stepping out onto the pavement. He was followed by one of the young men. After observing the young man heading outside, Anderson’s cousin followed him; when he got on the pavement, he saw the young man pull out a scissors and stab Anderson.

The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

man was granted bail for unlawful assault when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

Garfield Tappin, 22, of Lamaha Springs, plead-

ed not guilty to the charge, which states that on May 20 at Clifford Avenue, Lamaha Springs, he unlawfully assaulted his older sister, Tamika Tappin.

Prosecutor Jomo Nichols reported that the defendant slapped the virtual com-

plainant (VC) to her face and pushed her out of the house.

The magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of $50,000 and he was placed on a bond to keep the peace. The defendant has to appear in Court One on June 6.

Berbice vigilantes back in court

F

ive of the six murder accused in the vigilante killing of Alfred Monroe made their second court appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were again refused bail.

The five; Randolph “Rudy” Samuel, Arif “Shark” Cecil, Richard “Brick Head” Griffith, Michael “Monkey” Lewis and Khruhnaraj

Jagdeo all appeared before Magistrate Khrisondat Persaud.

Absent was 18-year-old Zafar Seetaram who was at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School where he sat the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Religious Education examination.

Seetaram was expected back in the examination

room on Tuesday to write English ‘A’ Papers One and Two at the School of the Nations in New Amsterdam.

Today, the murder accused is expected to sit the mathematics examination.

Seetaram had signed up to sit eight subjects.

Meanwhile, the case will be called in court on June 8 when a date for trial is expected to be fixed.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, may 22, 2013

thursDAY, march 11, 2010 | guyanatimesGY.com

archie

By Bernice Bede Osol

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) You are presently in an extremely hopeful cycle, where your expectations have solid chances of being realised. Think and act like you are a winner, because you are.

dilbert

CANCER (June 21July 22) Be an attentive listener when friends gather to exchange the latest news.

A chance remark could provide some information that will be of special significance.

AQUARIUS

LEO

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

(July 23Aug. 22)

Conditions that influence your status, reputation and finances are all trending in your favour.

Strike while the iron is hot.

Calvin and Hobbes PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Unless you’re able to do something out of the ordinary, you’re likely to be extremely restless. Channel your energies into creative outlets, and life will be exciting.

There’s a strong chance that an unexpected disruption in your everyday routine could occur. Fortunately, it will of the welcome variety and will brighten your day considerably.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) Even though you might be set on doing something a certain way, don’t ignore a clever idea you get for a more efficient alternative.

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(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If you use your head and play your cards carefully, you could be extremely successful in your commercial dealings.

Formulate your strategy and luck will be on your side.

An unexpected source could provide something of a windfall. But act quickly – this opportunity won’t stick around for long.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) A number of unusual gains are possible through partnerships with friends.

You might want to form several alliances, each for a different purpose.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22) A group project is not being handled as efficiently as it could be. The endeavour would benefit immensely if you take over the operation.

Tuesday's solution GEMINI (May 21June 20) The sting can be taken out distasteful tasks if you use a little ingenuity. Your labour-saving devices might surprise even you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Your imagination can be one of your greatest assets when you utilise it in a constructive manner.

Once you visualise positive results, they’ll begin to happen.

news 19

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President apologises to APNU leader for oversight – Teixeira

wednesday, may 22, 2013

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President Donald Ramotar

committed the imagined slight as your May 20, 2013 correspondence intimates.

“I can assure you that no such slight was ever intended as your participation was expected at the workshop where the status of Guyana’s situation was the key agenda item.”

Teixeira said that while she appreciates that, “Mr Granger may have felt some type of slight, it must be recognised that the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) encouraged the head of state, and it was the president’s discretion, to invite who he wanted to, to a workshop where the issues surrounding the critical piece of legislation and recommendations by the oversight group of the CFATF, would be discussed.

She noted, “The president, in a generous way, quickly responded to a letter that he received the same day and tried to reach Mr Granger, and also submitted a copy of this letter, both electronically and hard copy. We have received no response and further attempts to reach Mr Granger have been unsuccessful”.

Chances of passing anti-money laundering bill “very slim” Ultimately, Teixeira, said, the possibility of meeting the internationally stipulated deadline for passing the critical piece of legislation is “very slim”.

The bill was initially tabled on April 22; however, the parliamentary opposition voted to defer the bill after its reading in the National Assembly on May 7 to the special select committee for consideration. That committee was expected to conclude its work by May 22.

The special select committee comprises the government representatives Gail Teixeira, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Attorney General Anil Nandlall. On the opposition side, representing the Alliance For Change is Khemraj Ramjattan, while A Partnership for National Unity is represented by Deborah Backer, Joseph Harmon, Basil Williams and Carl Greenidge.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog against financial crimes, will meet in Nicaragua from May 27 to 30 and will examine how Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean are meeting international obligations.

If Guyana does not pass the amendments within the given timeframe (by May 27), then it shall be placed on a list with other delinquent countries, and would be visited with a regime of sanctions which will include restrictions in the manner that Guyana does business internationally, especially involving wire transfers of funds. Once placed on that list, countries take an average of approximately seven years to come off.

GTI staff undergoing training on delivering competency-based education

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P

residential Adviser on Governance Gail Teixeira Tuesday during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN) said that President Donald Ramotar has issued an apology to Opposition Leader David Granger.

This followed the decision by members of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to walk out of a meeting convened to discuss the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill.

The opposition left the meeting after they were instructed not to take part in any further discussions by the APNU leader. This was as a result of a slight perceived by the opposition over a letter not being shared with them by the president.

Teixeira, in reading part of the president’s correspondence to Granger, stated that, “I received that correspondence on April 12, 2013, at which time, the Office of the President was pressing for the resumption of budget talks with the parliamentary opposition and preparing for same.

“Importantly, I was made aware of the situation surrounding Guyana’s compliance to the CFATF obligations derived from the outcome of the CFATF/ICRG assessments. I was equally aware of the planned intervention in collaboration with local, regional, and international stakeholders in organising a workshop on the same matter on Wednesday, April 17.”

The letter further stated that, “It is in that context that the omission took place during which I may have

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aimed specifically at gearing the educators with the capacity to deliver competencybased education to the students of the institution said the Government Information Agency (GINA).

GTI Chairman, Major General (Retired) Norman McLean; the institution’s principal, Carl Benn; Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Director Sidney Walters, and the two officials from Dunn, Pierre Barnett and Associates Limited formally opened the exercise Monday’s morning at the institution at Woolford Avenue.

Barnett explained that the session was focused on looking at the foundation and the historical development of CBE and trends in TVET and how

the latter impacts on nation building and economic development will follow.

Over the next four days, the facilitators will look at assessing and evaluating competency-based education delivery. Barnett said that by today, she and Dunn-Pierre will be spending time with the teachers looking at what preparations they need as instructors to be able to deliver competency-based education.

The two will focus also on the environment that the teachers should create to ensure the students’ competence.

As technology also drives education today, some time will be spent on Wednesday and on Thursday on Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), focusing on the latest trends, the use of cellphones, the use of virtual reality, and other technologies to deliver competency-based education, Barnett said. The workshop will wrap up on Friday, with the participants looking at evaluation.

Particular approach is useful for education “It is a very exciting workshop, and we believe that this particular approach is useful for education and train-

ing, not just for GTI, but as an approach that is being encouraged across the region," Barnett said.

McLean said that the training complements the capacitybuilding sessions of the teachers that are critical and that will be addressed as the GTI board moves to change the institution from a technical to a polytech one. According to McLean, even before the institution moved to introduce competency-based education, it was moving in this regard.

He said that a committee was established with this aim which was chaired by the late Dr Dale Bisnauth.

The committee created a roadmap for the transition to a polytech institute and established an acronym ‘SAFETY’ to focus attention on the critical issues which must be addressed, McLean said.

SAFETY stands for S-Syllabus; A-Appropriate Training; F-Facility; E-Education Material; T-Training of Staff and Y-You. Meanwhile, Walters told the teachers that the council would be with them not just in thought, but also in spirit as it looks forward to the outcome of the training. He urged application of the training.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, MAY 22, 2013

CSK crush Mumbai to ‘I am innocent’ – Sreesanth reach fifth final

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with an unbeaten 140-run partnership.

That partnership followed a solid unhurried opening between M Vijay and Hussey. Hussey and Raina then got together as if they have been playing IPL qualifiers on Feroz Shah Kotla tracks all their lives.

There were no uncertain prods in the beginning, no hesitation in the running.

Hussey, who reclaimed the orange cap during the innings, was special in how he took apart Lasith Malinga.

It was actually a good over from Malinga - the fifth of the match - featuring two excellent yorkers. Hussey not only kept the yorkers out, he pushed two balls of that over for fours. No back lift, just timing. Even when the two exploded towards the end, taking 123 runs off the last 10, it hardly looked like they were taking risks.

It seemed the innings was headed towards its natural end.

Suresh Raina

he IPL faced new crises - including a hearing for alleged spotfixers about 10km from the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium and a hearing asking for a ban on the event itself but on the field the same old story of Chennai Super Kings’ domination of big IPL matches continued on Tuesday as they made it to their fifth final out of the six IPLs played.

Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina powered them with 80s, but the 192 seemed inadequate the way Dwayne Smith hit 68 off 28. Into the game came Ravindra Jadeja

with the wickets of Smith, Dinesh Karthik and Kieron Pollard. Mumbai get another shot at making it to the final when they face the winner of the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.

Super Kings looked a bit hassled in the eightover slog against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous match, but in a full-duration big match you always back them to get back to their best. It was a typical Super Kings performance. It was Hussey and Raina first, who hardly ever disappoint in big matches,

What followed wasn’t quite expected.

Smith went absolutely berserk in the chase. Everything he touched seemed to be going for either four or six.

He didn’t spare the opening bowlers nor Chris Morris.

He laid into R Ashwin too and took Mumbai to 86 for 1 in seven overs. Then Dhoni went to what has been his trump card all season.

On came Jadeja and just like that Smith sliced one inexplicably. Gone. Then went Karthik to a skidder: 95 for 3. Rohit Sharma fell under the pressure too, but when Pollard began to hit sixes, the flat track and small outfield promised anything was possible. Not against Jadeja, though. Two sixes in that over were followed by a dart into the pads, which Pollard happened to flick straight to square leg. That was game over, but Super Kings went on to show brilliant pieces of fielding and celebrations. (Cricinfo)

SCORE BOARD

Chennai Super Kings innings M Hussey not out 86 M Vijay c Smith b Pollard 23 S Raina not out 82 Extras: (lb 1) 1 Total: (1 wkt, 20 overs) 192 Fall of wickets: 1-52 Bowling: M Johnson 4-040-0, M Patel 3-0-32-0, Harbhajan Singh 4-0-26-0, L Malinga 4-0-45-0, P Ojha 2-020-0, K Pollard 3-0-28-1 Mumbai Indians innings D Smith c Raina b Jadeja A Tare c Vijay b Morkel K Karthik† lbw b Jadeja

68 7 11

R Sharma* c Bravo b Morris 8 K Pollard c Hussey b Jadeja 24 A Rayudu c Morris b Sharma 15 Harbhajan Singh c Vijay b Bravo 0 M Johnson c Raina b Bravo 6 L Malinga c Hussey b Bravo 0 P Ojha c Bravo b Sharma 0 M Patel not out 0 Extras: (lb 3, w 1, nb 1) 5 Total: (all out, 18.4 overs) 144 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-87, 3-95, 4-101, 5-127, 6-128, 7-139, 8-140, 9-144, 10-144 Bowling: M Sharma 3.4-0-322, J Morkel 3-0-26-1, C Morris 3-0-26-1, R Ashwin 2-0-17-0, R Jadeja 4-0-31-3, D Bravo 3-0-9-3

Sahara pulls Pune Warriors out of IPL

S

ahara India, owners of the Pune Warriors franchise, have pulled out of the IPL over financial differences with the BCCI stemming from the valuation of the annual franchise fee it has to pay.

The decision, the latest crisis to hit the IPL, comes three years after it bought the Pune franchise for $370 million - the highest price paid for any of the IPL franchises.

It seems the immediate cause was the BCCI’s decision to cash the bank guarantee from Sahara that that it was obliged, under its contract, to furnish at the start of each season. The guarantee is equivalent to the amount to be paid annually to the BCCI and can be cashed in case a franchise fails to honour its commitments.

In this case, Sahara had furnished a bank guarantee worth Rs 170.2 crore (approximately $30 million).

Since the deadline for paying the franchise fees was May 2, the BCCI waited till Sahara’s IPL 6 commitments were over and cashed the

Allan Donald

guarantee on May 20.

Reacting to the development, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said the board cashed the bank guarantee according to the rules. “Yes, it (Pune Warriors) has pulled out. As per the rules and procedure of the BCCI if a franchise fails to pay the fee then we cash the franchise’s bank guarantee. We are extremely sad by their decision to pull out. This should not have happened,” Shukla said.

Pune Warriors coach Allan Donald was caught offguard by the decision. “This is a massive surprise to me,” Donald told ESPNcricinfo.

“I’m shocked because we had

spoken, not in great detail but loosely, about prospects for next year. The owners were really upbeat for next season and the next three years because next year we’d have new contracts, new players. We spoke about the possibility of building a culture within the team.” Pune Warriors finished eighth in the current IPL season, winning four out of their 16 matches.

This is the second time Sahara have pulled out of the IPL; they quit on the day of the 2012 auction and withdrew from sponsorship of the Indian team.

This time, though, Sahara will continue its sponsorship of the Indian team until the end of December 2013, when their present contract expires. “We share an excellent relationship with the players and will not want such dedicated and good human beings who serve the country so committed to get harmed financially due to unsporting attitude of BCCI. So we have given time to BCCI to get the new sponsorship in place from January 2014.”

Sahara’s actual fran-

chise fee has been a contentious issue ever since they bought the Pune franchise for Rs 1702 crore ($370 million) in March 2010. Sahara had been demanding that the franchise fee from their original agreement should be recalculated since the minimum matches per year have been reduced to 14 from the 18 promised to them.

In a lengthy statement, Sahara detailed its dispute with the BCCI over franchise fees. It said it was “disgusted” by the BCCI’s attitude towards it and would not rejoin the league even if the entire franchise fee was waived.

“In 2010, Sahara had bid Rs 1700 crore for the IPL franchise on the basis of revenue calculation on 94 matches. But we got 64 matches only,” it added.

“We and the Kochi team [also bought at the 2010 auction] immediately protested and requested the BCCI to reduce the bid price proportionately for viable IPL proposition. Nothing was heard. We waited with confidence that such a sports body should have sportsmanship spirit,” it said. (Cricinfo)

I

n his first public statement since his arrest last week, Sreesanth has denied any wrongdoing.

Sreesanth and his two Rajasthan Royals teammates, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila, who were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in spotfixing, were remanded on Tuesday by a Delhi court to a further five days in police custody and charged by Delhi Police under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with criminal breach of trust and is a non-bailable offence.

“I am innocent and have done no wrong,” Sreesanth said in a statement emailed by his lawyer, Rebecca John.

“I have never indulged in any spot-fixing.”

He said he was confident that his name would be cleared. “As a cricketer, I have learnt to take knocks along with accolades, in my stride. I recognise that I am going through a tough period in my life.

“I have utmost faith in our judicial process and I am confident that with time I will be proved innocent, and my honour and dignity will be vindicated and restored.”

His statement came on a day when he was first sighted since his arrest, dressed in a blue T-shirt on his way to court.

At the hearing, the police told the court that they were analysing the recorded conversations of players and bookies. Voice samples of the accused had been taken to match them with the recorded conversations.

Additional Public Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan told the magistrate that during the investigation several new names had cropped up and their details would be submitted to the court in a sealed cover today.

Sreesanth’s advocate John opposed the plea for police remand saying no ground was made out for seeking his further custody. She said the agency had made all recoveries and confronted all the accused with one another for the past five days.

The decision to charge the cricketers under Section 409 is seen as unusual as the law applies to a “criminal breach of trust” by anyone considered a “public servant” or “in the way of his business as a banker, merchant, factor, broker, attorney or agent.”

There were, however, two possible lines of arguments that the law could be applied to cricketers, according to Vidushpat Singhania, sports law expert and principal associate, Lakshmi Kumaran and Sridharan. The first was that, “the player is acting as an agent, in this case of Rajasthan Royals - he has been entrusted with a prop-

Sreesanth

erty under the contract with Rajasthan Royals - and he has breached that trust.”

The second argument that could be made was that a player could be considered a public servant because, “he has, in Sreesanth’s case for example, represented India and he has again, breached that trust they have in him.” In February 2011, the Supreme Court had, for example, upheld a Kerala High Court decision that the state’s cricket association officials could in any case, be considered “public servants.”

Singhania said should this charge carry through and be upheld by the court, the punishment would be very stringent and could set a precedent in the future for cases involving fraud on the part of athletes, even without the introduction of a new law pertaining to fixing in sport. “There are provisions of criminal law that make it possible for it to be interpreted for the larger public good against a criminal offence.”

In a separate development, Mumbai Police announced it had made three fresh arrests, including that of Virendra Dara Singh Randhawa, also known as Vindoo, the son of famous Indian wrestler Dara Singh.

“The first [arrest] is that of Alpesh Patel, who was a hawala operator connected to these bookies. We have recovered Rs 1.28 crores (US$230,000) in cash from his premises,” Himanshu Roy, joint commissioner of police (crime) in Mumbai, said. “[Vindoo] has also been arrested for links with bookies who have been arrested by us (on Saturday),” Roy said. “The third is Prem Taneja. There are in remand till May 24.”

Meanwhile, PTI reports that the governmentrun Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd suspended Sreesanth, who was employed as an assistant manager in its marketing division and posted at Irumpanam, near Kochi.

(Cricinfo)

wednesday, MAY 22, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

21

Windies Women Thunder star Kevin Durant say training camp makes $1M tornado pledge was valuable

C

M

INNEAPOLIS - Oklahoma City isn’t just a place where Thunder star Kevin Durant lives these days. It’s home.

So as he watched the horrifying images Monday as a tornado ripped through suburban Moore, the emotions came bubbling to the surface and so did the need to help. Durant pledged $1 million for tornado relief through his family foundation on Tuesday, eager to help a devastated area begin to rebuild. ‘’As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see,’’ said Durant, who was in Minneapolis to watch longtime friend Monica Wright play a preseason game for the Minnesota Lynx. ‘’I call Oklahoma City my home.

I go through Moore all the time. It’s unfortunate. We’re going to come together as a city like we always do and we’re going to bounce back.’’

Durant has been in Oklahoma City for five years now, ever since the Seattle SuperSonics moved there in 2008. He’s become a fixture in the community, in addition to establishing himself as one of the very best players in the NBA. He said he was hoping to return home Wednesday to try and lift the spirits of an area reeling from the deaths of some two dozen people, including children. ‘’Just to get to the hospital, see some kids,’’ Durant said. ‘’Something. Just something to give some hope.

Playing for the Thunder, we mean so much to the state.

The destruction left by the tornado in Oklahoma

So many people support us and I just want to go back and support those people.’’

The American Red Cross said the gift from The Durant Family Foundation is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give. The Thunder also announced a $1 million donation, as did the NBA and players’ union. ‘’Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation that has occurred within our community this week,’’ Thunder chairman Clay Bennett said in a statement issued by the team. ‘’We are focusing Thunder resources to help where we can in the relief efforts and to support the organizations that are on the ground assisting those affected by this

week’s storms. Even with so much loss, the strength and resiliency of this community have once again been on display, and we will continue to work together as our community and state recover from this disaster.’’

When Durant initially heard reports of a tornado near Oklahoma City, he didn’t pay them much mind.

A veteran of the area now, he knows twisters can be a regular occurrence this time of year. It quickly became apparent that this one was different, and Durant could barely watch it all unfold. ‘’It hit so close to home,’’ he said. ‘’It was tough to see.’’

And it made the Thunder’s early exit from the playoffs sting that

much more. With Russell Westbrook out because of a knee injury, the Thunder were beaten by the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference semifinals, a disappointing finish for a team that advanced to the NBA Finals a year ago. ‘’I wish I could’ve done a better job for my team to stay in the playoffs because of course basketball and sporting events bring everyone together,’’ Durant said. ‘’It takes your mind off it for a few hours.’’ ‘’There’s some part of me wishing I could’ve played better for my team to stay in the playoffs,’’ Durant said. ‘’Hopefully they get back on their feet. It’s so tough.

Praying for the families. I’m feeling for them.’’ (Yahoo! Sport)

St Leger winner Encke to retain trophies, says BHA

T

he British Horseracing Authority says there is no reason to strip St Leger winner Encke of his trophies despite the Godolphin doping scandal.

Encke is one of seven further horses formerly trained

by Mahmood Al Zarooni to have tested positive for anabolic steroids.

“There is absolutely no evidence at all that he [Encke] was gaining benefit from prohibited substances in the St Leger,” said the BHA. The colt passed a drugs test after winning the St Leger last September.

During April, all 391 Godolphin horses in training at Newmarket were examined and seven more cases of doping, including Encke, on top of 15 already admitted, were discovered.

Encke, a 25-1 outsider, held off Camelot by threequarters of a length to win

St Leger winner Encke

the most recent running of racing’s oldest Classic, staged at Doncaster since 1776.

The victory thus denied Camelot, the winner of the season’s 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, flat racing’s historic Triple Crown, not completed in more than 40 years.

Following his victory, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, Encke returned negative samples at the routine postrace testing, just as he had earlier in the season.

While Camelot’s owners at the Coolmore racing operation in Ireland have declined to comment on the matter, others have suggest-

ed that Encke’s win should be re-checked. But racing’s regulator has dismissed that course of action.

“We deal in facts and evidence,” BHA communications manager Robin Mounsey said.

“He was tested on the day and before at York, so we can be certain he was not under the benefits of substances.”

And, Mounsey added, the samples taken from the horse, who like all those involved is banned from racing until October, no longer exist.

“We store blood samples taken from horses tested in training for five years, but it is standard practice to destroy negatives taken on the racecourse seven days after they’ve been cleared,” he said.

“Anyway, there’s been no change to our systems so they’d come up with the same results.” (BBC Sport)

AVE HILL, Barbados – Members of the West Indies Women’s team completed a two-week, skills training camp over the weekend at the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre here.

A squad of 13, including off-spinner Anisa Mohammed, left-handed batsman Kyshona Knight, wicketkeeper/batsman Natasha McLean and fast bowler Subrina Munroe were all part of the training sessions.

All four players felt the camp was timely, coming ahead of a busy schedule for the players in the next few months that include the Regional Women’s Super50 and a tri-nation home series against highly-regarded teams, England and New Zealand.

Mohammed said she thinks the camp was valuable due to the individual attention that each player was able to receive from the coaching staff.

“It was a very important camp for us,” she said.

“It was just 13 of us and we each got plenty of individual attention and so we were able to work on stuff that needed to be worked on.

“My batting has improved a bit, so hopefully if it comes down to me in a game, I think I have the confidence to handle the situation and make some runs for the team – and my bowling has also improved a lot compared to last year and the year before. “I have been struggling lately with my bowling, but this camp has really helped me a lot and I am really confident and hopefully I can take my 100th One-day International wicket during the upcoming tri-nation series.”

Mohammed said she was looking to build on the work she did during the next few months, as she prepares with her native Trinidad & Tobago to play in the Regional Women’s Super50 Tournament.

“I am really looking forward to it and to representing my country once a year,” she said. “The girls have been training very hard, they have been to South Africa, they have done some preparation so far, so it will be going back and working with them for the next two months.

“Then the Windies Women have England and New Zealand. We have a record of winning home series and it would be a plus for us to win our first tri-nation home series.”

McLean said the best was yet to come for her and the Windies Women, and felt the camp helped her to re-focus on working hard at her game.

Subrina Munroe

“It was a good opportunity to get to work on the areas that I knew needed work and I have seen some improvement,” she said. “My batting will come along, but I have to continue working hard and look for success.

“I learnt a lot about being focussed and being patient among the many things I have learnt in this camp, so that when I reach into a game situation, I can execute and make big runs to help the Windies Women and my hometown Jamaica.”

Munroe said the focus at the camp about enhancing the basic skills of all the players that attended was beneficial for her.

“It was a great experience because we are looking to build a team of wellrounded players and the focus was just not on each player’s strength, but on the other parts of the game,” she said. “Apart from the work on my bowling, I also had to work on my batting and my fielding, which I think would help to improve my all-round cricket.”

She said: “One of the things I learnt at this camp was that everyone had a contribution to make. No one knows when they will be called upon to make that match-winning performance.

“It’s not just about being good with the skill in which you excel, but you have to be able to be a rounded player to make that contribution.”

Munroe said it was a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of being an opening bowler for the Windies Women.

“Knowing that the team depends on you to set the tone with the ball and being able to make the early breakthroughs is quite an honour,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to the remainder of the year, playing for Guyana in the Women’s RS50 and the trination series later in the year. “This camp was a great way to get me focussed again on what’s coming up, so I can hardly wait for the opportunity to put what I have learnt at this camp into practice – particularly my batting.” (WICB)

22

wednesday, MAY 22, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

Hundreds to participate in World Challenge Day today

D

espite the current inclement weather, the National Sports Commission (NSC) is looking to attract hundreds of students, athletes and officials at today’s worldwide celebration of World Challenge Day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Social Service of Commerce in Brazil, in partnership with Trim and Fitness International Sports for All Association of Germany, is promoting today as World Challenge Day, a sport for all movement.

The activity is aimed at introducing a new attitude towards active living by stimulating persons to break their daily routine and practice any kind of physcial activity for at least 15 minutes.

The NSC, as it has done in the past, will stage a three-hour sport activity physical display session from 09:30h. Director of Sport Neil Kumar said that the NSC is catering for over 1000 persons at the activity.

Guyana Defence Force paratroopers last year wowed the gathering at the World Challenge Day celebrations

“We are trying to bring awareness of healthy living to children in particular; the reason for this is that we want them to have an appreciation for exercise

and healthy lifestyle from an early age,” Kumar commented.

He also pointed out that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Sport Minister

Dr Frank Anthony, who usually attend the event, will be on hand to deliver remarks to the participants, as well as join them in the mandatory 30 minutes of physical exercise.

Apart from several physical displays, the NSC has planned sessions to deal with the fundamentals of cricket, a boxing exhibition, dance pieces and for the first time, a jump rope display.

Among the facilitators are officers of the NSC, cricket coaches Latchman Yadram and Daniel Richmond, fitness instructors Noshavyah King and Curtis McKenzie, boxing coach Wincel Thomas, the Guyana Police Force, the National School of Dance and School of the Nation.

Hundreds of athletes, students and public officials participated in the activity last year, with the high point being the descent of six Guyana Defence Force paratroopers from the dizzying heights of 5000, feet landing in the centre of the Stadium. (Avenash Ramzan)

Murray pulls out of French Open with back injury

A

ndy Murray has withdrawn from the French Open with the back injury that forced him out in Italy last week.

Britain’s world number two retired in his first match in Rome and has opted against playing on the Paris clay.

Murray will hope to be fit for the start of the grasscourt season at Queen’s Club on June 10.

“It’s been a really tough decision, and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice I’m not fit to compete,” said the U.S. Open champion.

“Apologies to the organisers and thanks to everyone for the messages of support.

Now my complete focus is on getting back on the court as soon as possible.”

It will be the first Grand Slam tournament Murray has missed since Wimbledon in 2007.

The French Open, the

Andy Murray

second Grand Slam of the year, starts at Roland Garros on Sunday.

Murray looked troubled throughout his match with Marcel Granollers on his 26th birthday in Rome. He withdrew with a lower-back problem after winning a tiebreak to square the match at one set all.

At the time the Scot said he would be “very surprised” if he would be fit for the French Open.

His only previous mid-

match retirement coincidentally came on his 20th birthday, when he snapped a tendon in his wrist at the 2007 Hamburg Masters.

That was the most serious injury Murray has suffered and led to him missing both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Murray struggled with a lower-back problem throughout the clay season last year. One match against Jarkko Nieminen during the French Open prompted for-

Gibson confident of...

“We haven’t done all that well in the 50-over format recently and that is something we are trying to address. We had some success against Zimbabwe recently at home and that is certainly something that we can build on as we head to England.”

Gibson noted that the ICC Champions Trophy is

an important tournament ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. “This is a good opportunity for us as a one-day team to see where we are compared to the other guys. This tournament format is similar to how the World Cup is going to be – you have to get out of the group stage to advance to the second phase,” he said.

mer Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade to call him a “drama queen”.

He had injections before Wimbledon but said the problem returned in Madrid two weeks ago and did not improve with rest.

“Until Madrid, it had been OK but it’s not been perfect for a long period,” Murray said at the Italian Open. “You always go into matches with little niggles and such, but it’s frustrating when for a long period you’re hurting.

“It’s been an issue for a while now and I want to make sure it goes away. It’s not enjoyable when you’re playing in pain.”

Murray reached the Roland Garros quarter-finals last year, losing to David Ferrer, before reaching his first Wimbledon final, winning Olympic gold back at SW19, and clinching his first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open. (BBC Sport)

From back page

“We hope the success and the experience we had in Sri Lanka will help everybody to stay calm when the pressure is on. Our stated aim is to move up the ranking and this tournament will give us a really good opportunity to see where we are compared to the other teams.”

FULL SQUAD: Dwayne

Bravo (Captain), Denesh Ramdin (Vice Captain/ Wicketkeeper), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Devon Smith (WICB)

TTFF hints at probe to uncover missing funds

Jack Warner

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) has hinted that an investigation could be launched into unaccounted revenues generated by the federation from world cup 2006.

President of the TTFF Raymond Tim Kee announced that a probe is being considered during a press conference at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s VIP Lounge on Monday.

“From our understanding, TTFF is very much a part of CONCACAF, and in pursuit of (CONCACAF’s) uncovering and investigating all the goings-on in the past, Trinidad and Tobago has not been exempted from that,” said Tim Kee. “I believe that that arm will be extended to the TTFF, where the forensics and all the investigations will be done”.

Earlier this year TTFF

announced that it was suing embattled former Minister of National Security, Jack Warner, who is also its former special advisor, in an effort to recover millions of dollars in unaccounted funds including those earmarked as aid for Haiti.

Warner has been accused in a CONCACAF report of financial fraud.

The report said Warner used deceptive methods to secure funds from CONCACAF and FIFA as well as induced FIFA to transfer funds earmarked for development purposes to bank accounts he controlled.

Warner, an ex-Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF president, has vehemently denied all charges.

“That is a big one that my mouth is not quite capable of biting and chewing.

That’s bigger than me,” said Tim Kee. “The investigations will reveal something, and based on that, we’ll have to take appropriate actions.”

The CONCACAF report also claims that Warner accepted money intended for FIFA that landed into his personal bank accounts.

Last month, Warner resigned from his posts as minister of national security, chairman of the United National Congress and MP for Chaguanas West following the publication and condemnation of his actions in the CONCACAF report.

Evenly matched teams in a battle of wits

T

he first eliminator of IPL 2013 features two unlikely, yet similar competitors, in Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The thread of similarity extends beyond the ‘underdog’ status.

They’ve had similar journeys to the playoffs. Both sides have been strong at home, with Royals finishing unbeaten and Sunrisers losing just one game, to Chennai Super Kings. Their record away from home this season has also been identical – with only two away wins in eight games.

Heading into the first eliminator of the IPL, that’s where the similarities between the two teams end.

Royals sealed their spot in the last four in great style, with a shock win against Chennai Super Kings. The losses in their next two matches, however, meant that they were deprived of a top-two finish and another shot at qualifying for the final.

Heavy losses in their last two games and the cloud of the spot-fixing scandal wouldn’t have done their confidence any good, but they are a determined side that have converted a good start to the tournament into a top-three finish.

Shane Watson

Sunrisers, on the other hand, are riding a wave of confidence, with two wins in their last two games.

They’ve played a largely unchanged side throughout the tournament but more importantly, have responded well to pressure, especially in the final game against Kolkata Knight Riders, where Darren Sammy guided the side home after the side had come very close to imploding.

The two teams match up evenly on the field. Sunrisers have a much better bowling attack compared to Royals, who have relied on purple cap-holder James Faulkner and Shane Watson. In terms of batting, however, Royals are clearly stronger. (Cricinfo)

wednesday, MAY 22, 2013

guyanatimesGY.com

23

GASA independence swimming Carmichael among the runs, wickets championships starts Thursday again – full length of pool to be used D

Dr Karen Pilgrim

Brittany Van Lange

Niall Roberts

Earlando McRae

By Treiston Joseph

Karen Pilgrim, there will be two national championships, which will be continuous features of the swimming calendar. The independence swim meet will be used as the long course national (using the full 50 metres of the pool) while the second national meet will be the short course, using the 25 metres width of the pool.

These are expected to bring a different feel to the competition. “Well we expect to see good performances; it’s a national event and it will be a bit unusual because they only have one.

“This will be the first time that we have two nationals because we have separated the two (long course and short course) and we will use the independence com-

petition as the long course and the short course nationals will be its usual time in October,” Dr. Pilgrim told Guyana Times Sport.

The expected return of Earlando McRae should entice swimming fans especially if he is matched up against local swimming sensation and Olympian Niall Roberts in the pool. Both swimmers are known for their competitive edge and willpower and therefore a riveting rivalry can be anticipated should they meet.

Olympian Brittany Van Lange is also expected to make an appearance but according to Pilgrim the top talent is expected to be a part of the 50m freestyle field on Sunday. Van Lange is currently prepar-

ing for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Also, while two of the top talents in the junior division Onica George and Leon Peters are currently competing at an invitational meet in Barbados, some fresh faces will have a chance to exhibit their talents and impress officials.

“Looking at the entry sheets, I see a lot of new names so I think that is good for any association when they can recognizs more people joining the sport,” Dr Pilgrim noted.

Meanwhile, almost all entries are in for the event as GASA will start a new chapter with their introductory long course national event this Thursday.

T

he Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will be hosting their annual independence national swimming championships at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, from Thursday at 16:30h.

The meet will feature the four prominent clubs in Guyana: Dolphin, Dorado, Silver Shark and Orca Swimming Clubs, along with the inclusion of the Georgetown International Academy (GIA), and will feature some of Guyana’s top swimmers at the various age groups.

Further, for the first time according Vice President (technical) of GASA Dr

emerara senior Inter-County allrounder, Kellon Carmichael, was again dominant with bat and ball for Club Crusoe in Trinidad and Tobago, but his team suffered mixed fortunes last weekend.

In the Tobago Cricket Association’s Carib 40-over competition on Saturday, the medium-pacer bowled his team to a six-wicket win with close to 25 overs to spare.

Carmichael claimed 4-19, Lusignan all-rounder Jason Persaud (3-13) and Trinidad and Tobago allrounder Navin Stewart (343) as C&B United were dismissed for 91 in 19.2 overs. Marcus Daniel and Joel Boyce were the topscorers with 22 runs each.

In reply, Club Crusoe achieved victory at 92-4 from 15.3 overs with Stewart returning to hit 36. Carmichael was named Man Of The Match for his bowling effort. The following day, Carmichael was again in good form, as Club Crusoe and Sports Elite to an exciting tie.

Batting first, Club Crusoe made 185 from 39.5 overs with Kwani Thomas making 60 not out and Carmichael getting 26.

Sports Elite respond-

Kellon Carmichael

ed with 185-8 when the overs finished with Kellon Lynch scoring 57, Antonio Providence (43) and Adrian Alexander (41*) being among the runs.

Carmichael was impressive with the ball, picking up 4-24 from eight overs, two of which were maidens.

And for the second day in a row, he copped the Man Of The Match award.

Carmichael has been in great form for Club Crusoe this season. In the same competition earlier this month, he picked up 3-35 and then smashed 70 not out from just 36 balls to lead his club to a six-wicket win over Avengers Sports Club.

Coaches’ association presents historic plan to GFF

By Avenash Ramzan

H

istory was created on Tuesday morning when the Guyana Football Coaches Association (GFCA) presented for the first time a structured plan to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

The presentation was made during a media briefing at the GFF office in Dadanawa Street, Campbellville, by president of the association, Wayne Dover, and Secretary Sampson Gilbert to vice president of the GFF, Ivan Persaud.

Gilbert said it is historic that the coaches’ association, which was dormant for a while, can prepare and submit a plan on the way forward to the governing body. The “draft plan”, according to Gilbert, will chart the way forward for the immediate, short and long terms in football development in Guyana.

“This is indeed a momentous occasion…the presentation of the coaches’ association national development plan. We were in collaboration with all the stakeholders in football required to present a plan that would actually reflect the development of football in the long term, dividing it into shot,

medium and obviously, projecting into a long term,” Gilbert explained.

He added, “We at the coaches’ association used various references to have this plan put together and we embraced documents and plans that were done and proven successful internationally over a period of time.

We thought it wise to involve not only the technical aspect of development, but even what may be needed holistally from an administrative prespective how it would integrate with the whole level of development technically, using the pillars of development in football: tactically, socially, psychologically.”

Gilbert said the document is open to amendments and possible additions from the hierarchy of the GFF that may be necessary for the development process to take place within the projected period of nine years.

Questioned on where the GFCA will acquire funds to execute the plans mentioned in the document, Gilbert forwarded the question of GFF vice president Persaud, who said that the local governing body is working on a mandate set out by Caribbean Football Union (CFU), CONCACAF and FIFA. Persaud informed that when he and president

of the GFF, Christopher Matthias, attended the CFU/CONCACAF Congress in Panama earlier this year, they were assured that increased funding is available for football development, once the respective affiliates can present a proper plan.

“But before you can access this funding you have to have programmes in place and that is why we’re going this route. To make sure that we create a programme that could be shown to CFU and CONCACAF the reason why we need money and we can tell them how much we need and when we need this money…and at what stage we are in our development programme,” Persaud pointed out.

He also stated that the GFF executives have already met with President Donald Ramotar and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony and they expressed government’s support for the development of the game. “…and they also pledged their support to something that is not chaotic, [but] something that is planned and structured and that is exactly what we are doing, we’re following the mandate,” Persaud said.

President of the GFCA, Wayne Dover, senior national coach, said the coaches

are happy that the new executive body of the GFF recognises the role they play in the development of football.

“Because never before in the history of football in Guyana the coaches have been called upon to play such a role in terms of development, so we’re going to

ensure we work closely with the Football Federation to make this a reality in terms of the implement of the plans put forward here,” Dover declared.

Key among the plans of the GFCA is to tackle football development in the schools and communities,

as well as zoom in on talent spotting and selection, beach football and futsal, coaches’ development and education, academy for skilled players, international friendlies, ground and infrastructural development and the setting up of a database of coaches, among others.

wednesday, MAY 22, 2013

TOP SCORES

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

Chennai Super Kings 192-1 (Huseey 86*, Raina 82*) beat Mumbai Indians 144 (Smith 68, Bravo 3-9, Jadeja 3-31) by 48 runs

Coaches’ association presents historic plan to GFF

Gibson confident of Windies chances

See story on page

23

Coach Ottis Gibson gives pointers to pacer Kemar Roach

B

Vice president of the GFF, Ivan Persaud (right) receives the document from GFCA President Wayne Dover in the presence of secretary of the GFCA, Sampson Gilbert (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

CSK crush Mumbai to reach fifth final T

he IPL faced new crises – including a hearing for alleged spotfixers about 10km from the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium and a hearing asking for a ban on the event itself – but on the field the same old story of Chennai Super Kings’ domination of big IPL matches continued on Tuesday as they

made it to their fifth final out of the six IPLs played.

Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina powered them with 80s, but the 192 seemed inadequate the way Dwayne Smith hit 68 off 28. Into the game came Ravindra Jadeja with the wickets of Smith, Dinesh Karthik and Kieron Pollard.

SEE full story on page 20

Michael Hussey

ridgetown, Barbados – West Indies have started their preparations in a bid to capture the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy 2013 title with a one-week camp in Barbados.

Under Head Coach Ottis Gibson the Windies will go through their drills at Sagicor High Performance Centre at the 3Ws Oval.

The camp started on Monday and will end on Friday. The team will depart Barbados on Saturday. They will have another camp in Cardiff, Wales from May 25 to June 2 as they try to get acclimatised to the foreign conditions.

Gibson has been at the helm for over three years and is confident the players will get maximum use of the five days of intense work.

He also believes the team, to be led by Dwayne Bravo, has the right combination to capture the trophy for the second time. Brian Lara’s team won the 2004 tournament, when they beat host England by two wickets in a memorable final at the Oval.

“We will have a week in Barbados where we will put in some hard work as well as look to do team building exercises,” Gibson said. “We will then leave for Cardiff where we will put in some more work and get ready for the tournament. It is a great opportunity for us. We have quite a few players who have played in England and Wales before.”

Gibson added: “The hardest thing will be to get used to the conditions early. But we have quite an ex-

perienced One-Day outfit at the moment, so once we get there and get acclimatised early we will be okay.

“We believe we can win these big tournaments, having recently done it in Sri Lanka when we played brilliantly to win the ICC World T20 Championship. So, this is something that we are really looking forward to.

Getting acclimatised to the conditions early will be a huge factor.”

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 – Cardiff Wales Stadium, Edgbaston and The Oval – over 18 days in this action-packed event from June 6-23.

The Windies have been drawn in Group B alongside the Indians, the Pakistanis and the South Africans.

They open against Pakistan on Friday, June 7 at the Oval 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 in Cardiff.

“We understand what it will take for us to do well in England and we recognise we will have to be able to bat out the 50 overs, absorb the pressure and be able to catch up at the back end of our innings. We will need a lot of good efforts from the top order to get us in good positions and we believe we have the bowling attack to do very well in the English conditions,” Gibson said.

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