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Sugar row erupts
- Guyana disputes EU stand
THE Guyana Government is challenging a claim by the European Union that a late submission of a plan for some six million Euros in support of the local sugar industry led to the loss of the crucial aid.
In a statement issued late Friday, it argued that the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s business plan was submitted to the European Commission within an extended deadline of March 31 last year and that the community should proceed with the aid.
The government said it was concerned about the EU’s public pronouncements on the issue last week and outlined its position.
“The undisputed fact of the matter is that GuySuCo did prepare its business plan by the extended deadline, and the plan was approved by its board on 29th March 2008. This fact was communicated to the EC Delegation by the government in its application for the release of the variable tranche,” it said.
Upon the request of the delegation, the government said it subsequently submitted further evidence that the business plan was approved by GuySuCo’s board, via a letter of certification from GuySuCo’s Company Secretary.
“There is, therefore, absolutely no doubt that the condition, as spelt out in the financing agreement, was met,” the government stated.
It added that in response to the EC Delegation’s indication that they also required a copy of the plan, it explained to them that the document that had been approved by the GuySuCo Board of Directors was under review by Cabinet, so as to ensure consistency with national macroeconomic objectives.
“Following completion of the Cabinet review, the plan was provided to the EC Delegation in June 2008. The EU subsequently took the position that the submission of the business plan in June 2008 rather than by 31st March 2008 constituted non-achievement of the indicator.”
The government said it challenged this interpretation of the EC that the indicator was not met at the level of the local delegation as well as the EU headquarters via letter from the Ministry of Finance and through Guyana’s Ambassador in Brussels.
According to the government, it made the case for the reversal of the commission’s decision to withhold funding since its considered position is that the conditions as described in the financing agreement were met.
The government argued that its assertion in this matter is simple.
“The fact that the EC Delegation received the plan in June 2008, after Cabinet had completed its review, does not alter the fact that the condition was met by virtue of the plan having been approved by the GuySuCo Board of Directors by 31st March 2008. The EU continues to disagree and has withheld the funding,” it reported.
It also contended that there is “absolutely no requirement” in the sugar accompanying measures financing agreement for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme (PRSP) to be submitted for the purpose of qualifying for sugar sector budget support.
“The PRSP cannot therefore be used by the EC as a basis for withholding sugar sector budget support,” it said.
It added that there is, however, a requirement related to the PRSP under the General Budget Support Programme, which states: “Satisfactory progress should be made in the establishment of a second generation poverty reduction strategy drawing from lessons learnt from the first PRSP.”
“Clearly, from this language, there is no requirement for the PRSP to be completed and approved by Cabinet or by any other authority for satisfactory progress to have been made and for the condition to be met.
“Nevertheless, for the purposes of supporting Government’s application for disbursement under the general budget support programme, the Cabinet-approved draft of the PRSP was submitted to the EC Delegation with a confirmatory letter from the Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon. The fact therefore is that, with regards to the general budget support programme, Government has submitted a second generation PRSP approved by Cabinet and has therefore demonstrated satisfactory progress. At the same time, Government shared the document with the joint donor group for their consideration and comments. Because of this further consultative process of the Government, the EC Delegation has determined that this indicator is not met and that the Delegation is not in receipt of the ‘final version’ of the PRSP.”
The government said it has consistently reaffirmed that there is no requirement for a final version, and that the requirement of satisfactory progress has been adequately demonstrated by the submission of a draft approved by Cabinet to the Delegation.
Its case is that there are, therefore, three simple points to be made in this matter.
** Firstly, there are two separate financing agreements, one for general budget support and one for sugar sector support.
** Secondly, the PRSP is not a prerequisite for the release of the sugar sector support because it is not a condition in that financing agreement.
** Thirdly, in any event, satisfactory progress has been made on the PRSP and this progress is in full compliance with the condition stipulated in the general budget support financing agreement.
According to the Guyana Government, it should be added that these developments on the part of the EC represent a fundamental departure from the principles of the budget support mode for delivering aid.
The understanding, it said, has always been that budget support emphasises the achievement of certain specified results, and is disbursed when these results are achieved.
“If the results are achieved early, i.e., before any timeline that might be specified, then the disbursement is made early. If the results are achieved later, then the disbursement is made at that later time. The current position of the EC on this matter, suggesting that funds are lost because certain deadlines were not achieved in their interpretation, departs significantly from this principle.”
The government said it will continue to assert that the conditions discussed above were achieved, for the reasons outlined above, and that the disbursements should be made to Guyana as soon as possible.
It said it has also noted that during the early rounds of provision of budget support by the EU to Guyana, disbursements were made promptly and in full.
“It is a striking coincidence that most of the difficulties encountered in the implementation of EU budget support came shortly after Government adopted a position that was critical of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that was concluded between the EU and negotiators for CARIFORUM. Government would hope that the difficulties currently being experienced in securing delivery of promised budget support is not somehow connected with the critique of the EPA, and will continue to argue that the anticipated budget support must be delivered in accordance with the financing agreements.”
The small Alliance For Change party yesterday claimed that the loss of the EU support vindicates its charge about the ineptitude and incompetence of those in charge of the sugar industry.
“This utterly casual and lackadaisical performance by the Government and its surrogate company will break the back of this most important industry,” it stated.
Guyana sees yet another successful kidney transplant
Story and photos by Shirley Thomas
BRIJRAJ SINGH WHO DONATED THE KIDNEY TO HIS FATHER |
MR JAIRAJ SINGH ON WHOM THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT WAS PERFORMED |
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ANOTHER kidney transplant has been successfully performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). This time around on 55-year-old Jairaj Singh, of the Grove/Diamond New Scheme on the East Bank Demerara.
The operation was performed yesterday, ahead of another scheduled for today on Mohamed Shariff, 56, of Berbice.
Yesterday’s procedure was done by an overseas medical team, headed by Dr Rahul Jindal, a Fellow of the American College of Doctors (FACS) who’s attached to the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre. Others on the team included Dr Eric Elster, also an FACS and of the National Medical Centre USA; Dr. Tara Farley of the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre; and Dr Arthur Womble of the Athens-Limestone Hospital.
The team was assisted by local doctors and nurses, including Dr Purohrt, Head of Urology at the GPH.
THE TEAM OF MEDICAL DOCTORS WHO PERFORMED THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT YESTERDAY. FROM LEFT ARE: DR TARA FARLEY; DR ERIC ELSTER; DR RAHUL JINDAL; DR ARTHUR WOMBLE AND DR PUROHRT |
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Speaking with the Chronicle late yesterday following the surgery, which lasted about six hours, an elated Dr Elster said: “The surgery went very well; the kidney was put in very quickly and was well perfused. The patient is in the ICU and doing well.”
He said that typically, the donor will have to remain in hospital for about three to four days, while the recipient will be required to spend about seven to eight days in recuperation.
The donor in this case was Singh’s 32-year-old son, Brijraj, who resides in West Ruimveldt and is an employee of National Hardware.
While the surgeries were being done, the one on the donor and the other on the recipient, anxious family members sat outside the operating theatres praying and nervously awaiting the outcome of the procedure.
Kuntie Sookram, the donor’s wife, who sat clutching a pillow, said it was with great relief that she received the good tidings from the doctors.
“I was at the hospital here waiting from since around 04:00 hrs this morning. I was fearful, yes, but I prayed…We all prayed and knew that God would see them through,” she said. She said their three children were at home and knew that their father was hospitalised, but had no idea what he was in for. “I think we’ll tell them the whole truth when their father gets back home,” she said, somewhat calmly.
FAMILY WATCH’: KUNTI SOOKRAM, CLUTCHING THE PILLOW, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SINGH FAMILY AT THE GPH YESTERDAY FOLLOWING THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT |
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The elder Singh was admitted to hospital Wednesday in preparation for surgery, while his son, the donor, was admitted on Friday.
Late yesterday afternoon, they were both reported to doing well. The father is in the Intensive Care Unit, while the son is in the High Dependency Unit of the GPH.
Two similar operations were successfully undertaken at the GPH previously, the first of which was on 18-year-old Munesh Mangal on July 12 last year. The second surgery was done on 47-year-old Winston George on February 1 this year.
Those recipients are reportedly in good health and leading normal lives.
Linden fatal accident…
Worst off of injured soldiers ‘fully conscious’, stable
PRIVATE Samuel Parks, 21, one of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers injured in the Amelia’s Ward fatal accident which claimed the life of a 38-year-old Linden resident on Friday, remains warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
Late yesterday, his condition was considered stable, but doctors were still monitoring him closely, since he suffered head injuries, among other things. He was however, fully conscious and communicating with persons at his bedside.
The other three soldiers who were rushed to the city following the accident are currently out of danger and resting at the army’s Medical Centre at Camp Ayanganna, on Thomas Lands. The ranks are being treated for shock and minor injuries. They are: Private Simon Johnson, 21; Private Michael Williams; and Private Charlton Roberts.
Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle was reportedly invited to the Linden Police Station and is currently assisting the police with their investigation into the accident.
Reports say that the four ranks, who were travelling in the tray of the army vehicle when the accident occurred, were thrown out of the vehicle on impact. The vehicle reportedly ploughed into motorcyclist, Enid Sharpe, who was killed on the spot. One of her legs was severed in the collision.
The woman, who worked as a cleaner at the Linden Foundation Secondary School, was at the time heading to work. The accident happened around 07:30 hrs. Her husband, Lindy Sharpe, a national body builder, was said to be in such a state of shock that he impulsively gathered her remains to him and refused to let go in spite of his relatives’ pleadings.
Meanwhile, the woman’s twin brother, on beholding the gruesome sight, reportedly picked up Sharpe’s severed leg and, in a fit of hysteria, ran towards the soldiers with it, shouting: “Look wha y’all do to meh sister!”
The soldiers reportedly responded by discharging several rounds into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd of onlookers, among them school children.
The army has promised to investigate the matter and issue a statement.
New Hybrid
Clifford Stanley
05/20/2009.
Local users of renewable energy appliances who have in the past had to choose between windmills or solar systems, now have a third choice: the hybrid, a combination of both sources of energy in one system.
The single unit is being marketed by Solar Power Technology a Company just a month old being run by George Tucker, a Guyanese who has returned home after residing in America for many years.
“Unlike the solar power system which only generates energy when there is sunlight, and which can only provide power up to about six or eight hours after, the combination of the hybrid guarantees electricity continuously or 24/7,” he said.
“It is a more advanced technology than using straight solar or straight wind,” Tucker said.
The windmill component works with winds from 3 Miles Per Hour (MPH) to 25MPH with variations in wind speed being automatically adjusted by a mechanism in the system to keep the output voltage stable.
Tucker said: 𠇊n automatic clutch controls the windmill speed. So if you have high wind it will not move faster but will continue at the same pace, slowly doing its work.”
There are also controls to prevent the batteries from overcharging from the double source of power.
He said that units that are available range in power from 300W to 10,000W with prices starting from two hundred thousand odd dollars for a 300W to seven hundred odd thousand dollars for a 600W and going higher in keeping with increases in Wattage.
A hybrid of 600Watts and over will provide electricity at 220 volts or 110 volts for “heavy load” appliances such as refrigerators, water pumps, Color TV Sets , washing machines and irons and electric fans among others.
Important too is the lifespan of the hybrid which is stated as twenty years.
“Depending on your usage of electricity,” he added, “a customer can make back his investment on the hybrid in three to five years and then enjoy the unit for the remaining fifteen years of its life span with minimal maintenance costs.”
Tucker said that he is currently taking orders from buyers and customers, especially in areas where Guyana Power and Light (GPL) service is nonexistent.
Customers scan expect installation within two to three days.
“If the customer is in an area served by GPL he can get electricity completely independent of the Company and said before without any interruption.”
He disclosed that the 600 W at seven hundred odd thousand dollars, is the best bet since it can power all the appliances in a typical household.
Tucker said that he is at the moment seeking an alliance with a local bank to see if they will give prospective customers loans to purchase his advanced system.
Tucker can be reached at his place of business at 52 Prince William Street Plaisance East Coast Demerara or on Telephone numbers 220-6394 or 225-9332.(END).
BK Quarry takes advantage of construction boom
- shores up business by US$10M
By Wendella Davidson
Two prized pieces of equipment, a pig –foot roller (left) and a D9-T bulldozer (centre), which will help enhance BK Quarry’s operations |
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WITH construction in Guyana moving at the lightning pace it is these days, there’s no denying the rise in demand for some of the more important building materials, such as wood, stone, cement and sand.
As such, it goes without saying that a delay in the acquisition of any of these basic commodities can invariably result in the escalation of construction costs.
Cognisant of this fact, BK Quarry, a subsidiary of BK International Inc, is stepping up to the plate with an investment of a whopping US$10M in the production of the varying sizes of aggregate stone used in the industry.
Also in the works is the opening up of a new quarrying operation at Itabu, on the Essequibo River, thereby doubling the current 50,000 tonnes of stone the company produces per month, and at the same time providing employment for some 100 new employees.
Recalling a recent remark made by President Jagdeo that “this is the right time to build,” proprietor, Brian Tiwarie told the Chronicle that with this new investment, his aim is to help reduce the cost of stone so that even the small man can be able to realise his lifelong dream of owning a home.
The investment involves US$3M in heavy-duty equipment (100 pieces), bought at an auction in Texas, in the US, and which arrived in the country on Thursday; US$5M worth of heavy-duty Caterpillar trucks bought through a line-of-credit negotiated with Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP); and a Norberg crushing plant bought in the Netherlands for US$2M.
Meanwhile, work has already commenced at the site of the former Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) on upper Water Street Kingston here in the city to erect a ‘ready-mix’ cement plant, which, when finished, will have the capacity to produce some 170 cubic feet of material per hour. The factory will also boast its own laboratory.
BK International Inc’s newly-acquired cement plant, still under construction, in the compound of the former Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) on Upper Water Street, Kingston. The foundation for the proposed laboratory can be seen in foreground |
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And, with the parent company’s involvement in the construction of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL)’s biogas plant at Diamond, on the lower East Bank, as well as the Ogle Airport expansion, having such a facility is seen in some quarters as quite a wise investment.
The offloading of the heavy-duty equipment, comprising conveyor systems, low-bed trailers, spares, compressors, a D9-T bulldozer, and a pig-foot roller, which are all for the quarry end of the business, commenced Thursday at the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) wharf on Lombard Street, and was completed the following day.
Tiwarie, who hopes to begin transporting the equipment to site, starting this week, told the Chronicle that because of the current global recession, such items are being auctioned off in the United States at rock-bottom prices. As such, he seized the opportunity to make a few purchases.
He envisages that the entire expansion project will be completed by mid next year.
BK Inc, known locally for successfully completing major projects funded by both the government and international agencies, owns in excess of 700 pieces of construction equipment, and is one of the contractors currently conducting repairs on the East Berbice/Corentyne highway.
Late last year, Tiwarie had also travelled to Texas, where he purchased 47 pieces of heavy-duty road-building equipment valued at some US$1.7M.
Several of the pieces of the items, which were transported to Guyana aboard one of the company’s vessels, ‘Gloria T’, are being used by the company on the East Berbice/Corentyne Highway.
Asked why he did not utilise his vessel this time around, Tiwarie said it would have been too small to accommodate all of the equipment at one go, and that given the price he paid for them, it was more cost effective to charter a vessel, which is just what he did.
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CARICOM Govts must negotiate more rapidly
By David Jessop
LONDON, England (CaribWorldNews) - For much of the last week, European and Central American Ministers and trade negotiators have been in dialogue in Prague and Brussels. Their objective has been to achieve by July 10 an association agreement that will link the two regions politically, developmentally, and through trade.
Negotiations for a similar EU agreement with Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, the Andean countries minus Bolivia, are also progressing quickly, and it is expected that whatever is agreed finally will inform a further and presently stalled negotiation between Europe and the nations of Mercosur: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
All three association agreements seek to establish, over a short period, free trade in goods and services between the regions concerned and Europe. Each will result in new concessions on market access for products for which the Caribbean still has preferential arrangements with Europe. These include sugar, bananas, ethanol, and rice and most probably rum, thereby further accelerating the diminishing value of the Caribbean’s remaining arrangements with Europe.
These agreements will create new challenges for the Caribbean. They will not only result in increased competition in Europe for commodity agriculture and rum, but will also increase the competition for investment and the export of goods and services to Europe, just as the region begins to contemplate the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU.
So far, little attention has been paid as to the implications of these new arrangements, despite the fact that what Latin countries produce and offer mirrors the Caribbean’s trade profile, but at lower cost.
The developments come just as the region is undergoing one of its periodic bouts of institutional restructuring.
Over the past several months, a process of administrative and financial resource centralisation has been underway so that all matters relating to regional trade negotiations and their implementation now come under the control of CARICOM.
Thus in February, the CARICOM Secretariat announced that an EPA implementation unit had been established in Georgetown to advise the Secretary-General.
This group consists of specialists in trade in goods, trade in services and investment, and a legal officer, who will collaborate with the relevant regional public and private sector organizations and agencies when required. The unit has already created a road map for EPA implementation that focuses on the resources required regionally for delivery, and has produced, for discussion with the EC, the draft rules that will govern the procedure and relationships between the four bodies that will govern the EPA. More recently, it has begun work on an outline list of private sector and civil society institutions that will sit on the EPA’s consultative committee, and has also set about designating contact persons in Cariforum states to liaise directly with the implementation unit.
Despite this, few beyond government, and especially those who will have to deliver growth through their commercial activities, have any idea what is happening, or how they are meant to prepare for a process that requires a willingness to compete globally.
Even those companies and associations well-disposed towards CARICOM are querying how its hard-pressed staff will be able to respond on a day-to-day basis to the type of practical questions they require answers to. They suggest that beyond the implementation unit, there will be the need for a further body that, at the very least, is services focussed, understands tourism, the entertainment industries and financial services, and is able to explain and support, in real time, the development deliverables these industries need from the EPA.
As this is happening, the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM), the body that has undertaken almost all of the region’s recent trade negotiations, has been placed under the auspices of the CARICOM Secretary-General following a decision by Caribbean Heads of Government meeting in Belize in March.
Although some Caribbean Heads of Government attending that meeting were reluctant to see this change occur, the view for change, led by Guyana, prevailed. As a consequence, the CRNM will now report to Heads through the CARICOM Secretary- General and move its headquarters to Jamaica, a process that led the CRNM Director General, Henry Gill, to resign on May 1 and to a growing sense among CRNM specialists that its expertise and experience will now be dissipated.
What this change implies is that there will be a hiatus in further trade negotiations as new structures are created and a mechanism established that will enable CARICOM to provide Heads of Government with the political overview that President Jagdeo and others so strenuously argued for. In the short term at least, this will probably have negative implications for a free-trade arrangement with Canada, and may also bring difficulties when it comes to integrating the Dominican Republic into CARICOM; a process that requires greater acceptance of the significance of integration with the larger economies of the Hispanic Caribbean.
Outside the region, these changes have disappointed those governments and institutions who saw the CRNM as a model institution. So much so that when Pascal Lamy, the WTO’s Director-General, was in Jamaica recently, he spoke in private to senior Caribbean figures about his concern that the developing world had lost an important body that others might have emulated. It is also likely, at a time when development budgets are under pressure as a result of the recession, there will be questions about the value of further support without a sense of continuity.
Having said this, it is, of course, for no one other than the region and its leaders to determine what institutional mechanisms it requires, who it wishes to run them, and how it wishes to control them politically.
Trade negotiations and the implementation of what has been agreed, by their nature, take place rapidly and within finite periods of time. They also require constant attention if nations like those in Latin America, who are also being offered the same challenges and opportunities, are not to take away what little trade advantage a region like the Caribbean has. Very soon, it is possible that the US will move to consolidate its trade relationships within the Americas through new forms of trade agreement.
For all these reasons, CARICOM governments will need to move rapidly to ensure that their external trade negotiating and trade implementation capacity are able and ready to respond.
Embracing technology for cancer
- prevention, not detection
By Dr Munish Prasad
IS IT really 'good news' to find out early that you have cancer? Or is it better news to find out before whatever is ailing you becomes cancer?
For most women, the sound of the words ‘breast cancer’ or any connotation of it sends a hill up their spine, and, in like manner, for most women, the sound of the word ‘mammogram’ is also met with some measure of resistance. However, women globally have come to accept that as much as the word ‘mammogram’, with all its sensitivities, may be dreaded, it is a necessary evil in a woman’s life. BUT, does it really have to be?
Today’s article focuses on an interesting issue, using technology to prevent breast cancer, which was brought to my attention and should provide some amount of relief to the population, particularly our most treasured assets, our womenfolk.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among the female population and, from all indications, it’s certainly a topic which is discussed at many a round-table women chat. In fact, in many cases, it is not known why a woman gets breast cancer. There is significant commentary on risk factors, but research has shown that most women who have one or more breast cancer risk factors never actually develop the disease, while many women with breast cancer have no apparent risk factors (other than being a woman and growing older).
This points us, then, to the issue of prevention against this lethal disease; the only viable option for women. Experts have generally advised that early detection is the guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. Some of the more common prevention techniques include breast self-examination, pap smears and digital X-ray mammograms.
However, question is: How early is early for breast cancer detection, and what are a woman’s chances of truly detecting this disease, so much so that it never becomes an issue? Essentially, this embodies prevention.
In our technologically advanced world, I knew there would have been answers to these and other questions, and so, it does lie in one technique: Digital infra-red imaging, an X-ray technique to visualise the internal structure of the breast; a technique considered to be the most effective presently available.
A few days ago, I came upon this latest development…which is quite fascinating!! From research conducted, this is obviously quite advantageous, not only to our womenfolk but the world as a whole, as its superior advantages far outweigh those of the digital X-ray mammogram.
Take the case of Patricia (not her real name), then age 25, who has been exposed to some of the risk factors of cancer (namely, family history, use of oral contraceptives, being over-weight etc); she was anxious to prevent the development of any form of cancer, and took her annual mammogram examination. The results proved negative until she was found to have lesions in her breast and diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30. How was that possible?
I have been advised that it is a known fact that typically, it takes breast cancer eight (8) years of growth to reach the mammogram-screening detectable size of one billion cells, which is considered STAGE ONE CANCER. This meant that Patricia would have had the lesions present in her breast all along, and was thus receiving false mammogram findings for approximately eight (8) years. A breast cancer diagnosis at that stage is considered lethal, as it was in Patricia’s case.
With infra-red mammogram technique, detection is possible as early as ten years before X-ray mammograms, and 15 years before it can be felt.
The first good news is that 97% of the time, breast cancer can be reversed with medical treatment, if detected by Stage One (Year Eight). However, imagine how much greater success can be achieved in preventing and correcting the problem if we are able to detect breast cancer six (6) years sooner! Had this technology been around and been used, this would have certainly saved Patricia’s life and the lives of numerous other women. It is believed that an abnormal infra-red mammogram is ten (10) times more significant as a future risk indicator for breast cancer development than a family history of breast cancer. Medical experts have advised that a persistent abnormal infra-red mammogram carries with it a 22-time higher risk of future breast cancer. Extensive recent clinical trials have shown that infra-red mammogram significantly supports the long-term survival rates of the group by as much as 61%.
The other good news is that this technology is friendly to women; not only – as stated above – can it have early detection (screening can begin from as early as 18 years old), but it is painless, especially for women with dense and fibro-cystic breasts, large or small breasts, breast reductions, breast implants and prior breast biopsies in addition to pregnant or nursing women; it reveals more accurate information and reduces ‘false-positives’ results especially when combined with digital x-ray mammography; reduces discomfort from radiation and generally is painless and stress-free. Moreover, due to the early detection, the physician and patient have adequate time to plan ahead.
Now that we’ve answered the questions posed earlier, the other question relates to access and availability; it would be remiss of me not to address this. I’m pleased to say that, while it may sound distant; this technology is available in Guyana and should serve as an opportune time for women, particularly younger women, to begin the process of early breast examination.
It should be noted, in closing, that while this intervention is note-worthy for prevention vs detection purposes, it does not negate the need for women to be proactive and practice the precautionary measures to breast cancers as mentioned earlier as these, more than any other initiative, is a sure way of preventing, decreasing and/or eliminating breast cancer from Guyana.
Owning your own home
Davidson
Fulfilling that lifelong dream
-The ‘little things’ you need to know
SO YOU’VE decided you want your own home.
Then the one thing you need to bear in mind is that the process of doing so, be it by way of starting from scratch (building) or buying it ‘ready-done’, can be very tedious and at times rather complicated.
As such, you need to take things step-by- step. And, with a little luck, and a bit of care and caution, you will soon be holding those precious keys.
Today, we at the Chronicle would like to lend a hand in helping make that dream a reality by offering some basic tips we feel you need to know.
1. Figure out how much you can afford.
Remember! What you can afford will depend on your income, current monthly expenses, down-payment and the interest rate.
2. Have a location in mind
This is ideal for if you are buying property. Have a location in mind, and feel free to check the classified advertisement for a little help in this regard. More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for and seek advice.
However, for those who were allocated land through the government programme, once you know where it is you’re going, make it a point of paying prior visits to the community in question to size up the situation among other things.
3. Shop for a reliable lending institution
Whether you are buying or building, most people will have to do so through acquiring a loan from a lending institution.
Be sure to check with all such available institutions for the one that offers the best deal in terms of mortgage. In doing so, you’ll also need to look at such things as costs and interest rate, and try as best you can to negotiate a better deal.
4. Request an inspection
In purchasing your own home, ensure you request an inspection, which will tell you about the condition of the house, and can help you avoid buying a home that needs major repairs.
5. Shop for the right contractors
If you are building, be wary of which contractors you choose to engage. Don’t be ashamed to visit other areas where homes are being built and chat with owners and contractors.
It can be quite an interesting experience, and one in which you can help save yourself some added trouble.
6. How long will it take me to build?
Have a timeframe in mind of how long you intend to let the project run, and do not be afraid to keep up with the contractors, though some may want to resent it. If you have the time, pay a visit to the lumber yard with the contractor, or wiser still, you can visit some on your own.
In so doing, you stand to gain invaluable knowledge of what ‘s going on around your home.
Track the number of days planned to complete the tasks, as well as extra days for unexpected situations
7. Keep tabs on your purchases for the home
Create a build budget and stick to it as much as possible, as it is the only way of keeping tabs on your expenditures, and knowing when the actual cost are over-running the budget.
Sophia toddler drowns in bucket of water
AN 18-month-old toddler yesterday drowned in a bucket of water at his home at Sophia, while his guardian, who was blithely unaware of what had happened, continued to fetch water from a neighbour’s yard.
The child, Malakai Williams, was sleeping when the guardian, Evelyn Latchmin, left home to go in search of water. Latchmin, of 249 ‘B’ Field Sophia tearfully related yesterday that on her return, she saw the door open and called out for the child but got no response.
The woman said she began searching frantically for the baby, only to find him with his head down in a bucket of water. He was still frothing when he was extricated from the bucket. Latchmin said that with the help of a neighbour, she rushed the child to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Latchmin, 60, who lived alone, said the child’s mother had abandoned him when he was a young baby, and that she had taken him in. “He was my only company,” she said.
A post mortem examination is to be performed tomorrow.
Police are investigating.
Berbice River Bridge to close from June 1 to 5
By Clifford Stanley
THE Berbice River Bridge (BRB) will be closed to vehicular traffic and marine vessels transiting its retractor span from Monday June 1 to Friday June 5.
Smaller vessels will, however, be allowed to transit the high span.
The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) ferry, the MV Torani, will be in operation at the New Amsterdam and Rosignol stellings during the period of closure.
T&HD officials were yesterday unavailable for comment on whether an additional vessel will be put on the crossing for the duration of the upgrade of the BRB.
The closure is to facilitate the upgrading of ramps for the retractor span, which were found to be defective during the testing period in January.
The flaw had caused difficulties in lifting the ramps for the span, and they have since had cause to be operated manually with a mechanical jack, thereby adding some 20 minutes to the usual retraction period.
The system to be installed is a newly-designed hydraulic system, and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) will not be facing any new costs from the manufacturers since the Bridge is still in the ‘liability period’.
The BBCI is asking commuters to bear with them since this work is necessary for the efficient running of the bridge.
The Bridge should be reopened for traffic by 12:00hrs on the day it is scheduled to reopen.
The bridge was commissioned on December 23, 2008 by President Bharrat Jagdeo. It starts from D’Edward Village on the West Coast Berbice and stretches across to Crab Island, on the eastern bank of the Berbice River.
This structure is a dream come true for Guyana, and has been providing a valuable service for many Guyanese, since it has helped reduce the travel time that was formerly experienced with the ferry at Rosignol to New Amsterdam.
Caricom leaders in special meeting on global crisis
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo is among leaders of the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) due to gather today in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in a special caucus on the economic impact of the on-going global economic and financial crisis on member states.
The Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said the meeting, convened at the request of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning, will allow the leaders an opportunity to review the measures taken individually and regionally to combat the crisis, and to fashion a response to the continuing effects of the global contagion on the region.
The caucus comes one week before Caricom Heads are expected to participate with other world leaders at a United Nations conference on the world financial and economic crisis and its impact on development at UN headquarters, in New York on June 1-3, the secretariat said.
It noted that Caricom Heads of Government, as a group, first addressed the challenge of the crisis at a meeting of the Bureau of Heads of Government last November in Antigua and Barbuda, and looked at the situation again in Belize in March at their 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting. Groups of leaders have also been meeting to address particular issues arising from the crisis.
The community’s Ministerial Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP) also looked at the issue during their meeting in January in Barbados and the task force they established at that meeting will be contributing to the information made available to the Heads of Government at their meeting in Port of Spain today.
The secretariat said the Caribbean Development Bank, (CDB) the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) have been invited to the special caucus.
United States President Barack Obama has also invited Caricom leaders to meet him in Washington to foster closer ties with the region advanced at the Summit of the Americas last month in Trinidad and Tobago.
President Jagdeo and other leaders of the grouping met Obama during the fifth Americas summit, and agreed to strengthen current arrangements for official contact between the two parties, the Caricom Secretariat reported.
Mr. Jagdeo was picked by his colleagues to present Caricom’s position on a wide range of issues to Obama at a late-night meeting in Port-of-Spain.
The secretariat said discussions with President Obama and members of his Cabinet centred on issues of the global crisis, the offshore financial services sector, trade, energy (including renewable energy), security and climate change.
“In response to the Caricom concerns that the interests of small developing nations were not being fully addressed in the efforts to revive the global economy, President Obama indicated that the recapitalisation of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was one of his administration’s regional priorities,” the secretariat said.
It added that Obama will appoint senior officials to facilitate better official interface between the US and Caricom.
Guyana meeting to advance agri-business thrust
GUYANA expects to showcase its plans to advance agri-business when Caribbean Community stakeholders meet here this week to push the sector, officials said.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud last night said the thrust of the two-day meeting on public-private sector partnership is very important within the context of Guyana’s lead role in agriculture in the 15-member community.
In a brief telephone interview from Iowa, in the United States, where he is exploring possible investments here, he said Guyana expects the meeting will help highlight steps taken by Guyana in advancing the sector, especially through the US$21.9M Agriculture Development Programme and the US$6.7M Rural Enterprise and Development scheme.
“The private sector has to be more involved in agriculture business ventures to propel the sector,” he said.
He is due to outline developments in agri-business here during an address at the May 27-28 meeting.
The Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said stakeholders of agri-business in the Caribbean will meet to identify the levels of collaboration needed in the short, medium and long term to move the sector forward.
The meeting has been organised by the secretariat between buyers and sellers of agricultural products.
“The dialogue will see participation from representatives of large small and medium enterprises, food and beverage manufacturing industries, restaurant and retail industries and agro-processors associations,” the secretariat said.
Case studies will be presented, and representatives of regional and international organisations including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation in Agriculture, NAMDEVCO and Oxfam, as well as the Cristiana Potato Growers Association of Jamaica. Participants will have working group sessions.
“The consultation is expected to yield a collaborative framework agreement within which priority and concrete actions to be undertaken in the short-term (within six months), medium-term (within a year), and the longer-term will be outlined. The framework will also identify the agency/agencies responsible for spearheading these actions as well as required support mechanisms to ensure that there is follow through,” the secretariat said.
It said the consultation will take stock of ongoing and planned programmes supported by relevant agencies to assess their significance to stakeholders, and will identify potential synergies and collaboration in the design and/or implementation of the programmes of the agencies.
The meeting will be co-chaired by Irwin LaRocque, Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration, Caricom Secretariat; Mr. Al Powell, Executive Director, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Jamaica; and Mr. Geoffrey DaSilva, Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).
The secretariat said participation is expected from a wide cross-section of agriculture sector representatives, agencies and organisations, international development partners, large, small and medium enterprises.
Following the ceremonial opening, an overview of the current Caribbean agro-industry will be presented by Dr Carlisle Pemberton of the University of the West Indies; Mr. Anthony Sandana of the International Trade Centre (ITC); Mr. Vassel Stewart of the Trinidad and Tobago AgriBusiness Association (TTABA); and Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, also of the ITC.
The secretariat said the overview will be followed by a Buyer-Seller Dialogue which will dominate the first day of the consultation.
Cummings Lodge infrastructural works 95 per cent complete
RESIDENT Engineer of the firm, SR Engineering, Ms Jean Ramkhelawan yesterday confirmed that 95 per cent of the works being undertaken on the two projects in Cummings Lodge on the East Coast Demerara are almost complete.
The projects, which were both funded by the European Union and the Government of Guyana, include the building of roads, bridges and culverts in block ‘Y’ and ‘C’ Cummings Lodge. Both projects commenced in October 2007 and approximately G$212M was spent on them. The contracts were awarded to H Nauth and Sons.
According to Ms. Ramkhelawan, in block ‘Y’ alone, approximately 19 access roads and one concrete bridge were constructed. Twelve access roads were built in block ‘C’
She said that although there were some setbacks with the projects, due to the inclement weather and lack of materials, the work was satisfactorily done and the contractor will finish on schedule. The entire project is expected to be completed by next month-end.
Residents in the community expressed their appreciation for the much-needed roads and bridges.
“At first we didn’t have streets; it was sheer dam. And when rain fall, it used to be flooded in here, but since we have roads now, we don’t get flood. It’s easier to walk, and vehicles now have access to come in,” said one resident, Marlon Sukhnandan.
Cathedral concert
23rd May, 2009
Classical concert on at St George’s Tuesday
A CONCERT of classical and semi-classical music will be held Tuesday at the St George’s Cathedral, arguably one of the finest and best known landmarks this country has ever seen.
The programme, which begins at 16:00hrs and promises to be “an evening well spent,” is being held in an effort to realize much-needed funds for the Cathedral’s continuing restoration project, which includes major works to the ceiling, nave and transepts.
The concert, being staged by the Cathedral’s Special Events Committee, will highlight, in the main, the exceptional talents of some of the youths of the Diocese. These include Curtis Henry on saxophone; Gordon Marshall on trumpet; the Steel Band Ensemble; Tevera Franklin on violin; Candace Barnes on Piano; and Thalia Baeza-Milan, also on piano. The host for the evening will be veteran broadcaster, Ron Robinson, who will also render a selection on the harmonica.
The young artistes are trained musicians, and have excelled in the recent England-based Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations, along with some of the steel pan players who are winners of top prizes at the most recent Music Festival. They have displayed their prowess on many occasions before and have willingly come forward to assist this very worthy cause. It is hoped that their enthusiasm will be rewarded by the support of members of the public.
Admission is most encouraging: $500 for adults and $200 for children. Tickets can be had from Brother Theodore DeMonick of the St George’s Cathedral, whose can be reached by telephone on: 664-2030/223-9561; from Sonel’s Craft Shop at the GPO Building, on North Road; Nigel’s Supermarket; Nesha’s Flower Land (Church and Carmichael Streets) or at the door.
Security will be provided for vehicles for the duration of the event.
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IS THE EU PUNISHING GUYANA?
IS GUYANA being punished by the European Union for exercising its sovereign right, in conformity with democratic governance, because its government had strongly disagreed with provisions of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between CARIFORUM and the European Commission (executive arm of the EU)?
We consider this question quite pertinent in view of the very surprising stance adopted by the EU Delegation in Guyana over a three-month time difference between submission of GuySuCo's 2007-2016 Business Plan in March 2008 and an approved review by President Bharrat Jagdeo's Cabinet for submission to the EU Delegation.
A government statement released to the media on Friday makes quite clear that GuySuCo had taken advantage of an extension of the submission deadline of its 'Business Plan’ to have it ready for March 31, 2008.
It was also known by all relevant parties, including the EU Delegation, that consistent with an established policy, the Cabinet would have had to first review this ‘Business Plan’ before it was officially made available to the EU to ensure budgetary support.
That was done in June 2008, with evidence offered to confirm compliance with the original agreement for EU's financing. However, for that three-month difference, the EU Delegation has taken the position that submission of the ‘Business Plan’ in June 2008, instead of March 2008, "constituted non-achievement" of the indicator for budgetary support.
In its statement to the media, the government has made the significant observation that during the early rounds of provision of budgetary support by the EU to Guyana, "disbursements were made promptly, and in full."
It is, therefore, "a striking coincidence," according to the statement, "that most of the difficulties encountered in the implementation of the EU budget support came shortly after the government adopted a position that was critical of the EPA that was concluded between the EU and negotiators of CARIFORUM..."
Our position is that not just the EU Delegation in Georgetown, or the European Commission in Brussels should now take time to consider the serious implications of the Guyana Government's argument as it relates to the withholding of budgetary support.
So, too, should Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as well as Guyana's allies in the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group. They should be engaged in independent examinations of this serious development that could adversely affect a most vital sector of Guyana's economy, amid all the challenges already linked to the global financial and economic crisis.
This newspaper will continue to monitor developments, with the hope that better judgment --of which the EU Delegation and the European Commission are quite capable -- will prevail, and that the required budget support will be forthcoming, in accordance with the spirit of the financing agreement as it relates to GuySuCo's Business Plan.
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Told You So!
By Gwynne Dyer
IT IS NOT nice to say "I told you so," but this time has to be an exception. In late February, I wrote an article in this column which called ‘Obama's Climate Strategy’ (some papers that ran it may have changed the title), predicting that the United States would seek a one-to-one deal on climate change with China this year. It has just been revealed by Suzanne Goldenburg, US environmental correspondent of the Guardian, that a memorandum of understanding on exactly such a deal already exists. That is very good news.
John Holdren, now President Obama's chief scientific adviser, told me last year that he had been talking to the Chinese leadership, and assured me that they were ready for a deal on climate, but he said nothing about a bilateral deal between the United States and China. Nevertheless, that was obviously what was needed: There is no other point of departure that could get the world to the finish line on time.
The finish line is a global deal on cutting emissions fast enough to avoid runaway warming, and the deadline is this December, when it is supposed to be wrapped up and signed in Copenhagen. But there are 117 countries taking part in the negotiations, and there is not a chance in a thousand that they can all arrive at the finish line together, and on time, without some template for an agreement. The real purpose of a bilateral US-Chinese climate deal is to provide that template.
The deal would be very useful just on its own: Together, the two countries account for forty per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. But if the US-Chinese agreement can become the model, with other
rich countries accepting the same terms as the United States and other
rapidly developing countries making the same commitments as China, we might actually end up in December with a global deal worth having.
Work on the bilateral deal began in the dying days of the Bush administration, with the initiative on the Chinese side coming from Xie
Zhenhua, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission.
On the American side, the driving forces were John Holdren and Bill
Chandler, director of the energy and climate programme at the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace. It is not a done deal yet, but Chandler predicts it will happen by autumn, and that it will be "serious" and "substantive."
The draft agreement, drawn up by Holdren and Chandler late last year, has three main points: The US and China will use existing technologies to cut carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2010; they will cooperate on new technologies, including carbon capture and storage and better fuel efficiency in vehicles; and they will both join the global agreement in Copenhagen in December. This US-Chinese draft has not been signed, but Xie has agreed to it.
A deal like this will not end the climate crisis, even if all the other big emitters accept similar terms. Past emissions have already committed us to so much warming that there will be famines, waves of refugees, and wars in some of the worst-hit regions, no matter what we do now. Nevertheless, the kind of treaty that the US-Chinese deal might lead to in Copenhagen in December is worth having, because if we move fast enough, there is still time to preserve most of the world we know in a more or less recognisable form.
Twenty per cent across-the-board cuts in emissions by 2010, or even by 2012 or 2013, would be an excellent start. And in the meantime, Obama has just cut a deal with the automobile industry on fuel efficiency that will make a real difference to American emissions.
With the highest rate of car ownership in the world (five cars for every six people), and the world's worst fuel efficiency, US cars emit much more carbon dioxide per year than all the cars in Japan, China, India, Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Britain and Canada put together.
The target first set by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in California, an average of 35.5 miles per gallon (15 km/litre, 6.62 litres/100 km) for all cars and light trucks by 2016, has now been adopted by President Obama for the whole country. That will eventually cut US vehicle emissions by 40 per cent (current average mileage in the US vehicle fleet is only 21.4.) It also means that US oil imports may fall by up to half over the next ten years.
By the time the United States reaches its 35.5 mpg target in 2016,most other countries in the world will have moved on to an average of 45mpg or better. (China's current requirement is 43 mpg, and the European Union's target is 47 mpg by 2012.) Having left everything so late, the US will be playing catch-up for a long time -- but at least it is back in the game. And China is finally talking about cutting its emissions, too.
"There are these two countries that the world blames for doing nothing, and they have a better story to tell," said Terry Tamminen, Governor Schwarzenegger's environmental adviser, who was at the talks in
China. Things are moving in the right direction at last.
(Gwynne Dye is a London-based independent journalist)
Today's Caricom ‘Special Session’…
Looking for something 'new' from our leaders
By Rickey Singh
ON THE heels of last week's 49th Summit of leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Heads of Government of the wider Caribbean Community will meet today for a one-day ‘special session’ in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Arrangements being advanced for the creation of an OECS Economic Union by year end, and for which a series of public consultations are taking place in that sub-region of CARICOM, was one of the agenda issues.
The related matter of engagement with Trinidad and Tobago for its involvement in an economic union with the OECS by 2011, without prejudice to commitments to CARICOM's single market and, ultimately, single economy, was also discussed.
It's of significance to note that ahead of the OECS Summit in Tortola, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Sir Dwight Venner, took a verbal swipe at CARICOM's lacklustre approach to deepening economic integration, in comparison to the strides being made by the OECS sub-region. Venner heads the OECS Task Force on economic union.
One working session of the three-day OECS summit that concluded on Friday was scheduled for an encounter with the Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson.
The range of issues would have included the OECS' trade and economic relations with the wider Community, with which Barbados enjoys a decisive advantage, and also to have a better understanding on matters relating to freedom of movement and managed migration.
One notable absentee for the meeting was Vincentian Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, who had earlier warned of a threat to CARICOM's disintegration as a consequence of negative positions, as he sees it, being adopted against Community nationals in some jurisdictions.
Gonsalves did not identify any country, but his warning statement came in the wake of Prime Minister Thompson's declaration of deportation of all illegal CARICOM nationals who fail to comply with a six-month amnesty, ending at year end.
Task Force Report
This is an issue also set to emerge during today's special summit of CARICOM leaders in Port-of-Spain, which was called to deal specifically with challenges and responses to the global financial and economic crisis. A draft report from the Task Force, established last January by CARICOM's Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP), has now been submitted by the President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr Compton Bourne.
It could not, however, be confirmed whether Heads of Government would have had the opportunity to benefit from the Task Force's assessment of the implications of the global crisis for this region ahead of their participation in today's ‘special summit’ in Port-of-Spain, that has resulted from an initiative by host Prime Minister, Patrick Manning.
Nor has it been disclosed if any other special working document was requested to guide informed discussions on the urgent need for collective regional approaches to deal with the global crisis that surfaced some seven months ago.
Now, with just over five weeks prior to a scheduled annual Heads of Government Conference in Guyana, CARICOM leaders will be meeting, for the first time, to deal specifically with regional responses to the global financial and economic crisis.
The assessment by the Task Force, under the chairmanship of President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr Compton Bourne, was mandated by CARICOM's Council for Finance and Planning when it met for a regular session in Barbados last January 29.
It may now be of academic interest why the Council was not forthcoming in ensuring an early report from the Bourne-led Task Force on the implications for this region of the global crisis.
Or, for that matter why, since their March Inter-Sessional Meeting in Belize -- at which they alluded to the spreading global crisis, CARICOM leaders themselves have failed to treat, as an urgent priority, the ‘special session’ they have scheduled for today in Port-of-Spain?
Our CARICOM leaders are perceived as being reluctant to make effective use of available skills, talents and experiences across our region to enhance regional approaches to regional problems, and to do so when it really matters.
Mobile Think-Tank
Currently, they have to contend with the prevailing cynicism about special ‘task forces’ or ‘technical working groups’, which are often perceived as devices to delay what needs to be done with urgency.
Worse, when they receive the reports from either a mandated ‘task force’, or ‘working group’, CARICOM leaders tend to sit on their hands when not throwing up excuses to justify lack of implementation.
A classic example of this politics of frustration is the collective failure of the Community's leaders to move in any decisive manner to deal with the perceived crying need for a new governance architecture to effectively service the now 36-year-old regional economic integration movement.
In the thinking of strong supporters of CARICOM, not only should the leaders move, collectively, with haste to introduce a new and enlightened governance system, but they should also recognise the need, now more than ever, to give life to an idea that was articulated by the late Prime Minister of Barbados, Errol Barrow -- one of the architects of CARICOM.
It is the creation of a 'Regional Mobile Think-Tank’, comprising some of the finest Caribbean minds (wherever located), whose services will be mobilised, as required, and costs shared by the region's governments and private sector.
The chosen experts, it was felt, could be seconded by their employers for specific assignments/missions and periods, and reports made directly to Heads of Government for necessary action.
This is an idea that CARICOM leaders could possibly consider at their ‘special session’ today in Port-of-Spain. As I reported some years ago, the Mobile Think-Tank idea was embraced at the time by that recognised elder statesman among West Indian economists, the iconic William Demas.
For now, we await the new ideas and decisions to emerge from today's ‘special summit’ -- less than six weeks ahead of the 30th annual Heads of Government Conference in Guyana.
REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF SUICIDE (PART I)
BY PREM MISIR
‘In Guyana, suicide and self-inflicted injury accounted for 41 certified deaths in 1997, 35 in 1998, 164 in 1999, and 169 in 2005.’
‘Since 1954, suicide rates have increased by 60 per cent globally, and is the three leading causes of death among people of both sexes aged 15 through 44, according to the WHO.’
‘The increased suicide rate in Guyana points to the need for effective prevention intervention based on an application of both sociological and psychological perspectives. Any half-baked approach will stagnate prevention intervention.’
HERE IS how an adolescent girl described her suicide attempt:
“As a teenager, I basically had no friends, no interests at all. I stayed home. I felt very insecure around people, like I wasn’t worthy to be around them. I’d skip classes; I’d be in the john crying. It finally got to the point where I begged my parents to let me quit. My grades were suffering terribly. So, my father signed the papers, and after that, all I heard from my father was, ‘You flukey, jukey bird,’ because I quit school. Well, I loved my father, but he drank and beat my mother, and would bust up the house. She left with us kids several times. Basically, I stayed in my room and I reached the point where I didn’t want to be alive (Stephens, 1987).”
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Suicide is the ninth-ranking cause of death in Guyana. In Guyana, suicide and self-inflicted injury accounted for 41 certified deaths in 1997, 35 in 1998, 164 in 1999, and 169 in 2005. More males than females committed suicide in Guyana – 189 males, and 51 females for the three years 1997-99; Guyana also chalked up 160 and 169 suicides in years 2000 and 2001, respectively. And 127 males and 42 females committed suicide in 2005. Guyana’s suicide rate is about 20 per 1000 persons, which means that there are about 200 cases per year. In 2006, 202 deaths were recorded, according to the Minister of Health.
And today, suicide is the 11th ranking cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US indicated that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 through 24; there were 33,300 reported suicides in the US in 2006. Suicide is a public health problem in the US by virtue of the fact that about 32,000 persons commit suicide each year, and about 395,000 engage in self-inflicted injuries requiring medical treatment. Globally, the highest rank for male suicides is found in Lithuania, and China has the highest rank for female suicides, as reported by the International Academy for Suicide Research in 1998. The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicated that in 2000, about 1 million people worldwide would have died from suicide. Since 1954, suicide rates have increased by 60 per cent globally, and is one of the three leading causes of death among people of both sexes aged 15 through 44, according to the WHO. In a third of the world, the WHO reported that suicide rates among young people are so alarmingly high that today they are classified as the highest risk group.
What makes a person take his/her own life?
Let’s start with a definition of suicide, and then try to explain in this section why it occurs. Suicide is the intentional destruction of one’s life. Suicide, therefore, is a deliberate act. Some sociological explanations follow:
1). Suicide varies inversely with the extent of social constraint exerted on the individual, according to Maris (1969). Social constraint refers to rules and shared ideas by which an individual’s life is regulated and integrated. That is, the greater the social constraint on the person, the lower the probability of suicide. The lower the social constraint, like in cases of social isolation, the higher the probability of suicide.
2). Suicide varies inversely with the degree of status integration in the society (Gibbs & Martin, 1958, 1964). Suicide acts are higher in situations of minimum status integration. If the many statuses or positions a person holds in society are closely linked (high status integration), then chances are that the probability of suicide will be low. In effect, a high level of role conflict (low status integration) with the many positions held could induce suicide acts.
3). Suicide varies positively with status frustration (Henry & Short, 1954). A person may become so frustrated at the loss of status relative to others in the same system, that he/she feels like killing themselves. So, the higher the status frustration, the greater the chance of a suicide act.
4). Suicide varies positively with migration rates (Stack, 1980). High migration rates place people in the host society, where it may take some time before they feel they are part of the new society. Also, in societies with high migration rates, some people are left behind, eagerly awaiting immigration papers that will enable them to travel to the host country. This waiting could now take years, as in the case of the US. In this situation, the person waiting may not adjust well to an almost permanent absence of relatives, like siblings, or a mother and/or a father. In such cases, the person in question could experience trauma. Therefore, loss of a dear relative is experienced at both ends of the migration continuum, that is, in both the donor and host societies. According to Stack, chances are that societies with high migration rates could have a high suicide rate.
5). Suicidal behaviour can be learned. Akers (1985) provides two learning paths to committing suicide. The first is learning to behave suicidally, but not fatally, and later arriving at a suicidal point. The second path is learning and building on a readiness of committing suicide, and then actually being successful at the act.
These theories generally attempt to explain suicide as occurring because of a lack of social integration in people’s social relations, the presence of social disorganization, and using the socialization perspective. It was Durkheim’s study of suicide in 1897 that pointed out the relationship between suicide rate and social integration. He argued that the suicide rate could not be explained through the personal characteristics of individuals, but only through the amount of social cohesion or social integration in the society. It needs to be said, however, that the majority of people experiencing a lack of social cohesion in their relations do not commit suicide.
How do people come to commit suicide? What is their state of mind when they are on the threshold of committing the act? People contemplating suicide are not mentally deranged, or experiencing insanity. Since suicides are intentional, mental disorders may hinder suicide. Litman (1987) said: “Mental disorders or developmental deficiencies that reduce the capacity for planning and deliberation, and that prevent the psychological organization of sequential actions, greatly reduce the potential for suicide.” Suicides, on the whole, therefore, are rationally planned
In the Maris’ study (1981) of suicides in Chicago from 1966 through 1968, a conclusion deduced is as follows: There is no question that depression was important in the research, but hopelessness seemed to have more significance than depression. Hawton (1986) said the following about adolescents who attempted suicides: “The main feelings that appear to precede attempts by adolescents are anger, feeling lonely or unwanted, and worries about the future. A sense of hopelessness is a major factor distinguishing depressed adolescents who make attempts from similar adolescents who do not.”
Which of the two, depression or hopelessness, has a greater importance in producing suicidal thoughts? This is important to know in the development of preventive intervention. A study by Rudd (1990) supports hopelessness as a major factor. However, lack of social cohesion, social disorganization, and socialization generally precede both depression and hopelessness. So, preventive intervention would need to first address the preceding factors. If this stage is successful, then there is no need to tackle hopelessness and depression.
The increased suicide rate in Guyana points to the need for effective prevention intervention based on an application of both sociological and psychological perspectives. Any half-baked approach will stagnate prevention intervention.
Balancing Act Revisited
First, I would like to express my appreciation for the numerous positive comments I received in response to my last column titled ‘Pain Management’, particularly those from medical professionals.
This week, I wish to return thematically to an issue I had previously addressed, possibly more than once, in this column – that of the need for greater objectivity in reporting on matters of national importance. I had previously made the point that there are certain issues which transcend partisan interests, which, by their very nature, demand objectivity in public discourse, something that very rarely happens here.
The following excerpt from the article captures the essentials of the report:
“Earlier this month, the World Economic Outlook, which presents the IMF’s analysis and projections of economic development, projected Guyana’s economy would grow by 2.604 percent in 2009 and by 3.448 percent in 2010. The Article IV report stated that despite external shocks and social pressures, macroeconomic stability was preserved in 2008, which the Fund attributed to the administration for actively implementing prudent fiscal and monetary policies. It is in this regard, the Directors commended the authorities’ commitment to further entrench macroeconomic stability, strengthen the financial system and implement structural reforms. According to the report, the direct spillovers from the global financial crisis on the banking system have been limited so far. It noted that the banks remain well capitalized and profitable, and the financial system is sound.”
In the current global economy, the phrase ‘the financial system is sound’ is wishful thinking for even some of the richest countries, a diagnosis that is for many months, or perhaps years, from becoming applicable to their situation. Such a definitive positive statement coming from one of the major international financial institutions is the exact sort of thing which not only demands highlighting, but also demands objectivity in when being highlighted. The persons who are responsible for managing the economic and financial affairs of the country must be complemented.
I could bet however that this report will be studiously avoided by those who have been the most vociferous critics of the present administration, particularly on economic policy. Only one of several normally critical columns, written by the pseudonymous Peeping Tom, shows any sort of critical fairness particularly with regard to matters of national importance.
Complementary to this is that not only will the acknowledgement of the positive be missing, but there is the likelihood that any attempt by the administration to present this information as illustrative of an overall positive image of Guyana on the international scene will be met with opposition by some who claim to represent the public. Contrast this with another country, Barbados being an excellent example, where there is bi-partisan recognition that a positive position on any economic or developmental index bodes well for the country as a whole, arguably even engendering a further rise. I am not a journalist by profession, and I am only involved in the media in an indirect, tangential way. However, I believe that there needs to be objectivity as well as balance.
Finally, with regard to the use of information of that nature being presented within the IMF report, I believe that – the non-objectivity of the garden variety political pundit aside – not enough is being done to make this information relevant to the public at large. The average man and woman in the street need to see the effective management of the economy as beneficial to them, having an impact for example on the fact that food prices have generally been decreasing over the past year. Also, the implications of this sort of positive diagnosis by the IMF have to be made clear to those in the business community, in order for them to feel at ease in investing in the local economy, the same applies to those willing to pump some foreign direct investment into Guyana. Economy growth, particularly in the information age, thrives on investor and consumer confidence, and is boosted particularly by the sort of glowing report Guyana has received.
The onus of the delivery of this information lies chiefly with those whose very policies resulted in the positive assessment, i.e., government. While there is no doubt an established machinery exists within the state media, perhaps a greater focus is necessary to break down the information presented even further, making the linkages between macro-economic prudence and bread and butter concerns. With regard to the lack of objectivity that seems endemic within the general, not just explicitly political, analysis in Guyana, this would be a way of closing the door on purely partisan assessments in that it forces the pundits to contend with the truth instead of simply omitting it at their convenience.
Finally, I would like to signal my satisfaction with the recent passage of several pieces of legislation within the National Assembly, most notably the legislation on drunk driving and the commitment to table legislation which seeks to ensure that Local Government elections are held this year.
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Get with the latest fad…
Fresh fruits on-the-go
Story and photos by Shirley Thomas
NO ONE knows for certain how the notion that an apple a day can help keep the doctor away came about.
But what we do know however is that this age-old adage, the veracity of which has been tested and tried, profoundly demonstrates the value of not only the proverbial ‘apple’, but the eating of fruits generally for a person’s health and wellbeing.
Today, as diseases of all kinds continue to wage an onslaught against the immune system, physicians’ calls for fruits and vegetables to constitute a greater portion of people’s diet continue to reverberate and make impact across the globe. And Guyanese, perhaps more health conscious than ever before, are heeding this call, and finding more innovative ways of ensuring this all-essential commodity is delivered to consumers in a timely and wholesome manner, and under the most hygienic of conditions.
Until recently, the common excuse offered by many adults for not eating as much fruit as they knew was necessary for them, was that peeling and coring fruits such as pineapples, melon, oranges, mangoes and papaw required too much time and effort, and so could not be done on the job. At home, they contended, their time was even in greater demand.
For this reason, canned fruits such as, pineapple chunks and slices, peaches, and pear continued to be imported and sold locally, though on a small scale.
But, with the innovative minds of ingenuous Guyanese entrepreneurs who have continued to display their mettle at ‘beating any crisis situation’, that situation has been revolutionized, and there’s now a new craze which makes incredibly easy, people’s access to the abundant supplies of vitamins, minerals and enzymes which fruits can best supply. And the vibe seems to be catching on here … remarkably well.
Where previously the bulk of fruits sold on the market or picked at home was consumed by children, increasingly, adults who certainly have need of these, are now going after them in a big way. And the benefits are amazing, since enzymes found in some fruits are known to protect persons against the ravages of ageing.
But as some fruit vendors were quick to explain, there are certain risks associated with the trade, particularly where spending power is concerned in light of the recent global economic meltdown. Also, with the intense heat brought on by changing weather patterns, spoilage tends to step in a bit earlier, so invariably, particularly in times of glut, they experience heavy losses when supplies are not marketed quickly enough.
Thus, they were forced to employ new marketing techniques -- finding more innovative and efficient ways of making their products not just more appealing, but more affordable as well.
Enter necessity, mother of invention
It was this situation that eventually gave rise to the introduction of a thriving and pace-setting niche market, first introduced by Abdool Rahamaan Jabbar, proprietor of a leading fruit stand located at the junction of Church and East Streets here in the city.
Touted as the ‘Rahamaan Rainbow Fruit Cocktail’, it’s literally a nutritious, delicious and wholesome “peeled and prepackaged” treat for fruit lovers who do not have the time to prepare them themselves.
About a year ago, even as vendors continued to rack their brains for fresh ideas in an attempt to beat the marketing problems they faced, it was double trouble for Rahamaan, whom the Municipality had just ordered to remove his fruit stand from where it was located on the very spot it now occupies.
With business down for almost a week, he counted his losses and nervously awaited the outcome of an injunction he’d filed against Council, restraining them from tearing down his stand. Rahamaan recalled that his huge stock of fruits eventually began perishing, and something needed to be done real fast to save what was left of it.
“Yes! I had to find a way of making the product… appeal to shoppers so I could get them off my hand quickly, and at the same time not lose my customers,” Rahamaan recounted.
And so, he came up with the idea of implementing and delivering a ‘fruit bowl’ service in which he would offer fresh and healthy fruits in a manner that was different … wholesome, palatable, attractively displayed and immediately ready to be eaten.
Visibly proud of what he’s been able to achieve and the fact that other city entrepreneurs are seriously thinking about taking a page out of his book, Rahamaan said: “I call it the Rahamaan’s rainbow fruit cocktail because of the variety of colours in which it can come…. It’s delicious, nutritious, and prepared under strict hygienic conditions, which, for us at Rahamaan’s, is a must.”
“We offer a wide range of fruits, and our packages could either contain one type of fruit, or a variety, depending on the needs of the customer,” he added. The fruit-bowls are going fast, and motorists and pedestrians alike turn up in large numbers to get in on either single fruit preparations or rainbow-fruit cocktails, which are available throughout the day, and at affordable prices.
Rahamaan said that within the first few days of introducing the service, he found that the product had begun taking the market well, and that people were “literally grabbing them up” for they had found them to be convenient for use at school and work; by patients in hospitals; and even for munching while reading or watching TV, or by motorists in lines waiting for the traffic lights to change.
And so, without even realizing it, Rahamaan had just filled a vital niche market, particularly for those persons who would complain of not getting the time to peel and core fruits while at work and at their patients’ bedside.
Some benefits of eating fruits
For whatever it might be worth to the entrepreneur, the benefits of eating fruits, in terms of nutritional value, cannot be overemphasized, and generous supplies in our daily diet is encouraged by all means. Here are some of the benefits:
They offer an abundant supply of good vitamins, minerals and enzymes required for proper functioning of the body, and have the added advantage of being able to be used without being cooked.
They are also an excellent source of natural fibre and come in two forms – soluble, as well as insoluble fibre, which has a role in reducing cholesterol in the body.
Soluble fibres make you feel full and keep you feeling satisfied for a good while and are recommended for children at school.
Tales from way back when…
(A look at some of the stories that made the news ‘back-in-the-day’ with Clifford Stanley)
Flu hits doctors, nurses, ward maids at PHG
THIRTY ward maids at the Georgetown Hospital are now stricken with flu.
The big question being asked is: Who will care the sick?
Right now, seven doctors and forty nurses with the epidemic are still on the sick list.
During the past 72 hours, over 500 victims sought medical aid at the Georgetown Hospital.
Late yesterday, a medical official said that the situation had worsened considerably. Figures have shown a marked rise.
He said that the epidemic is still more or less restricted to the City, as only a few cases were reported from the country.
“Tests are still being taken, and will be sent away to find out the nature of the virus,” he added.
He warned that patients should remain in their beds for about two or three days. They should not go to hospitals as the disease is likely to spread and they might develop complications.
(Guiana Graphic: June 4, 1959)
Band to play ‘Romeo and Juliet’
THE operatic selection, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, will highlight this afternoon’s Police Band performance on the Sea Wall, beginning at five.
The Band will also be playing in the Botanical Gardens tomorrow from 5 to 6pm.
(Guiana Graphic: May 16, 1959)
He resented his mother’s friend
EMANUEL Alphonso, a landed proprietor of Manila, East Coast Demerara was friendly with Chatterpalia.
Because of that friendship, he gave gifts of cows and horses to her son and sons-in-law.
Alphonso paid frequent visits to her home at Mahaicony, and even remained overnight, sleeping in the kitchen and sometimes in a shed alongside the house.
But Chatterpalia’s son, Ghansham, 25, resented the relationship between her and Alphonso.
On June 24, he reported the loss of cows and invited Alphonso to Mahaicony to help him locate them.
Alphonso accepted.
On June 29, Alphonso traveled to Mahaicony and visited Chatterpalia.
While there, according to the evidence, Ghansham, Naipaul, 29, and Judisthir, 22 (sons-in-law) gave him a severe beating with sticks.
He spent several days in hospital.
Yesterday, a jury at the Demerara Assizes found them guilty of wounding with intent but recommended mercy.
They were each given nine months.
(Guiana Graphic: May 23, 1959)
Invitation to rice millers
All rice millers are cordially invited to a demonstration of the remarkable Grantex Paddy Dryer, Type 06A, on Sunday May 24 at 1pm at Sans Souci Wakenaam by courtesy of Mr Ramjohn. Arrangements have been made for guests to assemble at the Demerara Ferry at 8am and to cross to Vreed-en-Hoop, where a special train will convey them to Parika. A launch will be waiting for the crossing to Wakenaam. The special train will leave Parika at 5:20pm, and guests should be back in Georgetown by 7pm.
(Guiana Graphic: May 17, 1959)
He goes to jail for two razor blades
A MAN found with two razor blades was sent to prison for six weeks by Magistrate Arthur Chung on a charge of being armed with an offensive weapon.
“With your record of thirty previous convictions, you should never be found with weapons,” the Magistrate told Randolph Toussaint of Georgetown.
Toussaint pleaded guilty to having the blades, but said he had them to shave.
He alleged that the police, because of his record, were hounding him down whenever they met him.
“They always calling out at me,” Toussaint complained to Mr Chung. “I want to know if all these things can be fair.”
He was picked up, too, in Longden Street for disorderly behavior.
Toussaint was fined fifteen dollars on one of the disorderly charges, and reprimanded on the other.
(Guiana Graphic: May 24, 1959)
Fined $26 for stealing pen and pencil
ISAAC Pedro was destitute and homeless when Leon Thompson, a City salesman, met him in January last year.
Thompson offered him the shelter of his home, but Pedro repaid this kindness by stealing his benefactor’s pen and pencil.
That was the story told a Magistrate when Pedro appeared before him yesterday morning, charged with larceny.
Over a year, the police and Thompson have been looking for Pedro, for, after he was accused of stealing the pen and pencil, he disappeared.
Sunday afternoon ,last week, Thompson was at the car park when he saw Pedro. He promptly held him and took him to the police.
Because of the passage of time, Pedro had to be charged indictably to give the Magistrate jurisdiction to deal with the case. But the prosecutor, Inspector Creavalle, made an application for a summary trial, and Pedro pleaded guilty.
He was fined $26.
(Guiana Graphic: May 26, 1959)
Flu kills six
-Schools may have to close
AT LEAST six are known to have died so far from the influenza epidemic. And a country-wide survey is now being carried out by the Department of Education to determine the extent to which schools are affected.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Director of Education (the Director, Mr GHR Clough is “down with the flu”) yesterday when asked to comment on the present situation.
He said: “The Department’s Field Officers are out working, and we are awaiting their reports.
When asked if there was the possibility of schools having to be closed, he replied: “Until reports are received, nothing significant can be done.”
In a survey made by the Graphic, head teachers suggested that schools should be closed for about two weeks, as many teachers and pupils were ill and there was danger of the disease spreading.
Sister Joseph of Main Street RC School said that eight teachers and 386 pupils were absent yesterday.
She believes that if schools had been closed since last week, the epidemic might have been held in check.
(Guiana Graphic: June 9, 1959)
Do give him a daily lift
THE BG branch of the British Red Cross Society is appealing to the public on behalf of Mr Robert Young of Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara who is blind.
Mr Young has been working with the Institute for the Blind three days a week, and the Red Cross has been responsible for getting him there and back.
He can now obtain daily employment at the Institute, and the Red Cross is appealing to anyone who travels in that vicinity daily in a car, to give him a lift and enable him to earn a living.
(Guiana Graphic: May 30, 1959)
Flu from outer space
By the Walking Man
Suzie darling I am sick
Do send for the doctor
Quick! Quick! Quick!
Doc, it seems I have the
FLU
But gee, Doc, you are stricken too.
Four dozen hankies I have
used
And my poor nose I’ve
abused.
After pouncing down on
us in haste
It must have come from
outer space.
(Guiana Graphic: June 8, 1959)
Flu victim buried
THE COFFIN bearing the body of 33-year-old Eileen Gomes, believed to the first victim of the flu epidemic now raging in the country, was borne shoulder-high by porters and ward maids into the Georgetown Hospital compound yesterday.
This was part of the funeral procession for the young ward maid, who died half an hour after she was taken to the Hospital Thursday afternoon.
The uniformed attendants then trekked from the Hospital to Le Repentir Cemetery to witness the last rites.
Mrs Gomes was the mother of six children, the eldest being 13, and the youngest three years old.
(Guiana Graphic: June 8, 1959)
End of crop dance
THE Rose Hall Estate Junior Staff will hold an end of crop dance at the Clubroom today.
(Guiana Graphic: June 6, 1959)
Two more flu deaths
TWO more flu deaths have been reported. This brings the total since the outbreak of the epidemic to eight.
And while the disease continues to sweep the country, disrupting the staff of hospitals, business places, offices and schools, the Education Department has issued a release stating that “it is unnecessary to close schools during the outbreak.
(Guiana Graphic: June 11, 1959)
Unpaid teacher wins appeal against Chief Ed Officer
GRADE one teacher, Lucille Harry, who sued Chief Education Officer James Theophilus Thom for withholding 18 days pay due her while on sick leave, was told by a judge in Chambers she could not legally pursue the claim.
She appealed, resulting in the Full Court, comprising Justices Victor Crane, GAS Van Sertima and Dhan Jhappan, allowing it and remitting her application to the judge in Chambers with the intimation that he deals with it on its merits.
The respondent, Thom, was ordered to pay costs to the applicant, Harry
Evidence led disclosed that the appellant, who was a teacher employed by the Government of Guyana, applied to the Chief Education Officer for 18 days sick leave under Regulation 60 (3) (b) of the Education Code, Chapter 91 [G], which was granted, but without pay.
Having protested, but to no avail, she then took out an originating summons, naming Thom, in his individual capacity, as defendant, and seeking the determination of the question whether he, as the Chief Education Officer, or any other official of the Ministry of Education had power to withhold her salary for the period during which she was granted leave. By the summons, she also sought a declaration that she was entitled to salary for the aforementioned period.
The lower court judge, on submissions in limine, refused to entertain the application on the grounds that a declaration could not be properly made against the Chief Education Officer, in his individual capacity, when it came to matters pertaining to the Crown’s purse.
On appeal by the applicant, the Full Court held that: (i) no judgment can be entered against a Crown servant for any unauthorized act done by him in that capacity, though an action for damages may be maintained against him in his individual capacity; (ii) a question of construction of a regulation had arisen; and (iii) the question of the deprivation of a fundamental human right was involved in the withholding of salary.
In the circumstances, the appeal was allowed, and the matter remitted to “the court of the first instance,” the being the lower court, for a determination on the merits of the case.
During the hearing, the Full Court had referred to 17 cases.
Senior Counsel, Mr Hugh Desmond Hoyte, had appeared for the appellant (Ms Harry), while Mr Doodnauth Singh, SC, represented the respondent, Thom.
According to Justice Crane, who delivered the judgment of the Full Court, “The appellant took out an originating summons under O. 432, Regulation 2, claiming to be entitled to a legal right, depending upon a question of construction of the Education Code, Chapter 91 [G] – particularly r. 60 of the said code. Her summons sought the determination of the following questions, the first two of which are referred to in the ruling under appeal as the first and second questions:
“(1) Whether the Chief Education or other official of the Ministry of Education has power to withhold the plaintiff’s salary under the said code, or otherwise, for the period June 28, 1964, to July 15, 1964, after she had applied for leave under Reg. 60 (3) (b) and the said leave had been granted under regulation 60 (3) (e) of the said code.
(2) A declaration that the plaintiff is entitled to her salary for the abovementioned period.
(3) Costs.”
Noting that on August 4, 1966, a judge had made an Order in Chambers dismissing the plaintiff’s application with costs, Justice Crane said: “He did soon a preliminary point. Lucille Harry now appeals against that order, on the following grounds:
“ (1) The learned Chief Justice erred in law when he held that it would be unconstitutional for the Court to grant the declaration sought by the plaintiff (appellant).
(2) The learned Chief Justice erred in law and exercised his discretion on a wrong principle in refusing to construe Regulation 60 of the Education Code, and to make the consequential declaration.”
Continuing his judgment, Justice Crane said: “In her affidavit in support of the originating summons, Lucille Harry affirms her status as a Grade I teacher attached to St Aloysius Roman Catholic School, New Amsterdam, Berbice; also that she was, in July 1964, in the same capacity, attached to the New Market Anglican School at No. 64 Village, Corentyne, at a salary of $210.00 per month. She was unwell, she says, and so applied in June 1964 to the Chief Education Officer that she be granted sick leave for the period June 28 to July 15, 1964, in accordance with Regulation 60 (3) (b) of the Education Code, at the same time submitting the necessary medical certificate along with her application.
“This was approved for the required period, but without pay, for, on receiving salary for August, 1964, she observed that 18 days’ pay, representing the period of sick leave granted her, had been deducted.
“A protest to the Chief Education Officer achieved nothing, save a letter to the effect that the latter was abiding by his previous decision to grant sick leave without pay.”
Noting that it was in these circumstances that Harry sought legal advice, which culminated in the summons, Justice Crane continued with his summation, saying: “The rubric shows that the respondent, James Theophilus Thom, is proceeded against in a personal capacity. In his reply to Harry’s affidavit, Thom declares he is the Chief Education Officer attached to the Ministry of Education and Race Relations.
“But while his reply substantially admits the facts in Harry’s affidavit, including the fact that eighteen days’ sick leave had been granted her, somehow illogically and inconsistently, it would appear, goes on to allege that he had been informed and verily believes that the plaintiff absented herself from school from June 29, 1964 , ie, the day after her sick leave commenced without authority or without assigning any reason, though he believes she attended the In-Service Teacher Training Programme at the Skeldon Centre.
“As has been stated, the merits of the application were not explored, and the matter fell in limine on a two-point submission by counsel for the defendant/respondent.”
This being the case, Justice said in conclusion: “It is our respectful opinion that the learned judge misdirected himself in his approach to the matter when he refused Lucille Harry a hearing of her summons on its merits for the reasons he has given.
“It is our considered opinion that the deduction of eighteen days’ pay is prima facie unconstitutional unless made under due process of law. By an improper exercise of his discretion under the aforesaid regulation the Chief Education Officer could well render the deduction unconstitutional. It is precisely the exercise of that discretion that Harry is seeking a ruling on.
“It is our considered opinion that this appeal must be allowed. This application must be remitted to a judge in chambers with the intimation that he deals with it on the merits. The respondent will bear the costs of this appeal, fit for counsel.”
It’s my write
(The winning entries from the Chronicle’s Short Story Competition for Children)
OVER the next nine weeks, beginning today, we will be featuring, in a column titled It’s my Write, one of the nine winning entries in the Chronicle Short Story Competition for kids 12 and under, which ran from February 12 to March 15 and had as its theme, ‘Tell Me A Story Too’.
The contest, which attracted some 54 entries and was adjudicated by county, saw Essequibo and Demerara pretty much dominating the scene, with Parmeshrie Devi Ramprasad of Wakenaam on the Essequibo River, and Michael Phang of Subryanville right here in the city taking the coveted first prize.
The ‘Cinderella County’, as Essequibo is sometimes called, also had another winner in young Sanjay Singh of Windsor Castle on the Essequibo Coast, who placed second, a position he shared with Demerara’s Sasha King of suburban South Ruimveldt Park.
Third place saw a tie between Demerarians Quilena Stuart of Clonbrook, a village some 18 miles from the city on the East Coast Demerara, and Cristal Claire DeFreitas of Vreed-en-Hoop in the opposite direction on the West Coast Demerara.
Demerarians also swept the two consolation prizes, which went to Felika Woolford of Golden Grove , East Coast Demerara, and Louis Nelson of Amelia’s Ward in Linden in the Upper Demerara River area.
The lone Berbician on winners row was Yutesh Dyal of Port Mourant, on the Corentyne Coast who copped the prize for being the youngest entrant, for which he received a dictionary cum thesaurus and school accessories.
With the exception of Woolford and Nelson, all the others winners were given bicycles as their main prize.
The whole purpose to the exercise was to raise awareness among the younger set on the thorny issue of HIV/AIDS by finding out what were their thoughts on the subject through the art of short-story writing.
To make it as exciting as possible as well as challenging, it was agreed to get them off to a fine start with the help of a teaser which read:
“It was early morning. Andrew woke up from a good night’s sleep to the smell of food and the sound of children talking excitedly about the things that they would do on their first day back at school. Though he could only hear them, he knew that they were happy about returning to school and sharing their adventures with their friends. But Andrew was very sad.”
The rest was left to their imagination.
The following is Parmeshrie Devi Ramprasad’s interpretation of how such a story should end.
IT WAS early morning.
Andrew woke up from a good night’s sleep to the smell of foods and the sound of children talking excitedly about the things that they would do on their first day back at school. Though he could only hear them, he knew that they were happy about returning to school and sharing their adventures with their friends. But Andrew was very sad. His brother, Paul, was very sick with HIV.
Andrew knew that HIV/AIDS was a very dangerous virus and he also knew what happened to people who had it. He was very afraid that one day he might lose his brother and that they would never be able to do the things that they used to do because he won’t be around.
Although Paul was much older than Andrew they did a lot of things together because they were very close. He remembered when Paul taught him how to swim and they also had a secret swimming hole that nobody else knew about (except the two of them).
Whenever he had a problem he always knew that he can count on Paul to help him, but soon Paul might not be around. He has no idea what that would be like because Paul was always there with him.
Andrew slowly went downstairs for breakfast and he saw his brother sitting at the kitchen table having his breakfast and all he felt like doing was to hug him and never let go but all he did was give him a hug and said morning and a silent prayer in his heart for his loving brother.
DON’T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
Fathers Day Nominee
KNOW someone between the ages of 20 – 35 who deserves to be called ‘Father of the Year’? Then drop us a line at the Chronicle telling us who the lucky fella is, his age, and why you think he’s deserving of such an accolade.
Our ‘snail-mail’ address is: The Guyana Chronicle, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, while our e-address is: lindford2004@yahoo.com
Looking forward to hearing from you. Remember, Fathers Day is Sunday June 21, so you need to get in touch with us by Monday June 15 the latest.
The HIV/AIDS mailbox…
Drug adherence, proper nutrition key to managing HIV
I HAVE a relative who is HIV-infected, and as a result, I have been trying to learn as much as possible about caring for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS.
Recently, I was visiting a hospital ward and was deeply saddened at the way a young man was treating his brother who was hospitalized because he did not want to eat the food he was trying to feed him. The brother, I admit, appeared to be doing everything he could to bring comfort and relief to him, but the patient just wouldn’t eat, and so the young man eventually ‘blew his top’. At that stage, I politely intervened and spoke to them both, and managed to get the ‘caregiver’ one to calm down, but the patient, in response, took a few sips of the soup he was being fed and signalled that he did not want anymore.
For the benefit of other caregivers who might be experiencing the same problem, would you advise on how to deal with such a situation?
Rita
Dear Rita,
I appreciate your concern, and am happy that you raised the issue. Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) have special nutritional needs which must be met in order to delay the disease’s progression in their bodies, and cause them to enjoy an improved quality of life. Particularly for those persons on antiretroviral treatment (taking anti-HIV medication), they can ill-afford not to eat as instructed by their doctors or clinicians.
Let me begin by reminding all of the importance of ‘ADHERENCE’ to persons taking anti-HIV medication. Unless they can adhere to these instructions, it would perhaps be better not to begin taking the medication in the first place, or it will be doing the user more harm than good.
The term ‘adherence’ means taking the drugs exactly as prescribed by your doctor or clinician, and these include:
taking all your medication at the right time – consistently, as prescribed ensuring regular, adequate and nutritious dietary intake ensuring there are no interruptions to taking the medication ensuring the person has access to adequate supplies of medication, so as not to run out of supplies before being able to get back to his/her doctor ensuring there no interactions with other drugs being taken, or through the use of alcohol, coffee, high-acid foods, or certain herbal treatments.
If the treatment instructions are not followed to the letter, it is quite likely that the drugs will not be absorbed properly in the body, leading to serious short and long-term consequences. These include an increase in viral load (the amount of the virus present in the blood), and the risk of developing ‘drug resistance’.
Insufficient dietary intake leads to malabsorption, diarrhea, altered metabolism and nutrient storage. It also causes increased oxidative stress and immune suppression. In fact, for those persons on HIV medication, it is to be noted that some drugs are required to be taken after eating a meal, and not on an empty stomach, or the patient will suffer adverse side effects.
Failure to take one’s meals as advised by the doctors can result in lean body mass (wasting away); increased HIV replication (rapid multiplying of the virus, caused by malabsorption of the drug); hastened disease progression and, eventual, morbidity. Invariably, wasting is preceded by changes in appetite or reduction in food intake, repeated infections, and weight fluctuations.
That said, it should be noted that there are genuine reasons why PLHIVs sometimes do not want to, or cannot eat the food being given them, hence reduction in food intake. It is not necessarily that they are being difficult or unappreciative.
Some reasons include:
- painful sores in the mouth, pharynx and aesophagus
- fatigue, depression or changes in mental state
- side effects from the medication, such as: nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
The best approach to take in attempting to get such persons to eat if they are having trouble doing so is, first of all, to win their confidence and engage in friendly dialogue with them, during which time you‘ll outline to him/her the importance of eating the way they should, stressing that if they don’t, that there would be dire consequences. Let them know you care about them, and want to see them look and feel better, particularly if they are on anti-HIV treatment.
The most pleasant and reassuring thought in the scheme of things is that the primary goal of antiretroviral therapy (using anti-HIV medication) is “to keep viral numbers in the blood as low as possible, through maximal suppression of viral replication,” while restoring and preserving the function of the immune system, and that is something that has already worked for literally millions of People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
For those PLHIVs who play their part by adhering to the drug regimen and eating the way they should, managing HIV becomes much easier, putting it on par with managing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, scientists say.
Meanwhile, keep reading the HIV/AIDS Mailbox and send your letters to www.waronhiv@yahoo.com or mail them to us @:
Guyana Chronicle HIV/AIDS Mailbox
Lama Avenue
Bel Air Park, Georgetown
Preserving Our Literary Heritage
Post-Independence Literature
By Petamber Persaud
Grace Nichols
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TO GAIN a fuller appreciation of Guyanese Literature after Independence, it would be useful to bear in mind that our literature was hitched in a close relationship over a long period to the British literary tradition.
This is not a censure against such a fine literary tradition that continues to entertain, educate and influence us in many ways, a tradition that allowed us a foothold in world literature and continues to sustain some of our more accomplished and recognised writers like Wilson Harris, David Dabydeen, John Agard, Grace Nichols, Jan Lo Shinebourne, and Pauline Melville, just to name a few.
Coming out of that British literary tradition was Edgar Mittelholzer, the father of the Guyanese novel. When Mittelholzer died in 1965, he had to his name 23 novels published over a short span of time; between 1941 when his first novel, CORENTYNE THUNDER, and 1965 when his last novel, THE JILKINGTON DRAMA, was posthumously published, it has gone down as a record that he published at least one book a year.
Apprenticeship period
Writing by Guyanese during the colonial times was useful apprenticeship -- learning the basics (according to Western view), preparing writers to handle universal themes and themes foreign to their own concern, preparing writers to reach various audiences, local and foreign, and generally helping to hone the skills of our writers.
That pervading colonial influence lost some ground with the rise of Guyanese intellectualism and birth of political awareness, both movements feeding off each other, sometimes betrothing each other to produce defining literature.
And the imaginative writers at that time were treating those new impulses of self-discovery, identity and social revolt, and the quest for freedom, self-respect and self-rule with a passion. So, a Guyanese literature really started in the 1930s and 1940s, and was consolidated and validated throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Poems (of resistance, of succession, and of affinity) by Martin Carter encapsulate that shift more than the work of any other writer of that time. Poems of pride in people, place and country from the pens of A J Seymour, Wilson Harris, Ivan VanSertima and of others formed part of the equation of giving validity to a Guyanese identity and sovereignty.
There can be no doubt that after Independence, there was a marked increase in publications by Guyanese writers, both established and emerging, from both at home here and in the Diaspora.
Self-publishing
Self-publishing was a notable feature at that time. Sheik Sadeek was a pioneer in this field, printing his own numerous works and the material of other writers. And throughout the Post-Independence period, writers continued to pay to publish their own work, individually or through organisations like the Roraima Publishers (now defunct), Red Thread and the Association of Guyanese Writers and Artists (AGWA).
John Agard
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Other enabling features could be found in writing workshops sponsored by the National History and Arts Council. That council also encouraged the flourishing of ideas by offering competitions, and affording writers a chance to be published in its journal, KAIE. That journal was responsible for launching the career of many writers who have gone on to international recognition.
The commendable work of KAIE in marketing our writers was ably supported by other literary periodicals like NEW WORLD, DAWN, HERITAGE, PLEXUS, EXPRESSION and THE GUYANA ANNUAL. String those periodicals together and what you may find is that they have kept the flame of our literature alive, in good and bad times, with each succeeding generation of writers benefiting from our recorded literary heritage, and building on it in no uncertain manner.
A recent and welcomed addition to our journals is the Arts Journal, offering critical perspective to our literature.
THE GUYANA ANNUAL magazine deserves special mention, mainly because it has outlived all the other periodicals. It is currently the only avenue offering writers, especially emerging writers, a chance to hone their skill. It is currently the only platform encouraging writers by publishing their work; it is a boon for a writer to see his or her name in print.
The magazine is currently offering eight literary competitions, namely: ‘Open Short Story’ and ‘Open Poetry’; ‘Youth Short Story’ and ‘Youth Poetry’; ‘The Martin Carter Essay Prize’; ‘The Egbert Martin Poetry Prize’; ‘The Rajkumari Singh Writing Poetry for Children Prize’; and ‘The Henry Josiah Writing Story for Children Prize’.
Streamlining
In due course, the liberation of the imagination in our writers was harnessed and streamlined with the formation of organisations like the PEN - Guyana Writers Group, the Annandale Group of Writers, the Pavement Group, and the Messenger Group.
The Culture Corp of the Guyana National Service also played a role in producing writers imbued with political and nationalistic fervour; much of what was published did not stand the test of time. Mahadai Das was perhaps the Service’s best known poetess. At the time of her death in 2003, she was the most prolific resident poetess with three volumes of poetry. ‘They Came in Ships’, her most performed piece, eventually gravitated to the title of an imposing and invaluable anthology of writings by Guyanese of Indian descent.
As time went by, the convergence of writers, through those organisations, extended the debate/discussion on current issues to include a wide cross section of society for whom the writers were supplying new words/phrases to address new experiences.
New experiences of this era included restricted press freedom and political paramountcy, racial division and the quest for harmony, class discrimination, ethnic closures, questionable elections and estrangement which were dealt with by writers like Jan Shinebourne, Sasenarine Persaud, Harischandra Khemraj, Grace Nichols, Roy Heath and Narmala Shewcharan, among others.
The indigenous voice was supplying new nuances to mainstream literature as it became ‘A Merry Indian No More’. See the encroachment of the forest, its beauty and its destruction, in the poetry of David Campbell, Basil Rodrigues and Edwina Melville.
Defining moments
A glorious manifestation of this Post-Independence period was the emergence of women writing, enriching the literary landscape from a different perspective as women were able to ‘tease out the truth’ in many instances. Our women writers also grabbed world attention. In poetry, Grace Nichols won the Commonwealth Prize in fiction; Pauline Melville the Whitbread Prize; and Karen King-Aribisala the Commonwealth Prize. In drama, Paloma Mohamed took the National Drama Association Caribbean Award.
The Guyana Prize for Literature, initiated by the late Desmond Hoyte in 1987, was another defining moment in our literary heritage. The aim of this crucial project was “to provide a focus for the recognition of the creative writing of Guyanese at home and abroad [and to] stimulate interest in, and provide encouragement for, the development of good creative writing among Guyanese…”
Academics from around the world, as far away as India, have and are continuing to do dissertations on our literature, namely on the work of Martin Carter, Wilson Harris, Jan Carew, Edgar Mittelholzer, David Dabydeen, Cyril Dabydeen, and Sasenarine Persaud, among others. And I am sure that in the near future, local resident academics will take such pride in our literature and do us proud.
Now more than ever, it is imperative to have the scholarship alongside the creative literature. We must not diminish the import of literary criticism.
Four decades in the life of a nation’s literature is not a very long time, but we have achieved much, far too much to do justice to in this short paper.
And when we string these bits and pieces together, we would find, without a doubt, that we have indeed produced a solid core of writing that we can proudly call Guyanese Literature.
Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com
What’s happening:
Call for papers on ‘The Art of Edgar Mittelholzer’
Look out for the production commencement date of the next issue of The Guyana Annual
Look out for the launch of Yog Mahadeo’s collection of inspirational stories, ‘A Garland of Pearls’.
American Film Classics (Part XVII)
By Terence Roberts
‘HATARI!’ Paramount Pictures. 1962. Directed by Howard Hawks. Starring: John Wayne, Elsa Martinelli, Red Buttons, and Harry Kruger. Cinemascope. Colour.
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CONTINUING the focus on films which, by their content and style, offer degrees of relevance and much-needed positive influence on Guyanese society, past and present, we come to ‘HATARI!’, a Hollywood film made entirely in Tanganyika (today’s Tanzania), East Africa, and mainly about a group of white Americans and Europeans who capture various African wild animals for international zoos.
‘HATARI!’ is one of a select group of classic Hollywood films made by profoundly individualistic and creative film directors (usually called ‘auteurs’) like John Ford, John Huston, Richard Brooks, Sydney Pollack, Howard Hawks, and a few others. Such films would be ‘MOGAMBO’, ‘WATUSI’, ‘THE ROOTS OF HEAVEN’, ‘THE NAKED PREY’, ‘OUT OF AFRICA’, ‘ BEYOND MOMBASA’, ‘SOMETHING OF VALUE’, ‘SAFARI’, and ‘HATARI!’.
Of course, there is a difference between these films and those made today by Africa’s brilliant modern filmmakers like Gaston Kabore, Osumane Sambene, Diop Mambety, Souleymane Cisse, Flora Gomes, Desiree Ecare, Leonce Ngabo, Cheick Sissako, and Idrissa Quedraogo, from Mali, Ivory Coast, Angola, Cameroon, Burkima Faso, and Senegal. The difference is that these leading African filmmakers are all aware that the African continent contains mostly an ancient original culture, not one created by centuries of massive historical transferal and immigration of others, such as the Americas, and even Europe today.
Distinctive features
The distinct interest and beauty of such high-quality African films made by Africans is that they focus on themselves, their continent, their history, their lifestyles past and present, their problems as a race distributed within separate territories, without having to refer much to other races and other cultures from other countries.
But the relevance of ‘HATARI!’ and those other classic Hollywood films mentioned above to Guyana is that such films come closer to the overall reality of life HERE (and to some extent life in many evolving African countries today) by presenting the co-existence of foreigners, multi-racial environments, Western customs and native customs and economic partnerships between them all upon a tropical non-European landscape. For example, ‘HATARI!’ is mostly about six men and two women, comprised of two white Americans, a Native American Indian, a German, a Spaniard, a Frenchman, and two European women (one an Italian), and about half a dozen African men, who work together capturing, photographing, and taking care of wild animals in a rural compound before sending them to zoos around the world.
What is important to us as viewers is how they get along, how they find social cohesion despite inevitable personal reactions among themselves. The absence of political, religious, and cultural self-assertions among them is not a weakness in the film, but a constant stylistic trait of director Howard Hawks, who often focused on the elementary, basic or essential human activities which we need to cultivate productively and enjoy, before arguing over secondary social systems which govern human life.
To therefore regard ‘HATARI!’ as a mere Western or European ‘imperialistic’ film without valuable social relevance to Guyana, because it does not singularly concern our race or our nationality, is to deny or ignore the civilised creation of modern culture, which is rooted in cosmopolitan education and equality.
The films of Howard Hawks, one of Hollywood’s greatest film directors, are subtle and complex lessons in cultural evolution, and ‘HATARI!’, one of his final films, pleasantly proves this. It is a film about contrasts, which speaks truthfully about modern life; modern culture today which exists side-by-side with ancient lifestyles and customs that every race and ethnic group inherit from their past.
Stylistic trait
The film’s first scene opens with contrasts which will define this stylistic trait as basic to the film. No name, no title appears, only John Wayne, in one of his most relaxed and beautiful roles, is seen standing among Africans in a battered pick-up truck, staring through a pair of binoculars at the beautiful, wild African landscape at a herd of rhinos. Neither binoculars nor truck are antique cultural objects, yet they have transformed the world for everyone. Soon, we begin to see the contrast between age-old natural speed and modern mechanical speed when the vehicle races beside the wild animals in order to capture one or two. The Africans who ride in the truck are a cool skillful lot, humane and caring with animals; they are also a modernised labour force contrasted with other preserved antique African tribal people also shown in the film.
Hawks is so brilliant he shows the contrast and difference between an individual human quality misinterpreted as an ethnic group-culture quality when the Italian photographer, played with total conviction by Elsa Martinelli, takes care of a baby elephant, and a nearby African tribe is so impressed they initiate her into their tribe by colouring her black, dressing her like them, and making her dance their dance among other things.
The episode is full of significance and humour because Wayne and the crew knew this would occur but did not tell her, as a prank; Martinelli’s exasperation at what occurs to her expresses her shock that an INDIVIDUAL quality could be reinterpreted as a collective ethnic cultural value. A later scene, however, shows how an ethnic cultural value can become a modern cultural expression when the other European girl, who is being courted by the two German and French crew members, dances to a rhythmic African instrumental recording while her two lovers play African bongos to the music.
Modernity is born when the expressions of two or more separate time periods smoothly become one cultural form; as when western visual artists like Kandinsky, Picasso, Braque, Henry Moore, Gabo, and Hundertwasser became influenced by antique African and pre-Columbian art, or when South American visual artists like Torres-Garcia, Tamayo, Lam, Matta, Obregon and Camargo became influenced by their continent’s past primitive and pre-Columbian art. In both cases, the result is not European art, but modern, and even post-modern, art.
Relevance
Films like ‘HATARI!’ remain relevant to Guyana because they set tolerant examples of human behaviour within similar tropical environments of outdoor adventure. No African, white American, native American, European or Oriental is seriously antagonistic or violent to each other in this film. Humans are not the same as wild animals, and Hawks opens the film profoundly by showing a dangerous large black rhino who resists capture slashing the thigh of a crew member with its horn; it is only then that the film’s title ‘HATARI!’, which probably means danger, or help, is slapped across the screen, and the famous beautiful ‘modern’ instrumental theme tune by Henry Mancini begins. Hawks implies that even wild animals have a right to remain free in their wilderness, and people should not behave or treat others like wild animals, as in an African slave roundup.
The film draws a line between the human identity and that of wild animals, and this line becomes a civilized human value to maintain.
Along with the beautiful instrumental tunes are the light outdoor and cool tropical fashions worn by the European women stars, and Wayne, adding to the film’s modern attractiveness. When Martinelli, a frustrated chain-smoking Italian photographer with a crush on Wayne, is late one morning for a chase and comes running out of her room barefooted, clad only in a shirt and black panties, holding in one hand her trousers and boots, both of which she begins to pull on in the speeding jeep beside the amazed jeep driver, Red Buttons as ‘Pockets’ (because of the big-pocket safari pants he wears, which became a fashion trend started by this film), the scene shows that special natural touch of Hawks as film director.
About six decades ago, a change began within all those Guyanese who recognised that modern culture is education in human relations, rather than acceptance of stagnant racial and ethnic inheritances. A shift occurred from culture as inherited customs, to culture as created by an accumulation and recognition of various individual works of art by individual artists.
Food, dance pageants, and religious festivals were examples of those ethnic inheritances we preserved, but truly modern Guyanese believed in no absolute or eternal ethnic cultural inheritances. Modern Guyanese culture became something new that was being made, something excitingly civilized being born within ourselves by the absorption of individual works of art whose identity is not predetermined by racial, ethnic, religious, political or even national inheritances, but by the explored civilized conscience within such artists’ works.
Howard Hawks is such an individual artist, and ‘HATARI!’ is such an exemplary classic individual film.
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Treat ‘quacks’ like a plague
Avoid using their services
By Dr Bertrand Stuart, DDS
THE FIRST clear symptom of an infection of an upper tooth is a sense of fullness in the affected sinus, extending in a line from the ear to the nose. Pressing the skin over this area may be painful. As the infection progresses, a foul-smelling discharge erupts through the nose. Pain and fever may be mild during the initial infection. If the infection is not recognised and treated immediately, the sinus membrane may be eventually destroyed. The infection can also extend toward the base of the brain and ultimately cause death. If the patient survives, severe sinus headaches and neuralgias may recur for the rest of his or her life.
Such was the situation of a young man in his late twenties who had a deeply impacted upper wisdom tooth removed by a ‘quack’. He had been referred for the extraction of the opposite tooth, a partially erupted right wisdom tooth that was bothering him. Since the third molars on the upper and lower left sides were impacted, ‘the quack’ decided to remove them as well, even though they were causing no problems. The upper left molar was lying against the sinus wall, reason enough to leave it alone because of the high risk of sinus involvement. But remember, ‘quacks’ have no medical knowledge, nor were they trained.
The day following the surgery, the patient complained of pain on the left side, including swelling between his ear and nose. The ‘quack’ provided a strong narcotic painkiller, but yet the pain persisted. More painkillers were given. The patient reported having a bad taste in his mouth, fever and chills. A few days later, he was examined by the man, who decided he had a dry socket in the lower left molar extraction site. For the next three weeks, ‘the quack’ treated the socket, completely ignoring the patient’s persistent complaints of pain and swelling below the left eye and along the cheekbone, of a foul-smelling nasal discharge, and of high fever and general malaise. He continued to treat the lower socket and refused the patient’s request for an antibiotic.
The patient went to his general dentist who examined him, decided on a treatment plan and advised him (the patient) to initiate legal proceedings against ‘the quack’. However, it is unclear why, but the patient returned to ‘the quack’. Nearly a month after the extractions, the patient was on his way home from the ‘quack’s’ office after having been told the socket was healed and no further treatment was required. While on the highway, he began to feel extremely dizzy and disoriented, and insisted that his wife drive him to the hospital. The emergency room physician ordered a head X-ray, which revealed that the left sinus was completely filled with pus. Emergency surgery saved his life.
This was only the beginning of a series of surgeries to heal the sinus. The facial nerves and sinus membrane were permanently damaged. Years afterwards, he continues to experience frequent severe and debilitating sinus headaches and paroxysms of shooting pains in his head and jaws. He will likely be afflicted for the rest of his life.
It is perplexing why, even in Georgetown and its environs, people continue to seek dental assistance from ‘quacks’. Obviously, the patient did not seek legal redress, because he (the patient) would have been charged for being an accomplice, since he was aware the person who attended to him was not qualified to do so. Once a person does not have a clearly visible signboard outside his practice stating ‘Doctor’ in front of his name, and DDS or MDS (Doctor or Master of Dental Surgery) behind, you know that person is a ‘quack’.
Another damage that ‘quacks’ often cause is paresthesia. It is one of the most unpleasant post-surgical consequences, and manifests itself as numbness of the lip, chin, cheek, or tongue, on the side of the extraction. Paresthesia is possible with any extraction, but is common in the lower jaw following the removal of a wisdom tooth by an inexperienced person. It is like having a lower anesthetic injection that never wears off, or wears off only partially, so that the lip and chin and tongue remain numb, or continue to tingle. In addition to constantly drooling and accidentally biting a numb lip or tongue, the patient experiences a diminution in the lip’s sensory function, which is so important in speech and in kissing.
Paresthesia is caused by injury to the nerve, usually after the mandibular or lower jaw nerve is affected, but the lingual nerve of the tongue may also be affected as well. The risk is small, following a simple, non-traumatic extraction. It is the greatest when the extraction is difficult, and the roots of the tooth are close to the canal in the lower jaw, which houses the mandibular nerve.
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LOVE DILEMMAS (Week II)
By Sherry Bollers-Dixon
Are my dreams telling me the future
I OFTEN dream about things that later come true. For example, I’ll dream about arguing with a family member or friend, and the next day, we’ll get into an argument. Or I’ll dream about what someone will say, and the next day, that person says the exact same thing.
Lately, I’ve dreamt that my finance is going to leave me. I don’t want this dream to be prophetic. Please help, because I’m so confused about what it means for my future.
Ms A Robertson, Wortmanville
Perhaps you’re psychically open and receive psychic messages every day, or a simpler explanation is that you could be just tapping into your intuition. But being stressed during your waking hours means you won’t hear these messages until you’re relaxed or asleep. Once you trust your intuitive feelings, you won’t need to receive them exclusively in your dreams. As my grandmother used to say: ‘Don’t see things in daylight and tek candle to look for them at night.’
Your dream about your fiancé is really more of a warning than a prophecy. Your unconscious mind is picking up on his fears as well as your own. You should face these fears head-on with your fiancé, and discuss your feelings about your relationship, future marriage and life in general. Getting worries out in the open may help you both find practical solutions.
Crazy with worry
MY HUSBAND had an affair four years ago. I caught him red-handed with this woman, coming out of a hotel. At the time, I had three kids and he begged me not to leave, so I did not. He said it will never happen again, and I began trusting him again. But my problem is, I can't seem to get this out of my head, and when I can’t take it any more, I lash out at the kids. I am so depressed, and I don't know what to do. Whenever he is out too long, I am always wondering if he is with this woman, and it’s driving me crazy. I need your help, PLEASE.
Tara Ramharak
The discovery of an affair will attack you with shock, anger and numbness. No matter what way you choose to react, your surroundings will look the same afterwards, because you have not yet started coping with what has transpired, even after four years.
I am sure this affair caught you off-guard, and you never thought this would happen to you. It’s OK to react the way you are doing at the moment, apart from taking the anger out on the children. But be careful not to take your anger out on the children, as this breakdown has nothing to do with them.
Of course you should allow your emotions to flow! Holding your feelings in will only make you feel worse and cause a tremendous amount of stress, both physically and mentally. By expressing yourself to your partner, you can start thinking more slowly and rationally. I know you have been examining your relationship, wondering where it went wrong, and if it was ever as wonderful as you claimed it to be. I also know that you have a chain of questions which has not yet been answered.
It will be always be difficult for you to blindly trust your partner again, but you must make an effort, as well as your partner. Your trust will strengthen as time goes by, and through the convincing actions of your husband. You cannot put your partner on a leash and monitor him 24 hours a day, and you shouldn't want to. Do not expect things to magically improve, because you will be disappointed. Rebuilding the trust, passion and strength in your relationship will take a reasonable amount of time, and could even require counseling if you feel you cannot make it on your own.
Rebuilding your self-esteem will help you forgive the affair as well. Being betrayed can do great damage to the way you feel about, and look at, yourself. You may feel less attractive physically, and not worthy enough, both mentally and spiritually. Get in touch with yourself and terminate your insecurities by finding ways to replenish the perspective you have on your being. Continue to tell yourself that an affair does not change the wonderful person you are, and you are just as beautiful, desirable, intelligent and respectable as ever.
To avoid getting pulled back into the past, set your mind and heart on creating new memories together. Exploring new happiness will help your relationship mend and move on greatly. Go on dates, get romantic and become better friends than before! Make a permanent note in your mind that nobody is perfect, but everyone deserves forgiveness for their mistakes.
What I will say to you is that time is a great healer. Once your emotions have been expressed and sorted out, it is important to remember not to give the affair more power over your life than it deserves, even though for the time being, it feels like the end of the world. The fact of the matter is, it is not the end of the world, but something has changed your world and the way you look at it, which is understandable. Know that your partner's affair has nothing to do with his or her love for you, nor does it make you a failure in relationships. What the affair does tell you, though, is that there are essential issues that need to be addressed, and if you want to work at your marriage, then you have to acknowledge and work at these issues. It is normal to be angry and unable to calmly discuss this with your partner, so let him know that (without getting violent or throwing him out, of course). Let him know that you are deeply hurt and angry that they chose an affair as a way to deal with the issues in your relationship, and that you are not ready to talk about it just yet. Make an effort to be strong, and avoid the unnecessary painful thoughts that will in no way make you feel better or get your relationship back on track. You know what goes on when two people are intimate, so save yourself the details you already know and spare yourself the hurt.
I still have baggage
MY LAST boyfriend cheated on me, and now I am petrified my new man will do the same. I think he is getting fed-up with me because I keep on asking him where he is and who his friends are. The other day, he said he was going to the pub with his friends and I made an excuse to go there to see if he really was where he said he was going to be. He looked surprised and maybe he is annoyed, but has not said anything to me. I love him but I am afraid of the same thing happening again.
Ashanti, West Coast Berbice
Past relationship problems belong just there -- in the past. Sit down with a close friend and tell them your fears, to get some un-biased advice. Then talk to your partner and let him know your thoughts, without letting him think you’re hung up on your ‘ex’. Reassure him you’re addressing the issue because you want it to work this time. So you want to know who he’s out with, not because you’re a bunny-boiler, but because you’ve been stung in the past. It’ll hopefully mean he makes the effort to stay in touch more, until your trust issues are restored.
Depressed or playing up
SINCE I moved in with my boyfriend six months ago, our relationship has gradually been breaking down. At first it was all fun and laughter, but now he seems so unhappy. We never discuss our feelings with one another; we rarely have sex; and he seems increasingly unhappy. I’ve tried talking to him but he becomes more withdrawn and won’t admit to the fact that our relationship is going to come to an end if things don’t change. I don’t understand what’s happened, as everything seemed so perfect before we moved in together -- we always went out with friends, and now, all we do is stay in and watch TV. If he isn’t willing to make the effort to make this work, should I simply accept it’s over or should I keep on trying to work things out?
Simone
Your boyfriend is displaying all the symptoms of a clinically depressed person. Your letter describes all the classic symptoms of depression: Anti-social behaviour, flat libido, withdrawal from loved ones, extreme lethargy, and unwillingness to talk. Encourage him to go and see his GP who should be able to give him a good idea if depressive illness is the cause of his recent stultifying behaviour.
If depression is found to be the cause of his miserable countenance, therapy and/or medication should be able to put him back on a happier and more loving path. If, on the other hand, your boyfriend turns out not to have depression, then I’m afraid his gloomy, uncommunicative, unloving behaviour makes him guilty of common or garden short-sightedness and idiocy. He’s taking you and the relationship for granted, and this is something you must not accept. I urge you to make one final effort to reach out to him. Let him know that a positive response is not only desired this time, but required. You can’t knit this relationship together single-handedly. Working things out is a two-person job. So if your boyfriend’s refusal to enter into discussion continues, you’ll be left with no choice but to take radical action. You’ll have to leave, not necessarily the relationship, but the house you’re sharing. If this doesn’t jolt him into action, then I’m afraid nothing will.
Kinky past
I HAVE experimented sexually before, but now the thought of it embarrasses me. I’ve slept with women because my partner asked me to do that just for him. I don’t want to do it again, but what if he does? Should I tell him that I experimented? Because I am afraid he might judge me.
Anon
Think about the implication of telling a new partner. If it’s something you regret doing and are not planning on repeating, it may be better to keep quiet. Many men feel threatened by their partner’ sexual history, especially if it involves experiences you aren’t willing to relive. You’re within your rights to keep things to yourself. But if your new partner wants to experiment and you definitely don’t, being upfront about your past might help him understand your reluctance. Explain how it made you feel and say ‘I don’t want to ruin our relationship by doing something I’ll regret.’ If he cares about you, he won’t push the subject.
Maybe you’re bisexual and have had a few female partners, or maybe it was just a one-off fling. Either way, you’re scared it’ll put him off. Homosexual experiences don’t have much shock value these days, so if you’re worried about a bad reaction, what does that say about him? People feel they need to share everything with someone they love. But if you’re telling him in order to unburden yourself, reconsider. Keeping quiet isn’t being secretive; it’s a legitimate boundary. But if you do decide to tell him about this – or anything from your past – be prepared for questions. He’s bound to be curious and want reassurance that you only have eyes for him now.
Too many questions
I HAVE now found the man I want to settle down and spend the rest of my life with. I have moments I have waved goodbye to, but my new partner keeps on asking me questions about my past. Recently, he asked me how many boyfriends I have had before him and I have ignored his question every time. Should I reveal this information to him, as I do want to start off with a clean slate?
Jasmine, Alexander Village
We all have moments we’d rather forget, but there are some sexual misdemeanors that haunt us. Women worry about being judged, so they can find it hard to talk about their sexual history with a new partner. Most women dread the ‘how many’ question, so you are not on your own. Honesty is not always the best policy. Obviously, you have a duty to protect your new man from possible STIs, but if you have been tested and cleared, don’t feel you have to reveal anything you’re not comfortable with. The number of partners you’ve slept with is no one else’s business. People who ask questions like this just want to know that they are special, so tell him that however many men there have been in the past, there’s only one you are interested in now!
Sherry Dixon is Managing Direction of Women on the Crossroads CIC, Consultant Editor of Pride Magazine, Lecturer and an Empowerment Speaker based in the UK. Send your emails to relationships@sherrydixon.net
www.sherrydixon.net
www.womenonthecrossroads.com
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Same Old Song
A FEW years ago, I put together and headed a special team at work, consisting of myself, a close female friend, and a male. We became a close team, just by personality and the nature of our work. He was single when we began working together, and private in his personal affairs. When he married, I recall our being surprised. I also recall noticeable stress as they adjusted to one another.
He and I continued to come together as friends, and more. It was quite some time before we became lovers. I remember all the subtleties that developed as two people became closer. These were the dynamics of a man and a woman staking a claim and becoming more inclusive.
A year later, emotional intimacy began to surface, and we openly talked about feelings and desires. We acted on our feelings, and headstrong went into an affair lasting the following year. It was difficult balancing the pull to be near each other with the burden of guilt and secrecy.
When it came out in the open at work, we reorganised the team and moved forward. We still continued to see each other until recently. I was out on training for some time, and that was a good opportunity for me to break away.
When I returned, I learnt they’d purchased a house together. Prior to this purchase, there was no house and no kids. Honestly, looking back, it was not that I thought I had the better relationship, or was competing for his love.
It was the many small indicators that they had no marriage. There wasn’t gossip, just messages picked up if one were paying attention. I have broken away now, and it is a most painful process. I will spend the next year overseas for work.
We have never had that final conversation, the one that brings closure, or at least allows each person to rid themselves of some guilt and shame. I know life moves forward, and we end up in different places. But I feel we are so unresolved now, that we will resurface somewhere down the road.
Yvonne
Yvonne,
When Wayne was growing up, he spent much of his time fishing, hiking, and camping. One of his friends sometimes brought a banjo, and after dinner, around the fire, he would play and sing.
Wayne’s favourite was ‘The Big Rock Candy Mountain’, a hobo ballad. The Big Rock Candy Mountains are a tramp’s paradise, where the sun shines every day on the birds and the bees and the cigarette trees. Alcohol trickles through the rocks, the hens lay soft-boiled eggs, and the hobos banished the jerk who invented work.
There must be a lost verse to that song, the verse about closure, because the only place where you are likely to find closure is the Big Rock Candy Mountains. This world does not work in terms of closure. We are born in the middle of things, and we leave in the middle of things.
In this life, the only closure we normally get is the closure which occurs within ourselves. You want to believe nuance over a public ceremony and a binding legal contract. You want to believe rumor over the gold band on his wife’s hand.
That’s more than self-serving; it’s self-deceiving. With you, he didn’t mention his engagement, wedding, or house plans. What would have happened to his chances for an affair if he had? His percentages would have dropped, wouldn’t they?
You don’t want closure but for this relationship to continue, because if it doesn’t, then he was just having sex with you. If you want one rule to follow in life, it’s this. Stop listening to what people say and start looking at what they do.
Who is this guy? A man who commits adultery on his new bride; just another bum in the Big Rock Candy Mountains.
Tamara
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Power-lifters do Guyana proud
By Marlon Munroe
Guyana’s power men! The victorious trio of power-lifters addressed media operatives yesterday at the Tropical View Hotel after they returned from USVI. From left are: Mervyn Moses, Randolph Morgan, ‘Big’ John Edwards and president of GAPF Peter Green. (Sonell Nelson photo |
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SEASONED campaigner ‘Big’ John Edwards, debutant gold medallist Randolph Morgan and ‘the much-touted world-class’ power-lifter Mervyn Moses stunned their competitors in the recently concluded Caribbean Islands Bench Press and Powerlifting Championship to return to Guyana as ‘the ones to beat’.
The competition, in its third year, was held in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Guyana’s only disappointment was Moses being disqualified because of an “equipment technicality” after enjoying an unassailable lead in the championship, according to Edwards who also acted in the capacity of national coach.
Edwards said that the world governing body International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) normally makes changes as it relates to equipment checks (belts, suits etc) and any alterations to the athletes suits.
He stated that the IPF did not explain in depth what ‘alterations’ included and therefore Guyana’s contingent misinterpreted the rule change.
Moses’ bench press suit, which is a specially made suit that costs over $37 000, was torn along the seam but when he mended it for competition the judges felt that it was altered to give him an advantage over his competitors. He said he was disappointed because he was ahead of his competitors when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Morgan, on the other hand, was ahead on points from the inception and went on to become the new Caribbean champion in the 82.5 kg class and the best lifter in the Male Open category with 519.67 kg. Edwards, who smashed his own record in the Masters ‘B’ Class with a new squat record of 337.5 kg, was adjudged the best Male Master lifter with a total of 484.35 kg to ensure Guyana a fourth place with 24 points.
Morgan stated: “This is the beginning of my professional career and I am grounded and you are going to see better things coming from me in the future.”
Guyana, who were beaten by Puerto Rico (69), British Virgin Islands (47) and USVI (46), would have been a far more potent force at the games had there been a larger contingent of athletes.
President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) and manager of the team, Peter Green, said that the local lifters are far more talented and seem to be on a higher level than their overseas counterparts.
He further stated that locals need the exposure and the intervention of corporate Guyana to bring more of our lifters to prominence. He made this point in the wake of Morgan becoming a gold medallist in his first outing and the performance by Moses, whom many pundits regarded as a world class lifter.
Green envisioned that Guyanese will give a better account of themselves next year because Guyana will be the host of the games.
He noted Guyana’s disadvantage came this year because only a three-man team participated. Nevertheless they managed to ‘create a stir’ at the championship.
Green said the Caribbean championship was a precursor to the North American Power-lifting Championship in Miami from August 3 to 8. He said that this championship will see a more extensive bunch of lifters and the local lifters will have a chance to once again prove that their performances were not a fluke.
He said that for Guyana to host the championships successfully the association will need $2.5 million for state-of-the-art equipment and other logistics.
Windies hope to shake off poor form for second ODI
BRISTOL, England (CMC) – Still searching for their first win on what has been a miserable tour, West Indies will hope to overcome their wretched form and escape the dreadful weather, when they clash with England in the second One-Day International today.
The tourists have been plagued by poor form and uncomfortably cold early-Spring temperatures and failed to win any of their tour matches, before being clean-swept in the subsequent two-Test series.
Their hopes of a quick rebound in the ODI series suffered another blow on Thursday when rain forced the opening match at Headingley to be abandoned.
West Indies, who started the tour with plenty confidence following their Test series win in the Caribbean earlier this year, now have just two matches in which to salvage an otherwise disappointing tour of England.
The effort will begin at Bristol, where the tourists will attempt to rid themselves of the dismal form that saw them beaten by 10 wickets inside three days in the Lord’s Test and by an innings and 83 runs at Chester-le-Street in the second Test last week.
Further, they will hope to avoid the typical May temperatures that have plunged into single digits at some points on tour, and brought with it dark, damp and wet conditions.
The forecast in England’s southwest is for sunshine and pleasant 18 degrees Celsius temperatures, conditions the Windies will hope to capitalise on as they chase a crucial win in the match.
“It was a headache waiting around at Headingley. But there will be sunshine tomorrow, and we are really looking forward to it,” an optimistic West Indies captain Chris Gayle said.
“Sitting around (at Headingley) was not what we wanted, and we are ready to get back to playing cricket.”
Gayle will also have the bugbear of history as they head into the crucial match. In their two previous games at Bristol, West Indies were beaten by Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup and then a year later by Zimbabwe.
The embattled Jamaican is hoping, however, that England turn in one of their well documented erratic one-day performances.
“On any given day, when England turn up, they can demolish any team,” Gayle pointed out.
“But at times, they can have a bit of a downfall in ODI cricket. It’s not their strength.
“We’re a good one-day team and we think we can beat any team we come across.”
The hosts have been further weakened by the absence of star batsman Kevin Pietersen who has been sidelined through injury.
It has left England without their two key ODI players, as inspirational fast bowling all-rounder Freddie Flintoff is still recovering from knee surgery.
Gayle said his side had been looking forward to doing battle with the hard-hitting middle order batsman.
“I always love playing against great cricketers like Kevin Pietersen,” Gayle said.
“He’s injured now, which is disappointing but I’m sure he’ll be back with a bang, maybe in the Ashes or the Twenty20.”
West Indies will travel to Birmingham for the final ODI of the series at Edgbaston on Tuesday.
Squads:
England (from): Andrew Strauss (captain), Ravi Bopara, Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson
West Indies (from): Chris Gayle (captain), Denesh Ramdin (vice-capt.), Lionel Baker, Sulieman Benn, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Runako Morton, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Sammy, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor.
Alpha, GDF continue unbeaten run in Cellink Plus Premier League
… double-header action set for tonight
By Michael DaSilva
DEFENDING champions Alpha United and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continued their unbeaten run in the Georgetown Football Association’s Cellink Plus Premier League with victories on Friday evening at the Tucville ground.
Alpha United defeated GFC by a 3-0 margin while GDF beat BK International Western Tigers 2-0.
For Alpha United, Philbert Moffatt opened the scoring in the 22nd minute to give his side a 1-0 lead which remained the same at the interval.
In the second period, the Bourda boys (GFC) defended stoutly and it was not until the 73rd minute that Alpha United’s nippy forward Quincy Madramootoo was able to slot home his team’s second goal.
Seven minutes later, national striker Dwight Peters made it 3-0.
In the feature match, Stellon David, last year’s highest goalscorer of the annual tournament netted for the soldiers in the 19th minute and on the stroke of the end of the first session, Devon Harris made it 2-0.
With the victories, Alpha United and GDF have progressed to 12 points each from four wins. However, Alpha have a better goal difference, making them the leaders in the points standing.
Alpha United’s three goals against GFC increase their tally of goals to 21 while conceding none.
GDF, on the other hand, had nine goals going into their game against Tigers, so their two goals take them to 11.
They too have not conceded any goals.
The leading goalscorer of the tournament to date is Alpha’s Shawn Bishop with six goals to his credit. Madramootoo has four so far while team mate Dwight Peters has three.
GDF’s Marlon Benjamin and Hubert Pedro and Pele’s Marvin Joseph also have three goals each.
Meanwhile, Premier League action will continue this evening at the Tucville ground with a double-header.
In the feature match, Pele tackle Sunburst Camptown from 20:00 h, while in the opening encounter which is scheduled for an 18:00 h start, Flamingo take on Fruta Conquerors.
Pele will be led by their captain Dirk Archer in the defence and he will be supported by Quincy Adams, Devon Edinboro, Solomon Austin, Troy Kellman, Travis Grant and Marvin Liverpool among others. Kevin April will perform duties between the uprights.
Camptown will be spearheaded by Orlando Gilgeous, Rishawn Sandiford, Telson McKennon, Kester Alleyne, Kris Comacho, and Troy Prescod among others with Richie Richards between the uprights.
In the opening game, Vennoy Cort, Leon Yaw, Roland Bell, Deon Alleyne and Leon Hescott will form the core of Flamingo’s attack, while responding for Fruta Conquerors will be Julyon Harry, Manasseh Primo, Devon Forde, Trevon Lychott, Deon Richards, Gerald Gritten, Lester Peters and Lumumba Hinds among others. Oswald Cornett will do duty in goal.
Khalil stuns Downes in GSA/Woodpecker Junior squash
FOURTEEN-year-old Jason Ray Khalil produced a stunning upset over number one ranked Under-19 player Oliver Downes on the fourth night of the Guyana Squash Association’s Woodpecker Products’ National Junior Championships, at the Georgetown Club courts.
In what is by far the biggest upset of this year’s tournament, an obviously over-confident Downes took the court thinking that he would just walk through his opponent, but the hungrier Khalil never gave in and even had match point at 10-8 in the third set.
Downes saved himself the humiliation of going down three straight but could not derail the onrushing Khalil as he brought the proceedings to its inevitable conclusion at 11-9 in the fifth set. At the end the scorecard read 11-5, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9.
This means that Khalil is now favoured to add the Under-19 national title to the Under-15 and Under-17 titles which he has virtually wrapped up already with today being the final day.
Downes has to hope that Khalil loses to Raphael deGroot today, if he is to have any chance of getting back into contention for the title.
Earlier in the night, Khalil defeated Kevin Rodrigues 11-0, 11-0, 11-1 in a Boys’ Under-15 fixture.
In full results from Friday night’s matches, Larissa Wiltshire defeated Taylor Fernandes 11-9, 11-2, 11-3 and Larissa’s sibling Akeila secured a walkover from Riasoya Jodah in the two Girls’ Under-13 matches.
In the Girls’ Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 combined categories, top Caribbean Under-17 player Kayla Jeffrey defeated Kristina Cheeks 11-2, 11-3, 11-1. Her sibling Keisha Jeffrey, after a tough first set against Caribbean Under-15 champion Mary Fung-A-Fat which she eventually won 12-10, blew away her opponent 11-1, 11-3 in the other two sets to earn a win.
In the Boys Under-11 and Under-12 combined category, Nyron Joseph added two more victories to his name and another in the Boys’ Under-15 and Under-17 combined categories making it nine wins to date in the tournament, by beating Matthew Phang 11-2, 11-2, 11-5 and Travis Whitehead 11-2, 11-1, 11-2 in the Under-11 and Under-13 combined age group and Nicolas Peters 11-2, 11-2, 11-3 in the Boys’ Under-15 category, while in the same Boys’ Under-11 and Under-13 age groups Alexander Cheeks defeated Immanuel Barker 11-5, 11-4, 11-7, Phang beat Barker 11-5, 11-1, 11-4 , Alec Melville defeated Whitehead 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5. Cheeks then beat Adesina Trim 11-3, 11-3, 11-2, defending national Under-11 champion Ben Mekdeci beat Trim 11-0, 11-0, 11-1 and Melville defeated Patrick Fraser 13-15, 11-8, 11-5, 10-12, 12-10.
In the Boys Under-15 and Under-17 combined categories, Steven Xavier defeated Rodrigues 11-5, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9 and Ryan DaSilva beat Daniel Persaud 11-5, 11-4, 11-6.
In the other boys’ Under-19 match played on Friday, Raphael deGroot defeated Nicholas Narain 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8.
MCY&S makes bid to develop boxing
Minister Anthony who is flanked by representatives of the various gyms and MCY&S staff displays the donated equipment. (Storme Moore photo) |
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ON Friday the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) bestowed upon five local gyms an assortment of boxing equipment in an attempt to preserve Guyana’s long standing esteem in the Caribbean boxing arena.
“We have a tradition of producing good boxers and we would like this to continue and we recognised that investment is needed” said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony who stated that the boxing gear is just an expression of the Ministry’s interest in boxing.
The Minister said that this donation came at an opportune time as the equipment will be of great assistance as there are a lot of upcoming competitions; he further elaborated that it is the intention of the Ministry to take boxing across Guyana.
According to Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle the five gyms namely Guyana Defence Force, The Harpy Eagles, Timehri Young Warriors, Pocket Rockets out of Berbice, and the Forgotten Youth Foundation approached the Ministry seeking assistance in the form of equipment and their request was granted.
It was also mentioned that the Ministry is in the process of setting up a resource centre that will provide boxers with the necessary insight to aid them on the road to the pinnacle of excellence in their craft.
It is believed that in order for them to achieve properness they need to sink beneath the superficial physical aspects of the sport; the resource center will contain educational mixed media in the form of instruction booklets and DVDs.
The gyms all expressed their immense joy and appreciation at receiving the equipment and it was pledged that the kind gesture will not go to waste “we will make full use of them and you will see results” they all vowed.
The donation consists of mouth guards, gloves, head gear, cups and shoes.
Bangalore defeat Chennai to clash with Deccan in IPL final today
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - The Bangalore Royal Challengers beat the Chennai Super Kings by six wickets at the Wanderers yesterday to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) final.
Chasing Chennai's total of 146 for five, Bangalore scored 149 for four with seven balls of their innings remaining and will now play the Deccan Chargers in the final today.
Bangalore's run chase had suffered a wobble as they were reduced to 22 for two before Manish Pandey and Rahul Dravid steadied the innings with a stand of 72 for the third wicket.
Pandey was bowled by left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati, in the 13th over, for 48 and then Dravid was trapped leg-before by off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for 44.
Ross Taylor (17 not out) and Virat Kohli (24 not out) then shared an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 39 off just 16 balls to see Bangalore into the final.
An opening stand of 61 between Parthiv Patel and Matthew Hayden had provided the platform for Chennai's total.
Patel scored a brisk 36 while the tournament's leading run-scorer Hayden contributed 26.
NSC Independence Table Tennis Tournament starts
PLAY in the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Independence Table Tennis Tournament began Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and standings at the end of the first day of competition are as follows.
In the 8 years and under boy’s Khalil Ninvalle won from a total of sixteen (16) entrants he defeated Amit Mookram in the final at 11-7,11-8,3-11and 11-6 (3-1)
Third place position went to Jeremey Singh he beat Timothy Chan at 11-8, 11-8, and 11-8 (3-0)
Quarter Finals
• Mookram defeated Zane Ramator at 11-6,10-12,and 11-4 (2-1)
• Singh beat Akeem Forester at 11-4,11-4 (2-0)
• Ninvalle beat Brandon Samoroo at 11-7,11-7 (2-0)
• Chan defeated Rekem Wright at 11-8,11-8 (2-0)
Semi Finals
• Mookram defeated Singh at 12-10.12-10,11-4 (3-0)
• Ninvalle defeated Chan at 11-3 ,11-3,11-3 (3-0)
A total of twenty (20) entries in the 10 years and under boys were divided into four (4) groups, in the final defending champion West Ruimveldt primary school student Elishaba Johnson defeated Kyle Edghill of Mae’s School at 11-1, 11-8, 11-8, (3-0) third place went to Rajiv Muneshwar he defeated Samuel Desir at 7-11,11-8,9-11,11-6,12-10 (3-2)
Quarter Finals
• Johnson defeated Yanic Fredricks at 11-2,11-2,11-2 (3-0)
• Muneshwar defeated Dexter DeAnju at 11-6,6-11,11-5,11-8 (3-1)
• Desir defeated Akeem Nestor at 11-9,5-11,11-4,11-7 (3-1)
• Edghill defeated Jamal Glasgow at 11-2,11-2,11-5 (3-0)
Semi Finals
• Johnson defeated Muneshwar at 11-5, 12-10,11-8 (3-0)
• Edghill defeated Desir at 11-3,11-7.11-3 (3-0)
In the girl’s category 10 years and under final Priscilla Greaves defeated Jamaali Homer at 112-10, 11-8.11-7 (3-0).
Modi plans second IPL tournament
COMISSIONER Lalit Modi is considering plans to stage two Indian Premier League (IPL)tournaments a year - one in India and another shorter one overseas.
The IPL was forced to move this year because of security concerns in India.
But the event in South Africa has been so well received that Modi is exploring the possibility of taking the game into untapped markets across the globe.
"The IPL will be based in India but a second season will help us see if a market exists elsewhere too," he said.
"The potential is huge. We have turned the challenges and adversities in moving to South Africa into an opportunity. It is fans who determine if you are successful or not and they have come out in force here.
"It has shown that the tournament can be in any region, in any country. This opens up many different opportunities for us."
The USA, where the ICC has advised cricket officials to install an IPL-style Twenty20 league, is one of the countries Modi is considering as a potential host.
"America throws up challenges but the format we have developed works. That will work anywhere," the IPL commissioner told the Daily Telegraph.
Modi also revealed he could yet take the tournament to England after they were overlooked in favour of South Africa to stage this year's event.
"Before this tournament we did not know if we could do it," Modi added. "But we do know now. We have to satisfy an appetite across the world and build a fan base across the world.
"We will talk to the England and Wales Cricket Board, and South Africa are natural allies who want us to come back every year.
"The public and the boards want us but it is not realistic to come back to the same place every year."
The rise of Twenty20 is set to continue with the launch of tournaments in England, and another event involving players from Australia, New Zealand and South Afric
French Open tennis…
Queen of Paris Ivanovic starts with Kings of Leon
By Julien Pretot
PARIS, France (Reuters) - Ana Ivanovic will start her French Open title defence against Italian Sara Errani today inspired by American rock band Kings of Leon.
The eighth-seeded Serb will open on Centre Court on an action-packed first day with British third seed Andy Murray, former world number one Marat Safin and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco also on the programme.
Last year, Ivanovic listened to Pink's "Cuz I can" and she said she was tempted to do so again today.
"I thought of Pink again this year, but it will definitely be Kings of Leon," Ivanovic told reporters yesterday.
"I like to come to a tournament with a specific playlist that I can listen to before going on the court. I like five or 10 minutes just for myself."
The 21-year-old, returning after a knee injury, has won only two matches on clay this season.
Errani, the world number 44, has won three encounters on the red dust although no top player is among her conquests.
Murray, who has dramatically improved on the slow surface this season, meets Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela on the Suzanne Lenglen court.
Murray reached the semi-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters last month and the quarter-finals at the Madrid Masters last week.
FORMER NUMBER ONES
"I know I have to play well if I want to go deep into the tournament. (On grass and hard courts) I can come through matches when I'm not necessarily playing my best, whereas on clay I feel like I have to play tough tennis from the start and play some of my best to win all the matches," the Briton told a news conference on Friday.
Safin, seeded 20th, will take on world number 146, Alexandre Sidorenko of France, when he starts his last French Open before retiring at the end of the year.
Australian Lleyton Hewitt faces big-serving Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, seeded 26th.
The French crowd will be pleased to see world number seven Gilles Simon against American Wayne Odesnik and former world number one Amelie Mauresmo in a tricky first round match against Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld.
World number one Rafael Nadal of Spain is expected to start his bid for a fifth consecutive title against Brazilian qualifier Marcos Daniel while Swiss second seed Roger Federer should play on Tuesday against Spaniard Alberto Martin.
Dinara Safina, the world number one, will play Britain's Anne Keothavong tomorrow.
Button on pole for today’s Monaco Grand Prix
… World champion Hamilton crashes in first session
By Alan Baldwin
MONACO, (Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Jenson Button put himself on pole position for a fifth win in six races after a manic Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session yesterday.
Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion whose Ferrari team are threatening to walk away at the end of the season in an impasse over the 2010 rules, joined the Briton on the front row in a sign of the Italian team's resurgence after a dismal start to the year.
Button's Brazilian Brawn GP team mate Rubens Barrichello qualified third on his 37th birthday with Red Bull's German Sebastian Vettel alongside.
Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa starts fifth with Germany's Nico Rosberg next to him in a Williams.
"Today was a really tough fight," said Button of a seventh career pole position secured with a flying lap right at the end of qualifying.
"It was manic, as it always is in Monaco, It's good to have come away with the pole, I was right on the edge," added the Monaco resident, favourite for victory on a street circuit notoriously difficult for overtaking.
"I think Jenson is getting into the habit of saving the best for last," team boss Ross Brawn told BBC television. "He knew that was the lap where he had to produce and he's just driving exceptionally well at the moment."
HAMILTON NIGHTMARE
While one Briton celebrated, another had a nightmare afternoon.
Defending champion Lewis Hamilton effectively wrecked his chances of winning for the second year in a row when he smashed his McLaren into the barriers after just 11 minutes.
The 24-year-old lost the back end of the car on the entrance to the Mirabeau hairpin and hit the tyre wall in the first part of qualifying.
With debris on the track, the session was halted briefly while Hamilton, who qualified 16th, made his way back to the garages.
"Going for a race win is for sure over," Hamilton told the BBC. "I just don't know what I was thinking, I made a mistake. It's a shame because the weekend had been going so well. I want to apologise to the team for wasting their time."
Toyota, still chasing their first win, were also licking their wounds after Germany's Timo Glock and Italian Jarno Trulli filled the back row.
However, Force India were on a high after breaking into the second qualifying phase for the first time this season with Giancarlo Fisichella qualifying 13th and Adrian Sutil 15th.
ECB rejects Stanford-style offers
THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has rejected three offers for England to play in Stanford-style one-off matches.
ECB chief Giles Clarke admitted he was staggered by the level of interest in trying to organise something similar to last year's controversial $20M match.
The origin of the offers has not been revealed, although it is understood at least one came from the Middle East.
The Stanford Superstars XI beat England by 10 wickets when they met in Antigua last November.
The Stanford Super Series, set up and financed by American financier Sir Allen Stanford, was dogged by controversy the whole way through.
Kevin Pietersen, England captain at the time, admitted he "wanted the week to end" during the Twenty20-format tournament, and even the UK government joined in, with Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Andy Burnham describing it as "hollow" and saying he watched it "with a sense of unease".
The six-game series also featured English domestic Twenty20 Cup winners Middlesex as well as Trinidad and Tobago, winners of the Stanford-funded West Indies regional Twenty20 tournament.
It culminated in the $20M match - with the 11 winning players pocketing $1M each. A further $1M was shared between the four remaining squad members, $1M between the winners' backroom staff, while the ECB and West Indies Cricket Board were due to receive $3.5M each.
Initially the ECB said it was committed to the future of the series, having struck a deal with Stanford to play five $20M matches and additional Twenty20 tournaments in England.
But in February 2009 it severed all ties with Stanford after he was accused of an $8B (£5.6B) investment fraud in the US.
He has been issued with civil proceedings by the US financial regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and vigorously denies allegations of financial wrongdoing, but has yet to be charged with a criminal offence. (BBC Sport)
LeBron makes buzzer-beater as Cavaliers stun Magic
… Magic come back from 23-point deficit
CLEVELAND, Ohio (Reuters) - LeBron James made a buzzer-beating three-pointer as time expired to rescue the Cleveland Cavaliers in a thrilling 96-95 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday.
With one second remaining and his team down two points, James caught an inbounds pass and drilled a 25-footer over the flailing arms of Hedo Turkoglu to tie the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final series at 1-1.
"We just couldn't afford to go down 0-2 in this series going back to Orlando," James, who shot a game-high 35 points, told reporters.
"Rashard (Lewis) hit a game-winner in Game One and I matched him with one in Game Two. It was a great shot. Wow."
Turkoglu had put the Magic up 95-93 when he hit a pull-up jump shot with a second left that appeared to give Orlando the shock victory before James's late intervention.
"(James) was trying to go to the lob, I jumped in front and he stepped back and hit a great shot, man," said Turkoglu, who finished with 21 points.
"You can't do anything about that. This one really hurts -- you think you have the game turned around and he hits a shot."
For the second consecutive game, Cleveland lost a big lead and Orlando made a heart-breaking shot down the stretch but this time the Cavaliers got the final say.
Lewis, who made the game-winner with 14.7 seconds left in Game One, had 23 points for the Magic, who came back from a 23-point deficit midway the second quarter.
Orlando pulled to within 12 points at the half and six heading into the final quarter, where they made a 9-0 run to tie the game at 82-82 with 6:54 remaining.
The Magic will try to regroup for Game Three today in Orlando.
"It's crushing enough to lose, but when you feel like you're the guy who could have done something about it, it is even harder," said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. "I should have defended (the final play) differently."
Mo Williams had 19 points for the Cavaliers despite 7-for-21 shooting, while Delonte West and Zydrunas Ilgauskas grabbed 12 points apiece.
After James scored a career playoff-high 49 points in the Game One loss, Cleveland got a more balanced effort on Friday but it was still the league's MVP who carried the day.
Gloucestershire defend Clark signing
GLOUCESTERSHIRE chief executive Tom Richardson has defended his county's attempts to provide Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark with pre-Ashes practice.
The 33-year-old is scheduled to play two LV County Championship matches next month if he can hurry through a visa.
"We want to be able to compete and if we didn't do it, someone else would," said Richardson.
Kent's signing of Clark sparked a furore in March, with England national selector Geoff Miller among those critical of counties allowing Ashes opponents experience of English conditions.
That move was scuppered by Clark's surprise call-up to Australia's one-day squad, after recovering from elbow surgery, but Phillip Hughes has reaped the rewards of a stint with Middlesex to strengthen the ill feeling towards Australians playing here.
However, Richardson argued a precedent had been set by Middlesex.
"We are in a situation where it is not a level playing field - either no-one comes over or it is a free-for-all," Richardson said.
"In the final analysis, we want to do the best we possibly can. That is what county cricket is all about, isn't it?
"It is about getting the right fit at the right time, it's about availability; there aren't that many people available out there for the period of time we want someone for. There are a whole host of reasons why you end up going for a particular cricketer.
"From our point of view we obviously want to win things, we want to bring someone in who creates an impact at the right time of the season.
"The precedent has already been set with Phil Hughes and Middlesex.”
Higuain overlooked again by Argentina coach Maradona
By Brian Homewood
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain was again overlooked by Argentina coach Diego Maradona on Friday despite scoring 20 goals this season in Primera Liga.
Higuain, who has not been given an opportunity since Maradona took charge last October, was missing from the 26-man squad named for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Ecuador.
Argentina host Colombia on June 6 in Buenos Aires and visit Ecuador four days later at high altitude in Quito.
Maradona, who was not available to comment on his selections, retained the base of the side which was thrashed 6-1 by Bolivia at high altitude in April.
Quito is also at high altitude and Maradona is expected to field an alternative team for that match.
Argentina are fourth in the 10-team South American group with 19 points from 12 games, only two ahead of fifth-placed Uruguay.
Only the top four teams qualify directly for the World Cup in South Africa. The fifth will play off against a team from CONCACAF for another place.
Argentina, who beat Panama 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday when they fielded only home-based players, have a difficult run-in with visits to Paraguay and Uruguay and a home game against Brazil still to come.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Juan Pablo Carrizo (Lazio), Mariano Andujar (Estudiantes), Federico Vilar (Atlante)
Defenders: Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Emiliano Papa (Velez Sarsfield), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan), Daniel Diaz (Getafe), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Juan Forlin (Boca Juniors)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United), Sebastian Battaglia (Boca Juniors), Cristian Gimenez (Pachuca), Daniel Montenegro (Independiente)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Lisandro Lopez (Porto), Diego Milito (Genoa), Gonzalo Bergessio (San Lorenzo).
F1 teams edge closer to crisis conclusion
By Alan Baldwin
MONACO, (Reuters) - Formula One teams are making headway but still have some fundamental differences to resolve with the governing body in an impasse over the 2010 rules, team principals said yesterday.
The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) met again at the Monaco Grand Prix after three hours of talks with International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley on Friday. Further meetings were scheduled for today.
The crisis has been hanging over the sport for weeks, with champions Ferrari and some other manufacturers threatening to walk away at the end of the year if the rules are not rewritten.
The FIA wants to introduce an optional 40 million pound budget cap, with those accepting it granted greater technical freedom. Ferrari say that would lead to a two-tier championship that is unacceptable. They want a gradual reduction in costs instead.
The teams have been set a May 29 deadline to sign up for the championship, with some would-be new teams already registering their interest.
"I think there's a general acceptance that Formula One should be played out to one set of regulations, but there are a lot of other issues," McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh told reporters.
"There were some constructive parts of the meeting yesterday, but not everything is agreed.
"There is a lot of pressure on all sides," he added. "We can't spend months negotiating and coming to a conclusion. We need to do it pretty damn quickly.
"But there are still some fundamental differences as to how we ensure a sustainable way forward for Formula One. We've just got to make sure by working together we can resolve those."
Whitmarsh said there was a determination to keep all 10 current teams and warned that it was easy for individual egos to get in the way of a solution.
"A lot has been said in the run-up to the meetings, which probably doesn't help because it only causes people to be entrenched in their position," he said.
"I think we all have a responsibility, those of us who are involved in the sport, to find a positive way forward."
Brawn GP owner Ross Brawn said progress had been made at every meeting.
"There are agreements amongst the teams and agreements with the FIA, so I think my view is that there is progress and if we keep working in a constructive way then we will eventually reach a solution," he said.
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