Guyana’s suicide rate highest in Caribbean
Bandits grab millions after raiding NA businesses
The C&K Drug Store was one of the business places raided early Sunday morning, by bandits who carted off millions in cash and items
wo business places located in the heart of New Amsterdam were the targets of bandits early Sunday morning as millions of dollars in articles were stolen during separate raids.
C&K Drug Store situated two lots from the town’s Municipal Market is one of the town’s popular the pharmacies. The burglars wrenched off one of the store’s doors to gain entry before carting off an undisclosed sum of money and other valuables. The other business targeted was Furniture World, which is located along Main Street New Amsterdam.
According to Janette Ikel, manager of Furniture World, she was informed of the burglary by a group of young men who were taking their birds out for an early morning walk. “About five O’clock them come on their bicycles and tell me that they notice that the store door open.” She explained that the young men were curious since they saw no locks on the door and thought it was too early for persons to be in the store.
Guyana’s suicide rate highest in Caribbean
– first lady sees bigger role for families, communities
BY NAFEEZA YAHYA
First Lady Deolatchmee
Ramotar said in order to prevent suicide, families and communities need to take an active part from the moment they realise a person is entertaining the idea of suicide through their actions and utterances.
She noted that, worldwide, one million people die each year and the issue threatens every community and society. She stated that Guyana has the highest suicide rate in the Caribbean
by students and teachers of various secondary schools, members of the public and religious leaders, who, at the end of the seminar, committed to taking steps to reduce the risk of suicide.
The first lady, in her address, called on parents to encourage communication in the home.
In preventing this human disaster, religious bodies can work to stop suicide by enhancing many of the activities that are already central to their nature. They have a strong influence on the life of others.
Ministry to set up anti-suicidal groups at schools.
This call was echoed by all representatives of the Christian and Muslim communities.
They already foster a culture that is life preserving by providing social support to the community; they compassionately help people navigate the struggles of life and find a sense of hope, meaning, purpose and happiness.
However, in Guyana,
Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster urged persons to reach out and help if they see someone is struggling. She contended that it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent suicide, and appealed to frustrated persons to think before they act.
According to reports, in Guyana, about 40 per cent
and South America; however, cases vary from community to community. However, the incidence of suicide is tied mostly to Indo-Guyanese communities.
Romance
Ramotar was at the time addressing participants at the “Let’s Talk Initiative” on suicide prevention and spirituality hosted by the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc, in collaboration with the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, the Region Six Education Department, faith-based organisations, the Region Six Regional Democratic Council, the business community, and the New Amsterdam Hospital, among others.
The event was held at the Corentyne Comprehensive High School, Port Mourant, Berbice and was attended
She said the relationship between parents and children should be such that there is confidence that any issue can be raised with each other, no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable the issues are.
“To this end, we must inculcate the virtues of being tolerant and respectful to our children, not to feel helpless and unappreciated when we disagree with them,” Ramotar said.
“Many of times suicide is due to disagreements with parents because of a romantic relationship; however, suicide due to this is totally unnecessary, we need to advise our children, but also accept their choices.”
She added that older people in the community long ago assisted parents in giving advice, but it is not prevalent anymore.
“We need to go back to those times when our neighbours would be our keepers, they would advise you as often times they are the ones who observe the problems. The elders are the ones who can help us through our hardships.”
much more work is needed, and religious leaders should not only be confined to places of worship. “The religious bodies also need access to youth groups and religious associations, where not only they are discussions but interacting among youth, parents and everyone in the community,” the first lady said.
Faith
Kamal Dhanesar of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission said if people exercise faith in God, they would not commit suicide, noting that it is important that everyone prays and turns to the creator.
He also made a call for the opening of a meditation centre in Berbice, so that when persons are feeling down, they can meditate or do yoga to remove negativity of the mind. Dhanesar also challenged the Education
of persons who commit suicide or attempt to commit suicide do so through the consumption of pesticides. It is believed that the substances are easily accessi-
ble. Surinamese Ambassador to Guyana, Nisha KurbanBaboe, who was also present, said the sale of pesticides should be restricted.
The ambassador called on youths to shun the view that suicide is a solution to their problem.
She believes that religion can go a long way in curbing this social scourge.
“Committing suicide is not the solution. The religious leaders have a social path, they do not have to go to the place of worship only to pray and preach, you have a task to visit the communities, families, look at their problems, because every religion has solutions to deal with a problem.”
Health Ministry psychiatrist, Dr Bhiro Harry said suicide is a major public health problem, pointing out that measures have been put in place to address the issue.
“We are going to create structures with systems, conditions so that there will
be help, there will places, people that you can go to for help, we are going to take the responsibility of reducing or restricting the access to the means.”
He encouraged youths to reach out, and to talk to their parents.
“We are not perfect people, parents are people and they are not perfect either, your parents they sure love you, but do they know how to express that love?..your parents want the best for you, but do they know how to get the best for you? As parents, we have shortcomings, many parents have not gone to school but you are in school… you the children can talk, tell them nice things. Be a first responder,” he said, “maybe you will save a life.”
At the conclusion of the talk, students expressed appreciation to the organisers, noting they learnt a lot and will definitely put it into practice.
First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar
A section of the audience at the “Lets Talk initiative”
less fortunate, victims of do mestic violence, single parents and youths, by providing assistance in the areas of health, education and housing.
Now the organisation has taken the stand to no longer provide handouts to individuals, but to provide them with empowerment that will last a lifetime.
NJASHM President Pandit Suresh Sugrim explained that the only way to break the cycle of poverty is through education.
“With all we have done, we realise things have remained the same or even get worse with time, because people have not improved themselves. We decided to change from handouts as it is not the solution to the problem.”
The vision of the organisation is to create possibilities and to improve the lives of less fortunate children and poor adults by educating and empowering them through education and by building their self-esteem.
He believes people can do much more to help themselves as they have the means in Guyana. “In the
Americans plant vegetables in bucket, people in this nation have lands and it is all surrounded by grass, no planting, no room for growth and those are the individuals that cry out for poverty at the national level.”
He is urging persons to step up to put an end to poverty as they have what is required to make a change.
Education
“Many parents come to us for help to educate their children and one of the main focuses for this organisation is education and if we want to break the cycle of poverty, we have to start educating the masses of the people in rape, suicide, domestic violence-issues that breakdown the family foundation. Life is about making a difference, it is not how we pray, what we wear and how we live, it’s how we help each other in God’s kingdom”.
The humanitarian mission in 2012, with assistance from government, turned the sod for the construction of a humanitarian village at Babu John, Port Mourant, Corentyne. The village will serve to empower the less
fortunate, abused women and men, orphans and the elderly in society. The village will include an orphanage for boys and girls, senior citizen’s home, along with a centre for education and empowerment. The first building, which is the empowerment centre of the Humanitarian Village Project, is almost complete and is expected to be commissioned shortly.
Proactive approach
Pandit Sugrim explained the concept of the project is “rather than giving a man a fish, teach him how to fish”. This, he noted, will serve to make a role model of an individual by teaching him a trade whereby he can provide for his home, family, and community.
He cited the need for such a project, pointing out that many young people who complete school are jobless.
“What we will do is create jobs for youth in the communities in carpentry, plumbing, electrician, mason, sewing, cake decorating, welding and fabrication, hollow blocks production, information technology or whatever it takes to empower someone, with the going flow of the economy. There are many changes in the country and there is need for many workers in various
BY NAFEEZA YAHYA
skills.”
The construction of the $17 million centre commenced in September 2013 and by April, the empowerment centre will become operational with its first batch
150 children, seniors, and abused victims. The humanitarian village will cater for an administrative office, nurses’ quarters and centre, quarters for house mother/father, four counselling
While the stay of the elderly would be on a longterm basis, victims of the gender-based violence can choose to move on to a single life or return to a family life. The NJARHM is dedi-
of trainees. The mission is hoping to empower persons to either establish their own business or get a decent paying job.
The third phase of the project would see the establishment of a U-shaped twoflat building, which would house the dormitories for
rooms and a library. There would also be a multicultural shed where persons can practise their respective religions. Services at the benevolent home would not be restricted to the residents, but would also benefit residents in the community.
cated to helping the less fortunate, and has, over the years, spent millions of dollars to help persons, regardless of race or religion.
The mission has credited its work to kind sponsors, fundraising activities and contributors.
Bandits grab millions after raiding NA businesses
Two business places located in the heart of New Amsterdam were the targets of bandits early Sunday morning as millions of dollars in articles were stolen during separate raids.
C&K Drug Store situated two lots from the town’s Municipal Market is one of the town’s popular the pharmacies. The burglars wrenched off one of the store’s doors to gain entry before carting off an undisclosed sum of money and other valuables. The other business targeted was Furniture World, which is located along Main Street New Amsterdam.
According to Janette Ikel, manager of Furniture World, she was informed of the burglary by a group of young men who were taking their birds out for an early morning walk. “About five O’clock
them come on their bicycles and tell me that they notice that the store door open.”
She explained that the young men were curious since they saw no locks on the door and thought it was too early for persons to be in the store.
She explained that the bandits removed computers, DVD players, music sets, LED television sets, flatscreen TV sets, solar lights, DVDs, TVs, computer and music combos and microwave ovens. “We brought in some things on Saturday and we still have to check to see how much we had. Everything was in boxes, the DVDs, the computers, everything…”
The businesswoman explained that the perpetrators gained entry through the front door. “They cut the three big master padlocks on the front door, we found them
in the drain,” the woman said.
Marks on the door indicated that a crowbar and a nipper were used to gain entry.
“It looks like they were trying to take off the whole door because you see the marks on the wall,” she pointed out to Berbice Times. “Whoever was in the store had to have been there before because we had all the DVDs in boxes on some other appliances and
nobody know that we had DVD players unless they ask because you can’t see them just like that,” she explained. She noted that the day before, a 52-inch flat screen TV was delivered. “It is a good thing we decided to deliver it then and did not wait until Monday.” According to Ikel, someone visited the store on Saturday and the items they were there to uplift were stationed close to the front door. “The police had nothing to dust for fingerprints because everything that they hold they carried away. Whoever it is knew what they were going for and where it was located.” Losses are initially estimated in millions of dollars.
Meanwhile at C&K Drug Store, the thieves entered in similar fashion – the bandits removed the top half of the back door to gain access to the grille door before clipping the padlocks. Business owner Winston Clements told this publication that the entire pharmacy was ransacked. He expressed surprise that the door was forcibly taken off although the business is located close to a guard hut. “Scotiabank has guards right there and you mean they ain’t hear anything?”
NJASHM President Pandit Suresh Sugrim spreading cheer to children in Berbice
Furniture World was almost completely cleaned out by the bandits
Twenty nine men and women in Region Five have graduated from a programme aimed at sharpening their skills to help counsel domestic violence victims. The programme was funded by the United Nations and Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) under the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), within the Labour Ministry. Human Services and Social Security. Coordinator of the GWLI Sheila Veerasammy said the programme dates back to 2012, when the Human Services and Social Security Ministry saw the need for such an initiative in light of several cases of domestic violence across the country. The ministry then launched the National
Conversation programme.
The primary objective of the training of these volunteers, Veerasammy said, is to further sensitise the public with the aim of identifying prevention mechanisms to address the adverse effects of domestic violence on the nation’s human capital.
“The Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, goes into various communities and train men and women to become community volunteers, so at the grass root level, they would be able to recognise the victims of domestic violence and provide support for them, whether they are taken to a doctor or a police station,” she said, while noting that the trained volunteers can be available for members of the commu-
nity to interact with when necessary.
She is hopeful that with enough training, and effort of people on their part, and with all the graduands taking up their responsibilities effectively, there will be a reduction of cases of domestic violence, thus reducing the amount of people losing their lives from this societal scourge. In the meantime, Region Five Chairman Bindraban Bisnauth in extending the charge to the graduating class, encouraged them to capitalise on the knowledge gained, to identify prevention mechanisms and utilise it to aid in the reduction of the upsurge of domestic violence in their community and to make a difference in Guyana.
He did not hesitate to
express how appalled he was about the lackadaisical behaviour of past graduates of similar exercises who are not capitalising on the knowledge gained to serve the region as they ought to, and at the same time, called on more males to take up the challenge of this training programme. Also present at the exercise were Haimwattie Lagan, administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) who represented minister human services and social security Jenifer Webster, and other officials. The graduates of the five-day exercise which comprised of approximately 30 hours were presented with certificates at the simple graduation ceremony held in the board room of the Regional Democratic Council.
Narine Dat Sookram
People from a diverse cultural background bring important knowledge of different traditions to community groups, which can help services to become relevant to all other communities. The thing to keep in mind is that young people are the future leaders of communities and their representation can build succession for community groups.
Even people with disabilities are great for community groups, because they bring knowledge about how to make services, groups and communities accessible to everyone. Every group would be made up of people from all the different groups and sub-groups of society in a perfect world, but in reality is it a challenge.
However, being inclusive means people who participate in your community group can offer the opportunity to tap into a rich pool of talent, bring in new voices, experiences and approaches, and add depth to existing skills and ideas. It is not uncommon to see that people are more likely to participate if they can see that they will be treated with respect and dignity. Being inclusive will also expand the networks available to your group and help you to reach a broader “audience,” and they will help to build the profile of your group which
is important, because in a sense the group can grow tremendously this way. If for some reason you are struggling with being inclusive, perhaps you should try building support from your organisation first. Though not everyone will be supportive of any form of change, but making people aware ahead of time will be a lot easier.
One of the best ways to do this is to figure out ways as to why the group will benefit from being more inclusive. Once you have something concrete, you can then present the arguments to the decision making members, by pointing out that a more diverse organisation will demonstrate more success for example. Show them how it will definitely increase the organisation’s access to new knowledge and networks which can help to open doors and increase the group’s public profile. In addition, it will bring unique characteristics to the organisation. It can also improve communication channels and help to keep the organisation fresh. Keep in mind thought that it takes time and resources but it will all be worth it at the end.
Usually no one wants to be part of an organisation just to fill a quota, because it makes them feel as if he/she have to work much harder and be twice as successful to achieve the same respect and recognition as others. There can be problems, however, if a person recruited as part of an inclusion strategy is perceived as representing everyone, including male, females, young and the old, women, all people with disabilities, etc. This can happen with any group, including within a group’s sub-groups. The best method of avoiding this is to ensure that all people are welcomed into your group every single time.
The graduating class of the training programme
Police in Berbice, NA hospital team up for health fair
The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) B Division on Tuesday last partnered with the New Amsterdam Hospital in hosting a mini health fair and blood drive.
The exercise was held at the Central Police Station and signalled the beginning of a collaboration between the B Division of the police force and the hospital.
Medical Superintendant of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Vishalya Sharma told this publication that the hospital is pleased to be working with the police on this initiative, adding that one of the aims of the activity is to foster a better working relationship between the GPF and the health sector. Dr Sharma went on to say that the two institutions are closely interlinked in terms of work and as more often than not, the hospital is dependent on
the police and vice versa.
“I am hoping activities like these will help us to develop a better working relationship, additionally it will assist in ensuring a healthier police force, everything we can offer on the tarmac we are offering here from the hospital.”
With the main aim being to sensitise citizens about various diseases, the health fair attracted a large turnout. Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Allen Johnson while commending Commander Brian Joseph for his enthusiasm regarding the event, reiterated his administration’s aim of ensuring a healthier police force and assured his commitment of other such exercises on a quarterly basis.
Meanwhile, Joseph is of the view that such activities will assist to foster a better relationship between the health sector and the police
force in the region and gave assurances that the initiative will support and promote an active and healthier lifestyle among his officers.
“We are very happy and thankful today [last Tuesday] for this initiative where our ranks can be checked and know their status in relation to their health, there is always a need for blood, and we are grateful to assist in saving lives in more ways than one,” he pointed out, while pledging his continued commitment regarding the event. The event offered blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, a blood donation drive, HIV/ AIDS testing and counselling and screening services, among others. All the services were provided by doctors, nurses and other health workers attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital.
NA Dharm Shala running out of food items
The New Amsterdam Dharm Shala is in dire need of food supplies to take care of the 20 residents of that institution.
The Region Six administration recently made a donation of food supplies after the organisation made appeals for assistance.
Region Six Chairman David Armogan who made the presentation to the assistant caretaker of the facility Dennis Singh said the regional administration was always willing to assist and took the opportunity to launch an appeal for further assistance.
“This is something that seems to be happening here very often where the Dharm Shala seems not to be having enough donations from members of the public in terms of food stuff and other things to eat, and that is why we are here this morn-
ing… we have been doing this from time to time because we believe that at the regional administration, we have an obligation to ensure that the elderly in our society and in our region are well taken care of,” Armogan said.
The chairman added that some of the residents at the home would have contributed immensely to the development of Guyana. Younger persons, he said, need to take care of them because “we might also need someone to take care of us in the future. We had a grant that was given to us by Office of the President during the holiday season, so we took that money and procured these food items which they should be able to utilise for the next month or so.”
Armogan appealed to members of the public and the business community to
Simply the
Truth
Cops and teachers
In Berbice, the noise continues. The reckless driving continues. The blackouts continue. Yesterday, we had three blackouts –yesterday alone. The lack of notification continues. The absence of apologies continues. The crimes continue and are getting worse and more frequent.
In Upper Corentyne, citizens accused the police of being involved in crime. There was a protest. Senior officers rushed up and tried to pacify the people. The whole batch from Number 51 Outpost was transferred. Opinions were expressed that this is simply to transfer the problem to another place. I agree. You cannot cure a disease by simply transplanting the disease to another part of the national body.
At the same time, we need to walk carefully and not presume guilt through mere accusation. Here may be one way to address the problem. There have been accusations. There should be a fast and efficient inquiry that should include upstanding civilians. No long-drawn-out thing. No endless meetings at the end of which we still waffle.
While the inquiry is going on, suspend the accused cops with pay. Or place them in positions where they have no
contact at all with the public. Get them to do menial paperwork. Once the inquiry is done, firm action should be taken, if they are found to be culpable. If found guilty, they should be dismissed immediately and moves should be made to ensure that they are not employed in any form of safety and security.
We have a habit in the country of recycling failures. Some fellow works at Guyana Water Inc (say). He fails miserably. But he gets hired to teach in a secondary school. He fails there too. He is then hired to teach at the University of Guyana (UG)! Fails again, of course. Then he becomes a “religious leader” or some such thing. But the damage done to our children is immeasurable!
We need to find modern ways to measure effective policing by individual cops. And we need to find modern ways to measure effective teaching at all levels. But I have seen no evidence whatsoever of effective, contemporary measuring of these professions. We use crime rates for the cops. We use tired old student evaluation forms at UG. In primary and secondary schools, we use examination results.
As a youth of 16 or so, I taught at what is now the Port Mourant Primary School. I was
told to teach the “Common Entrance” class under the supervision of a more senior teacher. Children were beaten, bullied, driven into the ground, made to memorise, and drilled into being zombies! But the examination results were good! I was part of it, doing what those senior to me did. Monkey see, monkey do! I loved teaching. It was all I wanted to do since I was three years old. But I loved something that I knew nothing about! What I really loved was the IDEA of teaching! The idea of being in front of a class and enjoying the “power” that being there brings. Awful. The good thing is that the Guyana Police Force has brought in some good senior cops. Nonetheless, we are guilty of a failure of intellect. Worse, we are guilty of a failure of the imagination.
Berbice leads Guyana with 67 suicide reports
Berbice has again taken the lead in suicide cases in Guyana so far for this year, with some 67 reports already reaching the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry. The ministry said that it is willing to work with all entities that have the total eradication of this unbearable social issue at heart.
come on board and help the home. In response, Singh thanked the administration for the items. He also called on members of the public to come forward and contribute. “At this institution we have the lame, the blind and persons who are bedridden and we need all the assistance because this institution is being run on a charitable basis,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, in an invited comment, one citizen who makes frequent contributions to the home said things have changed now. “There was a time when I could have afforded to give but now I am finding it hard to make ends meet. I have two children at high school. It is very, very rough.” Similar comments were shared by others who Berbice Times spoke with on the issue of donating to the Dharma Shala.
The new year began with 19-year-old University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus Student Toneisha Edwards taking a dose of the herbicide Gramoxone. She endured excruciating pain for days in the New Amsterdam Hospital before succumbing six days after ingesting the deadly substance. Her father, Linden Edwards had told this publication that his daughter had bought the poisonous substance from a drug store in the town on New Year’s Eve. She drank the substance a few hours later.
He said that her decision to ingest the poison may have resulted from a relationship that went bad. Lying on the bed next to Edwards was a 14-year-old third form student from Palmyra Village on the Corentyne Coast. She had also ingested gramoxone over a forbidden relationship with a fellow schoolmate.
Lining the same row in the hospital was another teenager from Bush Lot Secondary who was battling for her life after also ingesting a poisonous substance. They both died a few days later. The following week, 32-year-old Nandranie Oudit also ingested a poisonous substance and died at the Skeldon Hospital.
Understanding the severity of the issue, an Americanbased nongovernmental organisation has partnered with the Social Services Ministry to help alleviate the rising scourge of suicide in the ancient county. The New Jersey Arya Samaj, a humanitarian mission in the U.S. said that Berbice has over the years been leading the country in suicide cases, with a substantial number being recorded along the Corentyne Coast. It was behind this backdrop that the organisation decided to hold a “Let’s talk initiative on suicide prevention” at the Port Mourant Primary School on Wednesday last; a programme that was well received by Corentyne residents and stakeholders.
The oganisation had met with officials of the Human Services Ministry recently to seal the partnership. Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Human Service and Social
Security Ministry Patrick Findlay described suicide as a mental issue. According to him, 98 per cent of all suicide cases are related to depression. Findlay said that the family structure is heavily broken down because of suicide and more needs to be done about it.
He said that the ministry has been doing much work in sensitisation, since according to him, the lack of awareness among persons is one of the contributing factors to suicide. “What I want to say is that the way for us here at the ministry is to educate the people about issues that affect them, because suicide is a mental and spiritual issue”.
The Ministry’s Chief Probation and Social Services Officer Forbes Munroe said there are any reasons for suicide, but singled out the feeling of hopelessness. The ministry, he said, has been working closely with survivors and family members of suicide victims. The pain, he added, is far reaching. “While the persons who would have taken their lives would have gone, those who would have survived are the ones who experience the impact and it does not last just for the day neither for the week, it is something that goes on”.
Professor Daizal Samad
B Division Commander Brian Joseph having a BP test
New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court
Future looks bright for Barakara
Man on bail for stealing floor mat
Alabourer of Stelling Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice has been placed on bail for allegedly stealing one floor mat valued $21,000.
Mukesh Mandall, 33, who told the court that he has no fixed place of abode, is accused of stealing the mat on January 26, which belongs to Archibald Agard. The incident is alleged to have been committed at Strand, New Amsterdam. He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was placed on $10,000 bail.
He will have to return to the New
Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on April 11 for trial. In a related matter, 80-year-old Mohodai Jhagoo of Strand, New Amsterdam also appeared before Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus on Monday to answer a charge of receiving stolen property. Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Godfrey Platter told the court that Jhagoo bought the mat from Mandall knowing same to be stolen. The pensioner pleaded not guilty to the offence and was placed on $10,000 bail. The trial for that matter is fixed for April 11.
Rear-view mirror thief strikes again
Peter Garner known as “Itchie” was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $10,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs-Marcus charged with stealing one Sierra rearview mirror valued $55,000 and property of Insaf Jameew.
Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Godfrey Platter told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 1 at Strand, New Amsterdam.
“Itchie” has had several convictions for stealing vehicle mirrors. He will make his next court appearance on April 11.
Lawyer makes appeal for clients to be tried separately
Attorney Mursulene Bacchus has applied to the High Court for separate trials for two men who are jointly charged for murder.
The unprecedented move by Bacchus came when Joshua Persaud, also called “Sunny Boy” and “Bun Boy”, along with Raphael Rene Morrison, also called “Red Head”, appeared before Justice Diana Insanally charged with murder.
The two are jointly indicted for the
June 3, 2013 killing of Marlon Andrew Ramcharran. State Prosecutor Renita Singh in rebutting argued against Bacchus’ summation.
However, Justice Diana Insanally was forced to discharge and abort the trial on Thursday after some information got to the hearing of the court.
The duo will have to wait the commencement of another session in the Berbice Assizes for their matter to be called again.
Probation officer needs more time to prepare report
Following an earlier ruling by Justice Diana Insanally that a probation report was needed before she handed down sentencing, the probation officer requested
more time to have the report available.
On Tuesday, the female officer, who only gave her name as (only) Semple, told the court that the initial one week given did not allow
her to complete her findings into the background of prisoner Rakash Janack. She has been granted an additional week and is expected to present her report on Thursday, February 20. Earlier, Janack had pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared at the Berbice Assizes on a charge of murder.
The judge then ordered the probation report. Janack killed Brentnol Isaacs on October 27, 2012 at Blairmont Settlement, West Bank Berbice following an altercation with Isaacs.
When the matter comes up again, State Prosecutor Renita Singh is expected to present the case for the prosecution. Janack is being represented by Attorney Raymond Ali.
Barakara is soon to have its first community centre which will be sponsored by Food for the Poor (FFP).
The community is situated 15 miles up the Canje River. During December of last year, residents had approached FFP Berbice representative Alex Foster and indicated their desire to have
the community centre, and sought funding from the organisation. According to Foster, he subsequently inspected the site located along the Canje River. “I went and I saw trees higher than buildings like a jungle and I said to them that you will have to remove this jungle. I didn’t expect the jungle to be removed, but in one week’s time they
took chainsaws; they had a digital camera and took pictures and brought them to me in two weeks.”
According to Foster, the funding for all the material has been acquired and the supplier has promised to deliver in a timely basis to the site at his expense. “I can assure you that in another month, that building will be completed, painted with toilets installed with computers and solar panels to power the computers and the library will be stocked.”
Meanwhile, residents will also get a bonus when 50 households will receive electricity for the first time. Solar panels have already been bought through FFP. “When that is installed in the community to give them basic lights in the evening, we will then give every house hold solar panels so that everyone can have lights in their homes in the evening.” According to Foster, a survey is currently being conducted to see how many houses are in the community, so that the adequate amount of solar panels can be purchased. The community of Barakara has a school and a health centre. However, residents are of the opinion that they have not been receiving the kind of support they need from government.
Barakara residents hard at work clearing the land
Residents of Barakara clearing a plot of land for the proposed community centre
Accused: Rakash Janack Dead: Brentnol Richard Isaacs
Andre Percival satisfied in role as cricket coach
Young Tiger roars as U-19s bounce back
“Ihaveno regrets, I love what I am doing, it gives me a sense of fulfilment and joy to be able to impart my knowledge to these youths and motivate them to excel and therefore achieve their goals.” These are the words of former Guyana Under 19 Captain Andre Ricardo Percival who is now involved in coaching in Berbice.
Percival, one of the more successful Under 19 captains for Guyana, but failed to break into the senior team, told Berbice Times he is very happy at the Albion Sports Complex where he coaches over 30 young cricketers, five days per week. Percival said he is happy to be giving back to the youngsters everything he learnt during his stint playing the game of cricket.
“The values learnt on the playing field, how to set goals, endure, and take criticisms and risks and to become a team player… Good team spirit builds up the confidence of every individual. Even when you are playing badly, the team can pull you through it with the right words and action. Knowing someone is backing you all the way is a powerful way to improve your own performance and the results of your team, this is what I wish to impart to our young players, to be confident and excel,” he posited.
He is currently involved in coaching players from the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, ranging from Under 13-19 and senior players. He underscored the need for them to be challenged, to set standards to be followed and goals to be fulfilled; thus enabling
them to move up the ladder of success – from club, to nationals and internationals.
Percival said because of the positive experience gained during his tenure with the West Indies team, he felt motivated and compelled to give back what he gained. “The response has been overwhelming, they are improving daily and are learning rapidly in every aspect of the game, be it bowling, batting or fielding,” he assured, while noting the enforcement of discipline helps to ensure a more efficient and respectful team.
“I miss cricket, but after one time is another… I never thought of returning to play because of age, I am happy to continue as a coach and at the end of
the day, I know for a fact I have given back to society,” he asserted. He is also of the view that Berbice needs more recreational facilities, since there are so many youths in the area who are turning to illicit activities.
“Yes definitely, we need more facilities so our young people can utilise and more specifically our females, they too need something and somewhere they can go and unwind,” he said, insisting that more needs to be done in the ancient county regarding sport. His advice to youths is to stay away from drugs and crime, say no to suicide and stay focused, train hard, know your objectives and stick to their education.
The former left-hand batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler revealed that apart from coaching sessions, he also chauffeurs his car (taxi transport) where he plies the Berbice to Georgetown route. However, he pointed out that it is just a way of earning some extra, and much-needed, finances.
“ It’s just so I can earn a few more dollars, there is always a need for more cash right... my first love is cricket and I am content being a coach and it pleases me to see my players perform at various levels,” he stated.
Andre Ricardo Percival who hails from Rose Hall Town, was born January 5, 1975, is a proud Berbician and a former West Indian cricketer. He captained the West Indian Under-19 cricket team in 1994 and has played first-class, List A and Twenty20 cricket for Guyana in a career which spanned from 1992 to 2006.
Plans on stream to develop Vrymens Erven Basketball Court
President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds has expressed concern over the lack of proper facilities for the sport in Berbice and says the federation will be assisting with the development of basketball in Berbice.
Following a recent visit to the Vrymens Erven Court in New Amsterdam, which is considered the premier basketball court in Berbice, Hinds said the absence of a proper scoreboard and the fact that the court becomes inundated with water as a result of rain are major concerns. “In terms of the skill level of the players, they have a good base for de-
velopment.”
However, he said that there are teams whose uniforms do not carry the player’s number printed on the back and front. This he added is a requirement for the sport. “Coaches should be properly attired. They should not be coaching in slippers. It is these kinds of administrative issues that we have to look at.”
Hinds noted that Courtney Benn Contracting Services has promised to resurface the entire court. He is urging the newly elected executive of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) to pursue the issue. “We at the federation feel good that the Anamayah family has put
some money into basketball.” He was at the time referring to the current Anamayah Memorial Tournament.
Meanwhile, the national basketball playoffs, which kick-off on March 1 and concludes on March 23 will see five teams for Berbice participating. “Apart from covering the cost for teams from Linden and Berbice coming to the [Cliff Anderson] Sports Hall, every team that participates will receive prize monies, then we also looking at facility development.”
This he said will see the Vrymens Erven Court getting new back boards and bleachers. “There are only benches
for the players, none for the spectators so we will try to work with the business community to have some kind of donation from them to help with these aspects.”
Treasurer of the BABA Clement De Noberga has promised to donate a new scoreboard to the association. Hinds says as it relates to facility improvement, the Vrymens Erven Court was identified by GABF. “We want to renovate and upgrade and this will be given priority. Just because we know that of the three sub-associations, Berbice is the weakest.”
West Indies resurrected its campaign at the ICC Under-19 World Cup with a crushing 167-run win over Zimbabwe in a Group C fixture at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
After misfiring with the bat in its 94-run loss to South Africa in the tournament opener, West Indies came up with a much improved show after opting to bat on Sunday (February 16). Leading the way was Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made an unbeaten 84 in the team’s total of 275 for 6 in 50 overs.
The new ball pair of Jerome Jones and Ray Jordan carried forward the good work to rip through Zimbabwe’s top order in no time. At 21 for 4 inside the first ten overs, Zimbabwe needed a miracle of sorts to just reduce the margin of defeat.
But that wasn’t to be as Preston McSween returned figures of 3 for 34 as Zimbabwe folded up for 108 in 39.4 overs.
What was heartening for West Indies was the resolve shown by the batsmen after being bowled for out a paltry 104 against South Africa on Friday. Each of the top six got off to starts but the platform of the innings was built on two important partnerships.
Tagenarine and Shimron Hetmyer put on 69 for the opening wicket, but the foundation was strengthened during the third-wicket association of 74 between Tagenarine and Jonathan Drakes.
Drakes perished for a 54-ball 50, but cameos from Nicolas Pooran and Brandon King helped West Indies smash 68 off the last six overs and finish with a competitive total.
With the heart of the Zimbabwe’s batting order back in the hut inside the Power Play overs, Kieran Geyle, the No. 8 batsman, did his credentials no harm by scoring an unbeaten 63-ball 45.
With just two other batsmen crossing double figures, Geyle could merely delay the inevitable as Jordan hammered the final nail in the coffin with the wicket of Herbert Chikomba.
The defeat could have an adverse effect on Zimbabwe’s net-run-rate ahead of a must-win clash against South Africa on Tuesday.
Summary Scores:
West Indies Under-19 Innings: 275/6 (50 Overs) Tagenarine Chanderpaul 84*, Jonathan Drakes 40, Shimron Hetmyer 49, Nicholas Pooran 27; Malcolm Lake 6-0-43-2, Deven Bell 8-0-36-1, Herbert Chikomba 10-0-46-1, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 4-0-19-0.
Zimbabwe Under-19 Innings: 108 All Out (39.4 Overs). Kieran Geyle 45*, Deven Bell 14, Charles Kunje 10, Luke Jongwe 9; Preston McSween 7-2-14-3, Ray Jordan 8.10-32-3, Jerome Jones 8-0-13-2, Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai 9-219-1.
One of the teams Percival coaches
Percival awaiting passengers for his trip to Georgetown
Tagenarine Chanderpaul