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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3067

Monday, December 12, 2016

Govt seems to have abandoned efforts to grow economy – Ramkarran

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$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

North West Secondary gets $1M for science & P5 technology

Page 3

Motorcyclist, pedestrian killed in ECD accident

Tractor kills 5-year-old on Lima Sands Road Page 3

P17 Govt, Opposition spar over PPC, local democracy

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– driver in Police custody

Diaspora should invest in Guyana – Granger

P10 City businesses foresee bleak Christmas

Former Bank Manager on $3M fraud charge P8

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger on Sunday attended the opening ceremony of Buxton/Friendship Gas Station. In this Marceano Narine photo, Mrs Granger assists the proprietor’s granddaughter in cutting the ribbon

Guyana on list to benefit from UK facility upgrade funding Page 17

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P7 Citizens should speak out against Gender-Based Violence – First Lady

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Diaspora should invest in Guyana – Granger

P

resident David Granger on Sunday afternoon while addressing Buxtonians urged the Guyanese Diaspora to invest in their homeland.

The call was made as villagers gathered for the grand opening of the Wilson’s Gas Station, located on Buxton Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The multipurpose service station was built by Morris Wilson, an overseas-based Guyanese, who did not put his country of birth on the backburner but seeks to provide employment for 70 Guyanese, mainly Buxtonians.

Supplied with fuel from the Guyana Oil Company, which is partnering with the owner, the gas station will also house a Churches Chicken outlet, a

GTT branch, a Western Union outlet, a Minimart and a medical centre which will employ two doctors.

President Granger applauded this while noting that villages such as Buxton are what nurtured modern Guyana and as such, its development is one which brings great happiness.

He called on the Guyanese Diaspora to invest in their country of origin in order to uplift and move the country forward.

The Head of State further encouraged innovations by Guyanese and urged that they trust in local entrepreneurship since this is needed, “in order for us to move away from those jobs that are available to our Guyanese youths such as going into the Guyana Defence Force

The gas station that opened in Buxton on Sunday

(GDF) as the only resort”.

Granger further called for infrastructure to be built in communities that will attract investors to Guyana: “We need more infrastructure in communities countrywide as this will no doubt attract investors to

our land.”

The Head of State added that Guyanese especially those that are abroad should think of putting down industries in our communities: “They must think of investing in communities such as these and they should

put down industries here.”

Additionally, President Granger once again made the call for Guyanese to rely on local produce not only in Guyana but abroad in support of local farmers and businesses. In closing the President said: “It is time to make Buxton great again.”

Meanwhile addressing the gathering, the owner of the service station said that he is delighted to have been able to contribute in the way he did to his country even though he has

moved aboard.

He pledged his support and willingness to continue to further invest in ways in which he could.

Following the addresses, First Lady Sandra Granger, assisted by a grandchild of Wilson, cut the ribbon, thus opening the service centre.

Also in attendance were former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, General Secretary of GTUC, Lincoln Lewis and Director of Sports, Christopher Jones.

Motorcyclist, pedestrian killed in ECD accident

The motorcycle involved in the accident

A

motorcyclist, who was reportedly speeding, was killed late Sunday evening after he fatally struck down an allegedly drunken pedestrian on the southern carriageway of the East Coast Demerara Highway.

The accident occurred around 21:15h at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The dead motorcyclist has been identified as 25-yearold Frank De Florimde Jr of Lot 61 Fourth Street, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. Meanwhile, the pedestrian, who was attempting to cross the road at the time of the accident, was unidentified up to press time Sunday night.

However, Guyana Times understands that the man was known as “Buckman” and resided some-

where on Barr Street, Kitty.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, De Florimde was riding motorcycle CH 7805 when he collided with the man. Guyana Times understands that after being struck, the pedestrian was dragged a short distance away.

The motorcyclist, on the other hand, kept on sliding on the motorcycle before it came to a halt and he ended up on the middle of the roadway.

When this newspaper arrived on the scene shortly after the accident, De Florimde was lying on the road in a pool of blood. An eyewitness related to this publication that he was driving his motor car when he saw the motorcycle speeding past him.

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monDAY, december 12, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, December 12 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, December 13 – 04:30-06:00 and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 12 – 14:45h-16:15h and Tuesday, December 13 –15:30h-17:00h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with light rain showers in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:11h reaching maximum heights of 2.81 metres.

Low Tide: 08:43h and 21:14h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.38 metre respectively.

saturday, december 10, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

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FREE TICKET

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Govt seems to have abandoned efforts to grow economy – Ramkarran

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ormer People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart Ralph Ramkarran has stated that in light of the 2017 “taxation” Budget, Government seems to be giving the impression that it has neglected efforts to grow the economy and has become satisfied with marking time until oil arrives.

He stated in his weekly column, “The Conversation Tree”, that with Guyana’s economy declining, the income of the Government has also declined significantly, along with its ability to spend. Therefore, he posited that in making its decision on the Budget, the Government found itself between a rock and a hard place –it had to settle on whether to reduce spending in proportion to its reduced income or sustain the same or a similar level of previous public spending, by raising funds by way of taxation and borrowing.

“It chose the latter course by imposing or increasing taxes on individuals and businesses. It has also increased the amount that it will borrow next year, eliminating any prospect of a decline in interest rates,” he said, adding that the taxation measures will only reduce burden on the “well-off and on companies”, while the burden on low- and me-

dium-income earners will be increased.

“The promise of an expanding economy to meet the growing needs of the Guyanese people will not be achieved by this budget. Large-scale projects and big-ticket items have been shelved or are on the back burner. Barama has packed up its forestry operations, because no one is capable of making a decision on its application for a renewal of its lease. Investors complain that decisions on proposals are not being given serious or any consideration. Decisionmaking, they claim, appears to be at a standstill and no one seems willing or capable of pushing projects that will benefit the nation,” he said.

Ramkarran highlighted that the “exciting promise of change in 2015 has not materialised”, and without an overarching strategy for the growth of mining, forestry, rice, agriculture, hydro-power, technology, construction and other sectors, and constant and relentless efforts to remove roadblocks and encourage business, the Government gives the impression, which may or may not be true that it has abandoned serious efforts to grow the economy.

Moreover, Ramkarran added that if it was the

Ralph Ramkarran

Government’s plan to wait until oil has arrived, that was not a plan at all. He went on to state that for both the population and businesses, the elimination of the zero-rated status and imposition of exempt status on a range of goods and services will result in higher prices to consumers, as the cost of VAT on inputs for those goods and services will make them more expensive to produce.

“The burden will have to be borne by consumers, as some businesses have already indicated,” he said, adding that it was also untrue that the imposition of VAT on water and electricity would not affect low-income consumers. Instead, he indicated that the cost of production of all goods and services that utilise water and/or electricity would go up and would inevitably be passed on to the

consumer.

“The consumer, therefore, gets a double whammy.

First, he/she has to face the increased cost of goods and services that lose zero-rated status as regards VAT. Second, he/she has to face the increased cost of goods and services that use water and/ or electricity in their production. Any relief by way of reduced income tax or VAT for low-income earners will be far outweighed by the increase in the cost of living due to zero-rating and VAT on water and electricity,” he explained.

GRA powers

Furthermore, Ramkarran noted that the proposed power to be given to the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to raid the bank accounts of defaulting taxpayers and/or to prevent them from leaving Guyana has caused fear. He underscored that the Commissioner General already has the power “under Section 102 of the Income Tax Act of garnishment”, that is, requiring entities, which would include a bank, which owe a taxpayer who “is liable to make a payment of tax”, to pay the sum to the Commissioner General. Therefore, he stated that the Government needed nothing more.

Tractor kills 5-year-old on Lima Sands Road – driver in Police custody

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49-year-old driver from Lima Sands, Essequibo is presently in Police custody assisting with investigations after the tractor he was driving ran over five-year-old Orissa Williams on the Lima Sands Public Road. The accident reportedly occurred around 14:30h on Sunday.

The accident involved the tractor bearing registration plate 21496, and trailer TBB 4806, owned and driven

by Ganga Persaud, who is also a hire car driver from Lot 11 Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast.

Information revealed that the tractor was proceeding north along the Lima Sands Access Road, while two pedestrians, namely Ivor Courtman (Junior) and Orissa Williams, were standing on the eastern side of the road facing west.

According to information from the Police, Orissa was in the process of

running across the road when she fell on the eastern side of the road. One of the rear wheels of the tractor reportedly ran over her head.

The child suffered severe head injuries and was immediately transported to the Suddie Public Hospital where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. Upon hearing the impact, many persons converged on the scene, and family members later rushed to the scene in shock.

Police visited the scene and measurements were taken; however, the tractor is yet to be examined by officers and impounded. The child's body is presently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Only recently, a doctor attached to the Suddie Public Hospital, Haimant Haimraj, lost his life tragically on the Vilvoorden Public Road in a road acciFamily members with the child, in shock dent involving a motorcycle.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Youman Nabi

T

oday is a Public Holiday - Youman Nabi - which commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of the Islamic religion.

It is a mark of the enlightened approach that Guyanese have to the peaceful co-existence of religions that even though Muslims constitute possibly only ten per cent of Guyana's population, their major festivals receive equal public observation with those of the other major religions - Hinduism and Christianity.

In today's world, religion has unfortunately become a source of conflict more than a source of peace. In this regard, Guyana, small as it is, has a lot to offer the world.

Much of the tension among religious adherents arises out of not necessarily the making of exclusivistic claims that raises hackles in the followers of other religions, but in the insistence of some to act on those claims by proselytising among the latter groups.

From this perspective, Islam in Guyana has the most to offer to peaceful coexistence.

Islam does announce that it presents the only path to God (specifically "Allah") and salvation. In this way it is exclusivist. But in Guyana, the Muslims have never gone out to "convert" anyone through proselytising activities that include denunciations of the beliefs and practices of other religions. Yet, the Muslim population has steadily increased through the years, not only through a higher birth rate but through others accepting the tenets of Islam on their own.

How was this achieved? The major reason is that Muslims are exhorted not only to have abstract beliefs, but to concretely practice the tenets of the religion as expounded in the Quran. Actions are as important as beliefs. What makes the actions easier to inculcate is that following the Quran, the life of the Prophet Muhammad as outlined in the "Hadith" is most authoritative exposition of what behaviour constitutes a Muslim. If one is told to be "kind", then there are the countless examples of kindness performed by the Prophet. Sacrifice? Here again, look to what the Prophet did in similar circumstances.

So in Guyana, we have the living experience of Muslims giving charity to others, taking care of their bereaved and generally striving to live as one big family. The "anomie" or "alienation" that so many complain about in the modern world has to be less in the Muslim community because of the conscious cultivation of the network of relationships that create strong communities. Others in the wider society see living cohesiveness and are attracted to the religion.

In Guyana, the racial divisions have been the bane of our quest for a more peaceful life. When the ancestors of African-Guyanese were brought as slaves starting in the 17th Century, there were a significant number of Muslims among their midst.

The term "Fulaman", which is colloquially applied in the present to Muslims is thought to have been derived from "Fulani" an African people who were among the first in that continent to practice Islam. However by the end of slavery, Islam as a living religion had been beaten out of its adherents. In the last few years, however, there has been a significant number of Africans who have accepted Islam - without any proselytization. It is hoped that the sharing of a common way of life and an acceptance of the equality of all adherents that is stressed by Islam would go a long way in reducing inter-racial tensions.

Youman Nabi also has a lesson for those who will be vying this year to lead this nation for the next five years.

The Prophet Muhammad left a living example of how a leader of a country should act and behave. Modesty, frugality, fairness, merciful and practicing what is demanded of others were some of his watchwords. While there is great stress nowadays on academic qualifications, the life of Muhammad demonstrates that more than all the "learning", a leader must be imbued by positive values.

Happy Youman Nabi, Guyana

These children enjoying one of the many games at the Monument Garden, where the Rotaract Club of Georgetown hosted a “Christmas Cheer” event on Saturday catering to some 124 children

Sussex Street drug bond visit?

Dear Editor, It was an interesting turn of events last Thursday (December 8) in the National Assembly when the bond issue surfaced again. I would like to share a few thoughts.

I commend Anil Nandlall for boldly speaking about this matter and I commend all his colleagues who have been standing bravely and strongly in a Parliament that is stacked against them.

The Speaker, in my view, has turned out to be very disappointing and perhaps for the first time in history, we the citizens are witnessing a Speaker that is wearing his political cap openly in a position that requires him to have utmost fairness because he serves the interest of the entire country and not his political party.

There is still time for the Speaker to redeem himself.

Guyanese are observing his actions. He now has a chance to show Guyanese he is fair and not partial and predisposed to his political party.

Nandlall has dealt with

the bond issue boldly and Guyanese can see that the APNU/AFC, through its Health Minister, Dr Norton, has misled this nation on the matter. Now we all saw that Nandlall was absolutely correct. Not even one tablet, let alone a box of tablets of any kind, not even one, was stored there. Not one was found.

The nation is appalled that the taxpayers’ monies are used so prodigally to store condoms, among other things, at a price that is outrageously, foolishly high.

This is what our taxes have gone to?

I heard the tape of Nandlall’s presentation as it was replayed in the Parliament and it was very clear to all to hear that he spoke about the storage of medication, in his citation of one tablet. Furthermore, we saw the evidence - hard, undeniable, indisputable evidence - that Nandlall was absolutely correct. The nation is shocked at this brazen dishonesty and deception by the APNU/AFC Government and

Dr Norton.

And what is even more troubling is their move to now blame Nandlall. Why? He spoke the truth.

I sincerely hope that the Speaker is seeing through what APNU/AFC is doing to this nation, how they are lying to the parliament, and what they are now trying to do to get out of the hot water they have found themselves.

Let us hope that the Speaker understands that he will be judged by history, God and the citizenry for any unfairness in light of the evidence.

We will await and see.

Finally, I understand that the PPP MPs who visited the bond, that is Irfaan Ali and Bishop Juan Edghil, were threatened by a group of people who assembled at the bond when the MPs visited. The questions I ask myself are: how did this group of people know that the MPs were visiting the site? How did they know the precise time the MPs were there?

This was an impromptu visit ordered by the Speaker in

the Parliament. How could such commoners, so far away from the activities of the Parliament, possibly know that MPs were visiting the bond?

Who alerted and had them mobilised on the site to threaten the PPP MPs? Isn’t the answer within the questions?

Ali raised his concern for their safety in the Parliament, so why didn’t Volda Lawrence show concern for her fellow MPs and tell the Parliament this part, but conveniently left it out?

The answers should alert us to what kinds of people we are dealing with. And should also alert us that something sinister is going on with this bond deal and the APNU/ AFC is doing all it can to hide it. This, they are doing by trying to turn the tables on the PPP MPs, as they are attempting to do with Nandlall, and by threatening them, as they did to Ali and Edghill.

Yours faithfully, Daren Jaipaul

Social Cohesion Ministry more divisive than bringing people together Dear Editor, In a country like ours that is racially divided, the need for social cohesion is essential for long-lasting stability and growth. Long before the Ministry of Social Cohesion was established by the Granger Administration, I have been a strong advocate for the promotion of social cohesion. Years ago while living in New York, I designed and printed thousands of bumper stickers with the words “My race does not matter… I’m Guyanese and proud of it.” These were brought to Guyana for distri-

bution.

Historically, our two main ethnic groups have been divided by racial conflicts and mistrust of each other. So uniting our people will be nothing short of a herculean task that requires real commitment and dedication. It requires leadership that is perceived to be fair, objective, and who truly understands the importance TRUST plays in bringing these ethnic groups together.

For this reason, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was established under the PPP/C Administration in

2003. It is a constitutional bi-partisan body established as an undertaking by the Herdmanston Accord and by Constitutional Amendment (#2) Act of 2000. Its members require a two-thirds majority vote by Parliament to serve on that Board.

It is intended to serve all Guyanese and other persons living or working in Guyana, including those who believe they were discriminated against based on their ethnicity and persons who believe others were discriminated against because of their ethnicity. It also has as

its mandate the promotion of harmonious relations between races and the powers of sanction against persons who discriminate.

Unfortunately, this Commission has been destroyed by the PNC, and is now dormant. The establishment of a Ministry of Social Cohesion allows the Granger Administration to secure recognition and grants through friendly international agencies to finance social cohesion programmes, and gives them the incentive to continue subverting the ERC.

NEWS

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

North West Secondary gets $1M Guterres set to be sworn in as next UN for science & technology

P

resident David Granger on Friday handed over $1 million to the North West Secondary School to boost its science and technology facilities.

The President said that science-based education is the key to development of the region, and by extension the country.

Presenting the cheque to acting Headmistress, Carlotta Joseph, at the Mabaruma Airstrip even as it started to rain, the President said that as the country pursues a path towards ‘green’ development, it is important that advances be made in the areas of science and technology. He noted that this is an investment that Government is making to ensure the emergence of a richer region and country, thereby ensuring a better life for all Guyanese.

“We feel that education and equality is the basis for providing employment. It is the basis for empowerment and it is the basis for driving our economy. We have embarked on what we call the ‘green’ strategy and in order to exploit this ‘green’ strategy and in order

President David Granger (second from left) and acting Headmistress Carlotta Joseph (left) with some students of the North West Secondary School, and regional officials

to exploit our resources and to make this region a richer region, science and technology must be the basis of your education system. This region is bigger than Trinidad and we are convinced that you all, if you embrace science and technology, can produce all of the commodities that they require in Barbados and in Grenada.

Any avocado pear, any mango, any fruit, anything you want, you can produce in this region,” the President said.

The Head of State told representatives of the school that once results are seen, then

Government will continue to invest in the school: “Our Government is going to help any school that is prepared to help themselves and if you put this money to good use, next year Christmas, you will get another million dollars,” he promised.

As an expression of gratitude, a poem written by a student of the school Jermaine Joseph, was performed, which read “It is not often that you find a heart that palpitates for mankind. For us, your interest is nothing shy of the best for we have seen that you

are one so keen for you act on thought that most keep at bay.

With hearts of genuflection we acknowledge your kindness, a man of sustained interest, none can claim rejection.”

This is the fourth school, but fifth institution, which has benefited from the President’s endowment of funds for the science and technology education.

In December 2015 he pledged $1 million to support the educational programmes which are being undertaken by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).

In September of this year, he pledged an initial $1 million to boost the Berbice High School’s (BHS) computer lab. Later, in October, the President, in re-emphasising the importance of designing curricula focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), handed over another $1 million to the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Hindu School at their 12th graduation ceremony.

In November, the President presented $1 million to the President’s College at its 26th graduation exercise.

Disappointed with corruption, incompetence of administration (Pt 2) Dear Editor, I backed a horse in 2015 hoping that he would have done great things for Guyana like a thoroughbred but he turned out to be nothing but a dressed up "political kangala".

It is time for us in the political centre to pick up the pieces and start the battle again for another opportunity at true economic empowerment for the poor and the working class because this entire stable of horses are devoid of new ideas on how to drive consumption, investment and exports. We cannot give up; Guyana is too rich potentially to be so poor.

As a Guyanese, I have a right to call the 2017 Budget as I see it and my call has nothing to do with the PNC or PPP, but my conscience. But for narrow-minded politicians like Tacuma, if you are East Indian and you call out the PNC, then you are deemed PPP and vice versa. Shame on you Tacuma! Shame on you for learning so little from Walter Rodney when he shared so much with the peo-

ple around him! It was either you were not listening to the message or you are a certified dunce.

As an East Indian I have a record that called out both the PNC and the PPP because of their oppression of the poor and the working class. No shame in that! So how dare you Tacuma, attempt to force me into a camp without my permission? I have a record of a lifelong commitment to the poor and the working class and I refuse to allow gold coins to drive my message, unlike you Tacuma.

If I choose to go with the PPP or the PNC it will be driven by my ideological belief; not gold coins. If the PNC make the “small man the real man”, then they are my friends.

Likewise, if the PPP re-establishes their commitment to the working class, then they are also my friends. My association has to do with politicians who can best help the working class. My stance on the national issues has always been consistent - a friend of

Motorcyclist, pedestrian...

FROM PAGE 2

“If I didn’t pull in the corner, I would have hit him,” the driver explained.

Another eyewitness told Guyana Times that De Florimde jumped a traffic light at UG Road shortly before the accident.

As news spread of the accident, distraught family and friends of the motorcyclist gathered at the scene.

“Junior! Get up, let we go home!” one of the dead man’s sisters cried, hitting his chest.

“I does be scared every time you go on the road...I

don’t want tell you...Please get up...noo...don’t carry way my brother, please!” De Florimde’s sister screamed as undertakers tried to take him away.

Meanwhile, De Florimde’s father told this publication, “I called my son and asked him where he was and he told me that he bathing. He didn’t tell me, he was going out on the seawall. I does tell this boy not to ride speed, but he don’t hear...

He does do this for fun. You know how these young people stay.”

the working class is a friend of mine.

My condemnation of the 2017 Budget has everything to do with a reckless and rude attempt to devour and deflower the working class economically. The PPP did it for a period of time as they approached the end of their term in office and they heard from me but Tacuma was silent then when Dr Rose and I engaged the PPP. Today by way of this 2017 vampire Budget, the PNC-led government that includes people like Moses Nagamootoo and Rupert Roopnaraine (who ought to know better), has broadsided the poor people of Guyana.

They shall also hear from

me. But only a hypocrite will shout for joy when I called out the PPP, but wants to condemn me as I call out the PNC today. Is Tacuma such a paid hypocrite?

My path is very consistent and very unwavering and I refuse to be a fair weather politician like Tacuma Ogunseye, who like a weather cock flipflops on the issues based on the number of gold coins on the table. Sometimes I wonder who sold out Walter Rodney in the 1970s to the PNC? Tacuma, how long have you been collecting gold coins?

Sincerely, Sase Singh Maryland, USA

Secretary General

F

ormer Portugal Prime Minister António Guterres is set to be sworn in today, as the next United Nations Secretary General, succeeding Ban Kimoon who steps down at the end of the month.

Guterres, 67, was Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.

He was formally appointed by the General Assembly on October 13 in what was the culmination of an historic process set in motion late last year: the selection of a new United Nations Secretary General, for the first time in history, involved public discussions with each candidate campaigning to be the organi-

sation's ninth chief.

These so-called 'informal briefings' between the candidates, UN Member States and civil society representatives kicked off on April 12, when the first three candidates presented their 'vision statements' and answered questions on how they would promote sustainable development, improve efforts to create peace, protect human rights, and deal with huge humanitarian catastrophes should they be selected to lead the organisation.

The 193-member General Assembly will pay tribute to outgoing Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for his exceptional contribution to the work of the organisation over the past decade. (Excerpt from UN

News)

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MONday, december 12, 2016

Page

Continued from Saturday

Third, if building the connection doesn’t quickly result in a big cry about some small thing, then you’ll need to stay close to your impulsive hitter

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atch for signs of increasing tightness. Children often (but not always) give you signals that their negative feelings are bubbling up. Their voices become edgy. Their faces lose mobility and sometimes lose colour as well. They avoid natural, communicative eye contact. They begin to try to control situations. When you see this, move closer. Don’t try to prevent hitting with words like, “OK, let’s take turns here. There’s no need to get upset.” The upset is already inside of the child. Once a child has signalled that she is in trouble, there are no words that can make that trouble disappear.

What you can do is to make sure that her impulsive behaviour hurts no one.

Foundation Reassure her that she’s a good friend.

That other children are glad to play with her. That she will have a good day today, even though things feel hard right now. Let her know that she’s safe with you, and you are glad to be with her.

This process can be used again and again, to help a child who carries a knot of fear big enough to require several rounds of proactive limits and emotional release

We have seen children’s whole personalities change over time, and their frequently impulsive behaviour melt

exhausted and frustrated.

So I showed the mother how to put her hand on her daughter’s tummy as she approached the baby. I encouraged her to say, “I know you want to kiss your brother. You can do that in a little while. Let’s just watch him and see what he likes, for now.” No need to be unfriendly. No need to instruct. The mother was both ensuring the baby’s safety, and telling her daughter, “You love Billy. I can tell. You are such a sweet big sister.” With the feel of that limit, the daughter immediately went into a vigorous tantrum, jumping up

Proactively set a limit

For instance, you might try hooking your arm around the frequent hitter’s midsection, and gently nudging her a step away from the other children. You are not forbidding any further play. You are simply insuring safety. You can say, “I need to put my arm here, Rosie. You can play, but I am going to come with you and keep my arm here for awhile, so everyone stays safe.” Your sense of set limits with playful intervention calm, and your gentle touch will probably help her notice the tension that’s rising in her. She won’t want you there.

She might squirm and try to push you away. Stand your ground. “I’m going to keep you safe. I know you want to play, and you can. I will go with you where you go.” She may fume, and work her way into a good cry.

Your limit is helpful. You noticed trouble coming, and intervened in the kindest possible way

You are preventing a frightened child from feeling ashamed because her impulses overcame her and hurt someone again. You are preventing another child from being victimised. You are doing the responsible thing as a parent or guardian of the play environment.

You haven’t shamed her, haven’t isolated her, but also haven’t let her impulses victimise another child. When she finally bursts into tears, Staylisten.

guyanatimesgy.com

into sensitivity and empathy for the feelings of other children, with repeated chances to play with an attentive adult, and then have good, passionate cries and tantrums in the circle of a kind adult’s arms.

Isn’t this what we all could use?

Someone to move in when we are edgy so we don’t splash our upsets on others, and then to listen to us vent our upsets in safety? Someone kind enough to listen until the storm is over and we feel good about our lives again? Children who tend to hit give us a chance to learn this kind of effective intervention— intervention to build a stronger friendship. Intervention that prevents corrosive behaviour through listening, so a child can feel safe in her world again.

Here’s how it can work:

3 ways to stop hitting In watching their interaction, I saw that the big sister was like a moth to her baby brother’s flame. She couldn’t stay away from him, but was impulsive the moment she got close. The mom was

and down and writhing in her mother’s arms. She tried frantically to reach for her baby brother. We told her we saw that she loved him, but said that she could kiss him and touch him a little later, not right now.

Big sister’s tantrum and sweaty struggle went on for 15 or 20minutes.

We stayed positive, listened, and cared as her feelings poured out in her mommy’s arms.

When the daughter finally had worked her feelings through and didn’t feel frantic any longer, she looked at her Mommy, made sweet eye contact, and began to play with her Mommy’s buttons. She laughed a bit, and seemed relaxed. We asked her if she wanted to kiss her brother now, and she did, gently, and then went off to play.

The mother’s limit and Staylistening had freed her of that compulsion to be near the baby and besiege him with sugar-coated aggression. The mother was pleased, and now knew how to set a limit soon enough to help her daughter when her behaviour became impulsive.

(Excerpt from handinhandparenting.com)

Home for the Holidays ― teenagers and the evolution of understanding

By Linda Escobar Olszewski

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s the hustle and bustle of the holiday season quickly approaches, it’s easy to find ourselves caught up and even overwhelmed by the gift giving and obligations of the season rather than basking in its cheer. For parents, the holidays often represent a time of duties: Duties of purchasing, duties of entertaining, or attending and hosting celebratory family and or work gatherings. It’s easy to become lost in the overwhelming commercialism of the season. After all, who can ignore brightly coloured holiday decorations, the pine smell of the freshly cut trees, the warm glow of candles in shops, or the endless parade of commercials and adverts coaxing you into the shops in search of the “perfect” gift!

On the other hand for young kids, the December holidays are all about vacation from school and the gifts they may be receiving. From young child’s perspective, it is a season of wonder, fantastic stories and anticipation of presents. During childhood, holidays, their meaning and traditions, are accepted without question, interpretation, or debate. Gifts, regardless of their cost, bring immediate gratification and amazement to young kids.

As a parent, this can be a joy to behold. While it is easy to maintain the wonder and awe of a young child, this is not the case with teenagers and it can be challenging.

An adolescent’s perception of the season is still in flux. Gone is the childhood ‘magic’ of a large jolly man in red coming to town with 12 reindeer, gone is the unbounded excitement. The cheer, anticipation, obligations, and expectations of the season come to a crashing head and transition during adolescence. Adolescence is not only a time of hormonal, neurological and physical change, it is also a time when perceptions change, and the holidays shift from a season of wonder to one that is filled with duties and expectations.

Adolescents are just beginning to identify the boundaries superimposed by forces once unseen (such as finances). They have an evolving understanding of the season and a growing realisation of financial constraints their families may experience which are pivotal to this time of year. Sure, your teen may want the latest pair of Jordan’s or iPhone (so they won’t be shamed by their peers, I mean, how embarrassing to be so last season!) It’ also likely that your teen may try to exert their

independence, act impulsively, want to play their video game, complain that they are, “SO BORED”, (how dare you make them join you for a family dinner?!) They may act disappointed and angry at not getting what they had hoped for, or not quite realising or accepting that with the family’s working budget.

As parents understand, it might not be feasible to fulfil all their teen’s wants. It may be helpful to obligate your teen to fund their own gift giving activity to teach them about budgeting, and help them understand their own financial boundaries and that of the family. Teach your teen that expensive gifts aren’t symbolic of love: Time together is.

So how do you get through this difficult time as a parent? Be authentic and communicate openly. Adolescents know when you feel obligated to do something, insincere, or when you like or dislike someone.

Teens are experts at reading relationships. It’s never a good idea to model trash talk instead teach teens the value of diplomacy between and within relationships. Spend more quality time with your teen. Really listen to them; speak with them and avoid talking at them. Sign your family up for an activity to give to those who are in greater need. Experiencing contact with those less fortunate helps foster gratitude.

Sure, your teen may continue to be ornery at times during the season. Keep in mind that adolescence is a time that the holidays become less about the fantasy young children easily embrace, and more about the magic that each individual helps to create. Being an adolescent during the holidays is a time of difficult transition, the time that mysteries are unveiled, a time when parents must support their teens’ evolution from a young believer in magical tales and holiday elves, helping them shift focus towards the truth and power of meaningful family ties, family bonds, and spiritual beliefs. After all, home is where the heart is during the holiday season. (psychologytoday.com)

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Citizens should speak out against Gender-Based Violence – First Lady fora and lends its full support to the UN human rights system, which is fundamental to protecting universal human rights and monitoring compliance,” Videtič said.

Social Protection Ministry Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit Manager Akeela Doris (second left); British High Commissioner Greg Quinn; First Lady Sandra Granger; Mrs Ruta DrizyteVidetič, the wife of the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, US Ambassador Perry Holloway and other attendees in a moment of silence for lives lost due to Gender-Based Violence

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irst Lady Sandra Granger is urging citizens to speak out against Gender-Based Violence, stating that the adherence to human rights begins with education and the development of mutual respect.

Granger was delivering her remarks at the closing ceremony of the 16 Days of Activism against GenderBased Violence (GBV), hosted by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Guyana, at its office in Sendall Place, Georgetown. She stated that women and girls continue to be victims of physical and psychological violence in society and, therefore, early education on Gender-Based Violence would create wider knowledge and better understanding of the permanent

damage caused by this type of abuse.

She urged witnesses of abuse to speak out and not remain silent. “We must speak out when onlookers express amusement when a woman or girl is being beaten by a partner… We must make our voices heard when anyone is being ridiculed and demeaned. We must demand that our laws be enforced when our girls are trafficked and treated as commodities in the most vulgar way,” Granger said. of the Ambassador Delegation of the EU to Guyana, Jernej Videtič said that while inequality and violation of human rights continued to pose a challenge across the world, it was important that society defended the rights of people.

“This year, the European Union joins the United Nations in calling upon people to stand up for someone’s rights… That is the theme for this year’s Human Rights Day; ‘Stand up for someone’s rights’… Each of us has an individual responsibility to stand up for his rights,” he said.

Ambassador Videtič further stated that the EU would continue to play a pivotal role in the promotion of rules based on global order with respect for human rights.

“The EU works hard on improving human rights in its member states, countries, and EU delegations all around the world are working tirelessly to defend human rights in their host countries. The EU remains a vocal advocate for human rights in multilateral

Social Protection Ministry Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit Manager Akeela Doris said the Ministry continued to offer counselling services to victims of

any form of violence, and the Ministry has recently established a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit in aimed at tackling GenderBased Violence.

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monDAY, december 12, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former Bank Manager on $3M fraud charge

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former Bank Manager of Lot 1664 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of fraudulently converting $3 million to his own benefit.

Kester Harvey pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between October 1 and 31 at Georgetown, he, being entrusted by Pat Isaacs with $3 million cash to deposit same into Citizens Bank account #218791074, fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

In an attempt to secure bail for the father of three,

Former Bank Manager Kester Harvey

Attorney Leslie Sobers, who represented the defendant, told the court that his client handles hundreds of millions

of dollars at Citizens Bank and IPED for eight years and six years, respectively, and had never been accused of wrongdoing. Sobers added that the allegation against his client is false since the prosecution cannot pinpoint the specific date of the alleged crime.

However, Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail on the grounds that the matter involves a large sum of money and the alleged crime attracts a high penalty. He noted that, if bail is considered, it should be a substantial amount with a condition that the defendant’s passport be lodged with au-

thorities.

Sobers indicated to that his client has no difficulty abiding with any condition by the court, since his client is innocent and has no intentions of fleeing the jurisdiction.

Harvey was granted bail in the sum of $250,000 and ordered to lodge his passport pending the outcome of the matter. He was further ordered to make weekly appearances to the officer in charge at the Brickdam Police Station.

The defendant is scheduled to make his next court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on December 22, 2016.

Unemployed man sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment

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owal Ramsawack who told the court that he stole a number of items because he is unemployed was given 18 months imprisonment when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The man pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on December 1, at Albert

Street, Georgetown, he stole twenty 5-gallon water bottles and a tarpaulin amounting to $63,000, property of Nicholas Coates The unrepresented man told the court that he has been unemployed for a very long time; as such he stole the items to gain some cash.

When questioned by the Magistrate how much he sold

the items for, Ramsawack explained that he sold the water bottles for $1000 and the tarpaulin for $3000.

The prosecution stated that on the day in question, Coates secured his truck at his place of business and left it unattended. According to the prosecution, when he returned, he noticed all of the items mentioned in the

charge missing. It was further added that Caotes was able to view Close-Circuit Television footage which showed the accused breaking into the truck and removing the items.

Magistrate McGusty handed down her ruling and a remorseful Ramsawack was escorted by the Police to serve his time.

Corruption…

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…as “sweet medicine”

atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman insists his Government’s 2017 Budget is “bitter medicine”. The metaphor being that even though the budgetary measures may be painful to the Guyanese public, it’ll help cure their economic woes. But that’s the fly in the ointment, isn’t it? Even the Government’s apologists like the PM’s shill couldn’t identify credible examples of where particular “bitter” measures will actually help with growth and development.

Take the removal of numerous basic items from the “zero rated” basket that will now have their VAT inputs passed onto the consumer in the form of higher prices.

How will this help cure the “illness” of poverty that afflicts the majority of Guyanese? But even though so many commentators have flogged this horse, Prezzie and his Finance Minister insists the horse is already dead and flogging won’t accomplish anything. The aforementioned Resource Minister advised Guyanese to quit whining and get on with drinking the bitter medicine!! In other words, like it or lump it!

It doesn’t seem to’ve crossed the collective minds of this PNC-led Government that their “bitter medicine” might actually be the “wrong medicine” and could actually harm the body politic by stifling economic growth! But another thing that has troubled your humble Eyewitness is while the Government might be making the wrong decisions to generate economic growth because they’re simply clueless about these matters, why is it they’re so accommodating to corruption which also has the same malignant effect on growth and development?

This is such a proven relationship that your Eyewitness has no need to rehearse the data from across the underdeveloped world that exposes corruption’s role in maintaining that underdevelopment, does he? He thought not! But with corruption, the Government in general and Prezzie in particular cannot plead ignorance. For years, they flagellated the PPP for allegedly “siphoning off” billions and billions from the national treasury through various and sundry corrupt practices.

In fact one recurring decimal in the corruption charges by the parties now constituting the Government was that the PPP practiced “cronyism” in awarding contracts.

But here it is they’ve now been so many crony practices that have hindered development one just can’t keep counting – but are allowed to pass without official comment. Importing chicken? Importing fuel? Collecting unaccounted hundreds of millions for Jubilee Stadium?

Approving a PPA for a wind farm to an AFC “political investor”? And of course the infamous pharma warehouse that still hasn’t housed a single tablet after almost $100 million has been shelled out!!

If you want to understand how corruption inhibits development, just think what all that money for a TOTALLY unnecessary warehouse could’ve done for some poor people.

Yet the charade goes on!

…from the start

So when was it the “corruption rot” started with this Government? From its very conception, when the AFC broke its word to its supporters that - unlike other small parties - it would use its Parliamentary seats as a swing bloc to influence both the PPP and the PNC. However, the sordid reality is they NEVER, EVER reached out to the PPP to find a common cause. Their mission was summarised in the words of one of the AFC’s founders – Raphael Trotman: to appose, expose, and depose the PPP. We later heard Raphael Trotman had a secret pact with David Granger, then only leader of the PNC, just before the elections.

It is this sort of deceit on political motives – which has to be part of a wide conspiracy among those in Government - that is the beginning of the slippery slope of ethical positions that are taken opportunistically when it comes to other matters. Like awarding themselves a 50 per cent salary hike, and only 10 per cent for Government workers.

If that’s not corruption, what is?

…to the end

If Prezzie doesn’t step up to the crease and make an example of even ONE of those who’re so gratuitously corrupt, then his Administration will certainly return Guyana to the Burnhamite denouement.

Absolute despair and wretchedness Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

news

CC&PA is effective – former official

…but agency has too many cases, too few case workers

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former Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) official has stepped out to defend the agency, saying it is not that the agency is not effective in delivering their work, it is just that they are swamped.

The former official, who worked as a counsellor in the agency, stated that people or organisations looking in from the outside do not know what is going on within the agency.

“What people fail to realise is that the Child Protection Agency is a small body and the workload is more than they can handle; and sometimes things will slip through the cracks, and that is not good, but we need to be human and understand that it is a situation where there are too many cases and too few case workers,” the former staff explained.

On Friday, Help and Shelter Director and Project Coordinator Margaret Kertzious stated that the Agency has been lagging in providing effective care for children who

are victims of abuse and neglect.

However, the former staff stated that instead of criticising the agency, these other organisations should have dialogue with the agency to outsource case workers. “They don’t need new services, they need case workers to reach out to those children… children that are classified according to colour lines… those that are considered emergency cases,” the official said.

According to the Official (who requested anonymity), the agency does not have the financial means to hire more workers, so this is an area that they desperately need help in: “However, they also need to ask for help. They need to say the word and other agencies and companies would help. The focus here shouldn’t be on the agency, but on the children that are being left in the open and vulnerable.”

Meanwhile, Kertzious had stated that while there have been many consultations and promises of col-

laboration between the CPA and the shelter, this has not transpired except for the referrals.

She noted that prior to the establishment of the agency, Help & Shelter offered successful psychosocial counselling and court support services to hundreds of abused children, including survivors of sexual violence, but now their face-to-face and court support counselling services are not being utilised by the agency.

When the head of the CC&PA Ann Green was contacted initially for a comment, she stated she would not respond at the moment, but will be making a public statement on the matter at a later date.

According to the UNICEF Situational Analysis 2016 Report, only around 100 social workers, child protection officers and school welfare officers are employed in the entire country.

There are over 800 children displaced from their families and living in institutional care.

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monDAY, december 12, 2016

News City businesses foresee bleak Christmas

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Vendors plying their trade on Regent Street

usiness owners each year look forward to the Christmas season, as that is the time when business booms, however this is definitely not the case this Christmas.

A walk around the capital City with several stops at business establishments revealed the reality, which was evident on the faces of many proprietors.

Guyana Times took to the busy Regent Street and from

all indications it seemed as though a blue Christmas is looming.

Many business owners refused to elaborate but were quick to highlight “business is slow, nothing ain’t happening!”

One Indian national, who has been in Guyana for over four years, said that he has seen a decline every year but that this year is the worst thus far.

He noted that most per-

sons are window shopping instead of buying anything: “I don’t know if it is because there is so much competition now with the Chinese being able to sell way cheaper but business is dead, dead!”

A floral vendor relayed that if not for her regular customers, she would not be getting any sales: “Right now business is not the way it would usually be, what we are accustom to, we are not getting it, it is pretty slow

because the people are not shopping much.”

A single mother who has been plying her trade on Regent Street for a number of years is hopeful that business picks up by next week as she is hoping to provide a joyous Christmas for her children.

When asked what they think might be the reason for the drop in sales, most business owners highlighted that it is getting harder to live and make a living in Guyana because of the bad economic circumstances.

They voiced their dissatisfaction with the present situation, expressing fear for the coming years if things do not change.

Some business owners are however keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that as it gets closer to Christmas, sales will pick up and can at least shine some light on their Christmas trees.

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monday, december 12, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

No criminals pardoned for 2016 Independence Anniversary – President Granger

...says candidates not fully eligible

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fter pardoning some 60 criminals on two occasions last year, President David Granger has stated that no convicts were pardoned during the Independence celebration this year since none of them fully met the criteria set out.

The pardoned criminals programme is an initiative of the Guyanese Leader to give young “petty” offenders a second chance at life. The criteria used to select the beneficiaries include prisoners who are facing short sentences; those incarcerated for petty, non-violent offences; and those between the ages of 18 and 24.

However, speaking on his televised programme – The Public Interest – President Granger explained that while there was a list of persons selected to be pardoned using the criteria set out, many of them were convicted on cocaine trafficking charges, an offence which he considers serious, given the country’s ongoing battle with the illicit drug trade.

“I didn’t pardon anyone at the time of Independence because many of the persons who would have normally been eligible for pardon were in fact convicted for trafficking cocaine – not possession of a few grams of marijuana but trafficking. I’m not going to tolerate trafficking, I’m not going to tolerate murder and I’m not going to pardon anybody who’s got blood on their hands,” he posited.

According to the Head of State, while he would like to see more young people out building a life for themselves and their families instead of being in jail, he will not be pardoning anyone who has not fully met the criteria outlined.

Successful programme

“There is a policy, there are criteria for determining who is likely to be pardoned and generally, I would continue to pardon people who met those criteria but so far

persons who have not met those criteria will not be pardoned. I don’t pardon people for the sake of pardoning, I pardon people to give them a second chance,” the President asserted.

On the other hand, Granger believes the pardoning programme is successful, referring to two instances where beneficiaries of the initiative had taken full advantage of the second chance to turn their lives around.

He noted that only a few weeks ago, a female who was pardoned last year graduated from the ‘Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Livelihood’ (SLED) programme.

The President added too that he is heartened to see the positive impact of this programme particularly as it relates to the young women and mothers who were given an early release from prison.

“I’m very happy from time to time to receive letters particularly from women who have been pardoned and who are grateful. They felt that that pardon has turned their lives around…

So I think that the quality of mercy, the quality of compassion is an important quality for a Head of State to possess,” he stated.

While President Granger confirmed that no prisoners were released for the Independence celebrations, he did not say whether the pardon will also be extended for the Christmas season as was done last year.

In addition to the 40 prisoners who received pardons in June 2015, last December the President extended pardon to another 20 female prisoners who are mothers so that they can return home to spend the holidays with their children. However, only 11 of them met the criteria and were released. A similar situation had existed in June of that year, when the President announced pardons for some 60 prisoners but only 40 were released.

President David Granger

This decision of pardoning criminals had caused and continues to build uneasiness among Guyanese, especially business owners.

Persons were also calling for the identities of these convicts to be made public, however it was explained that this would hinder the reintegration of these young people

into society.

But this position changed back in May this year, when Kelvin Bates, 19, among the first batch of pardoned prisoners, was charged for a spate of robberies in Corentyne, Berbice. Minister Ramjattan had subsequently told Guyana Times that he will consider releasing the names of the new set of prisoners who were scheduled to be released this year.

“Of course if asked, we will release the names of all those who will be pardoned. It is an obligation in the name transparency that the Minister release all the names of those who are on parole and pardoned,” he had

declared.

Not reckless

Meanwhile, the Head of State, during an edition of ‘The Public Interest’ programme earlier this year, had admitted to a Guyana Times reporter that Government cannot totally prevent a pardoned individual from relapsing into criminal activities, but maintained that he was not reckless in releasing those prisoners last year.

“It wasn’t reckless. I’m not a reckless person… I am advised that it’s not a reckless plan, there are criteria concerning their age and the possibilities of that person re-

joining society and there is a scheme they can do some form of rehabilitative training or education but in the final analysis, it is impossible for the State to guarantee there will be no relapse into that criminal behaviour,” President Granger had asserted.

Moreover, the Guyanese Leader further pointed out that the initiative cannot be judged based on one individual, highlighting the success of the others. He went on to say that criteria used to select the pardoned beneficiaries are strict, hence only 11 of the 20 females were released in December and only 40 of 60 in May last year.

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Govt extends Youman Nabi greetings to Muslims and all Guyanese

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is Excellency, President Brigadier David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana extend Youman Nabi greetings to all Muslims of Guyana and to the entire nation.

Youman Nabi, a national holiday, is the celebra-

tion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam/On Whom Be Peace) who Muslims believe was the final prophet sent by God unto mankind and the founder of Islam.

At Youman Nabi Muslims across the world celebrate the life of the Holy Prophet (OWBP) with gift giving and feasts along with prayers and recitations of the Holy Quran.

The life of Prophet Muhammad (OWBP) is an example to all Muslims and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana calls on all Muslims and all Guyanese to emulate this worthy example of living a life honour and doing good for all mankind in an effort to be our brother’s keeper and for the development and prosperity of our communities and our beloved country.

IAC Youman Nabi message T

he Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially those who are adherents of Islam, on the occasion of Youman Nabi, a national holiday which commemorates the birth (and the death) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( On Whom Peace Be Upon).

The IAC recognises that followers of Islam were present in this country since the days of slavery, as many of the enslaved Africans were Muslims.

The IAC also recognises that new influxes of Muslims to this country occurred during the period of indentureship, as approximately one out of every five East Indian immigrant was a follower

of the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (On Whom Peace Be Upon).

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to remember the moral pathways outlined by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (On Whom Peace Be Upon) in which he called upon all mankind to the way of peace and to the belief in the supreme being, and thus reminded them of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equality and concern for the dispossessed and the poor.

The IAC, in this significant commemoration of one who arguably is the greatest human who ever lived and who preached the value of love, sacrifice and compassion, to be positively influ-

GAWU Youman Nabi 2016 message

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins our Islamic community in their joyous celebration of the Birth of their Holy Prophet Mohammed (On Whom Be Peace).

GAWU leaves it to our Guyanese Muslim Brothers and Sisters to commemorate their joyous occasion in the fashion their religion recommends. But it is a known fact that Islam teaches Muslims to share.

At times like these Muslims lead in charitable work as instructed by the guidelines of their Holy text – the Koran.

Even as our Muslim friends demonstrate their devotion to a Higher

Creator – Allah - their beliefs teach resilience, discipline and consideration for the less fortunate. And, even as Christians too begin to celebrate the Birth of their Saviour, Yoman Nabi reminds Guyanese to hold fast to the virtues of the Prophet (On Whom Be Peace).

At this time, there is no need for GAWU to enumerate the enormous challenges everyday life is throwing up for Guyanese from the current Budget blues, to cost-of-living challenges and a frightening crime rate, we Guyanese need all the Hope the Birth of the Prophet brings.

Here’s to a Youman Nabi 2016 of Hope and Joy at this time of year – from GAWU.

enced so that our everyday interactions with each other, irrespective of ethnic, religious and class origins.

The IAC is therefore pleased to join with Muslims here and worldwide to observe this auspicious Day, and urge that special prayers be offered for peace, so that our country can move forward with prosperity. Happy Youman Nabi from the IAC!

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VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

The recently returned deportees Segei Griffith – Georgetown “The truth is that the main fact that they were deported is because they belong here and it is up to the police officials to meet with them and advise them on what us expected of them and if they need any help, it is their job to assist them. I think that will help if not all of them, a few.”

Sookrajie Mooniram – Essequibo Coast “I personally feel that those deportees should be given counselling and also all the physiological help they need so they can reintegrate in society because I learnt that not all the persons that were deported are criminals.”

Orin Williams – Linden “In terms of the deportees that came back, I feel that the Government of Guyana should create proper housing to house them. They should also create jobs for them and also get them into groups; for example, youth groups so that they can share their thoughts and opinions.”

Joan Caesar – Linden

“We need to ask the question, ‘what can you do for Guyana?’

Noharmattie Gopaul – Essequibo Coast “The deportees are humans: they have a life; however, they should be monitored by a group of persons. They should receive counselling, so that they can socially rehabilitate as well as adjust themselves in society.”

Sidney Nelson – Georgetown “Criminals or not, they are Guyanese and should be granted the right of citizenship... If they’re found guilty of defaulting the law, there is a criminal justice system.”

Because some of them got skills in something or the other. It’s time people start doing things for Guyana, because they were over there and doing things for America. So what can they do for Guyana? We got to find out what skills they have and who is prepared to start over. They need a chance because if you loose them wild, they might be wounded and they will team up with the rest to make mischief.

So, use them at whatever skills they got. Plenty more Guyanese will be sent back, so we got to prepare.”

Ravin Gibbons – Georgetown “Well, this is where the Government comes in and the people of Guyana to join forces that will keep a close eye on the deportees or form some group which will aid in helping these people.”

Lisa – Georgetown “It’s unfortunate, but they are after all Guyanese citizens.

It is, therefore, within the rights of the US Government to send them home after they’ve completed their sentences.

Their families and the local law enforcement have to work together to reintegrate them into Guyanese society. Best wishes to them.”

Joe Williams – Linden “The Government can help deportees with businesses; if they want to get involved in business, create housing and see how much they can assist in providing for them and help them out of their situation.

They need homes and also help in finding jobs.”

Petra Richmond – Berbice “As it relates to the

deportees who were recently returned to Guyana, I believe that they should by no means be left unattended. There should a system in place to monitor them much like the probation system.

I believe that they should not only be encouraged to find jobs and to be productive, but that the Government should ensure that they do so by attaching penalties if they refuse to comply. They must be ordered to report to either senior police officers or probation officers on

wanted them out of our society and deported them back to their homeland. All those women in the New Amsterdam Prison from the US for drug trafficking, when they are finished serving their sentences if their family don’t come for them; they are deported to the US.”

Eli Hazel – New Amsterdam

“From the inception, when a person goes into the embassy to get a visa, they would agree that the United States has the right to deport them at any time and we all does sign to it, so why is the big cry when they get deport now? I read in the newspaper that all these persons committed serious crimes in the US and, therefore, they are not worthy of being in this [US] country. If it were US citizens here who had committed those crimes like murder and armed robbery, we would have

Orin Houston – West Berbice “Many of those people don’t know anything about Guyana because they left here small,

a regular basis to check and see how well their reintegration into society is going.

Further, in this matter, due to the stigma already attached to these individuals; top priority should be given to providing assistance for them in terms of helping them to acquire meaningful employment, since it will cost the country more in the long run if they decide adopt criminal lifestyles due to the lack of a means of earning a tangible income.”

and it is unfair to send such people back to Guyana; we see a lot of them around the town and they have nothing to do and most of them end up with the wrong company and doing the thing that hurt the country.

Some of those people give up their Guyanese citizenship, so I think the US should keep them; if they know that they don’t want them back in their society, just jail them for life; see how much of them gon start pulling themselves together, but they know if they screw up, they then let them face the penalty.”

Trevor A’Guard – New Amsterdam “This is not the first time that the US deport back Guyanese. If you go in the people country and violate, then they have a right to do whatever they want with you.

I don’t have a problem with it.

There are Guyanese and we have to take care of them.”

17

news

President Granger spreads message of peace, goodwill in Region 2

monday, december 12, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt, Opposition spar over PPC, local democracy

P

resident David Granger spread the message of peace and goodwill, and presented toys and goodies to the children of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) during a Christmas party sponsored by the Social Cohesion Ministry at the Anna Regina Multilateral School.

The President was accompanied by Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally.

During his address to the more than 300 children drawn from across the Region, he emphasised that Christmas is a time for peace, love and harmony despite differences: “Christ came into the world as a child and we in the Government feel that we must celebrate children. The best thing we can do is make our children happy, because our children have to take over this country and we have to prepare you to do so.”

President Granger announced that Region Two is special to him, and reminded that the 5Bs (Boats, Buses, Bicycles, Books, and Breakfasts) initiative was birthed in the Pomeroon. He explained that during the election campaign, a parent from the area had relat-

T

Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally

overnment Chief Whip, Amna Ally, and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), Ganga Persaud, traded barbs over the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and the state of local democracy in Guyana during the Budget debates last week.

Pointing to the fact that it was not by accident that Government has produced three budgets in the last eighteen months, Social Cohesion Minister Ally opined that the 2017 Budget takes the country onto the trajectory of development.

“It shows how proactive we are and the high level of commitment that we have to move Guyana forward. This country is now geared for operation development to take off on January 1, 2017,” she said.

According to the Chief Whip, despite these downturns, her Government still managed to achieve the establishment of three towns, two hinterland radio stations, improved drainage systems, the

return of local democracy and the establishment of the PPC. Many of these noted achievements were however quickly dismissed

by Opposition MP Ganga Persaud, who reminded the House of discrepancies in six local authorities, noting that it was the previous Administration that put the PPC in place.

“The procurement commission could not have come into being without the thirty-two people on this side of the House agreeing to the members of that commission, something that the thirty-three on that side of the House failed to do for a number of years here.”

He noted that the current Government has held Local Government Elections which is still incomplete, adding that there are still six areas where the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) has failed and continues to fail to resolve those elections.

As heckling on both sides erupted, Speaker Dr Barton Scotland admonished that members remain focused.

G President David Granger distributing gifts

ed the burden he was facing in sending his children to school.

He also used the opportunity to wish the residents of the rice-growing community the best for the season and a productive 2017. Minister Ally said that the Christmas party was a way of making

the children feel special during the festive season. She wished the children the best and urged them to continue to strive for excellence in developing Guyana.

Region Two REO, Rupert Hopkinson and MP Hemraj Rajkumar were also in attendance.

Guyana on list to benefit from UK facility upgrade funding

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is assessing some 600 health centres and hospitals across the Region, including Guyana, to gain funding for improvement of its health facilities.

It is expected that some 50 healthcare facilities in seven Caribbean countries will be

PPP/C MP Ganga Persaud

improved and retrofitted as part of the SMART Health Care Facilities project, with $38.3 million in financial support from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UK aid).

PAHO Health Emergencies Department, in partnership with the

Ministries of Health from the various nations, is assessing the health centres, hospitals, and similar facilities in Grenada, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana and Belize.

The selection of the facilities and the retrofitting works are being guid-

ed by a team of regional experts under the supervision of Regional Advisor and Project Manager Dr Dana van Alphen, using the SMART Toolkit developed

by PAHO to assess structural, non-structural, functional and environmentally sound elements.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, december 12, 2016

ARCHIE

Personal gains can be made if you avoid getting in(March 21- volved in joint ventures. You April 19) need complete control if you want to reach your expectations. Romance will improve your life.

ARIES

If you put in a full-fledged TAURUS effort, you will avoid criticism.

(April 20- It’s important to honor your May 20) word and to live within your means. You can please the people you love without overspending.

dilbert

There’s a lot to do, but you GEMINI must also take time to relax. Do (May 21June 20) your best to spruce up your appearance and plan your itinerary for the festive season. Preparation will help you avoid disappointment and stressful situations.

Use your imagination when dealing with your peers (June 21- or relatives. When in doubt, July 22) ask questions and look for practical, cost-efficient alternatives.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Reach out to someone from your past. Consider the changes you want to make and start the ball rolling.

Take an energetic approach where negotiations, contracts and finances are concerned.

Emotional situations will escalate if someone isn’t being honest. Take a hard look at anything that seems dubious. Offer suggestions, but don’t interfere in other people’s private affairs. Focus on self-improvement instead of trying to change others.

Keep an open mind when dealing with your home and family. Consider ways that you can improve your health, emotional well-being and physical appearance. Physical exercise will pay off.

Evaluate your personSCORPIO al and business partnerships (Oct. 24and consider what you can do Nov. 22) to make them more rewarding and fruitful. The suggestions you make and the effort you put in will be appreciated.

Take the initiative.

SAGITTARIUS Opportunity is waiting for (Nov. 23- you to grab hold and move Dec. 21) forward. Personal and professional gains are apparent, and incentives and perks will be made available.

SATURDAY'S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t feel pressured CAPRICORN to make a snap decision.

(Dec. 22Exercise your right to find a Jan. 19) better solution. Someone will use false information to entice you to take on heavy financial responsibilities.

It’s a good day to make AQUARIUS physical or environmental (Jan. 20improvements. Wherever you Feb. 19) want to put your energy, the results will turn out well.

Romance is in the stars.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Don’t lose sight of your (Feb. 20- goal due to an emotional sitMarch 20) uation. Get to the bottom of whatever is causing you concern so you can move forward without feeling anxious.

guyanatimesgy.com

India v England, 4th Test, Mumbai, 4th day…

India close in after Kohli’s epic double-hundred I ndia captain Virat Kohli struck a sublime double century before his bowlers picked up six England wickets to put the hosts on course for a series-clinching victory in the fourth and penultimate Test at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Trailing 2-0 in the series, England needed a win in Mumbai to keep alive the series but the tourists now require something extraordinary to even save the match following Kohli’s batting masterclass.

India piled on 631 in their first innings on the fourth day, a lead of 231 runs over England, after Kohli’s third double century of the year.

The touring side were 182 for six in their second innings at stumps, still trailing by 49. Jonny Bairstow was unbeaten on 50 with nightwatchman Jake Ball falling for two in the last over before the close.

Paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed first-innings centurion Keaton Jennings for a golden duck and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja sent back England captain Alastair Cook for 18 and Moeen Ali for nought to leave England tottering at 49-3 at tea.

Joe Root and Bairstow hit brisk fifties during their stand of 92 for the fourth wicket before the former fell leg before to off-spinner

Jayant Yadav for 77.

The wickets of Ben Stokes, who made 18, and Ball to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin towards the end further dampened England’s hopes of saving the match.

Bairstow was given out by umpire Bruce Oxenford first on 32 and then on 37 but the England wicketkeeper managed to overturn the decisions both times on review.

Kohli double

Earlier, the 28-year-old

Virat Kohli reached his third double hundred of the year ©AFP

Kohli, who was on 147 overnight, and Yadav continued to torment the England bowlers who went wicketless in the first session after India resumed on 451 for seven.

The right-handed batsman has now scored a double hundred in all three series India have played in 2016 -- in West Indies,

against New Zealand and now against England.

Kohli, who has already scored 640 runs in the series at an average of 128, drove Ball for a straight four on the fifth delivery of the day to get past 150, signalling another harrowing session for the England bowlers.

Kohli, who hit 25 fours and a six in his knock, got past his 200 with a single to mid-wicket off leg-spinner Adil Rashid but his celebration was quite muted compared to when he completed his hundred on Saturday.

He raised both his hands while completing the run and took off his helmet before acknowledging the applause from the sizeable Sunday crowd at the ground, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Kohli accelerated after the fall of Yadav and was out caught at the cover boundary off Chris Woakes.

Yadav, whose previous highest score was 55, hit 15 boundaries in his knock and looked in discomfort only against a couple of short de-

SCOREBOARD

Jayant Yadav scored his maiden Test century ©Associated Press

19

GFC, Brazilian Embassy to host memorial match for Chapecoense plane crash victims

The Chapecoense football team before the fatal airplane accident

Ravindra Jadeja had Alastair Cook lbw again ©AFP

Kohli was out for a careerbest 235 and added 241 for the eighth wicket, the highest for India, with Yadav, who scored 104, his maiden test hundred.

monday, DECember 12, 2016

India 1st innings KL Rahul b Ali 24 M Vijay c & b Rashid 136 C Pujara b Ball 47 V Kohli* c Anderson b Woakes 235 K Nair lbw b Ali 13 P Patel† c †Bairstow b Root 15 R Ashwin c Jennings b Root 0 R Jadeja c Buttler b Rashid 25 J Yadav st †Bairstow b Rashid 104 B Kumar c Woakes b Rashid 9 U Yadav not out 7 Extras (b 5, lb 8, w 3) 16 Total (all out; 182.3 overs) 631 Fall of wickets 1-39 (Rahul, 13.6 ov), 2-146 (Pujara, 52.2 ov), 3-262 (Vijay, 87.4 ov), 4-279 (Nair, 94.1 ov), 5-305 (Patel, 102.4 ov), 6-307 (Ashwin, 104.1 ov), 7-364 (Jadeja, 117.5 ov), 8-605 (J Yadav, 176.3 ov), 9-615 (Kohli, 179.3 ov), 10-631 (Kumar, 182.3 ov) Bowling: Anderson 20-5-630, Woakes 16-2-79-1, M Ali,

Rashid 55.3-5-192-4, Ball 185-47-1, Stokes 10-2-32-0, Root 10-2-31-2 England 2nd innings A Cook* lbw b Jadeja 18 K Jennings lbw b Kumar 0 J Root lbw b J Yadav 77 M Ali c Vijay b Jadeja 0 J Bairstow† not out 50 B Stokes c Vijay b Ashwin 18 J Ball c †Patel b Ashwin 2 Extras (b 13, lb 2, nb 2) 17 Total (6 wickets; 47.3 overs) 182 To bat: JC Buttler, CR Woakes, AU Rashid, JM Anderson Fall of wickets 1-1 (Jennings, 0.2 ov), 2-43 (Cook, 11.5 ov), 3-49 (Ali, 13.2 ov), 4-141 (Root, 34.4 ov), 5-180 (Stokes, 43.3 ov), 6-182 (Ball, 47.3 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-1-1110-0, 1, Yadav 3-0 Jadeja 18-3-58-2, Ashwin 16.31-49-2, J Yadav 6-0-39-1

R

ecently, a chartered plane with a Brazilian first division football team, Chapecoense crashed near Medellin while on its way to the finals of a South American tournament, killing 71 of the 77 people on board the flight. Nineteen of the dead were footballers while 21 were journalists.

Ever since, the global football fraternity has plunged into mourning thus top clubs, players and football associations and federations have shown their respect to the situation in various ways. Some by moments of silence, some by tweets, and some by lighting stadiums in the team’s traditional colour, green.

More than a week has past and there continues to be grief among football lovers globally. It remains a shock and is still fresh in the minds of many. Like the authorities here at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), who will on Saturday December 17 host a memorial match to celebrate the life and achievement of the players, officials and everyone who succumbed when what was supposed to be a celebration turned into a tragedy.

The match will feature GFC against a combined Brazilian unit, formed from Brazilians who reside in Guyana. The match is scheduled for 16:45h on the aforementioned date.

The Brazilian Embassy here is expected to partner with GFC during this symbolic match and the Brazilian ambassador to Guyana HE Lineu Pupo de Paula is also expected to deliver remarks on the occasion. There will also be other presentations and like activities in keeping with the event.

In addition the GFC aims to bridge the gap between Guyana and Brazil with respect to football through this match and subsequent events.

Seven persons were pulled out from the crashed plane alive but one died subsequently, leaving two of the nine crew members, three players and one journalist as the only survivors.

The Brazilian side was this week awarded the Copa Sudamericana, the South American equivalent of the Europa League, by regional football confederation Conmebol.

Colombian opponents Atletico Nacional, who asked for Chapecoense to be awarded the trophy, have been given a Fair Play award.

The general public is encouraged to support the event as spectators free of cost while wearing green to show support for the fallen heroes.

For information contact GFC’s General Manager Faizal Khan on 618-7013

WDCA hosts trial match today W

est Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) franchise invites players within its association for a trial match on Monday in preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 50 overs League scheduled to start on December 22.

The match will be played at Joe Vieira Park and is scheduled to start at 9:30h. Players call to trial are; Yogendra Singh, Deoram Chanderbir, Randy Ramroop, Emanuel Chrisnauth, Jermaine Maxwell, Adrian Johnson, Mahendra Dhanpaul, Safraz Esau, Vickash Dhaniram, Ramnarine Mangra, Narendra Persaud, Kheshram Seyhodan, Molcom Hubbard, Richie Looknauth, Travis Persaud, Ronaldo Renee, Daniel Basdo, Kevin Paul, Wazim Hussain, Ganesh Pooram, Aman Joe, Yutesh Dhanpaul, Balbindar Shivpersaud and Anthony Ifill.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monday, DECember 12, 2016

23 graduate as

Level 1 weightlifting coaches

T

wenty-Three local fitness enthusiasts graduated on Sunday at the National Sports Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, now qualified to train beginners in Weightlifting.

The program which gives the participants a Pan America Weightlifting Federation (PAWF) and International Weightlifting (IWF) qualification was organized by the Guyana

world renowned sports scientist, Dr Kyle Pierce of the Louisiana State University, Shreveport Louisiana U.S.A Speaking with Pierce, he explained that the programme was one of the better ones he has been a part of and the participants all showed a willingness to learn and elevate themselves to the level needed to succeed.

On the opening day of the training, Frank Tucker, President of the Guyana Amateur

Amateur Weightlifting Association and financed by the PAWF and IWF. The 23 participants began their training on Friday December 9 which lasted over three days, with each day going through the necessary paces which was administered by course facilitator and

Weightlifting Association as well as Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) , Noel Adonis all were proud to have such a supportive turnout and encouraged those taking part to garner what was being thought in order to help advance the level of fitness sports in Guyana during their opening remarks.

Among those present at the event were ‘Guyana’s fittest man’ D i l l o n Mahadeo, for-

mer President of the University of Guyana’s Student Society Joshua Griffith and even an 84 year old former body builder, Miss Flex night winner, Nadina Taharally and other representatives from various gyms across the country.

GFF/Stag Elite League II...

GDF take lead with win over Monedderlust

― final round on today at Buxton

Part of the action between Guyana Defence Force (green) and Monedderlust at the Number 5 Ground, West Berbice

A

3-1 win over Monedderlust meant that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reclaimed the lead in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League II on Friday at the No. #5 ground, West Coast Berbice.

The win was orchestrated by a second half double from Sherwyn Caesar, as with the scores locked a 1-1, Caesar scored in the 84th and 86th minutes to power his team to a dramatic vic-

tory.

The army united had their defence breached in the seventh minute when Kevin Cotty scored but they managed to equalise against the home team when Aubrey Greene headed the ball into the net in the 26th minute.

In the other match, Topp XX and Victoria Kings battled to a 1-1 draw; Kings took the lead in the 7th minute from a Kemroy Alfred strike but Terrence Aaron cancelled the early goal in

the 49th minute.

The Championship’s first round will conclude today at the Buxton Community Centre ground with an action pack triple header.

From 16:00 hrs Fruta Conquerors will battle with GDF, with the winner of that match topping the points standings. Then Monedderlust will clash with Victoria Kings from 18:00 hrs followed by the home side taking on Linden’s Top XX at 20:00hrs

The victorious St John’s pose with their prize with president of GDA President Jairam Ramdeen (back row extreme left)

I

n what would be termed the upset of upsets, St. John’s Secondary School overcame Christ Church Secondary 27-21 as the Pre-Christmas Annual Inter School’s Draught competition concluded at the National Gymnasium on Saturday.

President of the Guyana Draughts Association (GDA) Jiaram Ramdeen addressed the children before the start of the competition giving them a brief historical background of the game, and the high expectation he envisaged during the tournament. The GDA Boss told the children that the game can help them focus more and would impact positively in their academics.

He also challenged the youths that if he assess

them of high playing ability, they would have the chance to compete with Suriname and Trinidad. The games were contested on the 100 square boards which coincide with international games. The rule of international Draughts was also applied.

Joshua Sobers of St. Johns Secondary was the key player to his team; he registered the maximum 12 points. Runako Williams of Christchurch Secondary with a brilliant 9 points could not save his team’s defeat.

Teacher Downer of St. Johns was given the task of selecting one player from Christchurch and one from St. Johns to compete for the most valuable player.

He came up with Williams

and Sobers respectively. At the end of the two allotted games both players were clinched at a deadlock but a tie breaker saw Joshua Sobers taking the edge.

During intervals the players were treated with ice-cream and drinks compliments of Banks DIH Ltd. The first and second place trophies were also donated by Banks DIH. Trophies for the best players on both sides were donated by the Guyana Draughts Association.

All the players were given a bag of health foods donated by H.A Snacks before their departure of the venue; much to their delight and surprise. The event was coordinated by Paul D’Anjou who is also coordinator of the GDA.

Controversy swirls around TTCB sex abuse investigation

A

n investigation into allegations of the sexual assault of a national youth cricketer by a local cricket official in Trinidad and Tobago is said to have been completed with the result to be made public soon, but not before the injection of additional controversy.

Vice President of the TTCB Patrick Rampersad, told the Sunday Guardian said the matter was a sensitive one, and that was investigation was completed by a twoman committee and will soon be submitted to the executive of the TTCB. After that it will be made public.

However, according to a press release from national league representative, Dinanath Ramnarine, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has been attempting to cover the matter up.

“As members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, we are outraged to learn that the President of the TTCB, Mr. Azim Bassarath, received a complaint from the alleged victim five months ago which was promptly swept under the carpet,” the Ramnarine release said.

“We wish to state categorically that at no time was anyone of us, as board members, informed by the TTCB leadership on this issue. We understand that, now that the allegation has been made public, TTCB President Mr. Azim Bassarath and Second Vice President, Mr. Lalman Kowlessar met with the player this morning and promised “action”. In light of their failure to act for five months, we have absolutely no confi-

Azim Bassarath

dence in anything being done and consider their response to be cheap public relations.”

Ramnarine stated that the player filed a written report of sexual misconduct to the manager of the T&T Under 19 team on or around July 2016 during the Under 19 tournament in St. Vincent. Some time passed and the player noted that he did not get a response from the team manager and made inquiries as to what progress was being made.

The manager reportedly replied saying he had submitted a copy of the report to the TTCB president about a week after they returned home. Further inquiries yielded no further news. (SportsMax)

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Customs spoil Plantain and Cheese’s ascent

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The victorious Customs team

L

indeners rose to their feet at the McKenzie Sports Club Hard Court where they witnessed yet another entertaining night of futsal action as the 3rd annual New Era Entertainment Cell Smart Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal Tournament gets into the business end with four high profile games.

In the first game, Customs seized the match from Spikeland in a 7-1 beating. Both teams looked rusty at the start of the match, each consistently firing away at each other’s goal but some good goalkeeping ensured no one scored in the first 10 minutes of play.

However, Custom’s Daniel Wilson sent one rocketing past the Spikeland keeper who was unable to hold on in the 11th minute (11’) which signalled a string of goals to follow.

Wilson came back to score in the 14’ after some good dribbling while Wendell Stull in the 16’ and Shawn Marshall in the 17’ had Spikeland reeling 4-0 at half time. The second half showed little mercy for Spikeland as well, but Lionel Joseph managed to squeeze one past the Custom Goalkeeper.

On the other hand, Travis Mark wrote his name in the scoresheet in the 29’ while Frank Crandon complimented his Custom teammate three minutes later. Wilson returned to sink the last of seven goals into a clearly stunned Spikeland.

Empire continued their winning ways with a 6-4 win against MSC Lions in the second encounter. Josiah Joseph netted a hat trick for the lions but it was not enough to stop the Empire with Kevin Beaton scoring a hat trick of his own and Curt Johnson, Trenton Lashley and Benny Neblett chipping in with a goal each.

Defending champions Magic Stars were not at their best as they were pushed to

Magic Stars Jermain Grandison in action against Chelsey

the limit by a good Chelsey side. SteffonTappin got the stars on track in the second minute followed by their captain Jermain Grandison three minutes later but Godfrey Johnson scored in the 8’ to keep Chelsey alive.

Grandison score two more times in the 11’ and 16’, and Kevin Sears scored seconds before the clock stopped to leave the game 5-1 heading into the second half.

However, the second half belonged to Chelsey as they scored five running goals to equalize, led by Oswin Hope’s double in the last minute of play sending the game in to over time where Stars showed their experience and netted five more goals in the five minute per half overtime. Grandison and Ronel Mathews score two each.

Customs returned for their second match of the night in the knockout contest to eat up plantain and cheese 6-3. Al Chester was

the only player from the food business team to find any form scoring twice as but Customs’ Gavin Blackman, Andre Bruart and Daniel Wilson scored doubles each to see their side home and spoil Plantain and Cheese’s fun.

The first prize is $400,000 along with trophies and replicas, up by $100,000 from last year. The second placed team will claim $150,000 and trophy, third $75,000 and trophy and fourth place will collect a trophy. Other prizes are on offer for the MVP, Best goalkeeper, most goals and Best young player.

The competition runs today and continues December 17, 23 and 26 the grand finale.

The organisers are promising an exciting and entertaining tournament with side attractions and are encouraging all to come out and support as the team put their best on the court to claim the prize money on offer.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monday, december 12, 2016

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-day….

Pride reach 243-7 at tea

BY AKEEM GREENE

B

arbados Pride managed to reach 2437 at the tea interval in response to Guyana Jaguars 311 on the third day of their day/night match in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Digicel Regional four-day competition at the National Stadium, Providence on

Sunday.

Test players Shai Hope (70), Roston Chase (57) and Shane Dowrich (44) managed to get starts but the Jaguars took wickets at regular intervals to strengthen their position in the top-of the table clash.

Fast bowler Keon Joseph (2-54), left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie (2-55) and

Shane Dowrich drives confidently down the ground

Veerasammy Permaul (266) have been the most successful bowlers thus for the home team.

Contrasted to day two where the last two sessions were washed out, play got underway in sweltering heat, with Pride 48-2, still 263 adrift from Jaguars 311 and overnight batsmen Hope and Shamarh Brooks at the crease.

Brooks, a former West Indies under-19 captain resuming on 10 began looking more assured as he batted with great confidence along with Hope, with Books bringing up the team’s hundred in the 31st over with an exquisite cover-drive off the medium pace of Christopher Barnwell.

However, next over Brooks edged Motie behind to keeper Anthony Bramble, falling for 41(7x4s) and ending the 83-run partnership for the third wicket with Pride now 100-3.

In came Chase who took

Shai Hope goes into the sweep shot under the lights at Providence

had streaky patch during his early minutes at the crease, edging Joseph past gully to get off the mark with a boundary. The righthander then drove the same bowler through cover but flirted with danger again when edged another ball past third slip.

At the other end, the compact Hope eased to his 7th seventh First-class halfcentury with another wonderful drive off Motie; his landmark took him 126 balls and included 8 fours and one six.

Chase who made his Test debut earlier this year, slowly began to look more secure in the middle as he steered Permaul to third for a single to reach his 14th First-class half-century and the Test duo were looking dangerous at the crease.

Luckily for the home side, Permaul bowled a looping delivery which unbalanced Chase and we was stumped by Bramble on the

stroke of dinner for a wellplayed 57 inclusive of seven fours and two maximums in the 91-minute stay at the crease.

The wicket brought the end of an entertaining 77run partnership for the fourth wicket and Pride reached the interval at 1774 with Hope on 58 not out.

The incoming Dowrich, wasted to no time in getting acquainted with conditions as he punched Joseph through mid-off for four then next over lifted Permaul back over his head for another boundary.

The vital breakthrough came for Jaguars when Hope attempted a sweep shot and top-edged Permaul to Leon Johnson at first slip.

Hope’s attractive innings ended on 70 after spending 288 minutes at the crease and hitting 10 fours and one six.

The old saying which goes “one wicket brings two” certainly worked for

the defending champions as the new batsman Jonathon Carter (00) played-on a Motie delivery to be bowled and Pride slipped to 221-6.

Despite the loss of two quick wickets, the wicketkeeper/batsman continued to bat positively playing some fine cuts and thumping drives as he moved unto 39, hitting six fours while new batsman Kevin Stoute first boundary came when he graciously lifted Permaul over mid-wicket for six.

Yet again the final before the interval brought a wicket, as Jaguars took the new ball and the Dowrich was rushed playing a pull shot off Joseph, hitting the ball straight to Shimron Hetmyer at square leg for well-played 44 (7x4s).

Tea was taken with the Bajans on 243-7, still 68 runs away from securing first innings points.

The final day’s play will begin today at 14:30 hrs

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, december 12, 2016

Guinness Greatest of the Streets...

Sparta Boss end Camp Street All-stars dream run

Broad Street’s Lennox Cort (yellow bib) withstood the physical battle to score a spectacular goal in the 39th minute

By Akeem Greene

D

efending champions Sparta Boss certainly showed who is boss, as they booked their semi-final spot in the Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets Football Tournament by defeating a spirited Camp Street All-stars team on Saturday evening at the Banks DIH Demerara Park.

The other teams to seal their place in the final four are Tucville, Broad Street Bullies and Back Circle.

The Prison Inmates had the support of the vocal crowd in attendance as they undertook the herculean task of overcoming a team that boasts several former and current National players, who are all very experienced in this format of the sport.

In the early exchanges both sides were intent on finding a goal but steely defending and missed opportunities meant there was no change in the score line. Wendell Austin took the attack to the opposition, unleashing some powerful strikes which threatened to breach Sparta’s defence.

The Lot 12 unit would have needed to score their first goal in the regulation time since the group stages commenced but this was not the case, as Sparta’s Courtney Britton latched onto a loose ball to slot home the winning goal from the right side in the 21st min-

ute.

Meanwhile, in what can be considered the most bruising encounter of the night, Broad Street fought their way to a 2-0 viactory over Queen Street Tigerbay. From the blow of the whistle both sides wrestled each other for possession while arousing spectators with some nimble offensive plays. An own goal by the Tigerbay unit in the 21st minute broke the deadlock but that did not stop Broad Street from pressing for more goals.

In the 39th minute Lennox Cort brought the crowd alive with a solo run at goal dribbling past two Tigerbay players after which he slotted it into the box from the left side.

Similarly, smart tactics

by Tucville paved the way for their 2-1 win over Leopold Street. Throughout the match, Tucville man-marked the Leopold players in their half which eventually allowed for Leon Richardson to score in the 21st minute. It was not all done and dusted as Okeene Fraser found the equaliser seven minutes later but when the match looked destined to be decided by spot kicks, Dennis Edwards netted in the 37th. In the final quarter-final, Sylvester Richardson’s 19th minute conversion gave Back Circle a 1-0 win over North East La Penitence.

The semi-finals which will be played on Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre

Tarmac, pits Tucville against Broad Street in the first match followed by Back Circle and Sparta Boss.

The grand finals will be held on Friday at the National Park Tarmac where the teams will be battling for over $1M in prize monies and trophies.

The winning team is set to receive $500,000, runner-up $200,000, 3rd place $150,000 and 4th place $100,000.

23

GTTA supports coach in pursuit of international level 2 certification

T

he Guyana Table Tennis Association lend support to International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level one (1) coach and Titans Table Tennis Coach and President Dwain Dick who is in pursuit of his ITTF level two certification, currently at the G.C Foster College Winter Pen Road Spanish Town, Jamaica . The course is being conducted by ITTF expert Christian Lilleross and runs from December 6 -11. Lilleroos is one of the most experienced ITTF experts having conducted over 30 courses across the world and on the North American Inter collegiate circuit serving as head coach of several top table tennis universities and colleges.

He will be assisted by Stephen Grant of Jamaica who will serve as the coordinator as Lilleroos is in Jamaica as part o the International Table Tennis Federation and International Olympic Committee Development of a National Sports Structure Program for Table Tennis. Held under the auspices of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association, the Latin American Table Tennis Federation and ITTF encourages regional participation in such courses for eligible coaches who

conductor using the ITTF Confidential Coaching Report before the certification is issued by the ITTF course conductor The GTTA views coaching as a critical and pivotal pillar upon which the sport must be built In order to improve the technical and tactical capacity of our players and by extension the game their needs to be higher levels of accredited coaches The GTTA held an ITTF level Dwain Dick two coaching program in august would have conducted level one 2015 from which four (4) certification over the last year coaches were successful.

The ITTF level two National Table Tennis Coach certification covers how to teach Linden Johnson Assistant much higher level technical skills Director of Sport Melissa Dow to fulfill the needs of athletes Richardson Muniram Persaud , from ages 1—15 years old and Raynor Anderson and Gibraine or from their 5th to 10th year Safaraz Hussein are the other of development ( less reliant on level two , Idi Lewis ICECP and the coach) The coach is officially ITTF certified coach. recognised by the ITTF and has The GTTA sees this and the following requirement in by extension raising the level order for successful completion of the players and creating of attendance at 36 hours the catalyst for improving the course conducted by an ITTF institutional structure such as approved expert and passing club tournaments and training both an oral and written exams. players at various technical After the course, 50 hours levels. Dick with a nursery of coaching practice must be some of the young table tennis completed from which 5 talents emanating from the hours of the 50 hours must Titans table Tennis club is set to be supervised by a person return to Guyana on December appointed by the ITTF course 13.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament Pg 22

Pride reach 243-7 at tea Veerasammy Permaul bowls to Kevin Stoute after removing the set batsmen Shai Hope and Roston Chase

23 graduate as Level 1 weightlifting coaches Pg 20

The participants paying attention to Dr Kyle Pierce’s presentation on the final day

Guinness Greatest of the Streets...

Sparta Boss end Camp Street All-stars dream run

Pg 23

Sparta Boss's Eusi Phillips (with ball) about to go on an offensive run while Wendell Austin (black); Sheldon Shepherd (third from left) and Solomon Austin look on

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