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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3120

Friday, February 10, 2017

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Opposition rips through Govt’s argument for Food Safety Bill

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P14 8 in custody for Berbice murders

Page 3

— highlights several deficiencies

Sugar workers protest “closure” of Estates Page 7

5 homeless after Agricola fire Page 2

Anti-parking meter protest grows

– as citizens reiterate revocation call Parking meter protest: The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) held its second protest on Thursday which saw hundreds coming out in support of the calls for the controversial parking meter project to be scrapped

Page 12

Rates regulation

by Central P14 Bank unlawful – Nandlall

Essequibo motorcyclist accident P2

Truck driver slapped with causing death charge

No arrest in Bagotstown P11 robbery

Page 9

Region 9 REO charged with sexual assault, to be removed

Foreign currency circular

Animal Welfare Bill sent to select committee Page 15

... includes draconian penalties – Seeraj

ACCA members honoured at cocktail reception P16

Coomacka access road rehabilitation works in progress P16 – residents express satisfaction

2 news

friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

5 homeless after Agricola fire

Details of how the fire began were still sketchy

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massive fire in Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara, which occurred during the late hours of Thursday afternoon, has left at least five persons homeless, including three young children.

The owner of the home was too traumatised to speak; however, Guyana Times was informed that he lived with his wife, Mikisha Marcus, and their three chil-

dren in the Fourth Street, Agricola home.

According to neighbours, at the time of the fire, only the owner's wife and children were home. They managed to escape unharmed.

“I was sleeping and when I hear the screams, I come out and the fire well underway. The entire house destroyed. We couldn’t even go close to the place cause the heat too much, the fire-

fighters all had to run,” one neighbour said.

There were visible signs of damage on the walls of the neighbouring house.

Electrical wires were also said to be on fire at the time of the incident. Firefighters were seen trying to contain the massive blaze.

Details of how the fire began were still sketchy up to late Thursday evening.

(Ramona Luthi)

Essequibo motorcyclist accident

Truck driver slapped with causing death charge

The motorcycle involved in the accident

T

hirty-year-old Balwant Mohabeer, a truck driver of Lot 52, Zorg, Essequibo Coast was on Thursday slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge, after he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate's Court.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on February 5, 2017

Dead: Iftikar Ishmael

Askuk Dass, 56, of Adventure Village

ing at a fast pace when he lost control and rode onto the eastern carriageway, colliding with the front of the motor lorry’s left side.

The teenager fell off the motorcycle, and received injuries about his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Suddie Hospital, where he later was pronounced dead by doctors.

The truck driver was granted $600,000 bail on

The lorry which was driven by Balwant Mohabeer

he drove motor lorry GNN 6695 in a dangerous manner on the Airy Hall Public Road causing the death of 17-year-old Iftikar Ishmael.

At the time of the accident, Ishmael was riding motorcycle CC 2962 when he collided with the motor lorry.

The prosecution stated that the motor lorry was proceeding west out of ManMan Gas Station, located on the eastern side of the road, while the motorcyclist was said to be proceeding north along the western side of the road. He was said to be go-

the condition that he report to the Suddie Police Station every Monday. The case will be called again on March 3.

Meanwhile, the autopsies conducted on Iftikar Ishmael and pedestrian Askuk Dass, 56, of Adventure Village, who lost his life on February 6, around 19:30h when the driver of motor car PVV 4390 ran over him, revealed that they both died as a result of multiple injuries. The autopsies were conducted by Government pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh on Thursday at the Suddie Mortuary.

Man on $100,000 bail for fraudulent conversion

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man was released on $100,000 bail on Wednesday, when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to a charge of fraudulent conversion.

It is alleged that Kelvin Fortune received three ounces of made jewellery from the Virtual Complainant and was to return two ounces of raw gold, along with US$300. However, Fortune fraudulently converted the property to his own use and benefit.

Magistrate Latchman granted bail at the sum

Kelvin Fortune

of $100,000 and Fortune is set to reappear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on February 16.

news

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FRIDAY, february 10, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 10 – night retraction at 05:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

Saturday, February 11 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 10 –15:50h-17:20h and Saturday, February 11 – 16:30h-18:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 4.91 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:07h and 16:22h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:56h and 22:22h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.49 metre respectively.

Opposition rips through Govt’s argument for Food Safety Bill — highlights several deficiencies

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wo major questions asked by the Opposition parliamentarians, including Vickram Bharrat, during the debate on the Food Safety Bill 2016, included: What will be the impact on food prices? And what will not be the mandate of the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GAFDD)?

Government parliamentarian Raphael Trotman stressed that the Bill looked to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases through the control of the production, preparation, handling, storage and the transportation of food and provided for connected matters. "There is a standard," he said, addressing what the Bill would do.

He noted that the Bill would bring Guyana into conformity with what other territories were doing. He insist-

Opposition parliamentarian Vickram Bharrat

establishment of a National Food Safety Committee. It will also have the power to: seize food, issue notification of unsafe food, and conduct analysis and examinations.

The Bill also speaks to: requirements for registration, licensing of food businesses, power to charge fees and sus-

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Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

ed that the “sky will not fall down” with the passage of the Bill.

On the issue of what will happen with the GA-FDD, Trotman added that the Bill would consolidate the functions of agencies like the GAFDD. "It is the first step...it is not the only step," he said.

The establishment of the Food Safety Authority and other matters related to food safety are addressed in the Food Safety Bill 2016.

Relative to the Authority, the Bill stated that it will: give guidance to food businesses: have the power to implement standards; and address the

pend and revoke licences, return of licences, permits to engage in street food vending, requirements for health certificates, applications for permits, granting or refusing of permits, and cancellation of permits.

Provisions for permits for food handlers and obligations of operators of food-handling establishments are also included in the Bill. The Bill addresses the liability of food inspectors, who will not be liable when acting in good faith, according to specific provisions.

A provision for a "general offence and penalty" is provided for in the Bill, which means

that for any general offence, there will be a penalty. The penalty stipulated by the Bill is a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of six months.

Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Frank Anthony, noting Trotman’s arguments, charged that while there were commendable provisions in the Bill, there were also deficiencies. As such, he called for greater consultation and review of the Bill.

Dr Anthony rubbished Trotman's arguments on the consolidation of functions, relative to the fact that food safety is being taken from the GAFDD. He stated that the Bill offered no explicit explanation to the Government's arguments about consolidation and one could not see, by looking at the Food Safety Bill, what was being consolidated.

“There is no connection between the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) and this new Authority (the Food Safety Authority) being created with the Bill....you still have fragmentation (and advance consolidation of functions)....the principal reason advanced – to end fragmentation, has

not been accomplished by the Bill," he said, proffering an example.

On the issue of Guyana being in conformity with other territories, Anthony charged that Guyana has a "cook-up" sort of arrangement with “bits and pieces" from various documents.

He noted too that the name Food Safety Authority narrowed the role of the Authority, to dealing only with food safety, whereas a more comprehensive approach that deals with 'Food Administration' would have food safety as a component of a truly multipronged approach to improved standards in food administration. “We are only creating another level of bureaucracy,” he said.

Dr Anthony stressed that there were several issues that needed to be addressed – many of them dealing with technical issues.

The Opposition MP also questioned what process would be used to determine the fees for a number of permits and other requirements, as detailed in the Bill.

"On the face of it, when you look at the Bill, the opening, to prevent the spread of food-borne diseases through the control of the production, preparation, handling, storage and the transportation of food and provide for connected matters, one would support it...but there are gaps in the Bill when you look carefully," Dr Anthony said.

The Opposition had called for the Bill to be sent to a parliamentary Special Select Committee.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, based on the arguments by the Opposition, agreed. The Bill was sent to the Committee.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, February 10, 2017

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

Love’s in the air

Immigration Order

A starling murmuration (a swooping mass of thousands of birds whirling in the sky) forms the shape of a heart

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t the moment there is some level of anxiety among Caribbean citizens, especially for those countries like Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, where there are substantial Muslim populations, regarding the manner in which certain events, more particularly those relating to immigration, are unfolding in the United States.

By now everyone is well aware of the controversy surrounding the Executive Order that was signed by President Donald Trump to suspend, for 90 days, the entry of persons into the US from certain countries and the court battle that has since ensued. While the countries singled out are Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the Trump Administration made it clear that the order can be amended to include persons coming from other countries.

The Order, which is currently being reviewed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, also bars indefinitely, the settlement of refugees from Syria, has received many criticisms from several leaders and activists as it is seen as a “Muslim ban” because it is viewed as targeting persons from the previously mentioned countries which are primarily populated by Muslims.

Persons from almost every corner of the world, have wasted no time in speaking out against the ban. In fact, over the past few days, there have been massive protests across the US and elsewhere against the ban. It should be noted also that several Guyanese residing in the US also joined the thousands at the John F Kennedy Airport over the past weekend to have their voices heard on the matter.

Only last week, Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke expressed concern that the ban may extend to the Caribbean and called for community leaders to organise themselves to address the issue frontally. Pledging “not to allow xenophobia to undermine our principles or racism to determine our policies” she said every effort will be made to lobby Congress “and people of good faith across the United States” to join in resisting “this act of hate.”

Interestingly too, is that more than 1000 federal employees attached to the US State Department, including foreign officers and diplomats have signed a letter opposing the order, with the acting Attorney General of the US being fired after she ordered Government lawyers not to defend the controversial order.

On his part, President Trump said the Executive Order was part of his vetting plan to keep “radical Islamic terrorists” out of the US. He added that this was “to ensure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas.” However, only time will tell if this recent move has indeed contributed to making America safer.

Certainly, significant insecurities have already been provoked, creating tremendous concerns for permanent residents or holders of green cards, as well as those who were issued immigrant visas to travel to the US but were barred from entry. Until the courts rule on the matter, it is clear that holders of green cards will feel vulnerable, and those granted immigrant visa to travel to reside in the US may not feel so secure.

US Ambassador Perry Holloway revealed that in 2015, some 39,000 Guyanese had applied for visitor visas and "over half" were granted. There were 4900 green cards issued.

For many in Guyana there are still a lot of uncertainties as they anticipate that their immigration status could be affected overnight, or the immigration laws which apply to them for certain categories of sponsorship could be changed with very short notice.

It is also clear from all that was said during the election campaigns that the Trump Administration intends to go after undocumented persons and deport them. As stated

by Trump himself, action is being taken to withhold federal funding from cities that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.

It is quite evident that Trump’s Immigration Order is beginning to cause a great deal of anxiety for many. It would therefore be in persons’ own interest to take all the necessary precautions to ensure they are not affected unnecessarily, especially those who are yet to get their immigration status “regularised”. It is also very likely if illegal immigrants will be deported from the US as threatened, Guyanese will be in the pool.

(Caters News Agency)

No water in Chateau Margot

Dear Editor, For the past three days in this land of many waters, the residents of Chateau Margot, on the East Coast of

Demerara, again are experiencing a situation where we are not receiving water from our taps. We are appealing to the powers that be at Guyana

Water Authority to give consideration to this vexatious matter. We cannot have a decent bath nor have our laundry and dishes cleaned. I won-

der if we are still known as the land of many waters!

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

Govt, suspend the parking meter contract Dear Editor, Parking meters, amendments to its contract, and the By-laws are all fruits of a poisonous tree, the parking meter contract, and therefore everything that emanates from it is tainted.

On September 21, 2016 the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan wrote to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on a municipal matter; two of the things he said are of utmost importance: (1) “I write to inform you that your interpretation of the roles of officers does not coincide with the letter and spirit of the laws which govern such matters. As you are aware, central government has a policy of non-interference with the workings of local democratic organs, however, central government reserves the right to intervene whenever and wherever there is clear violation of the law”; (2) “Section 8A of the Municipal and District Council’s (Amendment) Act of 2013, clearly sets out and states the general duties of city councillors. The section repeatedly makes clear that the elected council is supreme; the Town Clerk is but an administrator, like any other administrative officer, hired to carry out the directives of the council.

For example, Section 8A (g) states that one of the duties of the council is to, ‘ensure that the municipality is managed in a professional and competent manner by a qualified Town Clerk.’ Obviously, therefore, it is expected that the council shall hire, manage and oversee the actions of a competent Town Clerk, as it would any other hired officer.

The Municipal and District Councils Act Cap 28:01 also defines the roles of officers of the municipality. Section 77 (1) states that the Town Clerk is

an administrative officer not an executive official and part 1 of the 6th Schedule of the Act lists his duties.

Clearly, therefore, the authority of the Town Clerk is derived from the decisions of the council. As such, he may perform duties only assigned to him by law and be directed by the decisions of the council. Evidently, the law does not contemplate any scenario in which the Town Clerk makes an order with regard to the management of the municipality in the absence of an order from the council.

Further, it is unthinkable that the Town Clerk may make such an order without the knowledge of the council and after doing so inform the council of his own decision. To do so would be to exceed his authority and usurp the mandate of the council.”

The advent of the Parking Meter Contract before the Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown occurred on Monday, May 6, 2016.

According to Agenda Item #2 of the Statutory Minutes (Opening Remarks by Her Worship the Mayor of Georgetown) the section quotes: “Her worship made mention that on Friday 13th, May 2016 council will conclude the signing of the contract for the parking meter system” Before this time the Council was unaware that a contract was already negotiated. The new Council took the oath of Office April 1, 2016.

The next occasion the Council heard about the parking meter contract was on Monday, May 23, 2016. The Statutory Minutes records the Mayor under ‘Opening Remarks By Her Worship The Mayor’, and states, “The Smart City Solution Inc. is proceeding with the work. In addition, the Mayor and representatives of

the Mayor and City Council have been invited to observe the methods used by the agency in the area of it operation overseas. The invitation was accepted by the Mayor.”

The public would notice that this Contract was never brought to the full Council post April 1, 2016 as a proposal for debate and approval. The argument has been that the Contract was entered into before the life of this new Council and as such was binding on the Council.

As a matter for fact, while on a jaunt to Mexico to look at the parking meter company’s roll out of meters there the Town Clerk issued a press statement, carried in Kaieteur News (June 17, 2018), “King stated that in 2015, the Council signed on to the contract and gave the green light to Cush and his representatives to work with the Council in this area of its responsibility. “The incumbent Council allowed for intense debate and deliberation on the matter; the process of selecting the proposals was both transparent and fair.””

However, the year given for the signing of the contract does not reconcile with the finding of the Review of the parking meter contract by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, which states that the contract was signed on May 13, 2016, and hence within the life of the new Council, but outside its purview and authority.

What follows is even stranger than fiction. When the team returned from the Mexico trip, a press conference was held. In the course of that press conference, as captured by a post on the Mayor and City Council Facebook Page, Monday, June 20, 2016, the Mayor stated, “We took a deliberate decision not to share the contract because we want-

ed to secure investment.” This is because of bad experiences with sharing contracts, proposals and initiatives, only to have them taken away from the Council”.

The Mayor unilaterally took the step to deliberately not share the contract which is the business of the people of Georgetown through their elected Councillors.

I reflect again on Minister Bulkan’s words; in particular, “the elected Council is supreme; the Town Clerk is but an administrator, like any other administrative officer, hired to carry out the directives of the Council”, and “Central Government reserves the right to intervene whenever and wherever there is clear violation of the law”.

Where is the directive from the Council to the Town Clerk to enter into this contract? (Note, under Chapter 28:01, Section 66, “A council shall cause to be kept a record of the proceedings of all its meetings…shall be received in evidence in legal proceedings without further proof.”)

And under whose order was the Town Clerk allowed to single source this contract? (Note as well the Finance Ministry’s Review stated if under the arrangements the Tender and Procurement procedures were breached it was enough for Government to withdraw the contract.)

Why hasn’t the government stepped in as yet?

This entire fiasco demonstrates why a Local Government Commission is more relevant NOW than ever before!

Sincerely, Sherod Avery Duncan, LLB, JP Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, february 10, 2017

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Government needs to heighten its Disappointment with Govt engagement with the Private Sector over parking, other issues Dear Editor, Last Wednesday I participated in the AACCLA's Outlook on the Americas Conference at the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida which brought together Government Ministers, Private Sector and non-government organisation representatives to discuss trade, investment, commercial and other development issues in the Americas.

Among the keynote speakers was Admiral Kurt Tidd, Commander, US Southern Command. I raised the issue of Venezuela's claim to Guyana's territory and maritime space and President Maduro's sometimes provocative military manoeuvres towards Guyana, especially against the backdrop of the recent discovery of significant oil reserves within Guyana's geographic space.

I questioned whether such manoeuvres on the part of Venezuela might not constitute a threat to the peace and stability of the region.

Further, I alluded to the fact that not only the Maduro Administration but other groups in and out of Venezuela, including its Opposition party, maintain that the claim is valid and have said that they count any oil reserves in Guyana’s geographic space as Venezuela’s.

Admiral Tidd responded that Venezuela's actions, in his view, are intended more to divert its population away from the myriad of domestic issues confronting the country than to threaten Guyana.

However, he said that Guyana has solid partners in the hemisphere on its side and could pursue the development of its oil industry with confidence. This is an encouraging response as I am sure that Guyana could count the United States among those solid partners to which the Admiral referred.

On another note, it was the consensus of the conference that the private sector has a critical role to play in the future development of the Latin America and Caribbean region and governments have begun to ensure that an enabling environment, including appropriate incentives are in place to facilitate an expanded role for the Private Sector.

Governments which fail to so

do would be risking their own peril. One example of the extent to which governments in the region are going to support their Private Sectors is that of Honduras, according to its Economic Development Minister, Arnaldo Castillo, who explained that his Government pays a portion of certain Private Sector workers’ salaries for up to a period of six months.

While I don’t expect this type of incentive to be offered to the Private Sector in Guyana, I am of the view that the Government of Guyana needs to heighten its engagement with the Private Sector as a collective, not only through the Private Sector Commission, but with participation of all the regional chambers, other Private Sector organisations including those in the Diaspora with a view to hammering out a clear development strategy for the country over the short, medium and long-term. This strategy should include agreement on, among other things, acceptable levels of taxation including VAT, investment incentives for both local and foreign investors, foreign currency management and identification of the relevant education and training for the current and future workforce. Such a strategy is critical if meaningful Private Sector led development is to take place in Guyana. From my gleaning of what is happening in many other countries in the region, the train has left the station and Guyana, notwithstanding its significant oil and gas reserves, must run, catch the train and get on board.

President David Granger has been speaking of need for more Guyanese to become involved in entrepreneurship.

He is right. But the production of plantain chips etc on a sustainably profitable basis needs to be part of a plan that includes export markets. Here is where a well-coordinated and communicated Private/Public Sector development strategy is critical.

Finally, the conference also discussed US relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. It was generally felt that the United States must ensure a heightened strategic relationship with LA&C that would

promote investment in, and trade with the region.

Responding to a comment that President Trump had not pronounced on CAFTA/ DR (Central America/ Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement) like he has on NAFTA, Nicaragua's Development, Industry and Trade Minister, Orlando Salvador Solorzano noted that CAFTA/DR "is an agreement that has worked to the mutual benefit of the US and Central American countries."

The meeting also discussed the growing influence of China and Russia in the region and suggested that the US heighten its engagement with countries of the region including increased bilateral and multilateral assistance as well as Private Sector participation through investment and trade. Ministers of Government from Argentina, Peru, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and The Dominican Republic as well as Private Sector representatives from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica were among the participants.

As I have said in previous letters, the Caribbean needs to step up its lobby in the US and involve its Diaspora as part of that effort. Guyana can perhaps play a leading role in the Caricom effort in this regard since the US now has a Secretary State who knows of Guyana, knows where it is and can find it on a map. Secretary Tillerson’s maiden address to his staff at the State Department is very encouraging especially in light of some of the tweets that have come from his boss.

Sincerely, Wesley Kirton

Dear Editor, In travelling around the country the last couple of weeks, I heard only complaints and grievances against the Government. Even supporters of the People’s National Congress (PNC) are upset with their government. There was hardly anything positive or complimentary people had to say about this Government.

Among the grouses were: the parking meter issue, declining state of the economy (accompanied by rising prices) and financial hardship, the budget that was criticised by almost everyone, Government’s (Attorney General) attack on the Judiciary (Justice Carl Singh and Ms Prithima Kissoon), oil and gas finds and related topics, Donald Trump’s immigration policy, rising land rates, appointment of a Chairman of Guyana Elections Commission, privatisation of Skeldon and or the Guyana Sugar Corporation, racial discrimination against Indians and Amerindians in employment practices, and the ethnic purging of Indians (based on age discrimination and unsure political loyalty) on Government Boards.

Opposition to Government is not restricted to any group.

Businesses that supported the Government are disappointed with recent policies.

Supporters of the Alliance For Change (AFC) see their representatives in the Government as meek and spineless and as selling out their party to the dominant PNC partner for political crumbs. There is widespread disappointment across the board with the regime that has frittered away the good will the population had 18 months ago for the regime.

People initially were pleased with and expected positive change in May 2015. But now

they say they have been short changed or the change is now worse than what they had under the arrogant People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

They wish if they could have another chance to vote now – they will vote out the regime although not necessarily vote in the PPP. They are looking for another third force as a balance of power since they feel AFC has betrayed them and has comfortably morphed into the PNC. People view the parking meter as an outrage and the Government is getting a lot of flak over it. There is growing civil resistance although it has some support among non-motorists to control traffic and to generate revenues for the city government. But virtually no motorist in Georgetown is in support of the parking meter programme.

Even those who don’t drive to town are opposed to it although they are not unduly concerned about the matter.

The primary source of the opposition to the parking meter is the high cost (affordability for low income earners) which some claim is higher than parking meters in the US and Canada. Although some support parking meters, they outright reject the VAT on the fees. Some feel or complain their fortnight or monthly salary will not be enough to pay for the parking charge.

They indicated they would not drive to town because they can't afford the parking fee. They will park at another location where there are no meters and take a mini bus or taxi which is cheaper than paying the parking fees.

Many said they planned to use clever ways (civil resistance) to avoid parking in the city (at public places) to starve the meter; they will park at

private lots or other spaces.

Many intended to commute to city instead of driving their own vehicle. Vendors that sell the parking cards said they ran out of $500 denominations and were offered only $1000 denominations viewing it as a conspiracy to hoodwink unsuspecting motorists. Because of the parking meters, business persons and vendors in the downtown Georgetown area I spoke with say their revenues have declined up to 40 per cent during the first few days the meters came into effect. And this is on top of already lowered revenues from a declining economy since the change in regime. So clearly, the parking meters are affecting businesses, commuting to the city, spending power, and the mind-set of the population – all impacting productivity.

Some Georgetown dwellers are in favour of the parking meters, saying they are necessary because of the large volume of vehicular traffic in the city. But they want the parking fees to be lowered.

However, a large majority of people wants the parking meters to be scrapped altogether and replaced with some other measures to raise revenues for the city. Overall, the objective among opponents is to shutdown the meters using a variety of measures.

As I told colleagues before I left Guyana, because of the various measures being undertaken to starve the parking meters, it will be unprofitable to the company that manages it. It may be just a matter of time before they are scrapped. And there is overwhelming support for scrapping it.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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friDAY, february 10, 2017

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Foundation

By Catherine McCall

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guyanatimesgy.com

hildren today are experiencing many kinds of losses. We read about them each time we pick up the newspaper; we see them on TV daily: floods, parents in absentia , child abuse in day care centers, the list goes on. Gut-wrenching stories of catastrophic loss seem to multiply before our eyes. But not all losses are tragic. Many are woven into the fabric of normal life cycle transitions, beginning with birth. In fact, we come into the world through a major loss – the rupture of our state of biological oneness with our mothers – and afterwards, we need healing. We need our parents to provide lots of physical touching, feeding, and nurturing during early infancy and throughout the first year of life, so that we can develop a solid sense of attachment, of human value, and of love.

But as time goes on, we need our parents to provide another aspect of love: we need them to say “no” to our dependence, to assert their boundaries, and to encourage our individual development. It’s their job to teach us to obey, and in their doing so we again experience a sense of loss. When our parents tell us “no”, our experience of bliss with them dissolves, and we enter into a struggle with them instead, which is often tough on each side – just ask the parent of any two-year-old!

During this struggle we gain awareness of our limits as well as those of others. A two-year old asserting “NO!” is learning that she also has a will of her own. Children need to be allowed

to express natural emotions in age-appropriate ways and with respect, and they need us, in our responses, to show them unconditional love. Only when they’re permitted and encouraged to express natural anger for instance, can they move on and readily allow forgiveness to express itself. With loss comes struggle; with loss comes gain; with loss comes the possibility of personal growth.

Helping children deal w i t h

loss, whether it be as a result of normal transitions like adjusting to a move or a new baby in the family, or more serious losses, like a parent leaving, job loss, serious illness or death in the family – even when losses are the result of catastrophic experiences, like sexual abuse, a flood, fire, or terrorism, for example – what children need most from us is for us to teach them basic lessons of the heart. And in order to do this we must examine our minds and hearts, reflecting on our own experiences of loss and our commitment to

paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that get stirred up when we do. How were losses dealt with in our own families growing up? How were they handled in our places of worship?

What was helpful? What was not, or even hurtful? What losses in our lives are we aware of today, what needs healing, and what are we doing or not doing about it?

Our first responsibility is to have our own emotional houses in order. If we do, then we’ll be attentive and creative in our responses to children. If we don’t, we’ll be vulnerable to either being numb to their pain, trying to block them from showing it to us, or over-identifying with them and losing a sense of appropriate boundaries. We can’t take away the pain of another, even that of a child, but our sense of helplessness need not restrain us from reaching out to her. Never underestimate the power of love.

There are basic commonalities in the mourning process regardless of the type or severity of the loss, and viewing emotional moments as opportunities for connection and teaching helps us to communicate our caring, while we listen to, validate, and empathise with a child’s feelings. Words are power, so we should help her to label the emotions she experiences, and help her to problem solve when the situation calls for it. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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y daughter recently had to cope with the death of a peer. Her classmate died after a long battle with a serious illness. My daughter now becomes anxious every night at bedtime. How can I help her?

– Kira The death of a friend or family member is difficult for anyone. How kids respond depends greatly on their age, experiences, and personality. And when a peer dies, kids may be afraid that something similar could happen to them.

Your child may be feeling depressed, angry, confused, anxious, or any number of emotions. Be honest with her and encourage questions. This can be hard because you may not have all the answers. But it’s important to create an atmosphere of comfort and openness, and to convey that there’s no single “right” way to feel or grieve.

Listen and comfort. Every child reacts differently to learning that a loved one has died. Some kids cry.

Some ask questions. Others seem not to react at all.

That’s OK. Stay with your child to offer hugs or reassurance. Answer your child’s questions or just be together for a few minutes.

Put emotions into words. Encourage kids to say what they’re thinking and feeling in the days, weeks, and months following the loss. Talk about your own feelings: It helps kids be

aware of and feel comfortable with theirs.

Your daughter might find it helpful to hear you express your feelings on her friend’s death. Give her the opportu- nity to express her feelings and recognise that her anxiety and sadness are perfectly normal. You might also share any spiritual beliefs you have about death with her.

If her reaction continues beyond a few weeks or negatively affects other aspects of her life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

7 Sugar workers protest “closure” of Estates news

FRIDAY, february 10, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

…as Skeldon’s 1st crop for 2017 shelved

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orkers attached to the Rose Hall Sugar Estate on Wednesday staged a demonstration over plans by the Government to close the Estate.

More than 2400 workers of the Rose Hall Estate in Canje are in fear of displacement amid reports about the entity getting out of cane operations under the diversification plans of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Field Secretary for the Estate, Neisham Diaram said the signals being given indicated that many of the workers would soon be on the bread line. He said the workers were expressing their concerns also for workers on the

severance packages.

On Thursday, workers once again protested the Wales Estate, and informed this publication that the Corporation was still undertaking efforts to compel them to continue their service at the Uitvlugt Estate on the West Coast of Demerara.

As such, the workers are making moves to extend their protest actions to the capital city, Georgetown, to bring more attention to their ongoing plight.

Speaking with Guyana Times, during the protest action on Monday, the workers stated that they have had enough of the uncertainty over their owed payments and reiterated their rejection of being transferred

Wales workers demanding severance payments Thursday morning

ments.

One week after being officially informed, GuySuCo on Thursday publicly disclosed that the Skeldon factory’s co-generation plant was not safe to continue operations and the problems could not be rectified until the final

Sugar workers protesting at Skeldon

East Coast of Demerara and on the Corentyne.

“The people out here because of the signal to close the Rose Hall Estate, closing Enmore and selling out Skeldon. We are also concerned about the people at Wales. They are out here, because they see the suffering of the people at Wales [Estate, which is also slated to be closed] and so they know what can happen to them. They are aware of the economic situation they will face. If the Estate closes down, they will be out of a pay day,” he said.

If Rose Hall goes, according to Diaram, the nearby town will also suffer. New Amsterdam depends heavily on that estate to sustain commercial activity in its already depressed economy.

“The entire community will be affected – the hire car drivers, the small shops in the community, the stores in New Amsterdam, the fish venders and all the economic activity in this community will be affected,” Diaram said.

Proposals to sell off a number of estates of the bankrupt State-owned GuySuCo and shed non-core operations, like drainage and health services, were recently shared with the unions and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

GuySuCo and Government are considering shrinking the existing estates to three: WalesUitvlugt, Albion-Rose Hall and Blairmont.

Meanwhile, the sugar workers attached to the Wales Estate, West Bank Demerara continued a fourth day of protest voicing their displeasure against GuySuCo’s nonpayment of

to the Uitvlugt Estate. The frustrated workers demanded that their severance packages be paid immediately, as they were reportedly promised to them since December of last year.

It was after GuySuCo’s meeting with GAWU on Wednesday last, that the Sugar Corporation disclosed to the public that there was demand for labour at the Uitvlugt Estate, which would start its first crop later this week. According to the workers, they were informed last Friday that the Union reportedly agreed for employees to be transferred to Uitvlugt, but the sugar workers stressed that they were not prepared to go anywhere, citing distance as their key reason.

In early 2016, Guyana Times broke the news of Government’s intention to close the Wales Factory. Shortly afterwards, Government confirmed the end of sugar operations at Wales Estate, citing cost as the main factor for closure. It was later disclosed that rice would be planted as part of the diversification plan, but it remained unclear when the first rice crop would be reaped.

Skeldon operations suspended

Meanwhile, weeks after it was publicly disclosed that two foreign investors had expressed interest in a takeover of Skeldon Estate, negotiations may be brought to a stand-still as mechanical issues have suspended sugar operations there. This comes against the backdrop of continued protests by sugar workers who have registered their disdain over the “closure” of Estates and lack of severance packages for workers who desire such pay-

months of the year.

“On Thursday, February 2, 2017, the Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) informed that the co-generation plant was unsafe to operate and advised that the First Crop 2017 should no longer take place, as up to seven months were required to address the problem,” an excerpt from the Corporation’s official statement noted.

The Sugar Corporation added that it was currently undertaking measures to garner external engineers and boiler manufacturers to “determine the extent and cost of repairs” in an effort to rectify the problems associated with the boiling equipment.

Against this backdrop, GuySuCo suspended sugar production at the Estate, which caused the abandonment of this year’s first crop.

“Every effort will be made by SEI to have the co-generation plant back in operation by late August,”

GuySuCo noted.

“The Corporation is currently examining a number of options for meaningful engagement of the Skeldon Estate employees during the period of the first crop,” it added.

It was also noted that meetings were scheduled

for Thursday (February 9) and today with the relevant unions as well as cane farmers to provide updates on the situation.

It was recently disclosed that an Indian firm, Shrinath Ispat Limited, was introduced to Government

by Tony Joseph, the son-inlaw of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. It was noted that Shrinath Ispat Limited wanted to take over the management and operations of the entire Skeldon Estate, including sugar manufacturing and co-generation of power. The company had promised to provide a more detailed plan for takeover if the proposal piqued Government’s interest.

Additionally, D Rampersad and Company Limited (DRCL), a Trinidadian firm had earlier indicated its interest to invest in the Skeldon Estate. The company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) on behalf of the Government for the undertaking of a feasibility study.

This feasibility study was proposed to commence on April 3 and would be completed in the first quarter of the year. It is now unclear if the companies will continue the takeover negotiations given the mechanical problems which have surfaced.

8 news

friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Grand theft…

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…by City Hall

he Auditor General (AG) – not to be confused with the other AG, who clearly doesn’t know his a55 from his elbow! – revealed that of the $300 million passed over by the Central Government to City Hall back in August 2015 to “restore” the city to its former “pristine state”, in the words of Finance Minister Winston Jordan, 50 per cent remains unaccounted for. After the money was transferred, the Town Clerk announced as to how Georgetown would be transformed to a “world class city” comparable to any other in the world. The “Golden Apple”??

Well, if half of the money was “siphoned off” – as the PNC used to accuse the PPP of doing – and the rest went to friends and family newly baptised as “contractors”, can we be surprised Georgetown still looks like the armpit of the Caribbean??!! Now don’t get confused, dear reader. This $300 million has nothing to do with the billion or so the Central Government blew on the sprucing up of the City for the Grand Jubilee Bash!

And we won’t even mention the billion dollars spent on the D’Urban Park Stands for which some “political investors” are being stiffed for their “contributions”.

Seemed that unlike the Natural Resources Minister, the Finance Minister doesn’t appreciate that even though “political investors” dub their cash infusions as “contributions”, it’s still an investment with its expected rate of return!

Your Eyewitness mentions the above fleecing of the taxpayers (where do you think the money eventually comes from?) as the background to the Parking Meter Heist conducted by City Hall in full view of all and sundry.

Your Eyewitness had railed against this “eyepass” from the moment it was sanctified by the Gang of Four after they returned from their all-expenses-paid trip to Latin America. Imagine the contract is still secret!!! He must confess he was beginning to doubt anything was going to be done after the PNC elevated the Mayor and Oscar Clark to their Executive Committee in the Party – along with their subject Minister Bulkan. Who was going to reprimand who?

But it appears there is a God! Who, of course, works through us mortals! The protest against the meters and more germanely the boycott, has clearly stung the kleptocrats in Central and City government. Your Eyewitness knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Forget about killer penalty clauses in the contract: the fly in the ointment is, if the contract’s altered in favour of the people, will those in City Hall be able to return the proportionate amount of the graft they collected?

We all know these Latin American types have rather unorthodox methods of collecting their debts!!

…by the money changers

The story’s told in the Good Book that Jesus was terribly upset with the Jerusalem Temple “money changers” – the precursors of the Bankers and Cambio dealers today.

“And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.”

Now this is serious precedent!!

Your Eyewitness was reminded of this incident when he saw the directive from the Governor of the Bank of Guyana – after Finance Minister Jordan complained about Cambios destabilising the exchange rate by spiriting away US$100 million abroad. Now while the money changers are crying dirty pool, they should take comfort no whips were used!! Up to now!!

Nowadays while everyone gets skittish when governments intervene in the operations of the ‘free market”, we should know no market’s ever really “free”.

At a minimum, there’s the “asymmetry of information” making the banks always winning.

There’s got to be a “light touch”.

…of Gaga’s bod?

After her Super Bowl halftime show, imagine Lady Gaga had to defend her right NOT to have her tummy taut and rippled, “washboard” style!

Hadn’t she explained after she wore that dress of beef (yes beef!!) she’s “not a piece of meat”??!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

news

9

friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anti-parking meter protest grows – as citizens reiterate revocation call

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itizens have once again turned out in their numbers, calling for the scrapping of the parking meter project and not a reduction in rates.

This is the second protest organised by the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) and more protests are expected in the coming weeks, if the parking meter project is not shelved. The crowd, which increased from last week, assembled in front of City Hall and vented their frustration, this time, however, there were no parking meter supporters.

Businessman and television personality Nizam Hussain told Guyana Times that while he supported the country’s development, he was completely against the fashion in which the parking project was implemented.

“I have no issue with parking meters and paying a nominal fee, but I have an issue with how this parking meter [was] forced down the throats of the Guyanese people. This is like a state far beyond a police state,” the businessman noted.

He surmised that the entire project was an atrocity that was committed on citizens.

Similarly, Satesh

This demonstrator decries the Value Added Tax

Rajpat, who is a Grievance Officer attached to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), questioned the merits of the contract which Mayor Patricia Chase Green had initially refused to disclose.

“I can’t see you signing a deal or contract and you’re only benefiting 20 per cent – that is madness!” Rajpat exclaimed.

“Everybody paying tax here, so we can’t stand for that,” the GAWU representative added.

Meanwhile, outgoing Deputy Mayor of

Georgetown, Sherod Duncan was seen moving among the protesters on his bicycle while holding placards advocating for the populace to “starve” the parking meters.

Meanwhile Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran also threw his support behind the protest.

On Thursday, he highlighted that it was too late for considerations to reduce the parking meter fees.

Ramkarran echoed the call to revoke the parking meter contract. He joined a number of business people and other concerned citizens who have noted the added burden the parking meters have brought to the populace.

Ramkarran said the

“End the bullyism” – the protesters want a revocation of the parking meter contract

project was past the point of reduction. “Reduction from $32,000 a month to what, are you planning to reduce it to $2000 a month so that people can afford?” pondered the former Speaker. Ramkarran’s comments come just one day after President David Granger ordered a reduction in the rates which at

The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) appears to be gaining traction as more persons braved the midday heat

present amount to $200 an hour before the Value Added Tax (VAT) is factored in.

Suggesting that the bylaws were a burden, the former Speaker noted that consumers may be forced to sell their vehicles if they could not afford to pay the hefty fines attached for parking without paying.

“This is just absolutely horrendous. This is not going to be accepted by people in Guyana, Georgetown or anywhere,” the former Speaker stressed.

Ousted Town Clerk and Attorney-at-Law Carol Sooba also joined the picket line. She noted that the parking meters should not have been implemented before the approval of the bylaws.

“I don’t think at this stage reducing fees would remedy the situation…I don’t think that the current Administration [is] humane or they have a heart or care about the citizens,” the former Town Clerk noted.

Sooba also assessed the performance of current Town Clerk Royston King, questioning his administrative skills.

“He has to go back to

school…he is not an administrator; he has to be in a system where he can utilise his bullyish attitude,” Sooba expressed.

Mayor Chase Green and the Town Clerk were not seen throughout the hour-long protest on Thursday.

At its conclusion, the large crowd disbursed after a rendition of the National Anthem. The parking meter fees were rolled out on January 24. However, as a backlash to the “exorbitant” fees, motorists have mostly stopped parking in the central business district where several areas are metered.

Meanwhile, the New Building Society (NBS) Commercial Bank has taken the movement against the parking meters one step forward and has filed a court action, challenging the bylaws that were approval by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

The Court has since ordered that the Minister show cause why his approval should not be quashed.

The case is set to be heard on February 20.

10 news GCCI was never in support of parking meters – Doerga friDAY, February 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

... calls for contract to be scrapped in favour of better terms and conditions

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he Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green, has stated that she has the majority of the business community on her side in favour of parking meters in the city. But a second major representative of the business community has come out against the initiative, citing the lack of transparency and declining commerce.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishnu Doerga, made it clear in an interview with Guyana Times that his Chamber has been against the manner in which the project was introduced from the beginning.

One objection he raised was with the unreleased contract, noting that it should be scrapped to make way for a better solution. The businessman also pointed out that the 80/20 per cent profit sharing mechanism is not in the city’s best interest.

“Since the initial interactions with the Mayor and City Council, since mid-last year, we would have expressed our dissatisfaction with the way in which the project was (rolled out). The need for parking meters we do agree with, but the lack of transparency, the lack of public procurement process, is something that is going to add a burden on the citizenry.”

“For the Mayor and City Council to derive 20 per cent of that, we believe is not the best option for Georgetown. In that respect, we are calling for the contract to be withdrawn and re-tendered in a trans-

spend as much time in stores anymore. So it doesn’t allow for businesses to sell their products.”

Lack of consultation

GCCI President Vishnu Doerga

parent manner to arrive at a much better solution.”

Doerga also related that businesses have complained about a drop in sales since the parking meters took effect. Some, he stated, have re-

The GCCI’s stance follows that of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) which has stated that there was a marked lack of consultation with the project. The Commission had called for the project to be quashed and had urged the Government to intervene in the impasse.

In a statement, the PSC stated it has received impassioned pleas from the business community, which has seen a 50 per cent drop in sales since the introduction of paid parking.

The PSC had also blasted the M&CC for displaying “un-

ter initiative itself.

It was also noted that in an integrated economy like Guyana’s, the success or failure of one sector would result in spin-off effects affecting the country as a whole in terms of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This, the PSC had noted, is a fact that the Government was aware of.

The Commission also questioned whether the local government organs are free to make policy decisions which run counter to the national interest.

The fact that two of Guyana’s major business representatives have raised an outcry against the parking meter project being implemented, belies Mayor Chase Green’s pronouncement during the first anti-parking meter protest on Friday,

Anti-parking meter protesters stood in solidarity before chaos ensued

ported declining sales of various amounts but the figures collated amounted to a 50 per cent slump.

“The most common response we are getting is a 50 per cent drop, because people don’t take their time to go looking for purchases anymore. And then they don’t

matched arrogance in their refusal to engage businesses in any attempt to compromise and mitigate the ill effects of this scheme.”

The PSC had also pointed out that citizens, who would after all bear the full brunt of the measures, have clearly shown their objections to the by-laws and the parking me-

February 3, that she had the business community on her side. “They have not complained to us. The business people have approached us for some of the packages that we are offering them, so I can say I have the majority of the business people on my side,” The Mayor had declared, as

she defended the parking meters.

A newly formed lobby group made up of concerned citizens – the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) – has consistently called for an economic boycott of the meters. In addition, many, including the protesters have already complained of the injustices meted out

against them from employees of the parking meter company.

For instance, some have complained of parking meter officials clamping their vehicles before their time has expired and that 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) is still being charged, even as the new tax regime reduced it by two per cent.

Delay in grants for preservice CPCE students

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tudents attached to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) are calling for their students grants which have been delayed for several months.

A source informed Guyana Times of the current situation at the institution, and this publication was able to meet with a number of CPCE students who highlighted their concerns.

According to their disclosures, it is customary for the students to be given their grants each month; however, this has not been occurring.

In addition, students have also explained that these grants are usually delayed and would be given to students every three months instead of each month.

The students relayed that it is customary now, informing that “we are used to it”.

These grants are given to pre-service students; that is, those that are studying without being employed, to assist them with the purchasing of supplies to aid in their studies at the institution.

One student said that it is evident from the actions of those in charge of ensuring that the grants are given, that they do not really care “because everybody knows how hard it is in Guyana financially at this time especially for us the students and yet they are sloppy in giving us our grants, it is like we do not need it”.

Another student, who in currently in his second year at the institution, disclosed to this publication that they were all warned by the administrators of CPCE not to speak to the media.

As such, when this newspaper first met with the students, most of them were hesitant to speak and all asked that their names not be published. However, the students wish to have their pleas heard and are calling on the relevant authority to look into the issue promptly.

However, for a number of days, this publication has been making calls to Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine but all calls went unanswered.

news

11

friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

S RAIGHT A

No arrest in Bagotstown robbery

with Sase Singh

Is Guyana a tinderbox of a nation?

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here are plenty of theories as to the cause of Guyana’s poverty when compared to the rest of the English-speaking members of Caricom. But what is absolutely believable is that when one travels through the resource basins (the Hinterlands), one is left absolutely convinced that its troves of natural resources have not been its deliverance from destruction; but its curse. McKinsey, one of the world’s leading consulting company, estimated that “69 per cent of the people who live in extreme poverty are citizens of countries where oil, gas, and minerals like gold play a dominant role”.

This oversell today by politicians that the discovery of oil will be the salvation of the Guyanese nation is nothing but poppycock unless those resources are properly managed. There is enough evidence that if improperly managed, as in the case of Equatorial Guinea, the oil resources will be Guyana’s curse. The people must not be misled into believing there is big money or many new jobs for them in this deal between now and 2020 and even beyond.

As an example, there is enough evidence to prove that for all of 2016, the economy of Trinidad has gained more from the discovery of oil in Guyana than the local economy. The Trinidadian firms have already commenced servicing this oil facility and these contracts are all set to expand. It is not the fault of the Trinidadians that they have a core competence in the oil services industry; they discovered oil a long time ago. That is why it is not accidental that there is a daily direct non-stop American Airlines flight from Houston, Texas to Trinidad. It is also not an accident that there is a fleet of helicopters based at Piarco International Airport all set to service the oil facility in the Guyanese waters. Trinidad has an experienced and well-developed oil services industry, which has given that country great advantage in oil logistics and other 3rd party vendor services. So if one follows the money on this oil deal to date, only a monthly “rent” is there for Guyana while the real jobs and side businesses are going to be farmed out elsewhere.

That is why it is vitally critical at this stage to understand the cash flows behind the “oil rent” and plan for it skillfully. From all the computations I have seen, the “oil rent” is not expected to be more than US$15 billion over the life of the well, if the current projections hold. Even if a sensitivity analysis is done, the resources contractually due to Guyana will vary at most between US$13 billion and US$18 billion.

So this situation begs the question – Has a White Paper been completed on what we are going to do with this “oil rent”? Are there any plans in there for the quartet of mega projects that can permanently transform Guyana’s economic fortunes – Oil Refinery, Deep Water Port, Road to Brazil, Amalia Hydro Project?

For the record, the total price tag for these four projects can consume almost half of the “oil rent”.

In the final analysis, I want to caution the Guyanese people, if this “oil rent” is misused on Ponzi scheme projects that have no sustainable return on investment, it will cause the social contract between the rulers and the people to break down. We have seen all across the world, especially in Africa, that some rulers tend to spend their mineral rent on things to benefit their own personal interests rather than the people’s interests. In those cases, their people remain in extreme poverty, abhorring their rulers. That is a tinderbox situation. If one observes the record of the Granger Administration so far, it illustrates a sort of “big man” kind of capital investment that is grounded in kleptocratic mindset (good example – the D’Urban Park Parade Ground Project at a price tag of more than G$1.3 billion). The “oil rent” will make impoverishment of the ordinary people ten times worse, unless good governance returns to the Granger Administration.

Please feel free to share your comments at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

s investigations continue into the recent robbery committed on the R Gossai and Sons General Store at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, the Police are yet to make an arrest. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted told Guyana Times that the Police are working with several leads but no arrest was made in connection with the robbery.

The absence of the DVR player for the surveillance cameras is one challenge to solving the case. Another challenge is that the men were all masked but the Police are expected to resort to their fingerprint database for assistance in solving the crime.

However, the injured 63-year-old businessman, Rabindranauth Gossai, has been discharged from hospital but is still traumatised.

His son, Joey Gossai told this publication that the business has been in operation for the past 70 years and it has been passed on

R Gossai and Sons General Store

from one generation to the next.

The young man noted that sometime back, his father was relieved of cash moments after he returned from a bank. “We were robbed once in the past but this is the first time in the house… that time, my father had just returned from the bank and he was accosted in the yard and relieved

of the money he was carrying,” the younger Gossai noted.

On Monday evening, at least eight armed and masked men severely beat the elderly businessman and terrorised his family after which they carted off with an undisclosed sum of cash, a quantity of high-end liquor and a quantity of jewellery among other items.

The robbery occurred at about 20:00h as the younger Gossai went into the back of the yard to collect his car. From all indications, the men cut the barbed wire fence to gain entry to the yard where they hid for some time, until the man exited the house.

He was held at gunpoint and taken into the house where the gunmen assaulted his father. He was then placed to lie on the ground along with his mother and four-year-old son. As they were held hostage, the men ransacked the house and shop during which they found the money and jewellery. As the men were leaving, they collected the rum and other items.

After the 25-minute ordeal, the gunmen left and the younger Gossai managed to untie himself and his family. They subsequently contacted the Police and without hesitation, took his father, who was bleeding profusely, to seek medical attention.

12news Region 9 REO charged with sexual assault, to be removed T friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

he Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Parker, is expected to be removed from the position after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, slapped with a sexual assault charge.

It is alleged that Parker, 53, of Cenotaph Boulevard, Lethem, Region Nine, had sexually assaulted a young lady on June 13, 2016 at Yupukari, Central Rupununi, during a village outreach he had hosted. The REO pleaded not guilty.

He appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who read the charge in-camera before granting him bail in the sum of $200,000.

Following the arraignment hearing, Parker left the courtroom in smiles as media operatives flocked around to get his photograph. He is expected to return to court on February 16.

Speaking with reporters outside the courtroom, Parker’s lawyer, Attorneyat-Law Jerome Khan sought to poke holes in the allegation made against his client, questioning the fact that the incident was only reported in December of 2016 and not when it had reportedly occurred in June.

The Defence Attorney

Carl Parker

also pointed out that following this alleged assault, the Virtual Complainant maintained a friendly relationship with Parker, and even visited his home on many occasions.

Khan had told media operatives previously that the accused was a victim and his situation was a “perfect political storm”, intended to remove Parker from his position.

He noted that there were rumours circulating that Parker was switching his support from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Administration to the People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) after he followed the procurement act and refused to award contracts to APNU/AFC supporters in Region Nine.

On the other hand, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan on Thursday confirmed that Parker would be removed from his position as the REO of Region Nine with immediate effect as a result of the charge.

At a press conference last Friday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo accused Government of failing to discipline Parker against whom several similar allegations have been made.

“This Government has serious problems with professionals, particularly young professionals and particularly women. So in (Region Nine, an education official) complained about the (alleged) predatory behaviour of the (official). And it was swept under the carpet,” Jagdeo had stated.

He continued, “Then the (municipal official) complained that she was sexually molested by the same person.

It was reported to everyone, including the Minister. The President is aware of it. They try to sweep it under the carpet again.”

At least two arms of the PPP have since come out in solidarity with the

alleged victim.

These groups – the Women’s Progressive Organisation and Progressive Youth Organisation of Region Nine, expressed admiration for the boldness of the Virtual Complainant in coming forward.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN) had come out condemning this recent attack for which the REO was charged. In a missive last month, GEPAN said it had been solicited to petition on behalf of the Virtual Complainant, as a civil actor.

According to GEPAN, the victim suffered the assault while carrying out her official duties.

The advocacy group alleged that it was during a work trip, when she was forced to share a room with the suspect, that she was physically assaulted.

GEPAN added that the victim has suffered “psychological and emotional abuse and break down” owing to the incident.

The group went on to reveal that the official has been forced to compromise her career and her home life has suffered.

Duo sentenced for armed robbery

Isaac Greaves

D

evon Carrington and Isaac Greaves were on Tuesday sentenced to jail by city Magistrate Dylon Bess for robbery under arms.

It is alleged that the two men on July 10, 2015, at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, while armed with a firearm, robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC), Sherlyn Martindale of one cellular phone, a handbag, an ATM card and a sum of $10 000, for a total of $96 000.

The duo had previously appeared before the courts in 2016 and was remanded to prison.

The presiding Magistrate, upon their final appearance, found both men guilty and handed down his ruling, in Carrington’s absence.

The first accused (Greaves) was sentenced to three years imprisonment while Carrington received a four-year sentence.

On Bullshit A

bout a decade or so ago, the Philosopher Harry Frankfurt’s book, with the seemingly most nonphilosophically sounding title, On Bullshit, became a NY Times bestseller. With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, it seems he was presciently offering Americans a vocabulary to analyse the utterances of their new President, Donald Trump. If we are to follow the definitions of Professor Frankfurt – of Princeton, no less, we will understand not only the American President but some of our local leaders.

Right now, Americans and other interested parties – read all world leaders and would-be immigrants to the US – are trying to get the measure Ravi Dev of the man who seems to have no intermediary mental screening apparatus between his raw id and his lips; or the fingers that do his tweeting. A veritable industry of “fact checkers” have sprouted up like jumbie umbrellas to prove that Trump is “lying” or at best, being careless with the truth on so many assertions. One spokesperson claimed Trump is offering “alternative facts”.

The blurb to Frankfurt’s slim book – which was originally just an article – summarises the concept of “bullshit”. “He argues that bullshitters misrepresent themselves to their audience not as liars do, that is, by deliberately making false claims about what is true. In fact, bullshit need not be untrue at all.

“Rather, bullshitters seek to convey a certain impression of themselves without being concerned about whether anything at all is true. They quietly change the rules governing their end of the conversation so that claims about truth and falsity are irrelevant. Frankfurt concludes that although bullshit can take many innocent forms (like in our rum-shop gyaafs), excessive indulgence in it can eventually undermine the practitioner’s capacity to tell the truth in a way that lying does not.

“Liars at least acknowledge that it matters what is true”. By virtue of this, Frankfurt writes, “bullshit is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are.” This last feature of bullshit is what makes bullshit so dangerous: very soon truth becomes irrelevant.

Bullshitters like Trump just want to show they have the answer to whatever they’re asked, or whatever subject comes up in conversation. It doesn’t matter they are later shown to be “wrong” – what matters as Trump boasted, is that people believed them when they spoke. Bullshitters are basically speaking to those with similar mindsets who then are predisposed to accepting their claims.

But Guyana has its own fair share of bullshitters. Think of some columnists who pontificate on every issue under the sun – and when shown to be wrong on crucial facts to their argument, blithely move on to the next splatter of bullshit. But even more worrying, are the local politicians in the mould of Donald Trump and his gratuitous bullshitting.

Columnists, after all, may not have much traction in persuading citizens to action, but the reverse is true of politicians.

Think of the manifesto of the Government. They were in Opposition for three years and controlled Parliament with access to all the necessary information – financial and otherwise – in real time through their membership in the Sectoral Committees and their parliamentary majority. What else but bullshit in the Frankfurtian sense when they yet promised Government workers “substantial salary increases” and later claimed they had no money?

And we can follow through with all the other promises such as “Constitutional Change” or a “Code of Conduct” for Ministers. These were not lies: they simply had to tell the people something on these issues that they could get away with, because the latter were predisposed to believing them.

Let us look a bit closer at the contract for the Parking Meters Project that had finally fired up the citizens of Georgetown. The Government assures us they cannot interfere because they want to respect the independence of the City government. This has to be undiluted bullshit since the Communities Minister had to sign off on the By-laws to permit the wheel locks, towing, impounding, etc, of vehicles in the city.

The question is not whether politicians will stop excreting bullshit – that is congenital, but how long will their followers swallow it.

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friDAY, February 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG partners with Suriname, Belgium to host renewable energy symposium

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s the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the conversation on renewable energy is ongoing. To this end, the University of Guyana (UG) has partnered with the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, to host a regional symposium on renewable energy, highlighting its role in developing nations such as Guyana.

With development traditionally thriving on the use of fossil fuel, of recent,

cieties that are more in sync with ecosystems. Hence, the theme of the symposium is aptly titled: “The Emerging Role of Renewable Energy in Small Developing Nations.”

In this regard, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, in his feature address during the opening ceremony at the Regency Hotel on Wednesday, highlighted Guyana’s unhealthy dependence on fossil fuel.

“Despite possessing considerable renewable energy potential, Guyana sadly is currently heavily dependent

port this transition, from the use of imported fossil fuel towards renewable energy sources, the Government is working to ensure that the appropriate framework is in place,” he disclosed.

To this end, Patterson announced that the draft document for the National Energy Policy has been completed and public consultations are to commence soon.

He also mentioned that the Energy Transition Road Map for Guyana will soon be finalised, which will detail how far as possible the country

Attendees at the regional symposium on the role of renewable energy in small developing nations

there has been a consciousness of its effects on the biosphere and existence on earth with renewable energy being viewed as the solution to work with the ecosystems and not against it.

It was said that developing countries are critical to this shift to renewable energy since they have the opportunity to re-define development as it relates to energy dependence by building so-

on imports of fossil fuel for its energy needs. Renewable energy development will support a sustainable and diversified pattern of energy supply, which is a fundamental component for fostering economic growth and development,” he posited.

Nevertheless, the Minister noted that Government is paving the way for renewable energy development. “In order to sup-

can get in terms of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025.

The Minister went on to say that the ‘Green Bartica’ initiative in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and the ‘Wind Farm’ project at Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) are Governmentsponsored projects aimed at fostering renewal energy programmes.

From right: UG’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr Michael Scott; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; Surinamese Professor, Dr Radjiskumar Mohan; and Belgian Professor, Dr Johan Driesen

“The Development of solar and wind farms are currently being considered as a viable option for the reduction of Guyana’s dependency on fossil fuel for electrical supply and the integration of renewable energy in the short and medium-term,” he stated.

He continued that the Public Sector has been leading the way in the transition to renewable energy with the launch of a programme that will see solar panels being installed at 64 Government buildings.

Additionally, Minister Patterson noted that the establishment of the country’s first bioethanol plant at the Albion Estate offers the opportunity for new commercial scale-enterprises that will transform the transportation sector while reducing gasoline consumption; something which he said Government will be supporting.

Meanwhile, UG’s Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Engagement, Dr Michael Scott, pointed out that while steps have been taken to move towards renewable energy, questions have been

raised, particularly among social scientists like himself, in light of the country preparing for oil and gas production.

“I suspect that we will be given an insight possibly as to how both forms of energy may be able to coexist and the extent to which our capacity for developing and expanding our renewable energy sources can be realised,” he noted.

Dr Scott underscored the importance of the Universities participating in the dialogue on renewable energy, noting that this way they can transform the minds of its students.

Moreover, Dr Radjiskumar Mohan – a professor at the Surinamese University – posited that the symposium is a significant forum to raise awareness in Guyana on renewable energy. He noted that through this partnership, both Suriname and Guyana are laying the foundation for the ‘emerging role of small nations in developing nations’.

On the other hand, Professor, Dr Johan Driesen of the Belgium University noted that while both his

country and Guyana have the significant potential for renewable energy, Belgium is far more developed in this regard.

“Here you have a lot of sunshine, there is a little bit of wind, you have an enormous potential in bioenergy; in Belgium, we are a small country, we have also bad weather with lots of wind and rain but still we managed to be the number five country in solar panel in Europe – us, a small country with a small population,” he stated.

The professor further outlined that Belgium is also in the top five countries in the region for wind power. He noted that they are building wind turbines in unexpectedly places.

Among the topics discussed during the one-day symposium are transition from petroleum to renewables; investments in renewable energy; Guyana’s search for hydropower facility; the role of universities in promoting renewable energy; scope of bioenergy in Guyana; biomass technology; wind energy and solar power systems.

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friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Foreign currency circular

Rates regulation by Central Bank unlawful – Nandlall

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ormer Attorney General Anil Nandlall is of the view that the Central Bank cannot lawfully control the foreign currency rates of licensed operators.

In efforts to streamline the foreign currency market, Government through the Central Bank issued a circular to cambios and the local banking sector informing them of the regulated rates for foreign currency trade.

According to the circular seen by Guyana Times, non-bank cambios must reduce the spread between the buying and selling rates on foreign currency transactions to no more than G$3.

This means if a cambio dealer purchases currency at G$210, then the dealer cannot sell it for more than G$213.

The Bank of Guyana,

in the circular signed

by Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, said this requirement must be applied in an effort to “improve the efficiency, depth and liquidity of the foreign exchange market.”

Moreover, Central Bank outlined that this new measure is in accordance with Section 7 of the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act. However, Nandlall in a statement to the media on Thursday pointed out that Section 7 of the Act clearly does not empower Central Bank to issue the type of guidelines which touch and concern the rates at which foreign currency can be sold by a licensee.

Section 7 (1) provides: Every licence shall be subject to the provisions of this Act, and as such conditions may, from time to time, be

prescribed or specified in the licence. Meanwhile, Section (7(2) states: The conditions as to the furnishing as security by the licensee, the amount and forfeiture thereof and the owner of the bank to vary the amount of the security from time to time.

According to the former Attorney General, “new conditions cannot be unilaterally imposed upon the licensee, expo facto, the grant of the licence; and perhaps of greater significance, conditions and guidelines cannot be issued which are in breach of the Act, or indeed, with any other law.”

Moreover, he went on to cite Section 9 (3) of the same Act which states: The price at which a licensee may buy or sell any foreign currency shall be determined by the licensee and shall be displayed at a prominent place

Rehabilitation of Ituni Primary underway

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ehabilitation works to sections of the Ituni Primary School in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are currently underway.

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph recently told Guyana Times that approximately 70 per cent of major repair works to the affected areas of the school have so far been completed.

Last month, parents joined in protest over the deplorable conditions at the school; they also used the opportunity to raise several other issues, ranging from malfunctioning washroom facilities, the lack of potable water and faulty infra-

structure.

Parents had also indicated that their requests for an upgrade of the school’s sanitary block have gone unanswered for years, as they explained that only one toilet facility was in use by both male and female students.

Additionally, it was noted that the school’s corridors were in a deplorable state and only one of the school’s staircases was functional.

The school had remained closed as parents vowed not to send their children back to the location unless the issues were dealt with. This prompted officials from the Department of Education to visit the school as they en-

gaged in discussions with teachers and parents of affected students. Temporary arrangements were then put in place, which saw Grades Five and Six students being housed at the school’s library, situated inside the compound, while Grades Three and Four are being housed at the Ituni Small Loggers Association (ISLA) building. Grades One and Two students resumed normal classes inside of their former classrooms.

These arrangements will be in place until the rehabilitation works have been completed.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

on the licenced premises.

Nandlall opined that the language and spirit of the Section is quite clear in that it harbours no room for ambiguity or equivocation. He further explained that the Section says it is the licensee and no one else who shall determine the selling price of foreign currency sold by that licensee.

“The Central Bank can lawfully play no part in fixing or influencing those prices… In the circumstances, it is my considered view that the guidelines issued by the Central Bank

in so far as they seek to influence the price at which foreign currency is sold by a licensee, is ultra vires, the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act, Chapter 87:01, and unlawful,” Nandlall pointed out.

Following this move by Government, several of the cambio dealers have predicted major losses with the new regulations imposed by Central Bank. One of them previously explained to this newspaper that it is unfair to restrict the trade of currency – a commodity which usually depends on world market prices. “It’s all about demand and supply. I don’t think they (Government) understand the trade.”

Another dealer said that by imposing such a limit on the prices, cambio dealers stand to suffer significant loses when the world market prices fluctuate.

The dealer explained that if a particular foreign currency is bought for G$150 today and then tomorrow the selling price drops to G$140 on the world market, then by forcing cambios to sell the currency at the highest $143 would be detrimental to their business.

They were also concerned about the duration of this imposition and how badly it will affect their earnings in the long-term.

Berbice domestic worker’s execution

Police working on motive for shooting

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ollowing the execution-style killing of a Corentyne, Berbice woman on Tuesday night, at her Tain Settlement home, Police have come up with a theory as to the motive behind the killing.

The dead woman, Lilawatie Muhammed, is said to have been involved in a relationship with a wealthy businessman who lives in the community,and investigations have revealed that the man is also married.

Following the shooting, Police arrested one man, who according to information, shared a relationship with the businessman’s wife, who is currently overseas.

Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner, Ian Amsterdam, said the Police followed the leads from text messages on a cellphone. “We are working on some other information both local and so we need to look into a different direction that it might have been an execution that was ordered by another female,” he said.

In 2016, Muhammed’s home at Belvedere was destroyed by fire in what is believed to be an act of arson.

The suspects in that act are

Dead: Lilawatie Muhammed

all overseas.

It has been rumoured that the businessman purchased the house at Tain Settlement where Muhammed and two of her children were living.

“We are looking at some other areas which include the house that was burnt, some people that she worked with… We are now getting the information and targeting the persons that it points to for questioning,” Amsterdam told reporters on Thursday.

Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on Thursday on the woman’s body revealed

that she died of shock and haemorrhaging due to gunshot wounds to the head.

As the investigation continues, Police are hoping to question the businessman.

It is not known whether he is in the country. According to Amsterdam, investigators have not been able to get any information from the man in custody.

However, he noted that the 25-year-old man is no stranger to the lock-ups and getting the information they require from him will not be an easy task. “He is a tough nut to crack,” the Commander said.

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friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Animal Welfare Bill sent to select committee ... includes draconian penalties – Seeraj

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he motion for the second reading of the Animal Welfare Bill 2016 quickly dissolved into a war of words, as the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) accused the Government of copying and pasting the Bill’s “draconian” provisions, without considering the needs of local farmers.

According to the PPP/C's point man on agriculture, Dharamkumar Seeraj, the Bill is a “pie in the sky” initiative. He emphasised that as the Bill never made it to the Cabinet level during the previous Administration, it could not be termed a “PPP bill”.

This, Seeraj explained, was as a result of the consultation and feedback gathering phase not being completed. Decrying the additional bureaucratic nature and penalties of the Bill, he called for it to be sent to a parliamentary special subcommittee.

“We intend to move for this bill to go to a select committee so as to benefit fully from the participation of the target groups. The consultations were not completed.

And that is why it did not come before this House and

that is why it did not reach the Cabinet level.”

Seeraj encouraged Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to concentrate on addressing issues related to infrastructure. According to the Member of Parliament, transportation is not the central issue with farmers, but rather issues of production incentives. He stated that the Bill was just addressing legal requirements, while the physical infrastructure was not in place to give effect to these measures.

“The Minister recently gave approval for increases in pasture rentals from $200 to $1400. And now we're being asked to approve a bill that is piling on the agony on livestock farmers, who are not better off because conditions are not better for them and the Government seems not inclined to address the concerns on the ground.”

Seeraj denounced the Bill as draconian, observing that instead of leniency, the Bill was proposing a draconian fine and even imprisonment, for first-time offenders. Part VIII, Penalties, of the Animal Welfare Bill 2016 reads; “Where no penalty is pro-

PPP/C MP Dharamkumar Seeraj

vided for an offense committed under this Act, such offense shall upon summary conviction be punishable by a fine of $60,000 and imprisonment for four months.”

Some provisions of the Bill guard against animal owners giving animals food or substances of an unnatural nature, except scientifically justified; and restrict the movement of animals in any way that causes it pain, suffering or injury.

The Bill also provides for penalties against anyone who neglects an animal in terms of health, housing,

nutrition and care; and use of unauthorised stimulants or substances to enhance growth and weight gain.

“Drunken drivers are afforded leniency in a first offence. And we are seeking to impose, on livestock producers, draconian fines and penalties like imprisonment. On producers who are seeking to make an honest living to provide food security for our country,” Seeraj observed.

The parliamentarian stated that the Bill's provisions demonstrated the Administration's aloofness to the plight of the farmers, noting that the Bill talks about the animals and consumers and little was said about the welfare of the farmers. He was critical of the Government's “detachment from reality” and their justification that the measures were to support requirements from First World countries.

“It seems to be to satisfy conditions in First World countries that we, here, in a Third World reality, will be hard pressed to realise. And it will be burdensome for farmers and livestock producers.”

Minister Holder, who moved the motion for the

7 in custody for phone card vendor robbery/murder – Police recover gun, phone cards

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t least seven persons were arrested following the fatal shooting of a Corentyne cellular phone card dealer during a robbery on Wednesday afternoon, as investigators in B Division (Berbice) recovered what was suspected to be the murder weapon and getaway car.

Danian Jagdeo, 36, of Lot 12 Section G, Kings Street, Williamsburg, Corentyne, was shot at least three times at Adventure, Corentyne, while at a shop. The lone shooter then grabbed Jagdeo’s bag, containing an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of phone cards, before escaping on a motorcycle along with a waiting accomplice.

A post-mortem conducted on the body Thursday gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries.

Police have since been able to arrest seven persons (aged 18 to 34) during a 12-hour search along the Corentyne.

Guyana Times understands that a search of one of the suspects’ homes revealed a small calibre weapon and two matching rounds. A motor car, bearing registration number PVV 9465, fitting the description of the vehicle allegedly used after the crime

was also impounded.

Moreover, the motorcycle that was abandoned by the suspects has been identified by a Corentyne resident, who alleged that it was stolen from his yard on February 2.

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam told this newspaper that detectives started making arrests from as early at 19:00h on Wednesday and were satisfied by 07:00h the following morning, when the alleged murder weapon was found.

“We were able to get the person that was sent to get the gasoline for the motorcycle, then we were able to get the person who made the false plates for the motorbike and we were also able to get the person who had the motorcycle.”

The Commander further explained that one of the persons who were arrested provided vital information based on what he heard others discussing. “He heard who were the persons planning the act. We eventually arrested all those persons.

What the informant would have also heard is where the weapon was stashed before the robbery and so after we had all the players in custody, we took one of the persons in custody back to the

The weapon found stashed at the suspects’ home

residence, where the weapon was stashed before the robbery; we went back and found it there. We have to do ballistics tests and we have at least three warheads. It was a .32 snub-nose revolver,” Amsterdam disclosed.

However, he continued that “while we know that two persons were involved; we also have the driver of the car who would have been the person to have picked up and dropped off”.

Commander Amsterdam added too that investigators were able to prove that the car had been trailing Jagdeo

at Corriverton. This, he said, was gathered from surveillance footage obtained from a store in Corriverton into which Jagdeo went.

After trailing Jagdeo for some time, the men went to Friendship and waited.

“Residents in the village saw them in the car and on the motorbike lurking around in the village,” Amsterdam noted. “All these pieces we are now putting together in respect to that robbery-murder.”

Meanwhile, members of the Major Crime Unit (MCU) will no longer be travelling to Berbice as planned in light of this breakthrough in the case.

However, the Divisional Commander noted that the Berbice team was still being advised on the way forward.

According to Amsterdam, while the MCU will no longer be taking over the investigation, the Commissioner will instead be advising on the case as investigations continue.

Following an execution at Tain Settlement, Corentyne on Tuesday night and Wednesday’s robbery/murder, members of the MCU were scheduled to visit the crime scenes on Thursday morning.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Animal Welfare Bill's second reading, had stated that the Guyana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) had the Bill expertly reviewed. He had also argued that the Bill was a prerequisite before Guyana could export animals and would improve trade.

But eventually Seeraj's arguments and the arguments of his fellow PPP/C parliamentarian Collin Croal prevailed, with the Government side agreeing to have the Bill sent to a special select committee.

Under Section Two 'Protection of Animals', the Bill includes provisions for prohibited acts and protection of animals while kept or raised; obligations to render assistance; protection of animals during health care provision and zoo technical interventions; interventions to protect animals; protection of animals at the time of humane killing; humane killing without delay; protection of animals during transport; humane transportation of animals and protection of wild animals.

The Bill is considered a follow-up to the Cruelty to Animals Bill passed under the previous Administration.

While there is legislation catering for the treatment and handling of animals, enforcement of these Acts has always been a matter of contention.

The GSPCA has been outspoken about the need for implementation and enforcement of legislation to specifically ensure that owners of dangerous dogs manage them responsibly. But according to the Opposition, the Bill's focus is too limited to central locations and does not address concerns in outlying areas among farmers.

GTT implores public to “protect” cables

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elecommunications giant, GTT, is cautioning members of the public to take extra care with its cables, as millions are being spent to repair and replace the damaged facilities.

This call was made as a team of technicians from the company commenced work in West La Penitence, Georgetown, on Thursday morning, replacing some damaged cables that have been down for a couple of weeks.

Speaking with media operatives, GTT Communications Officer Nadia De Abreu explained that the telephone service of approximately 200 customers along the West Front Road and West Back Road areas was disrupted due to damaged cables.

To this end, she noted the company is replacing those damaged cables with brand new ones, running all the way from ‘telephone house’, in order to reconnect those customers with their telephone services.

According to De Abreu, these works might take some two weeks to be completed. However, she noted that the installation was done as part of a continuous upgrade project being conducted to service surrounding communities.

“We have just completed some work for the residents of West Ruimveldt and Roxanne Burnham Gardens and some of the surrounding areas so now these cables will reconnect the services of those in West Front and Back Road,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Alison Parker, also a communications officer attached to GTT, took the opportunity to urge persons to protect the company’s facilities that were erected at strategic areas to provide telecommunication services to citizens.

“We have found over the past years vandalism, careless digging, accidents have all damaged our facilities. We have to replace them not only at a financial cost but at a cost to the customers who those cables serve because once they’re out of service – you know what it is like not to have your telephone and not to have your Internet.

So we are asking the general public to consider it your facility, protect it,” she implored. Moreover, Parker called on the public to inform the company whenever they witness vandalism or any other activities that would eventually result or may result in the destruction of its facilities.

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friDAY, february 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Peters Hall residents call for electricity

ACCA members honoured M at cocktail reception

embers of a community in Peters Hall, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), which is located behind the Providence National Stadium, are now pleading for their cries to be heard as they have been without electricity for the last eight years.

Although the community has access to running water, there has been no move by the authorities to provide electricity to its inhabitants.

In fact, residents informed Guyana Times that electricity poles have not yet been installed in the area. It should be noted that one part of Peter’s Hall has electricity, so not the entire community is being affected.

The affected residents are calling for Government’s in-

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Several accountants were honoured at a cocktail reception on Wednesday night

everal new and veteran Guyanese accountants were honoured at a cocktail reception held at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel. This was facilitated by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) which awarded persons who became members of the ACCA after graduating from the required levels.

The categories included one-year membership, two to nine years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years and over 30 years as an internationally recognised accountant. Business tycoon, Dr Yesu Persaud, and Maurice

Solomon were honoured for 52 years each as ACCA members, while Nizamudin Ali, Harry Noel Narine and Rameshwar Lall have 48, 44 and 42 years respectively.

DDL’s Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo who has been an ACCA member for over 30 years, said his qualification catapulted him to where he is today. He encouraged his fellow accountants to maintain their craft despite changes in technology.

“Life will change dramatically in the coming years as the full impact of technologies [will alter] the way things are done and this will

have very serious effects on our profession. Accountants as the agents of change must understand these changes and must be able to evaluate the impact of these changes on our organisation,” Samaroo highlighted.

Newly appointed head of ACCA Caribbean, Orin Gordon, told the accountants of the expanding business opportunities across the world. The ACCA qualification is said to be the largest and fastest growing qualification in the world, with over 500,000 members and students in 170 countries.

tervention, pointing to the threats posed to their safety and that of their families.

They have also explained that many homes in the area have been burglarised.

One resident explained that she has been robbed on many occasions while making her way home in the dark.

“That is why as soon as night step in; everybody does lock up and go indoors because we are now living in fear. Every morning you wake up you have to hear that somebody house get broken into… again” the woman cried.

Another single mother told this publication that her daughter had to move away to live with relatives to go to school because of how unsafe the area is. “Every time

I want to see her and I bring her over, as soon as night step it, the child does start to cry,” the woman said.

Guyana Times was informed that residents have sent letters to a number of Government Ministers, on numerous occasions, highlighting the situation.

However, they have not received any response or acknowledgement.

“It is like no one cares about us, that is how we are feeling because it has been eight years now, it is high time we get electricity in this area,” one resident said.

This publication made numerous calls to the Public Infrastructure and Junior Public Infrastructure Ministers but all calls went unanswered.

Coomacka access road rehabilitation works in progress – residents express satisfaction

Road works ongoing on the Coomacka access road

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ollowing an intervention by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, rehabilitation work has commenced on the Coomacka access road in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Residents in several communities, including Coomacka, Nottinghamshire, Old England and Yaribo were adversely affected after minibus drivers plying the route staged strike action over the deplorable state of the road last month. Speaking with Guyana Times, Regional Councillor and Chairman of the Coomacka Development Council, Dexter Harding, said he had made recommendations to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the upgrading of internal and external roads since 2015; however, this was not done.

Speaking on behalf of residents of the communities, Harding said he is grateful that the process is finally underway. “I’m grateful, in that the intervention of the Ministry of Public Works and the authorities from the region and more so Central Government has intervened and heard the cries of the four communities. The Minister came up with all the regional officials, they promised and so far they are holding to their promises, in that they are fixing the road and after that they said they are going to do the three bridges in the area... I do

hope that in the future we don’t have to protest to get things done but from this level we get solutions from the RDC level and so on,” he noted.

Harding further expressed satisfaction with the road works – that stretch of road is currently being compacted for the first time.

“They have dug the drains and they are compacting the roads. This is very essential for the longevity and sustainability of the road. I’ve never seen a contractor compact the road, normally they just fill it and grade it. So, I’m grateful because it means we’re going to have the road for a long time,” Harding said.

He also dispelled rumours that the strike action, which was supported by residents of the communities, was politically motivated and orchestrated by a particular political group. According to the Development Council Chairman, residents stood together for the common good of the community, regardless of political affiliation.

“To say that it’s political, I don’t think it’s right, and then we are all Guyanese,” he said.

Residents have expressed satisfaction with the works done thus far, however, works have yet to commence on the dilapidated bridges in the communities.

“The road works in the mines is progressing smoothly. There are trucks

traversing the road every day throwing cappin and from the sections they have covered, residents are commending the contractors.

Finally we have the right set of materials being thrown on the road and all the necessary drains dug as well.

But work hasn’t commenced as yet on none of the bridges as yet which are in dire need of repairs,” a resident of Coomacka indicated.

Following the strike action by drivers last month, Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson, Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Alicock, along with regional officials, including Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph and Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira visited the affected areas and met with residents.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Frederick Flatts also visited the communities where he assessed several issues. Local engineers and contractors also formed part of the visiting team. During the visit, several malfunctioning bridges within the communities were examined and assessed, with the aim of carrying out major rehabilitation works as residents got an opportunity to present their concerns.

friday, february 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Farmer Nappy

Lil Rick

Chris Gopaul

Leza

Benjai

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Kwasi Ace

he fifth edition of “Stage” is expected to kick off on February 20 and will culminate on February 22. The venue will now be the National Park instead of Parade Ground, Georgeotwn, where it was kept for the past two years.

Although this year the event is expected to draw a larger crowd, security will remain tight. On the first night as usual, patrons will be treated to a good laugh

with the best in the comedy industry. These include Leza “Radika” Singh, Michael Ignatius, Chris Gopaul, Odessa Primus, Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardin, and others. On the second day, February 21, it will be a night of showcasing local talents.

Over the years, the Guyanese artistes have been stepping up their games, with this year’s

performers doing no less. Taking the stage will be Jackie Jaxx, Michelle “Big Red” King, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Calvin Burnette, Shelly G and Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson.

However, the final night is expected to be explosive with some of the best in the soca business. Out of Trinidad and Barbados, the trio slated to perform will set the stage on fire. They are Benjai, Lil Rick and Farmer Nappy.

Also entertaining the audience will be the Heatwave Band, as well we Crown Vibes Music System and its deejays. Stag drinkers are urged to purchase a six-pack and secure an all season pass for “Stage 5”.

Jumo

Odessa Primus

Jackie Jaxx

“De After-Mash Fete” pulled due to sponsorship

T

he lack of vital corporate sponsorship has forced the organisers of the first ever “De AfterMash Fete” to cancel the event which was supposed to be held on Saturday, February 25, at the Guyana National Stadium.

The promoters were of the view that an event such as this one, especially during our Mashramani celebrations, would have had an outpouring of corporate support and be given assistance by other organisations, but this was farther from reality. With a plunging economy, corporate Guyana is also complaining about sales and profits.

Already signed on to perform at the event were Mystic, Jumo Primo, Terry Gajraj, Adrian Dutchin, Shelly G, The Majestics Band, Bunty Singh, six-year-old-old Krish Singh, Young Bill Rogers, Vanilla, Fiona Singh, Trevon Vibes, Kady Kish & Dancers, the Heatwave Band, Lil Million,

Davy Marley, Lil Colwin and Ernesta.

The organisers were also in discussion with several dance troupes and singers Kwasi “Ace” Edmundson, Jackie Jaxx and others to join the cast.

Trans Pacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales had placed a Toyota IST as the prize to be won by a lucky ticket holder.

Tickets sales were high already but corporate sponsorship is always needed to offset expenses such as rental of the stadium, sound systems and lighting effects, advertising on Facebook, television, radio and newspapers.

However, the organisers have thanked Trans Pacific and others for their tremendous support. Ticket holders can redeem their monies at venues where they were purchased.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Ryan Jagnarine

Niomi Alsopp

at Junior Calypso Monarch

F

rom a line-up of nine young and talented Calypsonians, 20-year-old T’Shanna Cort, a public management student at the University of Guyana was on Saturday last crowned Junior Calypso Monarch when the competition was held at the Cliff Anderson

Sports Hall. Her rendition was titled “Where the innocence gone”.

Coming in second was Paul Clarke with his rendition about the “2017 Budget”. He was also adjudged the Best Newcomer. Sharing a tie for third spot were Ryan Jagnarine with his piece “Simply the Best”

Miss Region 3 Cultural Pageant 2017

Paul Charles

T’Shanna Cort

and Niomi Alsopp with her song encouraging all to put down the gun which will ultimately end gun crime.

The winner of the junior competition will participate in the senior leg of the competition which gets underway on Saturday, February 11, with the semi-final at

the MacKenzie Sports Club Ground.

The final is set for February 17 at Demerara Park. It is expected that at least 10 competitors will be vying for the title and over $2 million. For the first time in the competition, a chutney category was added. Those expected to vie in the category

PC ready for the road with

W

A

s Guyana Times Entertainment continues to feature the delegates vying for the title of Miss Region Three Culture, 2017 billed for April 1 in the Parking Lot of Leonora Synthetic Track, West Coast Demerara, this week focus is placed on Tanya Delseon.

This 18-year-old Gemini beauty was born on June 11, 1998, to Loraine and Tyrone Hooper. Growing up and maturing into a teenager, she has become a trustworthy, dynamic, creative, assertive, and reliable individual.

She attended St Rose’s High School where she secured 12 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.

She continued her studies at the Georgetown American University on her journey in becoming an ER Physician.

Being the broad-minded and creative person she is, owning her own business in the near future is one of her goals. Even though she has a packed agenda, she finds time for poetry, modelling, drawing, riding, motivational ventures, community development programmes and running.

Gender-based violence is a big deal. Having women speak up and making them empowered, brave and equipped enough to leave abusive situation is her ultimate goal and as such, she has chosen to speak about the issue as her platform.

are Stephen Ramphal, Chaitsoing Mohanlall and Parsasram Singh.

Those in the category include Diana Chapman, Manoel Pereira, Onika Joseph and Winfield James.

The main sponsor of the event is Banks DIH Limited. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

ith less than two weeks for Guyana’s “Carnival”, corporate Guyana is already making sure that they contract the best designers in town to put out the best costumes on Mash Day. Several top designers are already burning the midnight oil and are hoping that at the end, its pays off.

This year, Guyana’s number one party spot – Palm Court – will be gyrating down the road and from all indications, they are ready to ‘mash up de place’.

Its band titled “Trinity”, which was launched last week Friday, will sport costumes designed by Jason Shurland. Already, the entertainment powerhouse has started its recruitment drive for persons who want to join their band come Mash Day. Those who wish to be a part of the band can pay $30,000 and this allows for an all-inclusive pass – catering for food, premium drinks all day, access to the trucks and access to the after party.

The Band is being done in collaboration with Temika Marshall, Corona Beer and Maloof Vodka.

friDAY, february 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

19

F

Johnny Lever

T

he place to be on the night before the big gyration on Mash Day is no other than Demerara Park for its annual J’Ouvert Party. This year, the party is titled ‘Wet Fete Jouvert Party” and will be played in two zones.

Those who wish to get ‘wet’ and those who chose to remain ‘dry’. In the wet zone, there will be water and foam while in the dry zone will see partyholics playing with powder and fog.

The event is sponsored by Banks DIH under the GT Genuine Beer and will feature one of the most versatile deejays out of Trinidad and Tobago.

This young man is n o stranger to Guyana and definitely knows to hype a crowd. Deejay Marcus Williams is ready to make sure patrons have a blast.

In addition, Deejay Papa out of Evolution Sound System and Deejay Nico out of Gold Rock will be adding some vibes to a night that is expected t o be epic. Apart from the fun and frolic, the first 500 persons at the event will received a b o tt l e of GT Beer and one bottle Glow UV neon paint. There will also be lots of giveaways.

Admission to the event is absolutely free. Music will be provided by Power Tech while stage and lighting will be done by Cloud 9 Inc.

Satnarine Ragoo

Avinash Maharaj

Maxi Williams presents

R

ollowing a few years hiatus, the Music of the World will be back with a bang on March 25 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara and on March 26 at the Rose Hall Canje Ground, Berbice.

In the past, the mega concert drew crowds from across the country with performances by Indian Bolloywood soap stars, Indian playback singers and several international artistes.

With the return this year, the promoter, Fire Fest Production, is optimistic that with the line-up, Guyanese will be flocking the ticketing offices as soon as the tickers are released. The line-up include Indian comedian Johnny Lever; young Bollywood singing sensation, Kumar Nihar; Del-ENadan’s Rennie Ramnarine; Trinidad’s chutney star, Avinash Maharaj; De Showstopper, Raymond Ramnarine; Bollywood playback singer Satnarine Ragoo; Trinidad’s melody queen, Savita Singh and Guyana’s own, Mahendra Ramkellawan.

In addition to the cast, the Fire Fest Band, the Shakti Strings Orchestra, Asha G and the Fire Fest Dancers and Del-E-nadan are expected to create quite a stir. WR Reaz and Deejay Sherriff out of Trinidad and Tobago are expected to emcee the concert.

Tickets for the event cost $1500 for general admission and $5000 for those who wish to experience the VIP treatment. Tickets are expected to be released shorty at regular ticketing locations.

Savita Singh

Raymond Ramnarine

Mahendra Ramkellawan

Shakti Strings

“Zeal” for Mash 2017

enowned local designer, Maxi Krishan Williams, is ready to hit the road on Mashramani Day, with his costumes titled “Zeal” – one with a difference.

The designer has been working around the clock to get the costumes ready for at least 70 band members. His designs depict a greener economy in addition to showcasing what the

Republic celebration is all about.

Only recently, the designer called on corporate Guyana to get on board, sighting sponsorship as a major challenge in bringing his designs to reality. Nevertheless, he is catering for his supports, noting that with or without sponsorship, a delegation from his Mash camp will be on the road.

20

friDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out football

Western Tigers claw to thrilling win over Uitvlugt – Santos gunning for 3 points tonight at GFC

T

he Petra organized Limacol Football Tournament continues to produce riveting action, as Western Tigers produced a trilling come-from behind win over Uitvlugt Warriors Wednesday evening at the Georgetown Football club, Bourda.

The final score line read 3-2 in favour of the city side but it was no easy task reaching that savoring outcome, as early in the second half they were left shell-shocked by two quick goals.

The tides slowly began to turn in favour of the Tigers as it took an injury time (45+2) header in the first half by Andrew Murray Junior to reduce the lead and salvage any momentum for the second half.

The second half brought immediate success as Linden Picket then headed the equalizer in the 53rd and it all to play for by both teams.

The see-saw match continued but it looked certain for a draw but Jumane

Western Tiger Dwayne Macalmon fends off an Uitvlugt player during the intense battle on Wednesday evening at the GFC Ground

Trayon Bobb with a spectacular free-kick just on the outskirts of the penalty area entered the first goal for the West Demerara unit in the 15th.

Four minutes later Bobb assisted Jamal Harvey in breaching the defence once more, as Harvey scored his third goal in two matches when he dribbled inside the box then taking aim to the keepers low right hand side, to put the partisan crowd in an uproar.

Somerset shocked the opponents and their supporters when scored in the 90th+4, snatching a miraculous win for the Tigers.

In the earlier match, between Grove Hi tech and Northern Rangers both sides played to a 1-1 stalemate.

Danzel Crawford was the scorer for Grove in the 45th+2 while Tefon Daley netted for Rangers in 77th.

Matches will continue at the same ven-

ue tonight where Santos clash will Pouderoyen from 18:30h followed by Riddim Squad against Police from 20:30h.

Both matches are particularly interesting with three of the teams needing a positive result to stand a chance of qualifying for the knock out phase of the competition.

Santos who have not won a game thus far will need maximum points (three for a win) and hope Ann’s Grove loses their remaining match to stand a chance while for Pourderoyen they have already been knocked-out.

The event is being contested in a group round-robin format, with the top two finishers progressing to the quarterfinal round.

The winner of each group will receive $100,000 while the remaining teams will pocket $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 apiece in order of placing.

Winner of the event will pocket $500,000 and a trophy while the second, third and fourth placed teams will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

To date, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals are the other companies that have thrown their support behind the championship.

GFF, Scotiabank roll out Academy Training Centres

F

or the first time in history, Guyana will now have national teams at all the junior levels as the Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF) and Scotiabank, on Thursday launched Guyana’s first nationwide “GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres” at the Umana Yana.

According to a release from GFF, this programme is geared at boosting participation and more effectively developing young talent for national team selection.

The national programme aims to put Guyana at the forefront of youth football development in the Caribbean, and forms a major part of the GFF’s long-term vision to transform Guyana into the top footballing nation in

the region.

“Today’s groundbreaking announcement is a true game changer for our sport,” GFF President Wayne Forde said at the launch. “Through this partnership, we have the chance to transform the fortunes of our game and the lives of our young players for many years to come.”

The 13 academies will be run by a team of nine full-time GFF Technical Development Officers and 14 part-time GFF Youth Development Coaches, working with the GFF’s nine Regional Member Associations to offer age-specific, weekly training sessions to boys and girls aged between five and 17 years.

The programme will deliver coordinated and struc-

tured training in line with Guyana’s new national football philosophy and international standards, from fun grassroots activities to professional sessions that prepare the most talented, hard-working boys and girls for the demands of international football.

The programme has been made possible by support from Scotiabank and general funding from the GFF and FIFA, the world governing body of football. The support of the respected, international brand of Scotiabank underlines the progress the new leadership of the GFF has made in attracting new private sector support and in restoring credibility to football in Guyana.

“This marks a momen-

Current Points Standings Group-A Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Winners Connection

2

1

0

1

3

1

+2

4

Grove Hi-Tech

3

1

1

1

3

4

-1

4

Milerock

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

Northern Rangers

3

0

1

2

2

3

-1

2

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Western Tigers

3

3

0

0

6

3

+3

9

Eagles

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

Uitvlugt

3

1

2

0

6

6

0

3

NA United

3

0

2

0

2

5

-3

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Den Amstel

2

2

0

0

3

0

+3

6

Ann’s Grove

2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

4

Santos

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Pouderoyen

2

0

2

0

1

4

-3

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Mahaica

2

1

0

1

5

3

+2

4

Guyana Police Force

2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

4

Camptown

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Riddim Squad

2

0

1

1

2

4

-2

1

Group-B

Group-C

Group-D

tous occasion in the Scotiabank sponsorship calendar,” said Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani in her address.

“We look forward to contributing to From left to right: Ivan Persaud, Jennifer Cipriani, Wayne Forde and Ian the rise of football Greenwood officially unveil the ATC insignia in Guyana, and cela team of six as the GFF fo- keep the Academy Training ebrating many great mo- cuses on football develop- Centre programme in place ments for Team Guyana in ment as a top priority. as part of the long-term plan the future.”

“We have fantastic poten- for all future GFF adminisThe academy system tial in this country, we just trations. creates a clear pathway for have to harness it in a struc“This is something that young players from grass- tured way,” said Greenwood, Guyana has been waiting roots, schools and clubs to giving an overview of the ex- for for a long time, and finational team selection. It tensive programme at the nally it is here,” Persaud will be overseen by GFF launch. said at the launch. “This is Technical Director Ian Chairman of the Guyana a very solid programme.” As Greenwood and the GFF National Sports Commission part of the launch, an offiTechnical Development Ivan Persaud welcomed the cial insignia was unveiled Department, which has new initiative and urged by Forde, Cipriani, Persaud been increased three-fold to the football community to and Greenwood.

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sports

21

GABA League of Champions

Rose, Thomas power Colts past Pacesetters I

n the latest action in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association’s (GABA) League of Champions 2017, Stanton Rose showed his versatility with a 20 point game that lead Bounty Colts’ senior team past Pacesetters Seniors at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Tuesday night.

In a 77-48 game, Colts raced t o 21 points in the first period, taking a nine point lead from the onset while in the second quarter, the damage was even more severe as Pacesetters painstakingly scrapped only eight points as Colts had another impressive 20 point period.

Following up, to the similarity of the first period, Colts again netted 21 points while Pacesetters were stopped in their tracks to stay contented with a 10 point period, inevitably sinking their chances of winning the contest on a night that saw the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall having the largest turnout thus far. The final period proved to be the best for Pacesetters as they mustered up 18 points and Colts only netted 15, which proved to be enough for Colts to register another resounding victory.

Stanton Rose was well supported by Shelroy Thomas who netted in 19 points while Nathan Saul netted 16 points for Pacesetters.

In the Under-23 category, Colts were also on the winning end with local starts Timothy Thompson and Jonathon Mangra leading Colts to the victory 78-57 by the final buzzer against Eagles.

Eagles soared past Colts in the first period, ascending to 19 points to take the early lead as Colts managed 15 points but the tables turned and in the second period Colts grounded Eagles. Eagles congregated only eight points while Colts enjoyed a 21 point quarter.

Further damage was done in the penultimate period as the Bounty sponsored team extended their lead by five more points with the score sitting on 43-56 before Colts shared their best period with 22 points and Eagles collecting 15 points to end the game with Thompson and Mangra scoring 24 and 20 points respectively.

In the final match of the night, Pacesetters Under-23 unit shared the same faith as their senior counterparts when they went toe to toe with Dyna’s Ravens in a nail biting match.

In a relatively low scoring contest, Ravens only managed a one point lead in the 10-9 first period. The second period was marginally better for Ravens as they scored 12 points, extending the lead to four points.

The action intensified in the second half of the game with the third quarter seeing Ravens romp to 19 points while Pacesetters still trailed, scoring 12 points.

But the best was saved for last as Pacesetters trampled Ravens in their best period, the final quarter, registering 25 points as Ravens secured 17 points. However, the 17 points of Ravens, thanks to a 14 point match

by Murthland Ward was enough to see Ravens win 55-58.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, february 10, 2017

Over $1M at stake in Petra/Milo U-18 Schools Football….

Digicel Triple Treat II Schools’ preparation

boosted with presentation of balls T

(L-R) Allison Yearwood, Communication Manager Vidya Sanichara, Retail Sales Manager Richard Das, GFSCA Ramchand Ragbeer, Khalid Baksh, Sponsorship & Events Manager Louana Abrams and Seaon Jackman at the launch

A

fter the overwhelming success last year telecommunication giants Digicel has launched the second edition of their Triple Treat Softball Competition which has high cash incentives.

The competition which was launched at the company’s Kingston headquarters on Thursday caters mainly for male open teams from Essequibo who will compete for over $1,000,000 in cash prizes when action gets underway March 5.

Digicel Retail Sales Manager, Richard Das explained that registration begins tomorrow, with forms available online or at the Speed Talk Mobile, the authorized Digicel dealer store in Anna Regina.

Das went unto say the event is a part of Digicel lending their support towards community development and embracing

their customers.

S i m i l a r l y , Communication Manager Vidya Sanichara stated, “Digicel is leaning more to community activities, youth, sport development and charity and this is one of the signature events and it is for the subscribers based in Essequibo.” Sanichara further stated that she is hopeful that the event can grow to become an annual fixture.

President of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Ramchand Ragbeer was most appreciative of the continued support and has pledged his association’s full support.

GFSCA’s point person, Khalid Baksh is looking forward to the excitement o n c e a g a i n and took the opportunity to

urge all teams to submit match reports in a timely and legible manner and abide by the rules to make the spectacular event a fun filled one.

Last year 24 teams took part in the event and the organisers are hopeful that more teams can participate this year. Registration closes on March 4 just prior to the draw of matches which will be done at Speed Talk Mobile. The competition will comprise of four weekends of elimination matches with most matches taking place on Sundays as to allow those working Monday to Saturday to participate. In the event that some matches are not played on the weekend, arrangements will be made for matches to be played during the week at available venues.

The finals are set for April 1 under floodlights, and a large majority of matches will be played at the Perseverance Beach using the big ball. On finals day will be the triple treat with the duck curry competition and family fun day running simultaneously with cricket and will end with a grand international stage show at the Anna Regina Community Centre.

he 32 participating schools in the 5th annual Petra Organised Milo 18 and under Schools Football Championship have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s kick-off at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

At a simple ceremony on Thursday, the schools received one ball, water bottles and jerseys courtesy of the Ministry of Public Health and the organisers.

In attendance at the occasion was Dr. Troy Sagan, Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca, Ministry of Public Health representative Joy Gravesande, students and teachers of the participating schools.

Dr. Sagan, who rep-

resented the Ministry of Public Health in opening remarks spoke of how pleased the Ministry was to be associated with the tournament once again, before disclosing the theme for this year’s competition which according to him was ‘I stand against Violence.’

According to Dr. Sagan, the aspiration of his entity is to break the scourge of violence and to do that he added requires the input of the wider society.

Dr. Sagan also spoke of the effect of chronic diseases and underlined the importance of students being involved in physical activities.

Mendonca in his presentation gave an outline of the tournament, before empha-

sising the need for schools to be honest with the age of eligibility rule.

Meanwhile, the schools confirmed are: The Bishops’ High School, Brickdam Secondary, Carmel, Central High, Charlestown, defending champions Chase Academy, Christ Church, Cummings Lodge, Dolphin, East Ruimveldt, Freeburg, Houston, Kingston, Lodge, Mae’s, Morgan’s Learning Centre, North Georgetown, North Ruimveldt, Queen’s College, Queenstown, Richard Ishmael, School of the Nations, Sir Leon Lessons, South Ruimveldt, St. John’s, St. Winifred, St. Rose’s, St. George’s, St. Mary’s, Tucville, Tutorial and St. Joseph’s.

West Indies fail to defend 232 I

t was another spirited batting effort by the West Indies Blind cricket team but it was their bowling that let them down against England on Thursday in Karnataka in their final preliminary round match of the second T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament in India.

The regional side put up a respectable 232/4 on the board opting to bat first but the more experienced opponents knocked off the target with five balls to spare after losing four wickets.

England were helped along the way to their six-wicket victory with crucial top order partnerships with number three batsman Peter Blueitt hitting 74 not out to see his team home. After the openers, Matthew Dean (11) and Edward Hossell (64) put on 56 for the opening stand, Hossell and Blueitt added 48 for the second. Justin Hollingsworth (47) and Blueitt then put on 79 for the third wicket to ensure England move a step closer to the championship. LoShane Myles and Caneel Graham picked up one wicket each while there were two batsmen going via the run out route.

Earlier, the West Indies made some ad-

justments to their batting line up with their most productive pair, Andrew Douglas and Leroy Phillips going down the order.

Captain Dennal Shim made the most of the opportunity at the top of the order with a brilliant 106 while Lo-Shane Myles got an important 55. Guyanese Phillips came in at number 6 and got two while Douglas did not bat as the West Indies’ rotation of players allowed every member of the touring party a knock. Edward Hossell 1-39 was the only English bowler to pick up a wicket with three run outs.

With the win, England have qualified for the semifinals where they have joined Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka in the next phase of the tournament while the remaining six teams ha ve been eliminated. West Indies finished in seventh position with three wins from their nine games with a total of nine points.

The first semifinal is on today with hosts, India taking on Sri Lanka while Pakistan will play England on Saturday. The final is set for Sunday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. India are the defending champions.

Guyana to host Goodwill swim meet T

he land of many waters will host the 23rd annual Goodwill swim meet from August 18-20 at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendal, with a record number of teams set to attend. Speaking at the launching on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel, President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud explained that a record number of seven countries are set to participate, with Bahamas and Grenada being the two additions to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, St. Lucia and the host.

Persaud revealed that at the recent congress, there was debate as to whether Guyana should be able to allow such a high number of teams to participate in the championships, since the fear would be that the championship would turn into a mini CARIFTA Games.

More so the GASA President made an appeal to corporate Guyana to show support since it is the host country that has to finance the expenses of all visiting teams once they arrive.

Speaking specifically on the development

of swimmers, the President posited that athletes continue to improve both in and out of the pool. The highlights were certainly that of Hannibal Gaskin reaching the 2016 Rio Olympics along with Jamila Sanmoogan.

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones said that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is ready and committed to support the games.

Jones posited that the NSC stands committed to development of sports and that he understands the trials that athletes face and will by all means to help to better the lives of those athletes.

The Director of Sport further reiterated that government alone cannot be the sole investors in sport, as there is a dire need for corporate Guyana to come on board.

Trevor Williams, who represented the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Youth, Culture and Sport Nicolette Henry urged the association to continue striving for excellence and begin to produce Olympic stars in the near future and stated that the Ministry will be firmly committed to supporting the champion-

Twin sisters Jadyn and Daniel George along with Phillip DeNobrega and other swimmers unveiling the meet’s logo

ships.

At the last event held in St. Lucia, twin sisters Jadyn and Daniele George were Guyana’s top performing swimmers where Guyana collected a total of 15 medals and finished and in sixth position.

Jadyn and Daniele ended with three gold and three silver medals, respectively; Jadyn was the only swimmer on Guyana’s team of 29 swimmers to win a gold medal at the regional event.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, febRuary 10, 2017

CWI Regional Super50 2017

Shimron Hetmyer

S

23

Hetmyer give Jaguars bonus point win & outside chance

himron Hetmyer scored a shot filled 94 from 76 balls to give the Guyana Jaguars an eight-wicket victory over the ICC Americas and an outside shot at qualification for the Super50 semifinals. Playing at the 3Ws Oval, the Jaguars needed to win their final group B match by a big margin to have an outside chance of advancing further in this year’s tournament and the 20-year old Hetmyer delivered. Set 171 to win from the full quota of 50 overs, the lefthander blasted 10 fours and four sixes to punish the ICC Americas with a 142-run opening stand with Assad Fudadin to give the Jaguars their fourth win. It was Hetmyer’s fourth match after scores of 0, 1 and 5 in the tournament and he answered the call. It was Fudadin’s second consecutive half century and third of the tournament which came

off 66 balls with four fours and two sixes.

After the Jaguars openers were dismissed within 16 runs of each other, it was left to skipper Leon Johnson and Christopher Barnwell to secure maximum points after reaching the target in 28.1 overs. Nikhil Dutta and Saad Zafar were the successful bowlers for ICC Americas who will end their Super50 on Saturday against the Scorpions.

When ICC Americas decided to bat they were off to a bad start when Akeem Dodson was sent back at the start of the 4th over. From then it was a steady procession to and from the pavilion as the Jaguars bowlers pegged back the batsmen and build pressure. Nikhil Dutta top scored with 38 while Saad Zafar with 36, Nitish Kumar 31 and Alex Amsterdam 25 got starts without car-

rying on. Raymon Reifer was once again the chief destroyer with the ball for the Jaguars picking up three wickets to take his tally to 16 wickets, the most among the Jaguars bowlers. Devendra Bishoo also bowled impressively with 3-28.

If the Jamaica Scorpions lose to Barbados Pride and ICC Americas then the Jaguars will stand an outside Assad Fudadin chance of making the semifinals in Antigua.

SCOREBOARD

ICC Americas Innings (Maximum 50 overs) K Leverock b Wintz 5 A Dodson c Hetmyer b Jacobs 2 N Kumar* LBW b Bishoo 31 A Amsterdam c Johnson b Bishoo 25 S Wijeyeratne+ LBW b Bishoo 2 N Dutta c Permaul b Reifer 38 T Allen run out (Permaul) 1 S Zafar c Bramble b Permaul 36 T Patel c Permaul b Reifer 7 J Singh not out 5 C Pervez b Reifer 2 Extras (w-13, nb-3) 16 Total (All out, 48.1 overs) 170 FOW: 1-7, 2-12, 3-67, 4-73, 5-74, 6-76, 7-143, 8-162, 9-162, 10-170 Bowling Wintz 7-1-43-1 (w-6, nb2), Jacobs 10-0-33-1 (w-1), Reifer 5.1-0-15-3 (w-3), Bishoo 10-128-3 (nb-1), Permaul 10-1-29-1 (w-2), Barnwell 6-0-22-0 (w-1)

Guyana Jaguars Innings (Target 171 from 50 overs) A Fudadin c Amsterdam b Zafar 54 S Hetmyer c Zafar b Dutta 94 Johnson* not out 13 C Barnwell not out 3 Extras (lb-3, w-3, nb-1) 7 Total (For 2 wickets, 28.1 overs) 171 Did not bat J Foo, R Reifer, A Bramble+, S Jacobs, D Bishoo, V Permaul, P Wintz FOW: 1-142, 2-158 Bowling 4.1-1-20-1 (w-1), Pervez 3-0-21-0 (w-1), Allen 3-0-320, Dutta 7.4-1-34-1, Kumar 2-0-13-0 (w-1), Patel 4-0-190 (nb-1), Zafar 4.1-0-29-1 Result: Guyana Jaguars won by 8 wickets Points: Jaguars 5, ICC Americas 0 Player of the Match: Shimron Hetmyer (Jaguars)

Cameron set for another term in charge of West Indies Cricket

- Nanthan is lone nominee for VP C

urrent President and Vice President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Dave Cameron and Emmanuel Nanthan will be the only candidates for the election, due on Saturday, March 4.

The Corporate Secretary, Verlyn Faustin, confirmed

that Cameron and Nanthan were the only two nominees received for the posts of President and Vice President respectively. Both Cameron and Nanthan have already served two year terms in the respective positions. The posts will be ratified at the Annual General

Meeting (AGM) also due on the same day. The election and AGM are scheduled for Antigua. The President’s Report and the Audit Risk and Compliance Report (ARCC) will be received at the one-day meeting. The ARCC Report will be an update on the risk and com-

pliance environment of the WICB. The full meeting will consist of territorial board stakeholders and special members. The Directors of the Board have been invited to attend the AGM. The special members are the West Indies Umpires Association, West Indies Players

Association, CARICOM, Association of Colleges and Tertiary Institutions, Association of Caribbean Media Workers, and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce.

The meeting will be streamed live on www.windiescricket.com and is sched-

uled for a 9:00 am start.

The meeting falls on the day between the first two one-day-internationals (ODI) between the West Indies and England, March 3 & 5 in Antigua. The third ODI is scheduled for Barbados March 9. (windiescricket)

ANSA McAL seals deal with Clash of Champions B

everage giants, Ansa McAl once again renewed the public’s confidence in the company’s dedication to sport development as they joined forces with organisers, New Era Entertainment and Eyefull Entertainment for the highly anticipated ‘Clash of the Champions’ two day futsal tournament.

The East Coast Demerara based company will be leading the sponsorship through Stag Beer as explained by brand manager, Linden Henry at the handing over ceremony on Wednesday at the company’s head office.

Speaking on behalf of the promoters, Co-Director of New Era Entertainment, Kenrick Noel explained that the tournament is the first of its kind and it is always good to have companies such as Ansa McAl coming on board for the inaugural tournament thus fulfilling their corporate responsibility to the country as well as aiding in the development of futsal.

The other half of New Era Entertainment, Aubrey Major jr. also explained how monumental this tournament is expected to be as it hosts battle between the champions of two of the top futsal tournament, Georgetown champions, Sparta Boss and Linden Champions Dave and Celena’s Hustlers.

The tournament is set to kick off Saturday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue for the first round with Bent Street going up against Tucville in the first match followed

by Gold is Money facing Tiger Bay and Broad Street battling

Leopold Street before the first clash between the two powerhouses.

The Georgetown-based side Sparta Boss made a successful defence of their Guinness “Greatest of the Street” football title when they won it for the second time in as many years defeating Tucville 1-0 while Hustlers fought with sweat and bones to dethrone Magic Stars in the Mohamed’s Enterprise Linden Futsal Tournament to book their matches with the Georgetown champs.

Both teams have gathered an enormous fan base as they continue to produce some breath taking skills and entertainment for the large crowds night after night. It will be particularly interesting to see who will take it as it provides a home and away scenario for both teams.

The style of play for both teams is different from each other and this will be providing a competition like never seen before. Meanwhile, the tournament will be heading over to the mining town, Linden for the second night on February 18, for the final showdown at the McKenzie Sports Club Hard Court Tarmac. It will also feature Magic Stars facing Good Fellas and Town Cars (Georgetown taxi drivers) taking on Linden bus (Linden bus drivers).

The matches will be played on a six a side basis inclusive on 5 players and a goal keeper, using the large goal and run under the rules of the Guyana Futsal Association.

(L-R) Organisers Aubrey Major Jr, Kenrick Noel, Shareef Major, Frank Parris and ANSA McAL representative Linden Henry at the handing over

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol round-robin knock-out football…

Pg 20

Western Tigers claw to thrilling win over Uitvlugt

− Santos gunning for 3 points tonight at GFC Players from Uitvlugt looking to double team Western Tigers' defender for the loose ball on Wednesday at GFC

GFF, Scotiabank roll out Academy Training Centres

Pg 20

Members of the head table at the official launch on Thursday at the Umana Yana. From left: GFF’s Executive Committee Member Dion Innis, 2nd VP Rawlston Adams, 1st VP Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell, President Wayne Forde, Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani, NSC Chairman Ivan Persaud and TDO Ian Greenwood (Marceano Narine photo)

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