Guyana Times Daily

P16 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2764

Ash Wednesday observed in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Spoilt milk delivered to Diamond, other hospitals

Page 9

... Govt launches high-level probe – Public Health Minister confirms

Dairy, livestock Motorist killed after business for car slams into Wales factory sand truck

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WHAT'S INSIDE: The race to LGE 2016

Linden P17 candidate outlines plans for town “Hook” wanted for murder of reputed wife

P12

Page 17

Page 10

DEA office finally opens in Guyana Page 3

Greenwich Park murder

Wanted bulletin issued for P2 “Wallie”

Dr Blackman's illegal prescription case

SOCU not P9 called to assist US with investigations – Sydney James P8 Alleged fraudster on $320,000 bail Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, US Ambassador Perry Holloway and DEA Regional Director Matthew Donahue launching the local office at the US Embassy in Georgetown on Wednesday

PPP, Govt MPs face-off on “good life” Budget Page 14

UG transformational task force established Page 16

– members to be introduced today

CIOG denounces UN “gay rights” postal stamps Page 7

– SASOD derides objections

Judge’s home invasion, robbery

Dead fugitive identified as perpetrator P8 LGE March 18

PPP raises transparency concerns with GECOM

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THURSday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Greenwich Park murder

Wanted bulletin issued for “Wallie” T

he Police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for 25-year-old Walter Williams, also called “Wallie”, of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), for questioning in relation to the murder of Dewaun Baksh, who was fatally stabbed to death on New Year’s Day at Greenwich Park.

The Police stated that the last known address of the wanted man was Lot 58 Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara. They are calling on the public to assist them in locating the wanted man.

It was reported that on January 1, Baksh was stabbed to death during a brawl at a popular bar called “Pink Shop” at Greenwich Park.

Baksh, 22, of Lot 55 Tuschen, EBE, was report-

Dead: Dewaun Baksh

edly with his younger brother, Rafeek, and two friends at the time of the stabbing incident.

The group of men had gone to a party in the village after which they went to the shop where the now dead man’s brother saw Williams.

Rafeek and Williams reportedly had an old grievance, thus an argument ensued between them resulting in the now dead man’s intervention.

It was during this time, another man started to assault him but in an attempt to make peace, Baksh’s brother walked away and thought that his twin had followed suit. He was instead attacked and stabbed

by Williams and his friends.

Another man reportedly went to rescue the young man who was being repeatedly stabbed, but he was also injured.

Both of the injured men were rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where Baksh succumbed to his injuries. The Police had arrested two persons in connection with the murder.

wednesday, February 10, 2016

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Wanted: Walter Williams

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Williams is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 268-2343, 2682298, 268-2222, 226-9941, 225-6411, and 911 or at the nearest Police Station.

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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THURSday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 11 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, February 12 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 11 – 06:05h-07:35h and Friday, February 12 – 06:45h-08:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the morning with light rain showers and sunshine dominating throughout the afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.91 metres and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:30h and 18:51h reaching maximum heights of 2.83 metres and 2.85 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:04h and 12:23h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.38 metre respectively.

DEA office finally opens in Guyana ― promises to destroy, dismantle local drug network

T

he much anticipated Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has finally opened its office in Guyana with promises to destroy and dismantle local drug networks.

The United States’ premier anti narco-trafficking agency will be housed in the US Embassy’s compound at Duke and Young Streets, Kingston, Georgetown. The simple but significant opening ceremony was held in the presence of Government Ministers, members of the security sector, members of the Judiciary, and members of the Diplomatic Corp.

Addressing the small gathering at the Embassy on Wednesday, DEA’s Regional Director Matthew Donahue assured that the agency is going to work hard to help Guyana arrest its drug trafficking situation.

“We are not going to just arrest a few people here, we need to dismantle and destroy these organisations,” he stated. The Regional Director stressed that while it is going to be a difficult task, with the experience and training of the DEA agents, coupled with the cooperation of the Government of Guyana, he is sure that they will be successful.

He pointed out that while Guyana is not a source country for drug trafficking, it does have a transportation problem.

On this note, Donahue stated that the DEA not only focuses on small drug traffickers but also looks at those organisations that have multinational presence.

“We look at things internationally. We don’t focus on just the small time drug traffickers, we focus on international (people) who’s going to be bringing the drugs into the coun-

A section of the high-profile gathering at the opening of the DEA office in Guyana at the US Embassy on Wednesday

try and who’s taking drugs out of the country,” the Regional Director noted.

Donahue further emphasised that DEA will also be monitoring those organisations that push criminal activities, since it is found that narco-trafficking is at the source of these. He noted that his agency is determined to destroy such networks.

“We focus on organizations, they are not just drug traffickers. You see drug trafficking and you believe that’s all they are (but) we are not going to win against drug trafficking because these are the same people that human trafficking, the same people that are illegally mining gold, the same people that are illegally mining minerals, that are committing assassinations – they’re all of a criminal organisation that works transnational throughout the region,” the Director said.

However, Donahue said that the DEA cannot do it alone, underscoring the importance of getting the cooperation of Governments.

He added that the agency will be bridging Guyana with other countries, which is important in tackling narcotics trade.

Meanwhile, in his brief remarks, US Ambassador

Perry Holloway explained that the fulltime presence of a DEA office in Guyana does not mean that the narco-trafficking situation will change overnight.

He reminded that the DEA agents who will be stationed here do not have policing rights but are merely looking into narco-trafficking activities that are linked to the US. However, he stressed that the DEA office will also help local enforcement agencies in several areas other than drug trade.

“In the course of doing their work, they are going to come across a lot of information that may not have a US nexus but it will be maybe a crime going on locally here and that information will be shared whether be it with CANU (Customs AntiNarcotics Unit), with the national Police, with the Prosecutors or Judges, they will be sharing lots of information,” Ambassador Holloway stated.

On the other hand, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan outlined that having the DEA Office here will be a tremendous step in Guyana’s efforts to fight trafficking.

“The mere presence of this Unit out of America will have a deterring effect in my opinion. The fact

that such an information institution, such an important drug interdiction unit is here and though it may not have any Police powers, knowing their capacities and abilities to get information and to disrupt networks is so very important,” he highlighted.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan also recognised that crime and violence have been born out of the narcotics trade, adding that he is grateful that the agency will also be able to provide information in the other areas such as gold smuggling and money laundering, saying that will assist local enforcement agencies.

Minister Ramjattan went onto extend the commitment of his administration to the work of the DEA office in Guyana.

A part of its cooperation with local agencies, the DEA has already agreed to vet local agents from the Guyana Police Force and the CANU, who would be working closely with international counterparts.

Stakeholders have long called for the establishment of a DEA office here as they believe it would prevent the spread of the narcotics trade, which has gotten to the point of Guyana being considered a transshipment point.

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thursday, february 11, 2016

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Editorial

A return to party paramountcy?

D

uring the Budget debate, one member of the PPP/C raised the issue of the Government painting State institutions with the colours of the APNU/ AFC coalition. This tendency of the coalition to deploy its colours at State functions had been noted as far back as the inauguration of President David Granger when, not only was the stage decked out in yellow and green but so were even the ceremonial bouquets that were placed at the Independence Arch.

This "coalition branding" has been replicated at countless occasions, but when the PPP/C MP pointed out the practice had now been extended to State buildings, for the first time, the Speaker of the House offered an explanation. The colours green and yellow, he stated, were "the colours of the national flag". But as every schoolchild knows", TWO colours of the GOLDEN Arrowhead are "gold and green" – not yellow and green. The Speaker was disingenuous. There are three other colours in the Guyanese flag: red, black and white, but none of them were ever used by the coalition – just the two that are the coalition's colours.

The Speaker went so far as to cut off the microphone from PPP/C's Chief Whip Gail Teixeira when she attempted to explain her MP's observation. This denial of the right to speech in the Parliament of all places is one of the gravest violations of democracy in recent times in Guyana. The Speaker claims the PPP/C's MPs were "lampooning" the flag of Guyana. This is a most risible reason to gag a parliamentarian in the long annals of Parliament in Guyana or in the world. The question, as was asked by Ms Teixeira in a later press conference, was why the other colours - including the PPP's red and black, were never used.

But this question of using a ruling party's colours on State institutions was raised within a historical context – that of the PNC once declaring "paramountcy of the party" over State institutions, including the Executive and Judiciary. The PNC's flag was actually raised over the Court of Appeals in furtherance of this paramountcy doctrine. The present use of party colours is within the wider ambit of other manifestations of that doctrine and must be evaluated from that perspective rather than summarily dismissed.

In the 1974 Declaration of Sophia, Mr Burnham, leader of the PNC, stated, "In November of last year (1973) there was a Special Congress four months after our Party had won a two-thirds majority in Parliament. At this Congress, there were serious examination and a definition of the role of the Party in the new circumstances.

“It was agreed after lengthy discussion that the emphasis should be on mobilising the nation in every sphere and not merely for periodic elections and in support of specific action and programmes. It was also decided that the Party should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Government which is merely one of its executive arms."

The policy defined in the declaration of Sophia rested on three main pillars: The expansion of military and paramilitary forces; allocation of State funds by way of a new body consisting of an amalgamation of the office of the General Secretary of the PNC and a newly formed Ministry of National Development, and a policy of controlling the economy especially employment through the State sector.

In the present, we have already seen the relaunch of the first pillar of party paramountcy. From 1974 there had been a considerable expansion of the armed forces with the creation of the Guyana National Service (GNS) followed in 1976 by the formation of the People’s Militia. The defence allocation from the public treasury experienced a six-fold increase.

The present concerns about "colours" must be seen within the wider context of the replication of the other pillars of party paramountcy. "A hint to Beneba mek Quasie tek notice".

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return: Reverend Raymond Cummings places ash on the forehead of a member of the St George’s Cathedral during the Ash Wednesday service

On branding Guyana yellow and green Dear Editor, There is a saying that old habits die hard and this latest situation with the colour scheme of the APNU/AFC proves that saying true.

Last week I was out of the country on assignment when a post surfaced in my Facebook account about the colour remarks made by parliamentarian Priya Manickchand. At the time I did not know what was said and who had said what.

What I suspected from the post, however, was that some PPP person had made reference to the yellow and green that have so hypnotically and universally become associated with the APNU/AFC coalition.

In total ignorance to the facts about anything that MP Manickchand had said, I replied to my friend’s post by asking what is so wrong with including some red in the colour scheme of the coalition, especially at the national level.

Well, the issue has now taken on a life of its own, with one of the dailies using their graphic piece to poke fun at Manickchand’s remarks.

Editor, I write this letter with a very heavy heart because even in this little dust-up, I see how very far we are from achieving any kind of protracted and meaningful social cohesion.

I have been watching

the remarks and comments on Facebook and other social media forums and they tell a sad and unpatriotic story. Even Government Ministers and respectable, entrenched backers of the coalition have jumped on the bandwagon in using this issue as a means to further divide us.

We all know Priya Manickchand’s attitude and outspokenness towards certain things.

She seems to have made a name for herself for all things “SitiraGal-ish”.

However, Manickchand and her PPP party represent about half of the voters in Guyana. And whether we believe that those voters are illiterate, racists, or archaic in their views, they are still Guyanese and their feelings matter.

What Manickchand verbalised is obviously what forms the sentiments in the minds of a significant number of her supporters. So poking fun and decrying Manickchand is in essence belittling those who also share her sentiments.

The coalition and its diehard supporters might not like Priya, but in the interest of social cohesion, should we not look past the surface of Manickchand’s comments and read between the lines?

Could the coalition members not see that this issue – as simple as it might be -

could have been used as a stepping stone towards fostering social cohesion? What could be so antithetical and obnoxious in including some red and black into the green and yellow decor? What is so unconscionable of the supporters of another colour, wanting to see more of that colour at the national level?

The PPP did a Red House in honour of their founderleader Dr Cheddi Jagan.

There is no Green House or Yellow House in honour of the PNC’s founder, Forbes Burnham. That does not mean that because the PPP might have done something biased in its interest that the APNU/AFC coalition has to now follow suit.

There was never any talk from the PPP Administration of social cohesion. It is the current Administration that has coined and is pushing for this national unity by even creating a Ministry in this regard.

It, therefore, behoves the supporters of this coalition to be more sympathetic to the feelings of the supporters of the Opposition.

Maybe the PPP leadership is not interested in any kind of social cohesion; however, those who say they are interested in fostering this cohesion must never let an opportunity to build bridges slip by. It is ok to talk the talk. These occasions prove

those who are prepared to walk the walk.

If this latest dust-up created by Priya Manickchand, was a test for the supporters of the coalition on fostering social cohesion, they failed miserably.

Further, if I had any influence in the planning of the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, I would immediately hire a designer to beautifully weave red, burgundy, scarlet and black into the tapestry of the beautiful yellow and green colour scheme. I would deliberately and profoundly include the colours of the other half of this beautiful Guyana.

I would do it because I honestly desire the benefits of a socially cohesive Guyana. I would do it because I love President Granger’s idea of social cohesion and, more so, I would do it because I love my country. But alas, I am neither a politician nor a party member.

I have not been bitten with the bug of divisive politics and systemic disdain for others. I am independent in my thoughts and desires and maybe that is what has me where I am.

Pastor Wendell Jeffrey Independent Candidate Wortmanville-Werk-enRust Constituency

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSday, february 11, 2016

Diaspora complains about Golden Jubilee Committee composition Dear Editor, At a meeting in Richmond Hill last Friday evening, members (leaders of several organisations) of the Guyanese diaspora bitterly complained that the composition of the planning committee established to plan and organise celebrations relating to the country’s golden jubilee independence anniversary celebration in the US (primarily the greater New York area) does not reflect the racial and political composition of the population in Guyana or in the American diaspora.

The unrepresentative committee had received the blessings and approval of the APNU/AFC coalition Government when it was presented to the public with much fanfare last month at a meeting at York College.

The Government announced it planned to fund celebrations in the Diaspora. The New York organisers say they also plan to get sponsors for the several planned events.

Business owners in Richmond Hill and Jamaica, Queens, say they were approached by organisers from Brooklyn to sponsor programmes relating to the golden jubilee celebrations, but they have not given a commitment.

Diaspora members charge that the golden jubilee committee comprises primarily one racial group betraying the announced goals of the APNU/AFC coalition Government to advance racial equity and power sharing among the political parties.

The Indo and Amerindian Guyanese diaspora representatives, in particular, cry discrimination and say they will organise their own celebrations, outside of this officially sanctioned group unless efforts are made to

bring racial and political balance. AFC activists also cry foul saying it is a largely APNU comprised committee and that they were not consulted on its political or ethnic composition and on selection of the leadership of the committee.

The complainants noted that the greater NY organising committee comprises almost 150 members of which there are only 14 Indians (10%); two Amerindians (less than 2%), and no Chinese or Whites.

Complainants say they were shocked to view the lack of racial diversity in the composition of the committee when it was announced in the presence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at York College three weeks ago.

The complainants wondered what were the Government and the New York organisers thinking when they selected such a racially one-sided committee.

Some AFC members say they are disassociating themselves from the committee and do not plan to support or participate in the celebration as they don’t want to be accused of endorsing racial discrimination against any group.

Complainants in the Diaspora feel racism is worsening since the coalition took charge of the Government as evidenced in the Government’s approval and sanctioning of the formation of the most recent committee.

Some of the complainants say they will call a meeting soon in Queens to discuss the holding of golden jubilee celebrations outside of the APNU/AFC committee unless the Government quickly addresses this issue.

Regards, Vishnu Bisram

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Natural resources sector in the wrong hands Dear Editor, I am again compelled to write on Minister Trotman’s ramblings, the latest is in the Kaieteur News (Sun, February 7, 2016) where he said that his Ministry is setting up a compliance and inspectorate division to deal with monitoring in the mining and forestry sector and that Minister Broomes will take charge of the unit. Minister Trotman further stated that the former PPP/C Administration presided over a weak and ineffective system.

Now there are several things that are wrong here and again it points to the poor knowledge of Minister Trotman in the forestry sector evidenced by his partial approach to the sector and his attempt to mislead the people of Guyana on forestry matters.

Minister Trotman just met the Norwegian delegation here in Guyana.

His APNU/AFC Coalition Government is sitting on US$190 million (US$80 million for Amaila) earned from the Guyana /Norway partnership for good forest governance, good forestry practices and effective forest monitoring that meet strict environmental conditions and requirements set by Norway.

Minister Trotman must have known that it was the PPP/C Government that earned this money that his Government is sitting on.

How can he be so naive and criticise the same system that earned US$190 million for good forestry practices? And how is it that the PPP/C presided over weak and ineffective systems? Minister Trotman,

the public is much more intelligent than you so please don’t play political games.

It was Minister Trotman who went to Paris in December 2015 for the Global Climate Conference (COP21) where he met a Norwegian delegation and pleaded with them for another partnership agreement. Was it not Minister Trotman who the press reported will do a followup visit to Norway to try and iron out a new agreement? So basically why is he running behind the Norwegians for another lucrative deal if things are so bad in the forestry sector that relate to forestry practices. It appears though that Norway is better informed than Minister Trotman about current and good forest practices and activities taking place

in Guyana’s forestry sector. But what Minister Trotman is trying to do is to mislead the public so as to take on more of his cronies and party hacks to work at his Ministry.

So Minister Broomes will head a Compliance Unit. She will be an owner of a concession, an operator and now a regulator for her own concession.

So we can do no wrong. The whole unit is orchestrated to shield Broomes’s operation in the mining sector by allowing her to regulate her own show. Is this not what we call conflict of interest again?

Editor, our Natural Resources Sector is definitely in the wrong hands.

Time will soon tell.

Your sincerely, Carl Lucas

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Foundation (Continued from Wednesday)

(Continued from Wednesday)

BY KATRINA CLARKE

Lorne MacLean, a senior family lawyer based in Vancouver, says whereas this arrangement likely wouldn’t exist a decade ago, now nearly 10 per cent of his cases result in bird’s nest arrangements.

MacLean says he has seen more fathers asking for bird’snest orders as there are increasing numbers of fathers who want to be involved in their children’s lives. MacLean says 50 per cent of the cases he sees are shared custody cases. “[Bird’s nest] is probably the ultimate shared custody because you are sharing the same residence as well as sharing the time with the children,” he says.

In his experience, bird’s nest arrangements are usually only short-term and are ordered by a judge for the interim. When a trial is over, sometimes eight to 10

months later, the arrangement usually ends, he says.

Reconcilable differences

But these days, there is no one family model, and parents can come up with some very creative ways of rebuilding their families after separation, says Cate Cochran, a Toronto-based radio Producer and writer. She is the author of Reconcilable Differences: Marriages End, Families Don’t, a book about 10 families with “successfully failed” marriages, including one family who had a bird’s nest arrangement.

She says since writing the book, Canadians have contacted her to say they’re grateful someone shared their story about reconfiguring their unique family arrangement, like starting a bird’s nest arrangement.

Victoria Smith, a Torontobased collaborative lawyer and

mediator, says the majority of her cases involve short-term nesting arrangements during the separation negotiations.

However, she worked with one client with five children who maintained a bird’s nest arrangement with her ex for two years.

“She felt the parents should just suck it up,” she says. “They should deal with the challenges for the benefit of the children.”

Smith says her client’s motivation was initially driven by philosophical reasons but over time, the arrangement became impractical.

Things like who does the laundry, takes out the garbage and buys the groceries at the children’s house can become sources of tension, Smith says. It can also be expensive to maintain three separate residences. The family who made it work for two years was a high-income family, she says.

For others, while it might make financial sense to rent two apartments in the shortterm while financial details are being sorted, it may no longer be desired or viable post-divorce. Smith says there are alternative options to renting two apartments, such as staying at a relative’s house, or sharing one secondary residence between the two parents, but those situations come with their own challenges.

Though bird’s nest arrangements can be complex, for some, they just work. The proof is in the children. “[The kids] never really lost anything, because we were always there.” (nationalpost.com)

Avoid blaming It’s vital to be honest with your children, but without being critical of your spouse. This can be especially difficult when there have been hurtful events, such as infidelity, but with a little diplomacy, you can avoid playing the blame game. * Present a united front. As much as you can, try to agree in advance on an explanation for your separation or divorce – and stick to it. * Plan your conversations. Make plans to talk with your children before

showing that you understand.

any changes in the living arrangements occur. And plan to talk when your spouse is present, if possible. * Show restraint. Be respectful of your spouse when giving the reasons for the separation.

to “get it” one day and be unsure the next. Treat your child’s confusion or misunderstandings with patience. * Reassure. As often as you need to, remind your children that both parents will continue to love them and that they are not responsible for the divorce.

Help children express feelings For children, divorce can feel like loss: the loss of a parent, the loss of the life they know. You can help your children grieve and adjust to new circumstances by supporting their feelings. * Listen. Encourage your child to share their feelings and really listen to them. They may be feeling sadness, loss or frustration about things you may not have expected. * Help them find words for their feelings. It’s normal for children to have difficulty expressing their feelings.

You can help them by noticing their moods and encouraging them to talk. * Let them be honest. Children might be reluctant to share their true feelings for fear of hurting you.

Let them know that whatever they say is okay. If they aren’t able to share their honest feelings, they will have a harder time working through them. * Acknowledge their feelings. You may not be able to fix their problems or change their sadness to happiness, but it is important for you to acknowledge their feelings rather than dismissing them. You can also inspire trust by

Clearing up misunderstandings Many children believe that they had something to do with the divorce, recalling times they argued with their parents, received poor grades, or got in trouble. You can help your children let go of this misconception. * Set the record straight. Repeat why you decided to get a divorce.

Sometimes hearing the real reason for your decision can help. * Be patient. Children may seem

Give reassurance and love Children have a remarkable ability to heal when given the support and love they need. Your words, actions, and ability to remain consistent are all important tools to reassure your children of your unchanging love. * Both parents will be there. Let your children know that even though the physical circumstances of the family unit will change, they can continue to have healthy, loving relationships with both of their parents. * It’ll be okay. Tell children that things won’t always be easy, but that they will work out. Knowing it’ll be all right can provide incentive for your children to give a new situation a chance. * Closeness. Physical closeness – in the form of hugs, pats on the shoulder, or simple proximity – has a powerful way of reassuring your child of your love. * Be honest. When children raise concerns or anxieties, respond truthfully. If you don’t know the answer, say gently that you aren’t sure right now, but you’ll find out and it will be okay.

Helping children cope with divorce: Provide stability and structure While it’s good for children to learn to be flexible, adjusting to many new things at once can be very difficult.

Help your children adjust to change by providing as much stability and structure as possible in their daily lives.

Remember that establishing structure and continuity doesn’t mean that you need rigid schedules or that mom and dad’s routines need to be exactly the same. But creating some regular routines at each household and consistently communicating to your children what to expect will provide your children with a sense of calm and stability. (helpguide.org)

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THURsday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

CIOG denounces UN “gay AFC member rights” postal stamps banned for life – SASOD derides objections from Queens, NY group

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

M

oments after the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) released a statement denouncing the United Nations (UN) issuance of postage stamps promoting the rights of the Lesbian Bisexual Gay and Transgender (LGBT) Community, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana lashed back at the organisation for attempting to trample on the fundamental human rights of others.

SASOD also accordingly highlighted instances where the misuse of religion resulted in the most violent of wars, destruction and despair, and consequently chided the Islamic Organisation for pursuing similar paths.

The UN Postal Administration recently issued a colourful series of stamps celebrating LGBT people as part of its ‘Free and Equal Campaign’.

This is the first time the global body ever issued stamps with an LGBT theme.

CIOG denounces

However, the CIOG in a press statement on Wednesday expressed its displeasure with the movement and called on the UN to reverse the decision.

“The CIOG with all the powers vested in us by our Muslim brothers and sisters in Guyana wish with a unified voice our appeal to the Secretary General of human rights of the UN to reconsider this decision and rescind the issuance of these stamps. Failure to do so, we fear, may only serve to widen the already fragile coexistence and religious tolerance and harmony that currently exists,” the religious group said in a statement.

The CIOG argued that the UN does not represent the views and do not garnish the support of several nations, religious bodies and other international organisations.

“As for CIOG, on behalf of the Muslim community of Guyana we utterly and completely denounce such an outrageous action that serves to promote a way of life that is detrimentally opposed to our beliefs and culture,” the organisation asserted.

… after physically assaulting colleagues

E

The CIOG then blasted the UN – an organisation that purports to foster peace, inclusion and respect for the rights of others – for

being insensitive to the beliefs and cultures of the many groups that would object to the LGBT lifestyle.

“While freedom of expression is a right, bodies such as the UN should not be seen to abuse this right to win the adoration of a minority, but should work towards upholding the moral values enshrined in the great religions of the world, and respect for the cultures and traditions of other nations,” the CIOG contended.

stamps promote the human rights of LGBT people – the same human rights to which members of the CIOG are entitled, and probably take for granted,” SASOD emphasised.

SASOD also posited that the human rights of sexual and gender minorities have way too long been neglected by the UN and it is way past time that the rights of this historically marginalised and socially disadvantaged group is given much-needed attention.

Moreover, SASOD said it is concerned that the CIOG feels it can speak on behalf of the entire Muslim community in Guyana.

“All Guyanese Muslims are not homophobic and transphobic. In fact, many prominent Guyanese Muslims who SASOD engage in our work to promote equality are very supportive of LGBT human rights,” SASOD noted.

Wars, destruction and despair

On the other hand, SASOD expressed that it is completely irrelevant whether or not the CIOG,

The organisation then reminded that not all Guyanese are Muslim, nor are they religious, but the CIOG is freely entitled to print stamps promoting Islam in Guyana.

other groups and countries approve of the UN’s decision given the fact that one of the fundamental pillars of the international body is the promotion of human rights, regardless of sexual orientation.

The human rights body explained that while the UN is being heralded in the global media for promoting LGBT human rights, it is completely erroneous and misleading for the CIOG to suggest that the UN has released “stamps promoting homosexuality and transgenderism.”

“The six, commemorative

SASOD pondered the reasoning for the Muslim organisation to use its own prejudices to justify a violation of human rights against another group.

“CIOG is sadly mistaken if it thinks the role of the United Nations – or even the Government of Guyana – is “upholding the moral values” enshrined in Islam or any other religion.

History has taught us that many of these “moral values” of the “great religions of the world” have lead to wars, destruction and despair at the hands of human beings who have misused

SASOD strikes

religion in the most divisive socio-political ways – as the CIOG is seeking to do with its statement – which lead to the need for global institutions like the United Nations, and its precursor the League of Nations,” SASOD posited.

Moreover, SASOD contended if the CIOG has taken a position to detrimentally oppose the issuance of the stamps, then the organisation should not purchase or use the stamps – which are not available in Guyana.

SASOS noted that Guyana is a plural society made up of diverse peoples of many beliefs, cultures and faiths, all of which should be embraced and celebrated.

xecutive Member of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Queens Support Group Asha Kamla Balbachan was permanently banned after she was found guilty of physically and verbally abusing other members within the Diaspora group.

According to information received, Balbachan, who is also the group’s Treasurer, slapped and verbally abused a fellow member of the AFC Queens group Margaret Sibdhanie at Narissa Palace, New York when Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had visited on January 17.

A complaint was subsequently filed and a special committee headed by the AFC Queens Support Group Chairman Leyland Roopnarine was established to provide a forum for fair hearing and investigation of the matter.

However, Balbachan reportedly refused to present herself to the committee and was equally verbally abusive to the

Chairman.

Amid the circumstances before them, the AFC Queens Group General Membership took a unanimous decision to disassociate themselves from Balbachan.

According to the dismissal letter seen by Guyana Times, the behaviour meted out by Balbachan was in clear violation of the AFC Constitution, especially Article 6 which speaks directly to disciplinary action against any form of abuse, but more so, physical abuse.

Balbachan was then instructed to cease and desist from any and all activities in relation to the AFC party.

Balbachan was also instructed to hand over all assets and records belonging to the Group, inclusive of US$725 within 14 days or else face further actions.

Meanwhile, Dr Rudy Jadoopat was unanimously elected to be the new Treasurer of the Group.

8 news

thursday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Judge’s home invasion, robbery

Dead fugitive identified as perpetrator

A

s the trial into the July 9, 2015, home invasion and robbery of Land Court Judge Nicola Pierre and her husband Mohamed Chand continues, dead bandit Rolston Morrison, has been identified as the one who summoned the getaway car, moments after the brazen attack.

Premnauth Samaroo; Damien Millington, 22, of Lot 118 Caesar Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown; Nicholas Narine, 18, also of Caesar Street Agricola; Anthony David, 28, of 63 Hadfield Street, Stabroek, Georgetown;

and Warren McKenzie, 22, of Lot 18 Brutus Street, Agricola, are currently before the court for the robbery and home invasion, as well as an additional charge of discharging a loaded firearm at security guard Ron Peters.

The men, who are all on remand, are all denying any association with the robbery.

The matter is being tried before Magistrate Zamina Ally Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

On Tuesday, Detective Inspector Suraj Singh, who is stationed at the

Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown, and is attached to the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, took to the stand where he revealed that David, who is one of the robbery accused, was questioned by him, but refused to give a written statement. He went on to say that during the questioning, the accused told him that on the night in question, Morrison had contacted him in a wound up state and asked him to pick up him and some other men from the Montrose area.

Inspector Singh recalled the accused telling him that “Sadam called me and tell me that they deh pun a wuk up in Montrose. And how people shooting at them. And that he want me to come and collect them. So meh guh up and collect them and drop them to Agricola. Meh had to mek two trips and me ain’t get no money cause them tell me that they had to run away and leave the things.”

The Magistrate adjourned the matter for Friday where a Voir dire will be held to iron out some legal technicalities.

Vendor charged for assaulting 16-year-old

A

market vendor was granted bail when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, faced with an assault charge.

Robert McCalmon, 32, of Lot 185 Charlotte and King Streets, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which

stated that on February 6, he assaulted a 16-year-old boy.

It is alleged that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC) and the defendant had an altercation, which resulted in the defendant hitting the VC to his head.

Attorney Folio Richards, who represented the defendant, denied these allegations,

stating that the VC who was in the company of others, attempted to rob the defendant, who refused to give up his valuables and was attacked.

As a result of the attack, he sustained injuries to his lip which caused him to receive 19 stitches.

She told the court that as a result of the attack, her client

lost $63,000. She further added that the VC and the others with him were chased by onlookers, who saw the incident and might have been injured as a result of that chase.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru had no objections to bail and it was set at $20,000.

The case will continue on February 26.

tween July 25 and December 29, 2015, at Lot 211 Gordon Street Kitty, Georgetown, he converted money entrusted to him to his own use – the money was originally intended to be used to pay US visa application fees at the Bank of Baroda.

It is alleged that Ragabeer obtained from 28 different individuals the total sum of $926,060.

Ragabeer’s Attorney,

Paul Braam requested bail on the grounds that the defendant is willing to repay the Virtual Complainants (VCs), adding that his client is not a flight risk as he owns a business in Kitty, Georgetown.

However, Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail, stating that prior to this charge, the defendant has another pending matter in another court

for a similar offence. He added that in that matter, he was granted bail and absented himself from court.

The Prosecutor stated that it is likely that the defendant will repeat this offence.

Nonetheless, bail was granted in the sum of $320,000 but as a condition of his bail, Ragabeer was required to surrender all his travel documents to the court. The case will continue on March 7.

Alleged fraudster on $320,000 bail

A

man accused of fraudulently converting $320,000 after it was entrusted to him to pay US visa application fees was on Wednesday slapped with 28 counts of fraud related charges, when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Danrash Ragabeer, 26, pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which stated that be-

Cool Square murder

Accused to know fate today

L

eon Duncan, who is currently on trial for the murder of businessman Imtiaz Roopnarine, who was fatally shot during the course of a robbery at Cool Square Bar, will today know his fate when the jury is expected to deliver their verdict.

Duncan, also known as “Whistle”, of Williamstad Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for a charge which stated that on January 24, 2013, at the Cool Square Hotel in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt Georgetown, he murdered Roopnarine during the course

Leon Duncan of a robbery. The deceased was said to be wearing several pieces of expensive jewellery at the time, and after

being shot, the 47-year-old businessman ran to the back of the hotel where he collapsed and died. According to reports, he had been preparing to leave the hotel moments before the incident.

The perpetrator had reportedly escaped with a gold and diamond chain worth $500,000, one gold band worth $700,000, and other jewellery, all to a total value of $2,200,000.

The State is being represented by Prosecutors Stacey Goodings, Tuanna Hardy and Orinthia Schmidt, while the defendant is being represented by Attorney Mark Waldron.

On Friday, after a no-case

submission by the defence was overruled by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, the defendant was called to lead his case. The defendant opted to give unsworn testimony from the prisoner’s dock where he vehemently maintained his innocence.

He admitted to being at the hotel that night, telling the court that he and a female friend, whose name he gave as Tiana, rented a room there after a party. He denied shooting the deceased, saying “I am innocent of this crime. I did not kill the deceased, nor I did not rob the deceased.”

Today, the summary will be held and the jury will deliberate on the verdict.

Alleged coals thief remanded

A

30-year-old man was on Wednesday denied bail when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts facing a simple larce-

ny charge.

Ovish Chetram pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between January 26 and 27, he broke and entered the premise of Elizabeth Rowley and stole

two bags of coals.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne objected to bail, stating that the defendant currently has other pending matters in the court and has no fixed place of abode. As

such, she stated that he is a flight risk.

Magistrate Moore remanded him to prison and the matter will continue on February 18.

Eyew tness

Same folks...

Y

...same strokes

our Eyewitness has spilled quite a bit of ink about PM Nagamootoo and his proclivities as an unreconstructed Stalinist. Luckily he never got the opportunity to execute a "great purge": Dr Jagan made sure he was never given any "line responsibility" after 1992. However during his stint in what Jagan thought was an innocuous role ("Information Minister"), Nagamootoo did quite a number at GTV and Chronicle etc...

In 2006, WikiLeaks revealed, "Nagamootoo told Embassy Officials that he had requested Home Affairs or Foreign Affairs, and that Jagdeo had offered him an advisory position or a foreign posting instead. He declined the overseas assignment and has not decided whether to take an advisory position."

Jagdeo was merely following the PPP consensus – arrived at after 50 years of knowing the man – that "Nagamootoo was a talker and not a doer" who was a bully.

It was clear that the PNC's intelligence on Nagamootoo was spot on. So even though the Cummingsburg had specified him chairing the Cabinet – which would give him the opportunity to set the national agenda – President Granger balked after the elections. People who knew him breathed a sigh of relief – Guyana was saved a bloodbath!

But he had to be given SOMETHING, no? So Prezzie gave him what Cheddi had given him back in 1992 – Information Minister!!

And just as he'd done then, he started to throw his weight around – even within the little pond he'd now found himself. During the last Budget debate, we all know how he tongue lashed a hapless Chronic reporter who pointed out he'd "bungled". After the public outcry, some thought Nagamootoo would've learnt his lesson. Not anyone from the PPP though!!

What he did was to browbeat the Chronicle and the other Government news outfits such as GINA, through his personal water boy – the old WICB mouthpiece, Imran Khan. Otherwise known as "Shilly the Shill". The new hacks at Chronic meekly ran an Imran Khan's (without his byline of course) piece as to how the Chronic "had to defend the govt".

The fella now feels safe to come out of the closet. In a recent Facebook post, Nagamootoo's shill declared: “It appears as though there is confusion (with reference to) the role and function of the DPI (Department of Public Information). GINA, for example, is also wholly funded by the taxpayers, but its role is not to cover the Opposition. It is to cover the elected Government of the day.”

So the 49.1% of the electorate that voted for the Opposition PPP aren't taxpayers? Well, if you're Nagamootoo and his shill, it really doesn't matter. 202,694 persons have been purged "informationally"!!

...is young Mitta Sharma

They say the chip doesn't fall far from the block. But with genetic variations and evolution and all that, your Eyewitness just kinda hoped there would be some exceptions. And happily he found, there are. But not in the case of the young Mitta Sharma who's found himself in Parliament through the provenance of the older Mitta Sharma's coat tails.

The old Mitta Sharma was forgiven his wild utterances because he was on television CNS – "Comedy non Stop".

But while the young Mitta Sharma inherited the old man’s gig on TV, he should realise the comedy routine stops at the doors of the National Assembly. But then again, look who he's surrounded with on the Government benches!!

His latest attempt at "skin teeth" was to claim the Auditor General ducked "instances of dishonesty, deficiency, discrepancies" when the PPP was in office. Now this is a serious charge. It's not like when his father claimed folks weren't getting "PORTABLE" water!

Let's hope young Mitta Sharma can provide some evidence. Or he should apologise.

...same schupidness

The Muckraker insisted the govt procured pharmaceuticals through "sole sourcing". It might be excused because of its owner’s comprehension challenge to distinguish between "pre-qualification" and "sole sourcing”.

So what's Dr Cummings’ excuse?

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

news

9

thursday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Spoilt milk delivered to Final report with President Diamond, other hospitals David Granger Walter Rodney CoI

... Govt launches high-level probe – Public Health Minister confirms

Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department attached to the Health Ministry, Marlon Cole

A

n investigation has been launched into the delivery of a quantity of spoilt milk at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, better known as the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and other hospitals.

Guyana Times was reliably informed that the milk was delivered by a wellknown local company; however, health authorities have opted not to comment on the name of company.

While the details surrounding the discovery are surfacing, Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department at-

tached to the Health Ministry, Marlon Cole, when contacted on Wednesday confirmed that indeed some “bad” milk was discovered at the Diamond Hospital and that investigations are ongoing.

Cole explained that while the discovery was made some time back, the probe is yet to be completed since another issue came up. This new matter is in relation to challenges with Customs.

“The milk, some of it, has been seized pending investigations and those investigations are ongoing. So I’m not at liberty to give any details about the investigation,” the Food and Drug Department Head told this newspaper.

However, Cole disclosed that the probe is expected to wrap up soon, after which he will have full details of what transpired. When asked about the quantity of milk that was spoilt, the Director could not say as he is awaiting the submission of the report from the probe.

He further explained that whenever such a discovery is made in the distributors’ bond, his Department has to also examine the importers’ bond as well and this process is yet to be com-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

pleted.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton told Guyana Times that he was made aware of the situation on the same day but was not fully briefed on what transpired.

“I know for a fact that this milk was destroyed because it was found to have larva inside,” the Minister revealed. However, he stated that all the milk was confiscated and the spoilt ones have been destroyed.

Asked whether the spoilt milk was delivered to any other company, Dr Norton pointed out that if it was then it would have been traced and already withdrawn.

Dr Blackman’s illegal prescription case

SOCU not called to assist US with investigations – Sydney James

I

n light of the recent arrest of Dr Noel Blackman in the United States of America for illegally writing a large number of prescriptions for narcotic-based painkillers, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) said it was not contacted to offer assistance in the investigation.

Head of the Unit, Sydney James when asked for a comment noted that the investigation is being headed by the United States authorities and while Guyana and the US have some amount of cooperation, the Unit has not been called upon to lend its expertise.

He further stated once the US indicates its interest for SOCU to assist, the request would have to be made through the Public Security Minister.

Dr Blackman, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was arrested and charged in the US for the illegal prescriptions.

It was reported that

Dr Noel Blackman

the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suspected that Dr Blackman was illegally prescribing vast amounts of oxycodone – 365,000 pills in 2015 – in a drug-dealing enterprise spanning three states.

According to reports, FBI agents took Dr Blackman, 68, into custody after they ordered a Guyana-bound jet taxiing for takeoff with him on board at the John F Kennedy International

Airport, to return to the airport terminal.

Dr Blackman, who was under investigation for several weeks, was intent on permanently leaving the United States, according to a tip agents received before they headed him off at the airport. After the plane returned to the terminal about midnight on Sunday, Dr Blackman was arrested and later charged with conspiracy to distribute the narcotic.

Reports are according to his prescription records checked by federal authorities, the 365,000 Oxycodone pills came from 2487 prescriptions – a marked increase from the 114 he wrote for 3800 pills in 2014 and 63 written in 2013 for 2100 pills.

Attempts to contact the Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton for a comment on Dr Blackman’s replacement on the GPHC Board proved futile. It was, however, hinted that Dr Max Hanoman will be the replacement, but this could not have been confirmed.

T

he final report on the investigation into the death of Dr Walter Rodney is finally in the hands of Head of State, President David Granger.

Guyana Times reported on Wednesday that the report was unceremoniously submitted to the Attorney General’s Secretary.

However, Attorney General Basil Williams on Wednesday confirmed that the document is now with the President.

In what was described as strange, the threemember panel left Guyana on Tuesday without making an official submission of the final report to President Granger or the Attorney General.

Williams said that he and the President were otherwise engaged at the time the Commissioners were ready to hand over the report. The document entails details on the findings of the 17-month long investigation into the death of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-Founder and political activist who was assassinated 35 years ago.

After several extensions, the final report was expected to be handed over to President David Granger on Monday. In fact, journalists were invited to the Ministry of the Presidency

Dr Walter Rodney

for the 12:00h submission.

However, a few minutes after arrival, the journalists were informed that the submission would be done at a later date as the Commission was not quite ready.

Hours later, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency stated that the Chairman, Barbadian Queens Counsel, Sir Richard Cheltenham could not make the submission because he had “run out of ink” to print the document.

The Attorney General was seemingly peeved about the situation and said that the Commission needed to come to an end once and for all.

But the Chairman, following the premature end to the investigation in

July of last year, had been somewhat concerned that the move by Government to shorten the life of the Inquiry would hold some strain on the findings of the report. He had stated that the report would not be fair since pertinent witnesses were not given an opportunity to make their representation at the Inquiry.

He, along with lawyers representing the various interests in the investigation, had tugged the hem of the new Administration to allow for at least two more weeks so that the investigation could have a “fair outcome”.

Government however, did not heed to those requests.

The three-member panel which also included Jamaica Queens Counsel Jacqueline Samuels Brown and Trinidadbased Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, were sworn in by former President Donald Ramotar to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Dr Rodney. They were guided by a list of Terms of References (ToR’s) which also made mention of them examining the political, social and economical atmosphere that existed at the time of Rodney’s death.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, february 11, 2016

News

LGE March 18

PPP raises transparency concerns with GECOM T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Wednesday met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to raise a number of concerns in relation to the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) to be held on March 18.

Some issues addressed were related to security matters, the Disciplined Services voting and procedural affairs.

The PPP was concerned about the safe storage and retrieval of all supplies and demanded to be involved, or at least be provided with, information for purposes of transparency.

The Party explained that during the May 2015 General and Regional Elections, the PPP/Civic ballot agents were prevented from accompanying the ballot boxes, while the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) agents were allowed. The Party also reminded that PPP/C agents were prevented from placing plastic seals on ballot boxes at the end of the poll on May 11.

Another concern was the

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

role of Police ranks at ballot stations. The PPP pointed out that the Police ranks, who accompanied the ballot boxes, were seated in the building with the ballot attendant and team in the ballot stations and it was observed that in several ballot stations in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the Police rank, who accompanied the GECOM team was seated in the polling station and operated as a ballot staff, rather than as a Police rank for the ballot station. This, apart from

being against the operational procedures, was perceived as being intimidating to others, especially some of those who were voting, the Party said.

The Party also explained that at the previous elections, its agents were denied a copy of the Ballot Paper Account by the ballot attendant at the end of the Discipline Services balloting. The PPP was also concerned about the measures in place for the Disciplined Forces voters.

“Voters’ Lists for General and Regional Elections are normally scrutinised in the preparatory stages. The Disciplined Forces List is no exception and in order to build consensus, transparency and confidence among stakeholders, representatives of contesting parties must be provided the opportunity to scrutinise the lists prepared by the Ballot Officers to guarantee accuracy, currency and completeness,” the Party said.

In relation to logistics and procedural matters, the PPP highlighted that movement of all staff, supplies, and equipment and sensitive materials to the designated polling places is of

concern.

The Party posited too that the procedures for dealing with the particulars on the list of those who voted on D-Day, as well as, those listed to vote on D-Day but who did not do so must be provided to Ballot Officers and shared with Ballot Agents.

Moreover, the PPP said the verification of the Disciplined Forces lists must be executed expeditiously and thoroughly in order to clean up the state of affairs.

The Party also raised the issues of the non-usage of the National Identification Cards during the Discipline Services voting.

“In excess of nine per cent of the persons who voted during the Discipline Services Balloting in the May 2015 General and Regional elections voted without their National Identification (NID) Cards.

This is alarming and extremely worrying, especially at Tacama, where 165 persons out of 207 voted without national identification cards and when asked by GECOM’s staff, “Why they did not walk with their NID Cards”, the response was “We were told not to walk with it”.

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

Similar situations were observed at other stations, at Camp Soweyo, 61 persons did likewise and gave the same response,” the Party recalled.

The PPP also highlighted that incorrect envelopes were given in some cases.

“During the May 2015 elections there were at least four instances on the coastland where incorrect envelopes were given to voters. In one instance, the elector refused to take the incorrect envelope at the Leonora Police Station Ballot Station. Similar instances were noted at a few

more Ballot Stations, including Brickdam Police Station where the Ballot Attendant was Anderson Shepard,” the Party said.

The PPP also pointed out that there was a serious breach of the voting procedure during the Elections last year, where persons were allowed to vote outside of the ballot stations.

“A Ballot Officer for [Guyana Police Force] GPF took a Ballot Paper out of the Ballot Station to a vehicle to allow an Elector to mark the Ballot Paper which the Ballot Attendant subsequently placed in the Ballot Box,” the PPP claimed.

Lastly, the Party was concerned about the display of party paraphernalia at Ballot Stations. It recalled that during the May 2015 Elections, Ballot Agents wearing Party Paraphernalia stating “Vote APNU/AFC” in the Ballot Station.

It is the hope of the PPP that these issues will be rectified at the March 18 Polls.

Meanwhile, the PPP delegation comprised Zulfikar Mustapha, Clinton Collymore, Neendkumar and Ganga Persaud and was led by General Secretary Clement Rohee.

Motorist killed after car slams into sand truck A motorist was early on Wednesday morning killed after he lost control of the car he was driving and slammed into a truck at Supply, East Bank Demerara. The accident occurred at about 05:30h.

Dead is Quilton Greene, 45, of La Penitence, Georgetown.

According to information received, the car was heading North towards Georgetown when the driver lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the truck which was heading in the opposition direction.

Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that the now dead man had to be pulled from the wreckage and was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, the mangled car was already moved but the truck was still in the area where the accident occurred.

Alvin Shivlochand, the driver of the motor lorry told this publication that he was heading to the sand

The truck that was involved in the accident

pit when he saw the motorcar swaying on the roadway. He noted that upon seeing this, he stopped the truck but the car came straight at him.

Further reports suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel when the accident occurred. Shivlochand related that after the accident, he rushed out of the truck to check on the driver and saw him pinned in the vehicle.

With the assistance of

public spirited citizens, the door of the wrecked car was removed in order to remove the injured man. As Greene was pulled, he was motionless thus leaving those around to believe he was already dead.

Moments after the Police arrived on the scene, Greene was placed in the vehicle and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but was pronounced dead. The driver of the motor lorry had been detained as investigations continue.

thursday, february 11, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

LM&TC retired employees El Niño situation Over 1000 acres of rice left without gratuity burnt by salt water "We did all we could" – IMC Chairman

By Utamu Belle

F

ollowing accusations by retired employees of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) who have not received their pension or gratuity payments, Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon and Town Clerk Jenella Bowen have broken their silence on the issue.

The issue was highlighted in a section of the media on Tuesday, via a 'Letter to the Editor', penned by "frustrated retired employees" of the Town Council.

In the letter, the retired employees said it has been more than three years since they have retired, but they have not been paid their gratuity and pension arrears.

The letter went on to state "monthly pensions are not being paid on the scheduled date of the month, not until the following month with varying dates, eg, 15th, or even the 10th for the previous month. In that way, we are always being robbed of a month’s salary".

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Gordon explained that he was aware of the plight of the employees, but he failed to receive the desired attention or results from the previous and present Administrations regarding the issue.

He said in actuality, the Council, owing to issues with revenue collection and years of being cash strapped, has been struggling to pay its employees.

According to Gordon, monies for staff were expected to be secured through taxation and not from the "national coffers", adding that the employees were poorly paid and, as such, continued to be underpaid.

The IMC Chairman outlined that about 15 retired staff members were presently owed by the Council, noting too that the num-

Linden IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon

ber would increase as time progressed. According to Gordon, about three other employees are slated to retire this year, under similar circumstances. He said he has fought for resolution of the issue, more so on a personal level, since he understood the importance of the retired employees receiving their benefits. He noted that he empathised with the workers, knowing that they have worked and were looking forward to their gratuity and pension.

"The personnel officer will also be in a similar boat like these people and it's something that the future Council will have to grapple with, but it's not like we've not done anything," he said.

Gordon said requests were sent to the relevant Ministries, including the former Local Government Ministry and present Communities Ministry, requesting help; however, they failed to achieve any good results.

"We expected a change in dispensation... We felt that with a change in Government, we would have been treated differently, but that did not happen. I wrote expecting an audience and we have not received an audience up to now. We're still trying: it's not for a lack of effort; we have been trying...

Some of them, we've started to give them some monies, a little piece at a time and for some of them, that has not happened," he admitted.

He continued that the Council has been struggling in terms of revenue collection for the longest time and expressed hope that the future Council would continue to vigorously look into the situation.

"That's one of the first things they will have to sort out....it's not something that we're comfortable with.

It's something that we continue to work on," the IMC Chairman stated.

Town Clerk Bowen also confirmed that the Council owed several of its employees and was looking into the situation. She said the Council was presently involved in a court issue in relation to $70 million owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) which would have seen her attending court on Tuesday.

"I know he's (Gordon) going through a process on the same issue as it relates to getting some funds. I had a meeting with the Ministry of Labour today (Tuesday) and they brought the documents to me... I didn't deny it; however, I'm guilty with explanation ... As it relates to payments, Mr Gordon is working assiduously before he leaves office, to get a few things in place", she stated.

The municipality has been known for being cashstrapped over the years and has had notable issues with paying staff on time and receiving staff increases.

The issues have in the past led to strike action by employees, as the municipality continued to seek ways of increasing its revenues.

The present management of the municipality will be replaced following the March 18 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Case dismissed against cocaine-in-charcoal accused

T

he case against a Silver Hill, Soesdyke, Linden Highway resident, who had been accused of having in his possession 178 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking was dismissed by Magistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday.

Following his appearance at the Linden Magistrates’ Courts, Colin Clyde Prescod, a charcoal producer, walked out of the courtroom a free man. The charge against him had alleged that he had 178 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of

trafficking on March 30, 2015 at his place of business situated at Silver Hill.

The cocaine, which was disguised to look like pieces of charcoal, was allegedly discovered concealed among charcoal in the defendant’s yard.

The Court previously heard that Prescod was a charcoal producer who purchased the product from small producers along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

In his submission to the Court, the defendant’s Attorney, Euclin Gomes had said that there was no

evidence linking his client to the crime, noting that the charcoal was stored on the Highway in an open yard and Prescod lived on the opposite side to where the illicit substance was discovered.

The Attorney continued that it would have to be proven that the defendant had any knowledge of how the drug got there or he had custody or control of it.

He maintained that on the ground that there was no evidence linking his client to the crime, he should be found not guilty.

– Region 2 Chairman

By Indrawattie Natram

T

he prolonged El Niño conditions are taking a serious toll on rice farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) with over 1000 acres of rice land affected by the intrusion of salt water from the Pomeroon River.

This was revealed by Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt on Tuesday at the statutory Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting for February.

Speaking to the Council, Ramdatt said that the El Niño situation in the Region required careful assessment and a team would be meeting weekly to address the crisis and make necessary recommendations.

According to the Chairman, a team, including Councillors from the Government and Opposition sides, recently visited several drainage and irrigation structures at the backdams.

He said based on the inspection conducted, fields were desperately in need of irrigation water.

“During the inspection, I noted that several access dams need rehabilitating, sluices need servicing.

Presently, the system is out of water; we need to monitor the water level keenly,” Ramdatt elaborated.

He is of the view that the crisis nee ded to be tackled in a more collective and ho-

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

listic way which would require the involvement of key stakeholders. He also pointed out that the Dawa Pump Station was not functioning the way it should and alleged that often the Station was without fuel, hence reducing the numbers of days required for pumping of water.

In his contribution, coalition Councillor Naithram said that the water situation within the Region was getting worse and many canals were in a deplorable state.

He pointed out that recently he visited several backdams where he observed that canals were clogged and filled with weeds. On this issue, he questioned why the rangers were not doing their jobs and the canals were in such deplorable condition. In ad-

Coalition Councillor Naithram

dition, he said, if water was not supplied within the next two weeks, rice farmers would suffer tremendously.

Naithram reiterated that the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) network was presently in a deplorable state and requested that the Region got a new Hymac to assist in the clearing of canals and outfall channels, to enhance water flow.

Chairman Ramdatt said he too has received numerous complaints about the condition of the canals, stressing that rangers needed to do their job and disciplinary action should be taken against them.

The Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson told the Council that he was ready to sanction any ranger who was unprofessional on the job.

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thursday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Hook” wanted for murder SWAT team to be deployed to Berbice of reputed wife

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special team under the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Unit is to be deployed to Berbice to help curb the recent spike in crimes within the Ancient county.

This is according to Assistant Police Commissioner of Operations, David Ramnarine. Criminal activity in the county has increased significantly over the last several weeks and residents have been complaining of their fear and safety.

Just several months ago, Guyana’s SWAT Unit was deployed to the district to dismantle a gang that was responsible for a slew of criminal activities in the county. It was stated that since the SWAT Unit’s deployment to the county, the Unit has aided the Berbice Police in several high-profile cases that have resulted in arrests of perpetrators and them subsequently being taken to court. The gang was dismantled and the crime rate had since decreased, with the unit returning to Georgetown.

Reports state that the team that will be deployed to Berbice will include ranks from the Force’s Anti-Crime Patrol Unit and ranks from

Call 223-7230-1 ext 35

Assistant Police Commissioner of Operations, David Ramnarine

the Major Crimes Unit and they will be stationed that the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam.

The most recent murder victim in the county was Chinese National Sue Di Wong, called “Xiudi Yang”, 49, of the Jinlai Lai Restaurant who was shot once to the head during what appeared to be an attempted robbery. In January, the bodies of 81-year-old Arthur Rajkumar, a West Coast Berbice businessman; and his reputed wife, Dianne Chamanlall, 44, were found mutilated in their Bush Lot home in what is believed to be a robbery/murder committed by person/s from the village.

Also, 49-year-old Anita Baichan was tied up in her West Coast Berbice home, while her captors set the house on fire with her still inside.

It is believed that with the Unit’s integration into the county, it will lead to the capture of lawbreakers and the crime rate in the region will decrease.

Meanwhile, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) in a statement on Tuesday said that residents on Berbice continue to live in fear with

the spiralling crime situation in the county.

“This is the fourth press release by this Chamber in the last six months dealing with crime as the major issue. The Berbice business community is sick and tired of the crime situation in the region. A young man’s life was snuffed out within a stone’s throw of the Rose Hall [Police] Outpost, and a businesswoman was killed Sunday night in the upper Corentyne area. Who is next? Can we develop a country like this? Where is the Public Security Minister?

The public is being decimated by bandits and is extremely insecure. Where are you sir?” the CCCC stated.

The CCCC is also questioning whether the President has a plan to curb the situation. “What are you doing Mr President? Is too much to expect to be protected and be allowed to develop our businesses in a peaceful atmosphere and provide jobs in the region? As it is, no one in the present environment would even consider expanding or developing their business, resulting in more unemployment and a contraction in economic activities.”

The body stated that business has significantly declined since the last election, and with the uncertain future of sugar – the mainstay of the Berbice economy – the future is looking very dim.

“We strongly feel that the President’s insistence of pardoning this group serving time in prison is certainly sending the wrong signal; instead we need to let any criminal, regardless of age, know that this will not be tolerated in society and they will have to pay the price…

Berbice is demanding security and protection from its Government,” the CCCC demanded.

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s Police continue their investigation into the murder of Bibi Zabeeda Khan, a wanted bulletin has been issued for her reputed husband, Randolph Williams, also called “Hook” of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.

The Police stated that “Hook”, 46, is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder, which occurred on January 1 at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. The wanted man was accused of beating his 41-year-old reputed wife before drowning her in a canal at Zeelugt.

According to reports, persons in the area recalled seeing the couple arguing and the man subsequently assaulting the woman.

As neighbours threatened to call the Police, Williams jumped into the nearby trench, pulling his reputed wife with him.

Dead: Bibi Zabeeda Khan

He allegedly drowned the mother of three before escaping over the other side of the trench. Persons in the area recalled that it was dark hence they could not have seen what was happening. However, after a while, the woman’s body was fished from the trench.

The woman’s mother, Bibi Zalika, told this newspaper that the couple were

Wanted: Randolph Williams, also called "Hook"

experiencing some problems, but they did not expect things to end this way.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Williams is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 268-2343, 268-2298, 268-2222, 2269941, 225-6411, and 911 or at the nearest police station.

Essequibo Coast accident

Onderneeming driver remanded

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ifty-year-old Sampson Thompson of Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Thompson appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. It is alleged that Thompson drove motorcar PHH 2629 in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Crisnauth Kassinauth on the Suddie Public Road.

The accused was represented by Attorney Latchmin Dindyal, who in a bail application requested reasonable bail for his

Dead: Chrisnauth Kassinauth

client. He informed the court that his client has a permanent place of abode at Ondermeening Sand Pit and assured that he will attend his trial. Bail was

however refused and the matter was adjourned for February 26.

C h r i s n a u t h Kassinauth, 48, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, and a father of three, succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital late Saturday evening. Kassinauth was a Technical Drawing lecturer at the Essequibo Technical Institute for over 12 years.

He was involved in a collision while riding his motorcycle early Saturday morning on the Suddie Public Road. The autopsy revealed that he died from multiple injuries as a result of the collision.

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thursday, February 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Gatekeepers’ training, Kitty Market being restored survivors therapy groups – vendors relocated temporarily to help suicidal persons K

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

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he Public Health Ministry will be redoubling its efforts in the ongoing battle to bring the soaring suicide rates down through the introduction of several initiatives, including training of gatekeepers within communities, providing therapy sessions for suicide survivors, ensuring all health centres are equipped with social workers, and dispatching mental health officers to high-risked regions, among other schemes with the hope of providing the much-needed relief to the presumably increasing numbers of persons who feel they are in the

depths of despair.

Guyana continues to grapple with a raging suicide contagion which continues to emotionally affect hundreds of persons and gravely impact the country’s economy and national social status.

With this in mind, Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings rose before the National Assembly during the Budget debates on Tuesday to express her concerns over the scourge that is more progressively plaguing the country.

“Guyana is a relatively small country with a very small population. Therefore to consider, this beautiful country having the highest suicide rate in the world, is frightening as much as it is worrying. Our people in relation to our population are taking their lives at an alarming rate. This situation needs to be arrested immediately,” Dr Cummings charged.

She explained that recent studies have already identified the most vulnerable areas and groups as well as the most preferred methods utilised by persons to commit suicide. Therefore, Government has decided that in order to combat the scourge of suicide, a national effort is required and will be accordingly pursued.

The Minister then detailed a list of 18 programmes and initiatives that are currently being undertaken by the Public Health Ministry in response to suicidal behaviour.

Among the most notable, Dr Cummings spoke of the Government’s intention to “identify and train gatekeepers in the community”. Recently, calls have been mounting for the rein-

Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

troduction of the prestigious Gatekeepers’ Programme, which was successful in its efforts to curb the instances of suicide by applying mechanisms to train first responders in every community across the country to act as the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood to proactively identify warning signs and consequently intervene to provide the requisite help; and former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy had indicated his willingness to assist in the streamlining of the project.

It is unclear if Dr Cummings was referring to the Gatekeepers Programme in her speech but from all indications, the measures proposed have similar features.

Another laudable measure is the creation of group therapy sessions for suicide survivors. Time and again calls have been sounded for more emphasis to be placed on counselling persons who attempted suicide in order to prevent a second attempt.

Based on observations, experts have gathered that a number of persons who committed suicide in Guyana had a record of previous attempts; however, no proper intervention was done and consequently, the individual did not get the essential help to restrain their suicidal tendencies.

The other programmes will focus mainly on training and capacity building of first responders and healthcare providers.

The Minister said Government will develop a protocol to provide guidance to primary healthcare workers on what they should do to assist the mentally ill; build capacity in health centres for healthcare workers and first responders through training; provide all health centres with a counsellor/social worker to visit at least once a week; develop a national trainers programme to identify high burden areas and launch a pilot programme to train trainers; dispatch mental health workers to the various regions to train a larger quantity of people; identify and train mental health workers to provide specialist care and refer patients to a multidisciplinary medical team; create a social safety net programme for vulnerable mental health patients; train first responders in

mental health including the Police; and revise the curriculum for doctors and nurses to include a meaningful mental health component.

Other measures include improving health literacy through public awareness programmes; establish a crisis/wellness centre; and create “youth friendly spaces” and encourage persons to attend youth friendly forums.

The Public Health Ministry will also be approaching the Pan-American Health Organisation, the US Peace Corp, along with the University of Guyana for a curriculum development consultant to revise current curriculum for doctors and nurses to include mental health components.

During her speech, no mention was made of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into suicide which was first announced by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during the presentation of the National Budget on January 29.

According to the Finance Minister, the Inquiry will focus on data collection and research, including gathering epidemiological data, demographic information, and research on driving factors contributing to designated rates per region and analysis will be done at the regional and country levels, including maps and profiles for targeted interventions.

itty Market will soon be restored to its former glory, as rehabilitation commenced on Wednesday by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Last Thursday, a team from City Hall completed an assessment of the building and determined its structural soundness to move ahead with the restoration.

Speaking with this publication, M&CC Town Clerk Royston King said that after consecutive meetings with stallholders and stakeholders, it was agreed vendors would be relocated nearby and works would commence.

He added that the City Engineer’s Department would be conducting the restoration of the historic site in various phases so as to not completely displace vendors.

Substantial repair works will begin on the southern wing. The project will take about three months to complete and, according to King, there are a lot of technical as-

pects to be completed during the period, with decisions being made to retain the historic architectural designs of the structure. The construction of a new sanitary block for the Market is also slated to be done during the restoration process.

King noted that stallholders have been relocated to the vacant western wing of the market, while the others (particularly those who sell

fruits and vegetables) will be relocated to the outskirts of the Market for the entire period. Temporary washrooms, water and lighting facilities will be installed for stallholders.

During an invited comment, several stallholders related to Guyana Times that they were happy that attention was finally being given to the Market with respect to repairs.

M&CC expanding drainage systems of flood-prone areas

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he Mayor and City Council (M&CC), through the ‘Clean-up My Country’ campaign will be expanding the drainage systems of areas in the city that are prone to flooding.

This is an attempt to restore and beautify the city, while ensuring that good sanitation is maintained.

On Wednesday, workers commenced cleaning areas surrounding Lombard Street and the La Penitence Market. Speaking to Guyana Times, Debra Lewis, the acting Public Relations Officer of the M&CC explained that the initiative will see the streets and drains being cleared, along with empty plots of land along these areas which lead to the city.

She further related that up to Wednesday afternoon, the workers would have removed truckloads of debris from

Sanitation workers remove the slush to unclog and clear the drains at Lombard Street

their activities.

Lombard Street, which is occupied by a large number of businesses, as well as squatters, is often under water after minimal rainfall due to the poor drainage systems in the area, as well as the clogging up of the few drainage

channels due to garbage and silt. Lewis related that while the sanitation workers have been busy unclogging the drains and removing the garbage, there is a plan in place to have the drainage channels significantly expanded and improved.

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thursday, february 11, 2016

News

PPP, Govt MPs face-off on “good life” Budget L

ate into the second day of the 2016 Budget debates, Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides of the House clashed on whether Budget 2016 offers the “good life” that Government has been touting.

The late session of Tuesday’s debate sitting saw the likes of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) members Jennifer Westford, Indra Chandarpal and Ganga Persaud taking on Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, John Adams and Rajcomarie Bancroft from the Government’s side.

In her presentation, Minister Ferguson outlined the plans Government has been pursuing to develop the country’s infrastructure.

She mentioned the new bridge for the Demerara

ed only a lucky few. “If that money was invested in the (Demerara) bridge project, Mr Speaker, Guyanese today would have been enjoying the use of a bridge – a much need facility that will serve the mass of Guyanese users,” she stated.

The Junior Minister noted that during 2016, her Government will bring to life projects that will make the lives of Guyanese better. “Our Government will undertake projects that will benefit the people of Guyana and not just a select few as practiced by the PPP/C Administration,” Ferguson stated.

Opposition MP Ganga Persaud

River crossing; works for several vessels and stellings under the Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) and enhancements for the Guyana Civil

Aviation Authority (GCAA).

According to Ferguson, the previous Administration wasted tax payers’ money by investing in several “dead projects” that benefit-

Inadequate measures

But in her presentation, Opposition MP Indra Chandarpal stated that the 2016 Budget does not have what it takes to give

Essequibo Chamber of Commerce resuscitated

Newly elected members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

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ew members on the elected body of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce vowed to work along with all stakeholders in moving Region Two’s (Pomeroon-Supenaam) economy in a direction that will make it viable for possible business investments.

The Chamber, after being dormant for several years, was resuscitated and a new executive body was elected. The newly elected members are

Deleep Singh as President, Thakechand Ramnauth as Vice President, Guitree Ramsamouj as Secretary, Ricky Toney as Treasurer, and Raj Ramlakhan as Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer.

The Public Relation responsibilities were given to popular TV host, Chutney Singh and Manager of Nafico, Ravi D Mohan.

Committee members include Mohamed Nazmul, Shalenee Sukdeo, Maria Lord-Lewis, Lorna Gomes, Nateram Ramnanan,

Wilfred Jagnaraine and Micheal Turner.

Speaking with Guyana times, Public Relations Officer Ravi Mohan said that the newly elected members are very optimistic in moving the region’s economy in a positive direction.

He said that the body is currently recruiting membership with its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) slated for April 2. At that event, plans and activities by members on ways of moving Region Two’s economy to a path of development will

be revealed.

At a recent meeting held in Region Two, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had mentioned that the Chambers of Commerce is a good advocate for any region to move forward and once the body is effectively managed, then positive and developmental projects could happen within the region.

Minister Gaskin had called for the resuscitation of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce after many businesses were complaining about the region’s economy.

Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson during her presentation in Parliament

Guyanese the “good life” that Government assured; instead, it will only bring poor people more poverty.

“I travel a lot with the taxis and every day taxi drivers have the same stories to tell, and every person in the Stabroek and Bourda Markets have the same story to tell. So it’s not a poor people budget… I was told, Mr Speaker, by a taxi driver to tell the Government that they deh pon stupidness,” she stated.

Chandarpal went on to say that while every Government will undertake a number of initiatives, it is expected of the others that follow to either make them better in order to improve the lives of the citizens. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to support the budget as presented by the Minister of Finance because we believe that this budget does not have the answers to move this country forward,” she declared.

Defending the ‘good life’

Meanwhile, the Government’s Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) representative, John Adams, maintained that this year’s budget, as the theme suggested “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: the Good Life Beckons”, offers a better life for the people of Guyana.

He reflected on the past eight months that the coalition Government has been in office, stating that during this time, Government has managed to stimulate growth and restore confidence. He further highlighted that Region Three has seen growth in every sector over the past months.

The parliamentarian spoke about developments in the infrastructure, agriculture, health and education sectors in the region.

“Mr Speaker, I am confident that the allocations stipulated for Region Three in Budget 2016, will see many new projects being completed in several parts of the region… Mr Speaker, the menu of measures stated in Budget 2016 will go a far in making the citizens

in this beautiful land of ours a better life,” Adams remarked.

Wild imaginations

However, PPP Parliamentarian Ganga Persaud in his presentation said that Region Three is still in much despair. He specifically mentioned the controversial closure of the Wales Sugar Factory and the effect it has on the lives of Guyanese.

“Workers have already been sent home at Wales Estate so where is this good life that is existing in Region Three… Is losing your job a good life? Maybe, whom I have spoken with the Honourable Member John Adams may not have spoken to,” he stated.

According to the Opposition MP, members of the National Assembly can tell many tales and continue to have their imaginations run wild but the real judge of the budget is the public. Persaud noted that over the past few days, persons have been describing the budget as “a pickpocket budget”, “a parasitic budget” and even “a vampire budget” based on what it contains.

Also presenting Tuesday night was embattled Opposition parliamentarian Jennifer Westford.

She underscored the disappointment of public servants who did not get their salary increases. While she lauded the fact that Government has commenced the collective bargaining process, the former Public Service Minister noted this should have been done way before in time for the budget presentation.

Moreover, Westford pointed out that public servants are anxious, since many of them are unsure of their future in the public service.

“Today our public servants are suffering from anxiety syndrome because they are unsure whether they will join the scores of their colleagues who were unceremoniously dismissed from their jobs,” she mentioned while adding that this may affect the morale of public servants.

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News

International Day Russian-backed Aleppo offensive “kills hundreds” for Women and Girls in Science

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uyana will be joining hands with the rest of the world in observing International Day for Women and Girls in Science – this day which seeks to empower women and girls around the world.

In September 2015, the United Nation General Assembly declared February 11 as International Day for Women and Girls in Science.

This coincides with the acceptance of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, which seeks to end poverty, protect the planet, ensure prosperity for all and also calls for gender equality in Science, technology and innovation across the world.

It is recognised that

women and girls should have the ability to access, benefit from, develop and influence these sectors which will directly impact whether the goal of UN of a Planet 50:50 by 2030.

It is also recognised that if women are left out of these 21st century revolutions, substantive gender equality will not be achieved.

This day gives women and girls a platform to advocate for their interests, rights and social transformations that they would like to see, especially in science and technology.

According to statistics released by the UN, the number of women continuously falls from secondary school to university, labora-

tories, teaching, policymaking and decision-making.

There are great divides in women’s access to, participation and leadership within Science and technology sectors. Women globally make up fewer than 10 per cent of those in innovation hubs when it comes to science and technology and only five per cent of membership in national academies in Science and technology disciplines.

Change is coming as International Day of Women and Girls in Science seeks to not only celebrate women’s incredible achievements in Science, technology and innovation, but also galvanises the global community to do more to ensure that women’s participation in the formal sector is not the exception but becomes the rule, while in the informal sector where women’s ingenuity is the rule, that they are given recognition and support.

The International Day for Women in Science serves as an annual reminder and hold us to account on how we are advancing women in Science, technology and innovation more broadly and critically for achieving gender equality and ultimately, all other development goals.

Suicide bombers hit Nigerian displaced persons’ camp

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ore than 70 people have been killed in a double suicide attack at a camp for internally displaced persons in northeast Nigeria, officials told Al Jazeera.

The twin suicide bombings in Borno state on Tuesday morning – reportedly committed by females – also left 78 people injured, officials added.

Information about the attacks was first reported by

officials.

The attacks happened at a camp in the town of Dikwa, some 80 kilometres northeast of Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram.

Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris reporting from Katsina, in northern Nigeria said attacks on civilian targets by suspected Boko Haram fighters have been on the increase recently in Nigeria.

“Officials are telling us that the injured have been

evacuated for medical attention. The Army, which is fighting Boko Haram, is yet to comment on this recent attack. But the finger of blame is already pointing at Boko Haram.” Idris said.

The camp is home to 50,000 people driven from their homes by the armed group, whose six-year-old insurgency has killed 20,000 people and made 2.5 million homeless. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trump and Sanders win big in New Hampshire primary

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epublican Donald Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders coasted to victory on a wave of voter anger in the New Hampshire presidential nominating contest, thrashing traditional US politicians in a display of anti-establishment power.

With 95 per cent of the total votes counted in the Republican race in New Hampshire, Trump led the crowded field with 35.3 per cent of the votes against his

closest rival Ohio Governor John Kasich at 15.8 per cent. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who won the Iowa Caucus last week, placed third, followed by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

On the Democratic side, Sanders overwhelmingly defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by 60 per cent to 38 per cent with 96 per cent of the votes counted. Clinton won New

Hampshire in 2008 against Barack Obama, who went on to become President.

Trump’s win solidifies his frontrunner status in the race to be the party’s White House nominee in 2016.

The reality television star’s untraditional campaign has been marked by calls for the deportation of undocumented migrants and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the United States. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The United Nations warned on Tuesday that up to 300,000 people living in the city of Aleppo could be cut off from humanitarian aid

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t least 500 people, including 89 civilians, have been killed since the Russianbacked offensive on Aleppo province began earlier this month, a monitoring group has said.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Wednesday that at least 500 people have been killed since the Syrian Government, backed

by Russian air strikes, launched a major offensive from the north of Aleppo on February 1.

The Observatory said

that among those killed are “89 civilians, including 23 children, 143 pro-Government fighters, 274 rebels and foreign fighters”.

Tens of thousands of Syrians have fled their homes in Aleppo’s suburbs and are waiting on the Turkish border.

The Syrian Government holds the west of Aleppo city while the rebels hold the east, but the situation is largely reversed in the countryside.

The United Nations warned on Tuesday that up to 300,000 people living in the city of Aleppo could be

cut off from humanitarian aid unless access could be negotiated.

“If Government advances around the city continue,” it said, “local councils in the city estimate that some 100,000 to 150,000 civilians may flee.”

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu accused Russia on Wednesday of carrying out a deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing around the city of Aleppo.

On Wednesday, Russia denied such accusations and said its air strikes have not targeted civilians in Syria. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US and India consider joint patrols in South China Sea – US official

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he United States and India have held talks about conducting joint naval patrols that a US defence official said could include the disputed South China Sea, a move that would likely anger Beijing, which claims most of the waterway.

Washington wants its regional allies and other Asian nations to take a more united stance against China over the South China Sea, where tensions have spiked in the wake of Beijing’s construc-

tion of seven man-made islands in the Spratly archipelago.

India and the United States have ramped up military ties in recent years, holding naval exercises in the Indian Ocean that last year involved the Japanese navy.

But the Indian Navy has never carried out joint patrols with another country and a naval spokesman told Reuters there was no change in the Government’s policy of only joining an interna-

tional military effort under the United Nations flag.

There was no immediate comment from China, which is on a week-long holiday for Chinese New Year. China accused Washington this month of seeking maritime hegemony in the name of freedom of navigation after a US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of a disputed island in the Paracel chain of the South China Sea in late January.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuban migrants flown from Costa Rica to Mexico-US border

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group of vulnerable Cuban migrants have been flown by the Costa Rican authorities to a Mexican border town, from where they are expected to enter the United States.

The 113, including children and pregnant women, landed in Nuevo Laredo on Tuesday.

They were among thousands stranded in Costa Rica after neighbouring Nicaragua denied them passage north.

Cubans are allowed automatic residence when they set foot in the US. But after the two counties normalised ties following years of animosity, the

Pregnant women and children were among those on board

number of Cubans trying to reach the US surged amid fears the policy would be dropped.

Central American nations reached a deal last month allowing migrants

stranded in Costa Rica to continue on to the US. The first flight carrying about 180 flew from Costa Rica to El Salvador in January. (BBC News)

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thursday, february 11, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

UG transformational task Ash Wednesday observed in Guyana force established – members to be introduced today

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

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Reverend Joseph Atkinson placing ashes on the forehead of Christians at the St George’s Cathedral

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eace and tranquillity filled the air, as the season of Lent was ushered in on Wednesday during the Ash Wednesday ceremony.

Religious instrumental music filled the air at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and St George’s Cathedral, as the service commenced. Believers were admonished via Holy Scriptures to be watchful and keep in close connection with God. Worshippers had ashes placed on their foreheads, took communion and prayed.

During a short sermon, Father Montrose at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception said the season of Lent signifies a time of penance. Christians will engaged in prayer and fasting for the next 40 days as they keep in close connection with the Lord. Ashes are placed on the foreheads of believers as

Father Montrose of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

a sign of repentance for past wrongdoings.

Father Montrose explained that Christians will engage in various religious activities throughout this season such as penance and Stations of the Cross.

Several acts of mercy services will be conducted in parishes across the country to allow believers to strengthen their relationship with

God. Over at the St George’s Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dean Andrew Carto reminded the congregation that Lent was not only a time of fasting but also a time of helping those less fortunate. He noted that the clichéd rhetoric of “what a person gives up during Lent” should not be the focus but rather forgiveness and helping others. He urged the congregation that at the end of the 40 days of fasting, they should emerge as better individuals leaving behind old grudges, animosity, bad experiences, unfairness and ill-will.

Ash Wednesday is observed by Christians around the world. It marks the period of Lent which is observed by prayer and fasting for 40 days in preparation for Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Christ.

ith a population of over 7000 students, the University of Guyana (UG) – the country’s leading tertiary institution – still has far way to go. And with a fairly new administration in place, a new task force has been established to initiate a process that would be used to restructure and reposition the academic body.

It is hoped that the work instigated by the new unit would help UG achieve a level of excellence necessary to propel the growth and development of Guyana.

Recently appointed Chancellor, Dr Nigel Harris, has received a mandate from Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to move in this direction, urging him to work along with the Council to constitute a team to review and select studies produced in the last decade that assessed the status of the University and make recommendations for change.

The unit is also expected to hear and assess presentations on the perceived state of the University by select past and present administrators, academic and nonacademic staff along with students among other things.

Speaking to journalists at the university’s first media briefing for this year, Harris said it is known fact that the University has brought much success to Guyana and other places where graduates have found themselves; however, there

UG Chancellor, Dr Nigel Harris

are a number of chronic challenges that have faced the university that have not been addressed.

“These include issues such as staff remuneration, issues of governance of the university, issues with the adequacy of the facilities, and issues of infrastructural support. There is a matter of morale, matters with respect to the qualification of the academic and nonacademic staff. These issues have been recognised and spoken to in the last two decades”, he told reporters in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT).

He said what one has to be able to do is revisit all of this, and take hold of the moments of change and opportunities the University and country have found themselves.

Harris said with the change in Government, there have also been changes for the University. He however said that he was not implying that one party has better ideas than the

other.

“It is a moment of opportunity because the Private Sector and other friends of the university and the Diaspora who aligned with the university... who also have found that in this moment of change they want to become reengaged with the university”. He said it was imperative that all sectors of Guyana come together.

According to Harris, there is no way that the solutions are going to come from the university alone, adding that every stakeholder must work hand in hand to achieve the best for the institution.

The task force will be officially announced today at the Arthur Chung Convention centre. Members of the team include members of the University of Guyana Council, which comprises representatives of the Government, Opposition and specified interest groups, the Private Sector, UG representatives and other persons drawn from the wider society and the Guyanese Diaspora.

The University of Guyana was established in 1963. It offers more than 60 undergraduate and post graduate programmes in the faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Education and Humanities, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Technology.

To date, more than 20,000 students have graduated from the University with the tools and skills to function effectively in the Public and Private Sectors.

Health Ministry working to reduce maternal deaths

T

he manner in which child healthcare is being offered in Guyana will soon see a complete evolution through programmes that the Public Health Ministry has already started to organise to enhance the sector and provide exemplary service to the population.

This disclosure was made during an interview with Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud who informed Guyana Times that there have been a number of unfortunate and avoidable maternal and infant deaths as a result of the fluctuating level of neonatal and prenatal care being offered in Guyana.

There will be a significant improvement in the conditions with the implementation of programmes and plans that the Ministry is undertaking in an attempt to advance health services throughout Guyana, in order to safeguard the lives of patients.

According to Dr Persaud, the situation where infants and mothers have been dying after being treated or

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

having come through labour in perfect health has not gone unnoticed and as such, it is their priority to avert further cases from occurring and restore trust in medical personnel.

“We have been observant of the infant mortality rates and it is our target to avoid this.”

He added that much emphasis would be placed on training doctors and nurses at a nationwide level so they were better equipped with the knowledge and skills to care

for newborns and mothers.

Further, the Ministry will aim to improve the physical condition of all health facilities so that deliveries are done in clean and safe surroundings which are healthy and comfortable for both mothers and newborns during their time at the institution.

This, he said, will go a far way in preventing mothers or newborns from picking up any infection or medical condition as a result of their hospital environment.

At the end of 2015, there had been 17 reported maternal deaths from hospitals across Guyana, causing much distress in the Health Ministry.

Health Minister, Dr George Norton has vowed to work tirelessly with other health officials to address the situation and reduce the cases.

He had further admitted that he was aware that some of the cases were as a result of the carelessness of healthcare practitioners who, on some occasions, are too laidback.

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thursday, february 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dairy, livestock business for Wales factory

The Race to LGE 2016

A

Linden candidate outlines plans for town

– hundreds of protesters march along West Bank

griculture Minister Noel Holder on Thursday confirmed that the soon-to-be-closed Wales sugar factory will be converted to a business establishment that will see the rearing of poultry and other livestock.

The Minister was making his presentation on the third day of the debate on

estate” and “AP-NU must go.”

Guyana Times spoke to several protesters who decried the closure, stating they would find it difficult to provide for their families.

Francine Prince, who has been working at the Estate for some seven years, said: “I am having four children and they are all going to school

us – to the community, all over and we are saying no to the closure of Wales,” Thomas stated with great emphasis.

Veteran trade unionist and former President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Carvil Duncan also stood in solidarity with the workers, stating that

munity and we are calling on the policymakers to have this decision reversed.”

The General Secretary also stated that moves to engage in further industrial action were currently “on the table”.

The protest activities commenced two weeks ago in Wales, when community members became involved in the call for Government to give a second thought to its decision which would undoubtedly leave hundreds of families helpless.

The residents held hands and marched through the village, sending a message to Government that they would not give up without a fight.

GuySuCo backtracks on 3-day ultimatum

Protesters as they marched along the West Bank

the budget estimates in the National Assembly.

According to Holder, an aquaculture feasibility study is set to commence.

He said the preliminary indications are that if professionally undertaken, aquaculture will turn out to be a major profit generator that will provide employment for many.

GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine

“Feasibility will commence shortly on other crops.

Work already done has indicated that well-known crops can be successfully grown on the Wales soils,” he said, adding that profitability and employment are key.

Belle West joins protest

Meanwhile, continuing what was started some two weeks ago, a massive protest was organised by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Branch Committee on Thursday in the West Bank Community of Belle West.

Protesters marched along the route of the housing scheme’s entrance to the Bob Marley classic “Get Up, Stand Up”. Protesters waved their banners as they chanted: “Don’t close Wales

and if they close the Estate, then we would be out of a job and then we wouldn’t have money to send our children to school.”

“We go suffer a lot because we got children going to school and you’re gonna suffer de youths dem coming up also. The Estate is the main thing we depend on and me is the only breadwinner in de home, there are seven of us; my wife sickly too,” said Krishna Gobindee, a father of five, who has been working on the Estate for 10 years.

Another worker said he has been working from the tender age of 18, “and this is the only job I know”. “I got three children; one is a baby.

I an know yet wah I gan do,” the 38-year-old said.

He is undecided about the severance package or transferring to Uitvlugt.

Talib Khan, a farmer since 1979, stated that he has seen what has happened to Versailles and was worried what would become of his livelihood as transporting canes from Canal Number Two to Uitvlugt was “near impossible”.

Organisational Chairman Gordon Thomas said that the group wanted full clarification on the decision to close the Estate.

“We heard the news that [Guyana Sugar Corporation] GuySuCo and the Board decide to close Wales Estate; then we heard from the President saying that this [has] been made by Cabinet.

The big question is this – who must we believe that’s saying these things?”

Thomas posited.

He says that they are determined to fight the decision to the end.

“We are prepared to don’t give up the fight, because Wales is very important to

the rights of workers were at stake and “injustice anywhere leads to injustice everywhere”.

“The issue … is not the

Meanwhile, GuySuCo has reportedly rescinded the three-day ultimatum given to Wales Estate workers to either receive severance packages or be transferred to Uitvlugt.

On Monday, Wales’ employees alleged that managers demanded that they make a quick decision or risk termination of services.

This followed the alleged

Lincoln Lewis addressing the gathering at the protest

question of the economics of Wales, but that of your rights and the laws of this land,” Lewis posited.

He also stated that the Constitution which protects citizens’ rights must be respected and called for Government to involve the Opposition in dialogue with the regional democratic organs regarding the closure of the Estate. This, he posited, was because Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was won by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic in the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine, who was also standing in solidarity with the workers, told this publication that the closure of Wales Estate was a wrong decision that should be reversed by policymakers.

“Obviously, the fact that these people are all out here, are all convinced that this decision is a wrong one. We are supporting the workers, residents and farming com-

dismissals of 50 workers deemed temporary, a move which has been condemned

by GAWU. The workers were told that they were no longer engaged in the employ of the Estate and, as such, were given their “marching orders”.

After disgruntled planters and operators met with the media following their meetings with GuySuCo, managers reportedly called them back in and announced a one-month grace period to make their decision on transferring to Uitvlugt or receiving severance.

In an interview with this publication, GAWU President Komal Chand stated that this was in keeping with labour regulations, but he remained adamant in his stance against the closure.

The GAWU President also reemphasised that the Union was not being invited to these discussions which has left workers without representation.

By Utamu Belle

A

s the countdown continues for the March 18 Local Government Elections (LGE) in Guyana, political parties, groups and individuals contesting seats in the Linden municipality are outlining plans and presenting manifestos.

There are eight constituencies in the Linden municipality : 1 – Amelia’s Ward; 2 – Speightland, Retrieve, Kara Kara, Lower Kara Kara and Rainbow City; 3 – Central Mackenzie; 4 – Industrial Area, Constabulary Compound, Watooka, Noitgedacht, Fair’s Rust, Richmond Hill and Cyberia; 5 – Silvertown, Green Valley, Half Mile, Canvas City and West Watooka; 6 – Christiansburg (Sections B and C), Wismar Hill and Victory Valley; 7 – Blueberry Hill, One Mile, One Mile Extension and Wismar Housing Scheme, and 8 – Wisroc, One Mile (South) and Block 22.

Contesting are the two major political groupings: the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); two groups: Linden 2025 and Ambassadors for Progress, along with Uborn Smith, who is contesting to be a Councillor for Constituency 6. Some candidates have indicated that they are awaiting the return of their manifestos which were sent to Georgetown for scrutiny, while others have commenced consultations with residents. with this Speaking newspaper on Wednesday, independent candidate Smith said his platform was based on a movement for inclusiveness, by creating a space of togetherness where residents can come together and discuss projects in an effort to develop the constituency. He further stated his intention to work through lobbying and activism while he expressed a willingness to work with groups, stakeholders and Independent candidate Central Government, should he Uborn Smith be elected to serve.

Smith told Guyana Times that he has already distributed his plans in the form of documents to a number of people in the Linden community.

“Anybody that has a desire to work to develop the constituency, I want to work with them. Every area that is there to develop in terms of human resources, maintaining and putting in place new infrastructure, anything that we can brainstorm as residents, I want to help them to find ways and means in which we can ‘material’ these ideas,” he said.

Working closely in collaboration with the youths in the constituency also forms part of his list of priorities, in terms of assisting them with their careers. Smith indicated that he has been working on a project in Section C, Christiansburg which involved the provision of transportation service for students.

“We have a situation where they actually condemned the Christiansburg Primary School (building) and we have students who live as far as Dalawala that have to make their way up to Blueberry Hill to get to school, which is a pretty good distance.

There are a lot of students whose parents can’t afford to pay transportation contracts to carry them...they basically got to go by foot,” he related.

Smith added that while President David Granger’s recent Three Bs (Boats, Buses and Bicycles) initiative saw a school boat being commissioned to assist students in the outlying riverine areas, the boat can only take the students to a certain point in the Linden community. In an effort to assist, he said his intention is to secure a bus for those students.

Also topping his list of priorities, Smith said he would pay keen attention to the area of health, which includes securing funds to assist senior citizens in getting to the hospitals and clinics.

“I’m saying to the residents, there are some of these things we can do for ourselves; the Government can help us, but we have to come together, come up with our plans and programmes and think about what we can do...then partner with other groups and Government to make these initiatives a reality.”

He noted too that there was a window of opportunity being overlooked by politicians. His movement, he said, is a truly unique and individual one. He also has plans to improve the Christiansburg cemetery with the involvement of members of the community, noting that it was “in a mess” presently. The candidate said while he’s still in the process of putting together his manifesto, the pace will soon pick up in relation to his campaigning. He said there has been a lot of interaction with residents, noting that he has written several pastors in the constituency, sensitising them on his ‘movement’. Smith said he has also consulted with the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) since he intended to work closely with churches and sports groups. These groups, he pointed out, appear to be less included in community plans, but they can provide meaningful contributions.

18

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thursday, february 11, 2016

ARCHIE

Observation will help you recognise what will and won’t (March 21- work. Be fastidious in the April 19) way you approach your job in order to avoid the wrath of someone waiting for you to screw up.

ARIES

What you do out of kindTAURUS ness and respect will result in (April 20- all sorts of rewards. Your acMay 20) tions will make others take notice and put you in the running for a special position.

dilbert

Don’t jump in to something GEMINI (May 21- too quickly. What sounds feaJune 20) sible at first will turn out to be a fiasco. Bide your time and consider the practicality of whatever you want to pursue.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Surprise everyone by making an unusual change to the way you look or live. It’s time to shake things up a bit and to do things the way you want to do them.

You’ll feel anxious if you LEO give in to someone you dis(July 23agree with. Don’t be afraid to Aug. 22) say no or walk away from an argument that is impossible to win.

Avoid bullies and fast VIRGO talkers.

Explore your ideas (Aug. 23and invest in the possibilities Sept. 22) that make you the most excited. Be true to yourself and spend time with like-minded people.

Calvin and Hobbes

Trust in your abilities and LIBRA (Sept. 23- make the changes that will Oct. 23) bring you a high return. Back away from situations that are limiting. Don’t be afraid to make a move.

SUDOKU

Speak up, share your SCORPIO ideas and concerns and make (Oct. 24Nov. 22) things happen. You can make a difference if you put your plans in motion. Love freely and unconditionally.

Stop before you go too SAGITTARIUS far. There will be a fine line (Nov. 23between too little and too Dec. 21) much. Moderation in all your dealings will be the key to success.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Your instincts will lead CAPRICORN you to something or some(Dec. 22- one that will change your life.

Jan. 19) An open mind will encourage others to share their aspirations. You can make a difference.

Stick to your game plan.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Giving in to temptation will Feb. 19) not end well. Strive to reach the personal and professional goals that will help you excel.

You will get ahead, make PISCES (Feb. 20- financial gains and find your March 20) niche if you are diligent in your pursuit of happiness and satisfaction. Romance will ease stress and improve your life.

thursday, february 11, 2016

4 batsmen to watch for at CPL Draft O

bviously the more runs a team puts on the board in their 20 overs, the greater chance they have of securing victory. However, that doesn’t simply mean that tar-

geting the heaviest hitters is the best policy when selecting at CPL Player Draft today.

Although this is a short format, there is still time for a batsman to

gel an innings together. With that in mind, here are five batsmen that should be generating interest when the draft kicks off at 11:00h.

Style and substance

Name – Thisara Perera Age - 26 Skill - Batting Status - Territory

Track record

Perera was snapped up by the Guyana Amazon Warriors last year, but pulled out of the tournament with an injury.

A destructive middle-order batsman, Perera is the perfect man to have in the death overs, as his strike of 142 would attest. Once selected, the Sri Lankan will want to

Team recommendation

Guyana Amazon Warriors might be tempted to look in Perera’s direction once more, especially since a player of his calibre is a vital ingredient in the fast-paced format.

But other franchises would also be keeping an eye on the attacking cricketer, who can also be effective with his nagging medium-pace.

Style and substance

Name - Hamilton Masakadza Age - 32 Skill - Batting Status - Overseas

Track record

In terms of form players in 2016, Masakadza is up there pitching with the best, given January scores of 79 (off 53 balls) and 93 not out (from 58 balls) in Zimbabwe’s Walton T20 series with Bangladesh.

These have helped Masakadza climb to eighth spot in the ICC T20 batting rankings.

His highest series T20 batting average prior to the latest Bangladesh series came on his last visit to the Caribbean too, where he averaged 62 from his two innings against the West Indies in 2013.

Having scored a century on his Test debut, the longer form of the game suited Masakadza most in the earlier rungs of his career, but he has gradually transformed himself into an equally capable T20 player, particularly in terms of scoring at a fast enough rate.

His job for Zimbabwe still tends to revolve around providing a backbone for the innings and batting through. Although, he has proved in recent times to score more dominantly opening at the non-strikers end in comparison to facing the first ball of the innings.

Team recommendation

Zimbabwe’s recentlyappointed captain in all three formats of cricket could prove the perfect partner for super hitter Chris Gayle at the top of the Jamaica Tallawahs line-up.

Gayle scored over 60 runs more than anyone else in the last CPL at an average of over 61, but the Tallawahs still only finished fourth. He has unsurprisingly been retained for the upcoming CPL and a consistent opening partner may help ease the pressure on the remainder of the batting unit should Gayle fail to contribute.

ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup…

Windies up against red hot Bangladesh

Style and substance

show to the Caribbean fans what they missed out on last season. He is fit and ready to go.

A destructive lefthander, Perera can send the ball a long way, especially over ‘cow corner’ when quick runs are required.

His ability to tear bowling attacks apart is well known, as he has smashed 83 sixes in the format. He is the type of player you want coming in with a strong foundation already laid and five overs to go.

19

Name – Thomas ‘Boomer’ Collins

Age - 26 Skill – Batting Status - USA

Track record

On the basis that Collins hadn’t even heard of cricket until last year when approached on LinkedIn about the possibility of a career switch, it’s clear that he hasn’t spent a great deal of time gaining experience and honing his skills.

What may help stand him in good stead is a career in baseball, making him accustomed to hitting balls regularly with a bat and hitting them as far as possible.

Preferably in baseball and T20 they fly out of the stands.

Unfortunately the nickname ‘Boomer’ isn’t borne out of his ability to constantly hit balls miles, but instead because a tornado blasted through the Dallas hospital in which he was born.

Based on YouTube videos filmed ahead of the draft, Collins is more than adept at sweeping balls to the leg side, but there are still some things to learn following his transition. Balls bowled at the head and body still need to be scored off, rather than left alone, while cricket is more about decision making and looking for gaps in the field, instead of swinging as hard as possible and almost hoping for the best in baseball.

Team recommendation

Exactly where Collins should bat is interesting – should he open when there is a greater chance of more pace being on the ball, fields being up and less pressure or come in lower down the order?

His biggest pull is undoubtedly the publicity that a selection in the draft will provide, with the American perception of cricket still predominantly of the Test variety of the game.

The Zouks have the least to lose by taking such a punt, given they have competed in all three CPL tournaments to date and finished no higher than fifth of six.

League, smashing his first T20 century in December against the Hobart Hurricanes. Chris Lynn was named Big Bash League’s player of the year, scoring a total of 378 runs from 218 balls.

Style and substance

Name – Chris Lynn

Age - 25 Skill – Batsman Status - Overseas

Track record

Playing for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2015 CPL, Chris Lynn scored 167 runs in the tournament at an average of 20.87, hitting 11 fours and 10 sixes in the competition.

Since featuring in the CPL, Chris Lynn has made a name for himself in the Australian Big Bash League, becoming one of the most accomplished batsmen in the Australian domestic circuit. A powerful number three batsmen, Chris Lynn has been in the form of his life at this year’s Big Bash

With his fearless brand of cricket and his ability to clear the ropes, Chris Lynn is a destructive batsman in this format of the game. His ability to take on big name bowlers was evident in the Big Bash League, where he dispatched Ben Hilfenhaus for five consecutive sixes.

Although Chris Lynn is renowned for his power hitting, he is an exquisite timer of the ball, which allows him to bat accordingly to the position his team find themselves in.

Team recommendation

Lynn played for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2015 CPL and you could see him continue to hit big for them. He could also be a great asset to others, such as the Guyana Amazon Warriors, helping get big numbers on the boards for the tournament win they are searching for. Either way, Chris Lynn will be a player to watch out for in this year’s CPL Player Draft and beyond. (www.cplt20.com)

West Indies Under-19s head into the match on a three-game winning streak

W

est Indies’ ability to surprise made sure that it wasn’t going to be an all-Asian last four at the Under-19 World Cup. While Bangladesh reaching the semi-finals wasn’t unexpected after they started the tournament with a resounding win against the defending champions, West Indies’ journey has been more topical.

Unlike the hosts, West Indies started their campaign with a loss and then showed their batting firepower against Fiji. They entered the knockouts in controversial circumstances and jolted the Pakistan line-up with impressive fast bowling. Alzarri Joseph’s ability with the ball will be vital to a start that could prove to be decisive.

C h a l l e n g i n g Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla Stadium is going to be a tough task.

Bangladesh are unbeaten but have faced only one Full Member so far - South Africa. They have put up strong totals batting first, strangled oppositions with their spin attack, and also chased a 200-plus target against Nepal under pressure. However, their pace attack is not as menacing, and they would also be under pressure on Thursday while playing their first World Cup semi-final.

They will have an edge over West Indies, though, having beaten them 3-0 in a bilateral series just before the World Cup began.

Strengths

Bangladesh’s

power

lies in their middle-order batting. It shone against South Africa to post a stiff 240, scored 256 against Scotland and rescued the team in the quarter-final against Nepal. The West Indies bowlers’ biggest challenge will be to find a way to curb the batsmen in the middle overs.

West Indies, too, were led by their batsmen opener Gidron Pope’s attacking mindset at the top and Shamar Springer producing scores in the middle order - until pace bowler Chemar Holder arrived.

But now the new-ball pair of Alzarri Joseph and Holder have given their team a new dimension to topple any opposition by taking the pitch out of the equation.

Star performers

Nazmul Hossain Shanto has been the hosts’ middle-order mainstay. He has fallen for only one single-digit score so far in the competition and is their leading run-scorer with an average of 104. If the top order crumbled, Shanto is the player the middle order revolved around as he rotates strike with ease and doesn’t rely on the big shots.

With his pace and troubling lengths, Alzarri Joseph has always struck with the new ball in the World Cup so far. He showed against Zimbabwe that he can be a force in his second spell too and West Indies will come to Mirpur depending on him quite a bit. (Cricinfo)

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thursday, february 11, 2016

Santokie heads bowling options at CPL Draft H

aving the right balance of bowlers is critical in all forms of T20 cricket. Too

many fast bowlers can make it difficult to take pace off the ball, especially on drier pitches, while

at an average of 19.75.

Meanwhile, most recently in the Masters Champions T20, the West Indies bowler took four wickets in as many balls for the Sagittarius Strikers, dismissing international quartet Kumar Sangakkara, Brad Hodge, Justin Kemp and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.

There was also a run out in the same over.

His overall T20 statistics read as 134 wickets at an average of 15.

Name – Krishmar Santokie Age - 31 Skill - Bowling Status – Territory Demand - 8/10 Track record Only Dwayne Bravo took more wickets during the CPL 2015 than Santokie, who claimed 16 victims in 40 overs

Style and substance Santokie is not overly dissimilar to Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, with his slingy motion making him hard to get away for runs.

Being a left-arm seamer, his style of bowling is also something that many batsmen wouldn’t have too much experience facing,

at the age of 25, Tait could have gone down among the bowling greats.

But the longer form’s loss is the shorter form’s gain, and Tait has found the physical demands of T20 far less strenuous on his body.

He has been a regular in Australia’s Big Bash League in recent years, starring for the Hobart Hurricanes in 2015/16, taking 10 wickets in eight matches at an average of 24.7

Name – Shaun Tait Age - 32 Skill - Bowling Status - Overseas Demand - 4/10 Track record If it wasn’t for a succession of injuries, which helped to curtail his first-class career

Style and substance Lots of bowlers may be referred to as “steaming in”, but this is certainly no exaggeration with Tait. He has previously had balls clocked at over 100 miles per hour, using his shoulder-strong action to really let rip.

Tait’s raw pace takes wickets, while he has no

a green deck in warmer weather won’t be best utilised by a team lacking in seam options.

There are numerous types of bowlers up for grabs in the CPL Player Draft and below are five

both Pakistan and when representing the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at CPL 2015.

Tanvir maintained an average below a run a ball for the Patriots and took seven wickets, while he has claimed over 200 victims in the T20 arena on the national stage.

He is no slouch with the bat though, with a T20 batting average of virtually 12 to his name, alongside five centuries and 13 50s at firstclass level.

while Santokie has one of the most deceptive slower balls in the game.

What’s more, a number of years playing in England helped develop his swing bowling technique and this can also be an asset in certain conditions.

Team recommendation Being born in Jamaica and with each CPL franchise needing two of its players to reside in its location, it makes sense for Santokie to stick with the Jamaica Tallawahs for another season.

Ensuring an over is kept back for Santoke to bowl at the death would be a prudent category for any skipper, given his diversity in speed, alongside the slingy action that players tend to find difficult to get fully underneath as they go in search of sixes.

Name - Sohail Tanvir Age - 31 Skill - Bowling Status - Overseas Demand – 8/10 Track record Some may consider Tanvir an all-rounder, but it is his bowling that has particularly stood out in recent years for

qualms about dropping the ball short with the intention of rattling one into a batsman’s ribcage or even striking them with a bouncer.

However, although he has sharpened up with age, the Australian can still be erratic with line and length.

Team recommendation The Guyana Amazon Warriors made the most of a tall, quick bowler last year, when South African Marchant de Lange sped in and left with 12 wickets at an average of 22.

Tait is more than capable of obtaining similar results and could end up with an Aussie buddy at the club, with Brad Hodge scoring 298 runs last season at a strike rate of 141. There is a strong chance that the Warriors will want to profit from his services again.

to watch out for when the draft gets underway on Thursday 11th February

Name - Danial Ahmed Age - 31 Skill - Bowling Status - USA player Demand – 2/10 Track record Ahmed was born in Pakistan, but has been playing

Style and substance The Rawalpindi Express nickname has already been claimed by Shoaib Akhtar and there is no threat that Tanvir, from the same city in the Punjab, is on track to earn something along similar lines.

Tanvir is more mediumfast, but the reason he perplexes so many batsmen is because he bowls off the wrong foot and rolls his arm for the U.S.A. since 2012. The following year he was the team’s top wicket-taker at the ICC World T20 qualifier, bamboozling 10 victims with his slow left-arm orthodox style.

This was despite only playing in four of the eight possible matches against the likes of Ireland, the U.A.E., Namibia, Denmark and Uganda.

More recently he has been a member of the ICC Americas team that has been squaring off against a host of Caribbean nations at the NAGICO Super50.

Style and substance With a top score in either List A or T20 cricket of just nine and little in the way of big-game experience, few can doubt that if Ahmed is ever required to swing the willow

twice when delivering the ball.

This out-of-the-box style and his variation, thanks to his ability to also bowl the odd bit of spin, makes him difficult to get away.

Team recommendation Most of the world’s best left-arm quicks, such as Australian pair Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc, and New Zealand’s Trent Boult, are not involved in the CPL Player Draft, which should help make Tanvir a hotter commodity.

Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel lifted the title last year without much of a seam attack, relying on all-rounders Jacques Kallis, Dwayne Bravo and Kevon Cooper to put pace on the ball.

Not only is Tanvir another option, but offers something different being left-handed.

in the CPL, he will be doing so from number 11.

However, as a bowler he is certainly capable of tightening up an end, even if the fact that he is not the biggest spinner of a ball or able to vary his pace greatly makes it difficult to be regularly among the wickets.

Team recommendation Going purely on bowling economy rates from the most recent CPL, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots may be the best fit for Ahmed.

Only three of their bowlers ended the competition with an economy below eight; the Zouks had four and every other club had at least six.

The Patriots will have little hope of avoiding picking up the wooden spoon again if this season’s bowlers are as expensive with the ball again.

(www.cplt20.com)

WI players given 4 days to accept terms T

he prospect of West Indies sending a second-string team to the World T20 has increased after the sides failed to reach agreement in their contract impasse.

WICB CEO Michael Muirhead responded to the players’ request for a doubling of their remuneration package in the tournament by reiterating the view that the compensation package was agreed with the players’ union, WIPA, last year and would not be changed on the eve of the event.

Muirhead also stated that any player who had not confirmed their acceptance of the current contacts by February 14 would be presumed to have refused selection.

With only days to go before that deadline, it is becoming hard to see how

Darren Sammy

agreement can be reached.

The breakdown in the relationship between international players and their union would appear to have robbed the parties even of the mechanism for meaningful dialogue and there seems little time for Caricom leaders to intervene.

The possibility that West Indies will send a second

string squad unable to reflect their No. 2 position in the T20 rankings and, as a consequence, tarnish the tournament, is real and growing.

Darren Sammy, the captain of the West Indies World T20 team, had earlier written a second letter to the WICB repeating the view that his squad “don’t accept that WIPA can represent us” and insisting on an increase in the financial terms on offer for their availability in the tournament. His first letter complained of a cut of up to 80% in the remuneration on offer to West Indies players at this event compared to previous global tournaments.

“WIPA became conflicted during its negotiations with you and compromised itself,” Sammy said. “It could not and did not actively represent the best interests of all

Michael Muirhead

West Indies cricketers.

“The difference between the remuneration on offer from previous World Cups to this one is shocking and we cannot accept the terms on offer.

“To now be offered just US$6,900 per match across the board irrespective of experience is totally unacceptable. Players are be-

ing asked to start providing services from nearly four weeks ahead of the World Cup and be guaranteed just US$27,600 if they play all the guaranteed matches [which] is a staggering reduction. We are looking, even on 2012 figures, [at] reductions of between 50-80%.

“We suggest that 100% of prize money needs to be paid to the players as per previous tournaments. Twenty percent should not be retained by the WICB. “We also suggest that the match fees be doubled from US$6,900. In summary, we cannot accept the terms on offer. The players are not happy and understandably so with such big differences.”

But Muirhead insisted that the players take up their issues with their player association directly with WIPA and gave no indication

he was about to reopen negotiations over remuneration.

“The terms on offer were negotiated and agreed between WICB and WIPA with the assistance of representatives from the ICC and FICA during a mediation process last year,” Muirhead stated.

“And all parties agreed that they were fair and equitable and acceptable to be offered to the members [of the] WI team selected for the relevant ICC Event.

“As mentioned in my previous email to you, this information was shared with all players following that process in May last year. Players were given an opportunity to discuss the new structure and no concerns were raised at that time.

“It is disappointing that you would choose to question the terms now, on the eve of the WT20 in India.” (Cricinfo)

sports

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T&T franchise renamed Trinbago Knight Riders

T

Shah Rukh Khan

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21

he Trinidad and Tobago franchise in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign has been re-branded as the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

As the reigning champions of the Twenty20 compe-

tition, the re-name reflects the vision of the franchise’s dynamic ownership for Trinidad and Tobago, which is headed by world-renowned Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Venky Mysore, who co-owns the successful IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders.

Shah Rukh Khan, the new owner of Trinbago Knight Riders, said: “It is a great honour to become part of the rich cricketing tradition of Trinidad and Tobago.

We will do everything to uphold the tradition and thank all the people of Trinbago in advance for their passion and support.”

Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, added: “The acquisition of the Trinbago franchise is consistent with our vision to expand the “Knight Riders” brand globally. We

Venky Mysore

are proud of the powerful KKR brand we have built in India as part of the IPL as well as the ever-growing fan base. We now look forward to expanding our brand in Trinbago as well as the entire Caribbean as part of the CPL.” (www.cplt20.com)

ECCB 40-over cricket competition…

Swashbuckling hundreds for Niles and Chowte

T

he East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) 40over cricket competition continued recently with Akeem Niles and Prakash Chowte scoring swashbuckling hundreds.

Niles, playing for Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club A, blasted 101 (7x6s, 11x4s) off just 46 balls to take his team to 59-run win over Paradise/ Bachelor’s Adventure, while Chowte’s 109 (10x4s, 2x6s) off 62 deliveries took Helena 1-2 Sports Club to victory over Strathavon Cricket Club.

Also recording wins were Ogle Cricket Club, Better Hope B and Rockaway Cricket Club. Below are the summarised scores from the games.

At the Paradise Community Centre ground: Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club A defeated Paradise/ Bachelor’s Adventure A by 59 runs. Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club A 186-6 off 40 overs (Akeem Niles 101, Travis Andrews 23, Jermaine Martin 5-45) Paradise/ Bachelor’s Adventure 127 all out in 23 overs (Cladious Fraser 33, Jermaine Martin 24, Rawle Fredericks 3-25).

At the Ogle Community Centre ground: Ogle Cricket Club sponsored by Builders Lumber Yard defeated Golden Grove Cricket Club A by five wickets. Golden Grove A 125 all out from 28.1 overs (Dellon Skeete 52, Richard Woolford 37, Devendra Rampahal 4-17, Anand Persaud 4-26) Ogle Cricket Club 126-5 in 22 overs (Toolsie Balkaran 51, Khemchand Dindial 22).

Mustafaa Azimulla

At the Strathavon Community Centre ground: Helena 1-2 Sports Club defeated Strathavon Cricket Club by 11 runs. Helena 1-2 made 216 in 30 overs (Prakash Chowte 109, Steve Chand 45) Strathavon 103 in 19 overs (Thagnarine Singh 4-24, Kumar Seedyal 2-0).

At the Better Hope Community Centre ground: Better Hope Cricket Club B demolished Mon Repos Sports Club by 204. Better Hope B 299 all out in 25 overs (Daniel Kowlessar 55, Ravi Singh 47, Jayadev Mana 44, Amir Khan 30, Ravi Persaud 2-39, Kevin Jagmohan 2-56) Mon Repos 96 all out (Sheed Zaman 26, Jayadev Mana 4-8, Kevin Rampersaud 2-12).

At the Buxton Community Centre ground: Rockaway Cricket Club sponsored Rockaway Auto Sales Inc. USA eased pass Buxton Carl Hooper Sports Club B by 48 runs.

Rockaway Cricket Club 238 all out in 29 overs

(Mustafaa Azimulla 57, Venoo Paul 40, and Kelvin Bennette 39, Steve Bernett 2-4, Kelvin Booker 2-39) reply Buxton 190 all out from 23.3 overs (Jermine Cox 29, Ano Abrams 29, Andrew Jordan 30, Alvin Bishun 3-24, Malcolm Khan 2-13, Devendra Rajpat 2-33).

Games will continue on Sunday at various venues on the East Coast of Demerara.

Ogle Cricket Club will come up against Lusignan Community Cricket Team at Ogle Community Centre; Better Hope Cricket Club A will tackle Plaisance Cricket Club at Better Hope Community Centre; Lusignan Sports Club B will play Rockaway Cricket Club at Lusignan Community Centre; Buxton Carl Hooper Sports Club will face Golden Grove Cricket Club A at Buxton Community Centre; and Helena 1-2 Sports Club will collide with Mon Repos Cricket Club at Paradise Community Centre.

Meanwhile, the ECCB Under-19 tournament will commence on Saturday with Better Hope Cricket Club playing Lusignan East Cricket Club at Better Hope Community Centre and Buxton Carl Hooper Sports Club coming up against Golden Grove Cricket Club at Buxton Community Centre.

Further information on the tournament can be had from Competitions Committee Chairman Raymond Barton on 6260223 or President of the East Coast Cricket Umpires Association Davteerth Anandjit on 617-8502.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, february 11, 2016

CPL the perfect platform for USA expansion

CPL COO Pete Russell

A

s we saw when Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar took their teams of cricketing greats to the U.S.A. for exhibition games in baseball stadiums, there is an appetite for cricket in America.

The diaspora from the parts of the world where cricket is loved have brought their passion with them.

While the standard of cricket in the Superstars event was patchy, it showed that cricket in the States can work.

The next time high level cricket is played in the U.S.A. could well be the Caribbean Premier League.

The most likely location

would be Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which has an international standard cricket venue with the added benefit of being a short flight from the Islands.

Damian O’Donohoe and Pete Russell, the CEO and COO of the CPL, have been in what they describe as in depth talks with Dave Richardson and Tim Anderson at the ICC about bringing games to the U.S.A. “We have been speaking with Dave Richardson, but it has mainly been led

by Tim Anderson, but obviously Dave has the sign off on everything. But Tim has done wonderful things already in America and is hugely passionate about developing the game there,” O’Donohoe says.

“So we have been working very closely with Tim. He has been our point of contact right throughout this process. And a big part of this is not just about us playing games but how we can help them develop. “[Games in America] has always been our vision from day one, and we are in protracted discussions with the ICC so hopefully we will know in the next week or ten days. But making that move will be the biggest step we have ever taken with CPL.

It really shows how far we have come in a very short space of time.”

Until now the biggest stumbling block in making games in America happen has been the disorganisation of the nowsuspended USA Cricket Association (USACA). Now that the ICC have taken over the day-to-day running of the sport in the U.S.A., it has meant that meaningful steps towards the CPL having matches in the U.S.A. have taken place.

“We are staggered at the reaction from corporate America in cricket, there is a lot of interest from the corporates and the whole USACA situation has not allowed cricket to develop there. For us to be the first international T20 league would just be a massive statement,” Russell adds.

The CPL has been carefully cultivating a relationship with the ICC in a hope that they can help them bring games to Florida. This year every CPL franchise will have at least one member of the ICC Americas squad that took part in the West Indies domestic 50over competition.

Showing willingness to help in bringing in Associate players from the region will

Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar recently took their teams of cricketing greats to the USA for exhibition games in baseball stadiums

no doubt please the ICC, who have the expansion of cricket in the U.S.A. as one of their main developmental priorities. There are also a number of cricketers from other Associate nations in the draft, with Afghans, Dutch, Irish and Scottish players amongst the names in the running for contracts.

“It is all about forging a long term relationship with the ICC and there is no secret in how we have done that,” Russell says. “I think the whole idea of the

Associates coming into the draft, a lot of that is down to the discussions we have had with the franchise owners because they want to have lots of different options.

“There is no question that you have a lot very talented players, especially amongst the Afghans. I would suggest that some of these are picked up in the draft as I know the franchise owners are keen for them to be part of the squads.”

Last season the six ‘neutral’ games that are factored

into the CPL fixture list were in St Kitts. The plan for this year is to move those to America, with O’Donohoe bullish about the chances of success.

He says: “There are going to be people travelling from all over America. We see the interest already from New York and LA with people wanting to know when the games are going to happen and where they are getting tickets so we see a lot of people flying in that won’t just be Floridians.”

By the CPL’s estimates there are some 250,000 Jamaican ex-pats in and around the Fort Lauderdale area with Russell saying it will be like a ‘home game’ for the Jamaica franchise.

Games between the West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka have sold out there in the past, so there is every chance that these games would be well attended, but they did not leave any lasting legacy.

Many will be cynical about this succeeding, and with some justification.

There have been so many promises that have been broken and chances that have been missed with American cricket. It is up to the CPL to make sure that their arrival in Florida isn’t one of those.

(www.cricket365.com)

WICB/PCL 4-day…

Bishoo, Chandrika looking forward to fruitful season us a while to regain the title and now we have the opportunity to win two in a row.”

Notably, at Wednesday’s practice, Bishoo displayed an eagerness to engage in batting drills.

“Over the last few months I have been working on batting, I have taken it more serious than before; you have to work hard and keep improving on your skills,” he reckoned.

Bishoo’s leg-spin will complement what is potent bowling line-up that has the league’s leading wicket-taker Gudakesh Motie and fellow left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

By Akeem Greene

T

he Guyana Jaguars pair of Devendra Bishoo and Rajendra Chandrika have their eyes set on a rewarding season in the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day tournament.

When Guyana Times Sport spoke to Bishoo on Wednesday after practice at the National Stadium, the West Indies leg-spinner expressed joy at being back in training with his fellow teammates.

The leg-spinner said, “It’s been a couple weeks out, but I’m happy to be back, training with the guys; I’m comfortable around the guys, it’s the same set of guys I have been playing with over the years.”

The 2011 ICC Emerging Player-of-the-Year can count himself a bit unlucky after he picked up his careerbest figures of 6-80 against the touring Australians last year, and then suffered a shoulder injury which kept out of the final eleven on the return tour to Australia.

“I was disappointed during the series when I got injured; I never really had a serious injury, unfortunately is it is something beyond my control. I’m happy to be back and I will work day by day to strengthen myself,” Bishoo explained.

Due his bulky workload while playing Test cricket,

Chandrika back

Devendra Bishoo about to fizz one of his deliveries through during practice on Wednesday

Bishoo has suffered discomforting cuts to his bowling finger, which has sidelined him just as he seemed to be in the best of form.

Former West Indies great, off-spinner Lance Gibbs had offered Bishoo some advice, stating that he used “a mix of boric acid and calamine lotion” to protect his fingers.

Quizzed on what he is doing to remedy the situation, Bishoo revealed, “ I’m strengthening it as much as possible; it has not burst for a while now and it’s an injury I don’t like to get. When

it happened I was extremely disappointed, but now it’s okay and I don’t have to worry too much about it.”

Bishoo, who has taken 291 wickets from 68 FirstClass matches, returns to a team that has been extremely dominant in the PCL Four-day competition.

When asked how he expects to contribute, the Berbician said, “The team has been playing amazing cricket over the league, now coming into the team I want contribute to help the team win and I want to contribute in a big way as well. It took

Meanwhile, the righthanded opening batsman Chandrika is also upbeat about the upcoming five games the Jaguars have left in the league.

The West Indies opening batsman is making a return from injury and appears to be in good touch after making 86 in the practice match last week.

“Coming off of Australia which was a learning curve for me, I’m looking to get some runs here. I need to be more patient, which I did sometimes in Australia, it worked for me there, so I just need to be selective with my shots,” Chandrika explained.

Chandrika, who has played 38 First-Class matches and scored 1,773 runs at

Defense mode! Rajendra Chandrika plays a forward defensive shot at Wednesday’s training session (Akeem Greene photos)

average of 25.69 with one century and eight half-centuries, is focused on making sure he churns out some big scores.

“I have no specific goals, but simply try to get much runs as possible. I will take it step by step, four-day cricket is long so when you get a hundred, you have to carry on from there and get a big score,” the batsman posited.

Commenting on the side’s rich vein of form, Chandrika said, “We have been doing well because of the commitment, discipline and hard

work as a team. We just need to continue along that same path.”

Table toppers Guyana Jaguars play the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from Friday at the National Stadium, Providence.

The squad reads: Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton and Robin Bacchus. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, february 11, 2016

23

“Landmark day” for NA/East Canje/East Bank whips CPL, says O’Donohoe Upper Corentyne by 153 runs BCB/Inter Zone U-15 cricket…

– as USA confirmed to host six matches

C

ricket followers in the USA will have the chance to watch some of the greatest players in the world this summer in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved the staging of Twenty20 (T20) fixtures in the forthcoming 2016 season.

Six fixtures are planned to take place in July, with full fixture and ticket information for the coming season to be announced in due course.

Commenting on the announcement, CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe said: “Today is a landmark day for the CPL and a massive boost for cricket followers across the USA ahead of the CPL Player Draft in Barbados on Thursday.

“This project has been in discussion for many months and we are grateful to the ICC for supporting this move which enables us to step up our planning and open up opportunities for the cricket-hungry American public.

“I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of Dave Cameron and

CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe

our partners in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in this process. The participation of the ICC Americas team in the recent Nagico Super 50 has proven to be a hugely important step forward and we are committed to providing more opportunities for players and that experience will certainly count for those six ICC Americas players who will be selected in this year’s Draft.

“The CPL has already had a positive impact in the Caribbean and we are excit-

ed about bringing top quality cricket to the USA. We are committed to developing the next generation of cricketers and we believe that by exposing the best talent from across the Caribbean and the Americas region in the CPL, we can inspire a new generation of cricketers in the USA.” ICC Head of Global Development, Tim Anderson, said: “In partnership with the US cricket community the ICC has recently established a strategic framework for the future development of cricket in the USA. “The staging of high level international cricket is a key part of this strategy, therefore we see the approval of several CPL matches in the USA as a positive step forward for all cricket followers in the US. “We are also delighted that a number of development activities will take place around the matches, ensuring that the expertise and experience of the CPL players, coaches and officials contributes to the exciting growth of the game in the USA.” (www.cplt20.com)

GFF/Stag Elite League…

“We are ready for the kick-off” – Pele’s coach

Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson ended the first half with 11 goals and is expected to be a key figure for Pele yet again

By Akeem Greene

C

oach of the Pele Football Club, Justin Bentick, has revealed that his unit is ready to do battle come Friday in the Guyana Football Federation’s Stag Elite League.

Speaking to this publication on Wednesday, Bentick disclosed that, “I think we are ready for the kick-off, everything is going great so far. Pele is always a team that approaches their first game of a tournament very seriously and we don’t un-

derestimate opponents, the confidence is up.”

In the early stages of the league, Pele turned out to be the team to beat with a fleet of dominating performances, but strangely with about four games left, began to look a unit lacking cohesion.

In reflection, coach Bentick explained, “At that point, I was a bit disappointed, reasons were we had some internal problems with the heads of the club and it reflected on the players. In this second half, things will be better since we ironed out all the problems, we know

our strengths and we know our weakness.”

Talented striker Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson was a bright light for the team up front and torn in the defense of opposing teams.

The former Golden Jaguars player was the league’s second leading goal scorer with 11 goals and coach Bentick sees the striker as a vital player in the set-up.

“He is very important to Pele; he is our leading goal scorer and is the most senior and experienced player so he motives the team as the other players would look to him; so he is every important to the current team,” Bentick posited.

The club made some transfers ahead of the restart of the league, but the coach explained that they were mostly youth players from some Linden sides.

Pele ended the first half in second place on 27 points just one point behind Slingerz FC; they played 14 matches and won eight, lost three and drew three.

Pele FC play their first game on Friday at the Guyana Defence Force ground against Slingerz FC from 17:30h.

N

ew Amsterdam/ Canje/East Bank finished unbeaten after the preliminary rounds with a massive 153run victory over a hapless Upper Corentyne team in the Bebrbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) Inter-zone Under-15 tournament, sponsored by JZ Mohamed of City Bias, New York.

Playing at the Cumberland ground, East Canje, the match was reduced to 40 overs per team.

The home team won the toss and took first strike, racking up 199-3, which was built on several good partnerships.

The opening pair of Jerron France and R Ramdeholl put on 105 for the first wicket before Ramdeholl went for 19.

Carl Gilgeous joined France and together they put on 50 for the second wicket, before France went for a well-played 64 and Gilgeous 39.

Aaron Beharry was unbeaten on 12 at the end of their innings.

In reply, the Upper Corentyne lads were shot out for a meagre 46 as Leon Swammy and Nikeem Noble took 3-7 and 3-5 respective-

From left: Leon Swammy, Jerron France and Nikeem Noble

ly. Nicolas Haywood and Beharry took a wicket each.

The other last round game between West Berbice and Lower Corentyne was postponed to February 13 at the Area ‘H’ ground with Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club hosting the game.

The BCB is appreciative of Shabeer Baksh of Blairmont Cricket Club

for hosting the game at the D’Edward ground; Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and Young Warriors Cricket Club for hosting a match each.

This will go a far way in making sure that the tournament is successful, the BCB said.

The final is set for February 20, at a venue to be named.

thursday, february 11, 2016

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

“Landmark day” for T&T franchise CPL, says O’Donohoe renamed Pg 23

Trinbago Knight Riders

Pg 21

– as USA confirmed to host six matches Americans will enjoy the CPL atmosphere this season, as six matches will be hosted in the USA

4 batsmen to watch for

Thisara Perera

CPL Player Draft Pg 19 Pg 20

Santokie heads bowling options Krishmar Santokie

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