Guyana Times Daily - March 24, 2015

15,200 to sit P17 NGSA next week

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

Issue No. 2442

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

PRICE

APNU+AFC in New York:

Granger scapegoats Chinese, Brazilians

Page 8

...raises fears of ethnic victimisation

Ramotar urges int’l Page 13 support for Iwokrama

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police testing Crum-Ewing’s bullhorn for fingerprints P9 Rohee P9 confirms small electrical fire at Forensic Lab

Berbice P11 welcomes move on deepwater harbour

Students of the Cummings Lodge Secondary School take advantage of some of the free materials that were on show highlighting the importance of the forest as Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Forests and Trees at a ceremony held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (Marceano Narine photo)

WCB man gets 10 Granger warns against “dirty” years for raping voters’ list 10-year-old girl Page 12

Page 3

– GECOM denies claims, justifies increase

PPP/C has P15 not strayed from Jagan’s principles ...he wanted all to be prosperous – Rohee

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news

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tuesday, March 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, March 24 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, March 25 – 08:30h-10:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, March 24 – 06:40h-08:10h and Wednesday, March 25 – 07:25h-08:55h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on: Tuesday, March 24 – 05:00h, 10:00h and 16:00h Wednesday, March 25 - 05:00h, 10:00h and 17:00h

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected throughout the day, with thunderstorms in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:07h and 19:34h reaching maximum heights of 2.74 metres and 2.58 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:42h and 13:06h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.49 respectively.

Granger warns against “dirty” voters’ list – GECOM denies claims, justifies increase

By Gomatie Gangadin

G

uyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has rebutted claims made by Opposition Leader and Presidential Candidate of the A Partnership for National UnityAlliance For Change (APNU-AFC) ticket, David Granger in New York on Sunday that the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) was ‘dirty’.

Granger, who is currently in the United States of America to launch the coalition’s elections campaign there, told his supporters over the weekend that there was what appeared to be a “dirty” bloated voters’ list, while urging supporters to be watchful on polling day.

According to Granger, the list has increased by more than 100,000 and this was alarming, given the fact that statistics have shown that the population in Guyana has been dropping over the years. “Do not take things for granted. Do not be complacent. The list has suddenly gone up by 100,000 to 567,000. Keep your eyes open. We do not believe in that. How in three years in a country in which the population is falling, the voters’ list has gone up by a 100,000?” he asked.

According to Granger, if the coalition is voted into office on May 11, it plans to revamp the voters’ list. Last August, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary , Clement Rohee called upon GECOM to explain “the drastic increase in new registrants (over 78,000) when the average annual increase of new registrants is usually just over 11,000.

Songs of praise

Meanwhile, contacted on Granger’s comments, Dr Surujbally stated that there was no ‘dirty’ list of which he was aware. The GECOM Chairman noted that for the longest while APNU and Granger had been singing songs of praise for the Commission, noting that they had no concerns. He said it was

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

now amazing that the party had concerns with the list. He noted that the Commission had met with the APNU, the PPP/Civic and all other stakeholders over the past months and not once did they express any view that there was a problem with the list even though they had the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) and the revised PLE in their possessions.

“We met over the past months and even though they had the list in their possession, they never once raised any questions or queried anything.

They never mentioned the list. Why is it that Mr Granger is making these statements over there and not over here,” he queried.

Dr Surujbally, however, went on to state that the Elections Commission had held discussions with the parties and had informed them of why the list was the way it was. He related first that the list had persons who have been deceased but this could not be changed until the General Register Office (GRO) certified that the persons were indeed dead. He noted that if the GRO could not and did not cer-

tify this, then the Commission cannot remove those names from the list even though the electors are deceased.

He further stated that from the last time of registration to now, there had been an increase in the number of persons turning 18 years old and as such, there would have been an increase in the number of persons registered.

The third reason for the list being the way it is, he stated, is the fact that many overseas-based Guyanese had returned home and had registered, before subsequently leaving the country again. Those who remain abroad, he said, are still Guyanese and are still registered on the list to vote, as is their right and as such, the Commission cannot take those names off. “If they come to register, if they come with their passports and register, how can I say no? I have to register them as is the law,” Dr Surujbally expressed.

He noted that it was “hurtful” and “disgusting” that the parties were also accusing the body of having a ‘padded’ list. He questioned how this can be while noting that it was creating a negative image of the body. “Why would we have a padded list? How would I know who is voting for which party?” he said.

Dr Surujbally further told the Guyana Times that it was his view that the Commission had a valid database and a valid list since the parties’ scrutineers monitor, check and verify every activity of the body and as such, there was no way that the list and the activities of the body were not up to par.

“They are over us in everything we do, they check and sign off on everything so I don’t know how they can make such statements,” he related.

He pointed out that he was sure that his number was correct since his information was gathered from doing a house-to-house, door-to-door registration. As such, he does not believe that there is any credence in Granger’s statements.

Labourer remanded for aggravated robbery

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labourer’s current place of residence is at the Camp Street Prison after he was remanded on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for robbery with aggravation.

Lancedial Browne from Bent Street, Georgetown, was remanded after pleading not guilty to the charge that he had robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC),

Rasheed Ali of a gold chain valued $160,000 on Water Street.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the defendant that the VC and the defendant are known to each other. On the day of the incident, the VC was walking along Water Street towards the Stabroek Market when a man grabbed him from behind. This caused his

gold chain to burst. The defendant, who was with the man, bent to pick up the chain the same time the defendant did. At this point, the man punched the VC across the right side of his face which made him stumble backwards.

Prosecutor Mangru continued that the defendant successfully picked up the chain and ran into the market with the man af-

ter lashing the VC with a piece of wood. The VC gave chase but the men escaped.

He reported the matter to the Police who launched an investigation, had the man arrested and charged.

The case was transferred to Court Eleven where the defendant was told to come back on April 7 for the continuation of his case.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Lee Kuan Yew O

ne of the icons and trailblazers of the developing world, Lee Kuan Yew, of Singapore, passed way quietly on Sunday at the age of 91. Today, his city-state is amongst the most modern, developed and sophisticated places on earth. Even his critics would have to concede that much of this was due directly to the drive and vision of this great man. He died in his country's 50th independence anniversary year.

As our local politicians mount their campaign platforms in the current elections, they would do well to reflect on why Singapore is so far ahead of us by every single measure, when in the 1960s, on the cusp of independence, we were on par, if not ahead of them.

Lee Kuan Yew was a contemporary of PPP/C's Dr Cheddi Jagan and PNC's Forbes Burnham, born in the then British colony of Malayasia. Like Burnham he won a scholarship to England, was delayed because of WWII, but later qualified there as a lawyer (Cambridge) and returned to his country to enter law and politics.

When the Chinese-dominated Singapore was ejected from Malayasia after Chinese-Malay ethnic riots in 1963, few thought that, bereft of any natural resource and with the British withdrawing from its one man-made resource it's massive ports, Singapore would survive. But we know it did not just survive but prevailed. How did he do it?

We do not have to guess: he detailed how it was all brought about in his book, "From Third World to First", which should be required reading for all our leaders.

He first made a commitment to a meritocratic multiethnic state even though he was a member of its dominant Chinese majority. The Indian and Malay minorities were never excluded from his developmental thrust. He next made a strategic decision to link Singapore with Europe and the US as the "hinterland" his city-state would service.

To run the state, he asked the developed countries for scholarships to their most prestigious universities Cambridge, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, etc - and sent the brightest scholarship winners there.

Upon their return, they would work for the Civil Service - but at salaries comparable to those of the businessmen sitting across their desk negotiating Government concessions, etc. With the compensation issue addressed, he promulgated a zero-tolerance policy on official corruption.

With his exposure to Britain's immediate post WWII rebuilding efforts, he insisted on Singaporeans becoming totally conscious and responsible for the rebuilding and maintenance of an immaculate and disciplined functioning city.

He was criticised for being "authoritarian" in clamping down on recreational drug usage and even chewing gum.

But he knew that first world businesses would only be attracted if they were assured of first class standards.

This is one reason why it strains incredulity that the Opposition has been allowed to get away with their support of Hamilton Green as Mayor of Georgetown, even as the Central Government worked to return a semblance of functionality to the city. The same holds for the Marriott.

Lee Kuan Yew also avoided the "Clash of the Titans" during the heyday of the Cold War. While he was a staunch anti-communist, he always conceded the sovereignty of China and its right to have a sphere of influence in the region. The transformer of modern China Deng Xioping visited Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew in 1978 just before he launched his own bold capitalist experiment.

Singapore invested from its sovereign rights funds towards the transformation of China and was rewarded handsomely on the incredible returns.

Today, Guyanese leaders still have an opportunity to follow Lee Kuan Yew's lead and transform Guyana.

Meritocracy, non-racialism, an outward export focus, disciplined citizens, clean environment - these are all within our capabilities - with proper leadership. Brazil to our South can be the "hinterland" that we can service to catalyse our development.

Let us not lose this opportunity.

President Donald Ramotar, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Education Minister Priya Manickchand observing Navratri at a Mandir in Berbice

No party or racial triumphalism

Dear Editor, I write in response to Malcolm Harripaul’s caustic and offensive reference to me, Annan Boodram and others as PPP/C triumphalists/apologists that was published in another media.

My response was not carried there - so much for freedom of press and the right to a response. If defending Indians against physical (PNC) and verbal abuses (including from people like Malcolm, David Hinds, Freddie Kissoon and FAW Collins, etc) makes me a triumphalist, then I wear the description as a badge of honour.

I have fought against racial injustices in Guyana since as a child and people like Malcolm will not succeed in tarnishing my good name and work. It was wrong for the PNC to persecute Indians, Portuguese, Chinese, Amerindians, Mixed and others and practise party and racial triumphalism.

It cannot be right for any one or party to act or behave triumphalist post PNC dictatorship even if elections have been won democratically.

I should note that it was Malcolm who was behaving

triumphalist on the eve of the 2011 election, and once again he has exhibited similar behaviour lately as the countdown begins for the May general elections. He is certain his party, the PNC, will take power.

To the best of my recollection, I never wrote anything defending the PPP/C or celebrating or defending its many victories. In addition, I never voted for the PPP/C or advocate as such for it. And neither did I ever support it.

On the contrary, I have been very critical of it. The record would show I fought alongside the PPP/C, WPA. URP, DLM, NRP, TUF, GUARD and PCD for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. I donated funds to all of the PCD outfits and organizations that fought the PNC dictatorship.

Malcolm became a beneficiary of my struggle. He was given a plum job to head Customs by the PPP/C, the same party he has cursed and accused of being triumphalist. When he was with the PPP/C for two decades it was not triumphalist. But when he was kicked out of Customs, the PPP/C became triumphalist.

If Malcolm was not fired

Time will tell

Dear Editor, So the writing is on the wall. David Granger claims he was not consulted concerning the appointment of the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud. It seems clear that he did not intend to support that appointment.

You will note also that he

does not support the confirmation of the Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh.

His proposed financial expert Carl Greenidge plans to dismiss Deodat Sharma, the Auditor General, and Gita Singh from the Audit Department ‘when’ they win the elections in May. Which other Singh,

from his cushy Customs job, would he have described the PPP/C as triumphalist?

Would he have anything negative to say about Bharrat Jagdeo or Donald Ramotar or Janet and Cheddi Jagan?

I think not.

Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan were also with PPP/C (former 50 years) and the latter (25 years) – were they also PPP/C triumphalists?

The record would show that Malcolm was a member of two Indian parties before joining an African party.

That is the hallmark of a confused man who does not know what he stands for. It is easier to describe him as a triumphalist rather than Annan Boodram who belonged to only one party or to me who never joined a party.

Thus, I could not fall under the category of a triumphalist. But it is interesting to note that Malcolm does not find David Hinds’ recent statement on “a tit for a tat” as abominable, racist and an advocacy of triumphalism.

He did not find the PNC’s policies as racially triumphalist.

And how about the argument made by APNU’s spokespersons of its 41 per cent African support and the

comment by AFC spokesperson of its 11 per cent Indian support being added together to win the election? Is that not triumphalist?

When Boodram, Vassan Ramracha, Baytoram Ramharack, Ravi Dev, I and other Indian intellectuals speak up on behalf of Indians, they are branded triumphalists. When African writers attack and demean Indians that is not triumphalism.

Malcolm must be spending too much time with Freddie Kissoon writing without substantiating his contentions. Claims and assertions need evidence.

Malcolm has been short on the truth.

Writers and politicians must behave in accordance with the highest principles of fairness and democracy, recognizing that all citizens in the multi-ethnic society must be treated with utmost dignity, respect, and equality.

No race or party must be above another race or party.

But if speaking out against racial abuses and the victimization of Indians or any group is triumphalist, then so I am.

Persaud or Khan or Ali may be on the chopping block.

Would Prime Minister ‘tobe’ Moses Nagamootoo and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan concur?

We also note that when Courtney Crum-Ewing was killed on the roadside it was termed as an assassination.

When Indian business-

men and women and householders are slaughtered and raped in their own homes, why don’t the media deem those acts assassinations committed by the regular thugs and criminals who prey on innocent people?

Time will tell.

Vishnu Bisram

Harry Doobay

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

Kissoon’s column was very sad and depressing Dear Editor, In his March 15 column, at the height of saturation media coverage of Courtney Crum-Ewing's murder, Freddie Kissoon wrote an article headlined, "Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar were right on what they said about me".

It turns out upon further reading that Jagdeo and Ramotar had stated that they knew businessmen who helped Kissoon build his house and Kissoon was now courageously admitting this fact.

I find this admission entirely disturbing because when politicians, public figures, journalists and commentators take "help" from businessmen, this tends to compromise their integrity and independence, and in the case of journalists, who crusade against corruption, this is particularly disappointing and sad.

The justification for taking what Kissoon calls "generous help" from businessmen had to do with his inability to "buy a proper lower middle class house with salary from UG after 20 years of service".

This is a preposterous concept and is usually the same one used when politicians and bureaucrats shake down businessmen for help to build their homes. In Kissoon's case, he needed a home "befitting" an academic.

This also is an incredible concept where persons require homes "befitting" their perceived status and years of service and where they couldn't afford same, then businessmen are called upon to provide "generous" help to achieve this goal of having a "proper lower middle class home", another fuzzy idea.

I find all this extremely distressing and shocking coming from an "academic" like Kissoon and I am immediately reminded that this is what the politicians and bureaucrats do all the time, and this is what Kissoon and others rightfully complain about when they speak about corruption in the society.

In the same article, Kissoon raises the question again about the manner in which "acolytes' of Jagdeo build houses only after entering Jagdeo's Government". In his brave admission, he answered the question. They did

it just how he did it.

Decide on a house that you can't afford and then ask the businessmen for "generous" help.

Many businessmen will readily respond because not only politicians and bureaucrats have power but also journalists and commentators. It is indeed sad how these vile habits have spread throughout the society like a cancer.

Kissoon has gravely damaged his reputation as an independent commentator and fatally damaged his integrity as a journalist. As a person, he has behaved just like the rest of them.

As for the "interesting story" about a quarry owner, who is a friend of Jagdeo, who got a $3 billion contract to pay off a $2 billion loan, this is all false.

But after peddling this nonsense, Kissoon states "I don't know if the story is true". This is wickedness. It has nothing to do with journalism and cementation. It is all very sad and depressing.

Ramon Gaskin

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For nearly 3 decades, we had a minority Govt against our collective wills

letters continued on page 18

Dear Editor, There is not an election, and I am sure you have dealt with it before - anywhere in the world, where race is not a critical element. It is integral to any political discussion you can ever engage in.

After all, you are calling on people, human beings to vote for you so race is important. In whatever the jurisdiction you may find yourself, the people who live there must be courted and counted when you are electioneering. In this regard, the numbers of people who will vote for you is of utmost importance.

We like to selectively quote the USA in our discussions and here we have a prime example. For centuries, America was governed by the Caucasian race. However, in the last two elections we saw a sudden shift to a "coloured" man leading the nation. Why the change, and how did this come about?

There are many theories we can follow, but the one I have come up with is President Barack Obama,

who endeared himself to the majority race wherein he gained their respect and confidence. Being a coloured man, he knew that he could not rely on the black population alone.

So, from the very start he went on a campaign to win the hearts and minds of whites. He did quite a successful job of it to the point that his fellow blacks saw the headway he was making and they too threw in their support.

America is not the only example of a minority heading the Government.

Examples can be sourced from Fiji where Indians are a minority, but successive Governments there were ruled by a minority Indian leader; reasons being they endeared themselves to the majority population.

Alberto Fujimori, a Japanese, could have successfully governed Peru.

The common thread woven through all of these stories is that race does matter when discussions of this nature comes up and depending on how good your race

relations are that will determine the outcome.

The reason for all of the above examples is the fact that the minority leader did the right thing; he endeared himself to the people. They could have identified with the masses; struggled with them; felt their needs and as such was willing and able to be their leader. These leaders were also successful in gaining the respect and admiration of the people.

When you look at the life the Jagans lived and the way they lived it tells you why they were successful in the leadership role they played.

They earned the respect of the people across the political and racial divide. The PNC vainly tried to tarnish that image with a "race hate" campaign but those of us who know the facts when comparing the two parties quickly come to the conclusion that the PPP/C is the only political entity that qualifies itself for leadership role. They are the only party that bridged the racial gap. turn to page 18

Nagamootoo should have known Govt has been pursuing alternative energy sources that Guyanese in the diaspora Dear Editor, Allow me to respond to some of what David Granger is reported to have said in a recent article on the Amaila Fall Hydro Electricity project.

The Government has been keenly pursuing alternative energy possibilities for our country. One has to seek to match output, market (inclusive of ability and willingness to pay) and costs.

Thanks to the work of the international agencies in the 70s and 80s there have been studies available to different degrees of detail of 67 hydro sites that could be of economic interest. Many are small, of a fraction to 10 MW, could not carry a transmission line to the coast and need a local market.

A few are in the 50 to 150 MW size that might be considered practical possibilities to supply our coast. A few other larger sites, particularly the Potaro and Mazaruni basins when fully developed would be producing much more electricity, than our GPL would need, about 1500 to 4000 MW, respectively.

This Government (on the basis of earlier work) pursued a small hydropower project with the Government of China and about 1995 approved the hydro development at Moco-Moco, including a small network for Lethem which was then still dependent on fuel (and everything else) being flown in from Georgetown, or coming by road from Venezuela and Brazil.

On beginning the operation of the Moco-Moco Hydro plant in 1999, it was natural to move from "lights at night" to

a 24x7 electric supply. Lethem Power Co Inc was born but Moco-Moco was disrupted by a landside in 2003. A team from China was quickly brought to review the situation and make recommendations.

The views of experienced local and other persons were also sought. They all roughly concurred on the following options: Option 1: Replace damaged sections and relay penstock as it was with minimal correction to the sliding of the land.

Budget about $50 to $70 million but the likelihood of repeated sliding would be minimally reduced - you would have to live with that likelihood and would insert enough flexible and rupture joints to minimize damage and quicken repair.

Option 2: Replace damaged sections and relay penstock as it was, but now with significant amount of geo-engineering of the sliding area thus reducing but not eliminating the likelihood of subsequent slides. Budget about $100 million to $200 million.

Option 3: Essentially a total rebuild of the project with the penstock routed along another face of the mountain and a new power station built.

Budget about $500 to $700 million.

This was definitely not as Granger stated a case of some "genius'' deciding that we couldn't afford $70 million to realign the tube. Rather, we did not accept Option 1, with the chance that the land could slide again in subsequent rainy seasons, as there have since been.

One could imagine the PNC opposition then querying, which "genius" wasted some $70 million of public money, just putting the penstock back in place and having it broken again in a subsequent slide.

I could assure you that we pondered the three options and have been pursuing opportunities with interested Brazilian companies (typically small and not very well known) for the redevelopment of Moco-Moco. I may add that it is easily said that a Brazilian investor would come but risks have to be mitigated and returns have to be sufficiently rewarding.

Allow me to disclose (I would normally have considered now too early) that noticing the calls from the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA) for renewable energy projects, which they may consider for funding (half the amount at concessional rates), we proposed last year a Rupununi Electricity Company based on developing Wamakaru falls (about 3-4MW); redeveloping Moco-Moco judicious quantities of wind and solar at various villages, with back-up HFO at Lethem (2x2 MW); and with a main transmission backbone linking Lethem, Annai, Sante-Fe Farm, Karasabai (and as soon as we can, Aishalton).

As presently envisaged this would be a public - private - partnership of about US$20 million with the Government guaranteeing the US$10 million loan from IRENA (if we win the allocation).

Turn to page 18

are not for sale

Dear Editor, It could not be a more fitting and appropriate welcome for APNU+AFC’s David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, when they visited the Guyanese diaspora in Queens, New York.

Granger and Nagamootoo were picketed and flatly rejected when they arrived in New York with their bag of empty promises. One has to be in sympathy for these two, for they know not what they do.

What Granger and Nagamootoo failed to realized is that these people came from Guyana and they are well aware of who the APNU

and the AFC are and what they stand for. Granger, the PNC’s blood-stained guy opened his big mouth with cheap elections promises, begging Guyanese in New York to go back home.

But Granger should know that back in his days it was the ruthless PNC that caused Guyanese to flee their homeland and seek refuge in the US and other parts of the world. Nagamootoo, who is no stranger to the Guyanese diaspora should have known that Guyanese are not for sale and will not be bought by the APNU+AFC cheap bargains.

Granger and Nagamootoo must understand that their

quest for political power is not all that the Guyanese people want; they must understand that backwardness belongs to the APNU+AFC, and not all the Guyanese people.

Guyanese have already shut the door on PNC and the keys are nowhere to be found. So my humble advice to Granger and Nagamootoo is not to hop around taking plane rides trying to bribe Guyanese people.

After May 11, there will be more good reasons for Guyanese to return home under the trusted PPP/C Administration.

Suresh Silas

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tuesday MARCH 24, 2015

Page

Foundation

Boys and low self-esteem U

nbeknownst to many parents, teen boys frequently suffer from low self-esteem. This very delicate, but critical component of a boys emotional development is often the key ingredient to their overall success in life and the main factor in developing strong physical, social and cognitive skills.

In today’s media centric society, boys are constantly measuring themselves against other peers, the males in their household, as well as the often-skewed media’s portrayal of men.

Despite popular opinion, which generally labels boys as aggressive and overtly sexual, this is often far from the truth. Most boys, especially those between the ages of 12 to 17 pass through an intense period of insecurity and are very sensitive about their image while struggling to find their place in the world around them.

Their egos are easily damaged and words said by loved ones and peers alike can have a devastating effect.

strategies for building selfesteem each and every time they interact.

Here are a few helpful suggestions to encourage self-esteem in teenage boys.

1. Listen. Due to their lack of emotional vocabulary, many young men do not know how to adequately portray the way they feel.

Parents need to listen intently and help t h e boy

2. Spend quality time.

One of the greatest ideas that a boy can grasp is the knowledge that the people who are closest to him actually care about who he is as a person. Time spent one-on-one with a boy can work wonders with their emotional development and create a direct sense of love for self.

3 .

P r a i s e .

Criticising a child or constantly reinforcing what t h e b o y has

How to build self-esteem

Like trust, self-esteem can take months, even years to procure and seconds to destroy. It is critical that parents and caregivers pay close attention to the boys in their care and implement certain

guyanatimesgy.com

with words that allow them to express their feelings.

done wrong can only add to a diminished self-es-

teem. Everyone needs to be praised. Sincere praise can do more to lift their spirits and give them the will to succeed than nearly any other support they could receive.

4.Identify his strengths. A boy suffering from self-esteem issues generally does value his worth in society compared to others that he knows. It is critical that parents and caregivers point out those talents or abilities, which the boy has, so that he can see them for himself and begin to value what he has to offer to the world.

Self-esteem can be rebuilt when it is damaged; however, it involves helping the boy understand the nature of why it was damaged in the first place. This can take some time and must be reinforced over and over again with positive interactions and sincere, truthful conversation from a parent or mentor the child trusts.

There are also programmes that can separate boys from negative environments and place them in positive peer cultures with staff that are trained to help boys with these types of issues.

If your child struggles with selfesteem and you are unable to find ways to help, it is important that you allow an intervention to occur in his life before other poor behaviour patterns begin. Get help today. (www.liahonaacademy.com)

How fathers can help boys become men (Continued from Monday)

By Wayne Parker

Help them learn accountability and self-discipline. One of the core differences that distinguishes a real man from all the others is his ability to control himself and make choices that may be contrary to the feelings of the moment.

The epidemic of obesity or

the lax moral values of our day can be traced to a lack of self-control and self-discipline. Help you sons learn that they can make choices and sacrifice for something of greater worth. Getting them involved in a sport or music or some other activity that requires some sacrifice and self-discipline is an important step in that process.

When they learn that mastering the piano takes many, many hours of practice, often sacrificing other less important activities, will teach them the value of self-discipline. And holding them accountable for responsibilities like chores or music practice will help them learn to hold themselves account-

able later on.

Set up some rules and impose consequences.

Sometimes as adult men we rebel a bit at all of the rules and consequences in our lives and long for younger days when we had more freedom. Living in a world of rules and consequences is a reality we have to help our sons embrace. If you are consistently late for work or

leave early, you will eventually face discipline at work, or will at a minimum lose trust with your employer. So help your son commit to live by rules at home and impose consequences when he makes choices to not live by the rules. If you don’t teach this principle now, your sons will learn the hard way later and leave a wake of problems behind them.

Teach your sons compassion. The perception

that a man has to be emotionless and conceal his feelings is very real, but is harmful to quality relationships. Teach your son about the importance of little kindnesses, of showing compassion for the disadvantaged, of demonstrating love to his family members and friends, and of protecting the environment. These feelings, in their proper place and in balance with the rest of his life, will serve him well as a responsible and strong man.

Teaching by precept and example are critical roles of fathers. Neither the example nor the teaching can be ignored if you hope to raise sons who will be real men, who will be responsible and productive, and who will raise the next generation of young men to do the same.

(www.fatherhood.about.com)

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Tuesday, march 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Nagamootoo tells NY audience:

Marijuana debate:

Govt to consult Guyanese AFC will divorce APNU if – Health Minister Cummingsburg Accord fails

I

n the face of concerns that it would be conned by its coalition partner the Alliance For Change (AFC) said it is prepared to pick up its 12 seats and walk away if there are major disagreements that go against the spirit of the Cummingsburg Accord.

These comments were made by Moses Nagamootoo

APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger

to a large Indian-Guyanese audience in Queens New York Sunday evening during a fundraising event.

The event was picketed by supporters of the People’s Progressive Party who described Nagamotoo as a “Nemakharan” (betrayer) and David Granger as someone with “blood on his hands” Nagamootoo indicated that, even behind the promotion for a coalition of national unity, the AFC in trying to safeguard itself from any potential fallout between the two parties has developed the necessary provisions in the event that should happen.

“The party leader Khemraj Ramjattan is saying this, we’re not saying this to big up ourselves, we’re not saying this as a threat, but we’re saying this that

we hold a guarantee that if things don’t go well,” he declared.

The Cummingsburg Agreement, which was signed between the two parties, assured the AFC 12 seats in the 65 seat Parliament- that is 36 per cent of the combined seats by the two parties in the 10th Parliament.

Nagamootoo firmly stated that if legal proceedings should follow any dispute within the coalition, then the AFC will fight to maintain their 12 seats. “… (If David Granger) and I will have to find legal proceedings for a divorce, I’m taking my property with me,” he contended.

Nagamootoo then advised that the preparations should not be taken as a threat but as a “safety net” for the AFC. “It could happen, we’re human beings but we will try to work together to build trust, to build confidence and to promote relationship that would make this thing work,” he assured.

Both parties had admitted to giving up some of their demands in order to make the alliance work however, when further questioned about the demands the parties were forced to abandon during the negotiation process, the coalition declined to disclose.

During his address at the recent Babu Jaan memorial former President, Bharrat Jagdeo had lambasted the “Cummingsburg Accord”, which he said will be to the greatest disadvantage of the AFC. He described as “naïve and desperate”, the move by the junior political Opposition party to join forces with the People’s National Congress Reform-dominated A Partnership for National

Unity (APNU) and its Leader David Granger, whom he said still strongly embraced the Burnhamite philosophies of the ageold political unit.

“It must be naivety and desperation on the part of the AFC to link up with APNU, because they have betrayed all those people who were misled to believe that Ramjattan and

APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

Nagamootoo really cared about them. They care for themselves. They have secured vice president and the Prime Ministerial positions for themselves”.

Rude awakening Jagdeo had warned that the AFC was in for a “rude awakening”, and would suffer a similar fate to that of The United Force (UF). “They are so naïve …. When the leader of the list decides who goes to Parliament and they are going to be getting a rude awakening. The UF had it in the past and they will have it because they don’t have any leverage anymore, there is no more AFC after nomination.

There is PNC, one ticket... Don’t worry about the name AFC-APNU; there is one name, one list of candi-

Wrong address gets construction worker remanded

A

27-year-old young man missed freedom by an inch on Friday when he mistakenly told the court that he resides one place while providing the Police with another address.

This is enough to make his possibility of coming back to face trial questionable.

Nedd Fraser told Court Eleven of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts that he lives at 264 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. However, the Police had already recorded that the young man resides at 258 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, having questioned him prior.

The defendant told the

Nedd Fraser

Court that one of the lots is in front of the yard while the other is in the back and they both belong to his family.

However, Police Prosecutor Adduni Inniss objected to bail on this premise that the defendant’s place of abode was unsure.

Fraser is charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on the Virtual Complainant (VC) Golauth Rawley in West Ruimveldt on March 18. Police Prosecutor Inniss stated that the nature of the offence committed by the defendant was also too serious for bail.

He next court date is April 2 for statements.

dates and one head of list,” Jagdeo related, continuing that if the party is thrown out of the coalition, “they can’t do anything about it because they have no leverage. It is naivety and ambition; blind ambition that cause them to even ignore sensibility,” the former President declared.

Human Development Meanwhile, during his address to the Diaspora, Nagamootoo shared his views for human development in Guyana. He highlighted that 25 per cent of “able-bodied people” are unemployed while roughly 26 per cent are living in extreme poverty and charged that the coalition will change that situation by providing jobs for young people. He explained that the coalition is eyeing properties in Berbice to develop into farming lands, is prepared to launch a thorough investigation into the sugar industry and is willing to establish a bank where small investors can garner capital to start their own business.

On the other hand, presidential candidate of the coalition David Granger, told the Diaspora that his plan for human development includes addressing the issue of school dropouts and focusing on the education sector. Granger also had plans for establishing development banks to assist ordinary Guyanese people with micro financing.

There has been a growing number of requests for the legalisation of the use of marijuana in Guyana

H

ealth Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran says any decision to legalise marijuana in Guyana has to evolve from an inclusive and comprehensive discussion. He told Guyana Times in an invited comment, that given the topical nature of the issue government plans to initiate consultations on the penalties that some have considered harsh for marijuana use in Guyana.

This he informed will be tied to ongoing efforts to review the legislation for tobacco control. According to him, three Government officials have journeyed to Suriname to facilitate discussions on tobacco control.

There has been a growing number of requests for the legalisation of the controlled substance with countries in South America and in Caribbean heading in that direction.

As it stands, an individual found with marijuana in their possession is liable to be fined $10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drugs and be imprisoned for ten years while trafficking the drug carries a greater penalty.

Early last year, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) expressed some concern over the harsh penalties

faced by individuals for possession of marijuana. The association had expressed concern in response to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee’s declaration that government will not legalize the substance despite the calls for some leniency pertaining to charges related to the offense of its possession.

In early February, A Partnership for National Unity - Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) disclosed that it would examine the legalization of marijuana if elected to office. “We believe that too many people are in our jail today for the use of the drug. I don’t see anyone in jail for tobacco or alcohol and so we have to be careful that we do not criminalize our young people and condemn them to a jail for the possession of marijuana,” said Prime Ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo Meanwhile, the Healing The Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP) has established their intentions to legalize the possession and use of the substance if they are elected. According to the statement of the principles of the party they intend to lead the country by “establishing a multicultural society of equal rights and justice spearheaded by the legalization of marijuana”.

8 NEWS

tuesday, march 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

APNU+AFC in New York

Granger scapegoats Eyew tness Chinese, Brazilians Opposition’s ...raises fears of ethnic victimisation

ready...

D

avid Granger and Moses Nagamootoo of the A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition took their campaign to what Guyanese refer to as “Region 11” – the greater New York-New Jersey area. It is estimated that there are almost 300,000 Guyanese of “the Diaspora” in Region 11 and they are courted for their contributions.

But just as critical is the influence they can exert on their relatives and friends “back home” on their voting choices. Analysts were, therefore, surprised that Granger took special pains to identify Brazilians and Chinese as competitors to overseas Guyanese investors in Guyana whom he courted.

It was reported that he said that Brazilians and Chinese are pushing Guyanese “to the periphery”.

“The language Mr Granger used was as if he was pitting Guyanese against Brazilians and Chinese. As a Guyanese citizen of Brazilian descent, I found that to be very upsetting,” said one Brazilian-Guyanese store owner Paulo from Cummings Street. “We have come here and we are helping to develop this great country as much as anyone else.”

His friend Alberto, who was visiting from Bartica, added, “I am a gold miner who originally came over from Boa Vista. Mr Granger is ignoring our hard work in the gold fields – but also the new techniques we brought over from our old country.

In Boa Vista, there is a statue honouring us for open-

...to repeat PNC’s economic disaster

D Inside the meeting hall of the APNU+AFC fundraiser in Queens New York on Sunday

ing up the country – here Mr Granger wants to set us up against other Guyanese.”

While Granger and Nagamootoo were raising alarms about “Brazilian and Chinese investors”, former member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Stanley Ming was making a presentation stressing the offer that Brazil had made to Guyana for developing large hydroelectric projects in our PotaroCuyuni region to satisfy all our electricity needs and the excess would be purchased

by Brazil. Presently Brazil purchases electricity for its northern region from the Venezuelan Guri Dam. “I wonder if Mr Granger is also objecting to the Brazilian Government’s offer?” Paulo asked in irritation.

Meanwhile, several Chinese businessmen on Regent Street, Georgetown, when approached noted that APNU had made other anti-Chinese comments before. “Because we quiet words we get attack plenty.

They call we “Chinee”,” the wife of one shopkeeper complained. “We have come to

Guyana to invest and we are working to develop this country. Mr Granger should not tell New York Guyanese that we are competing with them. We should all develop Guyana,” said the shopkeeper’s daughter who is attending one of the premier high schools in Georgetown.

The mother concluded in her halting English, “Me hope dem not attack we again.”

It is not the first time that the opposition has been cited for attacking Chinese nationals here.

Back in August last year the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had cause to criticise both the opposition and the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News for what it then described as “calculated” attacks perpetrated on foreign investors, especially those of Chinese origin.

The party said then that it was convinced that these targeted attacks are directed at the Chinese people in spite of their industrious predisposition, which is evident throughout the world.

“This industrious nature of the Chinese people has redounded beneficially to the

economies of many nations and has impacted positively on the lives of many. Our party wishes to remind the Opposition, the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News that we live in a multi-ethnic society with our peoples cohabiting in harmony, sharing and celebrating each other’s cultures and traditions,” the PPP/C had said. Government has insisted that Chinese remain an integral part of this country’s identity, sharing common bonds of indenturehip with other ethnic groups.

“Their contributions to our nation since setting foot on these shores, like all others, have been immeasurable and invaluable,” the Government had said previously. “Our party believes that an attack on one ethnic group is an attack on all Guyanese. We call for an immediate halt to such unwarranted attacks which run counter to the hospitable characteristic our nation and can only damage and disgrace our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” the PPP/C had said.

avid Granger was in New York with his bride Moses Nagamootoo. Now this isn’t any “throw talk” by your Eyewitness.

In the Queens fundraiser where Nagomootoo begged protesters to “forgive” him, he told Granger that he’d be looking for a “divorce” if the pre-nuptial promises weren’t kept. He would leave with the gifts received (“12 seats win or lose”) and hitch up with the PPP/C. (As to whether the PPPC wants used goods, that’s another matter!!)

Now while Nagamootoo was obviously looking to placate furious ex-supporters (who’re leaving the AFC like lemmings) that he won’t be cuckolded by Granger - it’s clear that “all skin teeth nah laugh!” Now that Mr 11 per cent sees that he won’t be able to deliver unto Granger that which he’d promised, he’s trying to lock the PNC into its “pig in poke” promise!

But anyhow, in both the Brooklyn and Queens fundraisers, Granger criticised overseas investment in the Guyanese economy - specifically from Russia, China and Brazil. Can you believe this?? This is déja vu all over again!!

Those three countries are key members of the BRICS grouping, which control at least 20 per cent of the world economy - but more to the point is the fastest growing component!! With a new Development Bank!! They’re the engine of the world economy.

And who’ll replace these behemoths in investment - something the rest of the developing world’s salivating for?? Overseas Guyanese. Now this may sound good for a few Guyanese braving the cold to bail out the coalition but seriously folks?? Guyanese investors replacing them??

That’s right out of Burnham’s playbook - with the US, Britain and Canada being cussed out.

Burnham would kick them out...and “Burnham’s Guyanese” (remember in those days, like with pigs in Animal Farm, all Guyanese weren’t equal) would run things henceforth!! They ran the industries all right - right into the ground. And it took the PPP/C a whole decade to get things back on track.

The Russians and Chinese are in Bauxite. Which Guyanese investor can replace the two largest aluminium producers in the world (Bosai and Rusal). Does Granger seriously want to run Kwakwani and Linden back into the ground??

And Brazil?? They haven’t made any noticeable investment yet - all they’ve done is to promise us hydroelectric development, a road from Lethem to Georgetown/ Berbice and a deep water harbour.

And Guyanese will replace them?? Listen, your Eyewitness is as patriotic as the next fella, but let’s not give our overseas countrymen “go-dee”. Burnham did that when he promised us “hydro”!

Granger must’ve smoked some of that good Jamaican Gold in Flatbush!!

...Muckraker’s already killed business

Now your Eyewitness is going to give Granger the benefit of the doubt and assume that maybe he was talking about the ordinary Guyanese coming home to invest. But he should have a chat with the owner of the Muckraker - Glenn Lall - who’s also his biggest financial backer through FUCOP. (Remember?? Fund a United Campaign for Opposition Presidency. Jeez...how quickly they forget!!)

If he wants to have Guyanese take their hard earned cash and plunk it in Guyana, Granger obviously believes that Guyana is a worthy investment destination, no? But this is where the Muckraker comes in. More than any other actor, Glenn Lall with his vendetta against the PPP/C and Jagdeo has destroyed the reputation of Guyana to Guyanese investment.

He’s made up out to be the crime, corruption, and sleaze capital of the world. Even his “friend” the late Crum-Ewing complained that his daughters didn’t want to visit Guyana because of the badmouthing. What about businesses??

It’s a real FUCOP! No??

...to take on Berbice??

Nagamootoo got a taste in Queens of what’s in store for him when he and Granger finally get around to visit Berbice. He’s never brought up his old demand that the PNC must apologise for what they did to ALL Guyanese!

news

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tuesday, march 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Police testing Crum- Rohee confirms small electrical Ewing's bullhorn fire at Forensic Lab for fingerprints

T

he bullhorn that Courtney Crum-Ewing was using at the time he was executed is being tested for fingerprints, a Police source confirmed. The horn was taken into evidence on the night he was gunned down at Third Street, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

According to information received, investigators believe that after the man was shot, his murderers might have picked up the instrument thus leaving fingerprints behind.

“If that is the case the bull horn will not only have Courtney’s fingerprints … whoever touched it, the prints will be left on it,” a source told the Guyana Times.

Investigating all leads

The Police also believe that after the shooting someone had to turn over his body before the Police arrived on the scene. “We believe that the gunmen turned over the man to make sure that he was dead,” the source added, noting that there was no surveillance footage of the exact location where the incident took place. With respect to the tests that were conducted on the car suspected to be involved in the accident, the results are expected to be available today. The entire car was dusted and samples were taken to determine whether blood residue was on the car.

The Leopold Street, Georgetown man, who was arrested on Thursday in connection with the case, remains in custody. Police ranks are optimistic that they will crack the case sooner rather than later, since they are working on all the possible leads at their disposal.

In addition to the tests and fingerprints taken from the bullhorn, investigators are awaiting a phone expert to unlock the phone belong-

Slain: Ex-soldier Crum-Ewing

Courtney

ing to the dead man to get a copy of the call log.

Those phone records are vital for the progression of the case and will reveal who was the last person to make contact with the now dead exGuyana Defence Force rank.

Also, investigators are tracking a car that was sighted in Supply Village, East Bank Demerara which might have been spotted at the murder scene on the night the man was killed. A senior Police rank stated that with all the leads, it was imperative to find the real culprits.

He too believed that the person (s) who killed the man had clear instructions, but

the identity of the mastermind remains a mystery.

Crum-Ewing, a father of three, came to the public’s attention after he held a one-man demonstration for 80 days in front of the offices of Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, following revelations of a taped conversation between that official and a senior reporter of Kaieteur News.

He was gunned down while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots on May 11.

An autopsy report proved that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets to the head, one to the back of the neck and the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited through his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was also found on the collar of the shirt that he was wearing. Two .38 warheads were removed from the dead man’s head.

M

inister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee has confirmed that there was a small fire at the multi-million dollar Forensic Laboratory located at Turkeyen, Greater, Georgetown.

Rohee made the disclosure on Monday, confirming earlier reports by Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes. According to Hughes’ Facebook post, there was an electrical fire at the recently constructed facility. He said that the fire “started at an electrical outlet in the office of the head of the technical department, blew out the

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

The first state-of-art Forensic Science Laboratory was commissioned on July 14, 2014 to the tune of $1.49 billion

glass wall which separated the room from the rest of the floor as well as burnt all the electrical outlets on the rest of the floor”.

According to him, the

fire started in the socket and spread to a nearby chair. He disclosed that staff members who have been relocated to another facility at Ogle have been forbidden to speak with the press and as a con-

APNU+AFC recommits to Debra Backer values

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition is honouring the memory of former Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker, Deborah Backer, who passed away one year ago on March 21, 2014.

In a statement, the entities said as they “prepare for victory at the upcoming polls, and the ushering in of a new dispensation of change and transformation”, her comrades and colleagues honour her by advancing the

Former Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker, the late Deborah Backer

sequence the matter has escaped media attention.

The AFC Chairman said government was advised prior to the fire that the electrical installation and air circulation in the building was faulty and poor but to date has done nothing to address the concerns raised. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs said contrary to Mr Hughes’ claims that the fire “burnt all the electrical outlets on the rest of the floor”, only a small fraction of electrical outlets were actually affected and these are being replaced.

“The fire itself was caused due to the close proximity of

values and principles for which she was best known – courage, resilience, integrity and a passion to ensure betterment for women, children and all Guyanese.

“With the campaign unfolding, Mrs Backer’s energy and leadership are truly missed, but thankfully, are reflected in the efforts of the many women whose lives she influenced, and who, like her, have taken up the mantle of responsibility of ensuring better governance and a good life for all Guyanese.”

The coalition said it in-

tended to establish a leadership institute for women venturing into public life and administration, so as to ensure that women in particular are an integral part of the decision-making processes of the State; thus guaranteeing that the sacrifices and good work of so many committed Guyanese women were not left adrift.

“The women of the National Congress of Women (NCW) and the Women For Change (WFC) salute the outstanding work and memory of their beloved sister.”

a chair to an outlet when the outlet itself burned due to an electrical surge and a problem which developed in a phase in one of the main cables,” it said.

Meanwhile, the statement added that contrary to Hughes’ assertions, the Ministry was not advised prior to the fire that the electrical installation in the building was faulty noting that upon prior to the fire that the electrical installation and air circulation in the building was faulty and poorprior to the fire that the electrical installation and air circulation in the building was faulty and poorprior to the fire that the electrical installation and air circulation in the building was faulty and poorcompletion of the electrical installation, the contractor produced a Certificate of Inspection. turn to page 12

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

News

Ramotar recommits Govt’s support for Private Sector investment P

resident Donald Ramotar on Saturday recommitted his Administration to creating an environment for Private Sector investment and noted that over the 22 years his Party has been in Government, several initiatives have been put in place to promote this.

Among these initiatives are several laws to facilitate business development.

Ramotar’s comments came as he addressed persons from the business sector in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Saturday evening at the relaunch of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce. The event was held on the lawns of the Berbice Bridge Company office s at Rosignol.

Ramotar said while the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has been encouraging private investment in Guyana and has been promoting Public Private Partnership, the Opposition has not been supporting Government’s efforts. “Development for the Opposition’s incidental, what is important for them is power,” he added.

However, the President noted that Government has

President Donald Ramotar with members of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce

not been able to facilitate Private Sector investment as it wished. This, he said, was because of several factors including the high cost being paid in Guyana for energy. “The biggest impediment to rapid development of the business community is the lack of cheap electricity, and that is why the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is so important.” He said in an effort to encourage Private Sector investment, there was need to pay attention to crime. “And that is why we have invested millions of dollars in a modern forensic lab. We have a policy of giving weapons to business persons. More cameras have been placed on our roads and there are now more lights on our streets, “the President

noted.

He said his Administration will continue to place heavy emphasis on developing infrastructure. Apart from the physical infrastructure, mush emphasis is being placed on developing the human infrastructure. The President, however, noted that there was still need to invest in the human infrastructure which would result in benefits for the Private Sector.

According to Ramotar, a deepwater harbour which is soon to be built in Region Five will make Guyana a maritime hub and also increase business in the North Rupununi.

Business-oriented

Education Minister Priya Manickchand also addressed

the gathering and applauded the efforts of the Chamber, which was resuscitated last year. She said it was good that many young people had decided to remain in Guyana, get into business and also try to develop those businesses.

Which she said had not been the case three decades ago.

“People need to take note of what is happening in the political arena so that they can make informed choices and ensure that there continues to be economic growth,” she said, while noting that Guyana has experienced nine successive years of economic growth.

Minister Manickchand said the State’s responsibility was to create an environment that made it easier to do business.

“You have a choice as to what you want your business to look like after May 11,” she declared.

Meanwhile, also addressing the Chamber members, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said Government would continue to facilitate the development of the business community.

He said Government will continue to encourage Public Private Partnerships and noted that the Berbice River Bridge Company was one example of one, which has promoted economic activity in Rosignol.

Nandlall noted that in order for the continued growth of the Private Sector, there was need for the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Financing

of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill, which was rejected on two occasions by the Opposition.

West Berbice Chamber President Shabbir Baksh explained that the Head of State was asked to address the business community so that they can have an understanding of Government’s plans and put forward several proposals to Government. Among those proposals was developing Rosignol into a town.

Past President of the Chamber, Imran Sacoor said Government needed to make the legislative arrangements and to give the blessing for the community to be declared a town. He noted that Government had promised to make the area a township several years ago. “If Rosignol becomes a town, it will attract more businesses.

Development cannot be advanced if we do not get the blessing of the Government.

The Private Sector is considered the engine of development.” Sacoor noted that since the establishment of the Berbice River Bridge, Region Five has transformed. “Rosignol, D’Edward, Cotton Tree and even Bath Settlement all have striving small businesses now. People don’t travel across the river as much and many jobs have been created in these communities.” He said this was revealed in the fact that seldom do persons travel to the town of New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to con-

duct business as most of the services were now being offered in Rosignol. He called on Government to put mechanisms in place to allow for the lowering of interest rates for rice farmers. Region Five is the country’s largest riceproducing region.

Sacoor urged Government to provide the Chamber with information on how it could best assist cash crop farmers in the region. According to Sacoor, the Chamber’s aim is to make Region Five a model region.

He said the Chamber was eagerly looking forward to the establishment of the deepwater harbour and the creation of the industrial park in the region, which have been promised.

Also the University of Guyana needs to have a programme to train entrepreneurs, he said. This would result in more businesses being developed in Guyana.

According to Sacoor, in neighbouring Brazil a university there produces out 100 entrepreneurs annually. He also asked Government to assist with the development of small businesses that support the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Under the Small Business Bureau (SBB), there is funding available for the development of small businesses that support the LCDS. Sacoor noted that the Chamber recently began working with the fishing industry and called on Government to also assist that industry.

Taxi driver shot in Laing Avenue

A

taxi driver is now nursing two gunshot wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was shot by two men in front of his Laing Avenue, Georgetown home on Monday morning. The shooting incident occurred at approximately 00:50h.

The taxi driver has been identified as Curtis Thom, 47, of Lot 138 Laing Avenue. According to information received, the man was in his yard attending to his dogs when the two men who are known characters approached him and discharged a few rounds in his direction.

As a result, Thom was

shot to his chest and left shoulder. Upon hearing the gunshots, relatives ran out to investigate and found the man lying on the concrete with blood oozing from his chest and shoulder. A relative picked up the injured man and rushed him to the hospital where he was treated in the Accident and Emergency Unit.

A hospital source told the Guyana Times that the injured man arrived at the medical institution at approximately 01:45h on Monday. He was immediately treated and was now recovering in the male surgical ward.

When the Guyana Times visited the area where the incident occurred, Thom’s motor car was seen parked along the side of the road, but the doors to his apartment were tightly shut.

Persons in the neighbourhood remain tight-lipped about the shooting when questioned.

Attempts to contact the man’s family proved futile. This publication understands that Police are now hunting for “Stay Free” and “Coolie Bhai”, the alleged assailants, in connection with the shooting incident.

An investigation in to the incident is ongoing.

Tuesday, march 24, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Berbice welcomes move on deepwater harbour

…but raises concern about environment

By Devina Samaroo

B

erbice Chamber of Commerce (BCC) President Mark Roopnarine said the county was ready for the transformation that accompanied the operations of a deepwater harbour within the region.

A Chinese-owned company, the Chinese State Construction Engineering Company (Latin American and Caribbean), was scheduled to arrive in Guyana on Monday to conduct a preliminary study on the possibilities of constructing a deepwater harbour near the Berbice River mouth.

Seaports/ deepwater harbours are essential points of transit for incoming people and goods.

Primarily, deepwater seaports are fundamental to the movement of exports and imports from and to a country. The Port of Shanghai, the highest volume port in the world, receives approximately 30 million 20-foot equivalent units per year.

Roopnarine noted that while a similar port in Guyana would transform the entire economical landscape of the country, most of the benefits would on reflected on Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) because the two areas were in close proximity of the port site – which will inevitably be a busy area.

“It will be a great benefit to the business sector because businesses that export from Regions Five and Six will reduce their transportation cost by getting their produce to foreign markets in a timely manner,” he stated.

Influx of economical activities A d d i t i o n a l l y , Roopnarine pointed out that the country, especially the Berbice district, would benefit from an influx of tourists as a result of the deepwater port.

“Cargo will come as far as Brazil to reach this harbour … people from all over will be coming to Guyana,” he explained.

Roopnarine reflected on when CGX Energy commenced its drilling operations some time ago, as he noted that the county was drastically unprepared for the influx of economical activities and tourists.

However, he explained that since that situation, Berbice has developed and was in a better position

to welcome the arrival of tourists and the bustling economical activities.

N o n e t h e l e s s , Roopnarine expressed his concerns about the impact such an operation would have on the environment.

Pollution Deepwater harbours are huge sources of both atmospheric and water pollution. Vast sea-vessels which run on decades-old engines, as well as thousands of diesel trucks that are expected to visit per day are sources of pollution that can adversely affect the local oceanic ecosystem as well as nearby human populations.

Roopnarine also pointed out that pollution to the environment is likely to commence during the construction phase of such a port and therefore, reminded the authorities to maintain the environment as a top priority in their plans

Berbice Chamber of Commerce (BCC) President Mark Roopnarine

for this development.

“This will not come onstream soon, a lot of things will have to take place and while it is taking place, the concerns for the environment and pollution should be addressed progressively,” he said.

Meanwhile, the study on the area for the port will be carried out for one week at the company’s expense and without any obligations on the part of the Government.

The Chief Representative of the Chinese company, Zhile David Zhang, accompanied by a technical team, will carry out the study.

Incidentally, if a deepwater port on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer basis (BOOT) was to appear feasible, the Government would then proceed by way of an open invitation for proposals.

In 2013, the InterAmerican Development

Port of Shanghai, China

Bank had approved a grant of US$1.5 million to fund studies required to prepare a deepwater port project and a road link to Brazil.

The money was intended to cover the necessary market, engineering, environmental, social and financial studies required to prepare the road link and deepwater port project for eventual financing through a Public/Private Partnership.

President Donald Ramotar has promised, once re-elected, to make the deepwater harbour by the Corentyne River a reality.

With the possibility of another in the Berbice River, it is unclear how those two major projects will impact each other.

12 news Police hunting another Credit Union heist suspect T tuesday, march 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

he Guyana Police Force is hunting for another suspect in connection with the multimillion-dollar robbery committed on the National Credit Union last Thursday, while the South Ruimveldt, Georgetown man who was arrested remains in custody.

According to information received, the suspect in custody was seen at the building moments before the robbery was committed. He reportedly claimed that he went to meet a friend who works in the building.

Based on information gathered by the Police, investigators went to the house of the second suspect, but he was not at home. The Police have several leads they are following with the aim of capturing the culprits who committed the act.

A senior Police rank said that they were trying to ascertain whether or not the

National Credit Union, Regent Street, Georgetown perpetrators intended to rob the building of the money or if their main target was on the weapons. The loss of the weapons, he added, was quite alarming, noting that eight additional guns in the hands of bandits posed a major problem for the Police.

“This means we will have additional armed robberies … presently, we have a de-

crease in armed robberies when compared to 2014, but with the guns out there, we expect the unexpected,” he noted.

The Police in a release last week stated that at the end of February 2015, robbery under arms overall decreased by 29 per cent.

Figures show that in 2014, 141 robberies were commit-

ted with the use of firearms compared to 95 in 2015, a 33 per cent decrease.

Last Thursday, at the National Credit Union, three men armed with handguns attacked the security guard on duty, proceeded to tie him up, and ransacked the office where they discovered the money and weapons in a safe in the upper flat of the building.

It was reported that at least five shotguns and one .32 pistol and one .32 revolver were taken by the bandits along with 45 cartridges before making good their escape along with $15 million in cash.

From the inception, investigators have been treating the robbery as an inside job, given that only persons on the inside were aware of the location of the safe and the contents, and the surveillance cameras were disarmed by the bandits.

WCB man gets 10 years for raping 10-year-old girl

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West Berbice man who raped an underage girl was on Monday jailed for 10 years by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Berbice Assizes.

Thirty-six-year-old Dennis Evans, also called “Die Die” of West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) had earlier pleaded guilty to the offence of engaging in sexual activity with a child on October 18, 2010.

State Prosecutor, Attorney Judith Mursalin in presenting the facts of the case to the court said that on the day in question, the accused left home for work at about 05:00h. He returned home at about 11:00h apparently under the influence of alcohol and began abusing his wife verbally. Mursaline

told the court that his wife said to the accused that she was fed up with his behaviour and did not want him anymore. The accused became angry and told her “This time I would not burn down the house or hit you. I know what I will do.”

The court heard that the accused met with the underage girl that afternoon and asked her if she wanted to go and see her mother who he said was at Number 11 Village. “He took her on his bicycle by a big clump of bushes near to the Number 12 Village Burial Ground.

He then covered her eyes with both his hands and threw her off the bicycle,” the Prosecutor said as she related the story.

The accused then told the victim that he was going to kill her if she screamed

Man remanded for allegedly abusing girlfriend

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28-year-old man was remanded on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for causing black and blue marks on the body of the woman he had relations with for the last eight months.

Martin Young of 273 John Smith Street, Georgetown, was brought before Magistrate Alex Moore on Friday where he answered to the charge of allegedly assaulting the Virtual Complainant (VC) Carol Newton, age 35, on March 19.

The VC told Court 10 that she has been with the defendant since he brought her and her children out of Bartica eight months ago to live with him. She stated

that the defendant has been beating her ever since, “making me skin hurt”.

Newton told the court that on the day in question, the defendant beat her and threatened to kill her.

She stated that he placed a knife at her throat. However, the VC said that she simply wants to make sure that the defendant goes to jail “fuh some time” as she had already moved on with her life having vacated the house she shared with Young.

The defendant’s Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat was not at court with his client on Friday but the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. He said his attorney will be at the next court date on Monday March 23.

but she continued to scream.

The accused then used one hand to cover her mouth and nose and the other he pulled off her clothing as she continued to scream, Mursalin related.

He squeezes her neck and attempted to rape her as she continued to scream despite threats from the accused. Her screams were heard by a woman who when to dispose garbage at the burial ground. When the woman reached the girl, she had marks on her neck and face. The accused had already fled the scene, the court was told.

On November 11, 2010 the accused telephoned the victim’s mother and told her that he wanted them to talk and they arranged to meet at a Chinese restaurant. When she turned up, the Police followed and made the arrest, Mursalin told the court.

Probation Officer Remesia Lewis attached to the Fort Wellington Branch of the Social Security Ministry, in a probation report on the accused said that we denied committing the offence but pleaded guilty because he choked and slapped the Virtual Complainant, claiming that his daughter

complained to him that the VC had slapper her.

She said persons within the community described the accused as abusive, violent and dangerous.

Residents have expressed comfort at the news of his incarceration.

In concluding her report, Lewis said the accused has a history of criminal activities. “I believe that children should be allowed to live normal lifestyles with the guidance, supervision and support of every adult member of the community… a strong message should be sent as a reminder that our children should be protected at all times,” the Probation Officer said.

She noted that the accused was placed before the court on 14 occasions and is currently before the courts charged with two counts of arson after he allegedly set fire to a building.

In handing down sentence Justice Reynolds noted that the offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Having taken into consideration the mitigation plea for leniency by Attorney Horatio Edmonson on behalf of the accused, the Judge imposed the 10-year sentence.

Culture Ministry bids goodbye to a colleague, an officer and a gentleman

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he Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry has paid tribute to and bade farewell to a respected senior staff member who passed away last week.

Retired Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Lindon Ross was seconded to the Ministry in August 2007 where he initially was tasked with logistics and aspects of the Ministry’s industrial relations.

The Colonel, a Belladrum, West Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) native worked as a postal clerk at Weldaad and taught at Novar Primary School before joining the army in 1976. He served with distinction after the Standards Officer Course Number Six. Those “Sixers” included distinguished Officers such as Colonel Brassington Reynolds; Major, Dr Amir Khan; and Colonel Lawrence “Pablo” Pane.

Colonel Ross served the GDF in command of General Training as well as Operations which also included the Army’s Border Security details. Both senior contemporaries and current member of his past units have described him as a “dedicated, professional and always willing to impart knowledge to his juniors.”

At the Culture Ministry, Colonel Ross assumed the position of Assistant Director of Culture when he (Colonel Ross) retired fully from the GDF. Here he was enthusiastic in playing a pivotal role in the preservation and promotion of Guyanese culture.

Guyana’s hosting of the CARIFESTA X in 2008 saw him as Director of Logistics for the festival and supervising the erection of some one hundred booths at the Sophia Grand market, as well as other vital infrastructural works needed.

Colonel Ross was also instrumental in acquiring the services of army expertise and human resources for limited contributions to CARIFESTA X. With a working knowl-

Colonel Lindon Ross will surely be missed

edge of Portuguese having done Military Courses in the Federative Republic of Brazil, he also had a significant input into the Brazilian Air Force’s flyover for Carifesta 2008.

Ross, a mild-mannered, punctual but likable disciplinarian, contributed to the success of the Ministry’s annual Mashramani programme of events. He attempted to organise Guyana’s calypsonians and was tasked with overseeing appropriate sites for national monuments. He also had the assignment to ensure the completion of the National Aquatic Centre.

There were Nights of Reflection and wakes at the Carifesta Sports Complex hosted by the MCYS, his Sister Ingrid (of the GRA), the GDF Officers Mess and at Belladrum. His children from his first marriage include a son in the US Navy.

The funeral of Colonel (Rtd) Lindon Vernon McIntyre Ross takes place on Wednesday, March 25.

The Cliff Anderson Sports hall is the venue, from 10:00h, for a brief service to include tributes by Major General (Rtd) Joe Singh, Colonel George Lewis, Colonel (Rtd) George Gomes, Brigadier General (Rtd) David Granger, Dr Frank Anthony, Dr James Rose and one of his Belladrum buddies, Dr Neville Burke. Departure for Belladrum is at noon for further service and burial rites.

Rohee confirms small electrical...

With regards to the issue of air quality at the Laboratory, the Ministry said that it was currently proceeding with legal action against the Design Consultant. Whilst this process is ongoing, consultations are being made with regard to identifying a temporary solution for correcting the air flow issue.

The Ministry pointed out that while the issues were regrettable, they cannot be attributed to negligence on the part of the

Ministry and by extension the Government and as such, out rightly rejects the claims made by Hughes. It further stated that it was not unusual for teething problems with such a highly technical and complex structure being built.

The Home Affairs ministry said that as far as it was concerned, the comments made by Hughes were politically motivated while noting that it puts the safety and wellbeing of its staff first and foremost. “The Ministry

of Home Affairs gives highest consideration to the health and safety of its staff and staff of the Agencies under its purview and is making efforts to ensure that any deficiencies currently being experienced at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory are alleviated on a timely basis.”

After much delay, the first state-of-art Forensic Science Laboratory was commissioned on July 14, 2014 to the tune of $1.49 billion. The two-storey building

from page 9

occupies an area of 12000 square feet. The ground floor contains the administrative offices, library and research area, conference room, security monitoring, evidence submission and washrooms. The top floor houses the chemistry, toxicology, documents and evidence trace departments.

The laboratory is specialised in analysis of toxic substances, narcotic drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol and biological fluids and forged documents.

news

13

tuesday, march 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar urges int’l support for Iwokrama ...as Guyana observes International Forest Day

By Vahnu Manikchand

P

resident Donald Ramotar on Monday pointed out that the success of the Iwokrama Project was in jeopardy owing to the lack of critical financial support from the international community.

The President was at the time delivering the feature address as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in partnership with the Guyana Forestry Commission hosted an event to commemorate International Day of Forests and Trees, which was observed on March 21.

According to President Ramotar, Guyana has set aside approximately 360,000 hectares of virgin state forest for the international community. He explained that the intention behind this initiative was to have the Iwokrama Forest be used as a research and development centre, as well as a test model of sustainable forest with international and local community partnerships.

“The partnerships with local communities represent some of the most transparent and benefit-sharing models in the world; however, the success of this noble intention is currently in deep jeopardy due to lack of critical financial support.

With very few exceptions, the global community simply has not supported the activities of Iwokrama and we have the unacceptable situation where the Government of Guyana has to inject monies to allow for continuity,” he outlined.

Unwavering commitment

Ramotar noted that despite the non-support of the developed world, donors and even financial institutions for vital aspects of forest management and research, Guyana has displayed its unwavering commitment to good forest governance as it practises sustainable forest activities. On this note, he highlighted that large-scale forest utilisation projects must be done in keeping with the relevant legislation. The President further

stated that Government will continue to be responsible not only nationally but regionally and internationally, despite the many offers it is being “bombarded” with by financially-sound investors who are seeking to access forest land for oil palm plantations, large-scale agriculture and other lucrative projects.

President Donald Ramotar delivering his feature address at the event

“This will not happen if it entails large-scale Savannah clearing of forest lands. My Government assures Guyanese and other stakeholders that we will not follow this path that so many other countries have chosen, even though it would lead to significant short and medium-term benefits but long term can be disastrous,” Ramotar noted. He went on to say that Guyana would not add to the millions of hectares of forests that are being destroyed annually; instead, the country would focus on promoting forestry practices that contribute to socio-economic development by working along with stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud stated that this observance of International Forest Day was not only to highlight accomplishments but recognise the challenges and opportunities ahead so that Guyana’s forest can be further sustained. He noted that for generations the people of Guyana, especially the indigenous population, has had a relationship with the forest. The Minister also commended the staff in the forestry sector who have

Attorney withdraws charges against alleged fraudster

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n Attorney withdrew his complaint against an alleged fraudster on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts who had allegedly tried to access his account with a $2 million cheque.

Andrew Pollard announced in Court One on Monday afternoon that he was no longer proceeding with the case against the defendant Linden Mentiss. He asked presiding Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to dismiss the matter.

The Attorney did not give any reason why he

wished to withdraw his complain, reassuring the court that he had not been threatened nor forced to do so. Mentiss is accused of going to a branch of Republic Bank to cash a cheque numbered #2027562032 valued $2 million from the account of the attorney. The VC was notified and had filed charges against the defendant who had subsequently been arrested and charged.

However, Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry granted the VC’s request for the matter to be dismissed. The defendant was told that he was free to leave.

contributed to Guyana being recognised as one of the model countries for sound forestry management. “In Guyana’s context, our forest is not only about its environmental value but also about its positive impact on the socio-economic livelihood of the many, many communities, indigenous communities across our country. More so, in recent times when we had problems with traditional sectors in the economy, forestry-related activities would have stepped up and filled that gap,” he pointed out.

Persaud referred to the downfall of the bauxite sector, which caused persons from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) to fall back on the forestry sector to maintain their incomes.

Additionally, the Minister stated that Guyana was one of two countries that earn from the ecological services of its rainforest, via

A section of the gathering at the observance of International Day of Forests and Trees

the Norway Grant. As such, he urged stakeholders to resolve to ensure sustainable management of forestry resources. On the other hand, Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Board of Directors, Dr Indarjit Ramdass, outlined that Guyana was fortunate to have such extensive forestry, that is, 85 per cent of its landmass that is

covered with pristine undisturbed forest. He noted that the loss of millions of hectares of forest annually also affect the plants and animal species that dwell in it. “Deforestation results in 12 to 18 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions almost equal to all the carbon dioxide from the renewable transport sector. Properly managed forest can, howev-

er, play a critical role in climate mitigation including minimising or even reversing the threat from global warming,” he underscored.

Ramdass also highlighted that forests provide immeasurable socio-economic and cultural benefits for not only local forest-dwellers but general stakeholders globally.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

News

Donald Rodney maintains Gregory Smith killed Walter E nding close to two weeks of evidence at the ongoing Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, Donald Rodney on Monday maintained that he had nothing to do with the explosion which claimed the life of his older sibling.

The younger Rodney left the stand at the Supreme Court Library building, having had stuck to his declaration that William Gregory Smith was the mastermind behind the gruesome June 13, 1980 act.

Before the three-member panel, the younger Rodney, under cross-examination by People’s National Congress (PNC) lawyer Basil Williams, held out that his brother’s death was as a result of Smith’s action.

Williams had set out to prove that the testimony given by Rodney during his evidence in chief was false and that he, Rodney, was very much aware of the plan to assassinate his brother.

Williams put it to Donald, the only known witness to the bomb blast, that he

occurred. The older Rodney, one of the founding members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), was said to be interested in walkietalkie devices, since, according to previous witnesses, he had wanted to strengthen communication between WPA members during that time.

“Go-between”

Donald, who told the Commission that he had no affiliation with the WPA or any political party during that period, said he had, however, made himself available to work along with his brother. He had testified that Walter told him about his interest in walkie-talkies, and had since become the “go between” for Smith, the Army Sergeant and electronics expert, and his older brother.

He told the Commission during his cross-examination that he had no idea that the device he collected from Smith was laden with explosives. In fact, he reminded that Smith was utterly

mediately because “something terrible had happened” and he needed to find help. Asked why he did not help his brother, Donald explained that he himself needed medical attention.

Walter Rodney was said to have been severely disfigured from his waist down as the bomb exploded while being held on his lap. Donald recalled that his brother did not follow the instructions given by Smith. Smith had ordered that the “testing” of the device be carried out while he, Walter, was walking next to the Camp Street Prison. The younger Rodney testified, however, that while his sibling was indeed close to the “testing” site, instead of walking he was sitting in the car.

Asked about his reason for not giving a statement to the Police right away, Donald said he was not in a position to do so. According to him, he still needed to “work out” the puzzle in his head about what had really happened to his brother.

More than that, he said, he

Donald Rodney on Monday before the recommencement of his cross-examination

18-month sentence. During the appeal, he had left the jurisdiction. He said that he did not leave the country on purpose and that he was always available if he was needed. He told the Commission that he saw himself as a “fugitive of the injustice”, as he was wrongly convicted, since he had absolutely no knowledge of the explosive. He said although the Magistrate was aware of this fact, he was still con-

victed. Donald read into evidence a report presented

by Amnesty International, which was present during his trial in the Magistrate’s Court. Part of the report the organisation prepared showed that at that trial Rodney had read from his statement which said that he had no knowledge that the device had explosives.

Meanwhile, Ann Wagner, the sister of murder accused William Gregory Smith, will

make her first appearance before the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry today, Chairman of the proceedings, Sir Richard Cheltenham has said.

Wagner, who co-authored a book with the now dead Smith titled “Assassination cry of a failed revolution; the truth about Dr Rodney’s death”, will give her testimony before the three-member panel. Wagner, in her book, has detailed the events immediately prior to and at the time of Dr Rodney’s death, as related to her by her brother. According to Commission’s counsel Latchmie Rahamat, Wagner’s testimony will be vital as she had firsthand contact with the man accused of causing the explosion that killed the historian. Smith was said to have been used by the PNC Government to carry out the assassination.

Duo remanded for kidnapping woman then letting her go ― Attorney raises concerns of Police brutality

T

Lawyer for the PNC, Basil Williams cross examining the brother of Dr Walter Rodney, Donald at the CoI on Monday

had a hand in his brother’s death. This, he said, could be surmised from the fact that he fled the scene just after the explosion. Donald Rodney was with his brother Walter on the night of June 13, 1980, when the explosion

shocked when he turned up at his house on the evening of June 13, 1980 to uplift the device instead of his brother.

Badgered by the PNC lawyer, the younger Rodney explained that he left the scene of the explosion im-

had no faith in the system at that time.

“Fugitive of the injustice”

Donald was also questioned in relation to his conviction for being in possession of an explosive and his

Husband gets 21 days in jail for stomping on reputed wife

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21-year-old was sentenced to 21 days in jail on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after pleading guilty to cuffing and stomping on his reputed wife.

Carl Bayliss was mum on Monday afternoon after pleading guilty before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to assaulting his reputed wife Dell Rouce. When given a chance by the Magistrate

to explain his reason behind beating his wife in such a manner, he was unable to say. The accused simply said he was sorry for the offence, admitting that the charges were true.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told thecourt that the accused and his wife has been together for two years. He had gotten drunk on the day and went home and dealt her several cuffs and also stomping her all over her

body with his boots. The Prosecutor said this was done due to jealousy; however, this was not elaborated on. He said the Virtual Complainant (VC) reported the incident to the Police and the accused was arrested and thus charged.

He said a medical report of the VC’s injuries was submitted. Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced him to 21 days imprisonment.

wo men were remanded to the Camp Street Prison on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the charges of kidnapping.

Freeman Fordyce and Nelson Pratt were sent to jail Monday afternoon after pleading not guilty to charges of abduction levied against them by the Virtual Complainant (VC), Rhonda Ward, age 36.

In addition, charges of assault and disorderly conduct were levied against Fordyce after he hit a Police Officer during his arrest.

It is alleged that Fordyce and Pratt kidnapped the VC in Alberttown, Georgetown on March 18 with a car then confined her against her wishes.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru elaborated some more on the details regarding these charges. He stated that the VC knows the defendant. She was standing on Croal Street when he pulled up with the vehicle and invited her inside. However, he did not want to let her go.

The Prosecutor stated that the defendants took her to a house she did not know and confined her to a room. The men released her later that day. The VC reported the incident to the Police and the men were subsequently arrested and charged.

It was during the time of arrest that the additional charges of assault and disorderly conduct were

added to Fordyce’s offences. Police Prosecutor, Mangru told the court that the defendant refused to get into the Police vehicle, cursing the Police Officers on what he believed was an unjustified arrest. He then threw a punch at one of the officers.

With this knowledge of the defendant’s behaviour, Prosecutor Mangru objected to bail. Also, he stated that the defendants, having been acquainted with the VC, can obstruct the case. Mangru objected also on the grounds of the nature and seriousness of the offence.

The men pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their Attorney Peter Hugh told the court his client’s account of what happened on March 18. He stated that the VC owes Fordyce $500,000 and they had planned to meet that day to discuss the money she owes.

However, he stated that his client was simply given the run around as they had driven around the city but still received no money from the VC nor did they get any indication from her about receiving it. Hugh said his clients put the VC out the car and went on their way. He said it was the next day when the Police came at their homes to arrest them that they were informed about the abduction charge.

Also, Hugh told the court that his client, Fordyce, did indeed assault the Police Officer but

claimed that this was only after the Police had given the men severe beatings.

He said his clients have complained of broken ribs and other injuries.

Additionally, Hugh told the court that his clients have been in custody since Friday, more than the 72 hours allotted time when they should have been bought to the court.

Hugh asked that bail be granted for his clients. He explained that Fordyce is 38 years old with a fixed place of abode at 99 Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara. He is a businessman of a thriving business and has one pending matter with the court that involves forged currency.

Pratt, on the other hand, had no pending or past court matters. Hugh stated that he is 28-yearold and has a fixed residence at 270 Beverley Close, South Ruimveldt Garden, Georgetown. He is also married with two children, the Attorney informed.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who seemed quite concerned about the allegations raised by Attorney Hugh asked Police Prosecutor Mangru for an investigation to be launched into the alleged abuse against the defendants. Nevertheless, she remanded the men to prison until the issue was cleared up.

The matter was adjourned until April 2.

tuesday, march 24, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

PPP/C has not strayed Guyana breaking into new rice markets – Dr Ramsammy from Jagan’s principles … he wanted all to be prosperous – Rohee

P

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee has explained the statements made by former President Bharrat Jagdeo on the living arrangements enjoyed by Dr Cheddi Jagan while stating that the Party has upheld, as far as possible, the principles of its founder leader.

Speaking at the Party’s weekly press conference on Monday, Rohee told media operatives that the party was dismayed by the statements made by a number of “born again democrats” who are seeking to create the impression that the PPP/C has departed from the core values and principles of its founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed the Jagan legacy continues to grow as it remains the bedrock on which all the decisions, programmes and policies are being made, both at the levels of the Party and Government,” Rohee told media operatives.

The Party was responding to critics who have suggested otherwise and to the ongoing debate that was given fresh life recently when former President Jagdeo

Clement Rohee

asked whether “Ministers should have to live in a logie to prove that they are not corrupt”. He pointed out that Dr Jagan had a “nice house” for the time, but “this did not weaken his commitment to the cause”. Rohee noted that what was most disturbing, however, was the selective and obscured application of the Jagan legacy in an attempt to project a view that members and supporters of the PPP/C, including Jagdeo, were not entitled to the benefits of a strong and prosperous economy.

To this end, he stated that this was most ironic since it was Dr Jagan who had fought for a better life for all. “It was Dr Jagan who led the assault against

the British administration to lift sugar workers out of the ‘logie’ and slung conditions to which they were condemned by the plantocracy.

Every Guyanese whether a supporter of the PPP/C or not, stands to benefit from an economy that is growing and is bringing more and more prosperity in our country. The benefits from a prosperous economy cannot and must not be for one social class or social strata of the population,” the General Secretary related.

According to Rohee, all must benefit and must be free to dispose of their wealth as they deem fit, provided it is done in keeping with the meaning of the laws of Guyana. He noted that under the PPP/C, Guyanese have been able to enjoy a better life. He went on to state that those who have been taking Jagdeo’s statements out of context and were trying to relate the statements to the departure of the PPP/C from Dr Jagan’s principles, were doing it in a deliberate attempt to play up a political agenda which is aimed at undermining the institution, that is the PPP/C that Dr Jagan created.

Singapore mourns founding father Lee Kuan Yew

Flowers, messages and other tributes have been piled up outside the hospital where Lee Kuan Yew died

S

ingapore has begun seven days of national mourning following the death of its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Lee, who was 91, led Singapore’s transformation from a small port city to one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

World leaders have paid tribute to Lee, who served as the city-state’s Prime Minister for 31 years.

US President Barack Obama described him as a “giant of history” whose advice had been sought by other world leaders.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Lee was a widely respected strategist and statesman, and Russian

President Vladimir Putin described him as one of the “patriarchs” of world politics.

The period of national mourning will culminate in a state funeral next Sunday and Lee’s body is to lie in state at Parliament from Wednesday to Saturday.

A private family wake is taking place on Monday and Tuesday.

News of Lee’s death came in a government statement that said he had “passed away peacefully” in the early hours of Monday at Singapore General Hospital. Lee had been in hospital for several weeks with pneumonia and was on life support.

State television broke away from its normal schedules and broadcast rolling tributes.

As evening fell, many Singaporeans were continuing to arrive at the Istana, the compound housing the president’s official residence and the prime minister’s office, where a book of condolence has been placed.

Earlier, some chanted “Mr Lee, Mr Lee” as a hearse carrying the former leader’s body arrived at the compound.

“I’m so sad. He is my idol.

He’s been so good to me, my family and everyone,” said resident Lua Su Yean, 64.(Excerpt from BBC News)

G

uyana has begun expanding into nontraditional markets, as the country moves to source more buyers for rice.

From a handful of countries before 2009, Guyana now ships commercial quantities of rice to 32 countries, and by the end of 2015, the number of countries to which Guyana exports its rice and paddy will grow to about 40. This is according to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Ramsammy noted that countries like Belize, Panama, Nicaragua and Guatemala have been added to the export destinations for Guyana’s rice, even as the country is currently seeking to finalise a larger market in North America, with the potential for rice export to exceed 600,000 tonnes in 2015.

According to the Agriculture Minister, the African market represents a new horizon for an industry that has proven resilient and robust over the decades.

He explained that Guyana is at present negotiating prices and quantities with at least four African countries. “A draft contract has been prepared with at least one African country and payment arrangements are being discussed,” Minister Ramsammy said. He advised that since these are new markets, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) was seeking to ensure that there would be reliable payment arrangements, before concluding any contract.

Minister Ramsammy pointed out that Africa today represented a region with some of the largest imports of rice, and Guyana was very excited to enter the African market. “Markets, such as the African rice market provide another facet in the growth of the Guyana rice industry and can become a further catalyst for growth,” he said. “The rice industry, in fact, represents a pioneering entry for Guyana into the large African market for

Guyana’s agricultural and other products. The Guyana Government, therefore, sees the entry into Africa, through rice, as opening up new development vistas for our country,” he continued.

and 1992, the PNC ran the country and the rice industry struggled to keep up production, and by 1990, export fell to less than 70,000 tonnes. When the PPP took over, export climbed again and reached 200,000 tonnes

Paddy being loaded for export

Record after record

In 2014, Guyana exported 501,208 tonnes of rice.

This was a record level of exports, to new destinations and expanded existing markets. More rice was sold to the Caribbean and Europe, the traditional markets.

Within the European market, new destinations were added even as the country sustained its Venezuelan market, which came into effect from 2009. In 2010, the Venezuelan market was 70 per cent of local production.

In 2014, the Venezuelan market, which maintained its volume, accounted for about 31 per cent of production.

Ramsammy noted that the breaking of new ground in 2014, when the country exceeded export of 500,000 tonnes, tells a story of an industry that has grown phenomenally over the decades.

“Between 1957 and 1964, the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP Government led the industry and export increased from about 37,000 tonnes annually to 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 1964. Between then

for the first time in 1995.

Export reached 300,000 by 2010 and 500,000 tonnes in 2014. These are recordbreaking figures and underline the robust growth of the industry,” he said.

“The Government actively seeks new markets for the rice industry and we allow the Private Sector to sustain and expand these markets. That is how a government facilitates a Private Sector business. The PPP/C Government sees this as a positive partnership,” he said.

While the rice industry continues to strengthen its Private Sector character, the Government of Guyana has been intensifying its facilitation of the industry.

One of its facilitating mechanisms is the opening up of new markets for rice. The Government has aided in the opening up of new markets and has partnered with the Private Sector to sustain and expand the market. This model has proven successful and the rice market has grown impressively through the Public-Private Partnership.

Israel absent from UN rights agency’s session on Gaza

T

he United Nations Human Rights Council has launched a special session on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the 2014 Gaza conflict, with Israel’s representative for the UN agency not attending. “I note the representative of Israel is not present,” said Council President Joachim Ruecher.

Israel provided no immediate explanation for not being at the session dedicated overwhelmingly to discussion of its policies and alleged abuses.

“We will not comment on that,” a spokeswoman with the Israeli mission in Geneva told the AFP news agency. The United States was also absent from Monday’s discussions.

Asked to explain why the

US was not taking part, a spokesman said only that the US Ambassador to the Council, Keith Harper was in Washington.

Monday’s session had originally been scheduled to discuss a probe on the 50-day war in Gaza last year, but the investigators obtained a delay after the head of the team quit. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

16 news

tuesday, march 24, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Hindus observe Navratri:

Skanda Mata

I

n this form, Durga is fourarmed, rides a lion and she carries the lotus flow-

ers.

Skanda Mata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Her son is Kartikeya, also called Skanda, who was chosen by devtas as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. Thus, she is called Skanda Mata or the Mother of Skanda.

Lord Skanda can be seen in her lap. She possesses four arms out of which two hold the lotus flowers. One of her hands is always in the boonconferring gesture and with the other she holds her son Skanda in her lap. Her complexion is white and she possesses the brilliance of the sun. He, who is selflessly devoted to her, attains all the achievements and treasures of life. The worship of Skanda Mata purifies the heart of a devotee. While worshiping her, the devotee should have absolute control over his senses and mind. He should free himself from worldly bondage

and worship her with a singlepointed devotion. Her worship is twice blessed. When the devotee worships her, Lord Skanda, is automatically

worshipped. Thus the devotee happens to enjoy the grace of Skanda Mata along with the grace of Lord Skanda.

Legend has it that there

once lived a great demon called Tarkasur, who did extreme penance to Lord Brahma.

After being pleased with his devotion, Lord Brahma appeared and Tarkasur asked for a boon to become immortal.

Lord Brahma told him that no one can escape death as it is already destined for everyone born on earth. Tarkasur, being clever, thought Lord Shiva will never get married and asked for the death by the son of Lord Shiva and so the boon was granted. Considering himself to be invincible, he started tormenting the people on earth. All the devtas appeared before Lord Shiva and requested him to get married.

Shiva agreed to get married to Goddess Parvati (Skanda Mata), who then gave birth to Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) after marriage who demolished Tarkasur. Skanda Mata laid the foundation of mother and son relationship. The devotees get immense love and affection from the goddess who worships her in this manifestation.

Man found on seawall died by drowning – autopsy

A

post-mortem performed on the body of 29-year-old Ramesh Nauth who was found dead at the Kitty Seawall in Georgetown on Sunday revealed that he died as a result of drowning. The autopsy was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary and also confirmed that his body had multiple injuries which might have been as a result of his body enduring a battering on the rocks on which it was found. A relative of the dead man said that from the inception, they did not suspect foul play, reiterating the now dead man had threatened to kill himself on numerous occasions.

The woman told the Guyana Times during a telephone interview that the body has been handed over to the family and they were in the process of making funeral arrangements.

The Police on Sunday stated that they were investigating the circumstances that led to the man’s death.

They said that at the time of the discovery, his body had marks of violence, but one rank stated that based on investigations, they were now treating the case as a suicide. Nauth’s body was found on Sunday at Kitty Seawall around 08:00h. The now dead man was involved in an accident at Agricola in 2014 and ever since he had not been himself.

Dead: Ramesh Nauth

As a result of the accident, the now dead man had sustained a fractured skull and it had affected

45-year-old man on trial for sex with minor

A

mixed Berbice jury started hearing the evidence led against a 45-year-old man at the Berbice Assizes for allegedly having sex with an underage girl. The accused Harold Naurayan of Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) is alleged to have committed the offence between February 1, 2013 and April 27, 2013.

Naurayan appeared before a mixed jury and pleaded not guilty to the offence.

State Prosecutor, Attorney Judith Mursalin in opening the State’s case on Monday told the jury that at the time the offence was committed, the victim was six years old.

On the day in question, the accused raped the victim, telling her that she would be punished by her mother if she spoke of the incident.

According to the State, the

child kept the incident a secret but on April 27, 2013, her mother had a conversation with her son and then went and questioned the daughter who told her what happened.

The Police were contacted and a medical report revealed that the hymen was not intact, Mursalin told the jury.

She reminded the jurors that sexual activity includes touching or penetration of any kind; be it with an instrument or object and for any length of time. Detective Police Corporal Dwayne Braithwaite in his testimony to the court said he was contacted about the matter and also learnt that the victim’s brother had told his mother that the victim had told him to come and lie on top of her.

The accused Harold Naurayan

Braithwaite also tendered a medical certificate as evidence. The trial continues on Thursday when the State will call its final three witnesses.

The accused is being represented by Attorney Raymond Ali.

him mentally. In addition, a close friend of his died which contributed to his condition.

On Saturday around 21:00h, Nauth left home, claiming that he was going to purchase cigarettes at a nearby shop. After some time has passed and he did not return home, but one of his brothers woke up at approximately 03:00h and still did not see him at home. The frustrated brother went in search of Nauth, but checks at the Police station and Hospital proved futile. As he frantically continued his search, he saw a small gathering at the Kitty Seawall and upon enquiring; he realised that his brother was dead and on the beach. The man is survived by his three siblings.

Guyanese students partner with int'l organisation to write book

A

team from the ‘E² education and environment’ organisation is currently in Guyana on an educational mission dubbed “This Is Ours” (TIO) to compile a book that highlights the experience of living in Guyana. The team which consists of seven individuals, three from the Queen’s College Alumni New York chapter and four educators from the organisation, arrived here Saturday, March 14 and will be here for two weeks.

Ruth Ann Lynch a published travel writer from England, also here, will be actively involved in the programme.

The full colour, published book will be the sixth in the This Is Ours series as several books have been published about countries such as Kenya and The United States of America. The book combines digital photography, storytelling and illustrations to communicate the personal knowledge of students about their environment. The book itself will be the combined effort of all the students with no editing done by an external entity.

The team was invited to Guyana by Karen Wharton, the Vice President of E² and a member of the Queens’s College Alumni New York Chapter who said it is a golden opportunity for students to voice their views and opinions.

“Children usually think that they don’t have a voice and that they have nothing to say but they do. Now that they can stand up and state their opinions it empow-

ers them”, Wharton related.

She further explained that through the programme students will be able to improve their communication skills as well as develop their ability to analyse situations and think critically.

She also stated that with March designated Women’s History Month; team’s all female membership will send a message of empowerment to young girls.

Last week the team conducted the first programme at the Bina Hill Youth Learning Centre in Annai, North Rupununi, in collaboration with the North Rupununi district Development Board (NRDDB) and Iwokrama International Centre (IIC).

The students of Queens College in Georgetown are currently benefiting from the second half of the programme that was implemented to encourage and nurture students’ interest in protecting the environment.

Co-Founder of E², Elizabeth Brown Eagle stated that This Is Ours is an educational book series that was launched three years ago and seeks to connect children all over the world, by allowing them to share their own, unique environments.

Everything in the books including the writing and illustration is produced by the students. The book will be published and released by a company called ‘Blurb’ and will be distributed to students in Guyana as well as internationally. “We would love to have a documentary made in order to connect with the Guyanese nation.”

Eagle explained.

Fisherman gets bail for break and enter … found hiding under the bed by the VC

A

Fisherman was granted $150,000 bail after being found under the bed in a businesswoman’s home. It is alleged that he broke into her home to steal. Royston Scipio, of Lot 4T Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, is accused of breaking into the home of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Caroline Reece in the Pomeroon-Ituribisi Amerindian District in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supeenam).

He was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to answer to the charges.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that on March 19, the VC had secured her home and went to bed and awoke at about 01:00h after hearing a noise. Prosecutor Mangru stated that the VC got up to inspect where the noise was coming from and caught the defendant in her

Royston Scipio was found under the bed of the businesswoman he allegedly attempted to rob

home. When he saw her he dove under the bed and remained there. The VC called the Police, who came and found the defendant under the bed. He was arrested and charged.

However, relatives of the accused are puzzled as to how the accused could have reached into the home of the VC. One family member

shared with Guyana Times that the defendant, along with his fishermen colleagues had earlier in the evening run off a man who had been trying to gain entry into one of their boats. The family member explained that it makes no sense that he would protect his own yet break into someone else’s home. However, when asked whether his fishing colleagues would be willing to testify on his behalf, she relayed her doubt that the Fishermen would to leave their work to do so. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, telling the court that he has had no problems with the law before. Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered the statements of the defendant and the VC and transferred the matter to the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court for April 18. Scipio was granted bail in the sum of $150,000.

17

NEWS

tuesday, march 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Margery Kirkpatrick to be 280,000 hit with TB in 2013; 17,000 died – PAHO laid to rest today

M

ore than 280,000 people in the Caribbean and Latin America fell ill with Tuberculosis and 17,000 died in 2013, the Pan American Health Organisation said. Nearly 32,000 people with HIV developed TB. These figures were disclosed as the World observes World TB today.

Director Etienne

PAHO,

Dr

Carissa

According to PAHO 6,900 people in the region became ill with multi-resistant TB and countries reported 220,500 new TB cases in 2013, of which 5.3% (11,379) were children. The countries accounting for the largest proportion of the region’s cases were Brazil (33%), Peru (13%), Mexico (8.8%), and Haiti (7.4%).

PAHO said too that an estimated 65,000 people in the Americas have TB but have not been diagnosed. In 2012, 75% of reported cases were successfully treated, and 69% of TB cases were tested for HIV. “On World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is calling on countries in the Americas to step up efforts to detect and treat

people with tuberculosis, to bring the epidemic to an end in the region by 2030,” the regional health organisation said. According to PAHO the countries of the Americas have made significant progress in reducing the burden of TB, but along with HIV/AIDS, TB continues to be one of the region’s leading infectious causes of death. “Ending the tuberculosis epidemic will require bold policies and supportive health systems in the context of universal health coverage, to ensure that no one lacks access to early diagnosis or the treatment they need,” said Dr. Mirtha del Granado, PAHO/WHO Advisor on TB. “Only this way will we be able to put an end to TB.” WHO’s “End TB” strategy, approved by WHO member governments during the World Health Assembly last year, centers on three action areas: patient-centered care, development of policies and systems for prevention and care, and research and innovation to help accelerate TB elimination.

The strategy sets the ambitious goals of reducing TB deaths by 95% by 2035 and reducing cases by 90%.

It also sets the goal of eliminating catastrophic costs for TB patients and their families over the next five years. Between 1990 and 2013, deaths from TB declined 63% in the Americas, thanks largely to the implementation of PAHO/WHO’s “Stop TB” strategy, which is based on directly observed therapy – short course (DOTS), measures to address multiresistant (MDR) TB and co-infections of TB and HIV, and involving all healthcare providers and communities in implementing the strategy.

Despite that progress, the region continues to face

challenges including an estimated 65,000 undiagnosed TB cases, the spread of multiresistant TB, the appearance of extensively resistant TB, and the development of TB in people with HIV. In 2013, TB incidence in the region was 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

“Ending TB”—that is, eliminating it as a public health problem—would require reducing TB incidence to below 10 cases per 100,000.

The burden of TB varies across countries of the Americas, but the epidemic is concentrated in vulnerable populations in large cities, especially in marginal neighbourhoods with overcrowded living conditions, poor water and sanitation services, and limited access to health care. With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), PAHO/WHO is implementing an initiative to control TB in large cities of the Americas, which aims to ensure early detection of people with TB to accelerate reduction of the disease. The initiative promotes coordination between local political and health officials and involves actions across sectors, including education, social protection, urban development and health. The initiative is currently being implemented in Lima, Peru; Bogotá, Colombia; Guaruhlos, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and Tijuana, Mexico; and is starting in Asunción, Paraguay.

World TB Day, observed on March 24, marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB. The discovery set the stage for successful diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Pomona woman burnt by lover succumbs

Tarawattie Ronie in her hospital bed

S

ixty-year-old Tarawattie Ronie, aka “Data”, of Pomona Housing Scheme

in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) who was burnt by her reputed husband on March 8 succumbed to her

injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Ronie had suffered extensive third-degree burns about her body when her reputed husband reportedly set her ablaze at her residence in Pomona.

She was rescued by neighbours and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital. Doctors at the Suddie Public Hospital later transferred her to the Georgetown Public Hospital owing to the severity of the burns.

She battled for her life for 15 days before succumbing Monday.

The suspect Alan Allicock, aka “Balie”, of Pomona Housing Scheme, has been remanded to prison on a charge of attempted murder.

F

ormer Deputy President of the Chinese Association of Guyana and renowned historian of the Chinese culture in Guyana Margery Kirkpatrick will be laid to rest today.

Her body will be cremated following a church service at St Saviour’s Church, Saffron Street, where she was a member.

Recently, Kirkpatrick had hosted a fundraising dinner to earn money for the renovation of the churchwhich has a long history serving the Chinese population in Guyana.

Kirkpatrick passed away at 76-years-old on Saturday 21 around 2pm at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI), Georgetown Hospital Compound.

According to reports,

Margery Kirkpatrick

Kirkpatrick was experiencing difficulties with her breathing and was rushed to the CHI where she was being treated until she met her demise.

Though she did not speak Mandarin and had only been to China once, Kirkpatrick was always proud of the contributions

her ancestors to Guyana and followed in their footsteps in preserving and promoting the Chinese culture. In 2012 she wrote an autobiographical account of growing up in British Guiana. The book, The Way We Were – Memories of a Childhood in British Guiana, chronicles the Chinese experience in the then colony, through the eyes of Kirkpatrick, a third-generation Chinese girl growing up in the mixed society of the 1940s.

She will be greatly remembered by families and friends who expressed their sympathies on social media. According to one Deborah Lawrence, Kirkpatrick “blessed so many lives with her generosity, kindness, warm and loving heart.”

15,200 to sit NGSA next week

F

Education Minister Priya Manickchand at the St Margaret Primary School

ifteen thousand and two hundred primary school students are registered for this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which is slated for April 1-2 at hundreds of exam centres throughout the country.

Students will be graded in four subject areas: Mathematics, English Language, Science and Social Studies.

English Language and Science will be administered on Wednesday, April 1, and Mathematics and Social Studies on Thursday, April 2, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated.

The NGSA is the majority component in the secondary school placement system and determines in which secondary school students will be placed.

Five per cent of each can-

didate’s Grade Two score in Mathematics and English and 10 per cent of the Grade Four Score in the same subjects are added to 85 per cent of each candidate’s NGSA score in those subjects, Education Minister Priya Manickchand had revealed.

The combined scores in Mathematics and English are added to the scores gained in Science and Social Studies.

Each subject consists of two papers, one with multiple choice questions and the other with short answer and essay type questions.

Candidates must answer all questions in Paper 1 for English Language, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies and only four questions in Paper 2 for Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. Candidates must answer only one question in English Language Paper 2.

Timetables for the candidates were prepared and distributed in March 2015 to schools across the country.

All administrative and logistical preparations are in place for the NGSA 2015.

Candidates and their parents and guardians are reminded of the following: * Candidates must be on time * Candidates must take along their timetables * Candidates should read and follow the instructions carefully The Education Ministry saluted teachers “for bringing our children to this level” . It also took the opportunity to “salute parents and guardians for utilising the universal opportunities made available to our nation’s students”, and wished the 2015 Grade Six candidates the best.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, MARCH 24, 2015

The Crum-Ewing incident: More For nearly 3 questions than answers decades...

from page 5

Dear Editor, The incidents surrounding this recent tragedy are mind boggling; some questions come to mind such as, who stands to benefit from the death of Crum-Ewing?

Would the ruling PPPC Government want to tarnish their image at this crucial time before elections and participate in an illegal act?

Was the murder orchestrated by someone else with the motive of casting blame on the Government?

Among the first persons who arrived at the crime scene was chairman of another political party and a lawyer who incidentally arrived at a similar crime scene some years ago in Buxton and who removed critical evidence

from the CCTV cameras.

Did he have prior knowledge or was tipped off, and by whom?

The self proclaimed “guru” of newspapers is known to have been involved in extra judicial killings in retaliation for robbery committed on himself and his family.

This incident was never investigated.

Incidentally, this

drive-by shooting somehow resembles the shooting of six innocent employees of his during a crime spree.

In these circumstances, I have doubts about the allegations being made by those boisterous persons; are they creating a diversion with a political motive?

Mohamed Ikbal

The kind of leadership offered by APNU/AFC Dear Editor, Now that electoral politics are heating up, Hamilton Green is being called a "PNC Prime Minister" with the clear implication that that would be the kind of leadership APNU/AFC would be offering the Guyanese.

I would be grateful if

you would allow me to set the record straight, both for the purpose of history and to enlighten the electorate: President L F S Burnham never appointed Green as Prime Minister.

Green was never Prime Minister during Burnham's tenure. It was Hoyte who appointed Green as Prime

Minister, but his appointment was a humiliation since he was given no office or staff and was merely a Minister within Hoyte's office.

Green, as Prime Minister did not report to President Hoyte; he had to report to Winston Murray, Head of the Presidential

Secretariat. Shortly after, he was expelled from the PNC party.

Green was allowed to rejoin the party after many years, but he holds no leadership position in APNU/ AFC. V Monroe

I am disgusted by all that’s happening in the PNC Dear Editor, I am a mother of three and longtime PNC supporter. I always looked up to the leaders of the PNC. I remember the days when the PNC was a party of class and gentleman-like behaviour.

Men like Presidents Burnham and Hoyte were kind men who were good examples for my boys, well

mannered. But now I am disgusted by all that is happening in the PNC. On the one hand party supporters have been betrayed with the loss of our party’s identity with this APNU-AFC alliance. Then we have our leaders like Granger calling officials jackasses and Greenidge calling another official a fool!

Where is this uncouth behavior coming from?

When did the standards of the PNC become so low that it is easily influenced by men like Nagamootoo and Ramjattan?

Didn’t they use to ‘cuss’ the PNC when they were members of the PPP/C? Is this what the leadership is offering us for the future?

I was skeptical about

this alliance, but I said let me give it chance. But lately I just don’t understand what’s going on here. I am ashamed and disgusted by the way these men defaming our party.

If this is going to continue, I definitely not voting especially for these new ‘cuss-bird’ kings.

Evelyn McIntyre

Govt has been pursuing...

Last year we got over the first hurdles but the concessionary rate was not concessionary enough for the Government to guarantee the loan. This year we are being offered a lower rate sufficient to attract the Government guarantee.

It is projected that if we win the IRENA financing, electricity would be generated and transmitted to the centre of villages across the Rupununi at an average, blended all-in cost of less than $40 per kWh. And this could happen in four years if we win an IRENA allocation.

If not we would keep looking for a way to get it done but prices would be significantly higher with a purely commercial venture.

With respect to Tumatumari, Dynamic Engineering applied for and was granted a licence to redevelop Tumatumari. The early business plan focused on producing wood and stone products in the area.

The startup mini-electricity Utility at Mahdia was then pursued. We could offer only what the demand and readiness to pay of that market would be - no one could offer guaranteed quantities.

That market seems not

to have been enough to satisfy the financiers. With the knowledge of the Karouni gold mine coming on stream in the Kaburi area, the Government encouraged both Dynamic Engineering and Troy Resources to get together on obtaining power from Tumatumari.

My latest update from both parties is that there is a great likelihood that a deal of mutual benefit would be concluded and implemented.

Granger speaks of a "retooled Amaila" Hydro in a Potaro Development Authority.

A Potaro Development Authority would probably entail a water diversion canal from the head of the Mazaruni to raise generation at Amaila to about 1000 MW (Fip Motilall has been urging that to me); possibly, a development around the Kaieteur as per a Japanese proposal of the 1980s, say 500 MW; and with steadier flow year round at Tumatumari, an upgrade to say 60 MW. The question would be what to do with the additional power. Unless there are fairly developed plans to utilize the additional power the Potaro Development Authority would be no ad-

vance on, and be nothing else than our Amaila plan, which we pleaded unsuccessfully with the opposition to approve.

As we have made public, we have been pursuing Brazilian interest in obtaining power from Guyana. As previously disclosed, the Government has been: 1. Participating in the IDB sponsored Northern Arc Project, a proposed linking of electricity transmission systems from Roraima state in Brazil through Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana to Ampa state in North Eastern Brazil.

2. Pursuing a Brazilian interest in purchasing power from a developed Mazaruni River. However there would be a completely different design, more or less a run-ofriver design to minimize the impact on the Amerindian villages along the river.

There would be a head (power) loss of about 10 per cent and the loss of the averaging effect on year round flow provided by the huge storage in the 1973 design, any significant impact on the villages would be avoided.

It was widely reported that we toured the

The PNC/APNU never had our respect neither.

How can they? This is the point where race takes centre stage because you cannot readily ignore a majority race in your country.

Ignore that racial grouping and you are doomed.

This was evident in the Guyana situation when Burnham downplayed the Indian vote and rigged every election thereafter. He bullied his way in Guyana.

His poor political posture held an entire country prisoner.

He made himself President for life. It is the real reason why he could not explain his position of not being liked by the race, yet he could have commanded an "overwhelming majority" at every election.

For nearly three decades, we were governed by a minority Government who governed against our collective wills. That is why he went for the rigging option. This went on for 28 years until the true leader stood up which was facilitated by free and fair elections. We now steadfastly uphold our democratic rights to chose a leader and are not yet about to surrender that right.

In Guyana, Indians command such importance and I dare say respect, because they are the majority race. Whether you like it or not, the outcome of any election here depends

heavily on the way they vote.

Not that the AfroGuyanese vote does not matter, the point is the race that will tip the scale in either direction hinges on their vote; hence this undue obsession and attention with the way they vote.

The PNC/APNU stuck to a non inclusion of Indians in their party and paid a heavy price when free and fair elections are held. This, they hope will change in the coalition of sorts with the AFC but even at this stage the situation on the ground is slippery for them because the hardcore PNC members are singing a different tune. That "unity" stance is not unity at all but an association of convenience for the bigger partner in the coalition.

Listen to the comment of a PNC friend of mine "what do you think we have them there for" this in itself is a loaded statement that tells of the way the junior partner is viewed by certain elements within the grouping.

The PPP/C shares blame also, by straying away from the core principles of the party. They did take the race for granted and very nearly paid the ultimate price. They are on catch up mode right now.

With respect to PV for utilities, the Government has been pursuing offers to provide demonstration 1 to 3 MW PV farms to be tied into the GPL network but none has materialized so far.

With respect to wind, recall from some years ago the ‘synthesized' pictures in the newspapers showing wind farms of about 25 MW along the Georgetown seawall and along Hope Beach.

Ten years ago, wind and solar could only beat out petroleum based generation in special circumstances (or with hidden or open subsidies), but prices have been falling rapidly and design and performance have been improving rapidly, so much so that a year ago with crude oil prices at $100/bbl, many were saying that solar and wind were "breaking even" with petroleum products.

It is easy to say as Granger is reported to have said that "we have wind, we have wave power and we have solar power" - the challenge is in putting together developments that pay their way: and should the Government lead, assuming the initial risks?

It is easy to shout lack of transparency, but at what

point in a negotiation that might take a year or two to close, and not knowing whether it would close, at what point does one go public with details any more than we have been disclosing? How much time is the average person in the public ready to give to being kept up to date on things which may not get anywhere?

The Government maintains that in the area of "lowest possible, reliable and sustainable electricity costs" and moving on from petroleum based energy sources to renewable energy sources, it has not been lagging.

The blocking of Amaila when proposed by this Government, a possible 100 per cent conversion in the source of GPL's electricity generation from petroleum to a renewable, makes Granger's promises opportunistic.

If we are to talk about stunting the growth of our economy and of us Guyanese, and of keeping us poor, there is little that can match the delaying of Amaila.

Neil Adams

From page 5

Amerindian villages of Upper Mazaruni and met with the Region Seven (Potaro-Siparuni) RDC and NDC, Bartica, holding discussions on planned prefeasibility and feasibility studies and seeking to assure everyone that the villages would not be ordered to move out and relocate as in 1973.

The Government has been engaged with the Government of Brazil in studies of an appropriate treaty for sale of electricity to Brazil. The "run of river" design is now possible because the Brazil grid could easily manage the variations from say 800 MW to 4500MW over a year.

The proposed 1973 sale of electricity to a number of aluminium smelters in Guyana would have required a much steadier level of generation throughout the year, hence the huge storage and flooding in that design.

With respect to solar photovoltaics (PV), the Government has installed about 14000 65-watt PV systems on most homes in the hinterland away from the GPL and other networks and is currently rolling out an additional 6000 systems.

Samuel A Hinds Prime Minister

tuesday, march 24, 2015

19

Windies must GCB congratulates Jaguars look to the future on historic PCL win – Sir Viv Richards

T

W

est Indies batting legend Sir Viv Richards said yesterday that West Indies should use their experience in the World Cup to boost them in the future.

Summing up the West Indies performance in the tournament, Sir Viv said no one gave them a chance of reaching the knockout stage, more so after their loss to Ireland in the opening game.

“But they made use of this opportunity to prove everyone wrong and played collectively to come this far. It should act as a boost for them in future and they need to understand that a loss can be used for positives too.

They should learn to build a team for the next ICC Cricket World Cup in four years’ time, and their aim should be to go a long way into the knockouts then.”

Sir Viv also commented on the leadership of 23-year-old Jason Holder.

“I believe Holder has proved to be a good leader and I see no reason for West Indies to opt for another captain. At some stages his inexperience showed but he will gradually learn with time. Also, at other times, some senior players did not give

Sir Viv Richards

him their full support.

“This is something I would like to see as he leads the team going forward. Everyone involved should support him and help build a better team.”

He also called for support for the new coach Phil Simmons.

“I hope he gets the backing of players, selectors and the West Indies Cricket Board, and nobody interferes with the things that need to be done.

“He should be given all the right tools that help him make the right decisions for the good of West Indies cricket.” (Windies Cricket)

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) lauded the Guyana Jaguars, on completing a “historic and emphatic victory” in the inaugural tournament of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League.

Below is the full text of the message: Cricket Guy Inc (CGI) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) join forces with the entire Guyana in congratulating our professional franchise team, the Guyana Jaguars, on completing a historic and emphatic victory in the inaugural tournament of the WICB Professional Cricket League.

The journey started in 2014 with the selection of the most professional team of players that we could have put together from Guyana and the Caribbean. CGI was one of the first and only franchise companies to have totally embraced the franchise system proposed by the WICB and is extremely proud of this record achievement by the Jaguars team in the very first year of the League.

Some of the notable accomplishments exemplified by our players have been the complete transformation that the same team has undergone in just a year's time and the great manner in which the team has gelled and embraced the franchise league system. Our team has risen to the occasion quite quickly and has adjusted well to the new system. There

Guyana Jaguars during one of their games on the journey to their historic win of the WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament title

have been tremendous performances from almost all of our batsmen which have begun to translate in selection to the WI team notably, Leon Johnson, Assad Fudadin, Narsingh Deonarine. We have had excellent performances from most of the other players, namely, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, and Christopher Barnwell to name a few. We have benefited a lot with the presence of the evergreen Shivnarine Chanderpaul, with the future of our cricket looking really great.

CGI has also made the

bold decision of selecting and retaining another 12 Academy players to our original 15 selected last year and these players will form the nucleus of our development going forward. CGI is poised and ready for the future to take our rightful place as the cricket bread basket of the West Indies.

West Indies need a strong Guyana producing batsmen of a high calibre and it is our aim to continue to produce more high-quality batsmen, bowlers and cricketers in general for the West Indies!

We cannot and will not forget our management team who have proven that with their expertise and the correct lev-

Shabazz enthused by...

Skipper Christopher Nurse was equally pleased with the win, even as he reflected on an event that angered some of the players last year when the Guyana Football Federation fielded what many deemed a depleted team to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) championship.

“I think the team had something to prove today [Sunday], because a lot of players, sad to say, felt a bit disgruntled the way they were left out of the CFU squad last year

against St Lucia,” Nurse pointed out.

He continued, “I think today the guys wanted to prove a point that the best team wasn’t selected for that CFU tournament because Guyana could have been competing in the Gold Cup today against USA and Mexico.

We know we’re developing as a team, we’re getting better game by game.

Today the fitness was better, there was a bit more cohesion, but there is still a lot more we can improve on.”

The Golden Jaguars players celebrate the 2-0 win over St Lucia

el of support from the franchise and they have proven that they can motivate our team to reach their potential. We must caution that we have not yet reached our peak and there are a few areas that need improvement as we look forward to a short break before the commencement of preparation for the 2015/2016 season.

Once again, congrats to our indomitable Guyana Jaguars team and its management! You have done us proud! We trust that even our detractors and the naysayers can join us in basking in the glory and success of a new beginning for Guyana cricket!

from back page

20

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

National ruggers touchdown Gayle signs with Somerset for T20 Blast in Hong Kong

S

omerset have signed West Indies opener Chris Gayle to play up to six matches during this summer's T20 Blast.

He will arrive on either 22 or 29 May, depending on how far his Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise progress in the Indian Premier League.

The big-hitting Jamaican, 35, has made 13 centuries in Twenty20 cricket.

"Signing a world-class player of the quality of Chris Gayle is tremendously exciting for the club," said director of cricket Matthew Maynard.

"He will be a tremendous addition to our already extremely strong squad. He is an inspirational character and we are delighted to be bringing him to Somerset."

The left-hander is one of the most charismatic and entertaining players in world cricket, having played 103 Tests, 269 one-day internationals and 45 T20 matches for the West Indies since his debut in 1999.

He also has previous experience of county cricket with Worcestershire.

Gayle could make his Somerset debut in their home game against Sussex on 22 May, or against Essex at Chelmsford a week later.

Chris Gayle

He will then be available for home matches against Kent (31 May), Hampshire (5 June) and Surrey (12 June) before finishing his brief stint with the county in their away game against Glamorgan on 13 June.

Gayle is the third signing by Somerset for the T20 Blast, with Pakistan allrounder Sohail Tanvir joining the club for the first half of the competition before being replaced by New Zealand's Corey Anderson.

He hit the first hundred in a T20 international against South Africa in 2007 and his total of 6,975 runs in the game's shortest format is a record.

The National Rugby team take a pose on arrival, set to play thier first game on Friday

Gayle is the only player to have a Test triple century, a 50-over double century and T20 hundred to his credit - and last month became the first man to score a double hundred in a World Cup game when he made 215 off 147 balls against Zimbabwe in Canberra.

"Many of the club's members and supporters will know that I came close to playing for the county in 2012 and I have always felt that, if I was able to, I wanted to honour that commitment to Somerset," Gayle said.

"I'm looking forward to coming to Taunton and scoring some runs." (BBC Sport)

Gay changes Coach before start of outdoor season

F

ormer U.S. sprint champion Tyson Gay is working with world renowned sprint coach John Smith, Gay’s agent, Mark Wetmore, confirmed to ESPN.com on Friday.

Gay received a one-year ban in 2013 after testing positive for a banned substance and was stripped of his 2012 Olympic silver medal from the 4x100-meter relay in London.

The new coaching move comes before the start of the 2015 outdoor track season, during which Gay could compete at the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships in June for

Tyson Gay

a spot on the national team that would represent the United States at the IAAF World Championships in August.

Smith has coached other Olympic track stars, including Ryan Bailey, Ato Boldon, Carmelita Jeter and Jason Richardson.

Gay cooperated with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s investigation into his positive test and received a shortened suspension. His ban ended on June 22, 2014, and he returned to competition at a Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on July 3.

Gay owns three World Championship gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100meter relay from the 2007 World Championships.

(ESPN)

Olympic swimming champ slapped with 18-month ban

S

outh Korean former Olympic swimming champion Park Tae-hwan has received an 18-month ban after a failed drugs test.

Park is a two-time world champion and the first Korean to win an Olympic swimming medal.

The 25-year-old tested positive for testosterone in an out-of-competition test conducted by the sport’s governing body Fina last September.

Park, who won 400m

Park Tae-hwan

freestyle gold at Beijing 2008, will be able to return

in time for the Rio Olympics next year. (BBC Sport)

Indian Wells: Simona Halep beats Jelena Jankovic in final

S

imona Halep beat Jelena Jankovic 2-6 7-5 6-4 in an enthralling BNP Paribas Open final at Indian Wells.

Jankovic, 30, looked in control after winning the first set with three breaks of serve and breaking early in set two.

But world number three Halep, 23, broke the Serb four times in a second set that saw six successive breaks.

The decider was also dominated by breaks of serve with four in a row but Romanian Halep held at 3-3 and recorded the 18th break of the match to win it.

“Simona was unbelievable,” said Jankovic. “We were running like two dogs and in the end I couldn’t keep up any more. She’s the younger one.”

Halep, who received a bye to the final after Serena Williams pulled out of their semi-final with an injury, was expected to be fresher, having had three days off.

But it was 2010 Indian Wells champion Jankovic who began more aggressively, breaking in the opening game.

The number three seed

Simona Halep

broke back immediately but two more breaks by Jankovic saw her wrap up the first set.

The second set was a topsy-turvy affair with the players exchanging six breaks of serve before Halep held and broke Jankovic to level the match.

The momentum seemed to be with the Romanian with a tiring Jankovic repeatedly looking to her coach for inspiration.

But the former world number one broke fortuitously in game three when a backhand clipped the top of the net and landed in.

That sparked another flurry of service breaks that saw the score move on to 3-3.

Eventually Halep held and then broke Jankovic’s serve to lead 5-3 but the Serb summoned up enough energy to hit back in the next.

However, fittingly, the match ended with another break.

A ninth double fault gifted Halep three Championship points and she powered a forehand down the middle of the court to wrap up the biggest win of her career in two hours, 37 minutes.

After winning her third title of the year, Halep said: “It was an amazing final and I’m really happy I could win.

It’s my biggest title and I’ll never forget it.” (BBC Sport)

Nadal decides on Queen’s return

W

orld number three Rafael Nadal will play at the Aegon Championships at Queen’s for the first time since 2011.

The 28-year-old Spaniard warmed up for Wimbledon by playing at the Halle Open in Germany in 2012 and 2014.

But Nadal has failed to progress past the fourth round at Wimbledon in that time and says that is the main reason he will return to Queen’s in June.

“I want to try Queen’s again where the grass courts are a little bit more similar to Wimbledon,” he said.

Nadal won the Aegon Championships in 2008 on the way to the first of his two Wimbledon titles.

Rafael Nadal

“I’m very happy to be back,” he added. “Queen’s is a great event, I always enjoyed it.

“I had some great feelings there, the atmosphere of the club - a real tennis club - is very special, the

courts are unbelievable.”

Britain’s Andy Murray, US Open champion Marin Cilic, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov and 2014 Australian winner Stan Wawrinka are also set to play at Queen’s. (BBC Sport)

sports

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21

Tennis legend convicted of rape F

ormer tennis Grand Slam champion Bob Hewitt has been found guilty by a South African court of raping underage girls.

Hewitt, 75, had denied two charges of rape and a third charge of sexual assault.

The attacks took place in the 1980s and 1990s, when the Australian-born former tennis star was coaching the women, then young girls, in South Africa.

Hewitt won nine Grand Slam doubles and six mixed doubles titles in the 1960s and 1970s.

His name was removed from the International

Bob Hewitt

Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012, following abuse allegations.

During the trial, one woman said Hewitt had told her “rape is enjoyable” as he assaulted her.

Another victim said he

had touched her inappropriately and forced her to perform a sex act on him when she was 12 and 13.

Judge Bert Bam told the High Court sitting in Johannesburg that the evidence against Hewitt was overwhelming and consistent.

He said striking similarities among the three victims’ testimonies showed that Hewitt’s conduct was calculated.

“Time did not erase the crimes. A guilty person should not go unpunished,” the judge added.

Hewitt was remanded in custody following the guilty verdicts. (BBC Sport)

NBA roundup…

Clippers, Thunder grab critical wins in playoff race

B

lake Griffin scored 23 points, Chris Paul had 23 points and 11 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers put a crimp in the New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff hopes with a 107-100 NBA victory on Sunday.

J.J. Redick scored 20 points and DeAndre Jordan finished with 16 rebounds and 12 points, helping the Clippers win their fourth in a row. They converted 18 Pelicans turnovers into 30 points and had a 25-6 advantage on second-chance points.

Anthony Davis led New Orleans with 26 points and 12 rebounds in 39 minutes after missing two games with a sprained left ankle. Tyreke Evans was sidelined because of the same injury and was replaced in the starting lineup by Norris Cole, who had 12 points before fouling out in the final minutes.

Thunder 93, Heat 75

Russell Westbrook had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 17 assists for his 10th tripledouble of the season to lead Oklahoma City.

Enes Kanter had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder, who have won three in a row. Rookie Mitch McGary scored 14 points, and Anthony Morrow had 12.

Kanter was expected to miss his second straight game with an ankle injury.

But he was cleared to play after morning shootaround, and then got off to a fast start with 15 points in the first quarter.

The Heat had five players score in double figures.

Hassan Whiteside had 13 points, all in the first half, and Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers each scored 12.

Cavaliers 108, Bucks 90

LeBron James scored 28 points and sparked a key second-half run with an emphatic dunk to lead the Cavaliers.

J.R. Smith added 23

kle, contested nearly every Hawks shot and pass, but no Atlanta player looked more flustered than 12th-year guard Kyle Korver.

Raptors 106, Knicks 89

Russell Westbrook

points for Cleveland, which has won three in a row.

Smith made three straight 3s to close out the Cavs’ decisive run that turned a six-point deficit into a 93-78 lead with 6:19 left in the game.

Milwaukee has dropped six in a row.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Bucks. The lanky forward muscled his way to the bucket against James early in the game to help Milwaukee build an 11-point lead.

James had his way late.

His dunk off an offensive rebound got the Cavs going.

He finished 10 of 17 from the field and grabbed 10 boards.

Spurs 114, Hawks 95

Tiago Splitter scored a season-high 23 points, Kawhi Leonard added 20 points and the San Antonio Spurs won their third straight game.

Paul Millsap finished with 22 points and Dennis Schroder had 18 points for Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta, which dropped its third in a row.

Boris Diaw scored 15 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, and Danny Green added 15 for San Antonio, which never trailed and took its biggest lead at 26 early in the third.

The Spurs, playing their fourth straight game with key reserve Manu Ginobili nursing a sprained right an-

DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, Tyler Hansbrough added a season-high 18 and the Toronto Raptors won for the third time in four games.

Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Lou Williams scored 13 and Greivis Vasquez had 12.

Lance Thomas scored 24 points and former Raptor Andrea Bargnani had 16 for the Knicks, who dropped

Chris Paul

their third straight and lost for the 10th time in 12 games.

Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry, who dressed but did not play in Friday’s loss at Chicago, was inactive because of a sore back suffered in a fall against Minnesota last Wednesday. Vasquez made his second straight start in Lowry’s place.

New York guard Alexey Shved, who came in averaging 22.0 points in his previous three games, suffered bruised ribs in a collision with Toronto’s James Johnson in the first half and was unable to return. Shane Larkin replaced Shved to start the third quarter. Shved finished with nine points in 17 minutes.

The Knicks also lost rookie Travis Wear to a sore back in the fourth.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

“Clash of the Titans” horse race meet...

Score’s Even rules on race day I

t was Score’s Even, out of Dennis Deoroop’s Simply Royal stable that won the feature race in the “Clash of the Titans” horse race meet on Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice.

The animal, imported from the United States of America and definitely becoming the horse to beat, pummelled its rivals to race away with the sumptuous $1.2 million top prize in the A and Lower race.

The day was filled with excitement as horse racing fans from across the country assembled to witness the seven-race meet.

The feature race was undoubtedly the most electrifying for the patrons at the packed turf club.

The race was 1600 metres and from the time the horses left the stalls, the crowd erupted.

As the animals navigated the first turn they were bunched together.

However, CP Got Even and Treacle considered the prerace favourites in betting circles broke free from the bunch and seemed in control.

As the horses approached the fourth turn and into the homestretch, Score’s Even made its move.

Vision and Regina.

Chelsea won the G3 Maiden and H and Lower race from Today is My Lucky Day, Super Bowl and Red Cloud.

The race for ThreeYear-Old West Indies Bred animals went to Maryann; Slim Shady, Part Time and Amazon Warrior followed in that order.

Storm Bird won the Three-Year-Old race for Guyana and West Indies Bred animals from It’s My Choice, Settling Star and Midnight Blue.

Swing Easy won the D3 Maiden & West Indies Bred race from Jack In My Style, Goodwill Boy and Unsettled.

In the race for G1 and

Lower animals, Quiet Dancer won ahead of Appealing Harvest, Cassie and Joyful Victory, while Royal Cash ran away with the J1 and Lower event.

The race meet was organised by the “Four Horsemen Promotion”. The ‘Sport of Kings’ continues on Easter Sunday at the same venue.

Moriah (5-25) leads ECCCC to victory over Ryan’s XI

T

Champion jockey Rad Drepaul piloted Score’s Even to an easy win

Ridden by champion jockey Rad Drepaul, Score’s Even proved her worth to win by about five lengths in front of the grand stand to provide a perfect finish. CP

Got Even, Run Nana Run, and Lady Budapest finished in that order.

In the J3 and Lower race, Red Jet won ahead of Secret Escape, Speed

he Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) have advanced to the final of the Nauth and Sons Motor Spares 50-over cricket competition by virtue of defeating Lusignan’s Ryan’s XI on Saturday at the Community Centre Ground.

ECCCC won the toss and took first strike, rattling up 277-9 from their allotted 50 overs with Captain Bheemraj Ramkellawan scoring 49.

Support came from East Coast Under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman Vishwanauth

Gavin Moriah

Ramlakhan (44); Yuvraj Dyal (40); and Chandraban

Seemangal (39).

M Jeenarine took three wickets for 68 from his 10 overs.

Lusignan’s Randy’s XI were then dismissed for 106 in 31 overs, with the only notable contribution coming from K Franklin with 48.

Demerara Under-19 fast bowler Gavin Moriah destroyed the top order, taking five wickets for 25 runs from nine overs, while Kenon Ramascindo supported with 2-6 from two overs.

ECCCC will now meet Lusignan A in the final, which is slated for April 12 at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.

Western Union, RHTY&SC renew Junior Ambassador Programme

Western Union Marketing Manager Reenea Williams hands over the sponsorship cheque to Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

S

ix young cricketers of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and Blairmont Cricket Club have benefited from Western Union’s Junior Cricketer Ambassador Programme, which was renewed last Friday.

At a presentation ceremony at Western Union’s office on Water Street, Georgetown, the company’s Marketing Officer, Reenea Williams, handed over the cheque and cricket gear worth $350,000 to Club Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster.

This year, the cricketers to benefit from the initiative are all Under-19 players: RHTY&SC players Kevlon

Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Plaffina Millington, Keith Simpson, Shatika Gajnabi and Blairmont player Shimar Flats.

According to Foster, the company has been supporting the initiative since 2009.

Each player will receive a bat, batting pads and gloves, a helmet, a cricket equipment bag and a uniform.

Foster said, “We at the management level of the Club strongly believes in the development of youths, and as such, great effort is made to develop our cricketers at all levels, be it educational, personal or on the cricket field. We want our cricketers to be positive role models to every youth they meet and also to be perfect

ambassadors for every team they are given the opportunity to represent.”

Williams, in handing over the cheque, stated that Western Union was pleased with the success of the Junior Ambassador Programme and the development of the players especially those who have gone on to play for Guyana.

She disclosed that the Club and Western Union would sit down next month to discuss areas of cooperation as the company was impressed with the work of the RHTY&SC. She also congratulated the Club on achieving its Silver Jubilee.

In appreciation, Foster handed over a Silver Anniversary Souvenir T-Shirt to Williams.

Enmore Sports Club award ceremony...

Guyanese cricketers cop top awards

By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto

S

everal prominent Guyanese cricketers were recognised for their outstanding individual performances by Enmore Sports Club on Saturday evening at Timerhi Restaurant and Bar in Scarborough.

The Club’s inaugural award function was complete with a dinner and dance and also featured Trinidad-born international comedian Jean Paul as part of the entertainment.

Club President Shiv Persaud, a Canada-based Guyanese, highlighted the importance of recognising the players in his feature address. He also took the opportunity to thank everyone who attended the ceremony or supported the Club.

“We are very thankful for the incredible support of our guests as it was a soldout event which was packed to capacity; it was a great measurement of all the hard work being done on and off of the field by our dedicated members,” Persaud highlighted.

Persaud, a veteran allrounder, stated that he and his fellow players were eagerly looking forward to making a greater impact in the forthcoming Ontario Softball Cricket League tournament.

Eugene LaFleur

“We plan to grow on and off the field with more positive results in the Ontario Softball Cricket League in the upcoming 2015 cricket season; we are surrounded by a lot of youths with great potential and are looking forward to compete,” he related.

Former Guyana Under-19 skipper Eugene LaFleur, along with others, was the recipient of trophies and plaques. According to Persaud, these cricketers, inclusive of ex-Guyana youth player Anthony D’Andrade, played superbly

23 AAG finalises Carifta team guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, march 24, 2015

in the 2014 season and deserved the honours.

“It was great to have these quality cricketers last year and their performances were very excellent which helped our team achieved a lot, so we are very confident too that these guys will continue to be fantastic again in the new cricket season,” Persaud declared.

LaFleur and D’Andrade represented Victoria Park Cricket Club, a Club that is managed by Persaud.

Victoria regularly features in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association

limited-over tournament.

They were successful last year with LaFleur producing another fine effort to be one of the instrumental players, while his compatriot Trevon Garraway, who played at the first-class level for his country, was part of Victoria’s triumph too.

“In addition to the softball cricket, these players have shown great passion too for hardball and also demonstrated their skills and techniques by coming out with some fascinating performances and that certainly gives us the confidence we can be a champion team in the near future,” Persaud, who voted the best all-rounder, mentioned.

Other awardees were Dharmendra Kumar for his team spirit and Keenan Tinto, who represented Canada Under-19 team at World Cup. The fast bowler was born in Trinidad and Tobago. Treasurer Zakeer Yusuf also came in for high praise in being one of the livewires of the Club.

Meanwhile, a large number of established cricketers from the Caribbean countries continue to make an impression when plying their trade annually here in the various cricket association competitions with a great degree of success. All tournaments are scheduled to bowl off in May again.

– 12 athletes, 4 officials to represent Guyana

T

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has named a 12-member team for the upcoming Carifta Games, set for April in St Kitts and Nevis.

The team are made up of 11

Ornesto Thomas

ple jump); and Natricia Hooper (triple jump). The two additional females are Avon Samuels and Aliquha Powely.

Yvonne October was named as manager of the team while Cassey George

local athletes and one Americabased Guyanese.

The four males on the team are sprinter Compton Caesar for both the 100 and 200 metres, Matthew Mackenzie has been shortlisted for both the 1500 and 3000 metres, and the new additions, Linton Mentis and Ornesto Thomas.

Meanwhile, the females on the team are USA-based sprinter Brenessa Thompson; triple Carifta gold medallist Cassey George (1500m); sprinter Kenisha Phillips (200m); Claudrice McKoy (3000m); Chantoba Bright (long and tri-

Brenessa Thompson

Julian Edmonds was named as the coach. The two other officials on the team are Linden Phillips and Moses Pantlitz.

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

tuesday, march 24, 2015

WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament…

Jaguars devour Windward Islands to end dominant season G

Veerasammy Permaul

uyana Jaguars needed just about an hour to dispose of Windward Islands Volcanoes by an innings and ten runs, and put a definite shine on their capture of the inaugural WICB Professional Cricket League in Dominica on Monday.

Resuming the day on 113 for six and requiring 31 runs to avoid an innings defeat, Volcanoes lost their last four wickets for 21 runs, in the space of 67 balls at Windsor Park.

Opener Tyrone Theophile, unbeaten on 45 overnight, added just two runs before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul for 47, in the morning’s third over with three runs added.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo then ripped through the lower order to claim the last three wickets which fell, to finish with four for 38 while Permaul ended with four for 30.

Already assured of the title prior to the start of their final round encounter, Jaguars ended with 148 points to be the clear winners of the competition.

They registered seven victories in their nine outings, with a single defeat – coming at the hands of Barbados Pride in round three last December.

The Windwards, meanwhile, who started the final round assured of at least third place but challenging for second, ended on Devendra Bishoo 109 points. (CMC)

SCOREBOARD

WINDWARDS 1st Innings 283 GUYANA 1st Innings 427 WINDWARDS 2nd Innings (overnight 113 for six) D Smith c Johnson b Beaton 20 T Theophile b Permaul 47 K Lesporis lbw b Permaul 15 J Robinson lbw b Permaul 0 R Currency c Johnson b Bishoo 12 *L Sebastien lbw b Permaul 0 +Denis Smith c and b Deonarine 9 S Shillingford c Permaul b Bishoo 3 M Matthew not out 14 K Peters c wkp Bramble b Bishoo 0 D Johnson c and b Bishoo 2 Extras: (b7, w2, nb3) 12 TOTAL: (all out, 43.1 overs) 134 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-59, 3-59, 4-85, 5-86, 6-106, 7-116, 8-126, 9-128, 10-134.

Bowling: Beaton 5-1-26-1, Deonarine 6-0-21-1, Permaul 16-7-30-4, Barnwell 4-012-0, Bishoo 21.1-1-38-4.

Shabazz enthused by Golden Jaguars performance

H

ead Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Jamaal Shabazz, said the victory against St Lucia on Sunday evening was an indication of the seriousness with which the current group of personnel at the Normalisation Committee, along with the players, was taking the game.

The international friendly at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, marked the return of international football to the country after more than two years, on account of an unstable environment at the administrative level, which subsequently resulted in an inactive national team.

Speaking at the post-match press briefing on Sunday night, a visibly satisfied Shabazz heaped praise on members of the Normalisation Committee for reviving the national team and paving the way for the return of international football to these

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz making a point at the post-match press conference in the presence of Captain Christopher Nurse

shores.

“We at times played with a better tempo and we could see bits and pieces of what we want to see for Guyana’s football. I think it was so important for us to win tonight, because we are very serious about our football,” Shabazz said.

“I think it is for the fans and for corporate Guyana to see that we’re very, very serious because we’ve seen an organisation, a committee come together in just under five months and we see football back in Guyana and that is the kind of seriousness … so the victory was not really for us.”

The Golden Jaguars will look to further augment the work of the Clinton Urling-led Normalisation Committee when they face Grenada in the third international friendly of the season at the Guyana National Stadium. The first match of 2015 against hosts Barbados ended in a 2-2 draw. turn to page 19

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