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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3132

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

PPP calls for reversal of VAT on private education

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$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Skeletal remains wash ashore in Corentyne P14

… says imposition an expression of callousness, cruelty Page … stakeholders to protest outside GRA 3

Chancellor to rule in Sovereignty of the people case today

Unaccountability on D’Urban Park Project criminal – Opposition P7

Page 13

250 nursing students resit examination

Region 9 REO interdicted from duty – Bulkan P9

Stricter monitoring of students needed – Region 10 officialsP8 Thousands of dollars won in Breeze Money Machine promotion P16 Page 17 At last: Some 250 nursing students retook the examinations after being in limbo since last year. The students from four nursing establishments representing the counties of Demerara and Berbice were forced to retake the exams following the discovery of a breach after the two-day Clinical and Functional tests in October 2016

Parking meter challenge

M&CC flouts court order, clamps vehicles

Page 11

…GCCI fears economic slowdown will worsen

74-year-old reappointed as Guyoil Board Chairman Page 7

Trio to stand trial for Rubis accountant’s murder P8

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wednesDAY, february 22, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, February 22 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, February 23 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, February 22 – 13:45h-15:15h and Thursday, February 23 – 14:25h-15:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers with light cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day, while heavy showers are expected in the late afternoon. Light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tides: 01:23h and 12:45h reaching maximum heights of 2.13 metres and 2.24 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 07:15h and 19:50h reaching minimum heights of 1.09 metres and 0.92 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 01 04 11 19

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PPP calls for reversal of VAT on private education … says imposition an expression of callousness, cruelty … stakeholders to protest outside GRA

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arents, students and other concerned stakeholders will take to the streets on February 28 to protest Government’s imposition of 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education – a decision which many are urging to be repealed.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in a statement to the media on Tuesday, called on the Government to reverse the imposition of VAT on private education.

“We say to the Government that if they so badly need revenue, then cut Ministerial salaries, overseas trips by Ministers and per diem allowances of Ministers by 50 per cent.

Our children’s education is a more worthwhile investment,” the statement from the Office of the Opposition Leader read.

The missive outlined that education has long proven itself to be the surest and safest vehicle to exit the vicious cycle of poverty and that taxing such a service is callous and cruel.

“We again express our strong dissent to the imposition of VAT on private schools and private educational systems. We regard this imposition as an expression of callousness and cruelty to the children and the parents of those children who are attending these private educational institutions,” the statement said.

Jagdeo’s office contended that the imposition of VAT on private educational institutions would certainly amount to discrimination since, students and parents attending public schools do not bear this burden.

“This discriminatory treatment may amount to a violation of Article 149 of the Constitution of Guyana, which affords protection from discrimination, as a fundamental right and freedom of all of our people; and 149I of the Constitution, which provides that: ‘no person shall be hindered in the

enjoyment of the right to establish a private school which shall be under regulation by the State.’”

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition reminded that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration, it encouraged the growth and proliferation of private schools throughout the country out of a firm belief that parents and children alike should have the freedom and option to access education from private as well as public schools and institutions.

It pointed out that as a result, a very strong and viable private education industry has developed across the country.

“Apart from the economic benefits and job-creation opportunities which it generates, for those who own, operate and work in the system, it has made an undoubted contribution in raising the standard and quality of education in the country.

Today, this private education system has become a fundamental supplement to public education in the country,” the statement noted.

Protest

Meanwhile, civil society has responded vigorously against the brain tax.

Students, parents, teachers, members of the business community and other disgruntled stakeholders will be holding a silent protest outside of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on February 28.

Persons from the Nations School of Business, Marian Academy, New Guyana School and other private educational institutions across the country have been invited to join the activity – which is expected to be a weekly exercise to voice the nation’s frustrations.

Persons desirous of supporting the cause are encouraged to show up at the assembly point in front of the GRA on Camp Street with their own placards; the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

protest will commence from 12:00h.

The protest action is just another in a list of activities being taken by civil society in expressing its disapproval of Government’s move to tax education.

Already, a mass online movement is gaining momentum where hundreds of persons have already signed a petition against Government’s decision to charge 14 per cent on private educational services.

The organised campaign argued that the imposition of the 14 per cent VAT on private schools will impact

very heavily on the children and youth attending those schools.

“For some, the perception is that anyone who attends a private school must be wealthy. That perception may be true for a certain percentage but, for the majority, attendance at such schools often represents a real sacrifice by a family member,” the body explained.

Director of the School of the Nations, Dr Brian O’Toole, highlighted that one of the most popular courses in Guyana, with more than 1000 students, is the ABE programme with courses for school leavers, in business, management, travel and tourism and computer technology.

He said this imposition may force many students to abandon their pursuance of a sound education altogether.

According to the educator, “the only hope for Guyana moving forward is an educated, motivated pool of youth who see Guyana as theirs. This new tax does nothing to further that vision, that sense of optimism, the idea that they can rise out of poverty.”

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

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

Shakedown F

ollowing a meeting hosted between the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its affiliates last week, the body announced in a statement that the combination of poor policies, ill-judged statements and paucity of significant new investments has caused it to lose confidence in the Government. In the statement, concerned members of the business community also pointed to the fact that continued growth and improvement in Guyana cannot continue if investors’ confidence continues to be eroded.

Among the concerns raised were the crippling new taxes for the mining sector and the institution of Value Added Tax on necessities, the parking meters, among other issues. The members of the business community therefore expressed a lack of confidence in the manner the Government is managing the economy. This, they added, is reflected in the flight of capital from Guyana and the lack of significant new investments in the last two years.

The PSC also pointed to the fact that real estate values are dwindling, property for sale inventory is on the rise and wealth is eroding rapidly. The body called for the Government to create an enabling environment and to increase its engagements with the business community.

However, the attempt by the PSC to be heard seems to have failed and their concerns have fallen on deaf ears, as the body was quickly dismissed by this Administration, who publicly stated that the PSC does not represent the interest of all business persons within the country. Does this therefore mean that their concerns are irrelevant?

The Government has lashed out at the PSC for what it was a “mischievous, politically motivated statement” and even called their statement a thinly veiled attempt to embarrass and discredit the coalition Government.

However, despite the Government’s claims that there are working on improving the investment and business environment in Guyana, and that these efforts have resulted in positive signs of development and progress, members of the business community feel otherwise. Many business owners expressed their dissatisfaction during the parking meter protests held in the City during the past weeks. In a strongly worded statement releases earlier this month, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) and Industry expressed their concern over the potentially escalating impasse between the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and citizens over the project’s implementation.

This body also urged the Government of Guyana to intervene promptly and help to facilitate a solution that would be fair and acceptable to both the M&CC and the citizens of Georgetown; in their statement, the GCCI also acknowledged that the city’s economy is struggling and that further disruptions (parking meter fiasco) would further exacerbate the problem. Should the GCCI then be deemed “mischievous” for their statements?

Meanwhile, in the most recent onslaught on the business community, the M&CC declared that city businesses have been operating beyond hours prescribed by the law and the practice must be immediately stopped.

As such, the Mayor announced at a public meeting on Friday that businesses are forbidden from opening on public holidays, on Sundays and beyond 16:30h (4:30pm) daily; warning that efforts will be made to ensure law and order is restored. The announcement startled many business operators in Georgetown, some of whom contended that any such move will only further cripple the economy.

One business owner argued that the policy is antibusiness and does not cater for working-class persons who usually do their shopping after working hours. Although immediately after, the Chief Labour Officer said the Mayor is erroneous in her claims, and that she was in fact referring to the old Act, which indeed stipulated an early closure time for businesses. He pointed to the Shops Consolidation (Amendment) Act 2009 which extends the operating hours for regular shops from 07:30h to 22:00h; restaurants and cook shops for 24 hours per day; and parlour, barber and hairdresser establishments from 06:00h to midnight every day. Whether this latest blunder was an error or not, the already pressured business community is in fear that the Administration and the City Council are anti-business and are in fact in the process of a shakedown.

The Education Ministry through its Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Tuesday launched its Mashramani band under the theme “Guyana, an Emerging Green State” at the ER Burrowes School of Art, National Park Georgetown (Dexter Ceres photo)

Stamp out corruption at City Hall Dear Editor, When one looks at the spontaneous and passionate response by civil society to the parking imbroglio, it shows clearly that all of Guyana wants to see transparency, accountability and more so a level playing field in the tendering process in place at the Georgetown Municipality, something that is severely lacking there.

In fact, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown make a complete mockery of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) of Guyana, a body which has as its objective in the reduction or prevention of corruption in procurement in Guyana.

The Municipality

completely ignores this Commission and the guidelines it has set out as they purchase goods and services on behalf of the citizens.

This is shameful!

If the growing allegations regarding the parking meter initiative are to be believed, then it is logical to assume that corruption there is much more general and widespread in the awarding of cleaning contracts, in the procurement of other goods and services, all of which need to be urgently audited.

Article 212W of the Constitution provides that the purpose of the Commission is to monitor procurement and the procedures to ensure that the procurement of goods, services

and the execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent and cost-effective manner.

Its functions are widespread. They include monitoring and reviewing all procurement systems; procedures of ministerial, regional and national procurement entities and project execution units; monitor performance with respect to adherence of regulations and efficiency in procuring goods and services and execution of works; investigate complaints; investigate irregularities; initiate investigations, and more.

They should therefore intervene at the Georgetown City Council.

So why does the Georgetown Municipality,

for which corruption is a major source of concern to all and sundry, is not under the guidance of the PPC? It is baffling that with all the controversies that have arisen over the years at the Council that the Communities Ministry would not want to get the issue of corruption out of the way at that entity The PPC consists of five members with experience in procurement, legal, financial and administrative matters that the Council does not have available to them, but so badly needs, so why aren’t they using this resource for the benefit of the citizens?

Best regards, Sambu Jacobus

Taxation (VAT) on private education in Guyana Dear Editor, During the last elections campaign, one would recall that President David Granger was a strong advocate of strengthening and improving the country’s education system, or in other words, his emphasis was more on the quality of education. The philosophy of this agenda was centred on the notion that education is the underlying pillar of economic growth and prosperity.

This article argues that the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education contradicts and undermines this philosophy.

Now let’s examine a country that employed such a model which proved to be highly-effective in achieving this outcome and has actual-

ly placed that country in an enviable position in terms of sustainable economic growth.

An examination of the history of economic development of Singapore revealed that about 50 years ago, this country was an undeveloped country of a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of less than US$320. This country is now one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with a GDP per capita at an incredible US$60,000, making it the sixth highest in the world according to Central Intelligence Agency figures.

For a country with no territory and natural resources, the economic ascension of this country can only be characterised as remarkable. By embracing free market capitalism, globalisation, edu-

cation and strict pragmatic policies the country was able to become a global leader in commerce by overcoming their geographic disadvantages.

No country or government in the world is able to practically offer education services to 100 percent of the population through public/Stateowned schools and universities. In most of the advanced economies, private educational institutions outnumber the State-owned.

Additionally, the private schools and universities in most countries earned an evidentiary based reputation of producing most of the top students and providing higher quality education.

Refocusing on our country, Guyana, we have seen

over the last few years private schools across the country churning out most of the top performing students at the Caribbean Secondary Schools Examinations.

In an attempt to defend this tax measure, the Finance Minister posited parents/students have a choice, stating that public education is free.

This response seems to have omitted the fact that should such an approach be pursued, the public schools would not be able to accommodate all these students and hence, it is not practical.

Another point of interest which can be deduced from this tax measure is that it appears the Central Government is competing in the education sector. continues on page 5

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

Gimmicks and trickery in the employment of doctors in the public service Dear Editor, The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is engaging in gimmicks and trickery in the employment of doctors.

The Public Health Ministry has been transferring all doctors employed as contract employees unto the pensionable establishment. For those doctors whose contracts are ending, they are being re-employed under the pensionable establishment. All new doctors are now also being employed under the pensionable establishment. There might be a good reason for this but unfortunately, this is being done for all the wrong reasons.

Whatever the reason, financial provisions need to be made. An examination of the Public Health Ministry’s budget for 2017 reveals that the Finance Ministry and the Public Health Ministry have made inadequate provisions for the doctors in the Ministry’s employ. An examination of the regional health budgets for 2017 will also reveal that no provisions were made in those budgets to cover employment costs of Government Medical Officers (GMO). An examination of the appropriate line item for the Public Health Ministry shows that the amount allocated for 2017 is not adequate for the number of GMOs in the employment of the Ministry. The sum allocated in the appropriate line item will, in fact, be fully expended by June, if the employment statistics provided in Budget 2017 is accurate.

To complicate matter for

doctors who were previously on the pensionable establishment, budgetary provisions were provided in the wrong line item, as salary provisions were made under contracted employees. But for the newly appointed doctors in 2016 and 2017, including the 79 newly appointed GMOs in 2017, no provision was made, either in the line item covering employees under the pensionable establishment or under contracted employees.

Come July, therefore, the sums allocated in both the line items for GMOs under the pensionable establishment or the contracted GMOs (which should be none) will be fully consumed and doctors in the Health Ministry’s employment will be faced with the possibility of late payments. I suppose the Government will apply for a virement to shift resources wrongly placed under contracted employees, but as I sated before this is adequate to cover the expected needs. The Public Health Ministry will require a supplementary budget to cover the period July to December. This is a situation that should not arise and represents gross incompetency.

Earlier I suggested the move to employ GMOs under the pensionable establishment was done for all the wrong reasons. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had its reasons for employing GMOs as contracted employees. APNU/AFC changed the policy and, in itself, the change is a good one.

But APNU/AFC shifted the GMOs from contracted to pensionable category as a gimmick

to hide the fact they have been employing a large number of people as contracted employees throughout the public service. Budget 2017 shows a significant increase in contracted employees at much higher salaries. In less than two years, the number of contracted employees has surged by more than 2000, in spite of them shifting GMOs and other contracted employees into the pensionable categories. In fact, the number is much larger than this because, in addition, there are also new contracted employees who replaced those shifted into the pensionable establishment, including the GMOs. It is gimmick, not good policy.

This is the same APNU/ AFC which had been critical of the PPP for employing contracted employees. Year after year, they attacked the PPP and called the use of contracted employees as “jobs for the boys”. Now in government, not only have they not kept their promise to reduce and eliminate the category of contracted employees, but they have expanded it. The trickery is even more despicable because the salaries of the persons shifted from the contracted category were significantly less than the ones being employed as contracted employees. I challenge the Government to publish the figure for the number of persons who earn more than $500,000 per month today compared to December 2015.

If they dare to publish that figure it will shock everyone.

Regards, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Response to DCC article

Dear Editor, This response is informed by an article which appears in another publication on the February 19, 2017 purporting to indulge in the character assassination of Alfred Mentore – President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) - by a few disgruntled members.

Whilst we as members do not hold any brief for Mentore, nevertheless in keeping with principles of natural justice and the tenets of fair play, it is inconceivable that anyone would attempt to degrade another whose track record could withstand the onslaught of those with their own selfish and self-centred agendas.

Indeed Mentore’s accomplishments at the helm of DCC is legion and it is appropriate at this juncture to highlight but a few of his successes; 1. We, for our part, can confirm that Mentore has honoured and maintained the credo of the Club which is the production of National and International players of the glorious game of cricket.

2. Another of his lofty ideals was to foster and perpetuate the core values and principles of the club transforming it into the premier leading club in Georgetown.

3. During his stewardship DCC has won several competitions and its players have represented

Taxation (VAT) on private education...

Such a move should not be, as a government’s fundamental role should be to create the framework that fosters and support higher quality education and at affordable costs, regardless whether it’s private or public. By increasing the cost of private education, specifically at the tertiary level, could potentially lead to inaccessibility of this service by a large number of potential students. Again, from a pragmatic standpoint, the University of Guyana is the only national tertiary level educational institution in Guyana and thus it cannot, by any means, serve

the entire population of the country. Hence private institutions at this level are rather highly imperative.

By investing heavily in education and at the same time ensuring it is affordable and accessible to all, would serve as the underlying factor in respect of being the catalyst of economic prosperity of the nation.

In concluding, readers would have recognised that the reference made to Singapore earlier as a benchmark country, is a country that had ironically gained independence around the same time as

Guyana and has become one of the most economically stable and prosperous countries in the world. Serving as the catalyst of this phenomenon was the investment in education that brought this country where it is today. Noting importantly that it does not impose any VAT ‘per se’ on private schools and universities.

Against this backdrop, our policy makers and political leaders are therefore strongly encouraged to seek to adopt a model akin to this. Consider abandoning the tax measure imposed upon private education and allow this paradigm

to be the enabler that will reshape the economy in terms of propelling expansive economic growth.

And lastly, education is a

Guyana in under-15, under 17, under-19 and under-21 tournaments both locally and internationally.

4. Other members were selected to play for the West Indies and contracted to the Indian Premier League and also participated in the “Sagicor High Performer Centre”.

It is instructive to note that Mentore presided over the DCC - centennial celebrations which culminated with a formal “black tie ball” and also saw the production and attending publication of a Centennial Magazine.

Coupled with this, Mentore was continuously involved in the upgrade of the club’s facility and environs and was pivotal in forging strategic alliances with the Guyana Softball Floodlight Cricket Association, resulting in the erection and installation of floodlights around the perimeter of the ground.

Of great significance is the highly acclaimed Youth Programme, together with annual summer camps which have initiated a seedbed function for junior and senior teams at the same time actively encouraging academic excellence in school.

Of note is his policy of formulating partnerships and networking with the Corporate Community to establish linkages with

Corporate Brands.

In the realm of finances it cannot be denied that Mentore has contributed millions of his own resources to ensure the viability of the club.

Editor, it is fair to say that the Demerara Cricket Club, with Mentore’s initiative and intervention has grown exponentially and is now a household name among the cricketing fraternity.

Having regard of the foregoing, it is a sad commentary that the not so intellectual authors of the article published on Sunday, February 19, who has not contributed anything of significance to the growth and development of the Club (including some executives) who are only interested in photo opportunities and constant publicity so as to advance their own worth and not that of the Club.

These naysayers must be called out for what they are and should be exposed for, if not, they will have sullied the reputation of a successful president and furthermore the high-esteem in which the Club is held.

Incidentally the DCC’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2017 of which due notice was given in the newspapers on February 19, 2017.

Yours faithfully, Members, Demerara Cricket Club

from page 4

basic right. Thus increasing the cost of education to a certain section of the populace could be interpreted as denying persons of this basic and

fundamental right.

Sincerely, Concerned citizen

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Foundation

BY MARK GREGSTON

F

or a teenager to be so unbearably unhappy that he would choose to kill himself is something that’s almost too painful for a parent to think about.

But with the increasing prevalence of teen suicide, no parent can afford to ignore the possibility. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for high-school students.

Children look at this world as being more and more hopeless. And many are choosing suicide as their solution.

When I was in high school – a school with 3000 students – I never knew of any of my peers committing suicide. And even in my work years ago as a director of Young Life, suicide among the teens in our region was a very unusual event that I rarely heard of.

Fact is, before the 1960’s, suicide by adolescents happened only rarely; but today, nearly one in ten teens contemplates suicide, and over 500,000 attempt it each year. While suicide rates for all other ages have dropped, suicides among teens have nearly tripled.

Between the sexes, teen boys are more than four times as likely to commit suicide as girls. But girls are known to think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys. The difference is the method; girls attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves, and thankfully most are found in time and rescued. Boys tend to use more lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights.

The warning signs Suicide is a teen’s last attempt to ease the pain, to make a statement, or it is just a wrong decision giving a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Teens don’t see the bigger picture; they only see the “right now.” They get wrapped up in

the emotions of the moment and tend to only think about a week ahead – that’s all. And when you mix immature short-sightedness with feelings of utter hopelessness, some children think they cannot live with the pain another day.

Other children who contemplate suicide are filled with rage over teasing by their peers or the way they feel they’ve been mistreated by family. They choose suicide as a tragic form of payback.

That reminds me of Kerri. She was the “perfect kid.” She loved church, was involved in mission projects, was adored by her brothers, and stayed away from sex, drugs, and alcohol. Her parents allowed their stunning daughter to date at age 16. But on her first date, the guy tried to go too far, and Kerri was shocked and stunned by the encounter. Her parents asked about the date, and she shared what had happened. Kerri’s father, in the heat of the moment, blamed Kerri. His words verbally crucified his daughter.

When Kerri stated that what this boy did made her want to commit suicide, her dad said she didn’t have the guts to do it. Feeling devalued and misunderstood, Kerri decided to show her dad how gutsy she really was. She got into her parents’ medicine cabinet and took 30 sleeping

pills. Kerri’s parents had no idea what the fight had done to their daughter until dad came upstairs to apologise, found Kerri asleep, and couldn’t wake her. She awoke a few hours later after being rushed to the emergency room and having her stomach pumped. She wasn’t rebellious; she was just sending her dad a message. If she showed her dad that he was wrong about her being too afraid to kill herself, she could also prove he was also wrong about the way she handled her date.

Like Kerri, most teens contemplating suicide give some type of warning to friends or loved ones ahead of time. It can be subtle and or it can be blurted out in a rage. Either way, it’s important for parents to watch for those threats or warning signs and take them seriously, so their teen can get the help they need.

Parents should be aware of these other warning signs that their teenager may be having suicidal thoughts: They may begin to isolate themselves, pulling away from friends or family They may no longer participate in what was their favourite things or activities They may have recently developed trouble thinking clearly They may have changes in their personality (darker, more anxious, or noncaring) They may be experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits They may talk about suicide or death in general They may express feelings of hopelessness or guilt They may exhibit self-destructive behaviour (substance abuse, dangerous driving, recklessness, excessive risk taking) They may have changes in their personal hygiene and appearance They may complain about anxiety-related physical problems (stomach aches, headaches, hives, fatigue, blurred vision) They may have difficulty accepting praise or rewards. (christianpost.com) TO BE CONTINUED

Mashramani: A truly Guyanese experience

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ashramani, as most Guyanese know, is an Amerindian word, which is said to mean “Celebration after hard work”. Mashramani is often times “lumped” in the group of “carnivallike” celebrations, however, despite its similarities in manifestation, the origin and meaning behind Mashramani and other carnivals, for example the well-known Trinidadian Carnival are quite different.

Carnival celebrations have a long and somewhat ambiguous history. It is believed Ashley Anthony that some carnivals, for example the one from Italy, may have its roots in the Roman celebrations of Saturnalia, or Bacchanalia (a celebration of the Roman God of Wine, associated with wine, freedom, intoxication and ecstasy). It is also believed that the celebration was originally about the rebirth after winter, and carnival was a rite of passage, used to move from winter to summer, darkness to light, and was in some case regarded as a fertility celebration, as it was the first festival of spring.

Carnival celebrations became a means of “role reversal”, they were used to mock persons in high social statuses, hence the costumes such as masks that we have come to know. It became about European folk culture. These origins were pagan, and as Christianity rose to dominance, they were denounced. However, due to their popularity, the festivals persisted, with Christianity finally absorbing the practices. Now carnival is celebrated in many RomanCatholic countries right before the season of Lent, a 40day period in which persons give up desires such as eating meat. This is perhaps where the word “carnival” itself is derived, from Medieval Latin carnem levare or carnelevarium, which means to take away or remove meat.

The carnival spread from Europe to the Caribbean with colonialism, and it is for this reason that Trinidad celebrates its Carnival on Shrove Thursday, the eve of Ash Wednesday, or the day before the beginning of Lent. Some Caribbean islands which were predominantly Anglican did not have carnival celebrations originally, but over time evolved similar rituals, some even placing the festival in August to skirt away from the competition of Trinidad.

Mashramani, in contrast, is a purely secular celebration.

It has a fixed date, February 23, and is put in place to celebrate the country’s gain of republican status.

This is what differentiates Mashramani from most other carnivals around the world. Whilst similar attributes such as a float parade and costumes are persistent, the festival has no religious ties whatsoever. Costumes and masks are also believed to have originally been worn to allow people to lose their sense of individuality and promote greater social cohesion. Although this idea is consistent with carnival celebrations around the world, it is much more profound in meaning when viewed in the context of Guyana, because of the reason for our celebration. The costumes can be seen as a display of unity. Moreover, this is supported by the fact that each year, Mashramani is given a positive theme, and costumes must be designed to fit this theme. It can be said that in doing so, it represents the nation’s united resolve to achieve certain goals.

This year, the theme for Mashramani is “Celebrate with Dignity, Liberty and Greater Unity”. How will you interpret this theme?

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wednesDAY, february 22, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

74-year-old reappointed as Guyoil Chairman

F

ormer People’s National Congress Chief Whip, 74-yearold Lance Carberry, was recently reappointed Chairman of the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).

Carberry was reappointed despite President David Granger’s announcement that Government is reviewing its policy on age and retirement for State agencies, boards and commissions with a view of building a pool of expertise among the younger generation.

President Granger had made the disclosures on the heels of a major outcry over his administration’s decision to terminate the services of Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority Justice Cecil Kennard who is also over 70 years old.

Granger had argued that Justice Kennard is too old to be functioning and that his Government wants younger professionals to take over these key leadership positions.

“We are simply trying to give other persons the opportunity to serve,” the President provided as his justification.

He also indicated that former Mayor Hamilton Green, who currently heads the Central Housing and Planning Authority and is around the same age as

Reappointed Guyoil Chairman Lance Carberry

Justice Kennard would also have to step down, in keeping with Government’s new age policy.

Carberry, an economist by profession, had served in the bauxite industry and had played a role in the establishment and development of the Iwokrama Rainforest Project. He is also wellversed in matters affecting the energy and environmental sectors of the economy.

Political commentator Dr David Hinds had argued that Government needs to be clear on its age policy, if it has one.

Hinds said that if Government has a policy on age, then it needs to make it

known, while explaining the reasoning behind it.

The political analyst said if the Government really does have a policy where persons who are past a certain age should not occupy some posts, then it should formally announce it and explain to the public the reasoning behind it.

Failure to do so, he said, would open Government to the charge of selective targeting of officials, as appears to be the case with Justice Kennard.

“If there is a policy to remove people from some positions because they are too old, I would have a serious problem with it. Since when age determines competence?

When I read the news story about Justice Kennard’s removal because of old age, I thought he was 100 years old and physically and mentally challenged. But, from all indications, despite his so-called old age, the man has been quite competent at what he does,” Hinds said, noting that if indeed he is being removed because of his age, then it is a clear case of age discrimination.

He said if Government is removing Kennard for some other reason, as could well be the case, then it should be honest enough and say so, rather than hiding behind age.

Unaccountability on D’Urban Park Project criminal – Opposition

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has dubbed as “criminal”, the current state of affairs of the D’Urban Park Project, where it said Government continues to withhold the necessary information on its real cost.

The Party said up until now, Government has persistently refused to disclose the real cost of this project. And despite all the scandals and suspicions which permeated from the inception, the Administration has failed to hold any form of inquiry or investigation in relation to it.

“The PPP is aware that there are dozens of contractors who have not been paid for works done and for materials supplied to that project. The Party is also aware that the names of contractors which were read out by Minister David Patterson in the National Assembly as creditors of this project were false and misleading,” the Party said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Party said it became aware of the names of several persons who are actually owed money and who were never called by Public Infrastructure Minister of David Patterson.

“The nation is unaware of the current sta-

The D’Urban Park Project

tus of the private company which Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, and other cohorts of [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU incorporated, own and operated at the project site. We were subsequently told that this company spent hundreds of millions of State funds and attracted hundreds of millions of liabilities which taxpayers’ monies were used to pay off.

Indeed millions are still owed by this company,” it said.

The Party also said it has observed that works are currently ongoing at the site while no public tendering was done.

“The nation remains unaware as to who is executing this work, what is the value of the work being done and from where

the finances have been sourced. The PPP reiterates what it stated before; the level of unaccountability that has overwhelmed this project is criminal”.

Last December, the National Assembly found itself divided over giving or withholding approval for an additional $500 million to be paid out from the Consolidated Fund to a number of contractors and other persons owed varying amounts for works undertaken on the controversial D’Urban Jubilee Park Project.

The rancour engulfed the House when the Speaker of the National Assembly put to a vote the capital expenditure under the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s budget, but was met with a resounding no. turn to page 10

8 news

wednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Trio to stand trial for Rubis accountant’s murder

T

he three men who were detained for the murder of Jason Cort were on Tuesday arraigned before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and sentenced to stand trial at the High Court for the unlawful kill-

The three accused Stancy Rodney, David Eastman and Clifton Gibson

Dead: Jason Cort

ing of the Rubis Gas Station accountant.

The Magistrate ruled that a prima facie case was established against Stancy Rodney, 28; David Eastman, 25; and Clifton Gibson, 32, for the murder of Jason Cort, and they will stand tri-

al at the next sitting at the High Court.

Rodney, when given a chance to speak declined the opportunity; his Attorney, George Thomas, said that one witness will be called at the High Court trial.

The second accused, Eastman, told the court that he was beaten by Police Officers in an attempt to force him to give a statement. Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-A-Fat stated that his client wishes to reserve witnesses for the High Court

and will not disclose the names of same, owing to his fear of members of the Police Force.

Represented by Defence Attorney Melville Duke, Gibson opted to remain silent, declining the chance to present witnesses.

Jason Cort, a senior employee attached to Rubis Guyana Inc was gunned down in July of last year, at his Lot 262 Jamoon Drive, Meadowbrook home.

Cort was fatally shot to the chest shortly after enter-

ing his premises with fiancé, Shauna Garraway. He was rushed to Balwant Singh Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

Several persons had related that upon hearing the loud explosion and looking outside, they observed persons scaling the fence of Cort’s home and making good their escape up the road.

Following the shooting, the three men were arrested and charged with the offence.

Stricter monitoring of students needed – Region 10 officials

R

egional Officials of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are calling for the stricter monitoring of schoolaged children, while they attend out-of-school events, such as sports and Mashramani-related activities. It has been reported that some students in the region who attend such

events, engage in the consumption of alcohol and other unsavoury activities.

As such, Councillors within the Regional Democratic Council have made calls for the re-implementation of stricter policies to curb the delinquent behaviour.

It is believed that the relaxing of some older policies, such as dress codes

associated with attending these events and the failure to report to school prior to the activities, may be contributing factors associated with students’ delinquent behaviour. Loitering after such events has also been highlighted as a main concern by Councillors. These issues formed part of the discourse during the most

recent statutory meeting of the Council. Councillor Sandra Adams reminded that according to the law, persons are prohibited from selling alcohol and cigarettes to a child 18 years, she therefore called for some of the older policies to be re-established in schools. turn to page 17

Watch…

O

…the suicide pimps ver in the USA - from where so many folks learn the “tricks of the trade” of so many trades - they call one bunch of operators “poverty pimps”. And it’s not just about “poverty” in the strict sense. The Americans fuse a public-private approach to help all kinds of socially disadvantaged and challenged people on the not unreasonable assumption that the government bureaucracy may be too cold and impersonal for their target group. So quite a lot of public funds - billions and billions actually - are funnelled through private groups, formed to “help” the poor and the powerless.

In reality, while some may actually start out with the best of intentions, very soon even their operations fall into line with the even more numerous bunch that were launched explicitly to help themselves at the public trough - under the subterfuge of helping the underclass. These are the “poverty pimps”, who rake in the big bucks off the suffering of the same folks they say they’re helping.

Some of them take up the mantle after taking up “the cause” of some unfortunate group or other that’s been identified as deserving “help”. Funds, of course, have to be raised for the noble effort - so fund raisers become a permanent feature of their “work”.

Publicity is the breath of life for “poverty pimps” - so many in the public eye see this “work” as the best of both worlds: they get their pics in the media and earn a positive tick for “helping the unfortunate”.

Very soon, they build-up “organisations” to “push” the work - and so of course bureaucracies must be built and funded to run them. The cost of running this bureaucracy invariably outstrips what they spend on “the work”. One of the dead giveaways of “poverty pimps” is - just as with the original pimps - their lifestyle and office are at least 10 times more ostentatious that what their target group can afford.

Their offices are NEVER located in the neighbourhoods of their target group. In their pics, they’re frequently photographed at the “in places” in the company with the rich, famous - and in Guyana - the politically well connected.

In Guyana, after years of grass-root agitation, suicide appeared on the “national agenda” when out of the blue, Al Jazeera flashed over the international airwaves that Guyana was now number one in the world rankings. It didn’t need much more than this kind of publicity to create some “suicide pimps”.

Of course, there may be some serious ones. Just check them off against the criteria mentioned above. …the hypocrisy in education Prezzie so loveth the Founder Leader of the Party he now heads, he just gave up his only begotten dwelling to house all the groups working to keep - and burnish - Burnham’s memory. Very laudable. But one wonders at the name… Chetwynd Learning Centre. Chetwynd?

We know Burnham oh-so-wanted to be British, but why this obscure - and obsolete baronetcy?

Anyhow the Founder Leader’s well-known advocacy for education was trotted out at the raison d’être for the Centre that will bring together the Burnham Education Scholarship Trust; the Burnham Book Trust and the Burnham Research Centre.

But your Eyewitness wonders if the rest of the People’s National Congress – especially Finance Minister Winston Jordan - is au fait with Burnham’s own travails in pursuing education - and which honed his perspective on the subject. His dad found it very difficult to keep him at the private Central High School - and it was only Burnham’s brightness that saved him when he won a place to Queens.

What would’ve happened if he had to pay Value Added Tax on his fees to Central?? …those who ignore sugar workers “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main… and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.”

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

news

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wednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 9 REO interdicted from duty – Bulkan C

o m m u n i t i e s Minister Ronald Bulkan has announced that Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Parker has been off the job for over one week and that a replacement REO has since been installed.

During an interview with the Government Information Agency, the Minister disputed reports in some sections of the media that Parker was still on the job. He added that there were reports from members of the community and Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, as well as the media, that Parker was still on the job.

According to Bulkan, Kerwin Ward, formerly of the Region Three administration has assumed the responsibility of acting REO of Region Nine. Ward has been with the Region Three administration for over 20 years and his last substantial position within the Region Three office was Field Auditor.

Parker was on Thursday, February 9, charged for allegedly sexually assaulting

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

one of the region’s elected officials. The sexual assault charge was read to him as he appeared before a Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Following this, Minister Bulkan had informed the media that following the institution of the charge against Parker, he would be interdicted from duty with immediate effect.

It is alleged that Parker, 53, of Cenotaph Boulevard, Lethem, Region Nine, had sexually assaulted a young lady on June 13, 2016 at Yupukari, Central

Rupununi, during a village outreach he had hosted. The REO pleaded not guilty.

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

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

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

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

Govt failed to act

During

a

press

con-

Embattled Region Nine REO, Carl Parker

ference held earlier this month, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo accused Government of failing to discipline Parker against whom several similar allegations have been made.

“This Government has serious problems with professionals, particularly

young professionals and particularly women. So in (Region Nine, an education official) complained about the (alleged) predatory behaviour of the (official).

And it was swept under the carpet,” Jagdeo had stated.

He continued, “Then the (municipal official) complained that she was sexually molested by the same person. It was reported to everyone, including the Minister. The President is aware of it. They try to sweep it under the carpet again.”

At least two arms of the People’s Progressive Party have since come out in solidarity with the alleged victim. These groups – the Women’s Progressive Organisation and Progressive Youth Organisation of Region Nine – expressed admiration for the boldness of the Virtual Complainant in coming forward.

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

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

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

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

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

10 news

wednesDAY, February 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

14 contractors to develop homes at Perseverance

G

o v e r n m e n t ’ s ‘Housing Solutions for 2017 and Beyond’ initiative is moving full steam ahead and contractors have already been hired to build low-income, moderate-income and middle-income homes at the Perseverance Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Tuesday signed agreements with 14 contractors for the construction of houses which will develop a model village exhibition to be hosted from May 1–5.

The signing of the contracts took place at the Housing Ministry on Brickdam.

Junior Communities Minister with responsibility for housing, Valarie Adams-Patterson explained that the project will have on display life-sized houses for members of the public to view and which will be up for sale after the exhibition.

Interested persons would have to make two payments, one to the CH&PA for the land and another to the contractor for the house.

Purchasers would have to have an application in the authority’s system or would have to meet the criteria to qualify for an allocation.

The Minister explained that the dual payment formula is to guarantee persons in the system are allotted homes.

“That is to ensure, our objective as I said is to reduce the number of applicants that we have in the system and so we cannot afford to have persons who had a previous allocation coming again and being able to purchase that house,” she explained.

Currently, there are approximately 25,000 applicants in the CH&PA system awaiting allocations.

Additionally, with the minimum age being changed from 21 years to 18 years, more and more applications are being received on a daily basis.

Junior Communities Minister Valarie Adams-Patterson during a press briefing on Tuesday

The low-income land will cost $300,000, the moderate-income $500,000 and the middle-income $700,000.

The contractors will have to construct 10 low-income, five moderate-income, and eight middle-income houses.

Contractors were given an 80x45 feet low-income land to construct a 600 square foot house and an 80 x 62 feet moderate-income land to construct a 900 square foot moderate-income house.

Those contractors opting to construct middle-income houses were given 80x85 feet land to build 1100-square foot houses.

The cost of the houses will be determined by the contractors and there will be no policy by the agency to control those prices.

“We’ve had meetings with the exhibitors and we shared our expectations but we cannot control their price. We expect that they will keep it within current market price because they have to sell it and if they price is high, they would not be able to and there is a clause in the agreement that will take care of that,” she explained.

However, the Minister assured that contractors will be penalised for failure to sell off the houses within six months after the closing of the exhibition.

She emphasised that there will be a penalty enforced if the contractors fail

to sell the houses within the stipulated six months; however, she could not remember what the nature of the consequences will entail.

Furthermore, the Minister explained that the CH&PA will be constructing six duplexes for the model village and that one developer committed to constructing a townhouse.

She noted that one of the aims is to conduct a survey which will inform the Government of the public’s preferences before it goes ahead to develop duplexes and townhouses across the country.

“If and when the CH&PA decides that we are going to continue to build low-income, moderate-income, middle-income, whatever, we want to understand.

Rather than us giving

what models we think the Guyanese people want to have, we (would) now understand what they need,” she stated.

Moreover, the Authority conducted diligence background on the developers to ensure that they have the human resource and financial capability to complete the houses. Their agreement stipulates that they must submit weekly progress reports to the authority.

Each contractor has been given a construction milestone that would also guide their construction and has also provided for on-site monitoring.

The contractor is also responsible for any defects to the building during the period up to when the house is sold. They shall be responsible for the maintenance of all drain reserves and parapets.

Also, the purchaser is prohibited from making any modifications or extensions to the building purchased for a period of five years, except with the consent of the CH&PA. The purchaser may make modifications thereafter with the permission of the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

The land and both the house cannot be sold until 10 years after the date of passing of the respective certificate.

Homeless?

S

atiricus wiped a tear discretely from his cheek. The fellas pretended not to notice, since they knew their friend. Sooner, rather than later, he’d spill his guts as to what was going on inside his head. They’d been imbibing for a while at the Back Street Bar and it could be that Satiricus was just getting sentimental, as he was wont to do past beer number four.

“I didn’t realise there were still people like this in the world,” Satiricus finally sniffed. His two friends lifted their heads up from their beers and looked at him quizzically.

“Boy, that was really something Prezzie did, wasn’t it?” said Satiricus in answer to their unspoken question.

“A wha’ yuh a ta’k about, Sato?” replied Bungi, who wondered if this was the source of the waterworks. “Wha’ Prezzie do fuh mek yuh cry?”

“This is what worries me about you fellas sometimes,” Satiricus said a bit exasperatedly, as he wiped another tear away not so discreetly this time. “You have eyes to read, but you still don’t see!”

“Man, you getting all biblical and stuff!” exclaimed Hari.

“What’s going on?”

“Well, look how Prezzie gave away his house to the groups that keep Burnt Ham memory alive,” Satiricus said in a choked up voice. “Aren’t you astounded that a mere mortal would do such an act in this day and age?”

“A wha’ kinda age da, Sato?” asked Bungi.

“Nowadays everybody just want… want… want!” exclaimed Satiricus. “And here is Prezzie giving up his only house for his old leader.” Satiricus sniffed some more.

“But he’s living in State House,” pointed out Hari. “He doesn’t need a house.”

“Yes, but he may have to leave in four years, or at best eight,” Satiricus pointed out, with another sniff. “He’ll have to live in the streets!”

“Sato ole fr’en’, yuh neva t’ink Prezzie inten’ fuh stay ah State House fuh life?” said Bungi. “Like ‘e leadah Burnt Ham?” Satiricus became cold sober.

Unaccountability on D’Urban...

Prior to the division of votes, the House heard that on November 22, 2016, six days before the Budget was presented to the nation – Homestretch Development Inc (HDI) had written to the Finance Ministry indicating that it owes contractors $500 million more and was looking to have this liability liquidated.

The revelation did not go down well with former Minster within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, who openly questioned the timing of the inclusion of the

$500 million in the budget, since the Ministry had only been informed six days earlier.

In fact, Edghill argued that Government was in fact looking to turn over money to a private company – HDI – for works it had done using contractors that company had engaged in the project.

He used the occasion to draw reference to Substantive Minster David Patterson’s assertions that the Government did not actually engage any of the con-

from page 7

tractors that the Ministry was seeking approval to be paid over.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the overall expenditure and cash and kind donations, Public Infrastructure Minister Patterson told the House that a total of $27.7 million was received in the form of donations from private individuals and entities, while another $37 million came about ‘in kind’.

The Opposition had made an immediate call for the Auditor General of Guyana to a forensic audit

into all revenues, expenditure and donations received.

The Party reminded of the motion it had put forward for disclosure on the sums expended, the contractors and amounts paid to them, liabilities and other information that would have ensured accountability and transparency. This motion was defeated on November 21, 2016 when it was debated during which time the Public Infrastructure Minister selectively provided skimpy information.

news

11

wednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter challenge

M&CC flouts court order, clamps vehicles … GCCI fears economic slowdown will worsen

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

O

fficials from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and Smart City Solutions (SCS) strutted through the capital city on Tuesday, booting vehicles despite a court order which placed a hold on the paid parking project.

However, this is not the

ed to clamp the vehicles of persons who parked in the area without paying.

But in some cases, the citizens put up a fight and resisted the clamping of their vehicles.

In one instance, a female driver argued with the SCS official and refused to allow him to clamp her car, which resulted in a heated ex-

A vehicle clamped on Tuesday despite the court order

first time the M&CC has flouted a court order; back in May 2006, Town Clerk Royston King spearheaded the destruction the the famous ‘Dread Shop’, located at Russell Square in Stabroek, Georgetown – a business which has been in existence for some 48 years, despite an injunction in the courts.

It was high drama on Water Street on Tuesday when SCS officials attempt-

change of words.

The High Court on February 16 granted an order which legal luminaries interpreted to mean that the paid parking project is suspended until the legal proceedings are resolved.

The writ had stated, among other things, that, “an order nisi of certiorari be and is hereby granted to quash the decision of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown to

enter into an agreement on or around 13 May, 2016”.

The respondents also have to show cause against all the orders made by the Chief Justice to quash their decision to enter into the contract, which has already caused weekly mass protests in front of City Hall.

Their day in court is set for February 27, before Justice Brassington Reynolds. Should they fail to comply, the document noted, they will be held in contempt of court.

However, Mayor Patricia Chase Green and the Town Clerk had already signalled their intention to breach the court order.During a pre-recorded press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN), the Mayor announced that the parking meter project would continue as normal. Their intentions have been heavily criticised by lawyers from the lobby group Movement Against Parking Meters as well as former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall had argued that if the city were to continue implementing the project or force anyone to pay for parking before the hearing, this would be tantamount to violating a court order.

He explained that when

that “order nisi” is issued, it puts the particular decision, which it imputes, upon hold until the respondents show or does not show cause. If the other side succeeds in showing cause why the order should not be made absolute, then the order nisi is discharged.

However, he noted that if the respondents do fail to show cause, then the order nisi is upheld and made absolute, thus quashing the decision.

“What that means, therefore, is that until the case is concluded, the decision (in

this case) the parking meter contract and its implementation has been put on hold by the order nisi.”

Impact on business

Meanwhile, the calls for the termination of the Parking Meter Project continue to escalate and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is the latest entity to reiterate those demands.

In a statement on Tuesday, the GCCI said it is irresponsible for the M&CC to continue with the metered system due to a lack

of transparency during the implementation process, a lack of adherence to public procurement procedures, and the absence of feasibility studies and citizen consultations.

“The M&CC should remember that one of the most important qualities that citizens seek in elected officials is transparency and any attempts to bulldoze the populace with opaque contracts will not garner support, especially not from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce,” the body noted. turn to page 17

12news More details needed on oil wealth distribution plans – UK High Commissioner wednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

T

he Government should provide more details and specifics about where they plan to invest proceeds from the commercialisation of the oil industry. This is the view of the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn.

Quinn made this pronouncement during an interactive session with the media at his official residence on Tuesday. The diplomat noted that there are already ongoing discus-

sions on where some of the money would be invested, as well as on administering the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

But while acknowledging the steps being taken, he said that there should be more specifics on the strategies that will be implemented.

“I think there needs to be a good discussion. There are two aspects to this. One is what areas the money should be spent on for the benefit of all Guyanese. So

a strategic plan in terms of we want to develop this area and we want to do this infrastructure work (or) we want to help the education sector.”

“But there’s also the part (whereby) you don’t spend all the money now, you put some of it away in a Sovereign Wealth Fund in case there is a rainy day so that in case anything happens you can fall back on the money that is in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.”

Giving an example, the

British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

diplomat observed that global economic downturns such as the economic crisis of 2008 have to be factored into the discussion.

“So I think the kind of conversation which I know is happening, is already happening around those two areas. But what I’d

like to see a little more detail about is exactly what the strategy is.”

“But we’ve got time.

It’s only 2017; we’ve got time to work these things out. But there needs to be a continuing discussion including everybody; civil society, the population, the politicians, the civil servants, about which areas need the money that will come out of the oil and how you prioritise those areas.”

He noted that a second consultative topic of discussion would be the nature of the SWF, the basis for management and how much money will be allocated to it.

“And that is something I know that various people, including the Canadians, have already been providing assistance on. Cause what you can’t do is spend

all the money.”

As an example, Quinn used his home country.

He noted that the United Kingdom did not save enough of its own money in the 1970’s, so when an economic downturn followed in the next decade there was a deficit.

Quinn also suggested that if the United Kingdom is asked by the Guyana Government to help craft a strategy to spend the oil proceeds, it would be willing to help.

“If we’re asked, I’m sure we will. Already we have given some help. We have UK expertise involved already. We have provided advice in the past. But there’s quite a lot of advice and organisations involved.

TURN TO PAGE 15

news

13

wednesDAY, February 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chancellor to rule in Sovereignty of the people case today C

hancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Carl Singh is expected to rule on a State-sponsored appeal against former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang’s ruling that in Guyana, sovereignty resides in the people and not in the Parliament as it does in Britain; and as such, certain fundamental clauses in the Constitution that serve to define its substantive nature, can only be altered by a referendum of the people. It is analogous to the reverse requirement that when a referendum of the people of Britain chose Brexit, their Supreme Court ruled that their Parliament as sovereign rather than the British people had to make the decision.

Justice Chang’s ruling was appealed by then Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman and current Attorney General Basil Williams. The constitutional challenge case was led by Georgetown resident Cedric Richardson in February 2015, and sought the court’s interpretation on the National Assembly’s changes to Article 90 as it related to four restraints on the freedom of choice by citizens at national elections.

As adumbrated by Justice Chang, “The purported alteration of Article 90 by Act No. 17 of 2001, in substance and effect, undoubtedly diminishes the democratic rights of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President, by excluding from Presidential candidature: (1) Citizens of Guyana not resident in Guyana on Nomination Day (2) Citizens of Guyana resident in Guyana on Nomination Day but who

Former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Carl Singh

Attorney General Basil Williams

have not been continuously resident in Guyana for seven years prior to that date (3) Citizens of Guyana by registration (4) Citizens of Guyana who have served for two terms as President.

As such, the purported alteration by Act No 17 of 2001 purports to curtail the people’s electoral democratic choices and to offend the declaration in Article 1 that Guyana is a democratic state (in which the sovereignty resides in the people Article 9). This is precisely why, for the purpose of any alteration of Articles 1 and 9, the voice of two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly is not the voice of the people.”

The case, which was /led

by Attorneys Emily Dodson and Shawn Allicock, on behalf of Richardson, argued that Act 17 of 2001, which was passed by a two-third majority in the National Assembly, unconstitutionally curtails and restricts his sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect specif-

ic persons of their choice as President of Guyana.

Richardson had contended that the limit was unconstitutional and illegal. He sought the court’s interpretation to determine whether the amendment with referendum should not have been held, instead of the two-third majority in the National

Assembly having the powers to decide to limit the number of terms.

As such, while the Constitution provides for representative democracy, such representative democracy cannot encroach on popular sovereignty from which it derives and which is entrenched by the requirement

Stricter monitoring of... from page 8

“Looking back at the years of what had a smooth flow of activities, Councillor Callender would have alluded to the school taking you to sports, the school taking you back to the school’s location and they would have arranged for transportation to pick you up from there in your uniforms. The only thing you could have wear out of the ordinary was a white ribbon and a white socks and a white boots… These are things we have been trying to implement back in the system. The day the schools would have been able to come to sports without the uniform is where the chaos began,” she noted, as she pointed out that today’s students are allowed to attend events in formal clothing.

“There is no law that prevents us from saying to the schools, ‘let the children wear their uniform’, and if we want to bring back some form of order, we got to go back to what worked - uniform worked, because they know they could be identified on the road,” Adams continued.

She added that while some students may still be-

have disorderly while in uniform, the return of the school uniform dress code may eliminate the majority of such issues. She also pointed to the fact that students are attending such events with “cutup jeans” and revealing clothing, which are considered unfit for school-related events.

Adams added that the reinforcement of certain policies would be a joint effort between the Education and Welfare Departments coupled with Parent Teachers Association bodies.

She called on the Council to have the Police involved, following school events, as well as to have them included in anti- drug talks in schools, as well as the return of the Guidance period, noting that this may also assist with decreasing the level of pornography in schools.

Meanwhile, Education Committee Chairman Denise Belgrave noted that it is policy, that for any school-related activity, students are supposed to attend school at the regular time and have their names marked before proceeding to the activity.

of the referendum.

Justice Chang’s interpretation of the constitutional provision rested on a “normative” substantive republican values rather than the older, procedurally-driven Liberal view of constitutions as merely “descriptive”.

While he cited two cases – the Belize case Bowen vs The Attorney General BZ 2001 SC 2, and the Indian case Kesavananda Bharati vs the State of Kerala (1974) 1 SCC (Jour) 3 to support his ruling, it appears there was a refusal by his critics to deconstruct the difference between the two approaches and to accept as the Indian Supreme Court did, “while there was no implied limit to constitutional amendment, the very nature of the word “amend” meant that Parliament could not abrogate or destroy the foundation or the basic structure of the Constitution.”

In the Liberal procedurally driven perspective on con-

stitutions, the protection of the negative freedom of the citizens, adumbrated as “fundamental rights”, against the Leviathan state, is paramount, but as stated by the theorist Jurgen Habermas, in the substantive republican view, “…the State’s raison d’etre does not lie primarily in the protection of equal private rights but in the guarantee of an inclusive opinion- and will-formation in which free and equal citizens reach an understanding on which goals and norms lie in the equal interest of all.”

It is this insistence that it is the will of the people must be untrammelled in the exercise of their positive freedom, that Justice Chang’s ruling rests.

And it is this interpretation of the Constitution that the Government via Trotman and Williams rejects and appealed. Today, Chancellor Carl Singh will rule on their appeal.

14 news

WednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Skeletal remains wash ashore in Corentyne

Presumed dead: Dochan Sukra, 54, also called “Butcher”, Dhanpaul Rampaul; and Munish Churman, 26, also called “Boyo”

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he skeletal remains of an unidentified person washed ashore at Number 52 Village, Corentyne, on Friday.

Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam has confirmed that Police will have to conduct a DNA test to determine who the remains belong to.

However, there are fears that the remains may be linked to the three fishermen who went missing on May 29, 2016.

The men disappeared into the muddy waters of the Corentyne River after reportedly being tied to anchors and thrown out of a boat by pirates who had earlier stolen their catch.

Those missing are Dochan Sukra, 54, also called “Butcher” of Number 55 Village; Dhanpaul Rampaul of Number 67 Village; and Munish Churman, 26, also called “Boyo” of Number 60 Village.

Police are continuing with their investigations.

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WednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mash bands continue to unveil costume designs

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ith just one day remaining to the grand Mashramani Costume and Float Parade, bands have continued the reveal their inspired designs in store for Thursday. Honest Illusions and the Education Ministry both hosted the unveiling of their creative pieces at two separate events on Tuesday.

Honest Illusions returns to Mashramani for the fourth year, with their recreation of Mardi Gras. The American band drew its inspiration from the French celebration, depicting the free spirited nature and endless possibilities that is associated with the festivity. The line of costumes was designed by Preston Paul and Stronjeh and is entitled “Mardi Gras: The Spirit of Carnival”.

The line features three focal pieces, each being a symbolic allusion to Mardi Gras.

The Education Ministry’s Mash costumes

The centrepiece, Queen Du Mardi Gras, sets the tone for what is to follow with its bright golden royal appeal.

The other two selections, Roman Lust and Venice, are less flamboyant but more attractive, playing with a mixture of colours. Despite the featured pieces, revellers with this band have the choice to

combine an array of ideas to create their unique look, in keeping with the theme of freedom of expression.

The Education Ministry on the other hand relied on a more local source of inspiration, reflecting on the country’s various ‘Go Green’ efforts in their Mashramani float.

“Guyana, an emerging Green

More details needed on oil...

FROM PAGE 12

“So I think one of the things we have to be careful of is that we’re not all doing the same sort of thing. So for example if the Norwegians or the Canadians or the Commonwealth is already providing advice, then there’s no need for us to do it as well.”

That being said, the High Commissioner expressed optimism at the preparations being made by Guyana. He referenced the Extractive Industries Transparency Institute (EITI) and the con-

sultations being held in Guyana. “If it was 2019, and we were still in the same place, I think there would be a little bit more concern about the level of preparedness. But I’m confident that if it were 2019 we’d be quite a bit further on down the road.”

Last year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Finance Minister Winston Jordan spent time in Uganda in order to examine that country’s wealth fund model. This is in

addition to the work EITI has been doing.

It is anticipated that if managed correctly, the revenue generated by oil and gas will boost Guyana’s standard of living. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, an ExxonMobil affiliate, is the company responsible for drilling in the Stabroek Block off Guyana’s shores.Oil has already been discovered in three other wells – the Liza 1, 2 and 3 – in addition to the Payara- 1 well.

State”, was the theme depicted with their designs that exhibited the colourful aspects of life and nature (flora and fauna) which will inherently flourish with careful efforts to protect

and preserve the environment.

This band – both costumes and floats – was designed by the staff and students of the Burrowes School of Art. Volda Ramsammy, attached with the School of Arts, explained that this band was built from scratch. Even though the school did not initially offer costume designing as a course of study, they were tasked over the years with designing and building the Mashramani band for the then independent Ministry of Culture which now falls under the umbrella of Education Ministry. The entire band is completely original, making use of creative skillsets such as crafting, spray painting and wire twisting.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry expressed her delight in the successful execution of the numerous Mashramani events thus far, which fell under the supervision of the Department of Culture. She explained that it has been a team effort and thanked her staff for their commitment despite the challenges that accompanied what may possibly be the department’s busiest period.

The positive atmosphere and massive turn out to the previous events was commended by the Minister who is anticipating a greater participation, showcasing a true representation of the Guyanese culture come February 23, Mashramani day.

16 news

wednesDAY, february 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Thousands of dollars won in Breeze Ramsammy’s Ruminations It boggles my mind – Granger Money Machine promotion gives himself an ‘A’ Grade,

T

housands of dollars were won when the five winners of the Breeze Money Machine Promotion grabbed and won big on Tuesday morning.

It was a morning of excitement when the winners of the promotion, along with a friend of their choice, entered the machine to grab their cash winnings.

Each winner was given 45 seconds in the machine, while their friends were allotted 30 seconds each.

A company representative of Massy spoke to the Guyana Times and encouraged all to keep entering, as the second and final draw in the competition will be held in March.

According to the representative, the response thus far has been even better than the previous years.

She is encouraging all

to enter as, “…you never know, you could be here with us on the next draw.”

This publication was also able to speak with a few of the lucky winners who were all excited about their cash winnings.

Essoma Pollard who was able to win $14,600 in the machine said that she is grateful for the money and will use it to take her son to his school tour.

Another winner coming all the way from Essequibo said that she did not expect to win, but was nevertheless appreciative for what she won.

Five more persons will again win big at next month’s drawing. Persons are required to enter a 375 gram or larger Breeze packet or any liquid wrapping, and submit it along with their name, address and phone number.

but he deserves a BIG FAT ‘F’

P

One of the winners grabbing what she could in the machine

resident Granger gave himself and his A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government an ‘A’ grade. People are shaking their heads, wondering what Granger has been smoking because for most of them Granger deserves a resounding ‘F’. Corruption is at an alltime high, the cost of living is on the rise, businesses and the economy are stagnated, Dr Leslie Ramsammy the dollar is depreciating, US foreign currency is in short supply, more people have lost their jobs in the last two years than in any other two-year period, sugar workers have had no wage increase for two years, sugar estates are closing, rice is on the decline, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is collapsing, education, health and housing are sliding backwards, more than 200 taxes have been increased, Value Added Tax (VAT) has been extended to food items, health, education, water and electricity, crime is on a continuous upward spiral, flooding is more intense and more frequent, the Constitution and the Judiciary are under attack, the Private Sector Commission has lost confidence in the Government and more and more the Government is shifting towards authoritarianism.

APNU/AFC made eliminating corruption a major campaign promise. After almost two years, they have taken corruption to a shameful, unimaginable level where even some of its staunchest supporters are reeling in embarrassment and repulsion.

APNU/AFC are even afraid to activate the Public Procurement Commission so it pays its members about $6 million per month to stay quiet. When it comes to fighting corruption, Granger and APNU/AFC deserve a BIG FAT ‘F’.

The APNU/AFC, Granger, Nagamootoo and others claimed that more than $28 billion was lost through the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) contract corruption. Now people are asking them where is the $56 billion that should have been saved from these corrupt transactions since APNU/AFC has been in government. It is pellucidly clear that 2015-2016 ranks as the most corrupt two years in our 50-year independent history.

APNU/AFC has amassed more than one major corrupt deal per month and it might be worse. Recently, the Public Accounts Committee found that more than 70 contracts in 2015 in Region Six (Upper Corentyne-Berbice) were awarded to the highest bidders with no justification.

From the handing out of contracts for forensic audits, to their friends and donors, the repulsive $15 million per month house they rented as a medical warehouse, the incredible $1 billion higher bid awarded for the GPL contract, to the Parking Meter Contract; the corruption stench has infuriated even their most staunch supporters. The population is today reeling from the Parking Meter Contract, one of the worst corrupt deals in Guyana’s history. APNU/AFC belatedly and timidly distancing themselves from this “Contract from hell” is just a futile effort to untangle themselves from complicity in a criminal deal.

Granger, Williams, Harmon, Trotman, Ramjattan, Nagamootoo and the rest of the Cabinet are fully complicit because they knew of the horrendous Parking Meter Contract from the beginning. Not just because Oscar Clarke played a major role, but because they reviewed the Contract in August 2016 with in-depth reviews from the Finance Ministry and the Attorney General which identified various untenable and “terror” clauses. Long before the citizens knew that this was a “Contract from hell”, APNU/AFC knew. They clearly were complicit in foisting this Contract down the throats of our people.

Besides, the parking meters could not have been implemented without Bulkan’s approval of the By-laws which the Office of the Presidency gazetted. This is a Mayor and City Council contract, but it is fully owned by Granger and APNU/AFC. That is why they rejected Irfaan Ali’s motion to debate the Contract in Parliament because they feared exposure.

Their ‘F’ grade is deserving because they had campaigned on super-salaries and inflated pensions for Jagdeo and Ramotar and their ministers. Nagamootoo cried that the PPP ministers were living Cadillac lifestyles in a ‘donkey cart’ economy. They claimed that Jagdeo was the highest paid president in the world and many people believed them. Then what did they do the first opportunity in government? They increased their salaries between 50 and 100 per cent. They increased their fleet with more luxurious and expensive vehicles and expended enormous sums of money to enhance their homes and offices.

Column length limitation does not permit me to detail how much APNU/AFC has reversed Guyana’s upward trajectory. People are dismayed and hope is once again dissipating. Sugar workers, rice farmers, other farmers, miners and foresters, vendors, business people and their families give APNU/AFC an ‘F’. Teachers and public servants feel betrayed. All Guyanese are suffocating from the high cost of living from rising prices and burdensome taxes. Personal debts are beginning to take a toll on people’s lives while the national debt is rapidly increasing. Granger’s job creation magic is to sell sugar cake, plantain chips and cook-up. No ands, ifs and buts, APNU/AFC scores a BIG FAT ‘F’.

Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com and check out my fb page at ramsammypl@gmail.com

news

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wednesDAY, February 22, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

250 nursing students resit examination

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he 250 nursing students who wrote the 2016 nursing exams, which was allegedly compromised, took the test for

a second time on Tuesday.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence along with her Junior Minster, Dr Karen Cummings, paid

Several of the students said a prayer before the highly anticipated exams

a visit to the students just before they wrote the examination at the Critchlow Labour College.

In a statement released by the Health Ministry, the Minister said to a group of students “We are here to give you moral and spiritual support; we have full confidence in you”.

Minister Cummings also spoke to the students and said “We know you will have good success. Believe in yourselves”.

Those who re-wrote the nursing exams were students from the Georgetown School of Nursing, the Charles Roza School of Nursing located in Linden, the New Amsterdam School of Nursing and

Caricom Heads to champion ECWECC initiative

The 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference: Heads of Government & heads of delegations

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of the Government have agreed to champion the Every Caribbean Woman Every Caribbean Child (ECWECC) initiative and other activities focused on addressing violence against women and women’s and children’s health.

The ECWECC initiative revolves around opportunities to improve the lives of women, children and adolescents. It focuses on four priority issues: teenage pregnancy; violence against women and children (including Trafficking In Persons); cervical cancer and mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) in the Caribbean.

Assembling for their 28th Inter-sessional Meeting on February 16-17, in Guyana, the Heads received a re-

port on the initiative from Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Browne had earlier attended the Forum of Caricom First Ladies and Spouses on the EWECC initiative, hosted by Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger, at the Marriott Hotel on February 16.

At that Forum, the Prime Minister addressed the gathering of First Ladies and spouses, Government officials, the UN Special Envoy for HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean, Dr Edward Greene, UN and other agencies, the Gilead Sciences Inc, among others.

The Prime Minister cited the less than flattering state of play in the Region as it related to the referenced issues and called for urgent “remedial action” and an accelerated response.

“We leaders of the Region must accelerat e our response to meaningfully tackle these problems that severely threaten to undermine our human development and contribution of our most precious human resources – our women, girls and children – to the development of this Region”, he said; adding that “the economic costs of inattention to the priorities of ECWECC Initiative [will] be staggering”.

In July 2016, Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis who has lead responsibility for Human Resources, Health and HIV, brought the priorities of EWECC to the attention of Heads of Government meeting for their 37th Regular Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana. That meeting endorsed the initiative.

M&CC flouts court order...

The Chamber said it received numerous complaints from its membership regarding the metered system and its negative effect on customer traffic and sales.

“We are concerned that conditions will worsen if the metered system remains in operation,” GCCI said.

Nonetheless, the Chamber said it supports the efforts to engage in public-private partnerships for the purpose of raising revenue for the city, but emphasised that it does not support the flawed and in some cases, potentially illegal methods that the M&CC has employed in doing so.

But time and again, the M&CC gang assured that the project is above board and

that there is nothing secretive or illegal about the deal.

Following a few days of protest against the Parking Meter Project and protracted intervention from the central government, the authorities at City Hall decided to review with rate structure.

from page 11

A new rate structure was announced but citizens continue to reject the initiative.

Stakeholders are arguing that the reduced fees do not address the problems of lack of inclusivity and the rampant corruption believed to be involved in the arrangement.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence addressing the students just before they wrote the examination at the Critchlow Labour College

the privately-operated St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown.

The students from the four nursing institutions were all forced to retake the exams after it was discovered that there was a breach following the twoday Clinical and Functional tests in October 2016.

The nurses were outraged at having to retake the examination, staging multiple protest actions and calling for an alternative decision.

However, after lengthy debates and discussions within the Public Health Ministry, it was determined that having the

nurses rewrite the examination would be the best option.

Investigations into the leaking of the professional examinations papers which were reportedly sold to students to the tune of some $180,000 are currently ongoing.

The authorities are confident that the breach originated from the Nursing Council. However, they are awaiting an unknown person who is currently abroad to assist with the investigations.

On Tuesday, Ministers Lawrence and Cummings said their presence at the College was to reaffirm their confidence in the integrity of the tests and the intelligence of the students.

The Education Ministry was tasked with preparing and executing the exams and will also be responsible for marking the papers.

The results of the examination are to be known on February 28.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, February 22, 2017

ARCHIE

Question your motives if someone tries to block or in(March 21- terfere with your achieveApril 19) ments. Clear up any misunderstanding before you assume a position that requires transparency.

ARIES

Getting along with your TAURUS peers will be in your best in(April 20- terest. If you call upon people May 20) you have worked with in the past, you’ll be given inside information that will help you advance.

dilbert

Your ability to express GEMINI what you want to see happen (May 21June 20) will encourage others to help you make your plan a success.

A chance encounter will result in an unexpected opportunity.

Educate yourself and work hard to achieve your goals.

(June 21- Seek advice from experienced July 22) pros, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things.

Trust in your ability.

CANCER

Peanuts

Traveling, learning and inLEO teracting with interesting peo(July 23ple will encourage you to make Aug. 22) lifestyle changes. Physical action will bring positive results.

Celebrate with someone you love.

Make affordable plans with VIRGO (Aug. 23- children, family or a loved one.

Sept. 22) Living within your means will help you enjoy the day instead of adding to your stress.

Calvin and Hobbes

Troubles will surface when LIBRA dealing with domestic or rela(Sept. 23tionship matters. Be willing to Oct. 23) compromise and discuss concerns openly. Strive for equality, balance and peace of mind.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — COMPOSED

SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S WORD — ANYTIME tine tinea tiny inmate item main mane many mate matin mean meant

meat meaty mien mine mint minty mite myna emit enmity

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

ress. Don’t overreact to someone’s argument when you should be countering with facts.

Personal improvements SAGITTARIUS will lead to unexpected gains.

(Nov. 23- Refuse to let an emotional inDec. 21) cident cost you. Keep your mind on the facts, and move forward with confidence.

Romance is encouraged.

(COMPOSED: kum-POZD: Serenely self-possessed) Average mark 20 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 29 or more words in COMPOSED? The list will be published tomorrow.

amen amenity ament amity ante anti name neat yeti tame team time

Be careful what you share SCORPIO with your peers. Someone (Oct. 24- will use personal information Nov. 22) against you to deter your prog-

solution for Last Published Puzzle

An emotional situation CAPRICORN will escalate into an unsavory (Dec. 22encounter if you get involved Jan. 19) with people who don’t share your values or beliefs. Avoid travel, and proceed with caution.

Bring about positive AQUARIUS change. Altering your appear(Jan. 20ance or methods will make Feb. 19) others take notice. Follow through with your plans if you want to prosper.

PISCES You need to be the one to (Feb. 20- decide what’s best for yourMarch 20) self. Look over personal paperwork, contracts or records to find information that will help you make better choices going forward.

wednesDAY, february 22, 2017

19

Khan bags US$597,000

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ashid Khan was at opposite ends of the cricketing spectrum - and then somewhere in-between - as the IPL auction played out this morning.

Physically, he was in Harare with not much to do on a rest day between ODIs against Zimbabwe. Mentally, he was in Bangalore: he was one of the five Afghanistan players listed in the IPL 2017 auction and he had doubts about whether he would attract any bids. Emotionally, he was at home in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, where

he last saw his parents and six brothers three months ago, and where all eyes were on India.

"My parents woke up early to watch the auction. I was still sleeping when they called me and told me to get up and watch because I was coming up," Rashid told ESPNcricinfo. "So I started to also watch it from here in Zimbabwe and I was really surprised, really happy and really excited when I saw what was happening. I couldn't believe it actually, it happened very quickly."

After an eager back-and-forth between Mumbai Indians and defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rashid was bought for INR 4 crore (US$595,000 approx) by Sunrisers, who also acquired his team-mate Mohammad Nabi. The pair will join Kane Williamson, David Warner and Mustafizur Rahman, among others, in the franchise squad and for Rashid, it's undoubtedly the biggest deal of his young cricketing career.

He is only 18 and has been playing international cricket for less than 18 months and has already landed one of the most lucrative contracts going around.

Rashid decided to enter the IPL auction on the advice of his agency, Insignia Sports, who also brokered his participation in the 2016-17 Bangladesh Premier League last

year. He played for Comilla Victorians, in a squad that also included Jason Holder, Marlon Samuels, Ahmed Shehzad and Nuwan Kulasekara, and finished 11th on the overall wicket-takers' list with 13 scalps at 14.92.

He hoped the BPL performance and his recent returns at the Desert T20 Challenge - where he took nine wickets in the tournament at an average of 6.55 - would tempt an IPL team into buying him, despite a wealth of spin talent in India which saw even the world's top-ranked T20 bowler, Imran Tahir, go unsold.

"What makes me different is that I am a bit quicker for a legspinner," Rashid said.

"That is something that just came to me naturally, not something that I copied from anyone."

Apart from his speed, Rashid also relishes big occasions. At the Asia Cup last year, he was Afghanistan's highest wicket-taker and the second-highest wicket-taker for his team at the World T20 after Nabi. His performances have been so standout he has squeezed long-term frontliner Samiullah Shenwari out of the starting XI. Rashid admitted he enjoys tough situations. "I love pressure. Mentally, I get myself ready for pressure. That's how I like to play," he said. "Maybe it's because I grew up playing with my brothers all the time and five of them are older than me but I also

Bolt congratulates Kohli on new Puma mega deal

English Duo land mammoth IPL Contacts ...Pietersen says IPL auction is a ‘slap in Test cricket’s face’

F

Ben Stokes

ormer England batsman Kevin Pietersen says Monday's auction for the Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition was "another slap in Test cricket's face".

England duo Ben Stokes and Tymal Mills were bought for £1.7m and £1.4m by Rising Pune Supergiants and and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively.

Pace bowler Mills only plays Twenty20 cricket because of back pains.

"A T20 specialist becomes one of the current England team's richest players," said Pietersen.

Pietersen has not played an international match since he was sacked

by England in 2014.

He has since become a T20 specialist and played

think it's the experience of playing a lot of cricket in a short space of time."

Since October 2015, Rashid has played in six ODI series and six T20 series, as Afghanistan seek to make themselves more visible on the global stage. Rashid and Nabi's IPL signings will aid that cause immeasurably.

Having been chosen over some Bangladesh and Sri Lanka stars, the pair's selection is the biggest indication of the strides Afghanistan are making, and Rashid hopes it does not stop here.

"Our main target is to play Test cricket and all the guys are working very hard to get there," he said. "If we can get there, you can't imagine how good it would feel."

For now, he is happy to concentrate on the shortest format. "In short formats, the more you enjoy it, the better you will do, and I am enjoying it a lot."

Understandably, Rashid has not made any plans for his new income just yet. He will only see his family after the tournament - Afghanistan travel from Zimbabwe to Greater Noida in Delhi for their series against Ireland and then it will be time for the IPL - and he expects there will be a clamour in his hometown to share in his glory. "Whenever I go home they have a celebration for me so I'm sure this time, they will do it as well." (Cricinfo)

Tymal Mills

in competitions in Australia, India, South Africa, the West Indies and in the Pakistani T20 tournament held in the UAE. "I embraced [T20] eight years ago and it's what caused me my P45," said the 36-yearold on social media. "I absolutely love how all these youngsters are now benefiting.

"I love how T20 is growing the game. I'm just saying that Tests are falling way behind at the moment. The ICC [International Cricket Council] needs to act and quick."

England players Chris Woakes, Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy and Chris Jordan were also bought in the auction, while Jos Buttler and Sam Billings were retained by their franchises.

The fee paid for 25-year-old all-rounder Stokes made him the the most expensive overseas player in IPL history.

"It's a life-changing amount of money," said Stokes. "I'm struggling to put it into words.

"I hadn't thought about how much I would go for. I guess having more than one team wanting me was probably the best position to be in.

"I just wanted to get picked up and play. I haven't been able to play in the past so that was the main thing, anything else was just a bonus.

"I'm looking forward to getting out there and getting involved." (BBCSPORT)

Virat Kohli

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Usain Bolt

orld’s fastest man Usain Bolt has congratulated Indian batsman Virat Kohli who recently signed a new mega deal with sporting goods manufacturers

Puma.

Kohli became the first Indian sportsperson to sign a deal worth at least US$16.42m when he officially joined Puma on Monday. He was quickly congratulated by the company’s biggest star, Bolt, who took to social media platform Twitter to voice his approval of the deal.

“Great choice @imVkohli Time to go to the next level #ForeverFaster” The batsman later responded, expressing gratitude of the warm welcome and claiming he wished to be as fast as the double world record holder one day. “I wish I could get as fast as you someday @usainbolt. Thanks legend. @PUMA #ForeverFaster Kohli recently broke a longstanding record previously held by the great Sir Don Bradman after scoring four double tons in as many consecutive Test series. The batsman has so far scored 1,419 runs in the 13 Tests he has played in the 2016/2017 season. In addition to Bolt, Kohli will join other stars Asafa Powell and footballers Thierry Henry, Oliver Giroud and Cesc Fabregas. (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, february 22, 2017

RHTY&SC solely responsible for Berbice Females’ success– Campbelle

S

kipper of the victorious Berbice Female Cricket Team, Shemaine Campbelle has hailed the investment of her Club, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, and Metro Office Supplies as the main reason for the success of the team.

The captain, who stroked a majestic century in the finals to lead her team to inter-county glory, stated that the RHTY&SC, MS is solely responsible for the high-standard of female cricket by having the only female cricket team in Guyana and also making sure that the players are given the opportunity to improve their skills on a daily basis under the guidance of hardworking Coach, Delbert Hicks.

Campbelle stated that the inter-county championship was the result of team work and a determination to be successful, despite the off-field drama affecting Berbice Cricket.

She praised the hard work of Berbice Female Coach Andre Percival and Manager Abigail Shultz for keeping the team focused. Special mention was made of Erva Giddings, Treymayne Smartt, Kanta Mentore, Sheneeta Grimmond, Meliane Henry, Shabika Gajnabi, Sherica Campbelle and Plaffina Millington for their outstanding personal contributions.

Campbelle, who leads the Metro Female team, stated that the RHTY&SC, MS stood all the costs of the Berbice team over the two-week period and also provided balls, practice facilities and snacks. Nine members of the team – Campbelle,

GABA League of Champions…

Smith’s 44 points secure Guardians 3rd spot

Giddings, Millington, Henry, Gajnabi, Sherica Campbelle, Dian Prahalad, Marian Samaroo and Grimmond are members of the RHTY&SC, MS. The West Indies player disclosed that the female players practice on a daily basis under the guidance of Coach Hicks and are involved in weekly practice matches against their male counterparts. She also issued an appeal to all cricket clubs in Guyana to follow in the footsteps of the RHTY&SC, MS and to form female teams as part of an effort to strengthen the game at the female level.

Meanwhile, Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC, MS Hilbert Foster has extended congratulations to the Berbice Female Cricket Team. Foster also stated that the RHTY&SC, MS would continue to invest heavily in female cricket, as the girls continue to make the Club proud.

Last year the Club produced two players for West Indies team and six junior Guyana players, while nine of its junior players represented Guyana at the under-19 level in Trinidad.

The RHT Metro Female team, Foster noted, plays against their male counterparts on a regular basis and this assists in their rapid development as all the matches are played on a very competitive basis.

Additionally, female players are also exposed on a rapid basis to internal Club training on their role as sports ambassadors and role models to their peers. Special thanks was expressed to the management of Metro Office Supplies and its CEO Avia Lindee for their investment in the team.

B

attling for the third-place spot at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, on Monday night, Nikkoli Smith produced a superb 44-point game to hand Plaisance Guardians the third-place position in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association’s League of Champions 2017.

With two divisions playing in the tournament, Monday night was dedicated to thirdplace playoffs with University of Guyana (UG) Trojans battling Eagles in the under-23 category and Plaisance Guardians taking on Pepsi Sonics in the senior division.

The under-23 match was the first to start off proceedings with lots of pride at stake for both teams, but at the end of the day, Trojans trounced Eagles 82-64.

In the first period, Eagles were immediately sent on the back-foot with their defence feeling the blunt of an aggravated UG side who netted 23 points as Eagles scraped only nine points.

The second period provided a better resistance from Eagles as the period belonged to them 18-15, however at the half-way buzzer, Eagles were still trailing 27-38.

In the third-quarter, Eagles found their form, registering a 21-point period, their best yet as UG gathered 16 points and the score stood at 48-54, with Eagles already hurting from their first-period deficit.

In the final period, it was mere running through the paces for Trojans, but they kept the intensity going to now score their best quarter, a 28-pointer that disposed of Eagles.

Eagles, on the other hand, only secured 16 points in that period.

Most of the hard work came from Sherland

Gillis w h o scored 19 points, while Kadeem Peterkin and Jabari Joseph both had 14 points apiece. It was a hardfought effort from Eagles captain, Travis Belgrave, who carried majority of the burdens of the team with a 31-point game.

Meanwhile in the senior contest, 44 points from Nikkoli Smith secured a comfortable victory for Plaisance Guardians as they sunk Pepsi Sonics 95-62. Amongst Smith’s 44 points, he scored 11 three-pointers as his team secured third place. In the first-quarter, Guardians raced away to an eight point lead 17-9, but were reduced to seven as the score stood at 35-28 in favour of Guardians.

In the penultimate quarter, Guardians romped to a 25-point period, while Sonics had only scored 16, ultimately denting their chances. By the final buzzer, Guardians would have secured the best quarter of the night, a 35-point period that completely blew away Sonics who had only 18 points, as they lost by 33 points.

The action continues at the same venue with the fight on for the first place spot in the best out of three format final.

“Nuff Cuff” was a great GuyOil, EPA and Eccles success- GABF boss Foreign Ministry organised events conclude

Ravi Madholall

P

resident of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) Steve Ninvalle rated the “Nuff Cuff” event on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue as a great success.

Ninvalle not only highlighted the talent that was exposed at the international card, but expressed profound gratitude to all those who would have contributed to make the event a reality.

President of the Suriname Boxing Association (SBA) Remie Burke also came in for high praise from the local leader. Their participation once again demonstrated the alliance the two neighbouring countries continued to share, according to Ninvalle.

Ninvalle mentioned the success was not too much of crowd attendance but more so of pulling off the event with these aspiring international fighters getting the opportunity to showcase their talent and ability on the canvas.

“I think the night was a great success noticing all these fighters just performed well, it wasn’t about a disappointing crowd, it was having a successful

event for the visitors and boxers. It was t r e mendous and I am confident the athletes will go on to be good fighters as well,” Ninvalle related during a telephone interview yesterday.

In addition to that, Guyanese boxers exhibited their skills and thrills over their counterparts from Suriname, who had four fighters, but all succumbed to the hosting nation.

“It was totally satisfying from our end; I must say thanks to the SBA for accepting our invitation and have four fighters featured; I want to say thanks to all my fellow executives too for their continued yeoman services to the boxing community, to the sponsors for the event and of course the referees for their splendid job,” Ninvalle gleefully expressed.

Ninvalle pointed out that Seon Bristol of Bris Promotions and Alford McDonald were very cooperative for Sunday’s activity and he is indebted to them for their contributions and inputs for boxing in Guyana. Bristol is involved in local and overseas boxing promotions and Ninvalle said their relationship will be long-lasting since “Nuff Cuff” event will be annually.

Quizzed on what is next on the agenda for the GABF, Ninvalle took the opportunity to state that they will be running off the Novice bout in March and he is expecting the same level of commitment and enthusiasm from the young fighters.

At the same time two Guyanese box-

NDC emerge victorious

GABF President Steve Ninvalle

ers, Desmond “Dynamite” Amsterdam, a Caribbean Middleweight champion, and Caribbean Lightweight champion Joel Williamson, will begin preparations for an overseas assignment soon.

They will be heading to Azerbaijan, a Middle-Eastern country.

Ninvalle made a comment also that he was very confident that these two champion boxers could make Guyana proud and spoke with confidence that the pair should succeed again.

“When our fighters going overseas to compete means they are ready to box for Guyana and I am optimistic that both Amsterdam and Williamson will not come back empty handed; they are powerful and they have been doing well to reach this far,” Ninvalle declared.

The victorious GuyOil domino team

T

he Foreign Affairs Ministry sports promotion team successfully hosted events as part of their Mashramani programme.

On Friday at the Agriculture Ministry (MOA), the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) won the Ambiance Furniture Company trophy in the domino competition.

The winners defeated the MOA and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in the finals, ending with 78 games ahead of 67 and 61 registered by NDIA and MOA respectively.

J Cox, who won 18 games and E Gittens with 17 were the top players for GuyOil. In the finals of the

James “Sports Ambassador” Lewis Tape Ball Super6 Tournament on Sunday Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defeated MOA by 23 runs to claim the title.

EPA scored 73 runs batting first, while their opponents manage just 53 in reply.

Meanwhile, Eccles NDC got past the Education Ministry (MOE) by 14 runs in the Innovational Engineering Consultancy Services tournament that was played immediately after James Lewis Tournament.

Eccles NDC scored 63 runs in their six overs, then restricted MOE to 49.

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Action last weekend at the St Stanislaus College Ground

I

n light of Guyana’s participation in the Pan American (Pan Am) Junior Championship games in the discipline of Hockey last year, the sport’s governing body, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), has embarked on early preparations ahead of the Pan Am Games 2020.

Like the Olympics, the Pan Am Games are hosted every four years, but this is not an excuse for the local hockey fraternity to commence training and the group took to the St Stanislaus College Ground, Carifesta Avenue, for a oneday outdoor tournament over the weekend.

According to one of the coaches in the tournament, Robert Fernandes, this tournament is one of the early training grounds for new talent.

Fernandes said “This

is the start of the outdoor hockey season and what we did is start with some developmental leagues.”

The tournament is played under two divisions, with both having male and female at the under-18 level.

It is particularly important that it is the first time in the history of the sport that there is a second-division female category, as Fernandes stated that “the intention of this tournament is to use these leagues to develop the players, the younger payers and the ones that are new to the game,” with the latter half of the season mainly focusing on the first-division season.

The tournament which will run for the next month, where every Saturday and Sunday will see most of the clubs using it to help develop their players and some of them will eventually be fil-

tered into the first-division team.

Based on the preparations for the next Pan Am Championships, Fernandes alluded that, “The next junior Pan Am will be in 2020 so the intention why this tournament is under-18 because under-18 this year will be under-21 in 2020.”

Playing this past weekend, a lot of the players were newcomers to the sport and the coach noted that, “We are hoping from this we could spot some of the talented individuals and bring them into the national junior program to develop them for 2020.”

However, the tournament is not the only competition amidst the hockey realm, but rather the GHB is currently hosting an under-14 tournament in schools aimed at fostering talent for 2024.

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D E N O POSTP

D

ue to unforeseen circumstances, Tuesday’s planned InterSecondary Schools five-a-side basketball championship for schools in Linden has been postponed to next Friday.

President of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association, Lawrence Simon, said it was unfortunate that the inaugural championship billed for the Mackenzie Sports Club hardcourt today had to be put back due to problems outside the control of his Association.

He said the trophies have already been acquired for the event and thanked the sponsors so far for their faith in pulling off the event for school players in the under-19 age category.

He said the Education Department has been helpful in getting the schools to play in the event, but hopes that next Friday the players will get a chance to show their talent.

The schools invited to send teams are Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Wisburg, Harmony, New Silvercity and Linden Foundation Secondary Schools, and the Linden Technical institute.

LABA President Lawrence Simon posing with one of the trophies for the tournament

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, february 22, 2017

By Ravi Madholall

F

ormer Guyana and West Indies fast bowler Colin Stuart has thrown his support behind the West Indies to come good against England in the three-match limited overs series which bowls off on March 3 in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to Stuart, the side looks balance and talented and that has given him the confidence in the reigning t20 champs making an impression by winning the series.

The English team is expected to be in the Caribbean already and will commence things with two limited-over warm-up matches against a Vice-Chancellor X1 and West Indies Cricket Board X1 at Warner Park Stadium in St Kitts and Nevis.

“I [am] confident West Indies will do well against England once they play consistent cricket in both

Devendra Bishoo

departments; the bowlers will have to deliver, while the batsmen must show great focus,” the 43-year-old Stuart, who had featured in six tests and five one days for the Regional side, commented.

West Indies, who are currently ranked at number nine in the one-day version, should be an equal competitor alluding to the fact that England

also has been low-down on the ranking table at number five.

Stuart stated that would not be a demotivation for West Indies because he strongly feels West Indians always go out and give maximum effort especially when competing on home soil.

“These are professional cricketers and they have the capability of doing well at the highest level; this is a good bunch of guys who should be highly enthusiastic to beat England,” the Guyana Cricket Board Territorial Developmental Officer related.

Questioned on the pitches to favour either country, Stuart reckoned Barbados pitch is characteristically fast and bouncy and that should be interesting because the quickies will want to utilise the nature of it.

Stuart also thinks that the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium in Antigua is arguably fast too and with the fixture having two matches, it is suffice to say

Former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler Colin Stuart

that both teams are likely to perform well.

“Both teams will want to exploit on these pitches but our team has the home advantage, I think we can be very dangerous by getting big totals or restricting oppositions very cheaply; but as I said our guys have got to be determined and have patience and application,” Stuart explained during the exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

As expected, the side will be led by fast-bowler and Barbadian Jason Holder.

Holder only recently captained his country to the Regional Super50 title.

On Monday, two days after the completion of the Super50 tournament, West Indies selectors had released a 15-member squad to begin encampment while they (selectors) have also named the President’s X1 side.

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo is lone Guyanese in the team to play in the three one-day internationals, while fastbowler Ronsford Beaton and all-round Raymond Reifer have been selected to represent the President X1.

The first practice match is slated to for Friday and the final one on Sunday.

Compton Caesar winning the 100m

A

s expected, undoubtedly the country’s top track stars excelled when the Athletics Association of Guyana hosted the Age Group Championships on Saturday at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

In the mix was Chantoba Bright, who was the youth athlete of the year, dominated her signature events, the long jump and triple jump, while ace track star Compton Caesar and Kenisha Philips secured the sprint races.

Bright leaped to 5.84 metres (m) in the long jump girls 1517 age group, while clearing 11.79m in the triple jump.

Meanwhile, Philips in the 15-17 age range, recorded 12.23 seconds (s) in the 100m and 24.73s in the 200m.

The sprinting sensation clocked the best performances in the 100m ahead of Onasha Rogers (12.29s) and Cassie Small (21.30s) who took second and third respectively, while Deshanna Skeete trailed her in the 200m in a time of 25.08s.

However, Skeete redeemed herself in the 400m, which was ran in a time of 59.39s.

Joanna Archer secured the 800m top-spot, as Claudrice Mckoy did in the 1500m.

The highlight of the day was 10.52s in which Caesar ran to win the boys 18 and over 100m, 0.4s ahead of Kevin Abbensetts.

In the 200m, it was the Guyana Police Force’s Winston Dummett that had to settle for second-place behind Caesar.

Caesar clocked 21.65s to Dummett’s 22.33 seconds.

Daniel Williams ruled the boys’ 15–17 400m in 50.41s and took another gold in the high jump, where he cleared 1.90m.

Dummett won the boys’ 18 and over 400m in 50.02s.

Also, in the middle distance, Anfernee Headecker picked up the boys’ 18 and over gold with a time of 1:55.70s, Samuel Lynch took third in 2:02.50s.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, febRuary 22, 2017

– Regional drivers expected

S

By Romario Samaroo

W

hat can only be described as the first significant carting event in a long time at the newly-renovated track at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) was launched on Tuesday at the club’s location, Albert Street and Thomas Lands.

The event is the first ever Georgetown Grand Prix, which is the brain child of GT Motor Sports and the Club and will be held at the Club.

According to the man in charge of proceedings, Vishok Persaud, there are lots of prizes for the top drivers who will all be competing across some exciting formats.

The architect behind this tournament explained that there will be 15 races and the categories that will be raced come Friday include 60cc for ages six to 10 years old, 80cc for ages 10-15 years old, 125cc for 15 years and older, as well as the featured event, the Shifters Pro Cup. Among those who will be in competition include seasoned drivers such as the father and son pair of Kevin and Kristian Jeffrey, Stephan Jeffrey and also the female speedster, Emma Vieira.

Also in the line-up are the Trinidad and Tobago father and daughter duo, Ravi and Bridgette Singh who have had a marvellous outing in the Trinidadian circuit. The young lady has dominated the groups of 80cc, 100cc and 125cc, having been behind the wheel of a go-Cart since age nine.

She picked up the skills and support from her father who himself has over a decade of racing knowledge.

Also in line for a potential turn out will be Darren Timmer out of Canada. It

ports and Youth development in the small rural village of Zeelught, East Bank Essequibo was given a major boost on Friday last when Guyana’s leading youth and sports Club assisted the Cold Fusion Cricket Club with over $100,000.00 worth of items.

The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S – Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermiade, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and

want every Club to reach the same high standard that it has reached and most importantly to assist youths to stay away from a life of drugs and crime.

Since 1996, the RHTY&SC, M.S has assisted over 425 youth and sports Clubs, schools, churches and NGO’s with items to assist them to fulfil their mandate to society and would continue to do so in the future. For the first two months of 2017, the Club contributed close to $1M worth of equipment and materials to 18 Clubs and schools.

The long serving

23

The donation included stumps, wicket keeping gloves, scorebooks, school bags, trophies, cricket medals, special gifts, training t/ shirts, small towels and educational books.

The trophies and medals would be used by the Cold Fusion to host either an Under 15 or Under 19 cricket tournament for four teams in the East Bank Essequibo district.

The tournament which would start next month would be played under the RHTY&SC, M.S Say NO/ Say Yes Programme. The RHTY&SC has also com-

The architect of GT Motor Sports, Vishok Persaud

will be a treat to see who rules the track particularly since Timmer was the coach of Kristian.

Persaud explained that it was back in 2007 that there was a real resurrection in the sport with the Caribbean Motor Racing Sports Club and the Guyanese drivers were the leaders, as well as their fan-base and support.

Consequently, this triggered the improvement of facilities in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago and now Guyana.

Because of this improvement in facilities and competition, Persaud attributed two cases of success stories in the racing world coming from Guyana, that being Calvin Ming and Kristian Jeffrey who both started from go-cart racing.

President of the GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed threw his support behind Persaud for his innovative idea as he announced that there will be The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) rulings, as well as marshals and safety teams present at all the races.

Persaud extended much

thanks to sponsors, Honda, of which the four stroke engines will be running, Rays Motor Spares, Sunburst, Banks DIH through their Monster Energy Brand, Ansa McAl through their Stag Brand, Superbet, Prem’s Electrical and Ocean Spray Hotel, Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc, E-Networks and BM Soat.

Experienced riders, the Jeffrey cousins, expressed their intention of sharing their knowledge in carting to the parents and others interested in improving their performance and safety, noting the importance of having safety features as the sport is extremely dangerous.

Also giving a word of advice was Kevin Jeffrey who related to the youngsters the privilege they had to have such a modernised facility, years ahead of the facility they were brought up on, but nevertheless he recommended that the youngsters take in their education if they wanted to excel into the sedan or open wheel version of the sport.

The event is free admission.

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over donation to President of Cold Fusion Cricket Club Boodnarine Persaud

First Division made the donation under their community and sports development programme for 2017. The presentation also marked the RHTY&SC, M.S 100th programme/activity for the year as it strives to complete a record 500 for 2017.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert foster stated that the RHTY&SC< M.S is delighted to assist the Essequibo based Cricket Club as it

Secretary/CEO urged the Management and members of the newly formed Club to develop a culture of hard work, honesty, discipline and a strong faith in the God they believe in if they are to be as successful as the RHTY&SC, M.S. He also urged the Club to mandate its membership to get involve in social activities as it is very important for youths to assist others.

M

anchester City came from behind twice to secure a crucial two-goal advantage after a classic Champions League last-16 tie against Monaco at Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling gave Manchester City a 26th-minute advantage after fine work by Leroy Sane but Monaco proved their threat to lead before half-time through Radamel Falcao’s header and Kylian Mbappe’s powerful rising drive.

Falcao then saw a penalty saved

by Willy Caballero just after the break before Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic’s blunder gave Sergio Aguero his first goal.

Colombian Falcao, back to his best after failed loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea, then lifted a brilliant chip over Caballero to put Monaco back in front - but this was the signal for City to launch an enthralling attacking salvo.

Aguero - who felt he was denied

Leroy Sane scored his fourth goal of the season for Manchester City to put the hosts two goals clear

a first-half penalty after he tumbled under a challenge from Subasic - volleyed in another equaliser before John Stones made amends for poor defending in the build-up

to Falcao’s second by putting City ahead on the night with a sliding finish at the far post after 77 minutes.

Man of the match Sane handed City

that two-goal cushion with a simple tap-in from Aguero’s pass eight minutes from time - but Monaco’s vibrant attacking ambition means this tie is far from over. (BBCSPORT)

mitted itself to visiting the Essequibo Village for a fund raising cricket match later in the year, to donate some trophies for its first award ceremony and to donate cricket gears to the first player from the club who represent Guyana at the junior level.

Foster also committed himself to visiting the Club to share the RHTY&SC, M.S vision for success.

President of the Cold Fusion C.C, Boodnarine Persaud in accepting the donation expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC, M.S and disclosed that it was the largest the newly formed Club has ever received.

He was amused that a Club from Berbice would assist another in Essequibo on such a large scale. Persaud assured Foster that they would use the items for the intended purpose. The President, who is the officer in charge of Traffic in Division ‘B’ of the Guyana Police Force stated that Cold Fusion would seek as much as possible to emulate the RHTY&SC, M.S on the cricket field and to make positive changes in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The RHTY&SC, M.S is currently working on a proposal to assist at least 20 cricket Clubs across Berbice with cricket balls for the 2017 cricket season.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

The youngsters who will be in action, taking a photo opportunity with the organisers

English Duo land mammoth IPL Contacts Tymal Mills

...£3.1M between them

Ben Stokes

Pg 19

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