Guyana Times Daily

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3009 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

October 16, 2016

PRICE

GWI dumps chlorine to used questionable chemical to treat water Page 3

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: AG Report finds

GECOM bypassed Cabinet to hand supplier $82M ink contract P9 …spends $99M on ‘obsolete radios’ 8 days before elections

…was refused for use in Haiti, fails to meet WHO targets

Cyclist struck down by speeding Fire Service officer Page 11

1 killed after gunmen invade mining camp

Page 8

Businessman nabbed with 2kg cocaine at Albion P12

Guyanese on edge over perceived P11 crime spike – NACTA poll

Cancer awareness: The Key Club of the Georgetown International Academy held a youth walk to bring awareness to children affected by cancer on Saturday under the theme, “Children walking for children”. The large group walked from the National Park to Parade Ground, Georgetown where the event culminated

Govt to hire Int’l Dataram, wife expert to tackle extradited to Guyana gold smuggling Page 7

Page 12

– swooped off to – says gold production Camp Street Prison

surpasses 500,000 mark

A journey of a lifetime: the mighty march from Georgetown to Lethem P18 Opposition condemns Patterson’s threats after boycott P16 …says it’s a “Burnhamesque” way of silencing political opponents

2

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

NEWS

3

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, October 16 – 05:00h-06:30h and Monday, October 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, October 16 – 16:15h-17:45h and Monday, October 17 – 16:50h-18:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly and between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 04:12h and 16:38h reaching maximum heights of 2.90 metres and 2.98 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:13h and 22:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.33 metre and 0.21 metre respectively.

GWI dumps chlorine to used questionable chemical to treat water …was refused for use in Haiti, fails to meet WHO targets

D

econtamination of water being supplied by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to its hundreds of thousands of customers, is being done using a chemical that has not only been abandoned and without certification from the US National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) but has failed to demonstrate its ability to meet the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) limited protection microbiological performance targets.

GWI for decades has been using chlorine to decontaminate its water that is distributed to customers before it switched to the highly questionable Antinfek.

Guyana Times understands that the matter was recently raised at the level of GWI’s executive meeting when it was discovered that Antinfek was procured, being used and will be used for disinfection at different locations within GWI. This newspaper has since seen internal communication

at GWI, which points to the fact that the GWI’s Scientific Services Manager, had vehemently objected to its use.

According to the communications seen by this publication, the meeting heard that online information with regard to Antinfek suggests that the product has failed to gain certification by NSF. It was also reported to the GWI Management that the trademark application made for Antinfek has a status of ‘abandoned’ since December 2006 as the applicant’s failed to file a ‘statement of use’.

Powerful bio-polymer Antinfek is manufactured by Dovebiotech Group of Companies which describes the chemical as a

powerful organic bio-polymer-based compound, effective in decontamination of water against waterborne diseases, bacterium and fungi.

Internal communication seen by Guyana Times corroborate reports that the G W I Scientific Services Manager, in outlining objections to the use of the chemical pointed out that not only is the information on the product label insufficient and incomplete but “to date we have not been able to source equipment to test for Antinfek in water and as a department, we cannot monitor its use.”

It was pointed out too that research suggests that

the chemical was not recommended for approval for household water treatment distribution in Haiti, which had no NSF certification for drinking water use.

The chemical was also not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for treating drinking water nor did it demonstrate its ability to meet the WHO limited protection microbiological performance targets.

Speaking to a GWI insider close to the issue, Guyana Times was told that the lack of information on the chemical in addition to the information available about the chemical should have been enough for the utility company to take stock and halt its use.

This newspaper was told given the consequences regarding the treatment of water for use by citizens against waterborne diseases, every effort should have been made to ensure that a trustworthy chemical is being used.

Govt orders probe into passports issued to Dataram, wife

G SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

04 07 10 14 17 18 27 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

06 07 11 16

23

LUCKY 3 1

3

9

5

Afternoon Draw

1

0

Evening Draw

Draw De Line 01

04 05 08 09

14 15

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

overnment is under pressure to explain to the public how drug lord Barry Dataram and his reputed wife Anjanie Boodnarine were issued with passports which aided in them fleeing the country, amid their trial for drug possession.

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix announced on Saturday that a full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstance under which Dataram and his reputed wife were issued the bogus documents.

The duo were on Friday nabbed in neighbouring Suriname and on Saturday handed over to local law enforcement authorities.

The passports bore the names ‘David Persaud’ and ‘Christine Persaud’ with the year of issue being 2013 and 2016 respectively.

Felix said the passports are now in the possession of the Guyana Police Force

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

(GPF) and that the investigation launched will seek to determine who and what documents were involved in their preparation as well as the couple’s method of departure from Guyana.

The Minister also guaranteed that those culpable will face the harshest possible action.

The revelation of the issuance of passports which helped the drug lord and

his spouse escape the country brings into play the concerns raised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition of rampant corruption practices under the Citizenship Ministry.

But the Ministry, which has responsibility for immigration services, insists that it inherited a number of challenges related to the integrity of systems when the new Administration took office in May 2015 and has been working to correct those issues.

Dataram and his wife were, along with two others, charged with the possession of some 129.23 kg (225 pounds) of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, which was found at Dataram’s home on April 16, 2015.

On September 27, 2016, while Dataram had already fled the country, he was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment and fined $164 million.

His wife and the two other co-defendants were acquitted.

4

guyana-times.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Blood on the carpet

C

arvil Duncan is Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and by virtue of that office is also an ex officio member of the Police Service Commission and of the Judicial Service Commission. In his substantive position on the PSC, Mr Duncan is in charge of making appointments to public offices; removing and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such Offices. This is a key office in the running of the Guyanese state and as such is a constitutional office that received the robust constitutional protection.

Last year, in a case that is still ongoing Mr Duncan was charged with criminal fraud allegedly committed when he was a member of the Board of GPL and which he is contesting. In April of this year, reports surfaced in the press that the government wanted Mr Duncan to resign from his chairmanship of the PSC. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo claimed, as constitutionally required, he wrote Mr Duncan to show cause why the the president should not appoint a Tribunal to consider his fitness for continuing to hold his constitutional offices. Mr Duncan claims he never received any such letter and no proof has been proffered that he did.

The President went ahead and appointed a Tribunal, which included one sitting judge over whom Mr Duncan technically would have supervisory authority. Mr Duncan then made a startling revelation that back in February, before the PM claimed to have written him, President Granger, in the presence of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, made him an offer that included a financial inducement for him to resign from his Constitutional positions. According to Mr. Duncan, the president insisted three times he did not want to "have blood on his carpet". Mr Duncan asked to be given time to consider the offer which he later refused.

The British expression "blood on the carpet" means that in an employment context, one could be fired precipitately.

And directly after Duncan's revelation, which Minister Harmon denied, President Granger suspended Mr Duncan from his constitutional offices. In the meantime, Mr Duncan had appeared before the Tribunal and informed them, of the reasons why they had no jurisdiction over him. He would be proceeding to the High Court to make the definitive determination.

In light of the foregoing, it would appear that the administration was determined to remove Mr Duncan from the aforementioned commissions and was prepared to go to any lengths to do so. The first contentious issue is what exactly what grounds would the Tribunal be using as the determinants of "fitness". Mr Duncan had exhibited no "physical or mental" challenges to make him arguably unfit and the only other ground was his probity in reference of the criminal charge against him. But as his lawyer pointed out, the presumption of innocence still exists in Guyana including its constitutional protection. The question arises as to why then would President Granger have suspended him.

The PPP has claimed the PNC dominated government is making a condign example of Mr Duncan because he is from their "constituency", yet he has chosen to align himself with the party of "the other". While this may or may not be so, the more troubling issue is the administration is clearly prepared to circumvent the rule of law to to have its own way. At a minimum, they should have waited for the High Court to pronounce on the bona fides of the Tribunal and then for the Magistrate Court to issue its judgement on the fraud changes against Mr Duncan.

The inclination to subvert the rule of law by the Executive is also seen in the directive of the Cabinet to the Board of the GHPC - an autonomous entity - to send home and not renew the contract of its CEO. State Boards should be allowed to make their own determination on matters within their mandate without Executive directives.

Guyana is clearly on a slippery slope; where are the guardians of democracy?

Saddled by its painful history of the Khmer Rouge, this small South East Asian country is pushing to reinvent itself as the go-to destination for both tourists and property investors. In recent years, its capital, Phnom Penh, has undergone a development boom.

The Royal Palace is an excellent example of Phnom Penh's Khmer architecture in Cambodia (Credit: Getty Images)

Funding received for Guyana U15 Basketball Team Dear Editor, Recent articles appearing in the Kaieteur News (August 28, October 8 and 9) suggest that the President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds, who is also Chairman of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), leveraged his positions to obtain sponsorship for the Guyana U15 Basketball Team from NEW GPC INC in return for granting favours to the NEW GPC parent company, Queens Atlantic Investments Incorporated (QAII).

As manager of the Guyana Under-15 Basketball Team which recently participated in the Centrobasket U15 Championship for Men in Patillas, Puerto Rico, August 24-28, I wish to provide some context on the funding received by GABF for the team’s participation in the aforementioned Championship.

The primary sponsor of the Guyana Under-15 Basketball Team to Centrobasket was New GPC by donating $1.5 million to-

wards the participation the Guyana U15 team in the Tournament.

The major media outlets Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times and Guyana Chronicle all received the GABF Press Release and published articles on Sunday, August 21, 2016, announcing Guyana’s participation in the CentroBasket U15 Championship, with at least two of the media outlets including the fact that New GPC was the flagship sponsor.

The Under-15 Centrobasket Championship came quickly on the heels of Guyana’s hosting of the CBC U16 Championships.

Without the NEW GPC’s sponsorship, coming when it did, Guyana would not have participated in U15 Centrobasket.

After the Government of Guyana contributed $40 million towards Guyana hosting the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U16 Championships for Young Men and Young Women; Mr Nigel Hinds,

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation took a firm stand that no outreach for donation should be made to the Government of Guyana for the U15 tour - as it would be asking for too much in such a short time. I promised the President of the Federation that funds will only be sourced from the Private Sector.

As Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U16 Championships for Men and Women hosted by Guyana in July; I had approached NEW GPC in June 2016 for basketball sponsorship, however with the CPL taking place the donation was deferred and a commitment of $1.5 million was made

by NEW GPC, just prior to Guyana departing for Puerto Rico on August 21, 2016.

NEW GPC over the years has supported cricket and many other sport disciplines including football, badminton, and bodybuilding to name a few.

So the financial support provided by NEW GPC was no surprise to me. Also, I have a longstanding relationship with the principal of NEW GPC. The U15 Championships was the first time that a Guyana youth basketball team competed on United States soil and represented a major move forward basketball development and enthusiasm for Guyanese youths to play basketball.

Twelve US visas were obtained for the touring party that participated in the CentroBasket games in Puerto Rico. Finally, the initial communication received from the Vice President of Caribbean Basketball Confederation was that airfare would be fully covered

by FIBA for teams attending CentroBasket, unfortunately the reality was that participating teams had to source funds for airfare.

With best regards, Alex Graham Manager, Guyana U15 Team - 2016

Nation’s administrators have failed Golden Jaguars Dear Sir, In the real and developed world, when a senior national team is ousted from a Premier Championship/ Tournament, more so at a preliminary stage based upon what the contract entails, the coaching/technical staffs submit their resignation and are not told to do so.But of course it’s only applicable providing all sides are equal, ie encampment, training sessions, practice matches/friendly internationals, et al.However, locally in our beloved “Oh Beautiful Guyana, my love-

ly native land” it’s extremely the opposite, whereby the absence/no commencement of the 2016-2017 Elite League deprived approximately 200 footballers from eight clubs to meaningfully prepare for the nation’s premier football competition.

That by extension would have enabled them to vie competitively for selection, ahead for national representation.

Within this context, can the coaching/technical staffs and players be blamed for this sad predicament? Absolutely not!

Editor, given the fact that Shabazz is associated with local national football for almost a decade, during which time the best ever FIFA ranking of 86 was achieved almost 6 years ago. With a current placing of 118, it would only be prudent after Jamaica’s match, which the visitors won by two clear goals.

The goodly Trinidadian should bow out gracefully with his head held high. It must be taken into serious consideration that the nation’s administrators have failed the Golden Jaguars

preparation this time around. That, apart from a lack of physical fitness, compliments of absolutely no domestic football, compounded by some of the overseas players, which bring me to the pertinent point in question.

Does the GFF have within its database, information pertaining to the overseas-based players’ weekly training, matches played as a starter/substitute and the level of football? Can the latter be ascertained to be higher than the Elite League?

CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

guyana-times.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

5

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

Public debate on greenheart needed with Bulkan Dear Editor, The Guyanese public has recently been inundated with the topical issue of UK Ban on Guyana’s premium species, greenheart or commonly iron wood.

Greenheart has been traded on the international market for decades unhindered.

It is an important species for the growth and development of the forest sector and Guyana economy as a whole.

The recent attack against the Government and the private sector (GMSA&FPA)

by Dr Janette Bulkan on the ban is utmost ridiculous. Her assessment and presentation on the matter is flawed and does not have any scientific background or foundation. Rather she uses already published scientific work of the GFC and renowned scientist and try to bore holes and criticise their studies, rather than come up with her own work of findings.

I would be happy to read and review some of her scientific work on core environ-

ment and forestry matters such as growth and yield of greenheart, greenheart distribution, allowable cut, diameter sizes, canopy cover, soils etc, her own work not using other people work.

Her continued attack on the government and private sector regarding this species is reckless and as noted above, very flawed and cannot stand up to any scrutiny.

Guyana’s forest has been subject to many international and credible audits and has always been regarded as one of the best managed forests in the world. It’s surprising or just wicked that Dr Bulkan is not aware of these or very conveniently puts on blinders to these credible international opinions on Guyana’s forest.

She can’t be so naïve to think that Norway will pay Guyana US$250M for a poorly managed Forest. Her attack on Guyana’s forest not only damages overseas market but is an indictment on Guyana’s green economy plan and is the brain-

Nation’s administrators...

Is it prudent to invest scarce dollars to bring players, ie airfare, internal transportation, accommodation, meals, stipends, etc, and at the end of the day, they are not fit? In the final analysis, four fulltime sessions could have never sufficed against Suriname and Jamaica, moreover, when the matches had to produce a winner, entailing 30 minutes of “extra time” and the possibility of penalty kicks. Thank the Heavenly Father it didn’t reach to that stage. Until and unless a properly structured developmental 4-year plan, the minimum is in place, time wastage would continue to aid the sport’s own self-destruction; albeit participating in a Gold Cup Tournament, would remain an illusion to be pursued but never attained! It’s my sincere desire that with the acquisition of a new technical director, a new vision for development would be on the horizon. Sadly, since the ousting of former GFF president, Colin Klass, at the behest of FIFA, via a suspension, the other occupants following thereafter in the presidential chair haven’t to date delivered the qualities of leadership in averting national embarrassments on the field of play and administratively.

The Elite League scenario is one of such, along with poor documentation for an overseas-born player and overage.

Additionally, players in their mid-thirties or thereabout, must call it a day in national representation, along with the other members of the coaching staff that the lack of advanced certification in the relevant areas remains a hindrance for development.

With this in mind, the GFF must leave no stone unturned for coaches to attend advanced courses overseas.

Brazil offers one of such that is FIFA-accredited with the late Ashton Taylor being the only beneficiary to date which

also occurred under the stewardship of former President, Colin Klass. From two matches resulting in 240 minutes of football, along with injury time, what explanations can be offered for being pointless, winless, conceding 7 goals, scoring 4 for a goal difference of -3? Editor, apparently no

child projects of President Granger.

Sustainable forest management is the core or foundation of a green economy. Dr Bulkan’s attack on Guyana’s forest management system is therefore an attack and disrespect to President Granger and the entire Guyanese people.

What we are sure about is that she is not a patriotic Guyanese who wants better for our people and children. She was an advocate for change, change has come and she continues to attack and disrespect the office of the president and the government.

I wonder if she is upset at President Granger for not being considered for the post of presidential adviser on environment or adviser on forestry? President Granger is right in his wisdom not to appoint her in any key positions as we can see what she delivers.

I call for a public debate on this greenheart matter, let Dr Bulkan be invited to FROM PAGE 4

lesson was learnt from the previous 2-5 loss to Curacao in Round 2. Scientifically, our coaching staff is sadly lacking and so too is the sport’s administration.

Respectfully, Lester Sealey

give presentation on her reasoning for Ban and let the GFC and private sector be allowed to do a similar presentation on the matter and lets have an open public discussion on the matter.

Let’s stop all the letter writing and debate on the matter in the public. I am sure the GFC or the GMSA and FPA will more than willing facilitate this forum.

Finally Dr Bulkan illustration of black cake is another example of her myopic vision on the topic. My grandmother used to make a good black cake, I still have friends who can make good black cake and offer Dr Bulkan and her partner John Pamer to enjoy as they did with the water coconuts sitting in a hammock in the Waini village some years ago under the pretence of doing a crabwood oil management plan for the community.

I am sure the people of Waini have more to say on Dr Bulkan and John Pamer holidaying in the Waini community.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

Morality questions for a columnist

Dear Editor, A controversial columnist likes to recklessly question and/or condemn people on morality issues even when they make minor indiscretions. He attacks others (PPP politicians and his critics) on their personal life in particular. This columnist needs to honestly look inwards and tell us about his own moral life.

He claims he is a moral person. But is he that moral? Evidence does not support his moralistic position.

This columnist condemned Donald Trump’s sex life.

But is this columnist that much different from the Donald?

As I travel around Guyana, people related their encounters with this columnist – many of his actions are not that of a morally reputable person. Here

are some pertinent questions on morality for the columnist: Can he explain his encounter with a beautiful fair-skinned girl during the 1970s at CI! Did this columnist ever molest a young lady at UG grounds some years ago?

Did the girl’s jewellery get lost on the ground? Did he send his students to look for the jewellery the following day?

This columnist needs to stop presenting an image that he is a morally upright person especially when so many questions remain unanswered about his conduct.

He also needs to stop censoring critiques about his behaviour and writings.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

6

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

Page

Foundation

But the problem is that all that slogging away and hours of tedious work in our Agri

Anu Dev

W

ell, if this is October, it has to be ‘Agriculture Month’. I wonder when those titbits from Primary School along with wondering what's the "theme" - will fade away! But my thoughts still also inevitably wander to the five years of Agricultural Science I’d persevered through high school. People might look at me or any of my peers and think, ‘What could a bunch of kids possibly know about agriculture?’

If the truth be told, we know more than a thing or two. You’d be surprised at the excruciatingly detailed agricultural minutiae we had to absorb. We know the exact spacing for planting bora; we know the signs when a cow may be ailing – and a great deal about keeping the books to ensure the farm is sustainable.

We even have hands-on experience - literally! We’ve planted the aforementioned bora, we’ve planted ochro and we’ve even raised and plucked chickens (Not for the queasy stomach!).

guyana-times.com

to be pretty exciting - I mean, experimenting with plants at the genetic level, creating

plot is really for naught.

None of us are really planning to pursue careers in Agriculture. And I don’t think the home garden I plan for my backyard in the future is what the Ministry had in mind when they placed Agri on our curriculum. Or was it?

But I do think that’s so because no one from the agricultural sector ever really come in to Queens to talk to us, to get us all hyped up about a career in agriculture. We’ve had doctors, lawyers, medical transcriptionists, but no horticulturalists,

no biological engineers.

And in everyday life, we go to the doctors to get a check-up, we go to the bank to deposit money, we pass policepeople on the road on our way to work or school.

We have a good idea of what exactly these jobs entail; we get inspired to choose one of these careers. I’ve never met a genetic engineer, but I’m sure that the things they do have

totally new varieties of plants!

But I’ve never really entertained any thoughts about being a genetic engineer in botany. I’ve never entertained any thoughts outside of medicine, actually.

I’ve met loads of doctors; I like their job, so I’m going into medicine.

So I'd suggest there needs to be some system in place to

get kids more aware about the possible careers Agriculture has to offer. After all, agriculture is our "comparative advantage" and unless we succeed here, we really have failed. For instance, now that it looks like we're getting out of sugar...bright young people with solid grounding in modern agriculture could finally make Guyana the "breadbasket of the Caribbean".

Yes, there’s a little section in the syllabus that deals with that, but those careers are basically just words in a textbook. We need to have people in these Agricultural careers come in and talk to us about what they do, about what their jobs entail, so that we can see that they’re real people and these are real careers that we can think about pursuing.

Because we can have all the doctors, lawyers and economists in the world, but they won’t be of any use if we’re not producing food: we’ll just all starve to death.

My analogy is a bit drastic, I know, but we do have a bit of a problem. For a country whose comparative advantage is agriculture, not enough kids are thinking about agriculture as careers. Suddenly we’re hearing about mega farms (funded by T&T) but those operations need more skills and knowledge than wielding a cutlass. And those skills are being allowed to wither on the vine (pun intended) in youths.

So maybe, we’ll now see some agronomists on ‘career day’?

Under the theme “Help us fight Cancer now”, participants marched to bring awareness to children affected by cancer

T

he Key Club of the Georgetown International Academy on Saturday held a youth walk to bring awareness to children affected by cancer. Held under the theme, “Children walking for children” and “Help us fight cancer now”, a sizable turnout of patrons assembled at the National Park amid the cool morning breeze and walked to Parade Ground, where the event culminated.

Local club President Gabriel De Harry Strand told Guyana Times that the exercise was aimed at sensitising the public to Guyanese children that are affected by various types of cancer, in addition to raising money to fight the disease.

After the walk concluded, Strand expressed gratitude to all who participated. He revealed that so far, his group has raised over $11 million for the cause.

“It’s surreal to me that its completed, it went by so fast… so far right now, we’ve raised $11.2 million and we’re hoping it only goes up from there,” the club President pointed out.

He added that many children in the interior locations are suffering from the disease and he stressed the need for the public to provide more assistance.

Reflecting on his inspiration for joining the cause, Strand explained that over the past two years, he lost two grandparents to the disease. He added that his own mother has successfully battled the disease.

“I’ve seen what cancer does to people and how it deteriorates people down to nothing and to think of a kid having to go through that, it’s truly heartbreaking,” the young man noted.

On this premise, Strand reasoned that people should speak more about the disease. “Speak about it gets movement towards it, let people know because it’s a big problem today,” the club President stressed.

Meanwhile, Guyanese footballer Verlon Mills agreed that more needs to be done to highlight the issue, especially for early detection.

“We need to detect it early; sometimes youngsters feel pain and parents don’t take it seriously [but] the awareness is not just for parents, but for everybody in society,” the local striker noted.

Recognising the importance of supporting the initiative, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence also pointed out that family support is critical to combat the disease.

“Many times we see the victims… but they need their family support [and] many times those victims’ families are also shattered by the information they receive,” Lawrence opined, imploring those present to support the organisation’s cause.

The Key Club is encouraging members of the public to join and spread the word of cancer with special emphasis on the fact the many children are affected, especially those in the hinterland locations.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Dataram, wife extradited to Guyana – swooped off to Camp Street Prison

O

ne day after selfconfessed drug lord Barry Dataram and his reputed wife Anjanie Boodnarine were arrested in Suriname, they were on Saturday morning handed over to Guyana’s premiere drug enforcement unit, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and members of the Guyana Police Force.

Head of CANU, James Singh and ranks of the SWAT team travelled to Moleson Creek, Berbice, where the duo was handed over by Surinamese officials. Upon his arrival in Georgetown, Dataram was immediately thrown into the Camp Street penitentiary while his reputed wife remains in Police custody.

It was believed that the couple entered Suriname with false travel documents. The documents, however, seemed authentic since they were reportedly issued by the Chief Immigration Office in Georgetown.

Dataram used a passport with the name “David Persaud”. The passport was issued on April 15, 2013 and bears the number R0376916. Dates also suggested that the passport will expire in 2018.

On the other hand, Boodnarine entered Suriname under the name “Christine Persaud”.

Information on the passport stated that it was issued in January 2016 while Boodnarine was on trial for the possession of narcotics.

Dataram and Boodnarine had absconded one day before a court ruling on a drug possession charge.

However, in light of the recent revelation of the fake passports, Citizenship Minister Winston Felix in a release stated that a full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances under which the convicted drug lord and his reputed wife

at his Lot 661 Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home.

Along with his reputed wife, Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia were all freed on the drug charge.

The duo was initially arrested after CANU ranks swooped down on his EBD home. During the search, the ranks unearthed the cocaine.

Dataram being handed over to Guyana's law enforcement officers on Saturday morning

were issued with passports in another name and that those culpable will face the harshest possible action.

Meanwhile, following the arrest of the duo and his handing over to local authorities, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine acknowledged the excellent collaboration between local law enforcement units and their counterparts in Suriname.

He added that the collaboration represents the best efforts and sends a clear message that with

the use of Science and technology in law enforcement and personnel who are consummate professionals, the public interest is well served.

“On the law enforcement front, we wish to sincerely thank our colleagues in Suriname,” the acting Commissioner added.

Dataram was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and fined $164 million in absentia after he was found guilty of being in possession of 129.230 kilograms of cocaine on April 16, 2015

The passport used by Barry Dataram

The passport used by Anjanie Boodnarine

It was reported that some of the cocaine was stuffed in frozen seafood, while the remainder was found to be bricks of raw cocaine.

CANU ranks also seized an undisclosed sum of money.

In March, Dataram during a television interview admitted his involvement in the drug trade but added that he had never been con-

victed for a criminal charge.

He was arrested several times but has escaped the clutches of United States law enforcement after an extradition attempt failed.

Dataram also accused a high ranking CANU official of being involved in the drug trade and added that the rank would take as much as $10 million to allow cocaine to leave the country.

Following the revelation, head of the drug enforcement unit, James Singh had denied the allegation made against his staff while noting that CANU welcomes further public confessions of criminal elements.

8

NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 killed after gunmen invade mining camp

A

lthough the Guyana Police Force announced that serious crimes are down 21 per cent, another miner was on Friday shot and killed, this time at a mining camp at Mazawini, Port Kaituma, North West District, when gunmen invaded it.

Dead is Hilton Smith also called “Hilary” of Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that a group of men armed with high-powered rifles pounced on the mining pit and opened fire. This forced workers to run for cover in nearby bush.

The gunmen reportedly took away a quantity of raw gold.

After the gunmen left, Smith’s body was discovered with several gunshot wounds. His body was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary.

A team of investigators

quickly travelled to the area of the shooting and launched an investigation. This incident has brought the number of murders in the interior to three for the past week.

On Monday last, the body of Abraham Khan, 24, of Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) was found in a shallow grave in 16 Miles, Issano.

Reports are that Khan along with another man were transporting a quantity of gold for their employer when they came under attack. The father of two was shot to his neck and relieved of the gold, after which the attackers escaped on his motorcycle.

A few days after, Jose Pozzer, 43, also called “Goodie” was found dead in Port Kaituma, North West District.

Based on reports, Pozzer left his mining camp at Mazawini, Port Kaituma,

NWD after a “wash down” and he was paid in gold by his employers. He reportedly had eight ounces of gold when he ventured out to Port Kaituma centre.

Investigators, who trav-

elled up to the area, believe that the man might have been beaten, robbed and fatally shot since there was evidence of lacerations, and a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

Providence man nabbed with gun, ammo

The gun with ammunition Police found

A

34-year-old miner of Providence, East Bank Demerara, was on Saturday morning nabbed with an unlicensed firearm and 12 matching rounds of ammunition at “WarLock”, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Reports are the suspect went to visit his girlfriend and at about 00:30h, Police acting on information swopped down on the location during which it was observed

that the miner dropped an object.

Upon checking, Police realised it was a .9mm pistol loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested and is expected to be charged shortly. Recently, the Guyana Police Force reported that some 67 illegal firearms were seized during this period January to September 2016.

This includes 29 pistols, 21 revolvers and 17 shotguns.

Eyew tness Beating the system...

T

...of audit control

he Report of the Auditor General is out - and duly presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly. But with the low-keyed reporting of the tabloids - all of which used to run screaming, banner headlines at this time when the PPP/C was in office - you'd think this APNU/AFC Government was all financially squeaky clean and all, wouldn't you? And that's where you'd be wrong - and it begs the question as to why the free pass for this PNC-led administration.

But we all know the answer to THAT question, don't we? The PPP is outside the charmed circle of those who have the RIGHT to govern Guyana. What do THEY know about running things - they're best left to hauling water and hewing wood, no? But even your Eyewitness would concede that governments need to be changed ever so often - stretches of two decades are just too long. Bad habits and complacency creep in even with the best of intentions.

But hey! Shouldn't these fellas and felines from APNU/AFC have done SOME of what new brooms're supposed to do? Like sweeping clean! But from the word go...they've done EVERY thing they'd criticised the PPP for - and then some. Name the transgression they highlighted and they have repeated it! And we can see them all summarised in the Auditor General (AG) Report.

First of all the AG himself had to complain as to how he's seen as a "Christmas blow blow" by almost every government department. Yup! The very folks who used to complain about the PPP running their government without any scrutiny from the Auditor General's office - have complied with less than ONE IN NINE recommendations the man made to get the running of Guyana's financial affairs in order. It's clear that they thought it was "financial runnings"!!

Even in conducting the infamous audits to identify the financial shenanigans the PPP supposedly committed, the government broke the very rule the PPP allegedly did: single sourcing the auditors to whom $153 million was shelled out - and counting.

Contingency Funds on "unforeseen expenses" which the PPP supposedly abused? Well there was so much spending that was "unforeseen" by this government that they might've well been blind! THREE QUARTERS OF A BILLION IN NINE months!

NICIL hiding money from the Consolidated Funds?

Oops! How about secreting ONE BILLION dollars? And now the mystery about the Funds to complete Jubilee Stadium's been solved. NICIL of course!! And the best goes on...

Thing is...if all the mentioned practices were "criminal" under the PPP...why are they suddenly kosher under the PNC? Let's see where all those transparency activists are now! Stricken dumb?

...on gold

When the PPP was in office, Trotman claimed 150,000 ozs of gold were being SMUGGLED out of Guyana. Now, even if gold was CONSERVATIVELY rounded off at US$1000/oz - your Eyewitness likes his maths to be simple - this would amount to US$150,000,000 or Guyana $30 Billion!! This alone could bail us out of the financial doldrums the government's got us stuck in. But hold it!! With SOCU and SARA and every department run by de fellas with Military Intelligence backgrounds, what has Trotman and his government done to staunch this bleeding?

Well, in addressing the question recently, Trotman boasted that on the gold-smuggling front they've actually made a dent: they seized one fella who was trying to fly out of Ogle with a heavy gold chain!! He then allowed that the smuggling might be on the rise again and he was bringing in a foreign expert to advise him! Really?! With all these military heavyweights Trotman still needs foreign advice?

Or is it like the Cummingsburg Accord, the Bahamas Pact is off?

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

AG Report finds

GECOM bypassed Cabinet to hand supplier $82M ink contract … spends $99M on ‘obsolete radios’ 8 days before elections

T

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) deliberately breached the laws of Guyana to avoid the scrutiny of Cabinet and spent almost $100 million on obsolete High Frequency Radios, five days before it was set to run-off the 2015 General and Regional Elections, in addition to a range of other financial infractions which has since seen the Commission being owned millions of dollars.

General’s findings, GECOM in 2015 spent $197.9 million for office materials and supplies and included in this sum were amounts totalling $82.2 million, which represented full payment on nine contracts awarded to the same supplier for the purchase of toners and cartridges.

The investigations are ongoing into the transactions.

According to the Auditor General, the Procurement Act dictates that Cabinet

One of the advertised Barrett HF radios

The damning revelations are documented in the Auditor General’s Annual Report for 2015, prepared

by Deodat Sharma and made Public by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, who tabled the document in the House on Thursday.

Contract splitting

With regards the avoidance of Cabinet scrutiny, the Auditor General found that GECOM split nine contracts in order to give an $82 million contract to a single supplier.

The contracts were for the supply of toner cartridges, stationary and ink.

According to the Auditor

shall have the right to review all procurements, the value of which exceeds $15 million.

The Act further dictates that a procuring entity – such as GECOM – shall not split or cause to split contracts or divide or cause to divide its procurement into separate contracts where the sole purpose for doing so, is to avoid the application of any provision of the Act or any regulations made.

The contracts were awarded to the same local supplier between February and May of 2015 with the highest amount being for $14.8 million and the lowest being for $1.9 million.

According to the Auditor General, “the contract

awards appeared to be subdivided, which breached the Procurement Act regarding splitting of contracts and review by Cabinet.”

He said “At the time of reporting in September 2016 the Audit Office was conducting further investigations into this matter.”

Obsolete radios

Meanwhile, another worrying transaction undertaken

by GECOM which has since generated significant media reportage after word of the audit was leaked, is that of an almost $100 million purchase of 50 High Frequency Radios.

It was observed that GECOM in 2015 expended $179.8 million on chairs, desks, cabinets, tables, backup systems, scanners and copiers, High Frequency (HF) radios, water pumps and equipment, air conditioning units and office equipment.

In relation to the High Frequency radios, the Auditor General found that the contract was signed on May 4, 2015, eight days before the hosting of the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections – the very elections for which the radios were being purchased.

According to the Audit findings, the purchase was made based on approval via a Cabinet decision dated April 28, 2015, in the sum of $99.5 million for the purchase of 50 HF radios and related accessories.

GECOM, however, apart from inking the contract a week before the elections opted to utilise a restricted tendering process.

The Audit Office found

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

that GECOM selected three suppliers and made requests for quotations for 50 ‘Barrett HF radios.’

The Auditor General has since discovered that only one supplier quoted the price for the 50 Barrett HF radios and the other two quotations were priced for 20 Barrett and 30 ICOM HF radios.

The contract was subsequently handed to the lower of two quotations which included a different type of radio set. According to the contract, 40 per cent of the total amount was to be paid to the supplier on the signing of the contract.

An amount of $39.8 million representing 40 per cent of the contract amount was paid to the contractor on May 28, 2015, via a cheque dated May 7, 2015 – five days before the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Time constraints

The final payment of the remaining 60 per cent of the contract sum – $59.7 million was paid to the contractor on July 23, 2015, via a cheque

dated July 5, 2015.

According to the Audit Office, the items were verified as having been received and brought to account in the Commission’s Stores records.

One Barrett HF radio was issued to the Chief Elections Officer a day before the election on May 10, 2015, and one ICOM HF radio was issued to the Commission’s sub-office in Lethem on June 16, 2016.

The Auditor General found that there was no evidence to indicate that the other 48 HF radios were used.

The Commission in its response to the Auditor General said its communication plan was to ensure that a communication system existed throughout Guyana and was premised on the use of different mediums and assets on the ground such as cell phones, radios, internet access and personal transmission to provide reliable, clear and accurate feedback.

“However, the Commission was unable to deploy all the radios because these radios were received outside of the operational deployment time to train staff in its use in the remote areas which resulted in a change of plan with the provision of 12 satellite phones by UNDP which provided secure and reliable communication.”

Guyana Times understands that the radios supplied to GECOM are in fact obsolete and will be completely useless in any future elections.

Expired film

Another worrying finding at GECOM which serves to highlight financial impropriety at the Commission relat-

ed to a transaction with regard to camera film.

It was uncovered by the Auditor General that in April 2007, a stock of 268 cartons of Polaroid film with an estimated market value of $30.4 million were found due to expire.

This led the Commission to enter into an agreement, whereby a local firm would utilise and replace the stock at a later date.

Seven months later, 94 of the cartons of film with an estimated value of $10.7 million were declared spoilt by the local firm and were returned to the Commission, while the difference of 174 cartons valued at $19.7 million were still outstanding.

By March 2010, the Commission received goods to the value of $5 million leaving a balance of $14.7 million outstanding.

According to the Auditor General, “this matter was referred to legal personnel who advised that “GECOM may not therefore be statute barred from pursuing any action against the supplier to recover monies owed, since the time for bringing a cause of action has lapsed, and no acknowledgement of the debt, nor was any subsequent payment made to GECOM by the supplier.”

Other infractions observed by the Auditor General include the overpayment of monies to contractors for works not done in addition to substandard record keeping which has led to GECOM being unable to account for millions of dollars in supplies it would have purchased and kept in storage.

10

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

ExxonMobil Africa woes will not affect Guyana’s operations – Trotman … “reminds us we have to be vigilant”

Natural Resources Minster, Raphael Trotman

Days after Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge announced that there are really no guarantees to guard against ExxonMobil underpaying royalties in Guyana – as is the case in Chad, Africa, where the company has been fined US$74 billion – Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has conceded that Government is observing the development with keen interest and that it further serves as a reminder that “we have to be diligent.”

Trotman was at the time addressing a media conference on Friday held at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown.

Minister Trotman in weighing in on the development did seek to point out that ExxonMobil’s legal woes in Chad could in fact be a boon for Guyana since the oil exploration giant will in fact have to find some money and find it fast.

He suggested that the need for the company to secure monies in order to pay off its multibillion-dollar fines could in fact spur the company into accelerating its oil exploration activities in Guyana.

The Minister suggested that ExxonMobil’s legal woes does not mean it will have to cut back on its operations in Guyana since this country

“remains one of the few places where ExxonMobil’s ability to earn exists… We don’t in any way see them cutting back.”

The Minister said if the company has a debt to pay off then it is a case where the company will have to earn money in order to make its payments.

He told media operatives that Government officials are in regular meetings with officials of ExxonMobil; which has not denied the charges against it.

“They have accepted this is, so it is a lesson for us to learn and give attention to,”

Environment Ministry.

Greenidge at the time told media operatives there is nothing that can be put in place since government will have to rely on its capacity and regulatory regime.

“Protection lies first of all in making sure that the Ministry is properly equipped with the necessarily skills…

That the formula that we have negotiated is reviewed and from time to time adjusted,” said Greenidge.

With regards to protecting Guyana against being essentially deprived by ExxonMobil as it is accused in Chad, Minister Greenidge

said Minister Trotman, who also sought to explain that Guyana’s immediate concern is to ensure “we remain on track with timelines.”

ExxonMobil – Guyana’s largest oil exploration partner – has been fined US$74 billion for underpaying its royalties in the African country of Chad.

Minister with responsibility for foreign trade and international cooperation, Carl Greenidge this past week told media operatives that ExxonMobil’s legal woes in Africa serves to underscore the need for strengthening of institutions locally such as its Natural Resources and the

said “There is nothing that you can put in place… There is nothing to put in place to automatically fix these things.”

Speaking directly to the Africa imbroglio, Greenidge said it was imperative that there be a case of constant monitoring, assessing and reporting… that only happens if the mechanism is weak or it (Chad’s Government) was not paying attention.”

The Vice President said it must be kept in mind that companies such as ExxonMobil are companies, “... a company is a commercial enterprise bent on making profits.”

He said countries operating across the world in their bid to maximise the profit margins, sometimes flout the laws within which they were supposed to work in, if allowed to do so.

Greenidge said companies such as Exxon have to be considered partners – partners that must work with the rules which they were permitted to operate but it must be recognised that “there is no partner that will operate forever without trying to dodge the rules.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister said it is for the Government to ensure that its rules and capacity are up to date and constantly reviewed to ensure that the companies adhere to their obligations.

ExxonMobil Corp, the company which is currently intensifying exploration activities in Guyana after striking oil here recently, was fined a whopping US$74 billion for underpaying royalties in the central African nation of Chad where the company has been drilling for 15 years.

According to international reports on the mega fine

by Chad courts, the amount is about five times more than that country’s Gross Domestic Product, which the World Bank estimates at US$13 million.

The High Court in the capital, N’Djamena, announced its ruling on October 5, 2016, in response to a complaint from the Chad Finance Ministry that a consortium led by ExxonMobil hadn’t met its tax obligations.

The court also demanded that the Texas-based oil explorer pay US$819 million in overdue royalties, according to the document.

Foreign Guyanese

S

atiricus was a bit grumpy. He'd been talking to his wife's second cousin Basil in New York who'd been grumpy. And since Basil, who was a real estate salesman, was the biggest contributor of remittances to the Satiricus clan, Satiricus had become grumpy. And if Satiricus remained grumpy, his buddy Cappo who was holed up with him at the Back Street Bar, would soon get grumpy since the beers wouldn't flow as fast. Or as free, which was even more important. And this Cappo didn't want.

"Suh wha' Basil tell yuh?" Cappo asked solicitously. "'e wife lef' am again or wha'?" Basil was once the "Village Ram" and had carried his bad habit to NY. His wife would walk out on him when caught...but then return at Basil's tearful entreaties.

"Nah...After Trump's revelations, Basil's wife thinks she's lucky!" Satiricus said. "He doesn't grab anybody crotches." They both smiled.

Stiricus continued. "It seems Basil was one of those fellas who helped Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat in New York, and now they don't even give him the time of day."

"Wha' Basil wan' fuh hear fram dem?" Cappo asked as he signalled for another beer.

"Well, the KFC and APANU had promised the fellas from foreign to make one or two of them MPs ," Satiricus explained. "And now...nothing!"

"Hol' aan deh!" Cappo exclaimed, "Basil only sell waan, two house in New Yark and 'e wa'n' MP wrk?"

"Well, he figured he could come back and rent those apartments and condos the government plan to build on East Bank." Satiricus explained. "Big money!"

"OK...yuh know me na support KFC or APANU," Cappo made clear. "But how dem wounda pick de MP fram outside? Abee na gat outside votin'" "They would've selected, not elected!" smiled Satiricus knowingly.

"But da na woulda be democratic!" Cappo protested.

"An' na you a de democratic man?"

"Democratic?" asked Satiricus. "Basil told me if he'd gotten through he would've gotten some apartments and condos real cheap, boy!"

"An yuh t'ink da prappa?" Asked Cappo sarcastically.

"Well, if Larry can get $400 million, an' Baby Jesus can get billions," said Satiricus, "why Basil couldn't get some condos cheap?"

With that off his chest Satiricus brightened noticeably.

Capps signalled for another round. He didn't tell Satiricus what he thought: that Basil had counted his chickens before they'd been hatched.

guyana-times.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

11

News

Cyclist struck down by speeding Guyanese convicted for smuggling cocaine to US Fire Service Officer

A

Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, man is now dead after he was struck down by an officer of the Guyana Fire Service, who was reportedly speeding on the roadway.

Dead is Clement Skeete, 60, called ‘Rasta Man’ of Lot 111 Bagotville Public Road, WBD. The accident occurred sometime around 19:30h on the Bagotville Public Road on Friday.

According to reports, Skeete was crossing the road on his bicycle in front of his house, while the speeding car was approaching at a fast rate and struck the elderly man down.

Guyana Times was told that upon impact, the cyclist was flung from the bike and landed some distance away.

Speaking with this newspaper, the dead man’s grieving wife, Shellon Cameron recalled that she was at

Dead: Clement Skeete

work when she received the call about the accident and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

“When I go to the hospital, I go in and see he lie down with tubes hook up to his body. Then they tell me they gone send him to Georgetown Hospital,” she related.

However, the woman explained that there was no doctor to go along with her husband to GPHC and so he was held up at the West Demerara Hospital for some three hours before he was finally transferred—too late.

“The decision was to take him to GPHC but no doctor was there to transport him so I start to behave real bad and by the time we go to Georgetown Hospital, they take him in the Accident and Emergency Ward and a couple minutes after, his brother say he pass away,” the distraught woman recounted.

According to Cameron, when she returned home she was told by relatives how the accident occurred: “They say he was over the road crossing, and this car come with a speed. He was coming off the bicycle when the car hook the bike wheel and drag him some distance

away.”

Meanwhile, one relative who witnessed the accident – a young man – recalled to this publication: “I was standing on the road when I saw ‘Rasta Man’ riding coming over the road and the car was coming speed, and till when he reach close, then he start mash brakes. ‘Rasta Man’ try to come off the bike to come in the corner because there was (another) car parked in front the yard so he couldn’t ride straight over but the car come and knock he and fling he in the air. He land on the windscreen and the car drop he down (two houses away).”

The Police said that a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but no trace of blood alcohol was found. Nevertheless, he was taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

Convicted drug trafficker Heeralall Sukdeo

T

he owner of Sukdeo Sons Fishing in Brooklyn, New York, which imports fish from Guyana was convicted after being ‘caught red handed’ with a US$8 million shipment of cocaine.

Heeralall Sukdeo, 60, was convicted on Friday last in the Brooklyn Federal Court for smuggling 250 kilos of cocaine in frozen shrimp.

Sukdeo claimed he was duped by a relative, who is in the fish business. Assistant

US Attorney Ryan Harris told the court the defendant is a drug smuggler by while reiterating that they caught him red handed.

The cocaine was shipped from Georgetown, Guyana, and arrived at the Red Hook pier in June 2015 addressed to “Randolph Fraser” which is apparently Sukdeo’s alias.

It was reported that a drugsniffing dog noticed something fishy about the container, hence drew suspicions from the US law drug enforcement unit.

However, agents secretly removed the coke-filled crustaceans and tailed the container after it cleared customs on June 15, 2015. The container was delivered to an unidentified warehouse in Brooklyn where agents spotted Sukdeo “together with others… organising and supervising the unloading” of the shipment.

Sukdeo’s US$500,000 bail was revoked after the verdict.

Guyanese on edge over perceived crime spike – NACTA poll

T

he population at large feels like sitting ducks, with a crime contagion raging through the country, despite the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) continued reports of a significant decrease in criminal activities.

This is one of several findings of an ongoing opinion poll being conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) on current issues.

The poll is being conducted

by New York-based political scientist, Dr Vishnu Bisram, who has been conducting opinion polls in Guyana, Trinidad and the greater Caribbean region since 1990.

The Police’s claim that crimes are down is of no com-

fort to the Guyanese population which reported feeling a sense of unease and insecurity.

According to the respondents in the poll, crime is the number one problem facing the nation.

“Many say “people are falling like flies” or “by the wayside” over what is viewed as a rise in murders, robberies, and violent criminal attacks.

They also express concern over the increase in drug use.

And the business community, in particular, is fearful of the crime situation, saying it has impacted on their business activities; they do not agree with Government figures showing crime on the down side,” Dr Bisram analysed.

The latest survey interviewed 710 registered voters of which 43 per cent were Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 17 per cent Mixed, nine per cent Amerindians and one per cent others at random. The poll’s margin of error is four per cent.

Almost everyone (90 per cent) said crime is the most important problem facing the nation and some 70 per cent said Government measures have not been effective at comDr Vishnu Bisram

He explained that people in general are worried, constantly looking over their shoulders, thinking whether they will be the next victim of a robbery.

bating crime.

Many people say a lot of crimes go unreported because of a lack of confidence in the Police Force and their purported slow response to reported criminal acts as well as an extremely low detection rate.

People do not feel that the Police will protect them and are of the view some Police are themselves involved in criminal activities.

Also, because of the so-

cio cultural stigma, certain crimes are not reported.

In a recent VoxPopuli conducted by Guyana Times, persons expressed that they feel unsafe even in their own homes because of the worrying crime situation.

On the other hand, the GPF recently announced that serious crime deceased by 21 per cent at the end of September 2016, when compared to the same period last year.

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Govt to hire Int’l expert to Businessman nabbed with 2kg tackle gold smuggling cocaine at Albion – says gold production surpasses 500,000 mark

A

A

popular businessman of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was on Saturday morning nabbed at Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, with just over 2kg (2000g) of cocaine.

The businessman, 44, who was a passenger in a minibus bearing registration plate BMM 3323 was reportedly heading to Springlands, Berbice.

Based on information reaching Guyana Times, the Police stopped the vehicle during a routine roadblock in front of the Albion Police Station at about

09:30h. During the exercise, Police ranks observed the businessman acting in a suspicious manner and subsequently asked him to disembark with the haversack he was carrying. A search of the haversack unearthed two well wrapped parcels.

The businessman was immediately arrested when the substance was tested and proved to be cocaine.

It was weighed in his presecn and amounted to 2000 grams.

He is expected to be charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

s Government seeks to amplify efforts to tackle gold smuggling, plans are afoot to recruit an international expert to advice the country on what needs to be done.

According to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the ministry has already commenced arrangements to locate an expert, but opted not to say from where the person is being sourced.

“The Ministry has started and will be concluding arrangements to have an international law enforcement expert come to Guyana to both advise and to help us with some interdiction,” he stated.

However, Trotman posited that while the expert will be here to assist the country in curbing the illegal practice, there are no specific targets that he will be looking at. He explained that firstly, the expert will focus on the general trend and patterns in gold smuggling, and if any aberrations or spikes are detected and leads to specific targets

ally start at a macrolevel, then distil the issues before

different loopholes we need to be advised on.”

“I don’t think there are any specific targets now, what we are going to probe is the incidence of gold smuggling and then see whether any of those give rise to the need to go dig deeper but there is not specific targets at this point in time…

So it would be unwise for me to say that the person or persons would come just to look at a specific person or persons,” the minister stated.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

then the necessary actions will be taken.

Furthermore, the Minister maintained that the expert will not be coming to go after any specific targets, but to probe smuggling of gold and how to prevent it.

“I don’t think there are any specific targets now.

What we are going to probe is the incidence of gold smuggling and then see whether any of those give rise to the need to go dig deeper but there is no specific targets at this point in time… So it would be unwise for me to say that the person or persons would come just to look at a specific person or persons,” the minister stated.

Trotman went on to say that while Government recognises that gold smuggling cannot be eradicate on the whole immediately, there has been some trends recently that suggests there may be some attempts to reengage in some quarters.

Moreover, he pointed out that investigations usu-

coming to a conclusion or a finding: “It would be wrong to come first with a targeted approach without first assessing the magnitude of the issue, how large is it, where is it occurring, why is it occurring, are there any loopholes that are being exploited, etc.”

The minister noted that

On the other hand, Guyana’s gold production continues to maintain a strong performance with over 500,000 ounces declared for the year.

The Natural Resources Minister outlined that the ministry is looking to meet a 600,000-ounce target by yearend.

one of the loopholes his ministry has detected is the smuggling of scrap gold, which is becoming prevalent. He explained that scrap gold comes under a different definition from regular gold, as such people would make jewellery and either wear it or break it into pieces and declare it as scrap gold when it really is new gold: “So these scrap gold are new but it’s just broken and that does not attract the same regimen as the gold bars, so these are

“Our goal is to get to 600,000 (ounces) by the end of December. So we are in an accelerated drive to get miners to declare and to work with the government to ensure we make this historic mark; having crossed 500,000 (ounces) as of (Friday’s) date,” he posited.

According to Minister Trotman, medium- and small scale-miners across the board have contributed significantly to the bulk of the gold production.

NEWS

13

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

The PNC’s Bartica hosts inaugural revisionist agenda cancer awareness walk

By Ryhaan Shah

T

here are plausible reasons to rewrite history chief among them being that new evidence might surface that could lead to different analyses and conclusions about past events. However, more often than not, the past is revised for personal or political gains. Such revisionism is a tool used by authoritarians to try and manipulate their people, oftentimes with dire results for their country.

Both Hitler and Stalin used propaganda shamelessly to Ryhaan Shah portray themselves as glorious and popular leaders. To consolidate their power and the terror that went with it, only their version of events was published and disseminated.

However, there is too much evidence in personal papers and official documents in the archives of Germany and Russia for their accounts to be taken seriously by historians. Their propaganda only exposes them further as dictators who lied to their people in order to manipulate them and to cover up their venal brutality.

The writer George Orwell said, “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history”, and another writer Arthur Conan Doyle stated, “What you do in this world is a matter of no consequence. The question is what can you make people believe you have done.”

Historians agree that as soon as there is a purpose or agenda attached to a historical account, that analysis becomes tainted.

The motives for such rewrites can be driven by academic ambition and financial gain since new radical theories can make an intellectual impact and can sell books.

It was Orwell again who observed that “he who controls the past, controls the future, he who controls the present, controls the past.”

This phenomenon of trying to control history itself is not only used by authoritarians. Japan, in a move to try and whitewash painful events and clean up its image of its recent past, actually influenced the content of textbooks to downplay its global aggression in the 1930s. This became a national scandal and the book was rejected by many school boards.

We can learn not only from historical facts but from how the history is being told and by whom, and this is the Guyana experience whenever the PNC speaks about President Forbes Burnham. Burnham was an ambitious man and a shrewd politician who was caught up in global political events that presented him with opportunities to fulfil his personal and political ambitions.

What the PNC actually project about their founder/leader is a two-dimensional whitewashed image that hardly does justice to a complex historical figure. A good analysis from an unbiased historian who can place Burnham within the context of his times would provide a better understanding about the ideas and convictions that drove him to follow the path he did.

In the PNC’s revisionist account, they leave out the rigged elections that kept him in power of which there is undisputed documented evidence. They leave out the violence, the party paramountcy, the racism, the bare shop shelves, the denial of press freedom, the state-sanctioned thuggery that led to the murder of Father Darke, and all the evidence of the PNC’s hand in the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney.

Claiming to be the party that ushered in independence, the PNC omits the skulduggery and CIA-funded racial violence that rocked Premier Cheddi Jagan from office and placed Burnham in power to satisfy American Cold War interests. Again, there are numerous records that exist about these events which are viewed by many as a national betrayal. There is no new evidence that changes the Burnham story.

Rather, each time the PNC attempts its revisionism, letters to the press only emphasise the truth with their corrections.

Perhaps, the recent commemoration of the party’s 59th anniversary was kept low-keyed to avoid this.

That Burnham intended to uplift African Guyanese into being educated, progressive and into acquiring wealth is undisputed. His policy of institutionalised racism failed to make any headway but since his ideas on cooperativism and reviving village economies are still championed by African Guyanese leaders, he could have been motivated by a clear understanding of his supporters and their needs.

Reducing him to a two-dimensional figure is a clear disservice. Burnham lived large and with flamboyance, and he never lacked originality. Even his opponents were disarmed by his wit and charm.

The PNC faithful, however, appear to lack the courage needed to face the truth about the party’s past. This could probably only have come from Burnham himself. Only he, perhaps, could have accepted it all and taken the sting out of it with a signature witticism.

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

S

ince cancer awareness generally leads to early diagnosis, the Bartica Town Council organised a cancer awareness walk to sensitise the population about the life-threatening dangers of this disease and the importance of regular screening.

Some 100 persons assembled at the Cenotaph on First Avenue to start the walk around the mining town which took place on Friday evening.

Led by Mayor Gifford Marshall and Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud, the march paraded through the busy business centre and into Second Avenue to the bandstand in Smart Park for a short programme.

Participants were encouraged to take control of their health and ensure they get tested habitually, especially if there is reason for concern like hereditariness.

Bartica has available options for early detection and treatment so persons do not have to travel all the way to the Capital City.

During the programme, various speakers also underscored the need to offer support and love to those who endure the ravages of cancer.

Two cancer survivors as well as

Some participants lighting candles at the end of the exercise

a family who lost someone to cancer took to the podium to share their stories with the aim of urging the public not to be complacent when it comes to this disease.

The programme closed with the lighting of candles and sharing of hugs by everyone after which the Deputy Mayor gave the Vote of Thanks, in which she not only commended the participants of the respective agencies

and departments but also commended those of the business community who contributed to the success of the walk.

The event was well received and participants expressed the desire to have similar activities in the future.

The Walk was titled “Power of Pink Walk” and was executed under the theme “Pink is the New Green” in an effort to raise awareness.

14 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

GMSA head slams KN over blunder Younge’s Take in Gold Board fraud report The return

... demands apology

C

ontroversial news outlet Kaieteur News made a major blunder in its most recent article which carries the theme of fraud discovery and defamation of reputable businessmen.

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Eon Caesar, who is also the owner of Safeway Security, was cited as the proprietor of another business fingered in a multimillion-dollar scam at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB).

In a detailed missive released on Saturday, Caesar disassociated himself from the report and criticised the news outlet for failing to conduct proper research prior to the publication of an article which can cause perhaps irreversible dam-

GMSA President Eon Caesar ages to one’s character.

The Glenn Lallowned entity reported on September 15 that Safewatch Inc is owned by Caesar and was involved in a huge fraud scheme with then GGB Board Secretary Bobby Gossai, who is now

the President of the newly established Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA).

The report revealed that Safewatch Inc received payments from the GGB amounting to $35,535,956 and $10,852,143 in 2014 and 2015 respectively, which was far above board.

But Caesar made it clear that he has no affiliation with the company Safewatch Inc nor has he ever conducted any business or have business affiliations with Gossai.

He posited also that he has never been awarded any contracts or done any work with the GGB. “The article published

by Kaieteur News has no factual basis and the information provided about me was complete and utter falsehood! The writer of

the article obviously never did any research, because had he or she done their due diligence they would have been aware of the facts and never linked my company or myself to such a libelous article,” he expressed in his statement of condemnation.

Caesar lamented that his personal character and that of his company has been put in disrepute by the “unprofessional journalistic article” and in this regard, he has demanded a full retraction of the publication as well as a bold apology.

The GMSA head wants the Kaieteur News editor to publish a full apology in the form of a full page article along with his photo and the true facts of Safeway Security and its non-affiliation to Safewatch Inc, the GGB and Gossai.

of dark days

H

istory has shown time and time again that some politicians have a way of living in their own realities. Some even create their own beliefs and perceptions about the feelings, emotions and experiences of ordinary people who each day work assiduously to create a better standard of living for their families, regardless of the government of the day.

It is also true that some politicians whether deliberately or not master the skill and art of manufacturing lies, half-truths and concocted tales about the legacies of their adversaries in order to improve their own image and public standing at particular points in time.

Others pursue this route to conceal their shortcomings, Michael Younge misdeeds and inability to manage the State Bureaucracy and its resources which they would have inherited from their predecessors in Government.

In short, if one wants to understand the quality, integrity and ethical standing of a politician one must listen to them share their perspective on a country’s socioeconomic and political history. It is that simple! There is really no other way to understand the style, outlook and vision of modern day politicians.

President David Granger, therefore, provided thousands of Guyanese with the opportunity to access his standing, vision and political make-up when he delivered his recent post-recess address to a half-filled National Assembly this past week.

He did not fail to paint a doomsday picture of the country under the rulership of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). Also a large portion of his address pointed to the excesses of consecutive post-1992 PPP Government with heavy emphasis on ministerial scandals, the crime wave, environmental mismanagement and a lack of good governance.

The President then smartly pointed to a myriad of so-called accomplishments that his A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government managed to provide during its 19-month tenure so far. He boasted about the commencement of a process to deliver “a good life” to Guyanese by not only correcting the excesses of the past Government but pursuing a more stable course that he believes can “make Guyana great again”. He said that the problems Guyanese were facing at the moment were “temporary” and would soon be addressed as he continued to praise his Government for what he was convinced was a good job so far.

After viewing the President’s speech, I was dismayed and disappointed. I had hoped to hear the President address the growing discontent of many Guyanese with the way his Government was handling the affairs of the country with focus on ending the apparent wave of what appears to be a growing trend of systemic racism and discrimination in almost every area of public service and public life.

It was my expectation that President Granger would have used the opportunity to reign his ministers in and to publicly express displeasure with the new wave of ministerial scandals and political infighting within the coalition for power, coupled with the poor performance of the economy thus far.

The truth is, the masses are not wealthier or better off under this Government when compared with the PPP/C. It would have been good for the President to say how many more jobs were created since he took office and how many more domestic and foreign investments were attracted that could boost the public’s confidence in the new Jordan-Sharma brand of economics that are being employed.

The President should have apologised for the continued hike in crime and criminality which is taking place under a highlymilitarised Government. I wanted to hear the kind of Guyana that the President was intent on creating for the younger generations and an address to the Parliament that was not saddled with paradoxical statements, political correct rhetoric and unconvincing arguments about how bad the PPP/C was.

Like so many young Guyanese, I wanted the President to set out a clear mechanism for engaging the opposition in the decisionmaking apparatus of the State. Maybe, he should have made some more concessions available for the PPP to get onboard and work with the Government in core areas. But instead, the President chose a different route.

I disagree with much of the arguments made by political commentators such as David Hinds and Freddie Kissoon. They do not understand the yearning of our young people nor the type of change that we want in order to redefine the future of the country, to remove the ethnic as well as political barriers that stand in our way.

And now sadly, I disagree with the historical positions the President took on the legacy of the PPP and how he plans to achieve a good life for the people of this country. A good life can only be created through real mechanisms to achieve social cohesion and unity, ethnic equality and racial harmony, good governance and even shared governance between both the winners and losers of General Elections.

The dark days are returning but taking on a different form because our current leaders continue to live in their own realities.

NEWS

15

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

2 years later

Mother still searching for missing son

“I

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Mental Health Week

S

aturday saw the end of Mental Health Week and as usual when an awareness event celebrates a day, week or month, there is always a risk that the drive behind it lasts only as long as the spotlight is turned towards it.

Those organisations pushing for development the year round, are often left with unfilled promises and well-thought-out plans that fail to reach fruition.

Despite this too often being the case, any chance to bring awareness about an important subject is to be utilised to its maximum potential; especially when the future of a nation is to be significantly affected by it.

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), mental health is "a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community" and estimates that at least one in four people will suffer one or more mental health disorders in a lifetime.

We all have the potential for suffering from mental health problems, regardless of age, gender, financial standing, or ethnicity.

Many factors can increase the likelihood of us experiencing issues but poor mental health has no prejudice.

It may seem that mental health has become a buzzword and yes, people are talking about it, the government are behind developments and awareness is growing, but what does poor mental health really look like? Those who suffer from mental health disorders will find it challenging to maintain productivity or contribute to the community, but more importantly, it will affect their day-to-day lives closer to home.

For example, one of the most common types of disorders is a group of anxiety disorders that include panic disorder, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. All of these have an adverse effect on day-today lives because they limit and dictate behaviour regardless of what a person wants to do. The fear they live with disrupts their potential for stability and happiness and they can be constantly or frequently on edge.

Other types of ailments are mood disorders; mild or major depression and bipolar. These affect people in a variety of ways: losing interest in activities, prolonged periods of sadness, lack of motivation, and feelings of despair. In the case of bipolar, the sufferer oscillates from episodes of euphoria (mania) and depression (despair).

Another serious condition is Schizophrenia. The sufferer has thoughts that appear fragmented and finds it hard to process information. They hallucinate, can be delusional and can withdraw into their own world. This condition can pose danger to both the sufferer and those they come into contact with, and obviously affect their day-to-day life and reality.

Mental health is a level of psychological wellbeing; just as physical health relates to our physical wellbeing. The difference is that as a nation we seem to be able to accept that we need help to maintain our physical health and most of us will willingly visit the doctor, accept treatment when necessary and even take measures to prevent deterioration. Contrarily, the stigma attached to mental health prevents so many from reaching out for help, working to prevent poor mental health, or even accepting there is problem.

Here in Guyana there are added factors contributing to the prevention of people receiving treatment, including the absence of qualified professionals, the uneven distribution of those limited resources, ignorance, a self-reliance culture and religious beliefs. This exasperates the problem as studies show that earlier the intervention the greater the reduction in the symptoms the individual experiences, the faster the recovery and return to functionality and the lower the rates of recurrence.

The way forward is to continue working towards changing the cultural of dismissing mental health issues, encouraging a new attitude to recognise issues are not weakness, educating people about the disorders, and encouraging them to seek help. It has already been determined that preventive, community-based care is better suited to treat people with mental health issues rather than an over-reliance on psychiatric doctors, so efforts need to be made to train nurses and community healthcare workers to respond to emotional and psychological concerns.

Similarly, although having a counsellor in every school is a great goal, mentors would provide broader, preventive care that would be more beneficial, quicker to implement and easier to resource. This would allow intervention and prevention earlier in the life cycle.

Don’t let this week’s mental health awareness pass without note. Invest in maintaining your own mental health by taking time out to understand yourself, seek ways to enjoy a healthy state of mind, and ask for help if ever you need it.

do not mind if they kill him or hiding he, I just want to know that he is alive or if he is dead,” were the words of Seeta Persaud, mother of missing Troy Greenidge.

A devastated mother whose son went missing two years ago is pleading with the public for help about her son’s whereabouts.

Greenidge of John Fernandes Housing Scheme, Georgetown, went missing on October 15, 2014. He had left home to collect his salary from his employer in Diamond, East Bank Demerara and that was the last time his family saw him.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, his mother related that her son was a

miner and had only returned from the interior days before he went missing. “He came out of the interior with only half of his salary and he said he was going to collect the balance.”

The distraught woman said Saturday marked two years since her son went missing and she is still unclear of details surrounding his disappearance.

The woman explained that she is frustrated with the investigations being carried out by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) since she has been running around for two years with no formal word from the Police.

“I am doing my own investigation and every time I get a lead I would give it to the

Missing: Troy Greenidge

Police officers but they would just take it and say that they are still investigating. It is like they just get the case, put it down and forget about it. All they keep saying is that they are investigating. Every officer I go to they say go to another

person. They just gat me running from station to station”, said the frustrated mother.

Persaud is further pleading with the GPF to carry out a thorough investigation into her son’s disappearance.

“I am only asking the GPF to do a proper investigation for my son. He deserves to be found. All my family and I want is some closure, to know what happen to my son; he was only 27 years at his disappearance; he would have been 29 this year,” Persaud related.

Greendidge is the father of two children.

Anyone with information that will lead to Greenidge is asked to make contact with the nearest Police Station, or relatives on 610-1537.

16 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Opposition condemns Patterson’s threats after boycott

…says it’s a “Burnhamesque” way of silencing political opponents

A

lliance For Change (AFC) General Secretary David Patterson’s threats to investigate and lay charges against former government officials is the latest to be denounced by the Parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Following Thursday’s boycott of President David Granger’s address to the National Assembly, Patterson took to his Facebook Page to express concerns over this move by the Opposition, which he deemed disrespectful.

Patterson, who holds the post of Public Infrastructure Minister posted, “I have mixed feelings on the natural consequences of this boycott – on one hand I am sadden that the opposition will be boycotting one of the main advocates for greater inclusion of the opposition in the affairs of Government, the voices of the liberals will now be drowned out.”

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

He then indicated that this boycott has added new vigour for Government to hunt and prosecute past government officials for corruption.

“What happens next is entirety due to the opposition’s actions today – the kid gloves will be taken off, since an unwritten line will be crossed – the actions which the general public have been demanding (punishment for crimes of corruption) will go into a higher gear, building

of cases against alleged corrupt officials will now be at the forefront – actions which I support – by this boycott, it will strengthen the efforts…”

Patterson posted.

But the PPP/C said this behaviour displayed by Minister Patterson is reminiscent of the “Burnhamesque” ways of silencing political opponents.

“If there was any…

Patterson, removed all doubts…with a threatening rant on Facebook, which shows his incapability of understanding the various forms of protest in a democracy, and most likely reflecting his Government’s similar inabilities and views,” outlined a statement from the Office of the Opposition Leader.

The PPP/C then equated Patterson’s remarks to recent threats made by controversial US Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump.

“This can be likened to Donald Trump’s recent threat to jail his political opponent, Hillary Clinton, if he

were to win the Presidency – a threat that all right minded lovers of democracy denounced in no easy terms,” the Party noted.

Nonetheless, the Party posited that it will contin-

ue to stand with and represent the people of Guyana without fear or favour. “The PPP/C has withstood the worst of the Burnham years, where jailing and the killing political opponents were the

norm. Like then, the PPP/C will not be silenced now.”

Moreover, the Party called on the international community to take note of the threats made by the AFC General Secretary.

Access bridge in Leguan worsens

Region Three REO Denis Jaikarran

Times was also told that the bridge is the main access point through which many farmers transport their produce. Farming is the principal means of sustenance on the island.

It was also reported that many of the boards on the bridge had risen with some sections bearing holes, and gaps which are too wide. On Saturday it was explained that one of the boards rose even higher, posing a greater danger to users of the

has been in decline over the last four months despite residents voicing their concerns to the RDC of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Guyana Times was told that the Assistant Regional Executive Officer has a suboffice on the island and had been informed of the bridge’s deplorable state. It was also explained that Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran was officially informed of the matter.

O

ne week after reports surfaced that a bridge connecting the villages of Waterloo and Maryville in the Essequibo island of Leguan was deteriorating, no action has been taken by the authorities.

This was related to Guyana Times on Saturday where it was noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which has responsibility for the structure, has made no move to rectify the condition under which residents there have to traverse.

Last Sunday, this newspaper had reported that residents, especially parents of young children, were fearful to allow their children to use the bridge. Guyana

The deteriorating bridge at Leguan, Essequibo

structure. This comes on the backdrop of the previous revelation that a motorcyclist, last week, had narrowly avoided an accident after colliding with one of the holes at a section of the bridge.

This connecting bridge

Attempts to contact the REO on Saturday proved futile.

Additionally, this newspaper sought to contact Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber to garner comments on the state of the bridge.

This too proved unsuccessful.

NEWS

17

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ANNA'S

A Youth Policy cannot be coined by a Government of old men Anna Correia

A

National Youth Policy was presented during the forty-third sitting of Parliament last week, and its scrutiny by the Opposition unveiled quite a few flaws.

Statistical incoherence dominated, revealing that a scant 3000 individuals were surveyed, despite that the Anna Correia Youth Policy Document is intended for a population of 510,000 persons ranging from 18 to 35 years of age. How many Amerindians participated in the survey was not indicated. While 52 organisations were said to have been part of a consultation process, no mention of how many indigenous interest groups was made. As a matter of fact, no mention was made of whether the policy-making process respected the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples.

Unsurprisingly, this translates the modus operandi of the coalition regime which has little regard for FPIC and the inclusive participation of Guyana’s First Peoples in the national decision-making process.

The National Youth Policy also presented gaps whereby cultural sensitivity and respect for human diversities were omitted. This includes religious groups, the LGBT community, and indigenous cultural particularities. What stood out in the document was the lack of recognition for our country’s human diversities which were drowned in a composition of vague terms and definitions, in a “one-sizefits-all” hypothesis purporting to address the needs of all young people.

It was another perfect demonstration of the coalition’s incapacity to respond to the specificities of our country’s population, and to formulate policies tailored to suit the needs of each segment, in the interest of true nation building.

The paper does not outline for instance, the measures which would be implemented to ensure that Amerindian youth are guaranteed access and securities on the national job market. It is not substantiated by sustainable mechanisms which would impact local village economies in the Hinterland while providing young people with jobs.

It does not speak to the need for cultural preservation of young people, who leave the hinterland in search of employment or education elsewhere in Guyana.

As a matter of fact, it even ignores the creation of special programmes which would increase accessibility to higher education for indigenous youth, and by extent increase the country’s capital in a skilled and trained work force.

In short, the document in its myopia of what a youth policy should be lacks a holistic approach to addressing the needs of young people across social, religious, cultural and gender specificities. It is therefore in the best interest of the younger Amerindian generations, that all stakeholders to indigenous rights unanimously demand the revision of the policy document and the integration of clauses which respect the specificities of indigenous peoples, and which situate their needs in the wider national context of development.

Perhaps People’s Progressive Party Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall was right, when he insisted that the Government’s policy proposal was a piece of paper which treated young people as a “manifesto checkbox” rather than a resource. Judging from its deficiencies, one can easily deduct that time was the only prerequisite against which the coalition worked to produce a policy paper which falters in so many regards.

The fact that the Advisor to the Government on Youth Policy is a senior citizen, and that none but one member of Government is below the age of 35, also proves that from inception, the coalition was never intent on actually respecting its promise of inclusive governance for youth. It can also explain why the paper takes on a condescending, quasi-religious tone which reflects the preference for Christian values by this Government, and which it often invokes in its parliamentary deliberations, demarcating it from the previous administration.

It is therefore expected that if the young leaders across Guyana are excluded from the national decision-making process, a relevant youth policy cannot be coined by a Government of old men.

Send comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

Tuschen man who needed AB+ blood dies

V

ishnu Singh, 22, of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, died of malaria on Friday while a patient at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

He was in dire need of 23 units of AB+ blood after he fell ill upon returning from Bartica.

He was taken to numerous hospitals where he was treated and sent home, however, his health continued to deteriorate.

When he was taken to St Joseph Mercy Hospital, he was finally diagnosed with malaria but by that time, he was in a critical condition.

His mother and many

indeed heeded but unfortunately his condition could not be reversed.

Vishnu Singh

others had taken to social media pleading with persons with AB+ blood to come forward. The call was

The family has extended heartfelt thanks to all those who donated blood.

18 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

the mighty march from Georgetown to Lethem By: Devina Samaroo

T

wo Guyanese men, Ric Couchman, who was later joined by Jerry Benjamin footed a journey of 550 kilometers from the capital city through the dense jungle to the vast savannahs of Lethem.

A grueling but yet exciting adventure lasting nearly 23 days, this dynamic duo took exploring Guyana to a whole new level.

The journey commenced on September 16, 2016 as 59 – year-old Couchman, an experienced hiker, left his brother’s Queenstown residence and ventured up the East Bank Highway with nothing but a backpack and a spirit of adventure guiding him along the way.

Couchman grew up in Bagostown on the EBD, and during his teenage years he had developed a yearning to explore the length and breadth of his home country by simply walking.

“I was talking care of my siblings, two brothers and two sisters after I came out of the Guyana national service. What I would do on weekends, I would leave them and be back on Sunday afternoons and I would just take off and go walking along the West Coast, West Bank and East Coast until night caught up with me and then I would sleep wherever.”

A young Couchman at one point had left his job with the intent to follow his dreams but good sense eventually prevailed and he decided to put a hold on his burning desire.

Some decades later, he returned to his homeland to pursue his lifelong dream.

This energized backpacker was greeted with curious eyes along his way up the busy highway and every now and then he would stop to share his story. It was not long before word quickly spread of his bizarre intention and it reached the ears of Benjamin, a resident of Diamond on the EBD who was majorly intrigued by the idea.

He reached out to a mutual friend and then connected with Couchman on the second day of the expedition.

Challenges The heat from the sun and the blisters on their feet were deemed the greatest difficulties encountered.

In fact, Benjamin almost gave up on the challenge after suffering intense pain from a nasty sore.

He explained that a small blister sprouted up on his foot at the beginning of the voyage but it only worsened after a huge shower came and left him completely drenched.

“He’s a trooper!” Couchman remarked, noting that the pain and discomfort were so extreme that he suggested to Benjamin to take transportation. But Benjamin refused to give up.

According to Couchman, the primary challenge for backpackers is taking care of their feet since an unhealthy foot could be the difference between completing the journey or not.

Surprisingly, the duo expressed that concerns of crime, wild animals, and hunger were the least of their worries.

“Those things were sort of the back of my mind pre-trip but on the journey itself those fears were sort of gone because you had to stay focused and stick to your plan so there is no time for fear,” Couchman explained.

Hospitality Couchman said the level of compassion, benevolence and hospitality they received from total strangers along the way was perhaps the most amazing aspect of the entire journey.

Many persons stopped along the trails to offer food and water, some offered a place to stay and some even joined in saying a prayer or two with them.

“We were walking one day, we were in the Iwokrama forest. We were tired, the heat was on us and we were trekking away and I heard behind me the sound of a vehicle coming. I looked back and there’s this truck filled with indigenous people and the truck stops and a young man leans over and says ‘here are two bottles of water for you guys’,” Couchman recalled, noting that the group came out in search for them after hearing of their intention via the media.

He said numerous persons, strangers, offered help in one way or the other after learning of their purpose. Along the way, they visited the Iwokrama Resort and Canopy Walkway and various Amerindian Villages.

While their primary diet consisted of canned products, they received freshly prepared meals at various stops throughout the journey.

The daily routine was an hour of trekking following by a 15 – minute water

break, and thus the cycle repeated until midday when they would take an hour of rest.

As night began to sweep in, the men would scouted out a camping site, set up their tents and hit the sack until first daylight.

For the most part, they camped out in the jungle, completely exposed to the dangers of wildlife.

Renewed A sense of relief, satisfaction and accomplishment prevailed when the men took their first step into Lethem, Region Nine.

They dropped to their knees and exclaimed words of thanks incoherently for they finally completed the journey.

“To say that that journey h a s changed me is an understatement indeed. I entered Lethem in possession of lots of personal insights into my own being, as well as a broadened horizon vis-avis things outside myself.

I also entered that border town having lost some things. My body has taken a pounding, my feet are blistered and calloused, and I have certainly lost a few pounds, but I also entered the township of Lethem humbled, stripped of my ego and some of my attitudes and idiosyncrasies,” Couchman stated.

From the inception, his intention was to recalibrate and reconnect with the heart (the land) and soul (the people) of his country, and to sensitize the national consciousness to some of the pressing issues such as

racism, domestic violence, crime, suicide and other related issues.

“One cannot undertake a journey of such magnitude and not come away a changed and different individual,” he stated.

For Benjamin, it was also a life changing adventure for he who had never encountered such an experience, learnt so much from this journey.

For Couchman, the journey has only just begun for he intends to walk all the way to the North/ West District in Region One and then again to Skeldon in Region Six.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

T

Yusuf lost his opening he experienced Floodlights partner Ramo Malone hard ball team reputation for 31 (4x4; 1x6) which as a formidable unit on brought Amazon Warriors the hard ball arena is increasing and Guyana Jaguars allwith every match the expert rounder, Christopher softball team plays.

Barnwell to the middle who On Friday night at their got off the mark with a chip over home ground the Demerara midwicket for six. At that point Cricket Club (DCC) in Queenstown the home team were looking at they defeated a youthful Bush Lot an early night with Yusuf and United Sports Club by five wickets Barnwell at the crease. off the last ball of their run chase.

However, a few quick After being outplayed by Berbice wickets brought the balance Masters a week before the city back in favour of the visitors. based masters team turned the Barnwell was run out for eight tables on the West Berbice lads that while Patrick Khan (03) and were sponsored by Jumbo Jet Auto Khalid Baksh (06) fell cheaply, Spares. however Tulsie Sahadeo For Floodlights, whose parent remained unbeaten on 15 body the Guyana Floodlights to see Floodlight home. The Softball Cricket Association (GFCSA) last over started with four is preparing to host the biggest runs needed but Baksh was softball tournament in Guyana, bowled by Hemraj with one the Guyana Softball Cup six, this required off the last ball match was the closest they were which Rabindra Singh played involved in since challenging the format under the artificial lights at Floodlights opener, Uniss with soft hands to cover and took off for the match DCC. Yusuf hits out at DCC winning single much to the They were ahead at the half delight of the home team way stage when the visitors were limited to 143/6 from their 20 overs, a total and supporters. Bowling for Bush Lot United that can be easily achieved given the ground Sports Club, captain Hemraj claimed 3-34 conditions and the debt of Floodlights while Joel Dilchand had 1-34.

The match started with Agar Matabheek batting. However, the West Berbice unit were striking four fours and two sixes in a top score not going to surrender without a fight.

Bush Lot kept the Floodlights openers in of 40 and added 56 with Kris Ramnarine check and after 11 overs in the run chase the after opener Yogendra Budhoo was taken score was 53 without loss and it was game off Patrick Khan for seven. Ramnarine was on with 91 still needed from nine overs but bowled by Surendra Nauth for 21 (2x6) while with all 10 wickets in hand Floodlights had Hemraj made 29 (2x4; 1x6) and Dilchand 12 the advantage more so since Christopher not out. Barnwell, Khan, Nauth, Baksh and Barnwell was padded to bat next. However, it Malone took one wicket each.

At the presentation ceremony that was Uniss Yusuf who changed the complexion followed, Hemraj was given the best player of the game.

Yusuf, slogged six fours and fours sixes award on the Bush Lot United SC side before he was finally caught off Rajbance while Yusuf took the prize for the winners.

Hemraj for 53 after given three lives by Floodlight received the winning trophy. All the youngsters who were player under the trophies were sponsored by The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. floodlights for the first time.

19

Bush Lot United Sports Club had a spirited debut under floodlights at DCC

20

Bahamas will be the first Caribbean nation to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

T

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

he Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) on Friday announced that the Bahamas will host the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, which has been scheduled for February 20-26, 2017.

The Bahamas, also set to host the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, will welcome the region’s top Beach Soccer national teams to the Caribbean for the tournament that will crown the CONCACAF champion.

“As Bahamas prepares to be the first Caribbean country to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017, we are pleased to organize the CONCACAF championship there as well,” said CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio. “Beach soccer holds a very special place in this nation as displayed when it hosted the Confederation’s qualifying tournament in 2013. We look forward to an exhilarating competition, while leveraging it as a powerful platform to strengthen the game within our region.”

The 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship will include a field of sixteen teams: Caribbean Football Union (CFU): Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands North America: Canada, Mexico, United States Central American Football Union (UNCAF): Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama Two additional CONCACAF teams will join host Bahamas as the three CONCACAF representatives in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. The finalists will earn the tickets, unless host Bahamas – already qualified for the World Cup - or non-FIFA member Guadeloupe advances to the final, in which case the next-highest finisher would earn the spot.

"We are very proud to welcome once again the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship,” said the Bahamas Football Association President Anton Sealey. “The fans will have an extraordinary opportunity to see the best teams compete for the title. Bahamians have embraced beach soccer and we are confident that this tournament will help generate greater excitement and anticipation for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup." The official draw for the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship will be conducted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doral, Florida on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 10:00 am ET. The sixteen teams will be separated into pots according to the Beach Soccer World Wide Ranking. (Sportsmax)

T

he highly anticipated 30-lap Dash for Cash cycling meet billed for Saturday was unfortunately pushed back until further notice.

The event was organized

by Roraima Cycling Club and the Guyana Cycling Federation was formally notified of the postponement via an e-mail sent on the eve of the event which was scheduled for the inner circuit of the national park.

First Vice President of the Federation, Paul Choo-WeeNam, in an invited comment with Guyana Times Sport, the event has been rescheduled but no definite date has yet been set.

However, cycling enthusiasts will not be disappointed as attention will now turn to the ‘Ounce of Gold’ road race today beginning at 07:30h on Homestretch Avenue.

The country’s top wheelsmen will proceeding to the Linden Soesdyke Highway. Cyclists contesting in the Seniors, Juniors and Veterans U-45 will turn back at Dora (Coca Cola Sign) while Veterans Over-45, Juveniles and Mountain Bike races would proceed to Silver Hill before heading back to the point of origin for the finish.

Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey would be looking to make it back to back victories but solid competition is expected to come from his Team Cocos

1st Vice-President of Guyana Cycling Federation Paul Choo-wee-nam

teammate, Stephano ‘Sunny’ Husbands, who won the Victor Macedo Memorial Road Race in September, Hamza Eastman, Raul Leal, Shaquille Agard and Silvio Innis as well as 2014 winner Michael Anthony.

The event is organized by Flying Stars Cycling Club and is sponsored by Kadir Enterprise out of Bartica.

The prizes include one ounce of gold and trophy for the top rider while the other seven positions will receive cash prizes.

Ten prime prizes are also up for grabs. Cash prizes will be given to the first four juniors, first three veterans U-45, Veterans O-45, Juveniles and Mountain Bikers.

GCA/ NBS 2nd division

DCC continue winning ways, MSC register 1st victory

A

fter four defeats and a lackluster start to their Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ New Building Society (NBS) 40 overs second division campaign, Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) eventually figured how to win as they hunted 158 to complete an eight wicket win against Ace Warriors yesterday.

Playing at home MSC were boosted by fifties from skipper Floyd Rollins and opener Joseph Cupidore, who made a return to the side after being axed from the previous game. Rollins top scored in MSC winning total of 170-2 from 27.5 overs while Cupidore ensured he remained unbeaten in his patient knock of 50.

Early into their chase MSC lost Marcus Watkins for 11 but Cupidore and Rollins then joined forces for a century stands which took them within sight of their first victory. After Rollins was removed by Abzaal Gafoor, Kefa Naughton 16 not out and Cupidore saw them home without further casualties. M. Parks collected the other wicket for Ace Warriors.

Meanwhile when the visitors batted, they were off to a reasonable start as they raced to 43 before losing their first wicket.

That of R. Aaron for 20 off the bowling of off spinner Shaquille Moseley. Subsequent to that, Mosely collaborated with the other bowlers to make constant inroads in their opponents’ batting.

However, they managed to rebuild their innings after they slumped to 45-5. Compliments of Clayon Halley, who top scored with 61 from 69 deliveries, inclusive of five fours and four

Shaquille Moseley

sixes. Moseley ended with 5-31 from eight overs and Watkins claimed two victims.

Over at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) ground, reigning champions Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) hammered Third Class by 235 runs. DCC were spearheaded by Raymond Perez century and Sherfane Rutherford all-round performance.

Batting first DCC piled up 3767 from 40 overs with Perez hitting and even 100 while Rutherford slammed 81. Sachin Singh 46, Cleon McEwan 44 and Lawrence Smith 37 chipped in. Seon Bailey captured 3-45 for Third Class.

In reply Third Class were restricted to 141 all out, Rutherford and Dexter George led the bowling for DCC with three wickets apiece while Ashmead Nedd claimed two wickets.

At Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) the host scored 247-9 in 40 overs, Joshua Persaud made 67. They then dismiss GYO for 124 in 27.3 overs, mainly due to Gajanan Suknanan 5-26 and Dwayne Dick 4-34.

YELLOW

SPORTS

PAGES

21

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

DENTISTRY Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

DRIVING SCHOOL Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available for sale.

Contact Pacific Development Inc. Tel:223-6035/227-8274 House Lot, Diamond New Scheme between 2nd & 3rd Ave. Contact: 638-1529 Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 6735546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

EDUCATION

House for sale leonora market housing scheme, west coast demerara. 2 Floor, 3 bedroom, 2 shower, 2 kitchen, yard, double garage, tel: Amar 225-3737, 651-7078

REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404

SERVICES

FOR SALE Powerline Battery Water/wholesale. 1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 680-3863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

FLOWERS Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs.

Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

WANTED Wanted One Gasoline Mechanic to work on the ECD. Contact #: 623-0318 WANTED 1 COSMETOLOGIST. APPLY IN PERSON, SHARON’S BUILDING – CHARLOTTE AND KING STREETS. SALES GIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL, BRASSONIC Bldg. (MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/Town. 231-7101

IMMIGRATION

TO LET

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

3-Bedroom apartment at 482 Herstelling, EBD. Contact: 265-3307 or Whatsapp: 1-917-502-4302

IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

KEY CUTTING Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

OPTICIAN Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

HEALTH Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 MondaysSaturdays 9am-3pm. Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

LAND FOR SALE Land for Sale. 1.5 Acres WBD. Close to Plantation Walk, Vreed-En-Hoop. Call: 658-0115 Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel: 625-1514 Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 Transported Land for Sale at Logwood Enmore, ECD. Contact Tel: (592)-6225824 or (592)-671-5395.

SPIRITUALITY Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc.

Call 223-6834/600-7719.

T

hrough the efforts of Guyanese legendary footballer, Alexander ‘Alex’ Bunbury, two of Guyana’s most talented teenaged footballers will be heading to Portugal for tryouts with hopes of making the cut.

Bunbury explained that while in Portugal he has organized the with the top clubs in Portugal, Sporting Lisbon’s Youth Academy, who has developed the likes of one of the most iconic players in the modern age, Cristiano Ronaldo, to give two teens, a male and female the opportunity to be a part of the professional environment.

National Under-17 and Chase Academic Foundation Academy captain Jeremy Garrett (16 years old) and 19 year old Shameka Marcus who captains Foxy ladies will be heading off to the academy next month.

Bunbury noted that both these players excel both on and off the field and he will be using his name to continue open doors for these young people, highlighting Chase Academic Foundation as one of the pioneers in this sense.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

Shameka Marcus, Alex bunbury and Jeremy Garnett Garrett said he has been playing football for almost all his life and was most fond of the sport that was introduced to him by his best friend, Ryan Hackett and even though his mother was not supportive at first of him playing the sport, he does not regret what he has done and where he will be going in football.

The 16 year old, who is also a very talented track

athlete, pointed out that his heart is with football.

Marcus on the other hand has excelled at eight subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate, said that she only started four years ago but now, daydreams of playing the sport she loves wholeheartedly.

Like Garrett, Marcus is also talented in another sport, cricket, and has made the transition to football

quiet easy.

Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry had pointed out at a conference at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday that the government is committed to the development of youngsters and it is through initiatives like this that will have champions emerging out of the country more often.

Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Schools football Championship...

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 3225788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now. Email: anew-life@live.com

TAXI SERVICES GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

VEHICLES FOR SALE FOR SALE 1 FLAT TRAY NISSAN PICK UP. VERY GOOD CONDITION. CALL: 6623997 OR 610-4897 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 6531003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

St Stephen’s Primary totally outplayed Comenius Primary (blue bib) in another exciting game on Saturday

F

or the second weekend in a row at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground, there was a goal spree in the PeeWee Boys Under-11 Schools football Championship on Saturday.

Giants Tucville Primary edged St. Ambrose 1-0 through a Jamal Embrack strike in the 14th minute while St. Margaret’s defeated a rebuilding Enterprise Primary 3-2. Mickelle Andrews netted in the first and 28th minute while Joshua Abel scored in the 29th minute. For the loser, Shamar Richardson scored in the third minute alongside a 17th minute own goal.

Stella Maris, 2014 champions overcame Redeemer Primary 1-0. Dakari Douglas was the difference on the day with a 15th minute conversion.

Traditional heavyweight West Ruimveldt mauled J.E. Burnham 4-0. Tyrese John, Jermaine Park, Tafrel McAllister and Kenneth Gordon scored in the eighth, 10th, 15th and 19th minute correspondingly.

A l s o , St. Agnes brushed aside Rama Krishna 4-0.

Nikhail Carter netted twice in the 13th and 22nd minute while David Xavier and Antawn McKay netted in the 27th minute respectively.

On the other hand, 2013 champs St. Pius battled to a 1-1 result with Winfer Gardens.

Calvin Bowling scored for Winfer Gardens in

the ninth minute while Kaden Wellington equalized in the 13th minute.

St. Stephen’s downed Comenius Primary 3-1. Omali Xavier scored a brace in the 14th and 26th while Jequan Cole netted in the 28th minute. For the loser, an own goal in the 29th minute got them off the mark.

Meanwhile, South Ruimveldt downed F.E. Pollard 4-0 led by a double from Antonio Leitch in the first and second minute while John Simon and Treyvon Duncan scored in the seventh and 14th minute.

On the other hand, North

Georgetown dismantled School of the Nations’ 5-0.

Shaquan Walters bagged a brace in the 11th and 24th minute while Nigel Lowe, Aken DeSantos and Kellon King netted in the 17th, 21st and 33rd minute apiece.

Similarly, Mae’s dismissed Smith Memorial 2-0. Joshua Bentick scored in the 22nd minute while an own goal in the 26th minute sealed the result.

In other results, defending champion St. Angela’s defeated St. Gabriel’s 2-0.

Antwoine Vincent and Seon Cato were on target in the first and 14th minute respectively.

Additionally, 2012 winner Marian Academy defeated Success Elementary 1-0 compliments of a Malik Darker strike in the 22nd minute.

22

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

Yasir Shah comprehensively outfoxed Kraigg Brathwaite in his first over of the day

H

a v i n g enjoyed the first two days of their 400th Test, piling on the runs on another Dubai featherbed, Pakistan were made to toil for their gains for much of the third day. Those gains came gradually in the first two sessions, before a hostile spell from Wahab Riaz after dinner helped Pakistan make quick inroads into West Indies’ middle order.

Darren Bravo’s resolute 87 and Marlon Samuels’ attacking 76 led the resistance, but

Bravo, Samuels threaten but Pakistan in control P a k i s t a n ’s bowlers were able to maintain control a n d

ultimately l e a v e W e s t Indies on 315 for 6 by stumps, trailing by 264 runs.

Starting the day on 14, Bravo was content to proceed

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan 1st innings 579/3 dec.

West Indies 1st innings (overnight score 65/1) KC Brathwaite b Yasir Shah 32 LR Johnson lbw b Yasir Shah 15 DM Bravo c Azhar Ali b Mohammad Nawaz 87 MN Samuels lbw b Sohail Khan 76 J Blackwood c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 37 RL Chase c Babar Azam b Wahab Riaz 6 SO Dowrich† not out 27 JO Holder* not out 10

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Extras: (b-9, lb-8, w-1, nb-7) 25 Total: (6 wickets; 109 overs) 315 To bat: D Bishoo, ML Cummins, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets 1-42 (Johnson, 11.5 ov), 2-69 (Brathwaite, 23.6 ov), 3-182 (Samuels, 67.3 ov), 4-259 (Blackwood, 90.2 ov), 5-266 (Chase, 92.2 ov), 6-300 (Bravo, 103.1 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 194-48-0, Sohail Khan 16-2-56-1, Yasir Shah 36-14-97-2, Wahab Riaz 19.3-3-53-2 (nb-5, w-1), Mohammad Nawaz (3) 16-5-381(nb-1), Azhar Ali 2.3-1-6-0

at a stately pace, exhibiting patience, determination and a very solid defensive game.

He brought up his fifty off 176 balls and showed no inclination to accelerate thereafter. His concern was in occupying the crease as long as possible.

While he occasionally took his eye off the bouncer and edged a full-blooded cut shot past first slip off Yasir Shah, Bravo’s knock was largely chanceless. He provided a fine counterpoint to Samuels and was barely ruffled by the fall of wickets either side of the dinner break. It was only within half an hour of stumps that Bravo’s long vigil ended, when debutant Mohammad Nawaz had him caught at short-leg to claim his maiden Test wicket.

Samuels, for his part, was not quite as convincing as Bravo, but played the dominant role in the pair’s 113-run thirdwicket partnership. Having announced his arrival with consecutive fours off Yasir, he continued to pepper the offside boundary with excellent cuts and drives. He hit 13 fours in all, the best of which was probably an exquisitely timed on drive after skipping to the pitch of a ball from left-arm spinner Nawaz.

But Samuels’ habit of

Marlon Samuels played some delightful shots before falling for 76

staying leg side of the ball and his general lack of foot movement caused him occasional problems and ultimately led to his downfall.

He had an early slice of luck when an outside edge off Mohammad Amir’s bowling fell short of Babar Azam at second slip. In the second session, he played a loose drive against Wahab, throwing his hands at the ball, and was lucky the edge did not carry to the wicketkeeper. Eventually Sohail Khan bowled an indipper that wrapped Samuels on the pads in front of middle; he was

rooted in the crease and falling over. It was the first wicket by a fast bowler in the Test match.

After the dinner break, bowling with the second new ball, Wahab cracked the game open for Pakistan with a venomous short-ball barrage.

Jermaine Blackwood was given an intense working over, before he gloved an attempted pull to Sarfraz Ahmed behind the stumps. In Wahab’s next over, Roston Chase fended a welldirected bouncer to Azam, who had just been moved to leg slip. West Indies were 266 for 5 at this stage and suddenly

looked vulnerable once again.

The late wicket of Bravo, just after West Indies brought up 300, capped off a good day for Pakistan.

That said, they might have anticipated an easier day when Yasir dismissed Brathwaite in just the second over. He got a flighted delivery to drift into middle stump before turning away slightly to beat the outside edge and hit off stump.

While it was a good ball, it was made to look even better by the batsman, who lunged forward and played down the wrong line.

Thereafter, Samuels and Bravo frustrated the bowlers with their third-wicket stand for 43.3 overs. Pakistan’s concerns were exacerbated when Nawaz was warned twice for following through in the danger area shortly after tea. They grew even further in the next over when Samuels drilled the ball back at Azhar Ali, who took a blow to his right hand and had to go off for treatment.

But Sohail broke the century stand, Wahab inflicted further damage after dinner, Azhar came back to take up his position at short leg and Nawaz went on to take a crucial late wicket. Pakistan ended up with most boxes ticked. (ESPNcricinfo)

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

G

uyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) officially launched the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship which be held on November 13 at the South Dakota Circuit.

The launching which was held at the at the Club House on Albert Street and Thomas Lands, saw the attendance of several race car drivers, riders and officials of the Caribbean Motor Racing Association.

Guyana will be hosting the final leg of the championships and though the possibility of the country retaining the overall championship seems dim, GMR&SC President Raj Boodhoo said the country has a rich history in racing.

Boodhoo highlighted the success of Kristian Jeffery who is the current sportsman of the year, Stanley Ming, the Vieira’s clan (Matthew, Stephen and Elliot) who have all brought the spotlight on

the country due to their stupendous performances on the track.

Boodhoo also revealed that since the racing body has become an affiliate to the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) they are hoping to get the track up to level 3 in the near future.

Representative of Seaboard Marine, Jeremy Fernandes said that they are extremely pleased to be a part of the event and that their company have invested approximately US$125,000 each year into the championship since once of the most expensive aspects is to travel from country to country.

Shairaz Roshandin, a Caribbean Motor racing Association representative, says that he is expecting an exciting final leg after the championship would have covered Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

At least 150 competitors are expected to participate in the meet, all of

Ramdhani concludes International Badminton Workshop

A

t the conclusion of the Itinerant Regional Coach Workshop Technical Reviews which was held in Barbados from October 7-15, 2016, National Badminton coach Gokarn Ramdhani said the experience will aid in preparing for a higher level.

“I am pleased to have attended this course as the information received will add to my experience to get our Guyanese players to a higher standard and gear then for the international arena,” stated Ramdhani, who was invited by the Badminton Pan American Development Director to attend the workshop.

Gokarn Ramdhani collects his certificate at the end of the workshop

The event was conducted

by Pan Am Coach Muamar Quadafi of Indonesia for the top coaches in the Caribbean and covered Footwork and Strokes in modern day badminton.

According to Ramdhani the course was of a very high quality and it was organized to keep the current coaches updated with developments in the sport.

Due to the development in the sport it is very important for coaches to always update their knowledge as the Game changes year to year with new tactics and rules. This is the only way you can keep updated with the training to compete in the international circuit.

Flashback! Action in the highly competitive Group Four at the South Dakota Circuit in the CMRC final leg 2015

which are currently fine tuning preparations.

Sponsors for this year’s event include: Fly Jamaica,

ANSA McAL under the Stag brand, GTT, Bounty

23

Farm, Choke Gas Station and Rohan’s Auto Sales.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

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

guyana-times.com

Darren Bravo was given a life by Asad Shafiq at slip during his patient innings

Page 22

Bravo, Samuels threaten but Pakistan in control Page 23

GMR&SC President Raj Boodhoo (centre) with other members of the Sports Club at the launching on Friday (Marceano Narine Photo)

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - sales@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.