Guyana Times Daily

Silver Hill, Waiakabra get $52M water supply systems P17

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3168

guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, March 30, 2017

PRICE

Unstable exchange rates

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Bandits terrorise daughter, father during home P9 invasion

Local companies losing Govt tenders to foreign entities Page 3

GECOM’s Chair list

Businessman robbed, CLICO seeking to shot while assisting settle debt with robbery victim Guyana Pages 2&7

$80 vat included

President's criteria stymie civil society submissions – P7 Teixeira

Page 5

… student shot in foiled robbery … eyes new investments

VAT on education protest grows

Page 9

GDF boosted with two $140M new vessels P10

Linden to get community P17 app

… protesters take concerns to Education Ministry

EBD estates closure

Cane fertilising stopped by P5 GuySuCo

Students, teachers, administrators of various private schools and other concerned citizens on Wednesday upped the protest action against VAT on education in front of the Education Ministry on Brickdam, calling for the removal of the tax

Judge threat allegations

“I don’t know about apology” –…defends AG his action in court Page 2

Crab Island onshore base to create jobs for Berbicians – Govt Page 5

P8 Plaisance woman charged for uttering fake US$1300

2

NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Judge threat allegations

“I don’t know about apology” – AG …defends his actions in court

A

lthough Justice Franklin Holder has called on Attorney General Basil Williams to apologise for his outbursts in court, the State’s chief legal adviser has expressed an unwillingness to do so.

“What? I don’t know about apology,” Williams declared on Wednesday during a brief press conference when prompted by reporters on whether he would heed the Judge’s desires and issue an apology.

Justice Holder had written to the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards complaining of the behaviour of the Attorney General during the hearing of a prominent court matter involving trade unionist Carvil Duncan.

But Williams maintained his innocence as he continued to cast blame on his predecessor, Anil Nandlall for causing Justice Holder to abrupt-

Attorney General Basil Williams

ly walk out the courtroom – even though the Judge has since clarified that the issue stemmed from the Attorney General’s “egregious” and “disrespectful” behaviour during the court proceedings.

“Nandlall was the one who caused the problem…we can’t allow Nandlall to create this problem and leave it unre-

solved. The Judge and I will resolve this issue,” Williams stated, in contradiction to the Judge’s explanation, which was published in snippets in the State-owned newspaper.

In fact, the Attorney General even defended his actions and his statements.

“Everything I dealt with in that short time was to disabuse the learned Judge’s mind that his interpretation was not (so),” he stated.

Williams believed that the Judge fell prey to “transferred frustration” as a result of Nandlall’s “barracking” of nearly three hours.

“Perhaps his detaining the learned Judge again as he was preparing to leave the bench, seeking clarity on whether the witness’s answer of ‘no’ was recorded, induced certain misapprehensions in the Judge’s mind in all the circumstances and the Attorney General became the victim of transferred frustra-

tion,” Williams said in a statement circulated during the media engagement.

But according to articles published in the State newspaper, Justice Holder, in a letter dated March 24, 2017 to Justice Cummings-Edwards, said he “took umbrage to his (Williams’) tone and what he was insinuating, which was in effect that the court was being selective in recording the evidence”.The Judge said Williams responded by saying that the last person who told him what he should not say was a magistrate and he was now dead.“He further said all morning Mr Nandlall disrespecting you and you have not done anything about it,” Holder wrote, adding that he told Williams that this was not a true statement of what had occurred.“This was followed by a most egregious statement by Mr Williams, which is: “I could say what I want to say and when I

Justice Franklin Holder

want to say it; I have always been like that.”At this point, Justice Holder said he left the bench without adjourning the matter. “Immediately after hearing these words, I rose from the bench and went into my chambers. I did not adjourn the matter, nor did I give any instructions to the parties,” Justice Holder outlined. In the letter, he also expressed that the Attorney General should apologise to him in an open court.

Nonetheless, Williams said he was prepared to work with

the Judge to resolve the issue.

In fact, the Attorney General said he would be responding to the complaint in writing.

Nandlall – who was Duncan’s lawyer during the court proceeding – had interpreted Williams’ statements as a death threat against the Judge and condemned the Minister’s actions.

But, during a press conference Friday last, Williams threatened to file legal action against news outlets that reported on the allegations of him issuing death threats.

Meanwhile, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to launch an investigation into the allegations.

Despite the Attorney General’s pleas of innocence, the PPP insists the matter warrants an extensive probe as it believes the threats should not be viewed in isolation, but in conjunction with other incidents where the Government has attempted to subvert independent offices.

Businessman robbed, shot while assisting robbery victim

A

businessman is nursing a gunshot injury to his upper right thigh after he went to assist another man who was being robbed by three armed men in front of his business place.

Injured is Ulborne Parker, 35, of Garnette Street, Newtown Kitty, Georgetown.

He is said to be in a stable condition.

Reports are at about 19:30h on Tuesday evening, a welder of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was standing in front of a business place at Garnette Street, Kitty, when he was confronted by three men on pedal cycles.

He was subsequently relieved of the two gold chains

he was wearing at the time.

Upon seeing this, Parker went to the young man’s assistance and was also attacked and relieved of his gold chain but not before putting up a fight.

During the scuffle, one of the suspects whipped out a handgun and discharged a round, hitting the businessman to his upper right thigh after which the bandits fled the scene.

Parker was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted a patient. The Police are however hunting the three suspects who were caught in the act on surveillance cameras in the area.

news

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thursDAY, march 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 30 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, March 31 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 30 – 05:40h-07:10h and Friday, March 31 – 06:20h-07:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Early morning sunshine is expected to give way to light rain showers that are expected to last throughout the better part of the day, ending with sunny weather. Partly cloudy to clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:02h and 18:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.92 metres and 2.84 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:00h reaching a minimum height of 0.27 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

03

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12 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 10 12 15 16 LUCKY 3 7 5 3 Afternoon Draw

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Unstable exchange rates

Local companies losing Govt tenders to foreign entities L ocal companies participating in public tenders at home are at a disadvantage since they are mandated to price their products in Guyana dollars, whereas their overseas-based counterparts/competitions are allowed to bid in US dollars.

With the Guyana dollar slipping rapidly, local companies/bidders are forced to make a decision between hedging upfront – which puts them at risk of overpricing their products and, therefore, losing the tender – and adopting the current rate, which carries the risk of future exchange losses as they scramble to fulfil contractual obligations. Either way, local companies are at a big disadvantage.

A local businessman explained that the information on the bid datasheet must be submitted in Guyana dollars for local companies.

“I would say that puts us at a disadvantage if you have a fluctuation of the currency,” he explained.

In this regard, the entrepreneur said businesses could risk losing tenders.

He said in situations where there was uncertainty in the foreign exchange market, the bids should be allowed to be submitted in US dollars.

Two other businessmen also spoke with this publication and shared similar views, saying that the Government of Guyana, in light of the circumstances, should either mandate all companies to bid in US dollars or use a predetermined exchange rate for the bid along with a proviso for a plus or minus adjustment in pricing within the time-frame of the expected contract.

Observers have out-

lined that the decline in export revenue from key sectors was likely to persist in 2017 and beyond owing to the decreased investment in the key export sectors, given the unfavourable business climate and onerous taxes that increase the operating cost of export businesses.

Available forecasts suggest that imports will increase further over the next five years by an annual average of 6.8 per cent.

It, therefore, means the

demand for foreign currency will increase in the near future.

But given the contraction in supply of foreign currency and demand pressures, the market participants anticipate continued shortage of foreign currency.

As a result of the low supply versus high demand, the value of the local dollar has declined.

If this situation persists, as many economists have forecasted, the value of the Guyana dollar will continue to plummet. In the end, the lower value of the Guyana dollar will result in higher prices for the consumer goods which are overwhelmingly imported.

The inflationary pressures will place further pressure

on the average Guyanese who is already bombarded by job layoffs, consequent to the economic slowdown in all sectors of the real economy save gold mining.

Exchange rates

In fact, Opposition parliamentarian and former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill has posited that Government’s current intervention on the issue of exchange rates was contributing to the problem.

“Now if the Central

Bank continues to take money from our foreign reserve and dump it in the market to control pricing, sooner or later, we would have bigger problems because we will have a reduced foreign reserve and if you are not earning, how long will they be able to continue to do that,” Edghill pointed out to reporters at a press confer-

ence on Wednesday.

He went on to outline that this was not a sustainable move, adding that at this time what was required was the stimulation of exports and incentivising of the business sector in such a way that the economy could boom and money would circulate.

“Money is currency and anytime it’s not moving and you’re hoarding it, you will have exactly what we have here – you can’t blame people for holding onto their money, because they’re prospecting and they’re looking to see what is going to happen because of the uncertainties.

“So, what is required is not the bullying that is taking place by the Administration, but we need to see fiscal policies that eliminate the uncertainties that exist, we stimulate exports and we allow people to be able to trade. If the money is being devalued, we have to admit it,” Edghill asserted.

The former Junior Finance Minister added that the situation the country found itself in today was being fuelled by uncertainty because of the “ineptitude, mismanagement and the lack of vision and direction” of the coalition Administration. He noted that it was a worrying situation and one that needed to be fixed.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, march 30, 2017

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

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

Cribbing Indigenous land rights

E

arlier this month, President David Granger appointed a seven-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Land Rights, which, in the words of his Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, “will be tasked with examining and making recommendations to resolve all the issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or communicable ownership of lands acquired by free Africans, and claims of Amerindian land titling and other matters relative to land titling.”

Not surprisingly, the Indigenous peoples, through their National Toshaos Council (NTC), have taken severe umbrage at this move and declared: “The National Toshaos Council, a body comprising all Toshaos of Guyana and a representative body of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana, having never been consulted in the formation of such a body, cannot, with any degree of sanity nor confidence, respect such a body, and will refuse to cooperate with such a body.”

Ironically, President Granger acknowledged that Indigenous peoples had occupied their lands from “time immemorial” and held it as “sacred”, yet, as the NTC pointed out, chose to conflate their claims to land with those of African Guyanese. In their statement, the NTC reiterated: “Guyana’s First Peoples… having lived on this land for time immemorial, view it as an aberration that needs to be recalled and have established, two separate entities to deal with the issues currently placed under such a blanket.”

“While we support reparations and repatriation of African lands and addressing that issue with a great degree of urgency, the Indigenous lands issue cannot and should not be viewed in the same light, nor can it be addressed under the same framework. The Indigenous peoples, by law, are entitled to their traditional lands, while the Africans are entitled to lands that were sold to their ancestors. It is this very separation that needs to be clearly identified and defined. It is also in realising that these two issues are separate issues that we must address them separately.”

The President claimed that it was pursuant to a rebellion in the Rupununi in 1969 that Amerindian land rights had been established. But in reality, land for the Indigenous peoples was part and parcel of the Articles of our Independence from Britain. And they cannot be abrogated or conflated with any other claim, which ineluctable cannot have the same standing.

Indigenous peoples’ Member of Parliament Stephen Campbell attended the 1965 Independence Conference in London and ensured the official Agreement for the Independence of Guyana, (Annex C) required the independent Government provide legal ownership or rights of occupancy for Amerindians over: “areas and reservations or parts thereof where any tribe or community of Amerindians is now ordinarily resident or settled and other legal rights, such as the rights of passage, in respect of any other lands they now by tradition or custom de facto enjoy freedoms and permissions corresponding to rights of that nature. In this context, it is intended that legal ownership shall comprise all rights normally attaching to such ownership.”

While most Guyanese would now baulk of the ridiculous claim of Columbus “discovering” the “New World”, they do not follow through with the equally ridiculous corollary of Europeans going on to assume “sovereignty”. It should be noted though, that in Guyana, the Dutch “full and free ownership” of land and their British successors (“possessors de facto of the soil” and of “usufructuary rights” acknowledged the right of the Indigenous peoples to their land. Guyana should note modern norms of justice – led by the judiciary in Australia and South Africa – are evolving to amend the inequities imposed by the bootstrapping, positivistic stance of European jurisprudence.

Annex C of the Independence Agreement was enabled by several “Amerindian Acts” that initially insisted on “occupation from time immemorial” by Indigenous peoples to acquire title, but in 2006, the criteria were loosened in Article VI of the new Act. It is very unfortunate that even though President Granger claims to seek the settlement of all land disputes, he has gone this route without broad democratic consultation with the representatives of the Indigenous peoples.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday visited the Stabroek Market and its immediate environs. During his interaction with vendors, stall holders, members of the business community and providers of public transportation a number of concerns were raised. These include slow market sales fuelled by increased taxation and other factors; the parking meter project and its severe impact on businesses and the ban on used tyres which, according to providers of public transportation, will lead to a severe increase in operational costs

An evil act of major proportions Dear Editor, Without notice, without being provided a reason, without any viable justification, mere hours after fulfilling one of her administrative functions just the night before at a statutory meeting of the Linden Town Council – having been invited to attend a meeting of Town Clerks at the Communities Ministry; Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, unilaterally, peremptorily dismissed Linden Town Clerk Jonellor Bowen, leaving her in a quandary, begging the questions why, and what next?

But were his actions really unilateral?

Has Minister Bulkan become the fall-guy for the entire imbroglio that has relegated a female professional to a mere pawn in the political minefield of the People’s National Congress (PNC)led coalition Government?

If so, who decided this woman’s fate where she was arbitrarily fired from her job; although she was accused of no wrongdoing?

Has she become a statistic of the growing number of Guyanese working-class victims who comprise the coalition’s ‘collateral damage’, as those who are being victimised by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) partnership, were called

by Minister Khemraj Ramjattan?

Bowen had reportedly faced many difficulties in the execution of her duties as Town Clerk at the PNCdominated Council led by Mayor Holland. However, even a specially-commissioned Commission of Inquiry, headed by PNC Executive member, found her not culpable of any wrongdoing; so why is this evil vendetta against her allowed to prevail, with no intervention by even female members of the Government, or relevant ministerial persons or departments?

Apparently Ms Bowen is not the only female employee of the Linden municipality that is being harassed and she had been prevailed upon to deliver complaints from victims to the Communities Ministry, whereupon, instead of conducting any investigation into the complaints, or taking any punitive action, the messenger was punished with revocation of her contract. What a diabolic act to protect the indecencies and bullyism of another APNUAFC official.

Condoning such egregious actions of Government officials, such as the unrelenting persecution of Ms Jonellor Bowen and other female employees in public office is a stigma on the co-

alition Government. Their declarations regarding empowerment of women and other vulnerable groups are in direct contrast to their actions.

Compounding the farcical imbroglio playing out in the Linden municipality is the inanity of a subject Minister describing an assertive, qualified professional, who does not submit to intimidating tactics by bullying functional superiors in a work environment, as disruptive, disrespectful, divisive (for listening to and acting on complaints against Mayor Holland).

Minister Bulkan’s lame excuses to media operatives was that Ms Bowen did not understand ‘her role’; which is, perhaps, being subjective to Mayor Holland’s reported bullying mannerisms.

The persecution of Ms Jonellor Bowen is a remarkably evil act that should be condemned by all right-thinking persons; but where are the voices of conscience that waged relentless war against the previous Government when accused of infringing, even marginally, their perceptions of right behaviour?

Double standards and doublespeak seem to prevail in PNC/APNU/AFC enclaves.

Why is Ms Bowen so persecuted and discriminated against by Mayor Holland?

Questions are being asked as to whether Minister Bulkan was prevailed upon by the PNC leadership in Linden, after a visit last Wednesday by two Government Ministers who are also members of the PNC Central Executive Committee, to fire Bowen, which was done early the next day, to facilitate the visit by President Granger on the following Friday and ensure that there were no controversial issues, or disruptive complaints from the Town Clerk against Holland to mar President Granger’s visit.

This evil action has planted an evil seed: Expect a swift, evil harvest, with the residents of Linden being the ‘collateral damage’.

The infantile brand of politics being practiced by Mayor Holland will result in implosion around the horseshoe table. This demonic act that gives cover to Mayor Holland cannot endure, because a continuum of scandalous behaviour by PNC appointees would have the expected outcome and this runaway train of lawlessness will boomerang and severely injure even the coalition government and its support bases.

Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill, MP

news

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ThursDAY, March 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ECD estates closure Crab Island onshore base to create jobs for Berbicians – Govt Cane fertilising stopped

by GuySuCo

G

overnment is optimistic that a US$500 million onshore facility at Crab Island, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will in effect create job opportunities for residents of the Ancient County.

Government announced on Wednesday that it would be investing the US$500 million in the construction of an onshore oil and gas facility at Crab Island, which would cater for the expansion of exploration and subsequent production of oil in Guyana.

Construction on the facility, which will serve as a logistics and supply base to the offshore production, should get underway during the course of this year.

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has been advertising leasehold lands close to the Island.

The facility is expected to create some 600 jobs, which could bring significant relief to residents of Berbice who continue to complain about lack of employment.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the supply base could consist of sections including maintenance, fabrication, warehousing, spares, housing, and spares handling.

Technical skills such as welding would also be in demand during and after construction.

Last year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had said that jobs which would be created through the establishment of the onshore supply base facility would enable and enhance the labour force.

Explaining why Crab Island was selected as the site for the onshore base, Trotman

T President David Granger meeting with ExxonMobil executives at State House on Wednesday

said that the current traffic congestion along Water Street, Georgetown makes that location unsuitable.

However, the wharves along Water Street will be used for the first phase of the Liza development.

Earlier this month, oil giant ExxonMobil advertised for onshore service providers. John Fernandes Limited (JFL) and Muneshwers Limited were among the shortlisted companies. These companies have port facilities along Water Street.

However, Minister Trotman pointed out, “Everyone is thinking in terms of Exxon’s operations only, but suffice to say we can’t find ourselves thinking of one discovery and one company.”

ExxonMobil and its partners struck black gold when significant hydrocarbon reserves were found in the Liza Field. The oil find was officially declared to be of commercial quantity last year. The company has presented to the Government and stakeholders its development plans for the Liza field with the year 2020 projected for oil production.

Additionally, there are

several other companies that were issued licences to explore Guyana’s deep waters.

Those companies include Repsol, Tullow Oil, CGX, JHI, Eco Atlantic and Ratio Oil. “Some point in time, all will be looking to reengage and so the idea is to find an available piece of land or property which can accommodate all the operations,” Minister Trotman pointed out.

Meanwhile, President David Granger on Wednesday gave Government‘s commitment to ExxonMobil, when he met with the oil company’s executives at State House.

The Head of State said the Administration was committed to the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector in an atmosphere of transparency and trust so that the parliamentary Opposition and the people of Guyana were fully involved in the process.

The President met with the executives to discuss matters related to the status of exploratory and appraisal work in the Stabroek Block.

He said it was important that there are regular and accurate announcements on matters pertaining to the development of the sector.

he signs are becoming even clearer each day for the workers of the Enmore and LBI Estates of the closure of those East Coast Demerara (ECD) facilities. Back in 2016, the Enmore and LBI estates were combined into the East Demerara Estate in an effort to save both facilities.

On Wednesday morning, the workers of the estate responsible for applying fertiliser to the canes informed the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) that they were ordered to halt such proceedings.

The workers engaged the Union’s General Secretary Seepaul Narine and revealed that they were informed by Estate Management that they were no longer required to apply fertiliser.

However, the female workers were told by management that they were still required to weed and the males to harvest the canes.

This, according to the workers, is adding weight to reports of the closure of the estates to which they strongly oppose.

The workers continue to voice their dissatisfaction, noting that they would be unable to find jobs should the decision be fully pursued.

Early last week, GAWU met with 40 workers attached to the estates after they were informed that GuySuCo’s Management had instructed the workers,

CLICO seeking to settle debt in Guyana – eyes new investments

A

lmost a decade after a major financial downfall, leaving behind a debt of some US$40 million to Guyana, the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) Limited is now looking to resume business here with the promise of settling its debt.

This was indicated to the Government when Finance Minister Winston Jordan met with CL Financial majority shareholder, Lawrence Duprey, along with other officials of that company on Thursday last.

According to a statement from the Finance Ministry on Friday, Duprey informed Minister Jordan that he would like to renew his relationship with Guyana as well as publicly apologise to its people for the collapse of CLICO Guyana.

“He also said that CL Financial will try to make amends for the approximately US$40M debt owed mainly to the National Insurance Scheme,” the release to the media outlined.

Additionally, the Finance Minister was told by Duprey that his company was interested in investing in several areas here, including providing solar energy at competitive prices, affordable housing, clay bricks and solar for

housing as well as introduce a financial model that would generate savings and alleviate poverty.

After listening to the CL Financial officials, Minister Jordan informed the delegation that he would apprise Cabinet of their discussions.

Nevertheless, the Minister also advised Duprey that future engagements could be conducted on parallel tracks: discussions on recovering monies owed by CL Financial and investment in Guyana.

The statement added that both the Finance Minister and the CL Financial team agreed to a follow-up meeting. In the meantime, the Ministry said the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga would be consulted to determine the status of all outstanding matters relevant to CLICO Guyana.

CLICO Guyana had approximately $6.9 billion invested in the regional insurance company, when it collapsed in 2009. Among the local investments was $5.2 billion by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

NIS over the years would have also been experiencing a situation where its annual expenses began outstripping its revenue – a situation compounded by the billions it had

invested in CLICO for a number of years.

To this end, Government in September last year announced that it would be absorbing the $5.2 billion NIS loss incurred when CLICO Guyana crumbled. The “lifeline” monies are to be paid in tranches over a 20-year period.

Minister Jordan had stated at the signing of the agreement to effect this decision

that the monies would be returned to Government should the country recover the debt from the company.

In addition, CLICO’s liquidator, Dr Ganga at the time had provided an update on the payments being made to policyholders, noting that while a significant amount has been recovered and paid over, the company still had weighty liabilities to honour – almost $6 billion.

A number of the aggrieved workers who visited GAWU on Wednesday

those responsible for planting cane that their services for such would no longer be needed.

However, they were told that the cane cutting procedure would be continued. As such, the workers began calling for their severance pay as their services were no longer needed.

According to GAWU, even though the announcement was not made, the ending of cane planting activities is a clear indication that GuySuCo is gearing to close down its operations at the estate.

“The decision by the Corporation to end cane planting is testimony that the Estate is being geared for closure,” GAWU contends. “Interestingly, so far, no official announcement to that end has been made, either by the Government or by the GuySuCo, yet the Corporation is implementing steps indicating the estate’s closure,” GAWU had said after meeting with the work-

ers.

This revelation, according to GAWU contradicts the words of the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo that “sugar will not die”.

The Union had informed that it learned through a meeting with GuySuCo that plans to end cane planting at the East Demerara Estate and at the Rose Hall Estate in East Berbice were afoot.

Early in this Month, Guyana Times was informed by workers of the Enmore Estate – who took to the streets in protest – that they were given letters from the Agriculture Ministry which stated that the East Demerara Estate would stop proceedings after the 2017 crop harvest.

GAWU noted that the East Demerara Estate employs some 2200 employees in the field, factory, security, administrative and managerial sections.

All will be unemployed if the estate is to be closed.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Page Foundation “I’ll do it later”

ways to help children

– Children’s academic procrastination

BY TIMOTHY A PYCHYL PHD

T

he bulk of the research on procrastination has been conducted on undergraduate students. This isn’t surprising, as most psychological research has been conducted on this captive group of willing volunteers who often earn grade-raising credit for their participation. However, as the authors of a recent study note, it’s important to look at procrastination early in life, because it’s a habit that starts young.

Idit Katz, Keren Eilot and Noa Nevo (Department of Education, Ben-Gurion University, Israel) published a paper in the journal Motivation and Emotion that begins to address this gap in the literature. They collected data from 171 Fifth Grade students (roughly split by gender) from four elementary schools in northern Israel. The students provided self-reports related to their homework.

They rated items that measured their motivation for doing homework, their self-efficacy (their beliefs about their ability to complete this homework), as well as their homework procrastination.

For example, in terms of motivation, students rated how much this item described them on a five-point scale, “I do homework because of the value and contribution of the homework to my learning.”

Of course, if either of my children endorsed the item above as a “five” or “very much like me,” I would be elated, and I wouldn’t be too concerned about their learning. This type of response reflects an autonomous motivation.

They’re not doing homework because they feel threatened by punishment or shame (a controlled motivation), they do it because they want to, and they probably won’t procrastinate much.

This is certainly what these researchers found as well. The higher the autonomous motivation, the lower the procrastination. But that was only part of the story.

What Katz and her colleagues found was that self-efficacy (confidence in their ability to do their homework) is important in conjunction with the type of motivation.

Statistically, Katz and her colleagues found both mediating and moderating effects that can be summarised as:1) self-

efficacy influences motivation type, and 2) autonomous motivation interacts with selfefficacy to predict procrastination.

Put more simply, if students are

confident in their ability, this leads to greater autonomous (intrinsic) motivation and less procrastination, but that autonomous motivation on its own isn’t enough.

Even with strong intrinsic (autonomous)

motivation to do homework, a child with low self-efficacy is more likely to procrastinate as compared to an autonomously motivated child with lots of confidence that he or she can complete the homework.

This study is a contribution to the existing literature, although not surprising in many respects. In fact, their findings were as hypothesised based on the existing literature and what we know about development and learning.

What is at issue is the chickenand-egg like nature of the dance between motivation type and selfefficacy, and their study doesn’t address this specifically. We’re left to speculate based on developmental theory and our experience with growing up. Of course, it’s probably the case that they feed on each other, so influencing either autonomous motivation or self-efficacy in a positive way will pay off.

As the authors do explain, they think their results underscore the important role of educational environments supporting the development of both intrinsic interest (autonomous motivation) and confidence in their ability at an early age, before students begin to use procrastination as a response; before the procrastination habit can begin. I couldn’t agree more.

Based on the Self-Determination Theory framework that guided their research, we know that educational environments that support the three basic needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are key. What these authors fail to note, but outstanding educators do well, is harnessing the need for relatedness to bootstrap students fulfilling their other needs. Why? Because social needs loom large in our children’s lives, and a focus on relatedness needs can drive a great deal of success in meeting other needs.

Although some students may easily begin with a focus on their learning to satisfy autonomy and competence needs, many, if not most, students need to come at these needs in conjunction with their powerful relatedness needs. Doing this well is the art of teaching. (psychologytoday.com)

who procrastinate

BY MICHAEL KRAMER, PHD

N

ot now.

Later.

Tomorrow. That’s when many teenagers say they plan to complete their household chores or tackle their homework. To a certain extent, this is normal – many of us have a tendency to delay, to put off until tomorrow what we don’t want to do today.

There is a difference, however, between the occasional delayer and someone who has an established, disabling pattern of procrastination fuelled by an underlying issue. For parents, dealing with either can be a frustrating challenge.

Discerning between the two can be even more difficult.

Defining procrastination Procrastination comes in a few different forms: * Not starting a task until the last minute. * Failing to complete an assigned task in a predetermined timeframe. * Putting off a task in order to complete a more preferable, lower priority task.

For children, procrastination usually results in a negative consequence such as poor or failing grades, the inability to participate in extracurricular activities, or family consequences like loss of driving rights, screen time, or increased parental supervision.

If your child is encountering these negative consequences on a regular basis, then they likely suffer from procrastination. But, there are steps you can take to help break the behaviour. In order to effectively parent a child who procrastinates, it’s first important to understand why your child puts off tasks.

Understanding the behaviour There’s a common misconception that children procrastinate because they are lazy or have low motivation.

While low motivation can be a contributing factor, there are many others, including: Lack of relevance: Your child may not see the task as relevant to his or her current or future goals.

Boredom: Some tasks just aren’t compelling. For instance, most children don’t find cleaning their room to be a fun or engaging activity.

Lack of self-discipline: Knowing you need to do something isn’t the same as being able to get started.

Children are faced with

an increasing number of distractions, which can make it hard to prioritize and stick to plans.

Poor time management: Many children underestimate how long it takes to do something, and do it well.

They put off getting started, assuming there’s enough time to complete the task.

Anxiety and/or fear of failure: Some children are unable to start tasks because they are afraid that their performance won’t meet personal expectations, or the expectations of significant others. Taken to the extreme, this anxiety becomes perfectionism – the paralysing belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable.

To understand your child’s procrastinating behaviour, you need to talk openly and hear his or her perspective.

Typically, children are willing to share if they feel like you’re being supportive – they need to believe that you genuinely want to understand their fear so you can help them, not issue a series of consequences that may exacerbate feelings of disappointment.

As you listen, try to identify which of the underlying causes may be at play. Just as a physician can’t effectively treat a headache without knowing the underlying cause – dehydration, allergies, concussion, or tumour – you can’t effectively help your child stop procrastinating unless you understand what’s prompting the behaviour. For instance, offering or withholding a reward for completing a task won’t help a child who is delaying because they don’t see why the task is relevant.

So what can a parent do?

When your child’s anxiety prevents her from tackling necessary tasks, you need to intervene. These five steps can help: 1.

Ask your child questions: Get to know how your child views their self, the expectations placed on them, and the reality of the situation. Ask questions like, “What standards do you set for yourself?” “What do you think we expect of you?” “What will really happen if you don’t accomplish the task based on the standards you’ve set for yourself?”

Understanding how your child is currently interpreting the situation will help you develop appropriate parental responses. (www.empoweringparents.com) TO BE CONTINUED

news

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thursDAY, march 30, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM’s Chair list

President’s criteria stymie civil society submissions – Teixeira

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ollowing several rounds of consultations, civil society groups have made several submissions with regard to their nominees for the chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had on March 21, met with 55 representatives of 33 civil society organisations, which included leaders of the Christian, Hindu and Muslim faiths; the Private Sector, the Guyana Trades Union Congress and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana; Amerindian organisations, the National Toshaos Council and the Justice Institute.

During the consultation last week, the civil society bodies were given up to March 27 to submit the names of nominees that met the new requirements set out

by President David Granger.

According to Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, at a press conference on Wednesday, some of the groups have made their submissions while others are having difficulties finding persons to fulfil all the criteria set out by the President.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

“We’ve got about 12 to 15 (submissions)…but there are some civil society bodies who’ve indicated that when they examined the criteria, even when they come up with names, not one name can fulfil all the criteria,” she stated.

Teixeira explained that while the proposed nominees may meet one requirement, such as exercising jurisdiction in civil matters, they may not fulfil the other part of the criteria which is a wide electoral knowledge.

She added that should one go “strictly” by the new requirements, even the nom-

inees submitted by civil society may not fulfil the criteria.

To this end, the Opposition Chief Whip insisted that the criteria set by the President undermined the constitutional provisions and were causing extreme duress in finding nominees.

“His Excellency, the President, has gone beyond the Constitution and place undue restrictions and pressure and duress on the selection of the position of Chairperson, which the Constitution itself did not contemplate. The focus of the Constitution was the integrity and the independence of the post holder, and we stand firmly by that position,” she noted.

According to Teixeira, the remaining submissions of nominees from civil society for the GECOM chairmanship are to be handed over by the end of Wednesday.

She added upon the receipt of all the nominees, the Party would then examine the next step forward.

After rejecting the initial list submitted by the Opposition Leader, President Granger has since outlined the qualities that the nominees for the GECOM chairmanship should possess in order for him to consider them for the post.

Student shot in foiled robbery

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n Indian national was shot and injured during an attempted robbery at First Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are at about 23:50h on Tuesday, Brianard Revival, 28, a foreign student, was in the company of his friends when he stopped his car at an intersection and another car drove up in front of his

and stopped.

As the car came to a halt in front of his own, a male existed from the back seat with a gun in his hand. The suspect approached the victim and his friends and demanded cash and other valuables.

The Indian national upon realising what was happening stepped on his accelerator and in retaliation; the bandit discharged

a round in the direction of the victim’s car hitting him to the upper left arm.

The foreigner was rushed to a private medical facility where he underwent emergency surgery and is presently in a stable condition. The matter was reported to the Police but no arrests have been made so far.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and members of the PPP engaged members of the religious community during last week’s consultations

The President’s criteria state that the candidate should be qualified to be a judge of the High Court or an Attorney for a minimum of seven years.

In the absence of those requirements, the President said any other “fit and proper person” should have wide electoral knowledge and be capable of handling electoral matters since he/she was qualified to exercise unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters.

That person should not be an activist in any form –

gender, racial or religious nor should that person have any political affiliation or belong to any political party in any form, apparent or hidden.

That person must be able to discharge his/her functions neutrally, between the two opposing parties, as he or she would have done in court between two opposing litigants.

Additionally, the person must be able to discharge the functions without fear or favour, not allowing any person or organisation to influence him or her to compromise his or her neutrality.

The President also said that the person should have a general character of honesty, integrity, faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of their duty as Chairman of GECOM. However, following the consultations with the civil society bodies last week, a statement from the Opposition Leader’s office noted that the criteria were considered “an imposition on the Constitution which makes no such demands”.

The statement said most disconcerting was the stipulation that the candidate must not be an activist in any form. “(It) was thought to be discriminatory and violated the anti-discrimination articles of the Constitution,” the statement explained.

During the consultations, Jagdeo said he had grave reservations about the legality and constitutionality of these criteria outlined by the President. In fact, he expressed his intention to bring these concerns to the attention of the Head of State.

Nonetheless, the Opposition Leader said he remained committed to submitting six more names as requested by the President.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS Tailor on $75,000 bail for wounding charge

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n unbothered tailor, who found himself entangled in a brawl with a mentally-ill man over some $50,000 in debt and allegedly injuring him, was on Wednesday morning brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Presiding Magistrate Fabayo Azore read the charge which stated that Stanley Douglas on March 11, 2017 at D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, inflicted grievous bodily harm on Quacy Johnson.

Douglas, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Paul Fung-A-Fat, denied the charge.

The court heard from

Accused tailor Stanley Douglas

the injured man’s sister that the Virtual Complainant (VC) was re-

admitted to the hospital on March 28, where he was presently undergoing surgery as a direct result of his wounds.

This statement, however, attracted much outrage from the defence counsel, who, in his bail application, contended that the VC was presently in the comfort of his home, contrary to his sibling’s claims and requested the production of a medical certificate to validate same at the next court sitting.

Attorney Fung-A-Fat disclosed that Douglas

was a 26-year-old respected man in his street and was well acquainted with the VC. He added that his client would, from time to time, generously gift the VC with petty cash. The lawyer continued that the injured man who “trips out sometimes” claimed that his client was indebted to him for $50,000 in cash; hence, the confrontation, which occurred in the tailor’s shop on the day in question.

The tailor was released on $75,000 bail. The case will continue on April 26.

Plaisance woman charged for uttering fake US$1300

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uck was not on the side of a 33-yearold woman of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on March 25, 2017 when she was allegedly caught red-handed and apprehended by Police after uttering some US$1300 at a local clothing store.

It is alleged that Samantha De Souza uttered the fake United States dollars to Abi Manu in exchange for items purchased at the store in Georgetown.

During her court appearance before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore, she denied the charge and was released on $75,000 bail.

The prosecution, in objecting to bail, informed the court that the US notes were

Samantha De Souza

discovered to be fake, and added that if released, De Souza was free to roam the streets of Georgetown pending trial. However, the prosecution’s submission was denied.

The matter is set to continue on April 19.

Big and bad…

S

…in court

o now we have it from the horse’s mouth: AG Basil Williams did tee off Justice Holder forcing the man to summarily leave the bench to maintain his judicial sobriety! The judge’s hackles were raised when Williams, informed him in no uncertain terms: “I could say WHAT I want to say and HOWEVER I want to say it.

I have always been like that.” So, the silk conferred by President Granger just increased his arrogance!

Imagine that!! So to hell with centuries of tradition and rules of court on how those in courtrooms ought to comport themselves! Does Williams wonder why Judges sit higher than he and others in the courts.

Does he understand when this Judge is performing his role in court, he can’t treat the man as someone he went to law school with? If he doesn’t, why did he insist 23 times in a 30-minute press conference, he was Attorney General AND Minister of Legal Affairs.

Wasn’t it because he was tired of Anil Nandlall and the newspapers? And, for good measure, why the heck are folks ejected from courts for wearing short pants when a Senior Counsel feels he can talk however he damn well pleases to a sitting Judge!!

But that’s the problem when you send a boy to do a man’s job – no disrespect to the sisters! Williams has proven to be more than an embarrassment to the Government of Guyana. He’s an embarrassment to the high calibre of legal luminaries that our country has produced and continues to produce. Hang down your JOF, hang down your head and cry!

But moving from the general to the specific, we’re happy the “Judiciary” is reviewing the incident and will be issuing a statement soon. From information already in the public realm, there’s no other option at a minimum but to issue a stiff reprimand to the AG and demand he goes down on his hands and knees to “beg pardon” of the Judge. All social actions separating us from the beasts in the jungle are guided by norms – and this is multiplied tenfold when we’re dealing with an institution that has the power of life and death over our citizens. We cannot undermine the Judiciary’s authority so capriciously as the AG has done.

If he has even a shred of decency, Williams should submit his resignation to President Granger – after his behind was condignly dealt with, behind the wood shed.

He should take a lead from Flynn who ostensibly resigned from Trump’s Cabinet because of contacts with the Russians.

But actually, according to the NYTimes, he was “both insufferable and incompetent”.

…Mayor at City Hall

When Patricia Chase Green succeeded Hamilton Green as Mayor of Georgetown, she’d completed 24 years of being mentored by the man who brought her into the snake-pit of City Hall politics. Whatever might’ve been her proclivities before as a nurse, after she succeeded her Green, she’s proven to be an apt pupil of the art of politics according from the school of Hamilton Green.

After her election, she was given a hagiographic piece in the Chronic where she announced nothing displeases her as much as dishonesty. “Not only in stealing, but if I ask you a question, be honest and give me an honest answer. Don’t be untruthful to me in an answer. Dishonesty upsets me greatly.”

Yep! That’s the lady who later signed away Georgetown to a couple of slick-talking parking meter salesmen from Mexico City!! But then she also said in the interview, “You can really trust no one in politics.”!!!

And that’s why you can bet your bottom dollar that in three months you’ll be feeding those ugly green monsters around town!!

…UG VC

Fresh from his rebuff of staff’s salary increases, VC Griffith announced a 35 per cent tuition increase. Guess if students can afford to attend university, they’re rich enough to afford the hike!!

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VAT on education protest grows … as protesters take concerns to Education Ministry

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large group of protesters on Wednesday afternoon picketed the Education Ministry calling for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) that was imposed on education by the Government.

“No Vat on education, education should be free”!! That was the song being sung by the protesters who came out in large numbers to picket in front of the Education Ministry.

The protesters who came from various private edu-

because that’s on the books and should also be removed from all these other educational institutions.”

He added that even though the matter is one that will be hard to combat in court, it should be looked at by creative lawyers.

Another protester, Cheteram Ramdihal of Ramdihal and Haynes, said it is unfair for any policy implemented to be a burden.

“I think that it is very unfair to use as parents for the Minister and the

education also voiced their opinions, stating that “the VAT is not a problem”.

Since its application, Government’s 14 per cent tax on private education has received widespread condemnation.

Many are calling the decision one that has not been thought through and needs to be urgently revised or repealed.

However, the Government remains unmoved by the calls by students as Finance Minister

Students and parents outside of the Education Ministry on Wednesday

cational institutions, along with parents, all reiterated yet again their stance that the implementation of Value Added Tax on education must be removed.

Attorney Christopher Ram, who was also on the protest line, said Guyanese have never had such an imposition on expenditure for education in Guyana’s history. He said the VAT on education is not understandable.

“It has never been the case in Guyana, in 1929 Income Tax was introduced in Guyana and we have never had a tax on expenditure for education in this country, never in the country’s history and so I just cannot understand it. This is bad and it should be removed from the University of Guyana fees

Government by extension to come up with a policy where it falls as a burden for the parents of private schools failing to pay their taxes. I would hope that the Minister revises his policy and comes up with a policy to ensure that the private school honours their commitment and not to come with a policy where the parents are being burdened”.

Other protesters also voiced their dissatisfaction; one protester who is an aeronautical engineer said Government does not have an aeronautical school nor can the university sustain one so why should a private one be taxed.

However, a few who opposed the protest and that are in support of the tax on

Winston Jordan has announced that the move has nothing to do with targeting institutions but broadening the country’s tax base.

He said there was no link between the imposition of the 14 per cent tax and the non-cooperation of private schools to pay their share of taxes. The rationale behind the tax on private tuition, however, is founded on the need to broaden the country’s tax base, and to help fund the country’s expenditure shortfall, as seen in the 2017 $250 billion Budget.

According to the unmoved Finance Minister, Government is committed to the education of all Guyanese, whether it is accessed privately or from public schools.

Bandits terrorise father, daughter in home invasion

A

Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara (ECD) family is now left traumatised after members were terrorised and robbed by two armed men.

The robbery occurred about 19:30h on Tuesday at the family’s Lot 4C Section B Chateau Margot home and lasted for some 45 minutes.

According to reports, 49-year-old Mohan Lall, along with his 24-year-old daughter, Salomie, and three-year-old granddaughter, was at home sitting in the living room, in the lower flat of the two-storey house when the two bandits, one armed with a gun and the other with a pair of scissors, stormed into their home and held them up.

In an effort to save their lives, Lall handed over a quantity of cash to the bandits, but not before he was beaten in his head and face.

The perpetrators also escaped with a laptop, two cellular phones and several watches.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday morning, Lall recounted the ordeal, relating that his wife had gone out and did not secure the padlock on the grill door unbeknownst to them. He added that about an hour later, the bandits gained entry into the house

Mohan Lall

through the door after scaling the fence along the western side of the yard.

“Two men walked in, an Indian one and a negro one – he start beat me since he reach in the house. He ain’t ask me or tell me anything, he just start beat me and punch me in my face and then after, he say he want the money or else he gon kill we. Me turn and say ‘Oh friend, is money you want, take the money, nah kill we’,” the man, whose face was swollen, recalled.

He said his daughter handed over about $105,000 in cash to the perpetrators but they were unsatisfied and one of them said they knew Lall had money. At this point, Lall said he complied with the bandits, who escorted the three of them upstairs and one of them took him into the room where he handed over some

US currency to them.

“I had $617 US dollars under the mattress and I take it and give him. They then take the three of us and push us in a room and lock the door. Then like them come downstairs and them check around and carry way the computer, couple phones and some watches that went in a bag. After that, they come out and jump over the (eastern) fence and get away,” he related.

Lall added that about 10 minutes later, after they were sure the bandits had left, they came out of the room and contacted the Police, who came sometime after. He was then escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was treated for a wound on his head and bruises to his face, before being sent away.

Nevertheless, the man noted that the following morning they discovered a pair of slippers in the yard which they believe belonged to one of the bandits, who may have lost them after scaling the western fence to enter the yard.

Additionally, they also found a band from one of the wristwatches that were stolen.

Meanwhile, in a release on Wednesday, the Police said that no arrests have been made.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

News GDF boosted with two $140M new vessels T

he Guyana Defence Force’s fleet of vessels was boosted with the commissioning of two new Metal Shark boats at the Coast Guard Ship Hinds, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, in Government’s bid to ensure the protection of marine assets, the prevention of transnational crime and the promotion of international and coastal trade.

The two vessels, which were acquired at a cost of $140 million each, were commissioned on Wednesday, with President David Granger handing over the keys to coastguards.

In his address to the small gathering, Granger said that the maritime defence body must

be equipped to secure Guyana’s territorial security.

“It will receive and continue to receive the support of the Government to sup-

press all illegal activities including poaching, fuel smuggling and piracy at sea. The Coast Guard must ensure that our territorial waters are kept secure,”

President David Granger looks on as the vessels are taken on a test run by ranks of the Guyana Coast Guard

The $140 million vessels which were commissioned on Wednesday

the President said.

He added that the Coast Guard was now equipped to ensure the removal of illegal activities from Guyana’s waterways.

“The Coast Guard is concerned with ensuring compliance with Guyana’s quarantine immigration and fisheries laws. It is required also to enforce the laws within Guyana’s territorial sea and economic zone. These are heavy burdens, but we are confident that the Coast Guard has

the will and we will provide them with the assets to remain in the forefront of efforts to suppress illegal activities in our rivers and in our maritime waters.”

At a time when Guyana was on the verge of becoming an oil-producing nation, the President said it was important, now more than ever, that the Coast Guard be recapitalised and equipped to effectively perform its functions.

For too long, the President said Guyana’s

shipping industry has been threatened by the abuse of the country’s waters for the transshipment of narcotics and the smuggling of contraband. These activities, he said, have not only deprived the country of much-needed revenue, but have the potential to ruin the country’s reputation as a secure destination for investors. The Coast Guard must, therefore, be equipped to confront and eliminate illegal activities in the country’s waters.

Meanwhile, GDF Chiefof-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West echoed similar sentiments, noting that the vessels would not only help in recapitalising the Coast Guard, but would also ensure that a more proactive approach was taken to curbing illegalities in Guyana’s waters. He said the effort was a tangible demonstration of Government’s commitment to ensuring national security.

The two boats are 38foot Metal Shark 38V Defiant Class vessels outfitted with three 300-horsepower engines.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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his year, Hindus in Guyana and around the globe will be observing the Chaitra Navratri period from March 25 to April 5.

It is also known as Vasanta Navratri or Rama Navratri as the ninth day of the Navratri festivities is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Rama (Ram Navami).

Chaitra Navratri is solely dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Navratri – literally means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, ‘nava’ meaning nine and ‘ratri’ meaning nights.

Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu calendar and hence the name, which also starts the New Year and also the new season.

Praying and fasting are pivotal during this period.

Before the start of the celebrations, the house is cleaned to welcome the Goddess in. The devotees perform the puja by observing a fast for all nine days, they attend mandirs, abstain from non-vegetarian foods, spend their days worshipping the Goddess and chanting mantras to the Devi.

The fast is broken on the ninth day after the ‘havan’ and the Prasad, after offerings to the Goddess is eaten along with other members of the family and friends.

The first three days of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Durga, the Goddess of Energy; during the next three days, Maa Lakshmi, the

promises to one another.

Chandraghanta is believed to govern the Shukra (Venus) planet and according to legends, she drives away the negativity affecting her devotees with the sound of the moon-bell present on her forehead. With elegant garb and weapons in her hands, she gives the appearance of a strong female with composed countenance who establishes justice and gives her devotees the courage and strength to

Goddess of Wealth, is worshipped and the last three days are devoted to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.

Today, March 30 is the third day of the Goddess being worshipped in her form as Chandraghanta.

One story states that after Lord Shiva gave Parvati his word that he would not marry any woman, her sufferings overwhelmed him so much that he gave up, followed by a tearful reunion and then agreed to marry her. Soon the joyous moment of Parvati’s life comes. Shiva brings a procession of gods, mortals, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, sages, ascetics, Aghoris and

Shivaganas to the gates of King Himavan’s palace to take away his bride, on the occasion of his remarriage. Shiva arrives at King Himavan’s palace in a terrorising form and Parvati’s mother, Maina Devi faints in terror. Parvati appears to Shiva and sees his fearsome form, so to save her parents and other family members, she transforms herself into beautiful Goddess Chandraghanta.

Chandraghanta persuaded Shiva to re-appear in a charming form. On listening to the Goddess, Shiva appears as a prince decorated with countless jewels. Parvati revived her mother, father and friends, then Shiva and Parvati got married and made

fight challenges.

Even though Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival, for some the celebrations come to an end on the day of ‘dashami’ (10th day). This day is known as Navratri Parana and devotees bid farewell to the Goddess Durga, and pray for her return soon, next year.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of Guyana (Hindus for Selfless Service) calls on all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community, to take

this period to observe, enact positive changes and instil oneself with the courage to fight challenges facing us, either individually or collectively.

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Chandraghanta Rupena Samsthita? Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah?I join hands in front of the supreme Goddess and adore the goddess with a bell shaped mark whom I praise over and over.

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thursday, march 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Sumayyah Hydaralie of A&Z Cakes B

orn and raised in the compound of the Queenstown Masjid, Sumayyah Hydaralie of A&Z Cakes is charting her own path. With eye-catching bursts of colour and exquisitely detailed scenes, the “unbelievably delicious” cakes created by Hydaralie are commanding attention.

“My two kids they give me the motivation I need, and always compliment me on what great job I did. Every male cake I do my son wants it for his birthday,” she laughs.

Her artistry is evident in the colours chosen and the wide range of techniques em-

Sumayyah Hydaralie’s 2016 masterpiece Ariel cake with a live goldfish

ployed to create for her clients their own unique masterpiece which continue to wow all that seen her cakes. But that is not surprising as the petite single mom is obsessed with icing cakes, explaining that it is the one thing she would do if she could only have one hobby for the rest of her life.

Hydaralie took up cake decorating as a business in November 2012, through a combination of factors: her enduring love for the art and the high price called by one cake decorator.

“As a child I always loved to be creative and do cakes; after marriage, I stopped working and with my free time, I did the elementary cake course at Carnegie School (of Home Economics). Then I take a break from it. However, after my kids were born, one year I called a cake decorator to order a cake for my daughter’s birthday. When I heard the price, I decided to do the cake myself; after finishing the cake, I decided I should start my own cake business and take orders.

I then had my husband create my cake page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AnZCakes/,” she related.

The friendly but quiet 28-year-old Diamond, East Bank Demerara resident, whose shy smile often lights her face, clearly has a steely core of determination, systematically growing her home-based business through her facebook page and word of mouth while raising her son and daughter after an unpleasant ending of her marital life. With a clear vision of how her business should be growing, she has even embarked on a business training programme to propel her to the next level.

“I must say it’s hard to do all at once, but as a single mom and wanting the best for

Business News

Banks to London staff: no panic as Britain launches EU divorce process

B

anks in Britain have tried to reassure their London staff over possible Brexit disruption, including a shift in jobs to continental Europe, as Prime Minister Theresa May triggered formal EU divorce proceedings on Wednesday.

Investment banks Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Nomura were

among those who sent messages to employees in London, Europe’s biggest financial centre, as they work out how to keep serving clients across the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.

Morgan Stanley also informed employees in Europe that no decisions had yet been made on changes for

when Britain departs, leaving the EU with 27 member states.

But Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rob Rooney was blunter in updating them on the work of a committee comprising senior leaders at the bank which has been making Brexit contingency plans for over a year. (Reuters)

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, March 29, 2016

Selling

USD

$1252.90

GBP

$256.53

$259.79

Gross

$244,472

CAN

$154.02

$155.80

$227,359

$205.98

$208.44

Net

USD

$ 221.33

$224.17

EURO

Indicators as on March 29, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$51.33

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$216.92/ton

London Sugar

$495.30/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

+1.13 Change %

+0.56 0 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1252.70

$1253.70

Low/High

$1247.80

$1255.60

Change

Business Concept – Valuation

-0.70

-0.06%

General: Appraising or estimating the worth of something having economic or monetary value.

2. Insurance: Determination of the worth of the asset to be insured or that which has been damaged or lost.

(Business Dictionary)

my kids, I try my best a n d make it work,” Hydaralie explained when asked how she tackled her multiple roles. “I have learnt you can do anything you set your mind to do: Just be positive in what you do and love what you do.” She wants persons who are thinking of opening their own businesses “to go for it”.

“If you fail, do not give up, continue,” she encouraged. Hydaralie added that the definition of success was knowing what you wanted and working towards it.

“Entrepreneurs need to market their product – make the consumer aware of your brand and product,” the cake decorator extraordinaire stressed.

Contact: 216-3190, 629-0168; www. facebook.com/AnZCakes

Samayyah Hydaralie

Digital wealth creation: Virtual entrepreneurship & employment

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The power is in the platform he Masterclass Institute recently hosted Guyana’s first-ever Digital Wealth Creation Summit on how to effectively leverage the power of the Internet to create digital wealth.

Masterclass Institute founder, Dr Rosh Khan, in his presentation, stressed the old adage, “The more things change, the more they stay the same”, as he noted that the power was in the platform.

“The core human behaviour will stay the same. It’s the mechanism that changes”, citing apps like Uber and GrubHub, which have changed the way we get taxis or take-out food.

Dr Khan, who is also the CEO of SocialRank Media, a digital marketing and growth agency, explained that the entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur should be thinking about how to connect people via online, digital, and mobile platforms – how they can disrupt industries.

He explained that this would leverage user-generated

content, foster its own traffic and sense of community, along with providing data sets that can be used to make the platform better. He also spoke on various methods to monetise platforms. For example, Alibaba, one of the largest e-commerce stores in the world owns no inventory of its own and Facebook is arguably one of the largest ‘media companies’ in the world although it creates no real media of its own.

In Guyana, there are immediate opportunities in the food, medical, personal care, and education industries, the global Internet marketing consultant and speaker said.

The Simple 3-Step Process The basic questions to ask ourselves when getting started: 1. Is there a need? (Does your solution genuinely solve a problem?)

2. What do I need to fill that need? (What resources do you have access to? “It’s not about your resources but how resourceful you are,” Khan says)

3. How can I get in front of that need? (What are the elements that need to be in play for strategic marketing and positioning?)

“We have participants of the Masterclass Institute, who have either completely replaced their full-time income or created a secondary stream of income through the Internet.

They do this by launching their brands online and leveraging social media channels like Facebook, or by using websites like Upwork.com, Fiverr.com, Freelancer.com, and Guru. com,” Khan explained.

These websites are filled with individuals who are “qualified buyers” – a hungry market of people and organisations that require specific services.

Opportunities exist for Guyanese in web design, consulting, virtual assistants, medical transcription, app development, research, and graphic design, to name a few.

The knowledge economy is already a US$47.8 billion industry, and is only expected to grow. to be continued

Investors’ Guide

Dow snaps 8-day losing streak as consumer confidence surges

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S equities rose on Tuesday as investors digested strong consumer confidence data, with financials leading.

Consumer confidence surged this month, hitting 125.6, up from 116.1 in February, the Consumer Board Consumer Confidence Index showed.

“This is a market that’s saying: ‘I will think of bad news tomorrow,’” said Kim Forrest, senior equity analyst at Fort Pitt Capital.

“The US economy is 70 per cent consumer-based, so these numbers are important.” She also said that strong quarterly results from Darden Restaurants are helping lift the market’s view on the consumer.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 150 points, with Goldman Sachs contributing the most

gains. The 30-stock index also snapped an eight-day losing streak.

“That really highlights what’s been underpinning the market,” said Jim Davis, regional investment manager for The Private Client Group of US Bank.

“I also think you’re seeing some bottom, fishing.”

The S&P 500 rose 0.7 per cent, with financials, materials, industrials and energy all rising one per cent. The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.6 per cent, with Apple climbing to a fresh all-time high.

Other data released Tuesday included the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index, which showed US home prices rose 5.9 per cent to a 31-month high in January.

“The more we see the hard data gaining momen-

tum in conjunction with the soft data shows the economy may not stall out in the second quarter,” said Quincy Krosby, market strategist at Prudential Financial.

Investors also kept an eye on Washington.

Optimism about some of President Donald Trump’s key proposals coming to fruition — particularly tax reform, deregulation and Government spending — has diminished since the Administration was dealt a blow on Friday, when a bill aimed at replacing Obamacare was pulled.

The bill’s defeat left investors jittery about whether Trump’s pro-growth policies would be able to move forward, sending the three major indexes lower by nearly one per cent early Monday. The indexes, however, rebounded. (CNBC)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Silver Hill, Waiakabra get $52M water supply systems

Which research can we rely on?

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here is so much information at our fingertips these days and in the most part it is an extremely positive thing.

The barriers to learning are coming down and those with a true thirst for knowledge are no longer restricted by their access to books and teachers and only by their access to the Internet.

When we decide we want Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal to know about something, it is important to get information before forming an opinion, or equipping ourselves for a debate and actually commendable that we first endeavour to research. The problem is, unless we research the research, the information source may not be credible and in turn neither will the opinion that is based on that source be credible.

If you open up a web browser and use a search engine, you can search for anything. The engine will give hundreds or even thousands of hits. There is so much information – and misinformation – that is easily available to us, how can we possibly tell which sources are reliable and which sources are not?

What is disguised as scientific study or factual information may not necessarily be so. Anyone can conduct a study and publish it; anyone can write anything in a book or on the Internet. Just because something is in print in any form does not make it accurate and factual. Just because you heard it on television or radio, does not make it true. Just because something was stated persuasively, or convincingly, by your favourite politician, actor, singer, author, or best friend, does not make it fact.

Most people have an agenda. Even those who do not set out to purposefully deceive and who stick to the facts can leave out important information that makes a huge difference in what has actually been said or written. Getting information in context and getting all of the information is what makes the difference and with the media climate the way it is, we are well aware that this is an issue right here in Guyana at the moment.

When we begin our own research we are more often than not already starting from a biased opinion ourselves and that can make us susceptible to biased information. We can lean then towards information that supports our preconceived ideas. How many of us have the time or resources to check all of the news we confront on a daily basis? How many instead rely on other methods of assessing truth, specifically; does it fit with our pre-existing beliefs? Does it suit our cause? Does it ease our conscience?

Even though it can be difficult assessing the reliability of information found on the Internet and other published works, if we want to claim integrity of our opinions, it is important to evaluate the sources and information used for references. For example, when we read research papers, the validity and value of that research has to take many factors into account. Reliable research publications conduct peer review processes and replications by other researchers to ensure the resulting data and information is both reliable and repeatable. It may be a little time consuming but exploring a sources’ reputation and process can quickly determine the likelihood of the validity of the publication.

The truth can so easily be buried in a landslide of misrepresentations and lies. Sometimes people make honest mistakes. Other times, we argue about how to interpret something. In many cases it is simply agenda directed. If we continue to accept fake news, inaccurate reporting, excessively biased publications as true, our judgments will be questionable, our arguments invalid and our perceptions of our world skewed. If we continue to may make decisions based on things we want to be true rather than the real state of the world, we run the risk of existing in a delusional state and fighting battles that do not need to be fought.

As a society, being surrounded by such an array of unreliable information and allowing it to direct our thinking and actions is a dangerous position to be in. What we do and say as adults can be impressionable and with unfounded opinions, we perpetuate the cycle as those who listen and believe use us an unreliable source to base their opinions on.

If we want to believe in ourselves, our opinions, our actions and our perceptions, we have a responsibility to find out why we have them, what we base them on and if we can stand firmly by them with integrity.

Minister within the Communities Ministry, Dawn Hasting-Williams as she commissions the new Waiakabra pump system for the communities of Silver Hill and Waiakabra along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway

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he communities of Silver Hill and Waiakabra along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, East Bank Demerara, are now able to access potable water, following the installation of two pump systems in the areas by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

Though miles apart, the two communities which have been in existence since 1972 and 1956 respectively are bursting with pride and satisfaction with the much required necessity.

Officials from GWI, along with regional and community development officers were part of the commissioning exercises of the two pump stations on Wednesday.

At the Silver Hill community, which has a population of about 200 residents, GWI Chief Executive

Officer (CEO), Dr Van WestCharles said the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway was considered a “no man’s land, for the water company, since it was out of GWI’s jurisdiction, regionally or otherwise. He said however, that the company after listening to the cries of citizens, began the process to provide water to the community.

“Once we met with the residents here, we engaged one of the contractors who tried to achieve the goal of what we are doing here today.” According to Dr Van West-Charles, GWI approached contractor Andre Webb who drilled the well free of cost, while the water company looked after the infrastructure, including the laying of the standpipes among other things.

The entire system which

is being powered by solar power costs some $1.1 million. He said the company sought to have the school and health centre as the first to be provided with water.

“This is important; one of our priorities… the priority for us is to ensure that the schools have water.”

He said the water company was pleased with the investment and hopes that the community will be able to care the facility, adding that GWI will monitor the growth of the population to ensure that there is adequate water supply.

According to the CEO, GWI is looking at other communities on the Highway including Adventure, Long Creek and Kairuni.

He said the issue is to explore how all the communities along the Highway as in other parts of the country, will have access to quality water.

Meanwhile, some miles down at Waiakabra, community members gathered to listen to the developmental plans the water company has for the area. Speaking at that commissioning, Dr Van West-Charles informed community members that the water supply, which would also serve the Hill Foot Community, would be available on a 24-hour basis.

He informed residents that Government has invested some $51 million to ensure that quality water is provided to the community.

He spoke too of the new water quality department that will be monitoring the quality of water across the country.

Meanwhile, residents expressed great satisfaction with the supply of the water service. One woman related that she has been using

GWI’s CEO, Dr Richard Van West-Charles delivering remarks to residents of Silver Hill

water from the creek all her life. While she and her family depended also on the rain water, it would be extremely difficult during the drought seasons.

Linden to get community app TV thief jailed

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inden Mayor Carwyn Holland has announced a soon to be launched ‘Linden app’, which is expected to provide details of numerous aspects relating to the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community. Holland made the disclosure while addressing residents and officials at the recently held Linden Trade and Investment Fair last week.

The Mayor also related plans to have the app launched at the upcoming Linden Town Week event.

Providing insight into the app, Holland said information relating to the community’s flora, fauna, festivals, restaurants, hotels, recreational spaces, picturesque landscapes, public offices as well as fun activities will be made accessible. Additionally he said information on the community’s hospitals, religions, elderly care, youth employment and various other resources will be made availability in the palms of users’ hands.

Holland added that via the app, Linden’s products can be advertised both locally

and internationally.

“I am proud to announce the development of an app for mobile and android devices, that exposes the wealth of Linden, both locally and internationally,” he said.

He noted that he also believes that the initiative will be very beneficial to youths who are in search of jobs, as well as elderly people in the community who are in need of care.

“This app has the potential to tap into over 200 or more jobs. Our elderly need better home care. Our tourism is ready for take-off. Our farm products can be made ready for overseas shelves and it’s time Linden retake its rightful place as the standard bearer of Guyana’s economy,” he said.

Holland further stated that Linden’s journey to becoming the “strong capital town” which the President envisions must include green, entrepreneurial initiatives such as the soon to be launched ‘Linden app’, while he expressed his hope for the full support and tangible blessings of Government.

for 3 months M agistrate Fabayo Azore sentenced a remorseful television thief to three months imprisonment after he admitted to stealing the item.

Anthony Vasconsellos admitted to the charge which stated that he broke and entered the dwelling house of Shevon Bonser and stole a television set valued $185,000, on March 26, 2017.

Bonser had reported the incident following the discovery of the missing article, after which Police ranks conducted a search in the accused premises. The television was unearthed in the home of the 22-yearold Independent Boulevard Albuoystown, Georgetown resident.

The VC, who was present at the hearing, seemed to sympathise with the accused, telling the Magistrate that she does not wish for him to be jailed but requested replacement of the television as it was now ineffec-

Anthony Vasconsellos

tive (post incident).

Vasconsellos offered to replace the damaged device.

Magistrate Azore prior to sentencing highlighted the seriousness of the offence which carries a penalty up to five years imprisonment.

She added that she will not “reward” him for his actions but instead will be lenient as she can, thus imposing a sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

ARCHIE

A change may be required, but you should look before you (March 21- leap. Not every opportunity April 19) will be as equally beneficial.

Question what’s being offered and make intelligent choices.

Don’t feel pressured; take your time.

ARIES

Emotions will surface, forcTAURUS ing you to take part in situa(April 20- tions that concern you. Voice May 20) your opinion, but be sure to have facts to back up your allegations.

DILBERT

The changes you enforce GEMINI now will set a standard for (May 21what’s to come. If you want to June 20) bring about greater stability, believe in the quality of your plans and put them in action.

An old partner will be your savior if you listen to the (June 21- warnings being offered. Be July 22) cognizant of someone trying to benefit at your expense.

CANCER

PEANUTS

Use your energy wisely and LEO control your emotions in situ(July 23ations that can influence your Aug. 22) position or reputation. Be prepared to make reasonable compromises to reach your goals.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Get involved in functions VIRGO that interest you and take (Aug. 23Sept. 22) part in challenges that will encourage you to work alongside like-minded individuals. An emotional revelation will help you move forward.

Domestic, personal and LIBRA joint finances look promising, (Sept. 23as long as you don’t go over Oct. 23) your budget. Common sense, discipline and moderation will help you avoid stressful financial issues.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Communication with SCORPIO someone you deem respon(Oct. 24sible and hard-working will Nov. 22) help you assess your situation and come to terms with what needs to be done.

At networking functions, SAGITTARIUS you will be tempted to brag (Nov. 23- and make promises you may Dec. 21) not be able to keep. Stay focused on what is and isn’t doable to avoid embarrassment.

Romance is highlighted.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Assess your situation and CAPRICORN evaluate your relationships (Dec. 22- with individuals who lack comJan. 19) mon sense or have behaved erratically. Stay focused on obtaining greater stability in your personal life and relationships.

Helping others can be AQUARIUS healing, but can also lead to (Jan. 20you being taken for granted.

Feb. 19) Set boundaries so you don’t wind up resentful. It’s how you handle situations that will make the difference.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

What you do for others PISCES will be appreciated and re(Feb. 20ciprocated.

Compromise will March 20) help you overcome any concerns you have about what’s fair. Pursue your dreams avidly.

thursDAY, march 30, 2017

GT Beer/ Star Party Rentals/ Petra Futsal…

19

GCB/DLMAS/MOE/NSSCL

Sparta Boss’s qualification Berbice march into final — Sinclair’s miracle form continues

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naugural finalist of the GT Beer and Star Party Rentals sponsored Petra Organized Futsal Championships Sparta Boss, will need to produce their best this evening at the National Gymnasium in order to qualify for the quarterfinals.

In Group-A, Sparta need a win to guarantee qualification. A draw or a loss could be detrimental to their chances especially the latter given that group-B and group-C have several teams that could finish on either four or six points each to clinch the critical third place spot.

Tiger Bay needs only a draw to progress to the elimination round. A loss could be detrimental given that four teams from the other groups have the possibility to finish on four points.Also, a win for Back Circle seals their place in the next round. A draw could also prove enough especially if a winner is found in the Tiger Bay and Sparta matchup. A loss could be tricky especially if Sparta wins and coupled with results from the other groups for the coveted third place qualifier.Agricola on the other hand needs several factors to go their way to progress. Firstly they need a heavy win against Back Circle. Secondly they need Tiger Bay to win by a large margin against Sparta Boss. Thirdly, they require Broad Street and Albouystown to play to a draw or a marginal win for Albouystown, and fourthly for West Front Road to beat Tucville and West Back Road to defeat North East La Penitence. If all these criteria are met they would automatically qualify.

Over in Group B, West Front Road have practically sealed qualification. A loss would not hamper their chances in any way as the worst they can finish is third in the group and would qualify as a third ranked team due to their six points and sound goal differential.

A win would guarantee Tucville a place in the next round while a draw would also give them a good chance of securing a knockout berth as a third ranked based on the results of the next round. A loss could translate to an exit given the results of the other groups.

North East La Penitence is in a similar position as Tucville, with a win guaranteeing their place in the next round. A loss would more than likely result in their exit especially factoring results from the other groups while a draw could allow prove enough to sneak their way into the next round as a third place qualifier. West Back Road need several results to go their way to clinch a berth to the next round. Firstly they need a sizeable win due to their poor goal differential. Secondly they need West Front Road to win by a significant margin against Tucville, leaving the group with three teams on three points. The group runners-up would emerge via goal differential. To qualify as a third ranked team, they would also need sizeable wins for Back Circle and Tiger Bay from group-A and either an Albouystown win or draw against Broad Street.

For Group C, Albouystown need divine intervention to qualify, with their only hope being a third place qualifier. Their goal differential means they have to win by a very large margin and hope several outcomes fall their way. They would need West Front Road and West Back Road by very large score line against Tucville and North East La Penitence respectively in group-B. They also require Tiger Bay and Back Circle to defeat Sparta Boss and Agricola by significant margins in group-A. All these outcomes must fall their way in order to stand even a chance of qualifying as a third place qualifier.

The talented Sophia have practically sealed their place and can afford a loss as the worst they can finish in the group is second which is an automatic berth to the next round.

Bent Street needs a win to guarantee their place while a draw might be enough to seal their berth. However they could still technically be

eliminated if they suffer a significant loss, Broad Street wins handsomely and if results from the other groups go against them especially group-B who have the possibility of three teams finishing on six points.

Upon the end of the round-robin stage, the top two finishers and the best two third ranked teams from the respective groups will progress to the quarterfinal phase.

Winner of the tournament will collect $400,000 and the championship trophy while the runnerup will pocket $200,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourth place finishers will collect $100,000 and $50,000 respectively and the respective accolade. The event is slated to conclude on April 15.

Current Point Standings Group-A Team

GP W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts.

Back Circle

2

1

0

1

5

Tigerbay

2

1

0

1

5

4

+1

4

4

+1

Sparta Boss

2

1

1

0

3

4

3

0

3

Agricola

2

0

2

0

2

4

-2

0

GF GA

GD

Pts.

Group-B Team

GP W

L

D

West F/Road

2

2

0

0

4

0

+4

6

Tucville

2

1

1

0

5

4

+1

3

North East

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

West B/Road

2

0

2

0

2

7

-5

0

Group-C Team Sophia

GP W 2

L

D

2

0

0

GF GA 7

GD

Pts.

2

+5

6

Bent Street

2

1

0

1

11 3

+8

4

Broad Street

2

0

1

1

4

5

-1

1

Albouystown

2

0

2

0

1

13

-12

0

Sachin Singh drives one back to the bowler during a tough innings against quality bowling

By Delvon McEwan

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unior national wicket keeper batsman, Junior Sinclair hit a convincing half century to lift Berbice past Georgetown-Mahaicony by 90 runs and guaranteed them a place in Friday’s final against Essequibo in the Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society/ Ministry of Education/ National Secondary School Cricket League Combined phase.

The talented batsman stroked a top score of 61 in his team’s total of 184 all out from 45 overs after they were inserted on the placid Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda pitch in sunny conditions in the city on Wednesday. The ancient county side then returned to dismiss Georgetown-Mahaicony combined for a paltry 94 in 33.2 overs compliments of quality bowling by Nigel Deodat and Kelvin Umroa, who shared five wickets.

Initially the Berbice team was off to a solid start in the match which was reduced to 45 overs per side due to late start. Sinclair and Alex Algoo added 50 for the first wicket before the latter departed for 20 stumped off the bowling of left arm orthodox spinner Daniel Mootoo. Garfield Benjamin was next out in the middle and he added 55 with Sinclair, who was dismissed by Dwain Dick after hitting five fours and a six in a rapid and productive innings.

Following the loss of the second wicket there was one more significant partnership between Benjamin and skipper Kevlon Anderson. They added 42 for the third wicket, however, after Anderson was caught and bowled by Ashmead Nedd for 15, it was a catastrophe as the team from the east hunted quick runs in the last 10 overs.

Among the remaining seven wickets to fall was that of Benjamin, who played well for 46.

Pradesh Balkishun and Nedd both finished with 3-22 while Dick captured two victims.

The host team was off to a poor start in reply, losing Alphius Bookie for naught with the score on three caught behind off the bowling of Leon Swammy who caused a lot of trouble with the new ball.

Subsequently he induced the edge of Sachin Singh who was put down by Sinclair when on five and the team score at 6-1.

Thereafter, Stephan Wilson blaze his way to 31 as his side raced to 48 before he was brilliantly caught by Seon Glasgow at slip off the bowling of Umroa. In came Balkishun and immediately he perfectly glide a ball into the on side, bisecting square leg and deep mid-wicket to get off the mark with a superb boundary.

He was the best batsman to watch during the Georgetown-Mahaicony innings but his teammates did not support him for long periods and at 64 he lost his skipper Singh, who was shaky for most of his knock, for 25 when he attempted to clear the ropes only to be caught on the long on boundary by Algoo off the bowling of Umroa for 25.

The host went downhill afterwards as Dick, who did not troubled the score was caught in the very next over by Swammy, who ran backwards from mid-on to take a splendid catch to give Deodat his first wicket.

They lost their remaining six wickets for just 30 runs to give the ancient county side a comfortable victory. Balkishun played well during that process for 25 until he was run out as the penultimate victim.

Deodat finished with figures of 3-18 from eight overs while Umroa had 2-13 from the same amount of overs. Sammy and Anderson had one wicket apiece. Apart from Sinclair and Benjamin knocks with the bat and Deodat and Umroa’s bowling, the Berbice team was spectacular in the field as the effected two run outs and took several brilliant catches.

Grass Track Championships 2017….

Team Nexus’s De Nobrega runs rampant at Anna Regina

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fter finishing third overall at last year’s National Grass Track Championship Series, Team Nexus Rider Steven DeNobrega produced a thrilling display at the first leg this year which was held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on Sunday, by winning seven races in as many starts.

In the professional category he swooped the five races, while in the open category, he did the same in the two races.

Guyana Times Sport spoke to the rider when he returned to the city, where he expressed elation over the performances since having troubles with his Honda CR 125 early in the day’s proceedings.

“The feeling was very good, the crowd had a very good response to it; I turned up the morning and put in a few practice laps, we had few problems with the bike since before the races I fell and broke the handle but the guys helped me get a new one so I could compete,” the rider stated.

The 21 year-old initial plan was just to secure points ahead of the lengthy championships, explaining that, “Initially, the plan was to basically to go there and come back with some points I really was not going there expecting it to be so easy as the others guys were practicing constantly, [while] I basically rode for the first time in the last finals of the championship in November.”

With a support base including persons such as

Steven De Nobrega (right) collects his Champion rider trophy

Kevin Jeffrey among other motor racing stalwarts, DeNobrega says consistency will be the key going forward for him.

He said, “It is just basically consistency, in any race you must be consistent in your approach and they encourage me to stay fit to be ahead of my competition; we are in a great position, we will just look to make improvement on my bike and me get fitter.”

The young rider revealed that he had no intentions of riding this year, as he wanted to some personal time but his encouraging support base pushed him to compete. “I was not planning on racing this year but with so much support behind me I had just had; at the end of last year

I had other personal thing I wanted to do things with but with the sponsors behind me I decided to have a go, we basically finished the bike up there [Anna Regina] since the bike was rebuilt the night before in Georgetown,” the disclosed.

The rider expressed great appreciation for the support of Gregory Nexus, who also sponsors him in Go-Kararting where he and teammates Matthew Phang and Carlos Rodrigues recently won the 600lb class at the monthly GT Motorsport Endurance Cup. In addition, much praise went to his family, Harold Hopkinson, Rover World, Fast Grafix, Sankar Auto Color and the Jaigobin Family at Henrietta on the Essequibo coast.

Meanwhile, amidst the stellar performance of DeNobrega, Ravin Ramcoomar and Raj Rajkaran had some good performances fighting for the second and third spots in the Professional races.

In the Novices, Sudesh Rajkaran at the age of 13 won a race, while Daniel Hardin and Abdoul Neuzan also had commendable performances.

Organizer Sheik Yassin told this publication that the event went well, adding that the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the battle on the grass.

Yassin also stated that the next meet is tentatively slated for this month end at Better Hope Community Centre ground, East Coast of Demerara or at Bath settlement, West Berbice.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, march 30, 2017

GCA/Carib Beer T20 Tournament 2017

Rush

spots on

WCC Farmers Cup T20

Khan, Benjamin lead Good for semi-final Success to inaugural title

U

niversity of Guyana (UG) upset Police Sports Club by three wickets, discarded national player Christopher Barnwell defended seven runs in the last over as Demerara Cricket Club edged Police Sports Club by three runs and Everest Cricket Club moved to two wins in as many matches when they got past Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) by two wickets were the action that took place in last weekend’s Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Carib Beer T20 First Division Tournament.

This weekend promises to be more exciting as teams seek wins for semifinal qualification when the action in the group stage intensifies.

In Saturday’s group B fixture, Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

Steven Jacobs

will clash with Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) at DCC ground in Queenstown while Everest will visit the Steven Jacobs led Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC). Exciting West Indies youth player, Bhaskar Yadram and the consistent Chandrapaul

Bhaskar Yadram

Hemraj will turn out for Everest who will be looking for a 100 percent record after disposing GYO and GCC. Meanwhile on Sunday, MSC who beat GYO but lost to GCC will host GDF. All matches will get underway at 13:30h.

W

azir Khan and Charles Benjamin spearheaded Good Success over Sans Souci as the former triumph by nine wickets to claim the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) inaugural Farmers Cup T20 title on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Khan claimed 3-16 in a wellcontrolled bowling spell while

GCA/Noble House 2-Day 2nd Division Cricket

GNIC, TSC battle in rescheduled final

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fter the first attempt at the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) Noble House Two-Day Second Division was rained out last week at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground Bourda, consistent performers Transport Sports Club (TSC) and Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) will try once more this weekend to settle the score at the same venue.

It has been a tough journey for both teams, having played five matches against some of the fiercest teams in the city to get to this stage. Among their rivals, TSC had to deliver against Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) in the quarterfinals followed by a resurgent Police Sports Club team in the semifinal while GNIC defeated Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by first innings in their quarterfinal bout and benefitted from a walk over against Everest Cricket Club in the semifinal. Nevertheless, both teams had to work their way to the final and now that they are here only one team could emerge victors. Who will it be would be known by Sunday afternoon, however, either team would like to be at the summit when the last ball is bowled. In 2014 TSC won the title then surrendered it in 2015 in a thrilling match against University of Guyana. In contrast it has been a while since the Woolford Avenue side have played in the final and they would have every reason to prove their worth.

Former national youth player, Quincy Ovid-Richardson, who

R

scored centuries in both innings in the quarterfinal for GNIC is expected to lead his team’s batting and support is expected to come from his seniors David Dick, Jermine Grovesnor and Mark Nicholson, who will be playing Sunil Singh against his former team. Talented youth batsmen Joshua Persaud, Kurt Lovell and the Campbell brothers Stephan and Christopher are also expected to don the whites for GNIC. More interestingly if Gajanan Suknanan returns from his hiatus then it could spell worries for TSC’s batsmen, since the off spin bowler has dominated every cricket he played last year.

And if he plays, then surely TSC will dwell on a reaction to his action and veteran spinner Kevin Ross could provide that. Skipper Shawn Massiah could also play major roles with bat and ball for TSC while batsmen Sunil Singh, Charwayne McPherson and all-rounder Azeem Azeez will have lots on their shoulder.

The match is set to commence at 11:00h on Saturday and TSC are favourites to clinch the final but it is up to GNIC to create an upset and add silverware to their shelves which has been bare for an extended period.

The victorious GSSC team with representatives of the WCC and sponsors

Benjamin 51 not out in a superb batting display.

Opting to bat first Sans Souci lost early wickets and never really recovered after losing their first two wickets for a mere four runs.

Following those two early blows, to make things worse, Wayne Osbourne (02) was then caught at cover off Khan before Cleon Venture (00) was bowled by the said bowler as Sans Souci slipped into further trouble.

A 20 run partnership between Roopnarine Persaud and Tavin Budram showed some positive signs in the middle stage of Sans Souci’s innings, but when Budram tried to go over top and had his wicket disturb by Imran Khan for four it was clear there was not going to be a big first innings total.

With his team in trouble, Seon Venture attempted a big shot against David Chalitar but was bowled without scoring before off-spinner Nazeer Mohamed had Persaud who hit a four and a six lbw for 16. Omal Bacon,who was lbw to Gurnauth Khemraj for 17 and Reon Venture who hit the last ball of the innings for six to remain unbeaten on 29 collaborated in a stubborn effort to see Sans Souci finished on 889. Wazir Khan led Good Success’ bowling with 3-16 while Imrah Khan 2-6 and Nazeer Mohamed 2-19 supported with two wickets apiece and there was a wicket each of Chlitar and Khemraj.

In response Benjamin

slammed three fours and three sixes to remain unbeaten on 51 while Vickram Ramnarine who hit two fours and a six ended on 24 not out as Good Success finished on 91-1 in 15 overs.

Benjamin won the man-ofthe-match award while Cleon Venture took the best bowler prize with 10 wickets and Imran Khan the best batsman trophy with 160 runs including 134 against Zeelandia.

Secretary of the WCC Nazeer Mohamed expressed gratitude to the sponsors adding they are looking forward to their continued support and also thanked Trophy Stall Bourda Market.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsors Lokram Narine congratulated the winners and pledged their continue backing for the sport on the island. He pointed out that Sponsorship is of utmost importance for the development of sports and thanked the WCC for the opportunity.

The Farmers Cup was sponsored by a number of farmers in Wakenaam namely Vickraj Ramdhani, Ganesh Narine, Alex Chung, Kampta Persaud, Farouk Azad, Mohamed Azam Aslam, Heera Sukram, Khemraj Surujpaul, Raj Narine, Mohamed Kalam, Rabbie Munesar, Kishan Ramrattan, Lakeram Cobeer, Lokram Narine, Kumar Lokram, Tom Singh, Cleon Venture and Julian Ramotar.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” bag another title

ose Hall Town Bakewell “A” on Sunday was crowned champions of the historic Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, organized Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited’s Say No Say Yes 5/5 Cricket Tournament.

The team defeated surprised finalist No. 72 Cut and Load by 24 runs to lift the beautiful Beharry’s trophy and the $150,000.00 first prize. The Area “H” Ground was transformed in a festival of colours and music as a large capacity crowd turned up to witness the highly competitive finals which was contested by eleven teams as the Crabwood Creek Cricket Club failed to turn up.

Batting first after losing the toss in the finals, Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” rattled up 68 for 4 off their allotted five overs with National Under-17 player Kevin Sinclair top scoring with 32 while former national player Delbert Hicks supporting with 14. Bowling for Cut and Load, R. Johnson took 2 for 6 off his one over. Needing to score 69 off five overs to be crowned champions, Cut and Load

were restricted to 44 for 4 and lost by 24 runs. C. Beresford offered resistance to top score with 24 against the combined tight bowling attack of Junior Sinclair, Troy Mathieson, Andre Percival, Sylus Tyndall and Ravi Narine proved too much.

Tyndall bowled with express pace to claim two wickets for 4 runs off his lone over. In the lone semifinals, Rose Hall Town crushed a powerful Young and Restless Cricket team by ten wickets to reach the finals.

Young and Restless cracked up an imposing 57 for 1 off four overs before Delbert Hicks (40 not out) and Kevin Sinclair (19 not out) blasted their team to 60 without loss off just 3.1 overs.

Earlier in the day during the first round of matches, No. 72 Cut and Load defeated Courtland by 8 wickets, Blairmont gained a walkover against Crabwood Creek Cricket Club, Young and Restless got the better of D’Edward by 12 runs, Rose Hall Canje easily defeated Scotsburg Cricket Club by ten wickets, Cotton Tree Die Hard crushed Fyrish by 30 runs while Rose Hall Town”A” breezed

The winning RHT Bakewell team pose with their silverware

past Rose Hall Town “B” by 10 wickets. In the second rounds, Young and Restless defeated Rose Hall Canje by 9 wickets, Cut and Load created a major upset against the hard hitting Cotton Tree Team by beating them by ten wickets while Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” cruised past Blairmont by 36 runs.

Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster described the Tournament as a great success and noted that the financial

package was the largest ever handed out in a Second Division Tournament in Berbice. He stated that a total of forty two teams participated in the Tournament which saw Berbice being divided into four sub-zones - West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The top three teams from each Sub-Zone advanced to the finals and the long serving Secretary/CEO hailed the teams for the high standard

of discipline, commitment and play on the field. He stated that together the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and Beharry were able to successfully promote the Say No to Alcohol, Drugs, Suicide, Crime and Say Yes to Education, Life and Sports Messages to most villages and township in Berbice. Marketing Executive of Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd Satesh Singh stated that his Company was pleased to be associated with the Say No/

Say Yes Campaign as part of its corporate responsibilities to Guyana. Beharry, he stated was fully committed to the development of youths in Guyana and pleaded with youths to avoid drugs at all cost. Police Sergeant Philbert Wilburg also addressed the large gathering of players and spectators on the negative impact of drug abuse, suicide, crime and alcohol were having on the development of Guyana.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” pocketed $150,000, Cut and Load received $75,000 for the runner-up spot while Young and Restless carried home $25,000 for 3rd place. The winners of the four sub-zones - Cotton Tree Die Hard, Rose Hall Canje, Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” and No. 72 Cut and Load each received $15,000 while Man of the Finals and Best Batsman Kevin Sinclair collected $10,000 and Beharry’s hamper. Best Bowler Sylus Tyndall also received a hamper.

Members of the public also won food hampers, Shivnarine Chanderpaul autograph cricket balls among numerous other prizes.

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Caribbean tour A

Afghanistan players were the ones dancing when they last played against the West Indies

fghanistan's first bilateral series against West Indies will include three T20Is and three ODIs, beginning in the first week of June. The series will be played concurrently with the Champions Trophy, which begins on June 1 in England. West Indies, who haven't won a bilateral ODI series since 2014, beating Bangladesh at home, failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.

All three T20s will be

World Rankings in the two formats, and continue their quest to qualify for the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and Wales."

West Indies are currently placed ninth in the ODI rankings, followed by Afghanistan. West Indies will be hoping to climb up the rankings as only the top eight teams as of September end this year will gain automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup. They lost their last ODI series 3-0 to

Evin Lewis had a forgettable debut against Afghanistan last year in the World T20 in India

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21

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played at Warner Park in St Kitts, beginning from June 2. The ODIs, all of which will be played at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, will begin a week later, on June 9.

This series will also be Afghanistan's first full series against an ICC Full Member other than Zimbabwe.

"It will also be an important series for our side," Roland Holder, WICB Manager of Cricket Operations, said, "as they look to move up in the ICC

England earlier this month and have three more coming up against Pakistan in April in Guyana.

West Indies and Afghanistan have never played an ODI against each other and the last time they squared up in a T20I, Afghanistan won by six runs, in a league match in the World T20 last year.

The upcoming three T20Is will start at 19:00h and the day-night ODIs will start at 14:30h. (ESPNcricinfo)

WI v Afghanistan schedule June 2 1st T20I at Warner Park, St Kitts and Nevis June 3 2nd T20I at Warner Park, St Kitts and Nevis June 5 3rd T20I at Warner Park, St Kitts and Nevis June 9 1st ODI at Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, St Lucia June 11 2nd ODI at Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, St Lucia June 14 3rd ODI at Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, St Lucia

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, march 30, 2017

Golden Jaguars, Martinique battle to stalemate

— large crowd welcomes return of international football to MSC

Part of the action at the packed MSC Ground in Linden on Tuesday night (Photo courtesy of GFF)

G

uyana’s Golden Jaguars and the Martinique national team played to a nil-nil draw in front of a raucous crowd on Tuesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden.

The stalemate marked a successful return of international football at this venue since 2011 and surely the turnout was one to remember where, while goals were not recorded, the game eventually rose to an exciting battle after all.

The Martinique side were first out of the blocks as they looked to have settled in faster on this pitch which saw the preparations being placed up to the last minute to ensure a proper surface. The visitors pressured their opponents with an attempt as early as the third minute of the encounter off a play down the left side. Guyana’s goal keeper Andrew Durant who was called into play early was again brought into the mix moments later.

This time, a free kick was not cleanly taken by the Guyanese custodian which caused some amount of anxiety which was followed by a corner which was earned by the French side on the right, one of many during this opening stanza.

Guyana responded and gave some hope

with a right foot volley which went high, but a free kick taken by the French team in the middle which went goal-wards saw Durant holding firmly in the 8th minute.

By then Guyana’s captain Samuel Cox stepped up for Guyana and then again through Christopher Bourne but nothing came from that play and Marcel Barrington sent a left cross without any success either.

In the 23rd minute, a good chance was not converted in when Marcel Barrington slipped one inside to the left of the penalty area to Vurnon Mills who was unable to rock the net.

One minute adrift for the second successive play another close shave popped up as gasping fans witnessed the Golden Jaguars survive a testing first half which somehow ended scoreless, as the Martinique side would earned about five corners caused by constant pressure as against perhaps one for the local side.

After play resumed, for the second period, in the 51st minute Martinique was again unable to finish a nice play and Golden Jaguars captain Samuel Cox, busy all night, hit the ball over the cross bar as he failed to control the shot. One minute later, Guyana was in a position to net the game’s first goal but an alert Josue Vega for Martinique was there to

thwart that effort.

With the crowd in the game, as they were, throughout the first half, the Jaguars came forward with gusto and targeted the middle but again the defence of the French steadied with Vega being there to nullify the play.

Then Pernel Schultz, one of two locally-based players in the starting lineup, motored in but could not complete a play with a volley over the cross bar coming down the left side. In the 75th minute the Guyana goal keeper was well positioned to save an attempt from Vega of Martinique, this was followed with another good save when in the 82nd minute a low shot was cleared out by Durant collecting near the near post.

Durant two minutes later it seemed after diving low injured himself and made way for Axel Clarke to go between the uprights. Both teams made changes but to no avail as the game petered out to a draw in the end.

From all indications both coaches were pleased with the final result.

Coach of the Martinique Jean Marc Civault felt that they did well in not losing as they were preparing for Caribbean Cup later this year and this was a way of judging their progress towards that. His captain Les Matimino Parsemain admitted to being somewhat tired but took solace in the fact that they did not come away with a defeat as well.

Guyana’s Head Coach Wayne Dover took special time out to thank the large crowd which had turned out which he openly congratulated for the support they gave the home side. In the end he was satisfied that they Jaguars at least came away with a draw and this is the starting of a new era of Guyana’s football. Captain Cox was also in loud praise for the many fans who showed up and was impressed with how his charges played against this Martinique side in the end.

Better Hope “B” send Ogle

B

packing

etter Hope “B” convincingly marched their way into the final of the East Coast Cricket Board sponsored 40-over competition, after thrashing Ogle Community Centre Sports Club over the weekend at the Buxton Community Centre Ground.

With overnight showers, a late start was inevitable in the highly anticipated semifinal and the contest was reduced to 25 overs a-side.

When the action began at 13:00h, Ogle looked to exploit the prevailing condition when they elected to field after winning the toss.

However, Better Hope “B” proved that they were ready and well prepared when their innings got off to a quick start, with opener Roy Persaud good form continuing when he smashed four sixes and a similar amount of fours on his was to an even half century.

Better Hope “B” was bowled out for 167, with Sachin Singh and Kevin Rampersaud also contributing with the bat scoring 21 and 20 respectively.

Bowling for Ogle, the veteran David Harper snared 2 for 23 off 4 overs, while Davindra Ramtahal and

Kevin Rampersaud

Ray Persaud

Soopaul Sanichar captured 2 for 26 and 2 for 21 respectively.

Chasing 168 for victory, Ogle was mesmerized by an almost unplayable bowling attack. Pacer, Ryan Premchand was on target in the first over of Ogle innings removing opener Anand Persaud without scoring.

From this point on, Ogle found it difficult even with the likes of Wasim Haslim, who only managed to score 10, batting at number three.

Adding salt to the wound, Kevin Rampersaud returned with the ball to claim 3 for 29 off four overs.

Soopaul Sanichar and

Bryan Soookram scored 23 runs a-piece and were the only batsmen that put up any resistance. The other batsmen to score were Kemmy Dindial, 4, Michael Deonarine, 8, and Khalid Haslim 7.

Ogle hopes of reaching the finals faded drastically as they were skittle out for a measly 93 off 18.1 overs falling short by 74 runs. Daniel Kowlessar and Jayadev Manna picked up 2 for 10 and 2 for 26 respectively for Better Hope “B”.

Better Hope “B” will now clash with Better Hope “A” in an all Better Hope Finals at a date to e announced.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

23

Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile Cup…

West Indies face more challenges against Pakistan today Shoaib Malik is expected to play a key role again for the visitors

W

hile West Indies showed a pathetic display, Pakistan p r o d u c e d an imperious performance in the first T20 at the Kensington Oval, Barbados in the series opener last Sunday.

Hence, more challenges are ahead for the hosts in the second of the four encounters today at the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago starting from 12:30h.

There were plenty of anticipations and expectations from Pakistan who outplayed the Caribbean boys in every department slicing through the top order and subsequently restricting them to an inadequate 111-8 from the allotted 20-overs.

A motivated Pakistan team have many reasons to boost their confidence enormously now with the psychological advantage and their previous series last year when they plastered the West Indians with 3-0 whitewash.

Their collective effort in Barbados was admirable having surged to a commanding sixwicket win and it is doubtless the tourists will be seeking more dominant performances to control the series and take an unassailable lead.

Their bowlers supplied the goods on a docile pitch

while the batsmen made the impression of resounding willingness to be sizzling.

The track at the Queen’s Park Oval is hugely expected to be animated and the familiarity with the conditions, West Indies could do enough to square the series and ultimately set-up thrilling affairs in the next two games.

West Indies need though to be cognizant of the opposing supreme batting form especially seeing the likes of one of their veterans Shoiab Malik batted with maturity and profound confidence.

His knock of 38 from 27 balls with three boundaries underlined his belligerent mood and some of his T20 specialist colleagues can be equally dangerous.

However, West Indies bowling lineup resonates a potent composition with mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine would once again callupon to do the trick.

He bowled nicely and with lots of penetration in the first game and with his fellow Trinidadian compatriot and legspinner Samuel Badree able to support, then they should be able to create some kind of intimidating pressure.

A part from these two slowbowlers, West Indies certainly banking their hopes high too on quickies Kesrick Williams and Jason Holder while skipper Carlos Brathwaite and Kieron Pollard have the ability to play a pivotal role with their variable medium-pace bowling.

Their batting, no doubt, has the potential to pile on formidable totals and should be inspired on home turf to churn out match-winning performances.

The top-order showed

are currently positioned at number four and six? West Indies, despite their World Cup success, have slipped to number four, a manifestation of their poor performances since the World Cup triumph a year ago while Pakistan, former champions themselves, showed some amount of inconsistency as well languishing at number 6.

West Indies Head Coach Stuart Law (left) and opener Chadwick Walton having a moment in the nets at the Queen’s Park Oval (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

vulnerability after they were somewhat tottering at 74-7 with openers Evin Lewis (10) and his partner Chadwick Walton (18), Marlon Samuels (07) and Lendl Simmons (01) went back.

They were mesmerized by 18-year-old debutant leg-spinner Shadab Khan, whose variations troubled them terribly. Khan got off auspiciously in this exhilarating format handsomely finishing with three wickets for seven runs from his maximum four overs, an indication of his buoyancy.

Pakistan must be aware of West Indies’ fortune too in this version having won two International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cups, both occasions on foreign soil, and that should entice them to be

Eastern Wakenaam rule the domino table

The winning side were all smiles after winning the tournament

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astern Wakenaam marked 62 games to win the final of Good Success SC dominoes tournament which was contested last Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Sea Shore finished second on 60 games while All-Stars placed third on 50. Egbert Johnson made 12 and James McAlmot 11 for the winners while Anil Ramrattan and Mohamed Sheriffudeen made 12 and 10 respectively for Sea Shore. Tom Singh and Vijay Persaud made 14 and nine in that order for All-Stars.

All-Stars won the opening round with 85 games ahead of Sea Shore 84 and Quick Pick 70. Vijay Persaud 17, Tom Singh 16, Khemraj

Surujpaul 14 and Anand Dhannyshure 12 were the leading players for All-Stars. Suraj Harnarine made the maximum 18 games for Sea Shore while Vinood Ramadeen supported with 16, Anil Ramrattan 15 and Andrew Osbourne 10.

Heera Sukram made the maximum 18 games for Quick Pick.

Sea Shore chalked up 80 games to win the second round while Eastern Wakenaam placed second with 69 and Melville third on 61. Vinood Ramadeen scored 16 and Ramrattan 16 for Sea Shore while Johnson and Mitroy Solomon got 16 and 14 respectively for Eastern Wakenaam.

Lokram Narine and Jermaine Wolf made 14 each for Melville.

more competitive.

The regional side could also be that optimistic and confident because they have got two World Cup heroes, Samuels for his batting exploitation and Brathwaite also for his batting flamboyance.

Pakistan can continue to rely on Malik and a plethora of other quality T20 batsmen. Kamran Akmal and his fellow opening

batsman Ahmed Shehzad is a perfect combination while the consistent Babar Azam, the reliable Mohammad Hafeez and captain wicketkeeper/batsman Sarfraz Ahmed forms the core of the visiting team batting.

Rankings How much will the ICC Rankings play on the minds of these two teams who

Toss and pitch Once Pakistan call correctly at the toss, they definitely have no hesitation of inviting West Indies to take first strike. In Barbados, they won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first, and that decision was fully vindicated as their bowlers demonstrated the anxiousness to make early in-roads. The spinners were extremely effective in the powerplay where they forced the attacking West Indian batsmen to play rash shots.

Interesting to see if West Indies winning the toss this time and what the decision would be owing to the fact they have some pugnacious T20 batsmen.

The pitch is expected to play similar to the Kensington Oval with runs hard to come so a score of 170 plus will be just above par for the team batting first. A packed house is expected which will add to the electrifying atmosphere.

Pakistan’s Irfan BANNED FOR 1 YEAR

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ast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been banned from all forms of cricket for a year after he pleaded guilty to failing to report details of two approaches to corrupt the game. He can return, however, after six months if he assists the PCB in their ongoing investigations into the PSL corruption scandal, and if he doesn’t breach the board’s anti-corruption code in that time. He has also been fined PKR 1 million. His ban is effective from the day he was provisionally suspended on March 14.

A PCB press release said Irfan was found to be in breach of “failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code.”

“I was approached twice and it was my mistake that I did not report it to PCB’s anticorruption unit,” Irfan said at a press conference in Lahore. “I admit my mistake for not reporting. I ask the whole nation to forgive me if anyone is hurt by this mistake of mine.”

The ban will come as a blow to Irfan as well as to Pakistan. Though he last played for Pakistan in an ODI last September and had been falling out of favour, he was recalled to the ODI squad in January for the series against Australia. He had to return home almost as soon as he arrived, however, following the death of his mother.

Rumman Raees and Mohammad Sami took more wickets than him in the PSL this season, but after an uncertain start following his questioning in relation to the corruption investigation, Irfan looked to be bowling somewhere near his best.

Instead, he will now have to hit restart after at least a six-month break, a period in which his only cricketing activity will be to deliver lectures under the PCB’s anti-corruption education programme.

Irfan, along with Shahzaib Hasan and Zulfiqar Babar, was initially questioned by the PCB’s anti-corruption unit during the recentlyconcluded Pakistan Super League, but was allowed to continue playing in the tournament. Earlier this month, however, Irfan was provisionally suspended from all forms after he was summoned to appear before the anti-corruption committee.

Shahzaib, provisionally suspended, is also facing charges of having breached the anticorruption code of conduct and he has till the end of this week to respond. Meanwhile, Irfan’s Islamabad United team-mates Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif are already facing up to a three-man tribunal looking into more serious corruption charges laid against them. (ESPNcricinfo)

Mohammad Irfan

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile ODI Series, Providence Pg 21

West Indies face more challenges against Pakistan today West Indies going through their paces ahead of today’s crucial encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval (Photo courtesy of WICB Media)

Grass Track Championships 2017….

Team Nexus’s De Nobrega runs rampant at Anna Regina

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Team Nexus’s Steven De Nobrega was simply unstoppable at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, winning a perfect seven races in as many starts ( Photo courtesy of Ackeem Thomas Photography)

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