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

Issue No. 3102

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, January 29, 2017

PRICE

Ramjattan booted as AFC’s leader

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Republic Bank first quarter profits climb by $3.8% P11

Page 7 … Trotman returns to head party … as party yet to clear $43M campaign debt

PPP followed a Pro-Poor approach to growth, development – Irfan Ali

Donald Ramotar’s vehicle clamped by parking meter P11 agents

US Marine Security Guard activated at Embassy P13

Page 3

Foreign currency hoarding

Jordan P9 engaging financial institutions

These pretty young ladies struck a pose for the camera as they prepared for their presentation at the National Cultural Centre, as the nursery schools in Georgetown jumpstarted the Mashramani 2017 celebrations on Friday with dramatic poetry, dance, calypso and costume display (Carl Croker photo)

Banks DIH AGM

Shareholders laud $28B legal challange Page 5

12-year-old drowns in Pomeroon River Page 9

3 busted P9 with ganja

As fury mounts among small miners P18 …Trotman commits to continued engagement

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NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, January 29 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, January 30 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 29 – 05:15h-06:45h and Monday, January 30 – 06:00h-07:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers can be expected in the morning while heavy to light rain showers can be expected in the afternoon.

Light rain showers are expected to continue in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 05:27h and 17:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.76 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 11:16h and 23:40h reaching minimum heights of 0.56 metre and 0.45 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

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11 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 08 11 12

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LUCKY 3 6 7 9

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

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PPP’s ideology…

PPP followed a Pro-Poor approach to growth, development – Irfan Ali

A

t the opening of the PPP’s 31st Congress, last December, where he was latter to receive the largest number of votes that led to him being elected as the General Secretary, Opposition Leader Bharat Jagdeo disavowed the party being shackled to any “isms”. However, in a letter to the press last week, Central Committee Member Hydar Ali, asserted there “was no confusion in the PPP’s ideology” and cited a 1993 quote from Cheddi Jagan that claimed the PPP was “guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism”.

In comments solicited by this newspaper, Executive Committee member, Irfaan Ali, cleared up the evident contradiction between the two statements.

“Hydar Ali, has quoted Dr Jagan’s position from 1993, 24 years, ago. If he had quoted Dr Jagan from 24 years before that - 1969, he would have heard something different. That year Dr Jagan declared the PPP had “decided to transform itself from a loose, mass party into a disciplined Leninisttype party.” A “Leninist” party is totally different entity than “a party guided by the principles of MarxismLeninism”. A Leninist party would never have countenanced the conclusion of Dr Jagan’s quote: “and with the aim of building a democratic and humane society with a multi-party parliamentary system.”

“Wasn’t it Lenin who dissolved the elected Constituent Assembly in 1918 because it was “too bourgeois” and prevented the evolution of a western style democracy?” asked Irfaan Ali rhetorically. “ The point I am making is that Dr Jagan, had become very pragmatic by the 1990’s and we see this exemplified in the policies and programmes he followed,” Irfaan Ali concluded. “Pragmatic in a very principled sense.”

Asked by this reporter to offer some examples of Jagan;s “pragmatism”,

PPP Executive Committee member Irfaan Ali

the Central Committee Finance Secretary pointed to Dr Jagan accepting the neo-Liberal premises of the IMF Stabilisation Programme to which President Desmond Hoyte had signed onto in 1989.

“This was anathema to even a mild cooperative socialist like Forbes Burnham, who had rejected the IMF programme before he died. Dr Jagan had come a long way from arguing with Burnham who was a “Bolshevik” and who was a “Menshevik” Questioned as to what Dr Jagan might have espoused in 2017, Mr Ali replied, “This is obviously speculation, but with a man like Dr Jagan, who was focused on his goals of improving the standard of living of the ordinary citizens by whatever means necessary, I can project from his own actions he would have followed closely the collapse of ideology across the socialist world. He might have followed Deng Xio Ping’s philosophy that “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is white or black, as long as it catches mice.” Dr Jagan was serious about improving libes!”

Prodded to say if there is any conflict between the views expressed by Hydar Ali and himself, Irfaan Ali took some time to respond.

“You have to understand that change is always dif-

ficult and the PPP must be constantly aware and ready to respond to changes internally and externally as it confronts both domestic and international challenges.

It’s a new world. The new General Secretary made it quite clear at the opening at the 31st congress where the party stand. We are a party grounded in the struggle for the working class. Hydar, letter highlighted a particular thinking and what Dr Jagan’s reaction might have been at one point in the past. But the present is radically different and not to change our responses will be to court inevitable death.

He and others in the party will accept that Dr Jagan was willing to listen and change his thinking when the “objective conditions”,

as he put it, had changed.”

But asked whether in fact, Mr Hydar Ali, as Education Secretary, had not pronounced definitively on the PPP’s ideology in the present, Irfaan Ali was firm. “As we go forward as a party, comrade Hydar know that our party will encourage debate and discussion and try to arrive at a consensus, knowing that is not easy. After all, comrade Hydar would remember Dr Jagan has said there can’t be “all unity and no struggle” within the party” With this new “openness” Irfaan Ali was asked whether this was part of what GS Jagdeo had espoused to have many ex-PPPites return to the fold. “Definitely!

I see the approach to be as broad as possible with room for healthy debate on every issue. Both young and old has an equal stake in building a party that is resilient, proactive and flexible without changing its fundamental principles. At the end of the day leaders must be able to learn and unlearn if we are to remain relevant to a drastically changing environment. What I know for sure is that in Government the PPP followed a pro-poor approach to growth and development. Wealth creation is critical for economic transformation but must simultaneously improve the stock of the poor and working class whilst reducing the gap of inequality.”

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sunDAY, january 29, 2017

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

Editorial

India’s Republic Day T

he Indian High Commission in Guyana commemorated the 68th anniversary of India becoming a Republic in a simple ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel on January 26. Over in India, the festivities were anything but “simple” as every state pulled out the stops to announce that if India had not arrived, then it was definitely knocking at the doors of superpower status.

As the “Jewel in the Crown” of Britain, even before its Independence in 1947, India held great significance for the colonies of the empire on which “the sun never sat”. It is not a coincidence that from the Pan-African Conference (1900) changing its name to the “Pan-African Congress” in 1919 following the 1912 founding of South African Native National Congress and even the Peoples National Congress in Guyana in 1958, they were all inspired by the Indian National Congress - which became simply, “the Congress”.

Founded in 1885, the Congress was quite reformist for the first quarter of a century of existence. Some who explicitly called themselves “Moderates” - took the British at their word that they simply wanted to tutor the Indians to govern themselves to become full and equal members of the British Empire. Those who felt the struggle for independence had to be fought for “by any means necessary” - including violence - were dubbed “Extremists” and were exiled and jailed.

But one issue that brought the “Moderates”, “Extremists” and Muslims together was the issue in general of Indentured Indian labour that had been shipped to several British colonies and in particular, their treatment in South Africa. Gandhi, who was in South Africa, but in touch with the “Moderates”, assisted the British in the Boer War of 1899-1902, when they fought the Afrikaans.

They were astounded when the British joined the Afrikaans after the war to enact very draconian laws against the Indians - whether indentured or “free”. The beginnings of the apartheid system were being instituted and the whites insisted the Indians must be restricted to certain areas.

The “educated” and “upper crust” Indian nationalists in India and in South Africa were more insulted as they were being treated as “coolies”, than anything else: they had been, they thought, transformed into “gentlemen of the realm”. The unified Congress introduced legislation in the Indian Parliament and organised demonstrations across the country to demand that Indian emigration to South Africa (Natal) be stopped. This occurred in 1911, since the whites were prepared for a rise in the cost of labour for their plantations and mines, rather than accepting the equality of Indians and whites.

While some like Gandhi, who was dubbed a “Mahatma” or “Great Soul” for his espousal of “Satyagraha” or “nonviolent struggle” for India’s independence and refusal to support violence, some younger leaders of Congress such as Subash Chandra Bose did opt for the latter route. During WWII, he formed an army that allied itself with the Axis powers and helped precipitate a rebellion of the Indian Navy in Port Bombay in 1946. More than anything else, it brought independence to India the following year.

Unfortunately, that came at the price of partitioning the country into “India” and “Pakistan” in a bloody process in which more than one million persons lost their lives.

Less than three years later, India became a Republic under a constitution drafted by a local team headed by Dr BR Ambedkar, a member of the lowest caste, that now call themselves “Dalits”. He was educated at Columbia University, USA and India was defined as a “sovereign, democratic, republic.”

In the years since, the Indian Republic has maintained its democratic credentials and apart from one aberration in the 1970’s, all leaders have observed the protocols of the rule of law, division of power and Judicial Review. Those countries originating as British colonies that attempted to short-circuit the process, such as Guyana in the West Indies and so many in Sub-Saharan Africa, should take a lesson from the Indian “hare”.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks towards a man dressed in traditional costume as she arrives to view an exhibition on Fiji at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia in Norwich, eastern England (Reuters)

Appalled, disgusted by Govt officials attacks on Red House Dear Editor, The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) is appalled, indeed disgusted, by utterances made by leading functionaries of the APNU/ AFC administration which insinuated that the manner in which the lease to the land and building which housed the centre was obtained illegally.

The inference to be drawn from those statements is that the lease was not only improperly obtained, but that there were hidden and ulterior motives on the part of those who were involved.

What the Centre found particularly distasteful was

the fact that such statements were made by some of the very persons who claim to embrace the legacy of Cheddi Jagan, but having betrayed the legacy and now in bed with those who conspired to deny Dr Jagan his rightful place in history, they are now seeking to justify their betrayal by making wild and unsubstantiated statements.

It must be emphasised that the CJRC was established not as a profit-making organisation, but to promote the legacy of one of the finest and most outstanding sons of the Guyanese nation, someone who dedicated his entire life for freedom and democ-

racy and for the building of a united and prosperous country. As such, Dr Jagan is deserving of a special place in the history of this country. The granting of a building and a piece of land in his honour and memory pales into insignificance when compared to the monumental contribution and sacrifices Dr Jagan made for the overall good of this nation.

It is bad enough to use disparaging statements regarding this great legacy and contributions by the uninformed and from those who historically stood on the opposite side of the political divide but such unsavoury comments emanating from those who professed

allegiance to the ideals and vision of Dr Jagan speaks to a level of hypocrisy and opportunism that literally stinks into the high heavens.

The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre has lived up to, and will continue to be a centre of reading and research into the large body of writings and speeches made by Dr Jagan and in the preservation and promotion of his great legacy at its current location in accordance with our 99 years lease.

Sincerely, Management of Cheddi Jagan Research Centre

Crime has not decreased

Dear Editor, The recent robbery at the Hardware Emporium General Store is a very troubling incident that needs a detailed investigation, and to be handled firmly by the Guyana Police Force.

The news reports mentioned that bandits had torched their way into the Hardware Emporium after disconnecting the company’s electricity, disabling all alarms and made off with a safe.

The Guyana Times newspaper carried a very in-depth article about the robbery, stating that it had occurred a day or two after the store had installed their security system.

It was also noticed that the perpetrators had been very aware of the location of the security system and the safe, making it seem as if the job had an internal staff conspiracy.

Reports also stated that the thieves locked the caretaker in his room.

The technique of this robbery is something for this nation to be very worried about.

This is a serious matter that needs to be pursued with strict urgency.

In Lamaha Gardens and Bel Air, it has been proven that one suspect has been responsible for the various robberies in the respective areas, yet the Police have still been unable to apprehend this individual. According to information, the face and body of the individual were exposed on several closed-circuit television cameras in the area.

We know that in other countries, persons do terrible things during riots and protests, and through photographs alone, within days, hours or even minutes, the perpetrator(s) is/are apprehended.

Not too long ago, when my company had a serious incident and one of our guards was attacked by bandits, the vehicle was robbed, and one of our personnel was se-

verely injured and almost died; I had made an offer to the Government of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission to donate a million dollars to start a fund for apprehending these criminal individuals. The aim was to offer an award for information leading to the apprehension of criminals involved in robberies, murders and national sabotage.

But no one, not of the private sector or Government bothered with the idea, not realising that people would divulge more confidential information for cash reward.

Especially if it is made in such a way that the award is big enough that even relatives may bring forth each other for the incentive.

At this time, my offer is no longer on the table, because of the economic crisis we are facing in recent times.

However, the offer was made. Maybe it can be done again with team work and fundraising activities, and

monthly contributions from the private sector.

The funds can be managed by the private sector in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force.

From all appearances, this writer does not believe that crime has made a serious decrease in this country, however, Public Security Minister and the Guyana Police Force’s data say otherwise, saying that there has been a reduction of 16 per cent.

Nevertheless, this robbery of the Hardware Emporium has caused a specialist in the security sector and also the head of a private law enforcement agency to wonder and ponder the future of Guyana as it relates to criminality and the mental comfort of its citizens’ peace of mind.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan CEO/Founder/ Chairman RK’s Security Services

NEWS

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Banks DIH AGM

Shareholders laud $28B legal challenge E

ven as Government has indicated that Banks DIH Limited will not be getting even “a dime” from its multibillion-dollar lawsuit that is claiming in excess of $28 billion in repayment following the controversial tax writeoff given by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to its competitor – Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) – Banks DIH Limited was lauded by its shareholders on for the step taken.

At the local beverage giant’s 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday at Thirst Park, Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown, during the question and answer segment at the end of the Chairman/Managing Director Clifford Reis’ presentation, shareholder Malcolm De Freitas commended the company for moving towards attempting a resolution in what he called a “long growing problem”, especially since DDL has been successful in doing so.

“I’m happy the Board has gone forward with this, simply because as a constitutionalist, it is indeed a major disadvantage to the shareholders of this company when we are not treated with the equality that is expressed in the law. I’m happy to see that the Board has recognised that and has done something towards it,” the shareholder remarked.

Taking note of the comment, the Chairman expressed his contentment at the support of shareholders on the actions the company took.

“We are glad to hear, as Board of Directors, that shareholders are supporting the decision the Board has taken. This is in relation to our financial duties, where we have to make sure that the shareholders Banks DIH Limited have

A section of the shareholders at the Banks DIH Annual General meeting

the same equal treatment under the law where taxes are concerned,” he posited.

Meanwhile, during his presentation on the company’s performance over the past year and projections for the coming year, Reis spoke about the legal action asserting that Banks DIH Limited should be given the same treatment as its competitors.

According to the Chairman, the company has overpaid billions of dollars in Consumption Taxes to the GRA and as such, the Board of Directors has decided to move to the courts to recover the billions of dollars it has overpaid to the revenue collection body.

The over-payment, he noted, was due to a mistake in the law having regard to the judgement delivered in the Court of Appeal with respect to proceedings brought by its competitor – Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

“Banks DIH Limited is entitled, my fellow shareholders, to repayment of all monies overpaid together with interests thereon,” the Managing Director maintained.

Furthermore, Reis disclosed that before legal proceedings were taken, the company’s legal advisors

had sent pre-action letters to both the GRA and the Attorney General’s Chambers indicating its intention to seek redress in the court for a refund of the monies overpaid for the consumption taxes. However, he added, there was no response from either parties.

On the other hand, the Banks DIH Limited Chairman also indicated that its lawyers were instructed to seek constitutional redress for breach of its constitutional rights to equality before the law within the meaning of Section 149 (d) of the Guyana Constitution having regard to the terms of the consent order of April 1, 2016, entered in between DDL and GRA. Following the highly controversial DDL tax write-off last year, it was expected that several companies would expect the same benefit from the revenue collections agency.

Hence, it was no surprised that Banks DIH Limited

filed a lawsuit against GRA and the Attorney General on December 16, 2016.

According to the court documents seen by Guyana Times, the corporate entity paid some $12.8 billion in taxes over the peri-

od 2001 to 2006. But since Government granted DDL a whopping $3.8 billion tax write-off from its assessed $5.3 billion owed, Banks DIH calculated that it should have only paid some $3 billion instead of $12.8 billion.

The company therefore argued that the Guyana Government would be “unjustly enriched” if it retained the approximately $9 billion (the difference between the paid amount in taxes and the net figure Banks DIH estimated it should have paid), while asking for 10 per cent interest compounded over the aforementioned five-year period.

However, AG Basil Williams last week told reporters at a press conference that Banks DIH Limited will be fighting a lost cause

against the country’s tax authority, noting that all efforts will be exhausted to ensure not a dime comes out of the national Treasury to refund the beverage giant. He pointed out that the time has passed for the beverage company to take any actions against GRA even in light of the extravagant tax write-off granted to DDL. Moreover, the Attorney General argued that he was wrongly named co-defendant in the matter because the settlement of tax cases falls outside of his jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Winston Jordan also threw his support behind efforts to challenge the lawsuit filed by the beverage giant, saying “We will litigate it to its depth.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

New Year, New Vista: Psychiatry Anu Dev

W

ell, I've just survived my Internal Medicine rotation more or less unscathed and now I've moved onto my psychiatry rotation.

Psychiatry is that branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. In high school, I had done a survey into the incidence of suicide in my village at both the Fifth and Sixth Forms. While I investigated this scourge that had pushed us up to the top the dubious world rankings, I discovered, of course, that suicide is quite highly correlated with depression and did what was inevitably a preliminary inquiry into the causative factors and treatment. I, in fact, did interview a psychiatrist and I have looked forward to being exposed to this area of medicine.

For our first psych class, we were tasked with draw-

The truth about “QUIET” verbal abuse – damage can be inflicted without raising your voice

“People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important. I see people suffering and their families feel a sense of shame about it, which doesn’t help. One needs support and understanding.” – Deepika Padukone ing a circle, meant to represent our heads. We had to think about the factors that influenced our ethics and then fill in the circle with those factors, with the amount of space we allocated to each factor corresponding to the importance we placed on that factor. We then had to exchange charts to see our classmates' take on the assignment.

It ended up being a pretty interesting assignment.

There was a lot of overlap in the factors that people chose things like the law, religion, family and education. But what I found most interesting was the varying levels of importance different people gave to each factor.

For some, the law was the biggest factor that played into their ethical decisions and for others, religion was the most important factor.

We also realised that there was no way to jot

down all of the factors that influence our ethics they're simply too many.

But I think it's something we should all think about.

What guides your ethical compass?

We then discussed several scenarios where an ethical dilemma might arise.

There were some areas where the decisions were pretty cut and dry - like having a relationship with your patient, that's pretty much a no-no. Other scenarios seemed greyer - there was a scenario discussing the appropriateness of a doctor posting pictures on social media of him "clowning around". There was some debate in the group as to what exactly "clowning around" entailed and it led us to a discussion about the amount doctors can and should share on social media, while still maintaining a professional demeanour.

It's been one week into the psychiatry rotation and

this first week has been an orientation to the clerkship.

It's been interesting so far, and it's refreshing after five rotations of studying physical ailments, to learn about mental ailments.

It's definitely a rotation that forces more introspection and discussion than the other rotations. Like one of the doctors explained to us, there are lab tests to diagnose disease like diabetes, but to make a diagnosis of mental illness isn't as clearcut. There was also a lot of discussion about the stigma against mental illness, even within the medical profession.

Tomorrow will be my first day on the wards for psychiatry and I'm really looking forward to exploring this other facet of medicine. This is my final rotation for year four, and it's shaping up to be an interesting one. We are, after all, creatures whose minds are as important as our bodies.

BY PEG STREEP

I

t’s not just that the culture assesses verbal abuse as less damaging than the physical kind – which it is not – but that when most people think about verbal abuse, they tend to summon up images of someone screaming and yelling. They imagine that the decibels are loud and the pitch is fevered, and that the person shouting is out of control, shaking with rage or intent. But while that’s true in some households, it isn’t always. In fact, counter-intuitively enough, some of the worst kinds of verbal abuse are quiet; silence in answer to a question asked or a comment made too can pack a mightier wallop than a loud rant.

Silence effectively ridicules and shames.

The child subjected to quiet abuse often experiences more emotional confusion than one who’s being yelled at or insulted, precisely because the absence of rage sends mixed signals and the motivation behind willful silence or a refusal to answer is impossible for a child to read. There’s a special kind of hurt in being treated as though you’re invisible, or that you are so unimportant in the scheme of things that you’re not even worth answering. Is there anything more chilling and hurtful than seeing your mother act as though she can’t see you, her face calm?

There are specific kinds of “quiet” verbal abuse, each of which affects a child differently.

Of course, the effects don’t end with childhood but carry over into adulthood in myriad ways.

1. Disappearing act: Being ignored

Much of the information children have about the world and relationships comes to them second-hand. With a caring and attuned mother who responds to his or her cues, a child begins to fathom that he or she matters and is worthy of attention; these are the seeds that yield healthy self-esteem. The attentive mother communicates the message that “You’re fine just as you are,” giving the child the courage and confidence to explore the world.

But the child with a mother who ignores her learns instead that her

place in the world is precarious, even though she doesn’t know why.

2. Deadly quiet: Stonewalling

From a child’s perspective, being stonewalled may seem very much like being ignored but it has different emotional consequences, especially as he or she matures; intense anger and frustration, directed at the person stonewalling him or her, may be par for the course. It’s not an accident that what experts call Demand/Withdraw (essentially ask/stonewall) is considered the most toxic pattern in relationships.

Marital expert John Gottman considers it a reliable sign that the union of two people is doomed to fail. It’s hard enough to deal with a stonewalling intimate when you’re an adult – your partner’s refusal to answer inevitably ratchets up your own frustration and anger – but it’s absolutely devastating to a child who doesn’t have any way of defending him or herself.

The child’s lack of developed and effective defense mechanisms is precisely what researchers in Israel honed in on when they examined the long-term effects of childhood emotional abuse.

They concluded that the damage done to individuals’ self-esteem had much to do with the inability to protect and defend themselves and to internalising the thought that they weren’t good enough to warrant their parents’ attention when parents were uncaring or harshly controlling.

3. Wounding quiet: Contempt and derision

Shaming a child can be accomplished sotto voce or even with physical gestures like eyerolling or laughing at him or her to convey contempt or making him or her the butt of jokes. This particular variety of bullying can become a team sport in some households, if siblings are asked to join the fray and make the child a scapegoat. Controlling parents or those who need to be the center of attention often use these techniques to maintain the dynamics of the household as they want them. Once again, damage can be done without a raised voice. (Psychologytoday.com) TO BE CONTINUED

news

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Ramjattan booted as AFC’s leader … as party yet to clear $43M campaign debt …Trotman returns to head party

A

lliance For Change (AFC) delegates on Saturday rejected incumbent leader Khemraj Ramjattan’s bid to be re-elected, instead choosing former leader and party co-founder Raphael Trotman.

The voting took place during the AFC’s fifth biennial National Executive Conference (NEC) at the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School. When the dust settled,

Cathy Hughes’ decision to withdraw, Ramjattan was declared Chairman of the party.

Hughes was declared Vice Chairperson, beating challenges from junior Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Audwin Rutherford. With Hughes receiving 116 votes, her margin over Lowe – 76 votes and Rutherford – 47, was a gaping one.

Public Infrastructure

terms to what the national Constitution says, which eliminated after two terms.

We were two very good lawyers who formulated it in that way which extends but a desirability – that’s why the world “ought” was used and not “shall” or “must”,” he explained.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, a co-founder of the party, had objected to the notion of one

AFC delegates and supporters gathered in the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary as voting got underway

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as he addressed the crowd. Seated at the head table from left are Party Executives: Junior Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Agriculture Minister Noel Holder; Business Minister Dominic Gaskin; Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Trotman received 127 votes versus Ramjattan’s 125, thus being declared the winner.

News of Trotman’s election was greeted by congratulatory messages from President David Granger, who is currently in The Dominican Republic attending the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit.

Granger expressed enthusiasm in working with Trotman as the new leader and recommitted to the Cummingsburg Accord, which joins the AFC and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) together.

The Accord had designated responsibilities such as domestic affairs and chairing of Cabinet to AFC Executive and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. When these things did not materialise, the Opposition had noted that Nagamootoo’s role was largely ceremonial. Nagamootoo has always insisted otherwise.

Meanwhile, after Trotman’s victory in the leadership race and Public Telecommunications Minister

Minister David Patterson was also defeated in his bid for re-election as General Secretary by Marlon Williams, who gained 125 votes versus Patterson’s 83.

Michael Carrington, the third contender, received 12 votes.

There had been much contention about Ramjattan’s intent to accept nomination for the leadership of the party. Many observers, including persons affiliated with the party, had pointed out provisions in the AFC constitution prohibiting a leader from returning to a post for more than two terms.

Article 19 (1) of the AFC’s constitution provides for the rotation of leaders within the AFC “so as to ensure a broader activism in leadership positions by the membership”.

However, Ramjattan told reporters on Thursday that while the constitution was formulated to ensure the change of leadership was a necessity, it does not exclude those of whom might want to run for a third term or whom might be nominated to run. “… that formulation was never done in identical

member holding the same position for more than two consecutive terms. In fact, Trotman, who helped to draft the party’s constitution, had asserted that the spirit of the constitution was to ensure that the leadership is constantly rotated.

However, Ramjattan posited that this will result in the entire hierarchy of the party being excluded from running.

According to Ramjattan, his reason behind accepting the nomination would be to create a precedent that indeed people can run for a third term if it is a necessity of the situation and the circumstances.

He had justified continuing for another term by pointing out that he was nominated by his party’s membership.

He had also said he provided high quality leadership since he assumed the role in 2012.

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Irrelevance…

Y

…in politics

esterday, the AFC demonstrated the galvanic principle in a social setting. Galvani - you’d remember, dear reader, if you cast back your minds to your youthful excursions into physics - showed that even a dead frog would twitch - as if it were alive - when a current’s passed through it. His nephew did him one better when he repeated the experiment on an executed criminal in London.

The report said: “On the first application of the process to the face, the jaws of the deceased criminal began to quiver, and the adjoining muscles were horribly contorted, and one eye was actually opened. In the subsequent part of the process the right hand was raised and clenched, and the legs and thighs were set in motion.” But both the frog and the criminal remained DEAD, didn’t they? And this is what happened at the AFC meet at the quaint hamlet of Vreed-en-Hoop, where they’d gathered to elect “office bearers”.

The electricity applied to the members and erstwhile “leaders” was the internally driven lust for power - and not surprisingly, the gathering became quite animated. Maybe they chose the venue for its name, which translates into “Peace and Hope”, but all the leaders demonstrated was that they “hoped for a piece” of the action! Now your Eyewitness is composing this commentary ahead of the conclave, but believe you me, he’s not going out on any limb.

After all he’s seen the AFC emasculated so effectively by the PNC (what APNU??) all of those who haven’t joined the latter behemoth, are squealing… er… SPEAKING in high-pitched falsettos!! Ouch!! The present leaders rolled the dice back in 2015 to join up with the PNC because they were promised 40 per cent of the offices. They swallowed Leader Ramjattan’s openly expressed fears of the AFC becoming “dead meat”- because of their ambition and greed.

This is the secret of all cons - promise the “marks” rewards beyond their wildest dreams and in the frenzy of excitement, they’ll ignore both history (the UF!) and what’s clear in front of them (emaciated, irrelevant portfolios).

So, the AFC did in fact get 40 per cent - but for those that weren’t members of side deals such as the Nassau Accord and believed in the Cummingsburg Accord - it was 40 per cent of Larwah!! And that’s worse than 40 per cent of zilch…’cause with Larwah, you get it in the end!!

One insider has revealed how these “leaders” don’t even show up for the AFC’s monthly meetings - they’ve gotten too big to mix with the great unwashed who put them there.

So yes, the electricity of greed and ambition galvanised the AFC yesterday.

But they’re still dead meat!!

…of trade deals

Remember when the US was pushing the “Free Trade Area of the Americas” (FTAA) after they’d locked in NAFTA in 1994? Well we should count our blessings it collapsed because of popular protests in Brazil and elsewhere. Look what the US just did to Mexico. “Shafted” doesn’t even begin to describe what’s gonna happen to Mexico if its trade - amounting to 37 per cent of its GDP now only gets WTO rules on tariffs. And Trump says he’s even going to ignore the WTO because Mexico refused to pay THE WALL!! The lesson, dear reader, is we mustn’t expect any free lunches.

So for those hoping for higher oil prices on our 50 per cent of oil profits our genius Minister Trotman “renegotiated”- rather than demanding royalties - just look at another of Trump’s earliest decision. The Dakota Access Pipeline will carry some 500,000bpd of Bakken Crude (shale oil) to refineries on the Gulf coast - cutting its cost by 10 per cent of the present price of US$50pb!

So 50 per cent of zilch is still zilch!!

…into payback

The US is the biggest supplier of rice to the Mexican market. We should immediately advise Mexico to reciprocate with the same 35 per cent tariff Trump’s threatened.

And we can ship all the rice they need immediately!

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

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Foreign currency hoarding

Jordan engaging financial institutions

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

F

inance Minister Winston Jordan said efforts are already being made to ensure various financial institutions put an end to what ap-

pears to be a hoarding of foreign currency.

“I’ve dealt with that quite clearly… We have a number of actions being taken behind the scenes,”

he told media operatives on Friday. However, the Finance Minister declined to divulge more information on the matter.

Jordan also used the opportunity to assure that the value of the domestic currency is not under threat.

“We do not have a fixed exchange rate, we have a market determined liberalised rate… I don’t see the exchange rate going anywhere; it is a matter of demand and supply.

One time you will have low supply and the rate will intervene, you have high supply, the rate will intervene. Republic Day coming up, lots of tourists and overseas Guyanese coming back home, monies floating around and so on, the

12-year-old drowns in Pomeroon River

T

he Pomeroon River, one of the deepest rivers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has claimed yet another life. Dead is 12-yearold Geramey Benjamin, of Dredge Creek, Upper Pomeroon River.

The Charity Secondary School student lost his life while swimming with his cousins. Reports are Benjamin, who suffers from epilepsy, was swimming with two cousins when he reportedly suffered an attack and disappeared in the murky waters of the Pomeroon River.

Guyana Times was told that the incident occurred at about 17:00h on Thursday afternoon.

After realising what had transpired, the two cousins alerted his mother, Jacqueline Benjamin, and residents immediately conducted a search.

The search however proved futile and the Police were summoned. On Friday at about 16:30h, the boy’s body surfaced and was seen floating in the Dredge Creek area by a resident who raised an alarm.

The Police were summoned and the body was removed and taken to the Charity Wharf. It was later transported to the Suddie mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Statements from the two cousins; ages 7 and 18, were taken by Police. An investigation

has been launched into the incident.

On January 25, a fisherman from Buxton, East Coast Demerara, was also recovered from the Pomeroon River. He went missing for several days after he toppled into the river. His body was discovered and retrieved by residents in Charity, on the Essequibo Coast.

Sixty-four-year-old Collin Nickleson had journeyed to Charity to conduct fishing as a way of earning a livelihood when he lost his life.

The post-mortem examination conducted on his remains revealed he died as a result of drowning.

(Indrawattie Natram)

rates appreciate,” he explained.

Recently, there have been reports that there is a shortage of foreign currency in Guyana. The report had cited complaints from those in the business sector. This, however, has consistently been denied

by Jordan and Central Bank Governor Gobind

Ganga.

But at a recent public forum, the Finance Minister called on those involved in the practice of hoarding foreign currency – exporters, importers and cambios – to be responsible and heed the entreaties of the Government. He also had an ominous warning; failure to do so would

result in the Government taking decisive action.

Jordan went on to assure the public that foreign exchange demands can currently be met with what is in the system. He was adamant that this was the case, despite the reduction in export earnings from sugar, rice and timber.

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG/Caricom explore collaborative opportunities

T

he University of Guyana (UG) has reached out to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for support, as it continues on its quest to improve the capacity of Guyana’s premier tertiary institution.

Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, along with members of the university’s administration recently met with Caricom’s Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Senior Secretariat staff, where there was an exchange of views on programmes and areas of work that the secretariat and the university are pursuing. At the meeting, Griffith shared his vision for the university and sought advice on how Caricom could facilitate the pursuit of aspects of that vision. In that regard, the two sides were able to identify activities on which the opportunities for collaboration could be explored.

The meeting was seen as the occasion to renew the relationship between the Caricom Secretariat and the University of Guyana.

As testimony to the strength of that relationship going forward, the Secretary General and the Vice Chancellor ex-

changed gifts.

The vision of the Vice Chancellor is to make the institution a dynamic and nationally relevant world-class university. During his inaugu-

long.

Meanwhile, the UG Vice Chancellor has earned a Caricom report card, reflecting his work and commitment to the university since his time

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Secretary General of Caricom at a recent meeting

ral address last year, Griffith vowed to transform the aesthetic of the University, moving it from the place it is now to a place that would benefit every student and staff member.

According to the Professor, the University of Guyana will be moving head-on, tackling the issues that have been holding the institution down for far too

in office. According to Caricom, Professor Griffith had given up lucrative offers in North America to return to Guyana to serve as the Vice Chancellor of the local university. He knew that the task would not be easy and upon inspection, was confronted with a system that needed to be fixed with urgency.

Under his leadership, the first Education Resource Ambassadors (ERA) Conference was held in Georgetown. The purpose of that conference was to invite professionals in the fields of academia, media, medicine, business and other related fields, to see the state of the university and to suggest possible solutions.

The ERA Conference turned out to be highly successful. There were over 100 participants, drawn from Guyana and the Diaspora that examined the state of the university, and suggested proposals to help rebuild it.

In July 2016, the Vice Chancellor and his team launched “Turkeyen and Tain Talks”, the aim of which is to ‘discuss national, regional, and international issues and events of importance to Guyana.

These forums have to date discussed Brexit and its impact on Guyana and the Caribbean.

Other topics included suicide in Guyana, Agriculture and Food Security in Berbice, and the implication of the 2016 US elections for Guyana and the Western Hemisphere. The January 2017 forum will address public health in Guyana.

Happy New Year

S

atiricus and his pals were celebrating the New Year at the Back Street Bar - the Chinese New Year. Frankie, the owner of the dive, was pulling out all the stops in the hard guava season to entice even his regular patrons.

The big banner over the entrance announced he was serving Chinese Roast Pork as “cutters” for the Chinese New Year.

“Suh me hear wan cyaar knack-down de hag pan de public road!” grinned Bungi to Frankie as he stepped into his old lair.

“You gat fuh kill am in any case, right?” Frankie answered good naturedly. “But yes… I did get it cheap!”

“Eh! Eh! Frankie, how come you celebrating Chinese New Year, boy?” asked Hari, who’s come in at the tail-end of the conversation.

“Like alyuh forget this shop used to belong to Choo Sik, in the old days!” said Frankie. “I just keepin’ up the tradition.”

As the fellas joined Satiricus, who was already ensconced at their usual table at the rear, he pointed to the paper placemats Frankie had placed on the table. It depicted the Chinese Zodiac.

“See fellas,” he smirked. “This is the year of the rooster - and I was born under that sign!”

“How yuh figah dat out?” asked Bungi in amazement, as he grabbed a beer Satiricus had already purchased.

“Look right here,” explained Satiricus. “You divide your year of birth by 12 and the remainder gives you your Chinese Zodiac sign.”

“But it says here, Roosters are good workers,” grinned Hari. “I’m sure your editor would have problems with that!”

“Well, I checked YOUR Zodiacs,” Satiricus informed the fellas. “I get along best with Oxen and Snakes. Guess what are you?”

Hari and Bungi both looked at Satiricus patiently, who let them wait for his answer, “Oxen and Snake!”

As they clinked their bottles, Satiricus confessed, “But our mortal enemies are rabbits. Guess who’s a rabbit?”

“Who?” they asked in unison.

“Jar Dan!”

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Donald Ramotar’s vehicle clamped by parking meter agents

The clamped SUV belonging to former Head of State, Donald Ramotar

A

BMW SUV, which is assigned to former President Donald Ramotar, had a clamp placed on its wheel by personnel employed by Smart City Solutions on Saturday afternoon.

The vehicle was at the time parked opposite the People’s Progressive Party’s Headquarters, Freedom House, on Robb Street, Georgetown where the former President was attending a meeting with other Party officials.

Although being told that the vehicle belongs to the former President, the personnel went ahead and installed the clamp. After the intervention of the former President, the clamp was removed.

It is believed that

Ramotar parked his vehicle in a no parking zone, but there were no signs of parking meters in sight.

Public Relations Consultant for Smart City Solutions, Kit Nascimento later confirmed that the former President’s vehicle was parked in a no parking zone, but the decision to remove the clamp was as a form of courtesy to Ramotar, while nothing that he had no right to be parking in a no parking zone in any case.

Nascimento, however, told media operatives that Ramotar, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, former Prime Ministers Samuel Hinds and Hamilton Green, among others, should provide a list of registration numbers of vehicles they intend to use so that some

form of courtesy would be extended.

Republic Bank first quarter profits climb by 3.8%

I

n the first quarter of its financial year, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited recorded an after-tax profit of $774 million; that is some $28 million more than the amount recorded during the corresponding period last year.

This is according to Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors, Nigel Baptiste, who noted that the increase is 3.8 per cent when compared to the $746 million registered in the same quarter in 2015. A statement from the Chairman was published in Saturday’s edition of Guyana Times, along with unaudited financial statements as December 31, 2016.

Baptiste Furthermore, outlined that total assets increased by $11.7 billion for 8.1 per cent, while total deposits increased by $10.3 billion or 8.2 per cent year-onyear.

The Chairman added that “Based on the performance noted above, your directors remain focused

Republic Bank, Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown

on the achievement of the Bank’s strategic objectives for fiscal 2017.”

Meanwhile, Republic Bank reported in November last year that its financial year ended on September 30, 2016, with an after-tax profit of $2.7 billion, which was four per cent lower than the previous year.

According to its annual financial statements, after-tax profit was down by $112 million from $2.81 billion in 2015.

Interest income rose from $7.13 billion in 2015 to $7.67 billion last year. Interest expense increased from $589

million in 2015 to $603 million in 2016. Other income for the Bank, whose parent company is headquartered in Trinidad, was $2.3 billion in 2016 compared to $2.7 billion in 2015.

The bank’s loan impairment provision rose significantly. The loan impairment expense net of recoveries was $786 million this year, compared to $574 million last year, a rise of 37 per cent. Its loan impairment expense in 2014 was $656.4 million.

Additionally, earnings per stock unit dropped from 9.39 in 2015 to 9.01 last year.

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Nandlall writes AG on breaches of Registries Authority Act

F

ormer Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has written to his successor, Senior Council Basil Williams, over his apparent breaches of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act 2013 with regards to the establishment of the Boards.

According to the letter dated January 27, 2017, which was seen by Guyana Times, Nandlall referred to several sections of the Act and highlighted the areas where Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams erred.

“It is excruciatingly clear that you are in breach of multiple statutory duties which devolve upon you under the said Act. Your neglect and omissions also open them-

selves to accusations of misfeasance in public office,” the former Attorney General (AG) told his successor in Friday’s correspondence.

Nevertheless, Nandlall called upon AG Williams to rectify the breaches of his statutory obligations and also to forthwith appoint a governing board to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority.

According to Section 3 of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act: “The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority is established as a corporate body with a Governing Board established under Section 5(1).”

That section states: “There is established the Governing Board of the Authority which

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

shall have the function of ensuring the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the Authority.”

Part two of that section added that the Governing

Board shall consist of the following members: a Chairman appointed by the Minister; the Registrar of Deeds; the Registrar of the Commercial Registry; a nominee of the Finance Ministry; a nominee of the Housing and Water Ministry; a nominee of the Guyana Bar Association; a nominee of the Guyana Association of the Legal Professionals; and a nominee of the Private Sector.

Meanwhile, the functions of the Governing Board are laid down in Section 7 of the Act. It includes the hiring, discipline and dismissal of staff; determining their conditions of service and remuneration, including pensions, gratuity, allowances and the general day-to-day operations of the Authority.

According to Nandlall, apart from Section 5(2) (a), which obliges the Legal Affairs Minister to appoint a Chairman of the Governing Board, Section 6 (4) mandates the Minister to also appoint the other Members of the Board, excepting those who are ex-officio.

The former Minister continued in his letter that the life of the last Board came to an end in May 2015 and to date, a new Board has not been appointed. He noted that a new Chairman was appointed in 2016, but this was obviously done after the life of the last Governing Board would have expired.

“There are innumerable administrative problems which are being encountered on a daily basis by the Authority, which no doubt affect its ability to discharge its day-today functions. One involv-

Attorney General Basil Williams

ing the Assistant Registrar of Deeds was widely covered in the news and is now the subject of litigation. Another impasse exists, involving two persons purporting to perform the function of the Registrar of the Commercial Registry. This was also a news item,” he stated in the correspondence.

Nandlall opined in the letter that a Governing Board would have resolved these problems without it attracting media attention. He further sought to address AG William’s reference of the matter to the Public Service Ministry, indicating to him that the employees of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority are not public servants and that the Public Service Ministry holds no responsibility for or jurisdiction over them.

On the other hand, the letter also contained the intent and policy of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act. Nandlall pointed out in the letter that one of the main reasons for creating this Authority was to remove these

departments from Central Government, more particularly, from ministerial influence and to make them autonomous corporate agencies that can hire their own staff on terms and conditions determined by the Authority.

“The ultimate objective was to increase the efficiency and speed with which these departments function,” he indicated in the correspondence.

When contacted on Saturday, the former Legal Affairs Minister explained to Guyana Times that his intention was to highlight his successor’s (Williams’) violation of the letter and spirit of the Act, which he noted is unlawful.

Nandlall noted that the singular objective which underpinned all these changes, such as the insulation from political or ministerial interference and converting the two registries into a corporate statutory body, was make the Authority efficient, but instead the current Minister is interfering with the day-to-day running and management of this authority.

Moreover, Nandlall went on to point out that on Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly, an amendment to the Deeds and Commercial Act will be tabled with the principle objective of amending the law to authorise the Minister to act in the place of the governing board when one is not appointed.

“So this Minister neglects to appoint the governing board as the law obliges him to do then plans to change the law to say that when there is no governing he is authorised to act instead of the board. This is utter madness,” he posited.

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

THE “UGLY US Marine Security Guard activated at Embassy AMERICAN” T

By Ryhaan Shah

T

he “ugly American” is a term often used to refer to American citizens, most often abroad, who are loud, brash, arrogant, ignorant and egocentric. For a whole body of Americans, President Donald Trump embodies these traits and they feel that he is exporting this portrait of themselves and their country to the world.

The term comes from the novel “The Ugly American” written by William Lederer and Eugene Burdick, which was made into a movie in 1963 Ryhaan Shah starring Marlon Brando. The plot exposed the behaviour of Americans in Southeast Asia who were corrupt, blundering, boastful and incompetent, and who backed impractical projects that would serve the interests of American contractors, rather than the local population.

In Trump’s book “The Art of the Deal”, he personalises these very traits as a businessman and the book’s ghost writer Tony Schwartz did not support Trump’s campaign because from his upclose vantage point, he had concluded that Trump cared about nobody but himself. In an interview with The New York Times, Schwartz said that Trump lied strategically and that since most people are constrained by the truth, this indifference to the truth “gave him a strange advantage”.

Trump’s preference for communicating via Twitter is explained by his short attention span which has left him with “a stunning level of superficial knowledge and plain ignorance,” Schwartz stated.

These character traits were exposed during the election campaign when Trump’s narcissism, racism and sexism became regular talking points. But he won, has been inaugurated and on the first day in office took to Twitter to complain about the news media misrepresenting the crowd size at his inauguration. He claimed it was the biggest ever of any inauguration.

That was a lie but his obsession with claiming everything of his as the biggest appears an over compensation for areas in which he feels he falls short; or else, it exposes an authoritarian mind-set where crowd appeal matters more in domination and power than constitutional legitimacy.

He now wants an investigation into electoral fraud. Electoral rigging, and authoritarianism and its sickening sycophancy – the US sounds like a Third World country like, say, Guyana.

The US news media and political elite are most concerned about Trump undermining their democracy and questioning the legitimacy of the US government, and they expect their concerns to be taken seriously.

Yet, they can hardly be unaware about the “ugly American” policies undertaken abroad by their government and what this means for countries like Guyana. However, it is unlikely that the US will be prompted because of this first-hand experience to rethink their policies of enabling election rigging, authoritarianism and dishonest government in other countries in order to secure their national interests.

It is unlikely because they are the world’s superpower and it is, as Trump believes, all about furthering their selfish agenda.

While Americans are protective about their democracy, the authoritarianism that threatens Guyana again – and their suspected role in creating this situation - will hardly register as a concern for them. Guyana is nothing, if not a dispensable pawn in a high-stakes game for valuable oil reserves. However, the US media’s watchdog role in protecting the freedoms and principles of their democracy might have incidental fallouts and discoveries that could favour our country’s interests.

Greenpeace USA has joined the US media that have published reports on the possible conflicts of interest that incoming US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will face over the ExxonMobil oil find here.

Greenpeace USA has stated that Tillerson will most likely hire staff who will represent his position while negotiating in Guyana. “The unavoidable outcome of this is friendlier rules for Exxon, rules that prioritise production over the environment and corporate comfort over social justice,” Jesse Coleman of Greenpeace USA writes.

The “friendlier rules for Exxon” uncovered might well include the trampling on democracy and democratic processes in order to keep a government deemed “friendlier” to ExxonMobil in a “frontier” location, as Guyana is called.

This might be seen as intolerable in the current climate of widespread opposition to Trump, which already includes demonstrations from women and environmentalists.

Trump begins his presidency with the lowest popularity rating of 40 per cent of any newly elected US President, and America and the world are in for a roller coaster ride dictated by Trump’s Twitter messages, his conspiracy theories and, mostly, by his disdain for truth. Ever the showman, he probably believes he is the star of the biggest reality media show ever. While many Americans are appalled by his show, just as many more think the “ugly American” is just what they ordered.

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

he United States (US) Embassy in Guyana on Friday activated the Marine Security Guard (MSG) programme here.

US Ambassador Perry Holloway joined Commanding Officer Jennifer M Farina; Gunnery Sergeant Angel M Rodriguez, MSG Detachment Commander; ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and members of the diplomatic community in a ceremony steeped in tradition to honour the activation of the programme at the Embassy, located in Georgetown.

Holloway Ambassador thanked the Marines for

Members of the US Marine Security Guard in Guyana

their service and recognised the seriousness with which they take their duty to protect personnel, facilities and classified information.

The Ambassador welcomed them to Georgetown and the

Embassy community, noting that in his previous posts, the Marines have been a vital component in building comradery among all stakeholders.

The Marine Corps has a

long history of cooperation and serving with distinction with the Department of State. Marines currently serve 148 embassies and consulates around the world.

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall’s audit up to Auditor General, Communities Minister – Trotman

E

ven as moves to increase taxation and other revenue earning schemes continue to be rolled out by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), there still has not been any move to have an audit carried out, and Central Government has again backed off, saying it cannot dictate the affairs of the Council.

Even so, taxpaying citizens of Georgetown and stakeholders continue to call for a financial analysis of the Council’s Treasury, but Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said any such call should be made by the Auditor General and the Communities Minister.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing late last week, Trotman said while the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) came into office “riding on the wave of transparency and openness” and while the City Council is currently in the process of producing a bud-

get to Government, the question on whether there has to be an audit should be answered by the Communities Ministry and the Auditor General. He again made the

wards the restoration of local government.

“There is the expectancy of transparency and accountability.

While we encourage it, we cannot de-

City Hall, Georgetown

distinction between Central Government and local government, noting that one of the strong positions taken by the APNU/AFC Government is that it should work to-

mand it,” he told the media.

Meanwhile, Trotman said persons who are paying their rates and taxes must demand a higher standard from both

their Central Government and local government, including Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Councils.

With the introduction of the new parking meter system and increased service fees for some businesses and vendors, the need for a forensic audit is needed more than ever before.

City Hall is also said to be in a financial jam, as it recently requested a $600 million bailout from Central Government.

However, Government, through Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, made it clear that the municipality would not be getting that money.

Two months after the Local Government Elections in March 2016, calls were heightened that with a new Council, an audit should be done. The call was made after the new Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had said that the Council was broke. That was never done.

Younge’s Take Turning tables

O

ver the past two weeks, senior Government functionaries, including President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo have heaped praises on a slew of policies that are currently being implemented by the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government.

They have argued publicly and privately that Guyanese will benefit in the long run from the hard decisions that are being taken by the Coalition which are necessary to set “Guyana on the right path” in order to establish a green economy which will create more economic opportunities and wealth for its people.

Additionally, the Ministers and regional representatives, as well media pundits associated with the Government have maintained that things are good in Guyana when compared with what obtained under the previous administration. One member of the Government has Michael Younge even had the temerity to say that Guyanese are certainly enjoying the good life, peace and unity under the ruler ship of the Coalition, which has returned public decency, high levels of accountability and transparency to the people and good governance.

Unfortunately, those views and positions articulated by the Government are not shared by the general Guyanese public. In fact, anyone who seeks to defend such views amongst the ordinary working class citizenry are likely to be viewed as delusional and an enemy of truth.

Simply put, things in Guyana are getting from bad to worst. The levels of uncertainty which obtained following the 2015 elections have all but diminished. There is no social cohesion amongst the populace and those gains which the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic fought for with regards to fostering national unity via various policy platforms appears to be lost. Renewed forms of ethnic discrimination, racial divisiveness and sexual orientation intolerance are rising again after a long hiatus under former PPP administration.

A remarkable situation is developing for the first time in this country’s history where the middle class is facing extinction, while the poor are becoming poorer. The public is being taxed into poverty as the Government pursues ‘textbook socioeconomic’ policies which it is hoping would solve many of the prevailing problems facing Guyana’s now lethargic economy. Private and foreign investments are declining, while the Finance Ministry is struggling to keep inflation down, the dollar stable and foreign debt minimal. Unemployment remains high and no new forms of incentives are being rolled out to trigger a turnaround, even in the face of mounting dissatisfaction on the part of youths.

President Granger and his Cabinet also appear to be incapable thus far of turning the fortunes of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) around or providing the guidance and assistance needs to create more dynamism and vibrancy in the rice industry.

Small and medium scale miners are now threatening to protest a series of poorly thought out and burdensome tax measures being implemented by the Government, which will lead to higher levels of tax evasions and lower levels of declarations. Cash crop, livestock and agricultural farmers are also struggling to survive, as markets for their produce are collapsing as demands decrease, which in turn is having a domino effect on their local economies.

Also, there is controversy and friction between the Government and the Judiciary at every tier. Despite the recent assurances given by the Prime Minister Nagamootoo who distanced himself from attacks on the substantive Chief Justice and Acting Chancellor Carl Singh. Regardless of his rhetoric, the public believes that he was forced to save face after being called out for his Government’s emboldened attacks on various judicial officers. After all while the State’s sole newspaper was striking against Chancellor Singh and others, he remained quiet. Silence is complicity.

Crime continues to thrive surprisingly under a highly militaristic Government, which demonstrates high levels of intolerance in other areas. Almost every day businesses are robbed and Guyanese families left broken after the lives of some of their loved ones are snuffed out because of the wanton and dastard acts of criminals. Police remain in ‘reserve’ mode and appear still in reaction to crime.

Our politics still stink and the Government appears indifferent to the stench. Friction continues between the Opposition Leader and President with little hope of improvement, unless official talks on a number of issues commence immediately with the aim of building consensus, unity and shared national interests.

Parliament has been reduced to a rubber stamp with the Government refusing to give way and accept suggestions, as well as changes to legislation from the Opposition.

Decent, right-thinking and honest Guyanese are not happy.

Coalition supporters are not happy. At least two junior Coalition partners, including the Working People’s Alliance Party are not happy.

This is not the Guyana Guyanese had hoped for when they voted at the May 2015 elections. And this is not the picture the President painted while campaigning in the lead up to the elections. This state-of-affairs cannot continue.

Citizens must do all that is legally and lawfully necessary to turn the tables and put pressure on the Government to do more and deliver the ‘good life’ it promised.

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SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Houston fatal shooting

Relatives claim dead bandit was “no thief”

3 busted with ganja

… Police says dead man fingered in robberies

O

ne day after a bandit was shot and killed by a businessman during an attempted robbery at Houston, Greater Georgetown, his relatives are holding out that he was no thief.

Gary Koster, 38, of Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was shot twice on Friday.

It was reported that Koster, along with an accomplice on a black and grey CG motorcycle, CH 2167, had trailed a 48-year-old businessman of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara and attacked him, but in retaliation the businessman pulled out his licenced .32 Taurus revolver and discharged several rounds in the direction of the alleged bandits.

The house belonging to the now dead man

home in Diamond, EBD, when she received a telephone call from her son’s wife, who informed her that he was shot and killed.

She immediately rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic

“I ain’t swearing, I don’t know because children is people and when they leave you, you don’t know what they would do…

I don’t know” – dead man’s mother said.

One of the bullets struck Koster to his left-side temple and another to his neck, while his accomplice fled the scene on foot.

At the home of the dead man, his mother, Desiree Koster-Dainty told Guyana Times that she was at her

Centre where her son was taken only to find his motionless body lying on a stretcher.

“I don’t know… all they tell me is some robbery and meh son was there, I don’t know what to say… I ain’t swearing, I don’t know because children is people and

when they leave you, you don’t know what they would do… I don’t know,” she cried as she stood in front of her son’s house on Saturday. In the same breath, she said that her son was “no thief.”

She however stated that her son, who is reportedly a vendor, was in the process of building his house. On this note, she explained that after the shooting incident, the man’s wife reportedly removed all the household items from the house.

The aggrieved mother nevertheless called on the Police to investigate the shooting incident thoroughly.

An aunt of the dead man said she last saw her nephew alive about a week ago when he visited her at her home. She described him as a “law-abiding citizen”.

While at Norton Street,

Bagotstown, an uncle who asked to remain anonymous recalled the now dead man leaving home at about 13:30h. At the time, the uncle was looking after a radiator, but as usual, Koster never says where he was going.

While he could not vow for the deceased’s way of life, he noted that there are certain things he cannot comment on, but was sure that he lived a life to suit himself.

The uncle also could not confirm if his nephew had any run-ins with the law.

Meanwhile, the Police have confirmed that the now dead man was fingered in several armed robberies.

At the scene on Friday, the Police retrieved one 9mm and three .32 spent shells.

The one 9mm spent shell, Police disclosed, was fired from a gun the dead man’s accomplice was carrying.

During the attempted robbery, the gunman dealt one blow to the businessman’s face, while at the same time discharging a round but the bullet missed its intended target. It was at this time, the businessman whipped out his firearm and fired three shots, with two hitting Koster who fell to the ground.

The Police are hunting for the second bandit who escaped in the bushes through the Mc Doom area.

The marijuana that was found in the cabin on a vessel at Port Kaituma

T

hree persons, including a man and his reputed wife, were arrested late Friday evening and Saturday with large quantities of marijuana.

In the first instance, a West Ruimveldt, Georgetown man, who was under Police radar for quite some time, was nabbed in Port Kaituma, North West District on Saturday with almost 1.4 kilograms of marijuana stashed in the cabin of a vessel he was operating.

The 23-year-old man, who is an employee of a public transportation agency, had the illegal substance wrapped and taped in three parcels. The discovery was made at about 13:30h when the Police swooped down on the vessel.

Meanwhile, a 29-yearold man and his 18-yearold reputed wife were on Friday evening arrested after Police conducted a search on their home at

The illegal substance that was found in the house at Mocomoco, Lethem

Mocomoco village, Lethem and unearthed three kilograms of cannabis.

Based on reports received, Police ranks acting on information went to the home at about 18:30h and requested to conduct a search, during which the illegal substance was found in a salt bag. The trio is expected to be charged in the new week.

16 news

SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

AFC yet to clear $43M campaign debt – as Gaskin announces intent to stand down as Treasurer

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) is in $43.4 million debt, due largely to their elections campaign. This was revealed by outgoing party Treasurer and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, when he made his address at the fifth Biennial Congress at the Vreeden-Hoop Primary School, West Bank Demerara on Saturday.

Gaskin related that for 2016, the party’s accumulated surplus stood at a negative $14.2 million, down from $16.8 million in 2015 and $8.4 million the preceding year. According to Gaskin, the party had purchased the building housing its headquarters in Kitty, Georgetown in 2014 for $18 million, contributing to that debt.

Gaskin related that the party borrowed $14 million from a local bank. He also related that renovations had to be done to the building. The Minister stated that the building’s value is now $34 million, with an outstanding mortgage of $11.3 million.

“Now these figures are taken from the draft of the audited accounts. And what they indicate is a decrease in our net assets.

And this is due largely to a

Business Minister and outgoing AFC Treasurer Dominic Gaskin

huge campaign debt that we would have incurred.”

“We had purchased that building in 2014. That building cost us $18 million. We had to borrow $14 million from the bank to finance that purchase. We set about renovating the building, because it was an old, worn out building.”

Gaskin related that at the end of the period the party’s liability, mostly from the campaign debt, stood at $43.4 million. He noted that this was largely responsible for the party’s negative figure.

Gaskin pointed out, however, that in the interim dating from 2016 some claims and debts have been

reduced, with some being covered by their coalition partners. Gaskin was optimistic, however, that the Party would show a positive figure by their next audit.

“Some of the campaign debts have been reduced.

Some of the claims on us have been dissipated, so to speak. Some of those outstanding debts have also been paid-off by our coalition partners. Because having come to us and not gotten any relief, they went to the other party and some of them have gotten some relief.”

Stepping down

Gaskin meanwhile took the opportunity to announce that he was stepping down as party Treasurer, effective from February when he has completed the audited accounts for the year 2017.

According to Gaskin, the AFC constitution does not allow the Treasurer to be a Member of Parliament.

“This is the last time I will be standing at a national conference, delivering the Treasurer’s report. This is my last term as Treasurer. I will be handing over a complete set of accounts, depending on how the transition goes, I believe I will be able to see this through until the end of February.”

TURN TO PAGE 18

news

17

SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anna's

I came, I saw, I bulldozed

T

he creation of a democratic state has been a slow process in post-independent Guyana. With 28 years of rigged elections, a Police State and the repression of civil and human rights, the subjugation of Guyanese in 1966 merely transitioned from colonial grips to a dictatorship.

Nearly three decades of PNC dictatorial rule and a metamorphosing global landscape are vital to understanding the current state of Guyana’s human development, stunted by limited resources, brain drain, an underdeveloped industry, Anna Correia unemployment and ethnic politics. The reticence to abide by democratic principles and to strengthen democracy in national institutions is also a non-negligible factor in assessing the negative impact that governments have had on our development. Yet, democracy is key to consolidating the fissures of ethno-political differences among Guyanese a curse from which we are yet to emancipate ourselves - as it provides scope for social inclusiveness which in itself forms part of the greater ambition of social cohesion.

And it is exactly to a more socially cohesive society that the Coalition had ardently pledged itself in 2015, going so far as to create a subject Ministry which, unfortunately, hasn’t proven its worth. However, the actions and position of the Coalition to date diverge significantly from its initial promises. The recent parking meter fiasco for instance, speaks to the unwillingness of the Government to provide a forum for participatory democracy, much less space for a socially cohesive society.

Instead, it prefers to bulldoze its way through the objections of the Guyanese people in pursuit of its anti-poor policy-making.

The lack of transparency, blatant corruption, cronyism and high-handedness surrounding Smart City Solutions and the installation of parking meters in Georgetown, smack of disregard for the democratic will of Guyanese across political creed. That no consultations were held prior to the implementation of the project is indicative of the M&CC’s complicity in selling out Georgetown deliberately at the expense of the people.

Similarly, the imposition of regional flags which have been overtly rejected by RDCs, testifies to how the Coalition bullied the people, shoving another useless policy down their throats.

At a time when the economy has contracted, investments have decreased, traditional sectors are collapsing, taxes have been scandalously augmented and social welfare policies have been stripped from the people, this Government audaciously prioritises the creation of regional flags, nine of which boast the colours of the APNU/AFC. It matters not to the Communities Minister that the process of FPIC was overridden, that there were no multi-sectorial consultations, or that RDC’s reject the flags. In like manner, FPIC was not enacted when the Government designated the borders of regional townships.

But if this administration is allowed to attack democracy as it has been doing since it acquired Office, it is partly because the civil sector, the media and the activists who supported the Coalition in 2015 for a more transparent and accountable government, are now silent on matters of national concern.

The case of the Region Nine official who was recently accused of sexually abusing a member of his own party, highlights the partisanship of organisations such as Red Thread which at no point, condemned the multiple allegations emanating from victims. The organisation which has accompanied the victims in their search for justice, was barred from meeting with the Social Protection Minister. Instead, a representative of Red Thread was summoned last Wednesday to a meeting with Minister Ally, after reportedly being solicited

by PNC officials in what is believed to be part of the bigger plot to contain the matter. The print media also refused to investigate the claims of the victims with the exception of one newspaper that chose to give the accused a voice.

This goes to show that the Government will continue to trespass on democracy with ease as long as those who have the responsibility to hold it accountable relent on their obligations. It will continue to bully its way as long as we the people remain complacent.

And it is this complacency that is the gangrene of a backward society. Too many are silent for fear of repression thereby giving too many the privilege to bully.

“Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered), said Julius Caesar after his military victory on the Kingdom of Pontus.

Hundreds of years earlier Alexander the Great is believed to have pronounced the same words upon laying eyes on the Hindu Kush. Words of great men celebrated for their imprint on history.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

18 news

SunDAY, january 29, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

As fury mounts among small miners … Trotman commits to continued engagement

G

overnment will continue to engage local miners, even as the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has threatened mass protests unless a meeting with the President is granted.

This commitment was made by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman during the National Executive Conference (NEC) at Vreed-en-Hoop on Saturday, as he sought to pacify the miners. Trotman was asked for Government’s response to the miners. He cited “miscommunication” as a possible cause for the dissent.

“There have been a number of engagements, both with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Finance, with GRA. And I believe we will continue to engage.”

“Obviously there is some amount of miscommunication. And this is not the im-

position of taxes on miners; this issue has to do with the collection of taxes, in terms of Tributors Tax being deducted from wages and salaries, in the same way that public servants have their taxes deducted from their salary.”

According to Trotman, some workers pay their fair share, while others do not, but are benefiting from the State’s facilities. He said this was the Finance Ministry’s way of ensuring compliance with more persons who previously did not pay. Trotman expressed hope that “maturity, good sense and patriotism” would prevail.

Trotman also responded to claims that he did not respect miners. According to the Minister, this was not so, as is evident in his Administration’s support for the gold industry and its solid production figures.

“So we’ll have arguments from the very small miners, who say that the GGDMA,

the big miners, are not respecting them. We have large companies say that they deserve more. So what we’re saying is very good production, which means Government is providing the necessary atmosphere and playing field for good production.”

On Friday, the GGDMA had a meeting at its headquarters on North Road, Georgetown. According to reports, the miners agreed that a letter would be published and also posted to President Granger, informing him of their concerns.

Reports indicate that the miners settled on a two-week deadline for a response, failing which they would organise peaceful mass protests.

It is reported that slowing down production as a form of protest was also suggested, though this was mooted in favour of their request for a meeting with President David Granger.

Earlier this week, Granger

left for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in The Dominican Republic.

According to the new regulations, as announced by Government, certain goods and services will now attract Value Added Tax (VAT). In addition, the Tributors tax will be increased from 10 to

20 per cent, with a two per cent tax on gross earnings.

In addition, miners will now be required to file Income Tax at the end of the year. These terms have been criticised by the GGDMA since they were announced.

During the Budget 2017 debates in the National

AFC yet to clear...

Assembly, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had warned that these adjustments to the mining industry will bring about uncertainties as miners will be subjected to greater tax.

He had noted that this will not augur well for the gold industry and will create hardships for small miners.

FROM PAGE 16

He noted that this would be to ensure that the handing over is complete and that whoever the new Treasurer is, would have a clean slate and up to date, audited accounts.

The Business Minister also withdrew his name from the list of candidates for the National Executive Committee, citing the need for someone new to enter the race.

The AFC formed a coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Head Office

However, in January 2016, when the new AFC Head Office, named “Centre for Change” had opened, the then party Leader Khemraj Ramjattan did not reveal that the building was purchased via mortgage, but rather sang praise to businessman Lloyd Singh whom he said was a major financier of the building.

As a matter of fact, during the opening ceremony, Ramjattan asked Singh to stand and be acknowledged, to which Singh complied and replied, “Khemraj ah know y’all

The AFC headquarters located in Kitty, which opened its doors last year

got fuh get ah building. Ah know of something.”

Ramjattan told the gathering that Singh gave the AFC the advance money for the building.

sunDAY, january 29, 2017

S

erena Williams beat sister Venus in straight sets to win her seventh Australian Open and an Open-era record 23rd Grand Slam singles title.

Serena, 35, won 6-4 6-4 to pass Steffi Graf in the alltime list of major winners since the Grand Slams accepted professional players in 1968.

The American regains the number one ranking from German Angelique Kerber.

Australia's Margaret Court, with 24, is the only player still ahead of Serena in terms of Grand Slam singles titles.

"Congratulations Serena on number 23," said Venus, who at 36 is the oldest Australian Open finalist in the Open era.

"I have been right there with you, some of them I lost right there against you.

It's been an awesome win.

"I'm enormously proud of you, you mean the world

Serena Williams (right) beat her sister in straight sets to set a new tennis record

to me. I, God willing, would love to come back. Thank you for all the love."

Serena paid tribute to her sister, who was playing her first major final for eight years, saying: "There's no way I would be at 23 without her. There's no way I'd be at one without her. She's my inspiration.

"She's the only reason I'm standing here today. She's the only reason the Williams sisters exist.

Thank you for inspiring me.

Every time you won this week, I felt like I got a win too."

Serena went into the match as a strong favourite, but the tension was ap-

parent as early as the third game when she smashed a racquet in frustration, receiving a code violation.

She had broken serve in the first and third games only to hand the advantage straight back each time, three double faults inexplicably littering a desperate game for 2-2.

T

he Bank of Nova Scotia for the ninth consecutive year has strengthen its highly successful relationship with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S. The Bank recently handed a sponsorship cheque valued at $762,000. for several programmes to be organised by the Club and its eight cricket teams during 2017.

RHTY&SC has set itself a target of 450 for the year under the sub-headings of sports, coaching, charity, religious, awards, antisuicide, anti-drugs, anticrime, education, youth and community development, jobs for youths, social among others.

Long serving Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the relationship between the two entities as very productive and successful. The sponsorship includes trophies for the

Scotiabank Marketing Executive Jennifer Cipriani hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Executive Member Mark Papannah while Club members Sohan Harry and Simon Naidu look on

Club’s 27th annual award ceremony scheduled for April, co-sponsorship of the annual youth review magazine, Tribute to Outstanding Teachers programme, Essay Competition for youths under the Say No/Say Yes Campaign, purchasing cricket

balls for Cricket development programme and the hosting of the annual Bank of Nova Scotia Say No to Suicide Children Mash Parade.

The success of the Rose Hall Town based Club over the years, Foster noted is because of the outstanding

relationship it enjoys with numerous entities like the Bank of Nova Scotia and the described the Bank as a foundation of the Club over the years.

Foster made special mention of the Cricket Development programme

19

It was clear the six-time champion was struggling to settle, with 13 unforced errors in the opening five games, while elder sister Venus kept her under pressure with some deep hitting.

The decisive move of the set came with a superb drop volley followed by a thumping forehand winner from Serena to break for 4-3, and this time she managed to consolidate on serve.

In contrast to the opening stages, the following nine games went with serve - Venus recovering superbly from 0-40 early in the second set - but it was Serena who was creating the chances.

She finally capitalised on her sixth break point of the set with a brilliant return to lead 4-3 and followed it up with her best service game of the match for 5-3.

The crowd on Rod Laver Arena had been backing Venus from the beginning as she tried to win a first major title for eight years,

and all the more so as defeat loomed and she appeared to struggle physically.

There was a huge cheer when she held serve to force her sister to serve out the match, but Serena recovered from 15-30 to earn match point and fell back on the court in celebration as her sister sent the ball floating wide.

Saturday's final was the 28th instalment of the sisters' on-court rivarly, which began at the Australian Open back in 1998, with Serena now 17-11 ahead and 7-2 up in Grand Slam finals.

Venus, who turned professional in 1994 and has won five Wimbledon and two US Open titles, insisted she was not too disappointed after reaching her first major final since 2009.

"No, because I guess I've been here before, "she said. "I really enjoy seeing the name 'Williams' on the trophy. This is a beautiful thing." (BBC Sports)

which has been the cornerstone Club’s success on the cricket field. This programme would be expanded to include more under 15 players and females as the Club strives to maintain its status as Guyana Cricket Club of the Year Awardee, which it won for the 5th time in December 2016.

The Children Mash Parade would be held on February 23 and would involve over 600 students drawn from the Rose Hall Town Primary School, Belvedere Primary, Tain Primary, Port Mourant Primary, Rose Hall Town Nursery, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary and New Amsterdam Secondary School.

The main objectives would be to promote the Say No to Suicide message, to celebrate Guyana’s 47th anniversary

as a Republic and to inform youths that the gift of life is precious, the Bank on an annual basis also invests in the Club’s Tribute to Mothers Programme, Christmas Village project, Charity project, annual cricket academy and in 2016 stood the cost of publishing a 40 pages booklet on the history of Rose Hall Town as part of the township’s 46th anniversary celebration.

Special thanks was expressed to the Bank’s Marketing Executive Jennifer Cipriani for her cooperation since 2009.

Cipriani, an awardee of the clubs’ highest award, the Dolphin Award of Excellence hailed the Club as a role model organisation which the Bank was proud to be associated.

The Bank of Nova Scotia, she stated is fully aware of its corporate responsibilities and over the years has invested heavily in sports, education and cultural activities.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, january 29, 2017

By Romario Samaroo

O

Winners Row! The jubilant group of winners, organisers and sponsors of the 24th annual Ricks and Sari 11-Stage cycling race

n Saturday at the inner circuit of the National Park, Alanzo Greaves had a wonderful start to the 2017 cycling season, taking the feature race in the 24th annual Ricks and Sari 11-race programme despite facing difficulties with his machine throughout the race.

In optimum racing conditions, Greaves who suffered two punctures during the race, crossed the finishing line in a time of one Hour 18 minutes and 10 seconds (1:18:10), a head of the other 22 riders.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport at the conclusion of the race, the jubilated rider expressed his pleasure in managing to pull off this feat while recapping on the progression of the race.

“Into the 10th lap, eight guys broke away, myself, Marlon Williams, Silvio [Innis], Shaquel [Agard] and a few others, we kept on riding and Jamaul John kept attacking every time a prime came up, so we kept rotating the pace all the time but in about the 7th lap I got a puncture and had to borrow “One hand” bike… I jumped on the bike back and had to chase the guys back. Me an Alanzo Ambrose broke away again and going into the last lap of the race I got a puncture again so I just up my bike and kept on going from Alanzo and when I got into 300 meter into the turn my bike start lose control so I had to actually stop and take my time to come into the line,” Greaves stated.

Greaves finished in front of Alanzo Ambrose in second, Marlon “Fishy” Williams in third, Jamaul John in fourth and Shaquel Agard in fifth.

John won four primes while Christopher Griffith won two and Greaves and Innis won one a piece.

The Roarima rider informed this publication that while off season saw a lot of the riders not riding, he never stopped training which gave him the advantage over the other riders.

Meanwhile in the other races, the BMX Boys 6-9 year class was won by Jerrad Barrington while John Niles returned in second in the two lap race. Tushan Garbaran won the 12-14 years category ahead of Alexander Leung in the three-lap race as Job James copped third. Jomar Holigar also won the same even in the opposite gender.

Alexander Leung returned to win the 9-12 year division ahead of Job James and Jermaiah John in second and third respectively.

Shane broune won the Mountain bike race in a time of 13:53 seconds for the 5 lap affair as Romello Crawford copped the Juvenile race ahead of Christopher Cornelius and Nigel Dugid.

Warren McKay won the Veterans under 50 race in a time of 11m44s as he was trailed by Sybourne Fernandes and Leer Nunes while Andrew Spencer won the over 50 division.

Alanzo Greaves

T

he fourth edition of the Republic Cup which is organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. takes place from February 3 to 5 at various venues in the city. Registration is ongoing and teams are asked to confirm their participation on or before Thursday February 2.

Entries can be made through Russel Jadbeer on 225 4802, Mahendra Hardyal on 623 2704 or Samuel Kingston on 619 5103 or 692 8815.

The tournament will be played in the open and masters’ (over 40) categories with an entrance fee of $50,000 per team in each category. According to organising secretary of the GSCL Inc, Kingston, the first eight teams in each division will be accepted.

The winning teams are likely to take home a trophy and $250,000 while the losing finalists will walk away with $50,000 and a trophy once the quota of eight teams per category has been met. Kingston

Samuel Kingston

said that there will also be prizes for the Player of the Match in the finals as well as the MVP in both divisions.

The open category will be played with the supreme balls and only round handed bowling will be allowed while the masters’ segment will be played with the white ball and both round hand and wrist bowling will be accepted.

Each team is required to submit a list of 15 players at the time of registration while passports will be used to verify the age of players in the masters category.

Everest CC, Eve Leary, DCC, GNIC and GCC are the venues identified for the preliminary games on February 3 and 4 while the finals will be played at Everest CC on February 5.

sports

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In soppy conditions at the National Park Rugby Field the practice matches were played at high intensity with everyone seeking to book a trip to Hong Kong

“We just have to get fit” – King

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By Akeem Greene

rguably one of the fastest wingers in the National Rugby team, Patrick King is in firm belief that the unit needs to get fully fit if they are going to pose any threat at the 2017 Cathay Pacific /HSBC Hong Kong Sevens from April 7-9.

King, who spoke to Guyana Times Sport on Saturday after the Green Machine held their first trials for the team at the National Park, was blunt in assessment as to what is needed to improve if they are going to make a lasting statement at their third outing at the prestigious event.

“Hong Kong is one of the biggest sevens tournaments in the world and the men just have to work and get fit, if you can’t run 14 minutes of rugby it makes no sense you play, so fitness is one of the key areas we have to improve,” the winger stated.

The team which won their eighth Caribbean Sevens title last year in Trinidad and Tobago, are keen on improving their speed, as the level of play at international tournaments is vastly different from that in Caribbean tournaments.

He explained, with trainer Barrington Brown, we are doing a lot of speed work, so actually we have included athletics training in this programme and he is doing a very good job; all the players are working on speed, the speed is getting better and that is one of the advantages for us in the Caribbean that our entire team has high speed levels.”

Commenting on the work done by the players done thus far in preparation, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) player is enthused about the level of play.

“The entire team is really looking strong, the new guys are showing a lot of interest, which is a positive since allot of times the big guys who play 15s don’t turn up but they are here now which is good,” the player disclosed.

Seasoned player Avery Corbin, also expressed similar sentiments, stating that “the team fitness level is 70%, we started early with the trainer which is good for us so we will only get better.”

Both King and Corbin made a call to government and corporate entities to give more support to the team since they are returning with results and with more support, they can only get better.

A preliminary squad for the trip is expected to be named soon.

The players who were called to the trials were: Rondel MacArthur, Avery Corbin, Rockford Cummings, Sean Phillips, Ryan Gonsalves, Peabo Hamilton, Godfrey Broomes, Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Dwayne Schroeder and Elwin Chase, Jamal Angus, Osei McKenzie, Lancelot Adonis, O’Neil Charles, Ryan Dey, Troyton Braithwaite, Kevon David, Akeem Fraser, Akieno James, Daniel DeAbreu, Kevin Wills, Lloyd Anderson, Rashad Butcher, Glenroy Poole, Quacy Kendall, Kesto Mars and Michael Barrow.

Anamayah Memorial Basketball continues today in Berbice T

he annual Anamayah Mem orial Basketball Competition will continue today in Berbice at the Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court where New Amsterdam Warriors and Smythfield Rockers clash from 16:00h.

The competition began last Sunday with the improving Rose Hall Town Jammers sinking defending Fyrish Black Sharks 43-35 in a keenly contested encounter.

In addition, Hopetown Stealers of West Coast Berbice have been added to the list of teams which has taken the tally to six teams in the tournament.

Stealers will be joined by defending Champions Fyrish Black Sharks, Rose Hall Town Jammers Basketball Club group one while the other group comprises of two New Amsterdam teams -Smythfield Rockers, New Amsterdam Warrior and Ithaca Hardliners of West Bank Berbice The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, where the winner will play the runner up of the other group. The two winners will then contest the final and the losers play for third place.

At stake in the competition will be cash and other incentives for the winning and runner-up teams and outstanding players.

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guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, january 29, 2017

Petra/Limacol round-robin knock-out football

Eagles FC Kelon Primo

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Eagles soar with 2-1 win over Uitvlugt

rayon Bobb’s goal in the 17th minute for Uitvlugt was not enough to stop Eagles FC from soaring to a 2-1 victory on Friday evening at the Leonora Stadium, West Coast Demerara.

The West Demerara champions held the early advantage as marque national player Bobb, kept the opposition’s defence on their heels with his attacks down the left-wing.

Eagles eventually found the break through when Kelon Primo took on two defenders, slotting home the equalizer from the right side in the 36th minute.

The second half was interrupted with a lengthy delay due to a power outage at the venue but soon as the action resumed, the Linden unit picked up from where their left off, pressing at the Uitvlugt backline.

The winning strike eventually came in 69th minute off the heels of Primo once more, solidifying his team’s dominance in the second half.

In the second game of the evening which

was dubbed the West Demerara derby, Den Amstel eased to a 2-0 win over Pouderoyen.

Gideon Payne gave the lead in the 29th while Andre Hector in the 53rd, added to the woes of Pouderoyen, who were never able to recover.

The action continues on Monday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Bourda, where Winners Connection clash with Northern Rangers from 18:30h followed by Police Fc against Camptown from 20:30h.

The top teams complete for a $500,000 first place prize while second to third will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively. In addition, the top teams in the groups will be rewarded $100,000, $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000.

Other than title sponsors Limacol, the organisers have also managed to gain the support of Bank DIH under their GT Beer brand, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall.

Admission to the venue is $500.

Eagles’ Randolph Lewis (partially hidden) battles for possession with an Uitvlugt player (Marceano Narine Photo)

GABF League Championships 2017…

T

he Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association continued the hype of the League Championships 2017 on Thursday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue with both Guardians team demolishing their opponents as three more exciting matches concluded.

In the first match of the night, Plaisance Guardians U-23 made light work of Pacesetters U-23 thanks to Anton Fileen (12 points), Terrence Daniels (16 points) and Jared Sears (13 points) who steered their team with an 80-53 victory.

In the first period, Guardians were on another level as they amassed 22 points, 15 points more than their opponents. The second half was no different as the score line read 42-16 at half time.

The interval worked for the Pacesetters who scored 13 points in the third period but the Guardians maintained a sizeable lead after the third quarter which ended 48-29. Pacesetters needed a big final period to secure a victory that seemed unlikely, but having registered their best quarter with 24 points, they succumbed to the pressure put on by Guardians as they again scored 19 points to comfortably win the match.

In the second match, the growing crowd at CASH saw the University of Guyana Trojans suffering defeat at the hands of Bounty Colts in the senior match of the night. Shelroy Thomas led the troops with a match high 29 points as his team raced away to a 69-55 win. Akeem Kanhai tried to save his team with a 17point game.

Colts took the first period comfortably 11-5 and extended that lead by two more points in a high scoring second period.

The third period saw both teams evenly matched with 16 points in that quarter but Colts were still eight points ahead. UG rolled over in the final quarter to surrender the game, going down 2115 to lose by 14 points. Nikkoli Smith, 27 points and three assists and Kwame Fox, 20 points stunned a depleted Eagles senior team as Plaisance Guardians trashed them 108-67.

The contest got off to a flying start with both teams scoring double figures but still the Guardians were leading by 13 points and continued that momentum throughout the match. The second half saw Eagles slip further behind with an 18-23 second quarter but the Eagles were completely shot out of the match as Guardians registered a massive 33-point period, extending the lead further to 32 points, a gap far out of redemption for Eagles.

Eagles were unable to reduce the deficit by scoring just 16 points, but Guardians sunk 25 points to sail home and cap off a good night for the club.

Three more games are expected to be played at the same venue on Sunday as Colts clash with Pacesetters and Eagles play Guardians in the Under-23 contests and Ravens taking on Nets in the open category.

sundAY, january 29, 2017

WICB/ Regional Super50 2017

CCC Marooners skipper, Jamal Smith, is bowled

by Devendra Bishoo (not in photo)

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fter

guyana-times.com

two

disappointing performances, the Guyana Jaguars managed a win against a confident Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners unit on Saturday at the Kensington Oval in latest West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Super50 action.

All-rounder Raymond Reifer was instrumental with the bat for the Jaguars in a strong reply to a small total set by the Marooners. His 67 from 67 deliveries, inclusive of nine fours and a solitary six, batting at an unusual number three position was the main force behind the Jaguars’ eight wicket victory.

They reached 130-2 to seal the match, with Rajendra Chandrika (43 not out) who came in for the out of form Shimron Hetmyer and skipper Leon Johnson on two. Chandrika and Reifer shared a partnership worth 117 runs before the latter was dismissed.

Assad Fudadin was the other batsman to get out, falling for eight.

Christopher Powell and Jermaine Levy claimed a wicket each for the Marooners.

Earlier, the students won the toss and opted to bat, scoring 129 all out 44.5 overs.

Veerasammy Permaul was the leading bowler with 3-19 from 10 overs while Devendra Bishoo

23

and Ronsford Beaton improved from Barbados Pride on Wednesday. the first two games to capture two In the other match, Barbados Pride apiece. Steven Jacobs was once again also defeated ICC Americas by eight economical as he collected 1-28 from wickets. Batting first ICC Americas were 10 overs while Christopher Barnwell also restricted to 104 all out as Ashley Nurse took one wicket. captured 4-26 while Pride responded Marooners were set back after their with 105-2. top batsman so far this season, Amir Two Group A matches are on today Jangoo fell for naught to Beaton in just with defending champions Trinidad the third over. Kyle Corbin and skipper and Tobago Red Force taking on Kent Jamal Smith with 28 and 25 respectively were the only CCC Marooners Bowlers-Beaton8-023-2 batsmen to get innings(Maximum 50 overs) (w-1), Jacobs 10-1into the 20s.

28-1, Reifer5-0-21-0, J Smith *+ b Bishoo 25 Due to the A Jangoo c +Bramble b Permaul10-1-19-3(w-1), victory Jaguars Bishoo7.5-28-2 (w0 Beaton 1), Barnwell 4-0-9-1 gained five K Corbin c(sub)Hetmyer b points, four for Beaton 28 winning and a V Mohan c Beaton b Jacobs 13 Jaguars innings (Target 130 from 50 overs) bonus point.

R Hinds c Permaul b Barnwell 18 The defeat A Fudadin c +Smith b Powell 8 C Burton c Jacobs b Permaul 6 was the first R Chandrika not out 43 8 for CCC in three M Deyal lbw Permaul R Reifer c Jangoo b Levy 67 16 matches while N Henry lbw Permaul L Johnson* not out 2 9 Harding b Bishoo

K on the other Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-6, nb-1) had it was C Powell run out (Chandrika) 1 Total (For 2 wickets, 26.3 1 Jaguars first J Levy not out 130 overs) win after three Extras (w-3, lb-1)-4 Did not bat -A Bramble, C Total (All out, 44.5 overs) 129 attempts.

Barnwell, S Chanderpaul, S Jacobs, V Permaul, D J a g u a r s ’ Fall of wickets- 1-5, 2-49, Bishoo, R Beaton next outing is 3-59, 4-73, 5-87, 6-98, 7-110, Fall of wickets -1-8, 2-125 on Monday 8-123, 9-126, 10-129 Bowlers-Powell7-1-28against ICC 1(w-2), Harding4-1-13-0 Americas while (w-1), Mohan1-0-8-0, Marooners Henry2-0-15-0, Levy6.3-0-28will face 1 (w-3, nb-1), Deyal6-0-35-0

SCOREBOARD

Spitfire at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground from 09:00h while the Leeward Islands Hurricanes battle the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Coolidge Cricket Ground from 13:30h.

Suliemann Benn fielding at leg slip takes a catch to remove Nikhil Dutta at the 3W’s Oval

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol round-robin knock-out football

Eagles soar with 2-1 win over Uitvlugt Pg 22

Part of the action between Den Amstel (white) and Pouderoyen at the Leonora Stadium

Serena beats Venus Pg 19

WICB/ Regional Super50 2017

to set Grand Slam record

Jaguars roar to first win

Pg 23

‒ Pride beat ICC Americas

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