Guyana Times Daily

Granger engages Guyanese Diaspora in The Bahamas P12

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

Issue No. 3142

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, March 4, 2017

PRICE

Declining economy

Jordan admits manifesto VAT reduction promise unrealistic …calls for more local manufacturing to boost economy Seamstress, pensioner killed in separate accidents

Pages 7&9

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Grangernomics austerity is political gimmicks” – economist P10 Page 3

Bandits invade WBD Chinese restaurant Page 9

Campbellville man wanted for fraud P7

…toy gun left behind

100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian indentureship in Guyana

Arsonist torches Berbice businessman’s vehicles P2

Trinidadian P8 fined, deported for hotel scam Top Cop’s brother’s murder

Main suspect arrested, P9 positively identified Region 5 farmers bemoan condition of access dams, bridges P2

The National Cultural Centre came alive on Friday evening for 'Garv Aur Izzat' (Pride and Dignity), at the official launch of activities to commemorate the abolition of Indian indentureship in Guyana. In photo, the audience was intrigued by mesmerising cultural performances (inset)

Procurement regulations

Staff shortage cannot be an excuse for breaches – Ali … as Region 10 Chairman cries foul over lack of staff

Page 7

New dormitory for hinterland students P13

2 news Region 5 farmers bemoan condition of access dams, bridges R saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ice farmers living in the Mahaica Creek, Cane Grove areas in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) are complaining about the deplorable conditions of the many access dams and bridges in the area.

Farmers, particularly those using the Huntley access dam on the left bank of the Mahaica River, have voice their frustrations over the deplorable conditions of the dam. They described the access dam as impassable,

deteriorating and muddy.

Rice farmers who spoke with Guyana Times explained that they have no other choice than to use the Huntley access dam to venture to their rice fields.

Currently, over 30 farmers frequent the area and over 500 acres of lands are under rice cultivation.

When ask if there are any more access roads, farmers said no such access exists; lamenting that many times, tractors often become stuck in the muddy pathway. Rice

farmers are preparing for harvesting in the area and are already faced with many challenges. Scores of them are pumping water from their fields; and as such, they have to use the access dam to get to their fields.

They have also commented that they are worried about the prevailing condition of the dam and what will happen when harvesting commences, questioning how the harvesters would reach the area.

They are therefore call-

The current condition of the Huntley Access Dam

ing on the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to rend assistance to rectify the dam.

“We really need the dam to fix, tractor passing

over and over and are often stuck, the condition is making us face more struggles in the rice industry, we need some excavating work to be done” Daleep Esreepersaud, a farmer explained.

Farmers have also echoed calls for the Agriculture Ministry through the NDC to assist in mobilising an excavator to assist in the maintenance of the Huntley Access Road. They have also requested for the bushes at the side of the access road be cleared, allowing the dam to be wider for traversing vehicles. In the past, rice famer conducted private works on the access dam, however, they are requesting Government’s assistance this crop.

Arsonist torches Berbice businessman’s vehicles

The brunt vehicles

A

man was caught on camera as he threw a substance on two vehicles belonging to a Berbice businessman, before setting them alight.

Reports are the man was seen approaching the vehicles belonging to M Ali and Son Supermarket at Main and Pope Streets, New Amsterdam, at about 02:20h with a bottle in his hands on Thursday.The vehicles – a Toyota Prado and a Toyota Camry – were valued in excess of $12 million. Guyana Times was told that the lone security guard was asleep.

According to one eyewitness, the man who lit the fire was at the time carrying a gun. Reports are that after the first vehicle was set ablaze, the guard awoke and raised an alarm. Persons in the area rushed to the aid of the security as there was a number of cooking gas bottles in close proximity.

A bucket brigade was formed but this was not sufficient to put out the blaze which was being fuelled by the flammable substance which was thrown on the vehicles. Police have since inspected the surveillance footage as they investigate.

Meanwhile, in July 2015, two bandits went into the supermarket and took away money, phone cards and a licensed firearm.

In October of the same year, bandits broke into M Ali Supermarket and Gas Station at Strand and after taking what they wanted, set the building on fire.

Last year, a female employee of the business was found guilty of stealing.

She was sentenced to one year in prison and also fined $500,000.

On Republic Day 2017, the woman was pardoned by President David Granger.

(Andrew Carmichael)

news

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 4 – 09:00h-10:30h and Sunday, March 5 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 4 – 08:00h-09:30h and Sunday, March 5 – 09:00h-10:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while light rain showers can be expected in the later afternoon. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tide: 08:38h and 21:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.56 metres and 2.40 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:10h and 14:42h reaching minimum heights of 0.71 metres and 0.68 metres respectively.

Declining economy

Jordan admits manifesto VAT reduction promise unrealistic

… calls for more local manufacturing to boost economy

W

ith already poor production levels of the sugar and rice industries, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has called for increased local manufacturing to help boost the economy.

Discussing Guyana’s fiscal status and the reasons behind the implementation of several taxes in the 2017 National Budget, Jordan said Government had to take several stands as it seeks to stabilise an economy that is not yet at that place where it needs to be.

The Finance Minister said the Administration came into Government with the pressure of the expectations of increased wages and salaries by citizens, the pressures of the dwindling sugar industry and an economy that is not growing as rapidly as one would like it to. He said the traditional sectors have also not been performing as well as they should, and as

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

told journalists at a press conference on Thursday.

According to him, Government must diversify as quickly as possible

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

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FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 06 08 16 21

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such, some amount of diversification must be had.

To this end, he called for increases in the local manufacturing sector.

“Very little manufacturing activity takes place in Guyana… the last number I looked at manufacturing, without sugar and rice milling contribute a mere five per cent to [gross domestic product] GDP, which is very low,” Jordan

since it is difficult to meet all claims in the manner they are made. He said Guyana cannot continue to borrow, which will in effect incur debt on generations to come Speaking on the implementation of taxes, Jordan said the moves were necessary to boost an economy.

He said in order to get the economy going, taxes must

be generated.

“I don’t want to do what I think most people are doing which is isolating [Value Added Tax] VAT,” Jordan said. According to him, VAT as a tax has to be seen in a context. He said in putting forward its economic policy as outlined in Budget 2017, the Finance Ministry had to set up a scheme where it could ascertain how much revenue could be collected and how much deficit financing could be indulged in. Knowing that, he said, would give an idea of how much could be borrowed abroad and locally.

“We have to generate

the taxes and income from the economy even as it is growing,” he said.

Speaking about the revenue, Jordan said Government had promised in its manifesto that it was going to do a number of things, including reducing VAT. However, he said in hindsight, it was found that it could not have been done within the first 100 days. He said immediately after assuming office, it was suggested that this could not have happened. He said the problem was further compounded by three critical expenditures. These include the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). He said it was just a few weeks being in office that the new Administration came to understand the magnitude of the GuySuCo’s troubles and the extent to which it would require domestic financing to keep it afloat. Added to that he said was the collapse of the Venezuela market, where millers and farmers were getting a favoured price, but because of the issues, the farmers were left stranded without payment. Jordan also spoke too of the aggression Guyana faces on the external front which required new funding to aid in the diplomatic assistance.

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017

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

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

Motor racing on high wave A

fter the installation of floodlights at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) facility in the capital city, Georgetown, this popular sporting entity was in for business. Predominantly, cricket has taken the lead as our favourite sports in Guyana, but motor racing continues to wave high having seen resounding successes.

Their continued and annual participation in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships also demonstrates the eagerness the sport generally possesses and the rewards over the past three decades epitomize the massive growth and accomplishments.

Thousands of motor racing aficionados turned up at the sports’ main venue at South Dakota Circuit also is a testimony for the popularity we have come to witness; the sports is making steady and magnificent progress to be the leading one.

The latest introduction of Go-Kart competition at the venue in the country’s capital really signaled the profound interest that this organization has to make this less-intense racing producing some thrills and skills.

Even this is a minority to the more gigantic motor racing events, it already attracted overseas competitors only to enhance the standard that has quickly been achieved.

The monthly Rental Endurance Race for 600 and 500lb categories was already deemed successful and eventful while the inaugural GT Motorsports further portraying the sports’ beauty and deep followers after the Club was flocked with die-hard spectators.

Newly elected President Rameez Mohammed must be complimented for all these initiatives and more importantly keeping the cohesion of the sports flourishing.

Well, they say new broom always sweeps clean, let us hope that Mohammed is frequently attending his drawing boards for new ideas.

Past bossmen of the organization would have encountered an assortment of difficulties and were able to tackle them in an effective manner.

But what has transpired so far really shows that Motor racing has gone immensely high.

Needless to say the enormous amount of money that is injected into this expensive sport and these rich men never seem daunting as they continue to exhibit their fancy racing vehicles and go-karts.

After the completion of those two Go-Karting activities, Mohammed spoke enthusiastically about the racers and the spectacle it created. He also stated that his fellow executives would have done a dedicated job to make the event a reality.

When plying their trade whether in local or international competitions, vehicles tend to be dismantled after the conclusion because of the ferocious nature of the actions.

But yet again, we see the continuation of love and zeal for motor racing. They are refurbished and run again.

Guyana can be argued strongly as one of the best motor racing countries around the Caribbean and Central America because of not only for its accomplishments but also for its consistency with sporting events of all magnitudes.

The other car categories certainly provided rich entertainment and no doubt the men on the Super bikes churned out similar performances to entertain the crowd.

The Guyana Motor Racing fraternity is indebted to super bike racer Kevin Graham for his unwavering and passionate contribution. He would have started to ride at a very young age for Guyana and never stopped until the age of 43. He led Guyana to numerous victories and his experience was vitally important to help the Guyanese contingent hopes alive at Dover Park, Jamaica or Bushy Park in Barbados on a yearly basis.

All three tracks on home soil, Bushy and Dover Parks are totally different in shapes and dimension and what Graham and Vieira had done on them was remarkable!

Graham rode with confidence and emerged victorious before Vieira took over and splendidly continued the winning streaks for Guyana. In all divisions we are seeing racers waving the chequered flags continually.

Antigua carnival at cricket during the 1st ODI Match between West Indies and England at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, North Sound, Antigua on Friday

Political maturity and the way forward Dear Editor, I am surprised that the main point of my letter on political maturity seems to have been lost, most recently by Mr. Bisram himself. My main intention in the previous letter was simply an academic perspective on various points raised. The bottom line remained that no system would fully work for Guyana unless the political leadership is mature enough to want it to work. As my letter was not taken issue for the academic points, let me clear up the main misconception that has emerged. I do not, in any way, support the Burnham constitution, nor do I dismiss constitutional reform with a mere ‘whatever’. Having studied and read many constitutional systems, my argument was specifically academic to the notion that all acceptable constitutions must be approved by the people, as there are numerous examples of this being the exception.

But that is now beyond the point here.

As the response to my letter seems to be along the lines of my apparent support for the Burnham constitution and my apparent dismissive attitude to constitutional reform, let me offer the following clarification: I do agree that constitutional reform is needed, and while we made progress on this in the 1990s, we fell short of taking the bold steps towards ensuring a constitution which seriously provided for inclusive and effective governance. That phase of reform did a lot to

decrease the excessive powers of the president, but it did not go far enough in terms of popular representation and the establishment of a distinct system of checks and balances in line with our modified Westminster system.

I am sure the memory of the super congresses of Local Democratic Organs, which merely rubber stamped the orders from Forbes himself, is still fresh. These useless institutions were done away during the last wave of reform, still we cannot be said to have a truly representative system.

Our constitutional structure, at least where the executive and legislative are concerned, can be effectively reformed on paper, and we need not look further than our past constitutional instruments to serve as a foundation while pulling some existing systems to build on it, such as: 1. An elected President who holds ceremonial responsibility, as was the case in our 1970 constitution. The improvement should be that like Singapore, the President should be elected by the people at separate elections, with candidates not running on parliamentary party platforms. This may be difficult in the early years, but in time we can have a Head of State who is responsible to the People acting as a check to the Government, which should be acting in the best interest of the people.

2. In order to not be dictated to by the whims of an

autocratic Government, the President should be reposed with certain reserve powers, including acting as custodian of the financial reserves, to prevent the excessive and vulgar spending outside of the yearly budget, as we have been seeing with the salary increases for ministers and the Jubilee Stadium which is now literally a gold elephant (you can’t spend all that money and still call it a white elephant).

2. A return to a constituency system wherein each constituency elects a Member of Parliament and the President invites the leader commanding the support of the majority of members in the House to be Prime Minister. This way, all individual MPs, even the PM, is responsible to the ordinary man and woman who elected them. The example for this is there from our pre-1964 constitutional instruments. The people should have the power to petition for a recall of their MP if they are not being properly represented. The National Assembly would therefore be a truly representative body - at least more representative of, and responsible to, the people than it is now.

3. At the last round of constitutional reform, the idea of reintroducing the Senate was flirted. I do not think that we need a Senate for two reasons: (a) If the Senate is appointed using the formula in many of our sister Caricom states, then it will literally be a rubber stamp for the governing party, and (b) if the

Senate is elected, we would be paying two groups to do the same work.

4. Parliament should reserve the right to impeach the President, and to move a motion of no-confidence in the elected government, and the existing formula for this is sufficient. We cannot have an impartial Head-of-State, who must fear for his or her job when executing his/her responsibilities effectively, even if it clashes with the Government, nor should the people’s representatives be so insulated from the popular support that put them there should that support change.

Of course there are many more facets and proposals we can make at many levels, and we must make them. The important thing to remember is that we have the foundation to work from - at least where constitutional documents are concerned. Nevertheless, as I had maintained in my first letter, the ball would be in the court of our leaders to show political maturity. That is where I stand, and where I have always stood.

To answer the question where I have been all this time, I have been here studying, witnessing, understanding our political history, and my timeline didn’t begin in 1953, or 1964, or 1980, or 1992. I have been looking politically from whence we came since the 1600s, and where we can go in the future. That is where I have been.

Sincerely, H J Carter

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

Open letter to Guyana/China diplomatic relations President Granger, Finance Minister Dear Editor, Mr President during your election campaign, you promised “A Good Life for All” – by adding Value Added Tax (VAT) on education is your referral to a good life? I can vividly remember when you and your Ministers walked the streets pleading with the citizens to support you and the promises you made, but like the great legend said: “Promises are a comfort to a fool.” Unbelievably, you were quoted in the media as saying that you sympathise with the families and students who will be faced with the tax on school fees, “but there are other things that will be explained by the Finance Minister”.

How can you have any sympathy for the persons who are going to bear this burden Mr President? When every parent, including students, are appealing to and your Government to reverse the decision and you turn a deaf ear and a blind eye. As a parent and a student, I find this act by your Administration callous and ruthless. Knowing there was a call for a protest on February 28, 2017 your Government used a known news entity on February 27, 2017 announcing the “Removal of VAT on education fees”, two days after there was a backpedal on that. Please bear in mind Mr President you were elected by the people, to serve the people!

I am appalled to know some persons are contending to the fact that “they went to public school and they turned out ok”, I also attended public school and yes I did turn out ok, but in my days you did not have the lack of teachers for various subjects. We had mature men and women who acted as role models in our lives. Today I can reminisce on some of the advice and teachings I received from persons like Henry Rodney, Ms Fung, Ms Peters, Ms Seeta Coonja, Ms Sarah Doodnauth, etc. Sadly, the same cannot be compared today. Most of these graduate teachers can be found

teaching in private institutions today.

Mr Winston Jordan, Honourable Minister of Finance, I would like to bring to your attention that adding 14 per cent VAT on private tuition – because the private schools are non-compliant with their taxes – is not going to be a burden to the private institution, it will be an added burden to the parents and guardians like myself. We are already faced with VAT on water, light, medical, grocery; the list can go on and on. You mention that the schools and parents should find “creative” ways into paying this tax; do you care to explain how this is possible? I have already received a notice from the private school my child attends informing me about the VAT at will be added to the school fees including the current term since this tax is effective. The schools will in no way be affected by this new tax law since they will pass on the cost to their customers. Therefore, Mr Jordan with all due respect, stop insulting our intelligence. You and your fellow Ministers were all given a 50 per cent increase in salary, therefore you must find a way for sustaining your super salary, and by doing so you place the burden on the poor working class Guyanese. We pay PAYE from our salaries before it is given to us, we pay VAT on all our services needed, food items, medical bills, and so much more. Where will we get the income to supplement and sustain our lifestyle? “We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle” – Winston Churchill In closing, Mr Winston Jordan, Minister of Finance; and Mr David Granger, Honourable President of Guyana, that “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time” – Abraham Lincoln.

Sincerely, A Ramoutar

Dear Editor, Permit me to respectfully offer a response to the aforementioned articles featured in a certain section of the print media during the period February 23rd to 25th, 2017. It is unfortunate that I have to describe the contents therein as irresponsible journalism and lacking in professional journalistic objectivity, which is premised substantially on a basis of assumption. Professional journalism ought to be centred upon irrefutable facts, especially those which have been established by investigation. I cannot agree more with the response published by the Chinese Embassy in their defence: that the accusations made are unsubstantiated, and that legal action may be pursued. I would say that is the correct and appropriate course of action for the Chinese Embassy to take on this matter. In fact, I would even suggest that legal action be seriously pursued. I read the articles with interest, and could not find any evidence cited, hence my position on this matter.

Diplomatic relations between Guyana and China were established since 1972, and the two countries have enjoyed an extremely cordial and fruitful friendship. China has emerged quite rapidly as one of the world’s most powerful countries, and has made dramatic advances economically and industrially to have attained its current global dominance and power today.

Guyana has, for many years, benefited tremendously from China in more ways than one. China has provided invaluable assistance to Guyana’s healthcare system, as well as its infrastructure, such as the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal. During 2010, Guyana benefited from a US$8M grant for projects in the social sector. These are just a few examples cited to substantiate my contention.

Overall, Guyana has received both technical and financial aid spanning all the various economic sectors.

Dealing with the matter at hand in regard to the accusation made against the

Chinese Embassy and the argument put forward by some that the Chinese businesses are making local businesses less competitive has absolutely nothing to do with the Chinese, and much less with the Chinese Embassy.

Most obviously, the Chinese import their goods directly from China; and being a country which is known to be a ‘cheap labour’ country and the largest producer of goods and services in the world, it is therefore quite logical that goods emanating from this country directly will be far more competitive on the market. It is noteworthy to mention, too, that most of the goods branded in the US by multinational US companies are in fact manufactured in China for this very reason.

Local businesses, on the other hand, purchase most of their goods from the US directly, and those goods would therefore be less competitive against the Chinese goods.

With respect to the claims of fraud by Customs/GRA, whereby it is claimed that Chinese containers are not

checked, an investigation needs to be launched within the Customs body and the GRA to ascertain what the reasons are. It could be a matter of procedural loopholes, or there could very well be genuine and legitimate reasons.

Unless a deeper investigation is launched and concrete evidence emerges, such an outrageous and baseless allegation should not be made in the public domain against the Chinese Embassy. As a consequence, this could potentially harm the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that is a development that should be avoided at all cost. Again, in this regard, I will refer to the China/United States diplomatic relationship as an example. The US and China don’t always see ‘eye to eye’ on international matters affecting the two countries, yet they have to find satisfaction in compromising.

Yours faithfully, Concerned Citizen

Prison Service refuses assistance on training Dear Editor, The Central Advisory Services of Guyana and Barbados wishes to express its regret in relation to the offer made to the Guyana Prison Service, based on a needs assessment done by the agency, to have a former FBI Agent and a Former Director of the Bureau of Prisons to travel to Guyana free of cost to conduct a one week specialized training programme for senior ranks of the Prison Service.

Even though the offer was made since November 2016, and despite the CVs of the two (2) proposed pre-

senters being sent to Prison Admin, Admin did not have the common courtesy to even send to CAS an acknowledgement letter.

In our letter to the Prison Director, dated November 2016 and copied to the subject Minister, it was requested that a response should be forthcoming within 30 days, in order for CAS and its international associates to confirm arrangements with the presenters, who in turn must seek approval from the US State Department.

Regrettably, three (3) months later, not even an acknowledgement letter has

been received.

Despite this development, CAS and its international associates will continue to do whatever it can to help the Criminal Justice System in Guyana know it’s riddled with defects. It is also public knowledge, by virtue of my instrumentality, that the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Defence Force, ranks of the Police Force, GRA, Presidential Security, Guyana Energy Agency, GPL, and others too numerous to mention benefitted from specialized training on Security, Investigations and Intelligence. This was

also made possible through my colleague, well known Criminologist Mr. Errol Vanooten MSC, BSC, ASC, who later served as task force head of the Ministry of Home Affairs under Mr. Rohee.

I again reiterate my commitment and that of those serving under my command, who are all former members of the disciplined service, to assist in the fight against crime, and our full support to the Government of the day.

Yours respectfully, Allan Robert Gates

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Foundation

H

ow do you remember the way to your friend’s house? Why do your eyes blink without you ever thinking about it? Where do dreams come from? Your brain is in charge of these things and a lot more.

In fact, your brain is the boss of your body. It runs the show and controls just about everything you do, even when you’re asleep. Not bad for something that looks like a big, wrinkly, grey sponge.

Your brain has many different parts that work together. We’re going to talk about these five parts, which are key players on the brain team: * cerebrum * cerebellum brain stem * pituitary gland * hypothalamus The biggest part: the Cerebrum The biggest part of the brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum makes up 85 per cent of the brain’s weight, and it’s easy to see why. The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain and it controls your voluntary muscles – the ones that move when you want them to. So you can’t dance – or kick a soccer ball – without your cerebrum.

W h e n y o u ’ r e thinking h a r d , you’re using your cerebrum. You need it to solve math problems, figure out a video game, and draw a picture. Your memory lives in the cerebrum – both

short-term memory (what you ate for dinner last night) and long-term memory (the name of that roller-coaster you rode on two summers ago). The cerebrum also helps you reason, like when you figure out that you’d better do your homework now because your mom is taking you to a movie later.

The cerebrum has two halves, with one on either side of the head. Scientists think that the right half helps you think about abstract things like music, colours, and shapes. The left half is said to be more analytical, helping you with math, logic, and speech. Scientists do know for sure that the right half of the cerebrum controls the left side of your body, and the left half controls the right side.

The Cerebellum’s balancing act Next up is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is at the back of the brain, below the cerebrum. It’s a lot smaller than the cerebrum at only 1/8 of its size. But it’s a very important part of the brain. It controls balance, movement, and coordination (how your muscles work together).

Because of your cerebellum, you can stand upright, keep your balance, and move around. Think about a surfer riding the waves on his board. What does he need most t o stay balanced? The best surfboard? The coolest wetsuit? Nope – he needs his cerebellum!

Brain Stem keeps you breathing – and more Another brain part that’s small but mighty is the brain stem. The brain stem sits beneath the cerebrum and in front of the cerebellum.

It connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord, which runs down your neck and back. The brain stem is in charge of all the functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood.

Part of the brain stem’s job is to control your involuntary muscles – the ones that work automatically, without you even thinking about it. There are involuntary muscles in the heart and stomach, and it’s the brain stem that tells your heart to pump more blood when you’re biking or your stomach to start digesting your lunch. The brain stem also sorts through the millions of messages that the brain and the rest of the body send back and forth. Whew!

It’s a big job being the brain’s secretary!

Pituitary Gland controls growth The pituitary gland is very small – only about the size of a pea! Its job is to produce and release hormones into your body. If your clothes from last year are too small, it’s because your pituitary gland released special hormones that made you grow. This gland is a big player in puberty

too. This is the time when boys’ and girls’ bodies go through major changes as they slowly become men and women, all thanks to hormones released by the pituitary gland.

This little gland also plays a role with lots of other hormones, like ones that control the amount of sugars and water in your body. And it helps keep your metabolism going. Your metabolism is everything that goes on in your body to keep it alive and growing and supplied with energy, like breathing, digesting food, and moving your blood around.

Y

our mom says not to drink soda at night because the caffeine will keep you awake. And she says she “needs her caffeine” in the morning when she’s reaching for her cup of coffee.

So what is caffeine, anyway?

Caffeine is a common chemical

Caffeine is a natural chemical found in tea leaves, coffee beans, cacao (the stuff used to make chocolate), and cola nuts (the plant that gives cola soda its flavour).

Caffeine has been in foods that humans eat and drink for hundreds of years. Today, caffeine is found in many common foods a n d

drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot cocoa, soda, chocolate, and some medicines.

When humans drink or eat caffeine, it acts as a stimulant. Stimulants may make us feel more awake and alert.

Many people drink liquids with caffeine because they think it helps them to wake up and feel sharper. But no one needs caffeinated drinks, especially kids. The best drinks for kids are water and milk, which don’t contain caffeine.

People who drink caffeine every day may start to depend on it. If regular caffeine users don’t get their regular daily dose, look out! People who are used to caffeine and don’t get it can develop headaches, stomach aches, and feel sleepy or grumpy all day long.

What does caffeine do to your body?

Caffeine can cause your heart to pump faster and your breathing to quicken.

You also may notice that caffeine makes you feel hyper.

Caffeine can boost a person’s

Hypothalamus controls temperature The hypothalamus is like your brain’s inner thermostat (that little box on the wall that controls the heat in your house). The hypothalamus knows what temperature your body should be (about 98.6°F or 37°C). If your body is too hot, the hypothalamus tells it to sweat. If you’re too cold, the hypothalamus gets you shivering. Both shivering and sweating are attempts to get your body’s temperature back where it needs to be. (Kids Health) TO BE CONTINUED

energy temporarily, but a lot of caffeine can also cause other, not-so-great effects: If you drink too much caffeine at one time, it can make you feel nervous or jumpy.

Your hands may shake.

Too much caffeine will make it hard to fall asleep, which might mean you won’t be able to pay attention in school the next day.

And too much caffeine can give you a stomach ache, headache, or a racing heartbeat. In fact, kids with heart problems should not drink caffeine because it’s known to affect heart rates and force the heart to w o r k harder.

Do you need caffeine?

Caffeine isn’t a nutrient, like calcium, so you don’t need a certain amount to be healthy.

The United States doesn’t have guidelines about caffeine, but Canada does.

That country’s health officials recommend that kids who are 10 to 12 should get no more than 85 milligrams per day (even less if you are younger than 10), equal to 22 ounces of caffeinated soda.

(But that doesn’t mean drinking that much soda is a good idea. Stick with milk and water most often.)

Cutting the caffeine

If you’d like to cut down on caffeine, talk with your parents. They can help you understand how much you’re getting and help you cut down gradually.

If you like soda once in a while, try to choose one that doesn’t contain caffeine.

Clear lemon-lime sodas usually don’t, but it can be confusing, so check the ingredient list on the label. If you don’t, you might find yourself tossing and turning instead of snoozing and snoring! (Kids Health)

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Procurement regulations

Staff shortage cannot be an excuse for breaches – Ali … as Region 10 Chairman cries foul over lack of staff

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egion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian said the administration of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will not submit to threats of sanctions by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), since he said it is a known fact that the Council is seriously understaffed.

During the monthly statutory meeting on Thursday, Morian engaged the Council on a meeting which he attended with the PAC last week, noting that the administration had been threatened with sanctions over its financial accountability.

“While it is very important for us to meet with the Committee to better the performance of the agency... I took serious umbrage to the fact that, overnight, some of the issues that we’re dealing with in Region 10 as it relates to financial accountability dates back beyond our tenure here... I take umbrage to the fact that the administration of this region was being threatened with

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

sanctions, when for us to execute efficient and effectively we need to have the prerequisite staff,” Morian stated.

The Regional Chairman said he explained to one of the officials that as Chairman of the Council, he will not sit and allow any of the agencies to sanction officers of the RDC when they are aware that the region does not have the necessary tools as well.

He said while the administration is willing to work, these are some of the issues

it has been plagued with.

He said it is disturbing that the agency is looking at corruption from as far back as 10 years ago when the present administration of the RDC was not present.

Morian declared that the region will up its game but will not submit to any sanctions under the present condition.

According to the Regional Chairman, the RDC needs adequate staff to function effectively as he indicated that he felt threatened after hearing about threats and sanctions against the REO and staff when the RDC would have been asking for relevant staff, but to no avail. He added that more disturbing is that “people who were “part of the corruption” are threatening sanctions.” Apart from that, Morian said the Council was advised to improve its Finance Committee but noted that he never called a Finance Committee since he was not in possession of a Terms of Reference (ToR).

He noted however that he has since secured a draft of the ToR, as he announced

Seamstress crushed to death by canter at Parika

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s the number of road fatalities continues to climb, a seamstress was on Thursday evening crushed to death by a canter in the vicinity of the Parika Junction, East Bank Essequibo.

Dead is Bernice Gordon, 54, of Lot 50 Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Reports are the now dead seamstress was walking along the Parika Public Road on her way to collect her daughter, who works at a private clinic in the area, when she was struck by the canter.

As a result of the impact, the injured woman was flung several feet in the air before landed on the roadway. She suffered severe injuries to

Dead: Bernice Gordon

her neck, shoulder and head and reportedly died on the spot.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Oslen Gordon, a son of the dead woman, related that he was in Georgetown when

Campbellville man wanted for fraud

T

he Guyana Police Force on Friday issued a wanted bulletin for Clayton Alexander Allen, 54, of Lot 16 Campbellville Avenue, Georgetown, for questioning into fraud committed on Jeetendra Ram. The fraud reportedly occurred at the Fantasy Auto Sale in December 2016.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Clayton Alexander Allen is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 226-1389, 227-2128, 226-7065, 225-

Wanted: Clayton Alexander Allen

2227, 225-0575, 911 or the nearest Police station.

he received a telephone call from an aunt, who informed him that his mother was involved in an accident and suggested that he head to the Leonora Hospital.

Without hesitation, the young man immediately boarded a bus and headed to the medical facility. As he walked towards that compound, he recognised several of his family members and thought something was amiss. As he got closer, he was greeted with the dreaded news.

The young man further stated that his mother would leave home at about 20:00h to go and collect his sister and they would walk home together. He also recalled that sometime back, one his siblings was killed in a similar manner.

Meanwhile, he explained that the driver, who is allegedly a Police Officer, was taken into custody as an investigation was launched.

The canter was also impounded. A post-mortem examination performed on the woman proved that she died as a result of multiple injuries.

She leaves to mourn her three surviving children. She will be laid to rest on Monday.

The driver of the canter was taken into police custody and the vehicle was impounded. A post mortem was schedule to perform today.

The woman leaves to mourn her three children. One recently died in a vehicular accident also.

that the Finance Committee will now be “moving off”. The Regional Chairman added that the administration was also encouraged to look at realistic budgeting in the areas of health and education.

Henceforth, he said all contracts in those areas must now have the signature of the Finance and Works Committee.

However, the Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Irfaan Ali, on Friday lashed out at the Regional Chariman’s comments about being threatened, noting that the PAC has not issued any threat to any official. He noted that what the PAC did was warn errant officers that breaches highlighted by the Auditor General will not be tolerated.

Ali, in an interview with Guyana Times said, “the

Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian

Finance Secretary has pointed specifically to section of the Fiscal Management And Accountability Act (FMAA) that deals with offences and violation that Act, procurement legislation and other pieces of regulations and

laws that outlines the roles and responsibilities of accounting officers.

He candidly pointed out that the shortage of staff “cannot be an excuse for breaches in the procurement and financial system.”

“Whilst we acknowledge the need to have a full complement of staff, which by the way is part of the PAC recommendation, we cannot use this as an excuse to breach the financial rules and regulations. What all elected officials at the regional level should do, as pointed out by the PAC, is to ensure they have proper oversight of the system. The Regional Finance Committee, Works Committee and tender boards must we effervescent, efficient, proactive and fully functional,” Ali said.

8 news

saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Trinidadian fined, deported for hotel scam

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Trinidadian fraudster was on Friday fined and deported after he was found guilty of incurring debt by false pretence.

Anthony Nester was found guilty by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 28-year-old man defrauded Brandsville Hotel at Cambellville, Georgetown, by incurring a debt of $260,824 between April 1 and 15, 2016, under the pretence that he had a valid credit card to pay for his expenses.

Presiding Magistrate Latchman ordered Nester to pay the money he owes to the hotel in addition to a fine of

Convicted fraudster Anthony Nester

$100,000, or serve a default jail term of 36 months.The Magistrate in her ruling or-

dered that Nester be deported to his country of origin, either after repaying his debts to the hotel or after serving his sentence.Several witnesses, inclusive of the manager of Brandsville Hotel, were called by the prosecution to give evidence during the trial.

Nestor had initially claimed that he is Guyanese; however, investigators revealed that he was lying. On another occasion, between August 15 and 18, 2016, he again incurred a debt of $66,898 at Opus Hotel where he presented a false credit card belonging to Wilfred Brandford.The court, upon his appearance in November 2016 for that

charge, had refused Nestor bail on the grounds that he was a foreigner, hence a flight risk.Legal representation for Nester, Attorney James Bond, had stated that his client is the owner of the soon to be launched “School of Etiquette.”

The accused appeared unrepresented at Friday’s hearing when the Magistrate handed down her ruling. When questioned if he had other matters in his home country, he denied such; however, after the question was repeated to him, the accused admitted his involvement in vehicle matters, relating that the matter is being dealt with by his lawyers in his home country.

2 more suspects remanded for Laing Avenue murder

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wo other suspects allegedly involved in the Emancipation Day execution of former murder accused, Orin Malik David, were on Wednesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and remanded to prison. It is alleged that Howard Rambarose, 25; and Jermaine Jeffers, 24, on August 1, 2016, at Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, unlawfully murdered Orin Malik David. The duo was remanded to prison until March 7 when the case will be called again.

The prosecution is contending that the duo along with two persons charged with the murder of David – Negus Lamaizon and Samuel McIntyre – are currently undergoing a preliminary inquiry before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

Orin David

The alleged trigger man, Samuel McIntyre, was arrested and charged shortly after the murder, while three of his accomplices fled to Suriname.

After almost four months on the run, Howard Rambarose, commonly known as “Spleen”, was arrested subsequent to which he was charged with the

Jermaine Jeffers

capital offence and remanded to prison. He was nabbed

by Police Officers who had received reports to the effect that he had returned to the jurisdiction.Jeffers was arrested on a later date and arraigned.

According to reports, David was shot on the afternoon of August 1, 2016, following a dis-

Howard Rambarose

pute stemming from the payment of monies.

On the day in question, the deceased had a heated argument with one of the suspects whom he had bailed out of jail sometime in 2015. The man then reportedly left and returned with three others and riddling the victim with bullets as he approached the vehicle of the said suspects. The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

David, who is known to the Police, was freed in February 2015, after spending five years in prison for the 2010 murder of Mahaica farmer Lakhram Bishundial. Bishundial was shot and killed during a robbery at Hope Turn, East Coast Demerara.In addition, the deceased on July 12, 2015, was charged with unlawful possession of firearm after he had allegedly tossed a gun in a nearby trench during a Police patrol exercise on July 2015.

The people…

T

…and Venezuela’s border controversy he Government has decided to publicise the facts about the border controversy Venezuela manufactured back in 1962. This decision comes in the wake of the new Secretary General of the UN’s decision to give the “Good Officer” process one more year – then he passes the matter to the International Court for Justice – the World Court.

That’s the route the PPP Administration had decided on and the APNU/AFC Government’s now then supported. So, World Court adjudication has support from both sides of the aisles – not a very frequent occurrence nowadays on matters of law!

But a very vital one when it comes to matters foreign.

It’s also imperative all Guyana get onboard – and public education’s the way to go.

This should’ve been done years ago. The Venezuelans did it so effectively their ridiculous claim has been an article of faith for them to such a degree, no politician dare even suggest the controversy can be settled any other way than Venezuela’s way! Their claim has even been inserted into their Constitution!

We on the other hand know that we won’t give up “even a blade of grass much less a spring cuirass”!

Not a bad start, but what’s the basis of our position? Just because we say so? No…we need to be informed in the matter. The first thing our people must understand is why we should never say there’s a “border dispute” between us and Venezuela, but always a “controversy”. While this may sound like nitpicking – that’s the whole point. Now that we’ve seen Basil Williams base the entire fate of the GECOM Chairman on the meaning of the words “or”, “and” and “other”, we should appreciate the importance of words in legal matters.

A “dispute” is when two or more sides have a disagreement on interpreting a particular fact – but not about the existence of the fact. In the matter at hand, Guyana is saying – and has done so from the beginning – the Arbitration Award which demarcated our border with Venezuela is a FACT. While Venezuela has raised a “controversy” by asserting the Award isn’t a fact since it was void from the very beginning because of “fraud”!!

The Venezuelans then want the border demarcation to be done over again – and of course we have rejected this. At this time then, the matter we have to insist is going to the World Court is the dispute on the Arbitration being “void” and not the substance of the award.

Domestically, this might allow all Guyanese to also appreciate the “controversy” – but not “dispute” – Williams has created on GECOM!!

…and judicial intervention in meter outrage A dead giveaway of a weak position on a claim is when one of the parties in court insists on answering the charges against them with legal technicalities rather than on the substance of the case. It just means they have no case and are trying to bluff their way through. We saw this on the Petition of a Citizen to the Courts to have a stay on the smart-men at Smart City Solutions from locking and seizing the cars of citizens.

On a technicality of the requirement to apply a COURT PROCEDURE which isn’t in place, as the Judge gave in his decision: should the Court be an “ass” to deny to citizens their right to redress for oppressive acts by the City administration? And it is to the credit of our upstanding member of the Judiciary to answer the claim by City Clerk Royston King – with a resounding “NO!!!”

The days when cases were thrown out because a “T” wasn’t crossed, are long gone!! …and private schools It’s no business of the State to tax children’s school fees. If private schools are making a killing with fees, tax them appropriately.

The decision to go after students rather than delinquent schools, smacks of bullyism of the weak.

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

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits invade WBD Pensioner killed in Hadfield Street accident Chinese restaurant

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pensioner was on Friday morning killed after he was struck by a motor van at the intersection of Hadfield and Smyth Streets, Georgetown. The dead man has been identified as 62-year-old Maurice Mosley of Lot 235 Lamaha Park, Georgetown.

Reports are the former meter technician at the Guyana Water Inc was heading to work at Top Branz Distributors when he met

his demise. He was reportedly riding his motorcycle along Hadfield Street when the driver of the van failed to stop at the intersection and crashed into Mosley.

The van was reportedly driven by a Brazilian national. The man was administered a breathalyzer test which proved his blood had no trace of alcohol.

The injured Mosley was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital

Dead: Maurice Mosley

Top Cop’s brother’s murder

Main suspect arrested, positively identified

I

nvestigators have arrested the main suspect in the murder of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud’s brother, who was stabbed to death at the Stabroek Market area nearly two weeks ago.

This was confirmed on Friday by Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Wendell Blanhum, when the Crime Chief told ((Guyana Times)) that the teen suspect was arrested earlier in the day and an ID Parade was held during which he was positively identified as the person who had fatally stabbed 51-year-old Haymant Persaud.

Blanhum, however, noted that the teenager, who hails from ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, has not confessed to the crime.

Nevertheless, he is still being questioned by the Police as investigations continue.

Persaud, a resident of Affiance Village, Essequibo Coast, was murdered on February 19 last. At the time of his death, the man’s identity was unknown. He was clad in a pair of long jeans and a blue and white chequered long sleeved shirt. Slimly built and about 6ft in height, he had had a low haircut and was fair in

Dead: Haymant Persaud

complexion.

It was not until the police had issued a notice on Sunday last, seeking the assistance of the public to identify the man, that Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud realised that is was his younger brother. The Top Cop subsequently positively identified the body at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary.

Based on reports reaching Guyana Times, a woman suspected to be involved in the stabbing death of Persaud was arrested, but was released since at that time the Police did not know the identity of the man.

It is believed that the younger Persaud, who had apparently returned from

the interior, was drinking in the vicinity of Stabroek Market and was spending money lavishly. The female suspect, who was close by, joined in the drinking spree; after which Persaud was reportedly lured to the washroom area at Stabroek Square, where he was attacked by two men, who attempted to relieve him of his money and other valuables.

The now dead man had reportedly put up a fight, but was stabbed by one of the men, who whipped out a knife. Several people in the area reportedly witnessed the stabbing incident and believe it was the female suspect who had set up the robbery.

Further, Guyana Times was told that after the stabbing incident, public-spirited citizens ran to the Guyana Fire Service for assistance in taking the injured man to the hospital, but the ranks on duty at the time refused to render assistance. The ranks reportedly went to the scene, and after they realized he was dead, they left the scene. The ambulance service was then contacted ,and the man was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the van, who is also a pastor, is in Police custody assisting with investigations. At the dead man’s residence on Friday afternoon, his seemingly upset daughter told media operatives that the pastor who struck her father did not even offer words of comfort to the family.

She noted that they received news of the accident at about 06:00h and immediately rushed to the hospital.

Guyana Times understands that after the accident occurred, an injured Mosley was left on the roadway for quite some time before he was taken to the hospital.

The daughter noted that the family is still in a state of shock and disbelief.

Mosley leaves to mourn his five children. The Police are continuing their investigations.

… toy gun left behind

S

everal persons are now in Police custody following a robbery at Oceans Chinese Restaurant, at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

Reports are the incident took place at about 03:00h.

Guyana Times was told that one of the workers was awoken by a strange sound and upon enquiring, was confronted by a group of men who took away his mobile phone after which he was taken into the living quarters where they demanded money and other valuables.

The men were carrying cutlasses, crowbars, knives and a handgun. While in the building, the armed men ransacked several rooms but did not find cash; however, they took away

several mobile phones, a laptop computer and several bottles of high end alcohol. The men then left on foot after which the owner of the restaurant, Suean (only name) contacted the Police.

As the Police arrived at the scene, they found a gun which was dropped by one of the men and it turned out to be a toy gun. However, the toy was dusted for finger prints as the Police continue their investigations.

When contacted, D Division Commander, Leslie James confirmed the robbery took place and that several persons were arrested and are assisting in the investigations. He also confirmed that the instrument used in the commissioning of the robbery was a toy gun.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, march 4, 2017

News

“Grangernomics austerity is political gimmicks” – economist

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usterity measures announced by Minister of State Joseph Harmon on behalf of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, is as a result of its own intransigence and not heeding the advice of experts.

Economist, Dr Peter Ramsaroop has come out against the Finance Ministry under the stewardship of Minster Winston Jordan, particularly over his latest announcement that the 2017 Budget is already in the hole – $38 billion – monies that Government will now have to borrow to meet basic services. The Finance Minister on Thursday, March 2, 2017, advised that the 2017 Budget of $250 billion, currently has a shortfall of $38 billion, monies that will have to be borrowed locally and internationally.

Dr Ramsaroop has since

Economist, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

pointed to the fact that Head of State David Granger has already borrowed $8.4 billion from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) this year and in 2016 in excess of $40 billion was borrowed from local banks by Government.

“At this rate external

debt is already up to US$1.4 billion, getting close to pre 1992 debt which took a decade to bring down,” he told this publication.

According to Dr Ramsaroop, “this austerity has nothing to do with the budget; it is about spending more than you have.

Imagine the Government spent $1 billion alone on first class travels and hotels last year alone.”

He said even under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Desmond Hoyte model, there were only 14 Ministers and would shave close to $700 million off the budget alone. “If the Government wants to manage our economy, rescind the 50 per cent salary increase for Ministers that would save 150 million… Granger Government or as I called it Grangernomics, is basically political gimmicks.”

Minister Harmon, hours after the Finance

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Minister’s announcement in a post-Cabinet briefing, echoed Jordan’s sentiments on the state of the economy and announced cost cutting measures in the public ser-

vice, including the recycling of envelopes.

Dr Ramsaroop has concluded that Jordan has time and again shown his inability to effectively manage the financial affairs of the nation. According to Ramsaroop, “he (Minister Jordan) never ran anything in his life, how would he advise the President.” The collapsing economy can only be blamed on the calamitous taxation policy, anti-business sentiments and basic incompetence Ramsaroop calls the recent announcement that the Government is strapped for money and has to cut back on simple things like envelopes is a result of them failing to heed the warnings of a significant economic collapse due to.

Ramsaroop said Jordan is basically a financial analyst,

President David Granger

not an economist; “He has never run any large agency or business and fails to understand how money is used to make money.”

AK-47 smuggling

5 Policemen now on ‘open arrest’ T

he five Police ranks, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ASP), who were fingered in the investigations of a high powered AK-47 assault rifle being smuggled out of Police Headquarters, Eve Leary on Wednesday, have been removed from under close arrest.

This is was confirmed

by Crime Chief Wendell Blahnum, who told Guyana Times on Friday that the ranks are now placed on open arrest. This means that they can leave the Police compound to go home and return to work, where they will be given desk duties.

Blanhum explained that this was done since the 72hour detention period had expired. However, he noted that investigators are in the process of seeking advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as to whether or not they should institute charges against their colleagues.

The five ranks, attached to the Tactical Service Unit (TSU), and a civilian were arrested following the discovery of the missing high-powered rifle. The civilian remains in Police custody as investigations continue.

Reports are a civilian vehicle was allowed into the compound on Tuesday evening without being searched.

The vehicle reportedly stayed throughout the evening.

However, as it was leaving the compound on Wednesday morning, the vehicle was searched and the weapon was discovered.

After the discovery of the weapon, the mobile phone belonging to the driver was checked and proved that sev-

The AK-47 the Police Officer tried to smuggle out of Police Headquarters

eral calls were made to the ASP. It was based on that information that the senior Police rank was questioned and placed under close arrest.

The very ASP, this newspaper was told, has been fingered in several unprofessional and shady offences, was interdicted from duty several years ago following the murder of Dweive Kant Ramdass in the Essequibo River.

Ramdass was reportedly robbed of millions.

The ASP, who was a Cadet Officer at the time and other ranks were accused of stealing an undisclosed sum of money which they had confiscated. During the trial however, no evidence was given against the Police ranks; as such, they were

reinstated into the Guyana Police Force.

Meanwhile, in addition to the ASP, a Corporal was also arrested. He is the brother of the tattoo artiste who was charged and remanded to prison for the murder of Leelawattie Mohamed; the domestic worker who was gunned down in Tain, Corentyne two weeks ago.

The Corporal was reportedly under the radar of several senior officers. Suspicions of his shady character arose after he was seen driving in and out of the TSU compound with various heavily tinted motorcars. The Police are continuing their investigations into the smuggling of the weapon and it is expected that several other ranks will be implicated.

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

$38M to be spent by Ministry of the Presidency … on beds, microwaves, wardrobes, other appliances

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ne day after Government declared that it is strapped for cash, it has been revealed that millions of dollars have been budgeted for the acquisition of various household items, ranging from beds to dining suites for the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP).

This was disclosed in documents recently submitted to the National Assembly following questions posed

by Opposition Member of Parliament Gail Teixeira during the review of the 2017 Budget back in December.

The Opposition Chief Whip had enquired about certain equipment that Government wanted to purchase for the MotP. While the response to Teixeira’s queries was presented to the National Assembly, it was somehow kept from the media.

However, Guyana Times was able to get a copy of the document which showed that a total of some $38 million was budgeted for these purchases, which are to improve the efficiency of the Ministry.

“The objective of acquiring these equipment is to aid in the efficient attainment of the Ministry’s mandate,” it was stated.

Among the items monies were set aside for were: two beds valued $500,000; three wardrobes total $300,000; dining suites for $2 million; five coffee tables valued $875,000; two suites total $1.1 million; two large refrigerators for $500,000; and eight televisions costing $1.2 million.

Monies were also budgeted for the acquisition of a brush cutter at $100,000; a lawn mower at $130,000; two sets of fans (27 and 28) totalling $1.1 million; five water dispensers costing $375,000 and five electronic kettles valued $127,500.

Other items to be bought include office supplies, security systems and camera and camera equipment.

It was explained that these items will be used to outfit the new departments such as the Department of Environment;

The full list of items to be purchased

National Events; and the MotP, replacing obsolete equipment in the administration and Office of the Climate Change Departments in order to discontinue the rental of photocopiers and printers in the Cabinet Secretariat.

Additionally, it was outlined that MotP will seek to regularise the operations of the gaming authority, which previously operated without any formal equipment or documentation of its business.

This revelation comes on the heels of Government declaring on Thursday last that it is strapped for cash and as such would introduce a number of measures to avoid wastage of State resources and budgetary allocations.

“It means that you have to be a little more careful in

how you spend your money so that it lasts. It means that you have to reuse envelopes. There are several measures which we will circulate to Government Ministries on how they can cut back on expenses,” the Minister of State Joesph Harmon told the media at a post-Cabinet press briefing. According to Harmon, “there are practical measures which will be used by the Government to ensure the austerity that I am talking about and that the monies which you have will last you longer and that you don’t have to go back later in the year (to the National Assembly) for supplementary (funds) so it is really about being very sensible and using the resources which you have to the best of your ability.”

Buyers urged beware of VAT rip offs G

uyanese shopping for basic goods should be careful that they are not conned by “rapacious” businesses who would want to charge more on items that attract Value Added Tax (VAT).

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said on Thursday that in an environment where every dollar saved is a dollar gained, consumers have to be far more conscious with all playing their part in making sure that “these rapacious businesses are either shunned or sidetracked”.

“We all have to become conscious of what is happening. I go back to 2015 when we removed all those taxes from those items. Even then prices remained the same or went up…Even if there was zero tax on any item this year; people would tell you why they have to increase their rates. And because we are unsuspecting customers we just buy and put it in the tray and pay.” He said people will continue to take advantage.

Jordan said while the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance have the responsibility of providing information on vatable and nonvatable items, other similar

agencies have such responsibility.

“You have to admit this is not an issue only for GRA and the Ministry of Finance, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) who says that their members are good folks, the Chambers of Commerce and the Consumer Association, Ministry of business and other stakeholders to make people more aware. And clearly for the buyer. Buyer beware,” he cautioned.

When he made his presentation last year, Jordan had projected a rise in VAT collection of 1.7 per cent, amounting to $36 billion.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has, however, long denounced the Government’s method of taxing its way to wealth

generation. Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, PPP/Civic Member Irfaan Ali has maintained that the expanded areas of taxation would increase the burden on Guyanese and local businesses.

Ali had observed that in relation to pharmaceutical and medical supplies, the cost of accessing private medical service would increase dramatically. But that’s not all. He had expressed that private medical staff such as nurses, medics, laboratory technicians and others may face the risk of losing their jobs, since patients would now be forced to seek medical service from public hospitals owing to prohibitive costs.

12news President Granger engages Guyanese Diaspora in The Bahamas P saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

resident David Granger has engaged the Guyanese diaspora in The Bahamas – where he is currently on a state visit – and has urged them to invest in their country of birth, particularly in the areas of ‘green’ tourism, education, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

In delivering remarks at a reception held in honour of his visit by the Guyana Bahamas Association on Thursday, the President said Guyana has a bright future, especially given its pursuit of a ‘green’ economy and the discovery of oil; and that Guyanese, particularly those in the diaspora, can take advantage of the opportunities presented and invest in the country. “… we are also bent on creating a more entrepreneurial society, and here we have to come to The Bahamas to make entrepreneurship work. Guyana is on the way to becoming a ‘green’ state, and I hope that those of you who are here, if you wish to do so, invest in Guyana.”

He urged for the setting up of tourist companies in order to help the investment in Guyana, and added that the development of information technology in Guyana would teach our children to move quickly into the 21st century of education. “To develop infrastructure, so that we can be able to access some of these areas where we have our tourism potential and

product, we need roads and highways and bridges, and what we call ‘stellings’,” the President said.

The President promised to ensure that Guyana becomes a thriving hub in the Caribbean region, and a place where a good life similar to what is enjoyed by other Caribbean nationals is provided for every citizen. Noting that the present administration, since its assumption to office, has been working to ensure that equality, particularly in the area of education, is achieved, the President said that cooperation and collaboration between the Government and the diaspora in this area can only serve to make the country better. In this regard, the President thanked the GuyanaBahamas Association for its support to the ‘Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Books and Breakfast’ (Five B’s) Programme, which is aimed at removing the barriers to the access to education.

Describing his visit to The Bahamas as an economic mission, the President said that with the anticipated developments in Guyana, Government is looking to strengthen its investment potential and to establish trade and commerce in areas outside of the traditional gold, diamond, sugar, timber and bauxite industries.

“Bahamas is one of the highest per capita countries in the Caribbean com-

President Granger moving around, meeting and greeting attendees at the reception

munity, and we are here to learn how you did that; because we feel that the resources we have in Guyana, although they have served us well for the last century, some of the countries don’t have these resources, but they have come out to be richer than Guyana.

We now have to not only make greater use of those profits of those resources, but we have to diversify. By the time you come home, you will probably hear that Guyana is producing petroleum; and as Eric Williams once said: “Oil don’t spoil”.

But if we don’t manage it properly it can spoil us, and we don’t want to be spoilt.

We have embarked on a programme to make Guyana a green state; we are creating a green state in terms of our environment,” he said.

Referring to the tragic death of Marisha Asha Bowen, who was found dead in her Nassau, Bahamas

apartment on September 9, 2016 with multiple stab wounds, the President said that such violence is not

typical of The Bahamas, and he urged the Guyanese who live and work in The Bahamas to continue to be

good citizens of that country.

Meanwhile, the President of the Guyana Bahamas Association has said that that organisation can become a link between the two countries, to ensure the transfer of skills, expertise and knowledge between Bahamians and Guyanese, and foster greater cooperation between the two nations. The Guyana Bahamas Association was established in Nassau on March 30th 1996.

This event was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahamas, Philip E. Brave, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Fredrick Mitchell.

Veteran’s Affairs CoI

Report handed over to Government

T

he report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) ordered

by President David Granger into the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM) and the Guyana National Service (GNS) has been handed over

by Colonel (retd) Desmond Roberts to Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday.

In accepting the Report, Minister Harmon said Government is fully committed to examining the recommendations contained therein with a view to implementing them as far as is practicable.“His Excellency the President, while we were in the Opposition, as the Leader of the Opposition, did in fact move a motion in the National Assembly speaking about the conditions under which veterans live. We feel when you look around and you look at the conditions under which veterans live, [these] conditions need to be examined, and that was the whole purpose of this inquiry. Going forward, we need to look carefully at the recommendations that were made in the inquiry, and try to implement them as far as

Minister of State Joseph Harmon (right) receiving the report from Colonel (retd) Desmond Roberts at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday

(is) practicable and as far as (is) possible,” he said.

And Colonel (retd) Roberts, in an invited comment, said that while the Report could have been brief, he had decided that the true reality of the conditions under which the veterans exist should be reflected in the Report; and as such, the team had embarked on a countrywide mission in this regard.“What happened is that we decided to go and meet people; so, rather than just speak to the senior people, we decided to speak to

people who are actually in the field. We spoke to veterans, we spoke to organisations, we spoke to almost 200 people; so it was a quite interesting exercise, and we (heard about) all kinds of problems, all kinds of issues, and we tried to put (those) together as a comprehensive analysis in the Report,” he said.The Commission visited Regions One, Two, Five and Six, and the main military bases (Sewayo, Stevenson and Ayanganna) to interact with and get the views of current officers. The Commission also worked closely with the Guyana Veterans Legion and the Regional Offices to reach out to as many veterans as was possible, including those in the hinterland and overseas.

The Commission investigated and made recommendations in the areas of living conditions, current pensions, medical benefits, injuries on the job, and compensation, among other issues.In 2015, at a Remembrance Day reception, President Granger had announced the convening of a National Veterans’ Commission to look into the living conditions of veterans and make recommendations for improvements. On that occasion, he had also announced the return of a fixed annual State subvention for the Guyana Veterans’ Legion.

news

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

New dormitory for hinterland India High Commission students Abolition of Indian indentureship

hosts commemorative dinner

A section of the gathering at the inaugural dinner of Guyana’s 100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian indentureship

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he High Commission of India on Thursday evening hosted the inaugural event of Guyana’s 100th anniversary of the Abolition of Indian Indentureship.

The month of March marks the suspension of the indentureship scheme, which brought an end to the importation of Indians to the slavery driven plantations of then British Guiana. On March 12, 1917, the Governor General of Indian stamped down on this act of dehumanising their nationals which at that time had already supplied the West Indies with a new workforce, after slavery was outlawed.

One hundred years later, Guyana celebrates the landmark of not only the end of this callous system, but also the diversity which emerged and continued to develop as a result of the coming of the East Indians.

The dinner at the Aagman Indian Restaurant kick started the calendar of activities that are scheduled for the remainder of this month. In attendance were several mem-

bers of the diplomatic corps, supporters as well as cultural curators of the Indo-Guyanese Society and several members of Parliament.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner of India, Venkatachalam Mahalingamin, expressed delight in the High Commission’s contributions to Guyana’s celebration. He noted that the events will rekindle memories and assist in the advancement of the Indian culture and traditions.

The Commissioner also highlighted that they have made efforts to ensure the forthcoming events are meaningful. In addition to organising the dinner, he indicated that speakers and cultural groups from India will be participating in the events tabled for the commemoration of this historic occasion.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who also attended the event, recognised the Indian High Commission’s initiative and emphasised the significance of this milestone to Guyana. He mentioned his

anticipation for the signature events in store for the celebrations and indicated that the previous Government had commenced preparations to honour of this landmark.

Nagamootoo pointed out that former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony planted the seeds of a monument to honour the Indian Indentured labourers and their contribution to the diversity of our country.

The foundation of this monument is set to be unveiled later this month. The Guyana Indian Indentureship Abolition Association (GIIAA) officially commenced its festivities to honour 100 years since the ending of Indian Indentureship on Friday evening at the National Cultural Centre.

The Social Cohesion Ministry and the High Commission of Indian collaborated to present a grand gala entitled “Garv Aur Izzat” (Pride and Dignity). Other cultural and commemorative activities are to follow throughout the month of March.

Liliendaal bridge undergoing repair works

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry is currently executing works on the Liliendaal Bridge, Greater Georgetown, following recommendations made by two inspection teams.

These recommendations came from both the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) Inspection Team and engineers attached with the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

In its recommendation, the DHB Inspection Team said that the Liliendaal bridge should be urgently closed to traffic. These recommendations were based upon find-

ings which showed that one of the panel systems on the northern rail of the Liliendaal bridge demonstrated signs of imminent failure.

In particular, one of the panels in the system had been detached, rendering the system structurally unstable. Additionally, a section of the northern carriageway of the bridge also experienced serviceability failure demonstrated by excessive deflection.

An additional inspection was subsequently carried out by the MPI Team and the engineers concurred with the initial assessment.

While works had been slated to commence on the bridge on March 6, the construction was brought forward due to its urgency. These works, to the tune of $89 million, will see the bridge being converted to a pre-stressed concrete structure over the next four months.

The Ministry’s team has given its assurance that a timely closure will be coordinated with the contracting company, H Nauth & Sons Civil Engineering Contractors, to facilitate the commencement of the road works while negating any traffic hazards.

From left: Deputy Permanent Secretary Samantha Fedee, Minister within the Ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe, a representative from Kalitech Inc Engineering Design and Supervisory Consultants and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock in discussion about the project

M

ore than 120 hinterland students attending tertiary institutions in Georgetown will soon benefit from a dormitory, as plans are already in motion to ensure this project becomes a reality.

Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valerie GarridoLowe engaged Kalitech Inc Engineering Design and Supervisory Consultants, which is tasked with completing the design of the building which will be located in the compound of the current student dormitory in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Meanwhile, Minister Allicock said he is pleased that “the new wing to accommodate students from the hinterland is now at a higher level with the completion of the draft, the estimates

and agreeing upon the design which I’m very pleased with. There’s just the exception of a few additional components such as the walls to be of wood and cupboards in the building and to use better roofing material rather than zinc we could probably could have tar shingles put there, something that could last for the next 30 years.”

The Minister also advised that based on the building’s design, more students can be accommodated should the need arise.

“As of now, the design can accommodate 120 students but if needs be, it could be adjusted to accommodate a 140 or 150 more students and this building is expected to be completed by the end of this year so I am very happy that eventually we will be

able to have this facility that is so badly needed for the education of our young people to help us build this beautiful nation.”.

The new facility will boast male and female self-contained rooms to accommodate 120 students, living quarters for dorm supervisors, a unique water storage system and recreational area among other amenities.

Over the past 10 years, an estimated 600 students have benefited from hinterland scholarships to attend a number of tertiary institutions, including the Guyana Technical Institute, Carnegie School of Home Economics, the Guyana School of Agriculture and the Guyana Industrial Technical Center – both resident and non-resident.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, march 4, 2017

Regional

Ex-Haitian President Preval dies; 15-year-old shot first to peacefully hand over power 37 times, 3 others

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ormer Haitian President Rene Preval, the first leader in Haiti’s 202-year history to win a democratic election, serve a full term and peacefully hand power to a successor, has died, the Government of the Caribbean nation said on Friday.

The cause of death was not made public. In 2010, during Preval’s second term as President, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake.

“I was touched to learn of the death of former President Rene Preval,” President Jovenel Moise said on Twitter, describing him as a “dignified son of Haiti.”

Rene Preval speaks during a Security Council meeting on Haiti at the UN headquarters at the UN headquarters in New York, in this file April 6, 2011 photo

During his 1996-2001 presidency, Preval man-

aged to build roads and public squares, worked

prostitution and sexual debauchery by a male relative.

However, although a report was made to the Children’s Authority on January 14, 2017, the source claimed no action was immediately taken.

But in a statement on Wednesday, the Authority’s Communications Manager, Cheryl Moses-Williams, denied the authority failed to respond to the report.

Admitting that initial reports were made to its Hotline about the child, Moses-Williams said that report “did not identify any concerns of child sexual abuse.”

Last night, the source who highlighted the girl’s plight said they were grateful something was being done to help the child. The informant said the child had been begging to leave the house she occupies with her

with peasants on land reform, and unlike many of his predecessors was not accused of massive human rights violations, despotism or theft.

His second terms will be remembered more than anything for the earthquake that destroyed much of the capital Port-au-Prince, killing some 200,000 people.

Preval’s Government was criticised for its response to the disaster.

Born in the rural town of Marmelade in 1943, Preval trained as an agronomist before a career in politics that allied him with former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was deposed in a bloody 2004 revolt.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Children’s Authority in T&T steps in to rescue girl, 8, from home

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he Children’s Authority of T&T has come to the rescue of an eight-year-old girl who sources allege is the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a male relative.

The reports were highlighted exclusively by the online T&T Guardian on Wednesday. A source close to the family, who requested anonymity, said the girl is exposed to pornography,

grandmother and the male relative.

Explaining that the girl was abandoned by her mother in 2009 shortly after her birth, the source added, “(Name called) doesn’t come to check the child at all. She and her husband does not consider her as their daughter because she is mixed so they just left her there with the grandmother and went on with their lives.” (Excerpt from

murdered in T&T

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he Police in Trinidad and Tobago are reporting that a 15-year-old boy was shot a total of 37 times Saturday night, while three other people were shot dead at a bar days later.

Relatives identified Andre Taylor at the Forensic Science Centre on Thursday. His body bore gunshot wounds to the head, chest, back and both hands.

Relatives said Taylor lived in Chaguanas in Central Trinidad and had gone to visit relatives in Belomt, just outside the capital where he intended to stay for Carnival celebrations.

They said they didn’t know why anyone would have reason to shoot him 37 times and that he was not involved in any gang activ-

ity. So far 91 people have been murdered since the start of the year. Last year the death toll stood at 461.

Meanwhile, on Thursday night an Opposition legislator called for fresh general elections to deal with the rising crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago.

Opposition legislator, Dr Roodal Moonilal, said the country is very unsafe and claimed that the Keith Rowley Government which came to power in September 2015 is incapable of handling the crime situation.

Police said that Kevin Fuller, 31, Terry Edwards, 34, and Sanjay Mahabir, 42, were killed as the gunmen entered the Runway 69 Shorts Restaurant and Bar. A fourth patron, a 19-yearold youth, has been hospitalised. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

So far, it seems tourists aren’t to blame for deaths of Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs

Trinidad Guardian)

Protesters mark anniversary of Berta Caceres’ murder

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undreds of mostly indigenous Hondurans have taken to the streets to mark the first anniversary of the murder of environmentalist leader Berta Caceres.

The crowd of about 600 people, which included workers, villagers, women and rights activists, gathered on Wednesday outside the Supreme Court to further the activist leader’s campaign against a hydroelectric company.

“Long live Berta. The struggle continues,” the protesters chanted. The demonstration was held nearly a year after the March 3, 2016 murder of Caceres, 45, at her home in the town of La Esperanza.

Before her death, the activist had opposed plans by

A protester holds up a picture of slain environmental rights activist Berta Caceres

the company Desarrollos Energeticos to build a hydroelectric dam across a

river on which indigenous communities were dependent.

She had said she had received death threats from the firm. One of Wednesday’s protest organisers, Tomas Gomez, of the Civic Council of Community and Indigenous Organizations, told the AFP news agency the demonstrators were calling for the company’s government licence to be revoked.

A representative of the native Garifuna people, Miriam Miranda, said they also wanted the masterminds behind Caceres’ killing to be punished. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the murder, among them an employee of Desarrollos Energeticos. Caceres was the winner of the 2015 Goldman Environmental Prize. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Antigua uses social media to help visitors plan romantic getaways

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ntigua and Barbuda has become the first destination to launch an interactive digital platform dedicated to romance.

Known for being one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and holding the record for most weddings per capita, Antigua and Barbuda now has an Antigua Barbuda Romance Facebook channel that provides visitors with information and

tools for planning the perfect romantic trip.

Research shows love and healthy relationships have been proven to improve people’s lives. Benefits range from happiness and improved mental well-being to bolstering immune levels, to improving heart health and helping people to live longer.

And the twin-island nation has been cashing in on that.

Antigua Barbuda

Romance features will include: logistics on how to plan the perfect destination wedding, honeymoon tips, favourite activities, top restaurants, and popular beaches. Resources include listings for local romance vendors including wedding planners, photographers and island guides. The platform is manned by romance experts who provide advice and feedback on planning

the perfect trip with daily posts to inspire and engage followers.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James said the platform would allow tourism officials to gain valuable customer insights, while increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty; and was another way to provide a richer customer and visitor experience. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

F

The friendly porkers have been a major tourist attraction

or many years the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, also known as “Pig Beach”, in The Bahamas Exuma island chain, have been a major tourist attraction.

Running wild on the uninhabited island, swimming out to meet boatloads of tourists and happily gobbling down the food and snacks they brought, the friendly porkers enjoyed a porcine paradise on their island in the sun.

But a mysterious wave of deaths swept the cay over the weekend. Initial investigations were unable to establish the exact cause of death of seven or eight pigs and the accusing finger was initially pointed at tourists.

But Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Alfred Gray earlier this week reported that an autopsy performed on some of the animals revealed that

eating sand was the problem.

The 15 that are still alive appear to be healthy. On the heels of the discovery of the bodies of the dead pigs, Bahamian farmer Wayde Nixon, one of two men who originally brought the animals to Big Major Cay, had said he believed tourists killed the animals with a lethal diet, noting that with unrestricted access to the pigs, visitors had been seen giving the animals junk food as well as alcohol.

“We have people coming there giving the pigs beer, rum, riding on top of them, all kind of stuff,” he told the Nassau Guardian newspaper.

Although acknowledging that there were “silly sailors” who were known to try to get the pigs drunk, she nevertheless insisted that tour operators out of Nassau treated the animals with respect. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

saturDAY, march 4, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Ex-journalist arrested over Toxic gas wounds Mosul children as 14,000 flee in a day US Jewish centre threats

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rapidly increasing flow of people is pouring out of western Mosul, fleeing fierce battles between Iraqi security forces and ISIL fighters, as medical workers warned that women and children have been exposed to toxic gas near the city.

Iraq’s Interior Ministry said on Friday that 14,000 people fled the northern Iraqi city on Thursday alone, the largest wave of internally displaced people (IDPs) since a US-backed operation on west Mosul was launched on February 19.

The total number of IDPs who fled western Mosul since the start of the military push has reached 46,000, the Ministry said. The announcement followed a previous statement by the United Nations warning that around 4000 civilians were fleeing the city, ISIL’s last major urban stronghold in Iraq, each day.

The quickening exodus comes as the International Committee of the Red Cross

A

Aid agencies say the number of internally displaced people is expected to rise further

said on Friday that seven people were receiving treatment for exposure to chemical agents near Mosul.

“During the past two days, the hospital has admitted five children and two women showing clinical symptoms consistent with an exposure to a blistering chemical agent,” Robert Mardini, the Red Cross Middle East director, said in a statement, referring to a facility near Mosul.

The symptoms include blisters, redness in the eyes, irritation, vomiting and

coughing. “The use of chemical weapons is absolutely prohibited under international humanitarian law. We are deeply alarmed by what our colleagues have seen, and we strongly condemn any use of chemical weapons, by any party, anywhere,” Mardini said.

ISIL, which holds the majority of west Mosul, has periodically used rudimentary chemical weapons in the course of its more than twoyear war with Iraqi forces.

former journalist has been arrested on suspicion of making threats against Jewish community centres – in a bizarre plot against an ex-girlfriend.

Juan Thompson, 31, “allegedly caused havoc, expending hundreds of hours of police and law enforcement resources”, said NYPD Commissioner James P O’Neill.

New York prosecutors said he was “stalking a former romantic interest”.

The Missouri man was allegedly behind eight of some 100 threats to Jewish Community Centers (JCC) this year.

Thompson was arrested on Friday in St Louis, Missouri, and will be in court later in the day. As well as the threats against the JCCs in January and February, he is also accused of emailing a threat in

Juan Thompson was fired last year from the Intercept over “fabricated sources and quotes in his articles”

his ex-girlfriend’s name to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in New York City.

The next day the offices of the Jewish anti-bigotry group received a phone call claiming that explosive material had

been placed inside the building.

“Today, we have charged Juan Thompson with allegedly stalking a former romantic interest by, among other things, making bomb threats in her name to Jewish Community Centers and to the Anti-Defamation League,” New York-based US Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

A spokesman for the White House said “it’s still too early for us to say too much about it, but the process worked”.

Thompson is accused of cyber-stalking his ex-girlfriend – known in court documents as Victim-1 – which can carry a sentence of up to five years in jail. He is also alleged to have made threats using his own real name, in a ploy to make it look like she was trying to frame him. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

2 Malian refugees die in fire BBC crew attacked in China at farm workers’ camp in Italy and forced to sign confession

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BBC camera crew reporting in China was attacked and later forced by Police to apologise and sign a confession for trying to conduct an “illegal interview”, one of its reporters has said.

John Sudworth, a journalist with the BBC, and his team were attempting to interview a villager in rural China who claims her father was killed during a land dispute with the Government.

As they walked towards her house, a group of men blocked their way, pushed Sudworth and smashed and snatched

the crew’s cameras.

China has one of the most restrictive press environments in the world and is ranked 176th out of 180 countries for press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders, ahead of only Syria, North Korea, Turkmenistan and Eritrea.

Chinese publications face severe reporting restrictions and penalties for publishing stories the government dislikes, which range from articles being deleted to dismissal.After the BBC’s cameras were smashed, the crew left the village but were chased

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

and surrounded by 20 men whom the journalists described as “thugs”. Uniformed police and two members of the local government later arrived and “under the threat of further violence”, BBC reporters were forced to sign a confession apologising for “behaviour causing a bad impact” and delete some of the footage.The assault occurred in the run-up to the National People’s Congress, China’s annual meeting of its rubberstamp Parliament. Yang has since been held under unofficial house arrest, according to the BBC. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Kansas shooting ‘hero’ Ian Grillot invited to India

T

he US man who was shot while trying to intervene in a deadly gun attack on two Indians at a Kansas bar has been invit-

him to visit India when he is able to travel, the University of Kansas Hospital said.

“We will stand with you,” Houston-based Consul

Houston-based Consul General Anupam Roy speaks with Ian Grillot in the presence of his parents

ed to visit India. Ian Grillot, 24, has been widely praised as a hero by Indians, including Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.

On Thursday he met with Indian diplomats who invited

General Anupam Roy said.

Mr Grillot, who was released from hospital on Tuesday, had said earlier in the week that he had always found India “interesting”. “I think I’ve found my-

self a good reason to go there now,” Indian newspaper the Hindustan Times quoted him as saying.He was at Austins Bar and Grill in Olathe, Kansas on February 22 when suspected gunman Adam Purinton allegedly yelled “get out of my country” and opened fire at two Indian engineers, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani. Kuchibhotla, 32, died, while Madasani, also 32, was injured.Grillot tried to stop the gunman, he was hit by a bullet in the hand and chest.Since his release from hospital he has already visited Austins, seeking “closure”, according to a hospital statement. Adam Purinton has been charged with first degree-murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.The US Navy veteran fled the scene after the shooting, and later reportedly told a bartender that he had “shot two Iranians”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Firefighters extinguish flames at a refugee camp in Rignano Garganico, Italy

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wo refugees from Mali have died after a fire broke out at a camp for farm workers in the southern Italian region of Puglia, two days after it had been ordered to be cleared.Investigators said they had not ruled out arson as a possible cause of the blaze, which consumed sections of a shantytown known as the “Gran Ghetto”, usually home to about 350 people.

The two victims were identified as Mamadou Konate, 33, and Nouhou Doumbia, 36.

The fire is believed to have started at about 1am on

Friday and quickly engulfed part of the 5000 square-metre camp, in which workers live in makeshift huts made of cardboard and plastic tarps.

The Italian news agency quoted a firefighter as saying arson had not been excluded.

Other investigators said they suspected the blaze could have been started by a faulty portable stove, which may have been left on as a source of heat.Two other fires have broken out in the camp in recent years.Authorities had ordered the clearing of the area on Wednesday but 100 work-

ers remained in place, fearful that leaving would mean they would lose their jobs.

The camp is home to migrant farm workers who often work under slave-like conditions and are controlled by local organised crime groups.

According to media reports, police and firefighters were at the scene when the fire broke out, but it spread so quickly that the two victims had too little time to escape the flames. The body of one of the men was reportedly found charred and lying on a cot. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Greek Police bust smuggling ring, arrest migrants hiding in caves

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t least 13 suspected members of an international criminal organisation smuggling undocumented migrants to other European countries have been arrested, Greek authorities said on Friday.

An operation to dismantle the ring was under way on the island of Crete, and Britain’s National Crime Agency was also involved, Police said.

Crete, Greece’s southern-most island, lies north of Libya and

Egypt. The head of the local coastguard, Dimitris Saitakis, told reporters at least 13 suspected smugglers had been arrested, as well as 131 migrants hiding in caves or warehouses.

“This is a strong blow to organised crime on Crete,” Saitakis said, adding that he expected the number of arrests to rise “dramatically”.

Greek media said those arrested were migrants from Egypt and Pakistan and

Syrian refugees.

More than 60,000 migrants and refugees are stranded in camps in Greece by border closures across the Balkans which have halted their onward journey to northern and western Europe.

For refugees, the only legal way out of Greece is through an EU relocation program to other member states, which has been progressing slowly.

Those not eligible for asylum face deportation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 news

saturDAY, march 4, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lawrence appeals for Retired ambassador publishes professionalism in health sector analysis of Guyanese culture

Minister Volda Lawrence delivering remarks at the Regional Health Officers Meeting 2017

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ublic Health Minister Volda Lawrence has appealed to healthcare professionals to put aside all challenges, whether work related or personal and offer patients the best of their services.

Minister Lawrence was at the time addressing Regional Health Officers (RHOs) at the Ministry’s Quarterly, RHOs Meeting at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The Minister observed that “Generally, our doctors, nurses and caregivers too need to raise the level of patient care service they offer. Too often, we hear of the callous way in which our patients are treated, the long delays, the rude way in which clients are addressed; (and just last eve-

ning, another Minister was asking me to address that issue) surely that oath did not state treating your patient with disdain.”

The Minister urged healthcare professionals to carry out some introspection to determine whether they are acting inappropriately while discharging their duties.

The Minister explained that proper management of human resources at all levels in the regions is necessary and important. The Department of Regional Health Services (RHS) was commissioned to craft an efficient work plan and system to ensure that these health professionals are treated humanely.

Additionally, the Public Health Ministry has recognised that there is hard-

ly any compliance from deployed professionals to complete their contracted stint. Minister Lawrence said that a review of the stipulated conditions for stints in far-flung areas will see more commitment from deployed staff.

“I imagine there is always reluctance to leave the coast to sojourn in the remote and hinterland regions, but the system of rotation has to be well mapped out and executed so that there is transparency, and the stint does not hint of victimisation or reproof. Our customers in the hinterland are deserving of the best primary healthcare, and we must be prepared to make that sacrifice and make it accessible for them,” Minister Lawrence added. One of the challenges continually highlighted by health officers is the unavailability of requisite doctors and staff at health centres, and district and regional hospitals. The Public Health Ministry is however, working towards deploying specialist doctors and General Medical Officers into hinterland regions by the end this month.

Meanwhile, RHOs lobbied for capacity building exercises for those within the regions who are willing to work and provide services to residents.

Yarrowkabra/Savannah Drive 2017 launched

Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Harlasingh (right) and organiser, Shane Danradie brand the bikes with the official Yarrowkabra Savannah Drive 2017 stickers

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he adventure is about to begin as the Yarrowkabra Savannah Drive 2017 was on Friday morning launched

by Savannah Drive, St Cuthbert, Sandhill.

The two-day trek will be held on March 12 and 13 and it is expected to be a great adventure starting from Yarrowkabra, St Cuthbert Mission to Moraikobai.

The aim of the drive is to take people to places in Guyana that are beautiful but that are considered remote. Off-road bikers who on numerous occasions explore the various trails will now be taking along interested persons to those areas.

Savannah Drive hopes that after these routes are explored, they can become routes to see on the Guyana tourism guide. Event organiser, Shane Danradie said that the Savannah Drive is a dream of his that is now becoming a reality.

The man who even named his daughter Savannah said his objective is to open hard to reach trails on the Linden/ Soedyke Highway.

Calling himself “a junkie for trails” Danradie added that he along with his team put forth their best efforts to make inaccessible places, accessible for exploration.

Indranauth Harlasingh of the Guyana Tourism

Authority (GTA) fully endorsed the event, noting that the GTA is very keen on opening new areas in Guyana.

He applauded Danradie who he noted has done a number of pioneering works and has established a name for himself. Accessibility, Haralsingh noted, is important and needs to be created which is being done by the Savannah Drive.

Two other similar treks will be held during the coming year by the Savannah Drive to different areas.

Vehicle registration fee is $5000 and entry fees upon entry into each village will cost $1000 to be paid at village tolls.

F

ormer Guyanese Ambassador Rudy Insanally on Friday evening officially launched his most recent work The Guyanese Culture – Fusion or Diffusion? This book is the third in a series of exposés and analysis of the Guyanese culture and the political foundations of our nation.

The series, including the newly launched piece, chronicles the life and work of Insanally, with focus on his experiences as a diplomat. The octogenarian paints a picture of centuries of Guyanese history, which can be easily translated throughout the Caribbean, given the unfolding of a similar series of events. His most recent work however, zooms in on culture, specifically political culture; explaining this matter with relevance to our past and present structure and what can be done to correct it for the future. His series of three is primarily an enlightenment and recommendation, targeting those interested in history, future leaders and students of International Relations and politics.

Insanally’s first book, Mutilateral Diplomacy, was a direct recap of his diplomatic work, including discussions for treaties and polices, ending with the chapter, ‘Lessons Learnt.’

He then went on to discuss the interest of small states and the experiences

of his travel in his second, Dancing Between the Rain Drops. This, the third and possibly not the final chapter of his series, was deemed a “fantastic analysis of history,” with a closer look at Guyana. Despite what one may infer from the title, the 200-page compilation took on a more political angle and less of a cultural depiction. Of the 20 chapters, 10 were aimed directly at politics while a mere four addressed traditions, folklore and the more creative forms of Guyanese culture.

In the book, the celebrated author defined culture with several classical references and referred to Guyana as a collection of tribes. He further compares Guyanese to crabs in a barrel, each pushing the other down just to get to the top, to explain the instances of discrimination and social divide that has plagued our society over the years. Annette Insanally, sister of the writer, noted that his detailed recollection is not only im-

portant to highlight but provides much needed recommendations for the future.

Dr Paloma Mohamed, attached to the University of Guyana, in her task of reviewing the book, highlighted that it was courageous to tell a story through the eyes of culture, given the complexity of the term. The creative arts specialist noted that it was well crafted and is a rare but welcomed work to the small existing library of Guyanese Literature. The author himself encouraged persons who may be interested in purchasing a copy, to give consideration to the recommendations made, especially as it relates to preserving Guyanese culture.

Copies of The Guyanese Culture along with Insanally’s two previous works were on sale at the event, hosted at Moray House. The writer offered his signature to those in attendance and donated copied to the National Library and the library of the University of Guyana.

Climate change awareness begins in schools

A section of the St Gabriel Primary School students who attended the climate change awareness and outreach programme

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he Office of Climate Change on Friday held its first workshop with students of St Gabriel’s Primary School, and the topics discussed concerned raising awareness of climate change, and how those children can help to save their environment. The awareness programme is a collaborative effort between the Office of Climate Change and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN).

Communication Specialist Yasmin Bowman told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the awareness programme aims to teach the schoolchildren about

the impacts and effects of climate change. “What we are doing this year as an outreach initiative is that we are going to the various schools around the country to bring awareness to the little ones about climate change in general,” Bowman explained.

She highlighted that 20 schools would be targeted for sessions in the first half of 2017, and stressed that the awareness programme caters for all levels of school institutions, since the office would adapt techniques to teach the students. “We are going as small, as low as the nursery children; we have primary, nursery and secondary children.

For the nursery children,

the format for the awareness session will be in the form of a puppet show, because we know that the little ones are a bit more visual; and so, to (give) them a bit more understanding, we are going to do a bit of puppetry,” she explained.

Bowman highlighted that at the conclusion of the workshop the students will be quizzed about what they would have learnt, and prizes will be given as incentives. After the targeted number from the 20 schools along the coast has been met, the awareness programme will continue throughout the year, targeting other schools.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, at the commemoration of World Environment Day (WED) last year, had urged youths to become stewards of the environment. He had asked the gathering to consider Guyana as one of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity conservation, since the country boasts the world’s highest biodiversity per capita and has one of the highest levels of biological diversity and concentration.

news

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saturDAY, march 4, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Morocco: Reducing gender inequality can boost growth P

olicies that better integrate women into the economy could help increase overall income and significantly improve Morocco’s growth prospects, IMF study finds.

Jamila is a 12-year-old girl living in rural Morocco.

She is still in school when most girls her age are not – about 78 per cent of girls between the ages of 12 and 14 are no longer in formal schooling in the country’s rural areas. Her dream is to become a doctor, and if she stays on track with her education she should be able to accomplish this goal.

But significant challenges stand in Jamila’s way – a slowing economy over the past five years, limited job opportunities (22 per cent youth unemployment), and fewer women in the workplace as compared to men (25 per cent participation rate compared to over 66 per cent).

The government has started to implement policies that better integrate women into the economy, but more still needs to be done to help young girls like Jamila achieve their

An employee sews a garment at a textiles factory in Tangier, Morocco. Policies that promote more women in the workforce can benefit the economy, says the IMF

dreams.

Women and the economy

As part of the assessment of Morocco’s economy, we looked at the relationship between gender inequality and growth and found that policies that better integrate women into the economy could significantly improve the country’s growth.

For instance, if there were as many women working as men currently are in

Morocco, income per capita could be almost 50 per cent higher than it is now.

Furthermore, Morocco’s population growth is slowing, and the United Nations projects that the dependency ratio – the age population ratio of those out and in the labour force – will rise by 2040. This means that there is a potential for more people to be out of work over the next few decades.

Continuing to implement

policies that eliminate gender gaps – such as increasing access to education and improving public transportation (making it safer and easier to get to work) for women, vocational training and literacy programmes for rural areas – could offset these negative effects.

Improving women’s rights

The Government has already initiated the following steps:

* The family code was revised to expand the rights of women in marriage, guardianship, child custody, and access to divorce in 2004. * A constitutional guarantee for equality was enacted in 2011. * Maternity leave of 14 weeks at full salary was introduced in 2004. * The first and most advanced gender budgeting initiative in the Middle East and Central Asia region was launched in Morocco in 2002. Gender budgeting uses fiscal policies and administration, at the national, state, or local level, to address gender inequality and women’s advancement.

More reforms needed

Even with these improvements, our research points out that stronger and better targeted measures are needed to increase female labour force participation and employment, and to address gender gaps in education in Morocco.

For instance, our study found that: * Investing in public childcare facilities could free women’s time, enabling

them to undertake more educational and training activities, and join the labour market. * Tax deductions or credits are currently only available to men, who as taxpayers are able to claim a dependent deduction for both spouse and children.

A female taxpayer may not claim similar tax advantages unless she proves that she is a legal guardian. * Conditional transfer programmes for education, as recommended in the recently-adopted national employment strategy, can promote better access to secondary education for girls.

The transfer programmes could also support literacy programmes for women in rural areas, female entrepreneurship, and vocational training programmes for all women. * If all these actions are implemented, there is no doubt that the barriers to Jamila’s economic participation would be greatly reduced, and she would have more opportunities to contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive Moroccan society. (www.imf.org)

Teenager’s sickle cell reversed Chinese villagers divorce en masse in with world-first therapy bid for compensation

BY JAMES GALLAGHER

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French teenager’s sickle cell disease has been reversed using a pioneering treatment to change his DNA. The worldfirst procedure at Necker Children’s Hospital in Paris offers hope to millions of people with the blood disorder.

Scientists altered the genetic instructions in his bone marrow so it made healthy red blood cells.

So far, the therapy has worked for 15 months and the child is no longer on any medication. Sickle cell disease causes normally round red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, to become shaped like a sickle.

These deformed cells can lock together to block the flow of blood around the body. This can cause intense pain, organ damage and can be fatal. The teenager who received the treatment had so much internal damage he needed to have his spleen removed and his hips replaced.

Every month he had to go into hospital to have a blood transfusion to dilute his defective blood.

But when he was 13, doctors at the Necker Children’s Hospital in Paris did something unique.

No sign of disease

Doctors removed his bone

Healthy red blood cells are round, but the genetic defect makes them sickle shaped

marrow – the part of the body that makes blood. They then genetically altered it in a lab to compensate for the defect in his DNA that caused the disease.

Sickle cell is caused by a typo in the instructions for making the protein haemoglobin, which is densely packed into red blood cells.

A virus was used to infect the bone marrow with new, correct instructions.

The corrected bone marrow was then put back into the patient. The results in the New England Journal of Medicine showed the teenager has been making normal blood since the procedure 15 months ago.

Philippe Leboulch, a professor of medicine at the University of Paris, told the BBC News website: “So far the patient has no sign of the disease, no pain, no hospitalisation. He no longer

requires a transfusion so we are quite pleased with that.

“But of course we need to perform the same therapy in many patients to feel confident that it is robust enough to propose it as a mainstream therapy.”

Given his life back

Professor Leboulch is nervous about using the word “cure” as this is just the first patient to come through clinical trials. But the study does show the potential power of gene therapy to transform the lives of people with sickle cell.

“I think it’s very significant, essential they’ve given him his life back,” said Dr Deborah Gill from the gene medicine research group at the University of Oxford.

She told the BBC: “I’ve worked in gene therapy for a long time and we make small

steps and know there’s years more work.

“But here you have someone who has received gene therapy and has complete clinical remission - that’s a huge step forward.”

However, the expensive procedure can only be carried out in cutting-edge hospitals and laboratories, while most sickle cell patients are in Africa.

The next big challenge will be to transform this pioneering science into something that really can help millions of people.

What is sickle cell disease?

* Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition caused by a faulty gene that affects how red blood cells develop * SCD mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin * People with sickle cell are often at an increased risk of contracting serious infections or they could become anaemic, which is when red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen around the body. This can cause tiredness and shortness of breath * Some patients have regular blood transfusions – usually every three to four weeks – as a form of treatment for the condition. (BBC News)

More than 160 couples in a village in eastern China have decided to divorce in order to get more compensation after the forced demolition of their homes

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ore than 160 couples in a village in eastern China have decided to divorce in order to get more compensation after the forced demolition of their homes.

The village of Jiangbei, in Jiangsu province, is being razed to make way for a hightech development zone. The couples found they could qualify for two new houses and at least US$19,000 (£15,500) extra if they divorced and claimed compensation as singles.

Some are over 80, and most said they planned to continue living together.

Families who have been living there for generations have little choice but to move to new housing provided by the local government.

Each couple could expect to get one 220 square metre house.But the families

read the fine print and realised that if they were divorced through the courts, they could also claim an extra 70 sq m property and some cash in compensation.

A law firm is charging more than US$2000 (£1600) to help people with their divorces, China Daily reports.

Some of the couples are expecting to remarry at a later date.“Everybody is doing this, we will deal with other things later,” one villager told the Nanjing Morning Post. It is not clear whether any of the couples will actually receive the extra compensation.

Officials say they are aware of the loophole and do not know whether the compensation arrangements will be changed.

Similar cases have occurred before in the area of Nanjing, Jiangsu’s regional capital, China Daily reported. (BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, march 4, 2017

ARCHIE

Time spent making alterations to the way you live or (March 21- how you present yourself to April 19) others will pay off. Romance will enhance your relationship with someone special.

ARIES

Don’t wait for others to TAURUS pitch in. Take care of your re(April 20- sponsibilities without making May 20) a fuss. The less interference you experience, the more you will accomplish. Do what’s expected of you.

dilbert

Emotional matters will GEMINI take charge, leaving you in (May 21June 20) an awkward position. Don’t feel compelled to disclose personal information. Set realistic goals and do your best to succeed.

Listen to others, but don’t take what they say literally.

(June 21- Emotional blackmail will end July 22) up costing you if you let it.

Don’t let children or anyone, for that matter, make you feel guilty.

CANCER

Peanuts

Don’t let changes going LEO on around you cause distress.

(July 23Embrace whatever comes Aug. 22) your way by contributing your unique touch. Earn your place at the top. Celebrate with someone you love.

Listen carefully. The inVIRGO (Aug. 23- formation you are being givSept. 22) en could easily influence your position, as well as your relationship with someone you’ve grown to love and trust. Lead the way instead of following.

Calvin and Hobbes

Speak clearly and ask LIBRA questions if you feel uncer(Sept. 23tain.

Transparency will make Oct. 23) your life and choices much easier. Offer honesty, and insist on the same from those you deal with.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Confusion and delays will SAGITTARIUS set in if you travel or attend (Nov. 23- a reunion or event that will Dec. 21) bring you in touch with people from your past. Don’t believe everything you hear.

TODAY’S WORD — DWELLERS (DWELLERS: DWEL-ers: Persons who live or reside in a given place) Average mark 23 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 30 or more words in DWELLERS? The list will be published on Monday.

THURSDAY’S WORD — PLANET pale pane panel pant pate paten peal peat pelt

penal pent petal plan plane plant plat plate platen

plea pleat lane late laten lean leap leapt lent

ante nape neap neat elan tale tape teal

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Emotions and money don’t SCORPIO mix. If you are attached to (Oct. 24something, there is no price Nov. 22) anyone can pay for it. Fair judgment will be required if you want to be viewed as honest.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Keep your emotions CAPRICORN steady and your sights fixed (Dec. 22on what you want to achieve.

Jan. 19) Giving in to someone dangling temptation in front of you will set you back and create limitations.

Joint ventures will prove AQUARIUS to be prosperous. Emotional (Jan. 20sensitivity will give you the Feb. 19) insight you need to make the best choice possible. Celebrate your victory with a loved one.

Self-improvement is featured.

PISCES Be true to yourself. Don’t (Feb. 20- feel bad if you want to do March 20) something that doesn’t include others. You will get much more accomplished if you do your own thing.

saturDAY, march 4, 2017

19

Aussies, Indians face higher expectations in Bengaluru I

Australia Captain Steven Smith and left arm spinner Steve O’ Keefe have big roles to play in the second Test against host India

t was no surprise that a spinner took 12 wickets and was Man of the Match in the first Test in Pune.

Nor was it a surprise that the winning captain scored the only hundred of the match. It was not even particularly surprising that the Test was over in two and a half days. What was surprising - flabbergasting, even - was that the spinner was not R Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja but Steve O'Keefe, the captain was not Virat Kohli but Steven Smith, and the team with a 1-0 lead after less than three days of play in this series was not India but Australia.

"The pressure was off us, wasn't it? Everyone wrote us off and expected India to win 4-0. That can't happen anymore." Never a truer word was spoken than those from Smith after the Pune Test. But if it was true that the pressure was off Australia in that match, it is no longer the case in Bengaluru, where the expectations on Australia will be high. Not only did they beat India in Pune, they dominated in all aspects of the game. They more than doubled India's total in each innings, the spinners were more effective, their catching was sharper, even their use of the DRS was more assured.

Pressure was on Kohli's mind af-

Murray beats Pouille to reach Dubai Championships final B

ritain’s Andy Murray beat Frenchman Lucas Pouille 7-5 6-1 to reach his second Dubai Championships final.

The world number one, who was involved in a 31-minute tie-break in his quarter-final, struggled in the first set against seventh seed Pouille.

The pair broke each other twice before Murray took the set after 68 minutes with his third break.

The final set was a one-sided affair as the Scot set up a meeting with Fernando Verdasco in Saturday’s final.

Spaniard Verdasco, 33, beat Dutchman Robin Haase 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 6-1.

“It was tough and I made a lot of mistakes,” Murray said. “But there was some good stuff in there.

“I think potentially the match yesterday had something to do with that - sometimes if your legs are a little bit tired, the serve is one of the first things that goes.

“As the match went on, I started serving a bit better and that helped me.”

Murray conscious of Verdasco threat Murray, 29, is into his second final of the year but has never won the title in Dubai, losing to Roger Federer in his previous final appearance in 2012.

Playing his first tournament since his fourth-round defeat at the Australian Open in January, the Scot could extend his lead at the top of the world rankings with victory on Saturday.

However, Murray is wary of the threat posed by world number 35 Verdasco, who beat him in the 2009 Australian Open.

“This week he’s had some good wins,” Murray said. “Where the balls are fairly heavy here on a quick court, he can generate a lot of power, he can control the ball.

“And when he’s dictating the points, he’s one of the best in the world at doing that.”

World number two Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Mexico Open quarter-finals in straight sets by Australian Nick Kyrgios on Thursday.

ter the match, too. "How badly we batted in the first innings is the main reason why we couldn't get back into the game," he said. "We put ourselves under a lot of pressure." The intensity will only increase in Bengaluru, where Australia are in the unexpected position of being able to retain the BorderGavaskar Trophy by the halfway point of the series. Kohli's men must find a way to turn around their fortunes quickly, or else an ignominious fate awaits them.

So, was Pune an aberration? What surprises will Bengaluru have in store?

It is the only venue in this series that has hosted Test cricket before, and it is a ground at which past Australia teams have enjoyed success. Much speculation has surrounded the nature of the pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the lead-up to the match, especially given Australia's triumph on the dry, spinning surface in the first Test.

What will be in it? Sharp spin? Reverse swing? Piles of runs? It should be fun finding out.

Last time India hosted Australia in a Bengaluru Test, back in 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara made his debut. On Australia's next Test tour of India, Pujara destroyed the visitors in

Hyderabad with 204 and a monstrous triple-century partnership with M Vijay. And he began this home season well, with three straight half-centuries against New Zealand and then hundreds in the next three Tests against New Zealand and England. But since then, Pujara's season has quietened down a little, and India would desperately love for their No. 3 to return to his best in this match, at the venue where his Test career began against this same opposition.

Steve O'Keefe was Man of the Match in Pune for his twin 6 for 35s, but on a very difficult batting pitch Steven Smith stood head and shoulders above any other batsman with his 109. Only two Australians had previously made second-innings hundreds in Tests in India: Mark Taylor and Damien Martyn. Not only that but Smith's effort lifted him into truly elite company on the ICC's all-time batting rankings; only five batsmen have ever achieved ratings points higher than Smith's current level: Don Bradman, Len Hutton, Jack Hobbs, Ricky Ponting and Peter May. He will enter the Bengaluru Test with a batting average of 60.34 - not bad for a bloke who started as a legspinner batting at No.8. (Cricinfo)

Food for the Poor donates to Essequibo clubs

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The heads of the various clubs collecting their donations

ix sports clubs across the Essequibo Coast have each received a quantity of sporting gear comprising of bats, balls and wickets among other items from the charitable organisation Food for the Poor.

This donation will equip each club with the necessary tools for upcoming matches and games, especially since a number of these clubs have a strong female membership.

Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Sports Officer Debra Daniels has said the clubs that benefited from this kind gesture from Food for the Poor are the Capoey AllStar Girls; Red Village; Cool Girls SC; Salto Youths Queenstown; Golden Fleece SC, and Fisher Primary SC; and that the gear came at an opportune time for the Capoey

All Stars members, who are preparing for their first match on March 12. Accordingly, she extended profound gratitude to Food for the Poor Director Paul Chan-A-Sue for the timely donation.

Daniels has declared that youths on the Essequibo Coast need to be actively involved in sports, and that from the departmental level, she is doing her best to ensure that the sports clubs receive gear and become involved in activities as part of the Region’s plan to have youths more involved in sports.

Members receiving the donations on behalf of their respective clubs also extended gratitude to Food for the Poor for the donation.

20 Mourinho wants Rooney,

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, march 4, 2017

Neesham and Patel recalled Ibrahimovic to stay at Man Utd to New Zealand Test squad A

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Wayne Rooney (left) has spent much of the season on the bench, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) has started over 30 games

anager Jose Mourinho says he "100%" wants Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United and expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to extend his contract.

Rooney, 31, announced last week that he is staying at Old Trafford, after being linked with a move to China.

The England captain has also been linked with a return to Everton, but Mourinho said talk about such a move "makes no sense".

Striker Ibrahimovic's one-season deal includes an option for a second year.

The Swede, 35, has scored 26 goals in 38 appearances for United, since joining on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain in July.

He scored twice in Sunday's 3-2 EFL Cup final victory over Southampton.

After the final, Ibrahimovic said he will "see what happens" about extending his deal.

Speaking about the Swede on Friday, Mourinho said: "I see him staying with us.

"The next transfer window will bring us to a different level because I will bring in a few players. ZIatan will be fundamental in the second year. I think he will stay."

On Rooney, he added: "What I have is a very strong message, 'I don't go anywhere. I want to fight with this team and help until the end of season'. 100% he will be with us for rest of season. "Next season, 100% I would like him to be with us, but always the player is very important."

llrounder James Neesham and offspinner Jeetan Patel have been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the first Test against South Africa in Dunedin.

Matt Henry and Dean Brownlie drop out of the squad from the Bangladesh series while Patel, who made a Test comeback after a gap of nearly four years against India last year, has been selected ahead of legspinner Ish Sodhi. Neil Wagner has also been confirmed as available following his finger injury he sustained in early February.

Though it is unlikely that New Zealand will field two spinners at University Oval - they have never done it in seven Tests at the venue - selector Gavin Larsen said Patel provided cover for all eventualities.

He was brought into the one-day side in Hamilton, with a view to targeting South Africa's left handers, and claimed Quinton de Kock first ball.

"Jeetan brings the ability to spin the ball away from the left-handers, which complements our other spinner in Mitchell Santner nicely. He brings a huge amount of experience to the team and gives us the balance of having two front-line spin options."

Neesham, meanwhile, provides competition for the allrounder's spot alongside the incumbent Colin de Grandhomme who claimed six wickets on debut against Pakistan but has since taken just four wickets in six innings.

Neesham made an unbeaten 71 in the second ODI against South Africa in Christchurch and in his previous Test hit

71 against India at Indore before being dropped in favour of de Grandhomme at the start of New Zealand's home season.

"Jimmy [James Neesham] has impressed so far this summer and we've seen improvement in his game," Larsen said. "He gives us another option and is also very familiar with the conditions at University of Otago Oval."

Wagner's availability is a major boost for New Zealand. When he initially damaged his finger fielding off his own bowling for Otago early last month there were concerns he would not recover in time, but he played club cricket last weekend and came through unscathed. Since the beginning of 2016, he is New Zealand's leading Test wicket-taker with 51 scalps at 22.33.

"Having Neil back and available is fantastic news for us. Neil's been our leading wicket-taker in recent times and is a key player for us," Larsen said. "He's worked extremely hard to get himself ready for the series and we expect him to be fit and ready to go come the first Test."

BJ Watling was advised three weeks rest with a knee niggle last month but made 42 and 96 in last week's Plunket Shield match against Otago.

New Zealand squad

Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling IN: James Neesham, Jeetan Patel OUT: Matt Henry, Dean Brownlie

Kamran ton ushers Peshawar into Lahore final Kamran Akmal's 104 was the highest score in the PSL this season

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clinical all-round showing by Peshawar Zalmi ensured they would avoid last season's heartbreak, seeing off Karachi Kings to qualify for the PSL final.

In a resounding performance at the Dubai International Stadium - spearheaded by a superlative hundred from Kamran Akmal - Peshawar never really let Karachi within touching distance of the target of 182, starving them of runs in the first six overs, and ensuring not even a stirring Chris Gayle and an explosive Kieron Pollard could rob them of a spot in Lahore.

Peshawar looked ready for the occasion from ball one - which Akmal smashed for four - with the openers making up for the horror start in the first playoff loss to Quetta Gladiators. Kamran and Dawid Malan put on a classy 97-run stand to set a solid foundation to push toward a 200 total. Akmal seemed to get better as the innings wore on, no bowler able to subdue the diminutive keeper's power hitting as sixes flew off his blade and he roared towards the PSL's first century of 2017 and second in the two-year history of the competition. Accurate death bowling, particularly from Mohammad Amir, meant only 21 runs came off the last three overs, but the 181 that Peshawar put up was more than enough to handle for Karachi.

A chase of 182 on a pitch friendly to the batsmen wasn't impossible, but a hopeless start for the Kings surely made it so. Leading scorer Babar Azam falling for 1 wasn't ide-

al, but Gayle's mystifying approach would have maddened Karachi fans more than anything else. He scored 2 off his first 15 balls in what could only be called a solipsistic performance: one man's quest to get his eye in oblivious to the demands of the asking rate.

It placed pressure on batsmen at the other end; Kumar Sangakarra and Shoaib Malik fell in the Powerplay attempting to kick on, and by the time Pollard arrived, Karachi found themselves at 34 for 4 in the ninth over. It was a deep hole, and in the end, too deep even for Gayle and Pollard to dig their team out of.

Kamran seems to have found a new lease of life at 35 years of age, and Peshawar have benefitted richly from it this PSL campaign.

His form was obvious from the very start, the wicketkeeper batsman guiding the first two balls for two elegant offside boundaries. He picked the bowler's lengths exceptionally early, and was particularly devastating against the spinners, taking on any full-length deliveries and launching them straight down the ground. He seemed unplayable towards the latter stages of the innings, Ravi Bopara's medium-pacers coming in for particular punishment.

When he ended his innings, Kamran had become the highest scorer of the PSL, and his century in the biggest game of the tournament so far, coupled with the form leading up to it, has made him harder and harder to ignore for the national side. For Peshawar, at

the moment, he is simply indispensable.

Kamran, never one as comfortable with starThe struggles the PSL has faced in try- dom as some of his Pakistani teammates, ing to organise the final in Lahore have been looked genuinely humbled at the respect well-documented, particularly with regards he got, even if it was no more than he had to the availability of foreign players for the earned. showpiece occasion. Peshawar, however, exThis was a virtual semi-final, and perienced an ill-timed injury today to one Karachi's loss eliminates Sangakkara's of their biggest domestic stars. On the first men. Peshawar go through to the final, to ball of the tenth over, Pollard smashed a ball be played against Quetta Gladiators at the to cover. As Shahid Afridi attempted an im- Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.(Cricinfo) probable catch, it burst through his fingers, splitting the webbing on his right hand.

Blood streamed down his index finger as he rushed off S Malik c Hafeez b Jordan 0 Peshawar Zalmi innings the field, and though Peshawar (20 overs maximum) RS Bopara st †Akmal b have plenty of reasons to celeMohammad Hafeez 6 Kamran Akmal† run out brate today, the last thing the (Bopara/Mohammad Amir) 104 KA Pollard c †Akmal b Riaz 47 PSL needs is the absence of DJ Malan Azam b Sohail Khan 36 Wasim c Hafeez b Jordan 24 its biggest local superstar and MN Samuels not out 37 S Khan not out 4 unfortunately that is the case.

S Afridi c Azam b Amir 0 M Amir not out8 Afridi was pictured after the DJG Sammy* not out 0 Extras (lb 4, w match with his hand heavily 8) 12 Extras (lb 3, w 1)4 bandaged and has been ruled Total (7 wickets; 20 overs)157 Total (3 wickets; 20 overs)181 out of the final.

(7.85 runs per over) Did not bat: K Shah, M If any player deserved to Did not bat : Usama Hafeez, CJ Jordan, WRiaz, carry his bat through a T20 Mir, Usman Khan Hasan Ali, M Asghar innings, it was Kamran today.

Fall of wickets 1-2 (Babar Azam, Fall of wickets 1-97, But what he perhaps deserved 1.1 ov), 2-19 (Sangakkara, 4.5 2-174, 3-179 ov), 3-19 (Shoaib Malik, 5.1 more was the overwhelming Bowling- Amir 4-0-31-1, Wasim ov), 4-35 (Bopara, 8.2 ov), 3-0-22-0, Sohail Khan 4-0-32adulation he received when he 5-80 (Gayle, 11.5 ov), 6-142 1, Khan4-0-26-0, Mir 2-0-26was run out in the final over of (Pollard, 17.5 ov), 7-144 0, Bopara 3-0-41-013.66 the innings.

(Imad Wasim, 18.2 ov) A packed Dubai crowd rose Bowling: Hasan Ali 4-0Karachi Kings innings (target: as one, his trudge back to the 21-0(1w), CJ Jordan 4-0182 runs from 20 overs) pavilion met with thunderous 26-3 (3w), Hafeez 3-0Azam c Riaz b Jordan 1 16-1, Riaz 4-026-3, Afridi applause. Even the Karachi CH Gayle b Riaz 40 2-0-27-0, DJG Sammy2-0-21-0 players joined in the ova(3w), Asghar1-0-18-0 KC Sangakkara*† c Samuels b Ri tion, most coming up to the az 15 Peshawar opener to shake his hand as he made his way off.

SCOREBOARD

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GSSF/Archery Guyana grateful for Annel’s visit

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John Annel (left) handing over training materials to Chairman Nicholas Hing in the presence of President of GSSF, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, and Committee members Michael Abrams, Sean Duncan and Anand Mangra

T

he Guyana Sport Shooting Federation/Archery Guyana recently hosted John Annel of the Barbados Archery Association (B.A.A.) in a short visit to Guyana; and this member athlete of the World Archery Barbados – past President of the B.A.A. and Level 2 Coach – was very happy to share his archery expertise with the members of Archery Guyana in order to help raise the standard of that sport in Guyana.

Welcomed by Archery Guyana’s Task Force Chairman Nicholas Hing and committee members at a Meeting at the SleepIn Hotel, Annel presented the Club with an archery training DVD and tools to further the development of Archery Training pro-

Joseph re-elected GDA President F

aye Joseph has been re-elected President of the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA) at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of that entity, held on Sunday February 26 at her Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt residence in Georgetown. GDA Secretary Mark Wiltshire has also been returned unopposed.

Rodwell Phillips has been elected Vice-President; Earl Mars Treasurer; Curt Sutton Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer; and C l a i r e Benjamin

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grammes here in Guyana. He subsequently held two training sessions (one indoor session at the National Gymnasium and one outdoor session at the Carifesta Sports Complex Ground), where he assessed each member individually on various aspects of form or technique that he/she needed to improve upon, and was excited to try out the GSSF/Archery Guyana member-made pvc training bows, which he had never previously seen or used; and he was duly impressed by its performance.

The Federation wishes to thank Annel and its sister Caribbean association for the support it has received, and for helping Guyana develop this Olympic sport’s training and developmental programme.

O

Junior Organising Secretary.

Committee Members are Dhyan Carter, Theon Ambrose, Raulston Cameron and Jane Chase.

The GDA executives will serve until the next AGM, slated for 2019.

Subsequent to this AGM, the association launched the third edition of the Faye Joseph International Domino Tournament, on Wednesday March 1. The event is predicted to draw more than 100 teams in competition for more than $2 million in cash and prizes.

Faye Joseph

Guyanese to take part in softball cricket in Cuba

n Thursday, Miramar Masters Cricket Club, with a number of Guyanese nationals, left for Cuba to play four matches against the local teams. This is according to Ramzan Roshanali, Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Florida, and the man leading the effort.

The team will be participating in the ‘First Cuba-Guyana Solidarity Softball Cricket Tournament” in celebration of Guyana’s 47th Republic Day Anniversary – Mashramani; and at the same time, will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of cricket in Cuba. Miramar Masters Cricket Club has been invited to Cuba by H.E. Ambassador Halim Majeed, and Proyecto Habana Veija and 38 members of the club will be going across to take part in the

tournament. Included among the members will be supporters who are predicting a good time mixing cricket, socialization and business. In addition, there will also be the serious business of finding ways to spread and improve the game of cricket in Cuba. According to Roshanali : “This is the first softball cricket tournament in Cuba, and we are already planning to invite teams from Guyana, Canada and New York next year. We are taking cricket equipment sponsored by the Guyana Amazon Warriors organization to distribute to teams that play hardball cricket.”

In addition to the other sponsor, Cricket Council USA is also assisting the Miramar Masters Cricket Club on this tour, and is the major sponsor.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, march 4, 2017

Western Tigers, Police ready for colossal Limacol Football final

Western Tigers Coach, Calvin Allen

T

he Western Tigers Football Club and their Guyana Police Force counterparts will engage in a fierce battle for the coveted title of champion when the 2nd annual Petra-organised Limacol Round-robin Knockout Football Tournament is staged this evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground at Bourda in Georgetown.

This publication spoke with both camps ahead of the all-important match, and each has expressed readiness to produce their best game yet.

Coach of the Western Tigers, Calvin Allen, feels his team’s preparation is going well and that the players are upbeat about the match. “We have been getting the turnout from the guys. They have been going through their paces, (and) I’m quite satisfied with the effort from everyone. The weather is a bit disheartening, but we got to work with it; (it is a bit) out-ofcontrol, but the guys are in good spirits,” Allen revealed.

This is the third time that this West Ruimveldt, Georgetown team would be participating in a final match of this tournament, and the coach is hoping that the team emerges victorious against a formidable attack. He explained, “The guys are very enthusiastic about the championship. We went to two finals, lost one and won one; so (there is) not much to brag about. So I think we need this one.

The team we are playing against

Police Head Coach, Dwayne Bobb

The weather was not perfect, but Western Tigers still managed to get in some important practice

has been a difficult opponent for us over the past couple of games, and we need to set that straight”.

With an array of talented city players at his disposal, the experienced coach is not looking for one individual to make the difference, but is expecting a collective team effort. “We don’t look to the names or individuals; we try to do it as a collective unit. We had defenders getting goals (in previous matches). We play as a unit; and once everyone sticks to their roles, we will play well”, Allen posited. Allen is anticipating enormous crowd support, which he said would be for a good game of football; but he sees the match being tilted in his team’s favour.

VERSATILITY

On the other hand, with their versatility the lawmen can match the Tigers; and Coach Dwayne Bobb feels their victory over the opposition in a previous final can have a positive psychological effect on his team. He declared: “That (psychological effect) can play a very important role, because they (Western Tigers) will be coming knowing that Police have already defeated them, and it is a possibility that it can happen again”.

Expressing sentiments that are similar to Allen’s, Bobb said he also would be looking for a collective team effort, and expects his experienced players to have a

greater impact on the game.

The coach explained, “I always tell my players (that) names don’t play football; who wants (the win) the most can achieve (it). We know they have a lot of experienced players, but I boost my guys, and we train hard and prepare for anything that comes along”. He added, “Quincy Holder, Junior Gordon, Dwain Jacobs and some others do well in the practice, but in games they play shy; so I’m trying to get (these) guys to play to their best”.

Bobb feels that once the team continues to play organized and disciplined football, his talented bunch of players would prevail against the opposition. Meanwhile, Co-director of

the Petra Organization, Troy Mendonca, feels there is no doubt that the two teams in the final (Police and Western Tigers) are the two best teams in the competition; and this with all due respect to the two other teams (Santos and Winners Connection) competing for the third place position. He declared, “We think everyone enjoyed this tournament. It served as a breath of fresh air in the sport.

The format is all-inclusive, it lends for a very competitive atmosphere and a spread of the remuneration among all the teams. We are happy, and (are) looking forward (to witnessing) an exciting final (match) and continued support”.

Mendonca has expressed gratitude to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the competition sponsors, teams, and all other parties involved in the event for the support received. This final match will commence at 21:00 hrs, while Winners Connection and Santos will do battle in the third place play-off from 19:00 hrs. The winner of this event will pocket $500,000 and a trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed teams will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. To date, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand; Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals are the other companies that have thrown their support behind the championship.

Admission is $500.

RHTY&SC Metro Female Cricket Team assist Upper Corentyne CA, two Clubs T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, Metro Female Cricket Team has handed over a set of items to the Upper Corentyne Cricket

Shemaine Campbelle is seen handing over the donation to UCCA President Dennis De Andrade, while RHTY&SC Executive Sohan Harry looks on

Association (UCCA) as part of its personal development programme for 2017.

The donation consisted of trophies, cricket medals, scorebooks, plaque frames, six boxes of educational materials, school

bags, and 400 hand towels. The trophies, medals, school bags and scorebooks would be used to host a junior cricket match under the Club’s Say NO/Say Yes Campaign; while the frame plaques would be used to honour outstanding administrators/ players in the Upper Corentyne area under a Tribute to Heroes programme. The boxes of educational materials would be donated to two primary schools in the Corriverton area, while the hand towels would be shared out to youth cricketers in the Upper Corentyne area.

UCCA President, Dennis De Andrade, on Wednesday accepted the donation on behalf of that Association from Captain of the Metro Female Cricket Team, West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle, during a simple presentation ceremony.

The West Indies batting star urged the UCCA to continue its outstanding work, and to pay special attention to junior players, as they are the future of cricket in Berbice and in Guyana. She assured the UCCA of the Metro Female Team’s continued assistance in the future, and disclosed that each player of that team is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, has said that the Metro Female Team has been mandated to successfully complete 40 programmes/activities as part of the RHTY&SC effort to complete

500 programmes for 2017. Members of each of the eight cricket teams that comprise the RHTY&SC are required, under the personal development programme for 2017, to undertake activities that fall under numerous sub-headings, which include education, sports, charity, coaching, anti-drugs, anti-suicide, religious, youth development, and social cohesion. These activities are part of the Club’s effort to make sure that members fully understand their roles as sport ambassadors, their need to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and to assist others less fortunate than themselves.

Foster explained that the UCCA was chosen because of its outstanding work in promoting cricket in the Upper Corentyne area, and also because its leadership has comprised honest, hardworking and dedicated individuals. He singled out the President of the UCCA for specific mention of his visionary leadership and his passion for the game.

President of the UCCA, Dennis De Andrade, expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC, MS, and its female team for the assistance. He noted that the Club has assisted his association on numerous occasions, and said the executives of his association would continue to work beyond the call of duty to improve the standard of cricket in the area.

The Hampshire and Fyrish Cricket Clubs also received stumps, scorebooks, hand towels and educational materials.

The RHT Metro Team, formed in 2009, is

Campbelle handing over donations to representatives of the Hampshire and Fyrish Cricket Teams

the only female cricket team in Guyana.

To date, it has produced two West Indies players, fourteen national junior players, nine senior national players, and a total of twenty-seven players for Berbice.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, MARCH 4, 2017

England prevail on the back of Morgan’s century

Eoin Morgan’s century spearheaded England’s innings

A

mature century from Eoin Morgan helped England to victory in the first ODI of the series against West Indies in Antigua. The win was secured with almost three overs to spare, with Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett taking four wickets apiece.

On a sluggish, slightly two-paced pitch England were precariously placed at 29 for 2 when Morgan walked to the wicket after West Indies had won what appeared to be an important toss in a match delayed by rain.

It took Morgan sev-

en balls to get off the mark and 33 to reach double-figures. But he did not panic.

Recognising that this was a surface on which a total of 270 might prove match-winning, he batted accordingly and reached his tenth ODI century - and second in three matches - with his second six in the 49th over of the England innings. It was a masterful demonstration of experience and calculated aggression in conditions demanding more subtlety than aggression.

It was the first time England had failed to post a total of at least 300 when

SCOREBOARD England innings (50 overs maximum) JJ Roy lbw b Gabriel 13 SW Billings c CR Brathwaite b Nurse 52 JE Root b Gabriel 4 EJG Morgan* run out 107 (CR Brathwaite) JC Buttler† c Carter b Nurse 14 BA Stokes c Holder b Bishoo 55 MM Ali not out 31 CR Woakes not out 0 Extras (lb-7, w-12, nb-1) 20 Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 296 Did not bat: AU Rashid, LE Plunkett, ST Finn Fall of wickets 1-23 (Roy, 5.3 ov), 2-29 (Root, 7.2 ov), 3-96 (Billings, 21.3 ov), 4-129 (Buttler, 25.6 ov), 5-239 (Stokes, 44.4 ov), 6-292 (Morgan, 49.3 ov) Bowling: JO Holder 9-1-46-0 (w-2), ST Gabriel 10-0-58-2 (nb1, w-2), CR Brathwaite 10-1-540 (w-1), AR Nurse 10-0-57-2 (w1), D Bishoo 6-0-49-1 (w-5), JN Mohammed 5-0-25-0

23

West Indies innings (target: 297 runs from 50 overs) KC Brathwaite c Rashid b Woakes 14 E Lewis c Billings b Woakes 21 KOA Powell c Roy b Plunkett 1 SD Hope† c Finn b Rashid 31 JN Mohammed run out (Finn) 72 JL Carter c Roy b Plunkett 52 JO Holder* c †Buttler b Plunkett

4 CR Brathwaite c Root b Woakes 12 AR Nurse lbw b Woakes 21 D Bishoo not out 12 ST Gabriel c †Buttler b Plunkett 0 Extras: (lb-4, w-7) 11 Total: (all out; 47.2 overs) 251 Fall of wickets 1-36 (Lewis, 9.2 ov), 2-37 (Powell, 10.2 ov), 3-39 (KC Brathwaite, 11.4 ov), 4-108 (Hope, 24.3 ov), 5-190 (Carter, 38.2 ov), 6-201 (Holder, 40.2 ov), 7-210 (Mohammed, 41.6 ov), 8-224 (CR Brathwaite, 44.3 ov), 9-250 (Nurse, 46.3 ov), 10-251 (Gabriel, 47.2 ov) Bowling: ST Finn 9-0-49-0 (w1), CR Woakes 9-1-47-4, JE Root 5-0-31-0 (w-1), LE Plunkett 8.2-1-40-4 (w-3), MM Ali 7-037-0, AU Rashid 9-1-43-1 (w-2)

batting first in an ODI since February 2016. But, in these conditions, it was a challenging total and testament, perhaps, to some growing sophistication within an England side that has tended, until now, to try to blast its way to success. Had they attempted to make 350, they could very well have subsided for fewer than 200.

It was Morgan's fifth century as captain, a new record for an England skipper surpassing the four made

by Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook.

West Indies will rue two missed chances, though.

First Kieran Powell, at slip, was unable to cling on to an outside edge offered by a loose drive off Carlos Brathwaite's first ball when Morgan had just 4, while later Shai Hope was unable to complete a tough catch after a delivery from Jason Mohammed turned, bounced and took Morgan's outside edge when he had 69.

Perhaps more significantly in the grand scheme of things, Morgan also had an escape when he was struck by a bouncer bowled by the impressively sharp Shannon Gabriel.

Through a pull shot too early, Morgan was struck on the stemguard but, thanks to the extra protection, he was able to go on and celebrate a fine century in front of a crowd dominated by travelling England supporters. Ticket prices of USD75 appear to have done little to attract local spectators.

Morgan accelerated intelligently after his careful start. He struck the spinners for four fours in eight balls at one stage, going deep in his crease to pull

and lofting the ball over mid-off when the man was pulled into the circle, while also clearing his front leg and striking the seamers for his two sixes.

He was given excellent support from Ben Stokes,

ball straight back at the bowler, Brathwaite, who threw down the stumps Moeen contributed 31 from 22 balls to help England plunder exactly 100 runs off the final 10 overs of their innings.

Johnathan Carter took a stunning one handed catch to remove Jos Butler

who ensured he played himself in before going on the attack and it took him 26 deliveries to reach double-figures but once he settled he went on the attack and helped his captain add 110 in 18.4 overs.

Struggling to hit fours on the slow surface and with bug square boundaries, Stokes instead relied on his power. He struck three sixes in 12 balls at one stage - helped by Kraigg Brathwaite stepping over the boundary as he attempted to take a catch at deep midwicket - and registered his sixth score of 50plus in his last nine ODI innings, from 56 balls.

While he was eventually caught at long-on and Morgan was run-out backing-up - Moeen Ali hit the

West Indies rarely threatened to get close to their target. After Evin Lewis pulled to deep midwicket, Kieran Powell sent a leading edge to point as he tried to turn one into the leg side, and Kraigg Brathwaite pulled to mid-on.

Mohammed and Jonathan Carter added 82 in 13.5 overs to revive West Indies hopes, but when Carter was brilliantly caught by Jason Roy, charging in from deep midwicket, and Mohammed was run-out by some nifty footwork from the bowler, Steven Finn, having been called through for a sharp single, their chase fell away.

England's victory was achieved without the need to use Stokes' bowling skills. The much-anticipat-

Petra/Milo Schools’ U-18 Football…

Sir Leon’ Lesson looking to continue dominance

H

aving crushed Carmel Secondary in a 5-nil drubbing in their opening match of this year’s Petra- organised Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament, Sir Leon’s Lesson are now set to oppose Brickdam Secondary, and would want to continue their winning ways when play gets underway from 14:00h today at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue in the northern outskirts of Georgetown.

Also in the thick of the action today would be the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, who will play Carmel Secondary from 15:30 hrs. The earlier matches pit South Ruimveldt Secondary against Cummings Lodge Secondary from 12:30 hrs, and Christ Church Secondary against Queenstown Secondary from 11:00 hrs.

North Georgetown Secondary will, on Sunday, oppose School of the Nations from 11:00hrs, and this encounter will be followed by Dolphin Secondary opposing Central High from 12:30hrs. Mae’s Secondary will then lock horns with Tutorial High from 14:00hrs, after which Queen’s College will come up against St. George’s High in a humdinger that is slated to commence at 15:30hrs.

Thirty-two secondary schools are competing for the $500,000 first prize; while second, third and fourth placed finishers will pocket $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively – money that will go towards a school project.

ed rematch between him and Carlos Brathwaite, therefore, will have to wait.

Woakes, who finished with four wickets as reward for an intelligent display of control and variation, dismissed him with a slower

Action is increasing in intensity as teams do battle for a top group spot

ball. Plunkett also finished with four wickets, while Finn, in his first ODI since September 2015, was wicketless but bowled with good control. It was, in short, a good display by England's seamers.

Sam Billings will feel he only partially took his chance to impress having retained his place at the top of the order. He registered his second half-century in three ODI innings to steady England, after Gabriel defeated Roy with one that may have kept a little low and bowled Joe Root with a beauty that cut in off the seam. Billings may feel he squandered a chance to register a really telling total, though, when skipping down the pitch and drilling a catch to mid-on.(CRICINFO)

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Western Tigers, Police ready for colossal Limacol football final Pg 22

The Guyana Police Force team going through their paces at the Eve Leary ground ahead of today’s final

England prevail on the back of Morgan’s century

Pg 23

Jason Mohammed

Eoin Morgan

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