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Guyana, India sign pact for US$4M pumps P10

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

Issue No. 3134

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, February 24, 2017

Wales fallout

Religious practices, village economies suffering – WBD religious leader

Govt complicit in parking meter corruption – Ramsammy

Page 7

2015 Audit Report

Regional official admits Act wasn’t followed – PAC Chairman

PRICE

Page 3

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

East Bank Berbice taxis hike fares by more than 40%

- operators bemoan road conditions

P16 Page 9

…as $34.7M in cheques found in Reg 4 safe

Prison reform, border security among issues UK advisor will handle – P11 UK Envoy - assures consultations will be held

MPI introduces modern data collection technology P9

Chinese Embassy refutes P14 “baseless“ KN reports The highly anticipated 47th Republic Anniversary Mashramani Float Parade stirred excitement as revellers took to the streets of Georgetown to showcase their depictions of this year’s theme ‘Celebrating with Liberty, Dignity and Greater Untiy’. In this Marceano Narine photo, the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry band leader proudly flaunts their depiction of the theme in their main float

Veteran Trade Unionist Kenneth Joseph dies

P10 P8 Prison escapee gets 12 months

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friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mashramani Float Parade captivates, turn out affected by several changes A

fter a hiatus for the celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, the annual Mashramani Costume and Float Parade returned to the streets of Georgetown on Thursday. While scores turned out to revel in commemoration of Guyana’s 47th Republic anniversary, the usual festivities appeared to have been dampened by the several new developments surroundings this year’s celebrations.

The inclement weather began the day with apprehension as many feared the Mashramani activities being gravely affected by the heavy downpour. As the rain subsided, revellers and their bands accumulated at the starting point of the parade – at the junction of the Bank of Guyana on Avenue of the Republic, in Georgetown.

Spectators lined the Mash route despite the rains

However, it was not until sometime around midday that the first band took off for their procession.

Bands belonging to Government Ministries, regional offices and local businesses all paraded the new Mash route for 2017.

This was from the starting point, on to the Avenue of the Republic then through Brickdam, making their way into the recently con-

structed D’Urban Park for their final display and scrutiny. Each band was unique in their presentation by utilising the creative arts to craft expressive floats and symbolic costumes. The colours of the Golden Arrow Head flooded the streets as encouraging a greener economy was the common theme highlighted by a majority of the floats. Among the precession were Government

Ministers Kathy Hughes and Dominic Gaskin. The Public Communications Minister expressed her delight of the day’s activities as she was caught up in the merriment.

She also relayed that had it not been for the rain, citizens would have turned out in larger numbers to celebrate Mashramani, the traditional way.

Despite the grand display, it was evident that this year’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade fell short of the precedent set in previous years. The number of bands participating, the size of their procession as well as the citizens’ turnout to the revelry significantly decreased with gaps on the street corners and long pauses between the arrival of bands being indicators. Several factors may have contributed to this de-

Parents and children patiently awaiting the float parade along Brickdam

terioration of the highly anticipated national celebration. The interruption of last year’s Mashramani celebrations, the new route devised for the parade as well as the severe weather conditions may be the reasons behind Thursday’s shortcomings.

Nonetheless, those who did show up to Mash 2017 certainly had a grand time.

The revellers were all ex-

cited for the opportunity to once again honour the country’s history while celebrating our accomplishments as a nation. The diversity in attendance was also noteworthy as many Amerindians as well as tourists joined in this year’s activities. The scenes of Thursday’s procession certainly indicated a celebration of dignity, with liberty and great unity.

Captivating displays were on show during the parade

First Lady explores possible partnerships with UN

First Lady Sandra Granger is flanked by UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, MikikoTanaka (left) and UNFPA Resident Representative, Patrice LaFleur

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irst Lady Sandra Granger, received a courtesy call from United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mikiko Tanaka, earlier this week at her office at State House. During that meeting, possible areas of collaboration aimed at addressing issues affecting the welfare of women and girls were discussed.

“We spoke about several issues, gender-based violence, health, women’s empowerment, education, issues that affect women and girls, both in the rural and urban areas and how we can work together to alleviate these problems if not solve them,” the First Lady said.

Meanwhile, Tanaka, in an invited comment, said that she was keen to discuss some of the social issues, which pose a challenge to society and the strides that are being made to remedy them, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

“Really I was hearing the different perspectives of the social issues affecting women and children in Guyana and what efforts are being made by the First Lady, institutions, people in Guyana, and how the UN system could work together and support the efforts,” she said.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative, Patrice LaFleur accompanied Tanaka to the meeting.

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friDAY, february 24, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, February 24 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, February 25 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, February 24 – 15:10h-16:40h and Saturday, February 25 – 15:50h-17:20h.

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 cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tides: 03:11h and 15:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.53 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 09:00h and 21:25h reaching minimum heights of 0.81 metres and 0.64 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

03

05 06

09

14

FREE TICKET

19 26 BONUS BALL

DAILY MILLIONS 02 07 12 16

19

LUCKY 3 8 0 7

6

Afternoon Draw

5

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 02

05 06

13 16 21

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

Wales closure fallout

Religious practices, village economies suffering – Hindu leader

A

lmost two months after the end of sugar operations at the Wales Estate, on the West Bank Demerara (WBD), members in the community and surrounding villages continue to face the far-reaching impacts from the closure. Among those affected include sugar workers, their families, and the local economies of several lower WBD communities, including Patentia, Vriesland, Wales, Good Intent, Sisters’ and Bellevue.

Patentia-based Hindu priest, Surendra Tiwari, who has been in practice for the last eight years, has described the future outlook for the surrounding communities as “grim”. In a recent interview with this publication, the Pandit highlighted the numerous challenges villagers and the business community have encountered as sugar processing halted on December 31, last year.

Hundreds of sugar workers were forced to seek alternative forms of employment to sustain their livelihood.

Focusing on his own plight, the priest indicated that the business he operates also suffered loses as persons are spending less. Tiwari indicated that he sent out applications to two companies in an effort to garner additional employment. Up to now, the Pandit is still awaiting a response.

Moreover, it was suggested that the Hindu practice is under threat as many believers have cut back on the number of “Puja” observances they would usually host.

“Many Pandits around the country have said the closure of the estate and the downturn of Guyana’s economy, rituals have been cut back,” he noted.

Tiwari further explained that in previous times, families would invite a large contingent of persons, but this has changed as hosts of the religious functions have curbed their numbers,

Impact

Hindu priest Surendra Tiwari

which reduces the amount of opportunities for community folk to gather. It was also explained that while Pandits don’t officially charge for performing religious work, residents have reduced the amount of money they give to the priests and in some cases, villagers cannot afford to offer financial incen-

Tiwari posited that the reduction in religious observances can have a psychological impact on the well-being of residents.

“It would have a mental toll on them because many Hindus normally perform yearly and functions at Temples… knowing that you’re a Hindu and can’t perform those functions because of lack of jobs and income, it would cause a mental breakdown,” reasoned the religious leader.

Tiwari also claimed that the closure is leading to a large number persons, especially of Indian descent, to fast-track migration which, according to him, is threatening the continuation of not only the Hindu religion, but that of Islam as well.

The leader also noted that income considerations are propelling the residents to leave.

“Persons who have mon-

practices, such as barbecues and other shows are no longer being held. He noted too that villagers have cut back on luxuries due to the lack of jobs. “Person cannot afford the fancy places to eat like Royal Castle, DQ, and Chicken and Burger Delight – these are facts,” Tiwari stated. The closure of the estate affected hundreds of workers and farmers directly and thousands of persons in the Wales and surrounding communities indirectly.

At this point, many Wales workers claim that they are still awaiting severance payment and have cited that they have largely been out of work since late December 2016. They noted that their ability to send children to school is being affected.

Earlier this week, workers reminded that President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had committed their support to the sugar indus-

The Wales Sugar Estate finalised the closure of sugar operations on December 31, 2016

tives.

“Some persons give and some don’t give because they don’t have jobs and don’t have a steady income coming in and hence the reason why they can’t give donations to the temple or they can’t pay the Pandit to perform certain rituals functions,” he explained.

ey are migrating to the islands, the US and Canada in search of greener pastures and jobs, and this are happen primarily to IndoGuyanese because the majority of them held jobs at the Wales Estate,” Tiwari stressed.

He even highlighted some of the social impacts he has seen over the past several months where community

try in the run-up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections. On this premises, they called for an intervention of the President and his Cabinet members to address their many concerns.

The decision to cease sugar operations was confirmed

by Government in January 2016 after Guyana Times broke the news of closure earlier that month.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, February 24, 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

United against violence against women and girls

O

range Day is observed on the 25th of each month to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. Everyone is encouraged to learn more, share information, speak out and wear something orange in support of the issue.

This month, Orange Day will draw on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Eight – “Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full employment and decent work for all” – to highlight the link between violence against women and girls and the empowerment of women. The theme of women’s empowerment in the world of work will also be the focus this year at the 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women ( March 1324, 2017, New York) and for International Women’s Day on March 8.

“Violence against women at work has serious and immediate consequences for those who are directly affected by it,” says UN Women in its Orange Day information note for February, “and it can also have wider reaching effects on their ability to earn a livelihood, support their family, achieve economic empowerment, and access other rights.” Such violence also costs organisations, “causing absenteeism, increased staff turnover, and resulting in reduced productivity.” It therefore calls for support of the SDG Eight target to promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, pointing specifically to the role of the corporate sector in this effort.

In 2015, a new global development agenda was accepted by all countries and is applicable to all. Through its 17 goals, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an agenda for global action for the next 15 years, addresses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social, and environmental. The Agenda recognises gender equality and the empowerment of women as a key priority and pledges that “no one will be left behind.”

Goal Five of the agenda aims to “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” and includes specific targets to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. However, all goals are integrated and indivisible, therefore their achievement is also fully dependent on ensuring parallel and interconnected implementation of the efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. For this reason, throughout 2017 and through its Orange Days, the UNiTE campaign will continue to highlight specific SDGs as they relate to violence against women and girls.

In Guyana, a combination of social norms and social and cultural practices have been identified as the main factors that influence violence against women in this country. In many communities across Guyana, incidents of domestic violence continue to be “nobody’s business” and is too often the excuse of “justified punishment” or “discipline” is used to excuse the act itself.

In 2016, the National Task Force for Domestic Violence was launched after which several protocols for medical practitioners, Police Officers and Prosecutors, among others, were signed; the Task Force was needed since there were no mechanisms in place for partners to follow guidelines on how to respond to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The Unit will also embark on training partners which include members of the Guyana Police Force.

One in three women around the world experience violence in their lifetime, often in the hands of someone they know, love and trust. Of all women who were victims of homicide globally in 2012, almost half were killed by intimate partners or family members.

The term ‘violence against women’ means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life” (Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, UN General Assembly, 1993). All are being encourage to take action this Orange Day.

Guyana ushered in its 47th Republic anniversary with the annual flag raising ceremony which was held at D’Urban Park on Wednesday evening. The event was attended by many, including Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and spectators alike (Carl Croker photo)

Mayor and obsolete law Dear Editor, I was reading Boswell’s Life of Johnson, and came across the familiar quotation in a Latin form, “Quos Deus vult perdere prius dementat” which means in English “those whom God wishes to destroy he first drives mad” and that caused me to be reminded so much of the Georgetown City Council where there is so much of madness taking place.

Of most recent is the announcement in the press that the Mayor of Georgetown is moving to have the capital city’s businesses closed by 16:30h each day, an announce-

ment that sent shockwaves throughout the city.

Clearly uninformed of the Shops Consolidation (Amendment) Act 2009 which extends the operating hours for regular shops from 07:30h to 22:00h; restaurants and cook shops for 24 hours per day; and parlour, barber and hairdresser establishments from 06:00h to midnight every day, she is instead quoting an obsolete law Act, which indeed at that time stipulated an early closure time for businesses.

But two questions have to be asked, the first being whether she and her relatives close their shop

which they own in East La Penitence at 16:30h each day in keeping with the old act that she is quoting and second, why is she seeking to enforce this archaic law now, a period that coincides with protest action that is being undertaken against the odious Parking Meter Contract by the public at large, including the business community.

One has to hope that this position that she has taken along with destroying a bridge that was erected to facilitate the provision of free and convenient parking by an employer to his employees on Camp Street, and the removal of

parking aids from a shopping mall on the East Coast of Demerara are not crude attempts at being spiteful, retaliatory and castigatory against the business community for their stand against the scandalous parking meters.

But if this is all being done out of a lack of knowledge that one has to wonder how the Mayor of a capital city could be so uninformed, and for how much longer must the citizens suffer whilst she is on a learning curve making colossal mistakes each day.

Sincerely, Mateo Phelephe

The truth about new measures for miners Dear Editor, The newspaper headlines and a few letters are highlighting the work of one Junior Minister forming syndicates and getting land for small miners. This is great news, but let’s look AT THIS REALISTICALLY AND CAREFULLY. The Government has been in power for close to 20 months now and the Junior Minister has been in that position for a year.

1. New lands and concessions are now being offered to small syndicates that would never have been offered, or issued, had the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation and miners in general, not been lobbying for withdrawal of this new

(Jordon/Statia) tax regime.

2. How is it that they have waited until now? Why did they not offer these new measures before? Why wait until there is a huge outcry about this increase in taxes before they intervene with these measures? Is the Minister and by extension, the Government saying that these problems she speaks about started only a few weeks ago?

3. Statia is on record as saying that only the large miners will be affected by this tax regime, ie, two per cent paid on the sale of gold as advance taxes until you make up your books at the end of the year and pay roughly 40 per cent on your profits. And that it will not affect small miners, as they would be entitled to a re-

fund if they make a loss.

4. Well you have to now decide to stay as a poor miner and ensure that you do not strike it rich, or in bush man terms “catch an edge and make a lil lash out, hoping to buy that Charlie (Excavator) that you worked for all your life”.

5. After mining in the bush for 20 years, withstanding malaria, dengue, typhoid and numerous other difficulties, the dream of owning your own pick-up truck or Model M to assist you in transporting your goods to the bush, would just remain a dream because before you go to buy those items, Statia has to get his taxes. Oh yes, and the deposit and those monthly payments cannot be deducted as expens-

es when filing your tax returns. They are considered the Capital Growth and will be taxed.

6. Also, only official receipts would be allowed for expenses. Statia would probably be back in the United States in a year or two when you are being audited, so when the receipts says “I will accept it”, the Guyana Revenue Authority auditors will tell you up front that they are not the Commissioner General, or he is no longer here. Get the facts. Find an accountant and ask him. You will need him at the end of the year anyway.

Yours respectfully, Devika Boodram Miner

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friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ECWECC forum

Legal sanctions and mandates must be reinforced for lasting results – PM Browne

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rime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, told the Forum of Caricom First Ladies and Spouses of Heads of State and Government that legal sanctions and mandates by themselves would not yield lasting results, but must be reinforced by other factors. These included reliable data; coordinated policies and programmes; men and boys in the response; and promoting evidenced-based solutions.

The Prime Minister’s statement was made in reference to the Every Caribbean Woman, Every Caribbean Child (ECWECC) initiative, which was the focus of the Forum hosted by Guyana’s First Lady, Sandra Granger last week.

The ECWECC initiative identifies four issues for priority intervention: teenage pregnancy; violence against women and children (including trafficking in persons); cervical cancer; and mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) in the Caribbean.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister pointed out that reliable data was necessary to inform and mobilise government leaders, civil society and the Private Sector on the magnitude, nature and impact of physical, emotional and sexual violence against women, girls and children.

So too were coordinated policies and programmes “to ensure that there is access by victims to the appropriate, legal, health and social

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

protection services, [including] access to affordable medicines and services.”

He singled out Jamaica’s HE4She campaign, championed by that country’s Prime Minister, Andrew

Holness and its Olympic Great, Usain Bolt, as a useful model for involving men and boys as part of the solution. He called also for the promotion of Regional advocacy and public awareness of evidenced-based solutions to foster prevention.

Citing the state of play in the Caribbean which he described as “unflattering”, he pointed to the high rates of reported violence and abuse of women and girls; equally high levels of rape and incest, and teenage pregnancy; rates of cervical cancer-related deaths, which were vaccine preventable; and the rise in trafficking in persons, especially young girls.

Prime Minister Browne emphasised that “reme-

dial action” was urgently required and called on the “leaders of the Region” to accelerate the response “to meaningfully tackle the problems that severely threaten to undermine the human development and contribution of women, girls and children”.

The Forum, held on the margins of the 28th InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, was attended by the First Ladies/Spouses of Heads of Government from Belize, Guyana, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago; Foreign Affairs Ministers, in the case of Jamaica and Suriname; Guyana’s Social Protection Minister; Caricom Secretariat Assistant Secretary General

for Human and Social Development, Dr Douglas Slater; UN Special Envoy for HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean, Dr Edward Greene; Deputy Director, UNFPA Regional Office, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sheila Roseau; representatives of other United Nations agencies; the Gilead Sciences Inc – the main sponsor of the Forum – and other Regional and National agencies and bodies.

The Forum’s recommendations were presented to the Heads of Government, who agreed to champion the initiative and other activities focussed on addressing violence against women and women’s and children’s health.

M&CC must not be allowed to mortgage lives of unborn Guyanese Dear Editor, The Mayor has indicated that she will move forward with this Parking Meter Project, which will see the profits leaving the shores of Guyana. This is being done on the backs of the citizens, even the unborn.

It seems that Cush did a bait-and-switch on the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) by using his influence in Guyana and enticed the M&CC into believing that this is a good project for Guyana. He presented his company that had no experience, hence he lied, and then introduced Smart City Solutions (SCS). This, itself is problematic. National Parking Systems (NPS) is out of the picture and SCS is the company that eventually signed the contract

with M&CC. There has been a lot of information circulating about the companies, NPS, SCS, and its principals, Kamua Cush, Amir Oren and Simon Moshel, aka Simon Mosheshvili. To date, the SCS nor M&CC has denied any of these accusations. As such I am laying them out in a succinct manner and ask either of these parties to deny or confirm them by providing the necessary proof.

1) Why was the procurement policies not followed, and this project not advertised and other vendors encouraged to submit proposals? This is considered to be good procurement practice, one of the pillars of transparent governing.

2) Who in Guyana conducted the feasibility stud-

ies? And what were the findings? I find it rather bizarre that the M&CC would not have conducted this study, but the company who was awarded this lucrative deal did. You can bet if I wanted to sell the M&CC a nuclear bomb, I can conduct a study and show them why they should arm themselves with a bomb.

3) As with projects of this magnitude, did NPS or SCS provide at least three years of audited financial statements to show that the companies are in good financial standings and have the capabilities for such a product? This would also include a letter from their bankers. I suspect that this did not happen because the evidence shows SCS incorporated in Guyana and the US in 2016. This means the

companies never existed prior to 2016 and could not have the financial assets for this project.

4) If the companies were only formed in 2016, then it follows they do not have the background nor experience in the parking domain as they claim. It has already been proven that after Mark Jacobs exposed him a while ago, a quick attempt was made to launch one. Cush copied another website wholesale with minor changes; hence easy to prove plagiarism; a very serious charge for a writer.

SCS does not have a website. Remarkable in this

digital age.

5) Cush has not denied that he spent time in jail for larceny; hence one must believe that this is true.

6) Mosheshvili has also not denied that he has spent time in jail for smuggling cigarettes.

Interestingly Oren is the face on the ground now and not Mosheshvili.

7) Did NPS and SCS provide references for previous completed projects?

This is a norm in the business world.

It is difficult for a layperson like myself to understand how this contract can be legal when it was

borne out of some many deceptions and withholding of the truth by NPS and SCS to the M&CC. Either that or the M&CC deliberately ignored these important pieces of information, which is essential to do the necessary due diligence.

This is what is circulating in the social media today and causing angst in the community. The Mayor, Town Clerk, or SCS can clear the air by responding to the items mentioned above.

Sincerely, Michael Annamunthodo

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friDAY, february 24, 2017

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Foundation ition. “You are very likely to derive some useful thoughts you would not have come upon within the midst of your anxious state.”

Therapists spill:

12. Just take action

BY MARGARITA TARTAKOVSKY, MS (Continued from Thursday)

“[S

4. Prioritise self-care

elf-care] is absolutely necessary to survive tough situations,” said Marter, who also pens the Psych Central blog “The Psychology of Success in Business.” “[Y] ou won’t be of any help to others if you are incapacitated,” Howes said.

While you might not have time for your usual healthy habits, you can still take good care of yourself. For instance, if you can’t prepare a nutritious meal, keep protein bars in your bag, she said. If you can’t go to the gym for an hour, take a 10 to 15-minute walk around the block to “relieve physical tension and clear the cobwebs in your mind.”

Ten minutes of meditating or a 20-minute power nap also helps, she said.

Remember that a stressful situation isn’t a sprint; sometimes “it may be more of a marathon. [You] need to pace [yourself] and take the necessary time to rest to reboot your mind and body.”

ing about.

“During a moment of meditation or prayer, visualise handing those items over to your higher power and letting them go. Then focus on what you can control, like your self-care, your words, your actions and your decisions.”

7. Ask for help

You might assume that you can and should handle this difficult time on your own. Many people do. But, interestingly, when Duffy talks to his clients, most say they’d never expect others to manage similar situations alone. “We need to relinquish control, ask for help, and receive it with grace.”

6. Practice acceptance

“Let go of that which you cannot control,” Marter said. To start, make a list of everything you don’t have control over.

These are the things you can stop worry-

8. Limit time with toxic people

Serani suggested spending less time – or no time – with toxic people. These are individuals who are not supportive or reliable and don’t have your best interest at heart. They don’t listen to you, and might even be critical, judgmental or demanding. After being with them, you feel drained and depleted. In other words, they make you feel worse.

9. Stay grounded in the present

“Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga, [which] are excellent for the mind and body when going through a crisis,” Marter said.

10. Call an end to the crisis

“Far too often, we allow crisis to define our lives and mindsets for way, way too long,” Duffy said. We burn out, become more anxious and depressed and have less energy and focus to find effective solutions, he said.

Calling an end to the crisis helps you shift into a calmer and more solution-focused state of

5. Consider if you’re experiencing a catastrophe or an inconvenience

Sometimes we magnify problems, turning a fixable concern into a calamity. Jeffrey Sumber, MA, a psychotherapist, author and teacher, shared a family lesson about viewing is- s u e s more accurately.

My great grandmother gave our family a very important key to coping with difficult situations in life. She suggested that if anything can be fixed with money, it is not really a problem. This rule has been very important in my life as a reminder that so often we create catastrophes where there are sometimes inconveniences.

kinds of support. “Support may come in the form of family, friends, co-workers, a doctor, therapist, support group or even your higher power,” Marter said.

When asking for help, you may need to be direct. Let others know what you need, such as “support and compassion,” and what you don’t need, such as “[not] criticis[ing] my slowness to heal,” said Deborah Serani, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and author of the book Living with Depression.

Seeking support from your loved ones also strengthens those relationships.

According to Hibbert, “[F]amilies and friends who can be there for each other, who can listen, talk about things, and openly feel together, not only help the individuals heal, but protect and strengthen the relationships that, in times of stress, are otherwise too often neglected.”

And remember that there are many

mind.

For instance, Duffy worked with a woman who was grieving the dissolution of her marriage and going through a lengthy divorce process. “One day, we agreed that, though she did not have the power to end the marriage in the immediate run, she did have the choice to end the crisis she was suffering.” She still has to deal with attorney calls and paperwork. “But she is not in crisis.”

11. Observe the situation as an outsider

“Take a ‘crisis break’ in which you relax and observe the situation as if you were an outsider, hearing about the circumstance from a friend or maybe a co-worker,” Duffy said. Take several deep breaths, and focus on your intu-

“If you don’t know what to do, do something,” Howes said. “Make a list, make some phone calls, gather some information.” Avoiding a situation only adds to your anxiety and “what ifs,” he said.

Taking action is empowering.

13. Remember that you are not your difficult time

As Marter said, “You are not your problems or your crisis. You are not your divorce, your illness, your trauma or your bank account. Your true self is that deeper entity within that is perfectly whole and well no matter what you are experiencing.”

14. Remember that everyone heals differently

“I encourage children and adults to remind others that this is their journey and that no one should be clock-watching,” Serani said. “Everyone feels in different ways. And

BY D’ARCY LYNESS, PHD

S

elf-esteem is made up of the thoughts, feelings, and opinions we have about ourselves. That means self-esteem isn’t fixed. It can change, depending on the way we think.

Over time, habits of negative thinking about ourselves can lower self-esteem.

Sometimes, people don’t even realize that they’re thinking so negatively about themselves. But once you’re aware of it, and know that the way you think is up to you, you can begin to change the way you think. And changing the way you think about yourself changes the way you feel about yourself.

So if you want to feel better about yourself, try some of these things: Manage your inner critic. Notice the critical things you say to yourself.

Would you talk to a best friend like that? A harsh inner voice just tears us down. If you’re in the habit of thinking self-critically, re-train yourself by rewording these negative unkind thoughts into more helpful feedback.

everyone heals in different ways.”

Tough times can feel incredibly overwhelming and exhausting. But there are many things you can do to soften the blow. Plus, if you’re currently not in crisis but have issues to work through, seek professional help.

“It’s best to fix the roof when the sun is shining,” said Howes, quoting the famous saying. “Dealing with our childhood issues, relational issues, or anything else when we’re in periods of relative calm may be the best investment of time and effort we can make.”

And when you’re ready, look for the lesson. As Marter said, “Hardships are opportunities for growth and learning. They deepen our understandings of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

There are hidden blessings that come with virtually every hardship, such as strength, wisdom, empathy or openness to a deeper spiritual awareness.” (psychcentral.com)

Focus on what goes well for you. Are you so used to focusing on your problems that they’re all you see? Next time you catch yourself dwelling on problems or complaints about yourself or your day, find something positive to counter it. Each day, write down three good things about yourself, and/or three things that went well that day because of your action or effort.

Aim for effort rather than perfection. Some people get held back by their own pressure to be perfect.

They lose out because they don’t try. If you think, “I won’t audition for the play because I probably won’t get the lead,” it’s guaranteed that role will go to someone else.

View mistakes as learning opportunities. Accept that you will make mistakes. Everyone does. They’re part of learning. Instead of thinking, “I always mess up” remind yourself that it’s not about always, just this specific situation. What can you do differently next time?

Edit thoughts that get you feeling inferior. Do you often compare yourself with others and come up feeling less accomplished or less talented? Notice what you’re thinking.

Something like: “She’s so much better than I am. I’m no good at basketball. I should just stop playing” leads to feeling inferior, not to feeling good about yourself. (kidshealth.org)

TO BE CONTINUED

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friDAY, february 24, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Govt complicit in parking meter corruption– Ramsammy – says there was no move to prevent “contract from hell”

F

ormer Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has placed the blame for the current fiasco involving the Parking Meter Project and the Georgetown City Council, at the feet of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) administration.

Ramsammy said while the project has stirred outrage and resistance from the people, and while the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has been rightfully and deservedly pilloried for corruption, Government is even guiltier of one of the most corrupt deals ever in our history.

“People have been understandably suspicious, but their suspicions of corruption might be worse than imagined given the information that is presently circulating.

Information has reached the public that the real distribution of revenues is not what is stated in the contract, but as follows: 50 per cent for the parking meter company, 20 per cent M&CC, 20 per cent PNC and 10 per cent for individuals,” Ramsammy said in a statement.

He said as the call intensifies for the complete rescinding of the Parking Meter Contract and for people to be held accountable, questions are being asked relating to how Cush, a former felon in the United States, established a company called National Parking Systems (NPS), how this company was able to displace a previous company that was engaged by the M&CC and who linked Cush and the M&CC. Questions abound since people are aware that Cush has friends in the People’s National Congress (PNC).

“From the beginning,

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

suspicions were rife since APN/AFC actively facilitated the M&CC to implement the Parking Meter Contract in spite of being totally privy to the reprehensible “terror” clauses. These suspicions intensified as people saw APNU/AFC tenaciously persisting with its complicity, even though they knew that by any standard “the contract from hell” was indefensible and even though they saw unprecedented public resistance.” According to Ramsammy, even now that the M&CC is in contempt of the court which has ordered the Council to stand down and place the parking meter system on abeyance, APNU/AFC is doing nothing to stop the M&CC and stop the “contract from hell”.

“APNU/AFC’s vile efforts with sporadic individual statements and feigned consternation meant to obfuscate the issue cannot extricate them from total complicity in the “contract from hell” because each of them that might have reluctantly issued a condemnatory statement is also part of the APNU/AFC Cabinet that has made the implementation of the “contract from hell” possible.”

He continued, “Frankly,

APNU/AFC’s scorecard on the “contract from hell” spells GUILTY on all counts.

Granger and APNU/AFC knew of the Contract from the beginning. Harmon last year announced a Cabinet review of the Contract and their own Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General Office did reviews in July/ August 2016 which concluded that the Parking Meter Contract signed by representatives of APNU/AFC on the M&CC was a “contract from hell” with several “terror” clauses.” He said in spite of this, Government, through Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, reviewed and approved the Parking Meter By-laws in January and gazetted it on February 3. Without the Parking Meter By-laws, the Contract could not be implemented.

This scorecard is a recipe that smells of corruption.

“From the start public outrage was driven by the suspicion that this was a deal to enrich individuals and certain organisations. There has always been the nauseating suspicion that the national space in Georgetown is being used as a cash cow, not to fund development in Georgetown, but filling people’s pockets. Now comes information that, in fact, the “terror” contract clause that provides 80 per cent to the parking meter company (Smart City Solutions/National Parking Systems) and 20 per cent to the M&CC is just a paper provision and that the real distribution of the earnings from the “green monsters” is really 50 per cent to SCS/NPS, 20 per cent to the M&CC, 20 per cent to the People’s National Congress and 10 per cent to individuals”.

He said this information explains why APNU/AFC is

so complicit in the execution of one of the worst examples of corruption in Guyana’s history.

“The parking meters themselves are now enshrined in our history as the “horrible green monsters”. Those of us who have been vocal in our opposition, resistance and boycott of the “horrible green monsters” and the “contract from hell”, are convinced that a crime has been perpetuated on the Guyanese people,” Ramsammy said.

8 news

friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Man on $350,000 bail for illegal firearm, ammo possession T

nition were discovered, along with several amphetamine (commonly known as ecstasy) tablets during a Police raid conducted on January 12, 2017, at the accused’s Thorne Drive, Tucville, East La Penitence residence, leading to his arrest.

Defence Attorney, Patrice Henry successfully made an application for bail, arguing that the Prosecution’s file is in an incomplete state and not in their possession.

Police Prosecutor Kevin London made no move to object and Caesar was released on $350,000 bail.

The matter will continue on March 13, 2017, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

he proprietor of a mining company in the CuyuniMazaruni district (Region Seven), was on Tuesday arraigned before City Magistrate, Leron Daly and granted $350,000 bail after being incarcerated at the Camp Street Penitentiary for over just a month.

Twenty-eight-year-old Caesar Gonsalves was charged for the unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence and remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after he entered a not guilty plea to both charges on January 14.

According to the Prosecution’s case, one .45 rifle and .99 ammu- Caesar Gonsalves

Prison escapee gets 12 months

T

he prison inmate who made a dash for freedom during a church service on February 12, 2017, by scaling the fence of the Camp Street Penitentiary, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

Ruco McIntyre, who was reportedly on remand since late last year for stealing a cell phone, had appeared before the courts on Monday when the simple larceny charge against him was dismissed. McIntyre could have been a free man today had he not attempted escape.

On the day in question, the accused had capitalised on the attempted escape during an ongoing church service at the Penitentiary, scaling the fence and fleeing the premises of the prison. The prisoner was chased by a Police rank attached to the Tactical Services Unit and apprehended on D’Urban Street.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and requested the Magistrate to be lenient with him. The Chief Magistrate, in turn, handed him a 12-month sentence.

Ruco McIntyre

Missing the point ...on people’s power

N

ot surprisingly, all the media houses (excepting the Guyana Times) reported the Appellate Court’s ruling on who has the authority to make fundamental changes to the Constitution, as the “THIRDTERM” case. Of course, IF THE CCJ ALLOWS IT, the decision means Jagdeo – who’s served two terms as president – is eligible to be a presidential candidate again.

But even at this mundane level of APPLYING the decision, there are other implications. It also means Guyanese citizens who weren’t born in Guyana don’t have to live in Guyana for seven years before they become eligible. This opens up the presidential sweepstakes to the 700,000 Guyanese abroad who can simply apply for their Guyanese passports, (remember if both your parents are Guyanese – so are you!) and run.

And trust this Eyewitness, Ifa Cush isn’t the only “outside” Guyanese who think locals are a bunch of ignorant descendants of slaves and indentures who need “foreign” tutelage. But how come no other media house reports this? Folks who don’t even reside in Guyana on nomination day, can now run – but not a squeak from the media! Ditto for those who became citizens

by REGISTRATION: all those naturalised Chinese and Brazilians can now become president. But no other media house reports that, do they?

It’s all about Jagdeo. Why? For the simple reason he’s the APNU/AFC’s worst nightmare when they think about 2020. Even with all their propaganda about the fella, not only has he been a prophet about this Government’s ineptitude, but their own supporters can’t believe their venality and corruption. Even if they can’t bring themselves to put their X’s next to the cup, a whole lot of them will be staying at home come 2020. “Fool me once – shame on you. Fool me twice – shame on ME”, is gonna be their cry!

But we return to real deal (the gravamen?) of the Appellate Court’s decision: Chief Justice Ian Chang’s erudite ruling on the petition that came before him to remind the politicians – that in this country, power or ultimate sovereignty, lies with the people. They call the shots! According to one report, the recently appointed Justice Cummings-Edwards – who dissented from the majority – argued that “the appellant failed to prove the amendment that provides for term limits was unconstitutional”.

But that’s not what Chang said, did he? He said the amendment altered the very nature of the Constitution, which was unalterably REPUBLICAN and as such DEMANDED that such changes be ratified by the SOVEREIGN of Guyana – the people, via a referendum – and not their representatives in the National Assembly.

Power to the people! No dictator! …on the mayoralty The Mayor is trying to extract her feet – both of them – from her mouth about her threat to have businesses in Georgetown closed at 4:30 pm (16:00h). And it’s not that the resultant pose is rather inelegant, to say the least – but was probably told that her arrogance is costing the PNC dearly in the credibility sweepstakes. Imagine even Moses Nagamootoo found the spunks to finally utter a squeak against the parking meter scam!

But her (totally uninformed and inaccurate) assertion that the law demands stores must close at 4:30pm just shows the chutzpah of the Gang of Four, who’ve been allowed to interpret the law to their own whims and fancy.

The Parking Contract speaks for itself!! She was simply trying to stick it to the business community that came out against the PNC-green Parking Meters, which was supposed to be her gravy train for the next two decades.

Her threat emanated from pure spite and bile! …appointing SARA’s Director In addition to the National Assembly being constitutionally incompetent to ratify Act 17, they also have no appointive power.

The PNC stipulating in the Bill that the Assembly appoint the Director of SARA is just to hoodwink the gullible to think SARA will be monitored!

The PNC controls the Assembly!!

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

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friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

2015 Audit Report

MPI introduces Region 4 official admits Act wasn’t followed–PAC Chairman modern data collection technology …as $34.7M in cheques found in safe

D

espite the strict regulations set out in the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act 2003, $34.7 million in cheques was found by State auditors who combed through the Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) treasury department.

This is according to the 2015 Audit Report, which flagged several discrepancies.

The report noted that after inspecting a safe in the sub-treasury, 142 of these cheques which were supposed to be refunded to the consolidated fund, were uncovered.

The Region Four Accounting Officer was brought before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament for an explanation, and according to PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali, the Officer admitted that the FMA guidelines were not being followed.

Ali related that the Officer recanted her initial explanation that the cheques were cut for retention payment, after she was cautioned by him about misleading the Committee.

Report In the region’s response, the Auditor General had documented the Head of the Budget Agency’s explanation that the

cheques were updated and paid over to the Consolidated Fund.

But the Auditor General made it clear in his recommendations that the Regional Administration has to ensure a full repayment of all amounts remaining at the end of the financial year.

After the cheques would have been returned, adjustments should have been made to the Appropriation Accounts.

As a result, the Appropriation Account would be overstated by the said amount. The report notes that a sum of $237.3 million was budgeted in 2015 for Region Four to execute its capital programme. According to the Appropriation Account, the sum of $127.4 million was expended, resulting in the region missing its anticipated level of capital expenditure activities in 2015 by $109.9 million or 46.3 per cent. With regards to buildings, there was a shortfall of $83.1 million. For purchases, that shortfall was $21.2 million, while for public works it was $4.5 million.

The Auditor explained that the shortfall of $21.2 million was mainly due to the Regional Administration not acquiring three vehicles budgeted for the Administration, Health and Education Departments. On the other hand, the shortfall of $83.138 million in expendi-

The 2015 Audit Report was presented by Auditor General Deodat Sharma (right) to the Speaker of the House Barton Scotland

ture was mainly because of the Regional Administration not executing several projects.

Among those projects was the construction of the Grade ‘A’ Secondary School at Golden Grover and the construction of Eastville Nursery at Annandale. To redress this, the Auditor recommended earlier planning and execution in order to detect problems at an initial stage.The Auditor stressed that according to Section 43 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003) “at the end of each fiscal year, any unexpected balance of public monies issued out of the consolidated fund shall be returned and surrendered to the consolidated fund.”The revelation of this breach of the FMA

Act comes after the PAC meeting on Monday. At that meeting, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region One (BarimaWaini), Leslie Wilburg, was expelled from the National Assembly chamber. At the time, he was being grilled by the PAC about $30 million in overpayments to eight contractors between the period of 2010 and 2011. He had claimed that the contractors were written to in March of last year. Wilburg had also claimed that he had sought legal advice from Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, Emile McGarrel. This was subsequently debunked by McGarrel and after a stern warning the REO was ordered to leave.

The ROMDAS data collection technology outfitted on a Public Infrastructure Ministry vehicle

I

n an effort to improve its efficiency, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has introduced a new computerised system to quickly and accurately collect pavement and asset data.

The Ministry recently acquired this system in a bid to improve its data collection capabilities. The new system, ROMDAS (Road Measurement Data Acquisition System) is the most up-to-date technology used to collect data on roadways, and its introduction to Guyana will see significant improvements in the micro-planning of road projects.

This is according to the Ministry’s Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson, who said that the system has “tremendous po-

tential” to improve the planning and decision-making of road maintenance and rehabilitation works.

He explained that the decision to introduce the system at the Ministry came in light of issues encountered over the years with the sustainability of data collection procedures.

He said, following the identification of this problem, the decision was made to look into available technologies and decide which would be best suited for Guyana’s needs.

The ROMDAS technology is used in approximately 60 countries around the world, with four countries in Latin America currently utilising this New Zealand developed technology. turn to page 14

10 news

friDAY, February 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana, India sign pact for US$4M pumps

A

multimillion-dollar agreement signed between the Governments of Guyana and India will see the acquisition of several high-capacity fixed and mobile drainage and irrigation pumps to be outfitted in various regions across the country.

This relief to communities is made possible through a loan agreement signed on Wednesday between the Government of Guyana and the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of India in Washington, DC. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan on behalf of the Guyana Government

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Indian Exim Bank Representative Sailesh Prasad signing the agreement on Wednesday

and Sailesh Prasad, Resident Representative of the Exim Bank of India.

The Dollar Credit Line

Agreement valued at US$4 million, will allow Guyana to benefit from the procurement and installation of eight fixed, high-capacity and five mobile drainage and irrigation pumps, associated spares and institutional strengthening related to the use and maintenance of the equipment.

According to the Finance Ministry, the acquisition of these pumps is expected to reduce the risks of flooding in low-lying areas and will bring relief to residents and farmers whose economic activities are usually disrupted by flood-

ing caused by extensive rainfall and overtopping of the sea defences. The pumps will also provide flood relief to approximately 25,000 acres of agricultural and residential lands.

Residents in Hampton Court and Devonshire Castle in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Den Amstel in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Hope and Nooten Zuil in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Mora Point in

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), and Rose Hall in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will benefit from the installation of eight fixed pumps within their communities, which will help to restrict flooding in their communities.

Meanwhile, five mobile pumps will provide drainage services to Georgetown and its environs including La Penitence South, Cummings Canal, Church Street, Sussex Street and South Ruimveldt.

These mobile drainage pumps will be assigned to various locations close to existing sluices in the city and its surrounding areas. The pumps will also be deployed to other areas to alleviate flooding whenever necessary. The signing of this agreement is yet another gesture of the support from the Government and the people of India to assist the Government of Guyana to achieve its socio-economic development goals.

Veteran Trade Unionist Kenneth Joseph dies

T

rade Unionist and General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), Kenneth Joseph, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Thursday, some three weeks after suffering a stroke.

Joseph’s death was confirmed to Guyana Times by his wife, who said that he had suffered a stroke on February 1. He was 66 years old.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) Komal Chand, said he received news of Joseph’s death at around midday on Thursday. He said he is saddened to hear of his passing, as he was still young and had a lot to contribute to the workers.

Kenneth Joseph

According to Chand, the two unions have worked closely together over the years, championing the cause of workers.

“He was cooperative and concerned about workers’ welfare and was not afraid to

share solidarity. Even when we got disagreements, he opened himself to criticisms.”

Chand said while he was aware Joseph was sick, he did not expect him to die. “He still had a lot to offer, he was still young. I will miss him and a lot of people will be surprised and shocked at his passing,” Chand told this publication.

Joseph, who has been at the forefront with GAWU, fighting for the rights of workers, was only late last year representing workers of the Guyana Power and Light, who were clamouring for improved wages and salaries and working conditions.

Prior to that, he had also been in solidarity with sugar workers, especially those attached to the Wales Sugar Estate.

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friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prison reform, border security among issues UK advisor will handle – UK High Commissioner - assures consultations will be held

with Sase Singh

U

nited Kingdom (UK) reform in Guyana this time sis back in May, 2016 when High Commissioner around… until there was 17 Camp Street prisoners Greg Quinn has as- feedback from Combe re- perished in a fire. sured that security expert garding his recommendaA Commission of Inquiry Russel Combe will be provid- tions.

(CoI), costing the treasury ing the Guyana Government Combe, who will be serv- approximately $13 million, with recommendations for ing as a Security Advisor to was subsequently carried a wide range of security is- President David Granger out into the inferno. There sues, including prison and for a one-year stint, will be were expectations that prisborder security reforms. based at the Ministry of the on reform recommendations He was at the time ad- Presidency. Before he makes would be made. dressing members of the me- his recommendations, some Indeed, the report recdia during a press briefing at of the agencies he is expect- ommended the abolition of his official residence. Combe, ed to engage are the Guyana mandatory minimum sena former high-level mili- Defence Force, the Guyana tences. It also recommendtary officer who arrived in Prison Service, the Guyana ed decriminalising the posGuyana last month, is here Police Force and the Legal session of small amounts of to assist with the UK-funded Affairs Ministry. marijuana for personal use.

Security Sector Reform There were Action Plan (SSRAP). also recommenAsked whether prisdations that more on reform would be on the policies of alternareform plan agenda and tive sentencing for who Combe would interlow-level drug offace with to get feedback, fences be pursued; Commissioner Quinn said more proportionthat this would encomality in sentencpass professionals and ing; have law ennon-professionals alike. forcement pay Quinn related that more focus on tarCombe has already geting high-levbeen out observing the el drug traffickPolice, both in and out ers, rather than Georgetown. Noting that consumers, small the security expert has scale farmers and also been to prisons, drug mules – all Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Russell Quinn stated that prison lower-level parts Combe, Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor reform will be involved.

“In terms of the needs assessment which recomIt is expected, however, mended the creation of his that the more perspectives advisor position, prison re- that can be gained will imform is part of that. And he’s prove the impact of his asbeen to visit prisons. And sessments. In particular, he will be going more into the wider public can offer a the hinterland to see both useful perspective, through Policing and the prisons, their day to day experiences. also border issues,” Quinn The SSRAP was initiatsaid. ed by the British in 2007.

“So there is nobody that Back then, it was fundRussel will not talk to in ed by the Department for and out of Government International Development. and the (Non-Government The programme was disOrganisation) communi- continued two years later ty. And he is casting his net over issues of oversight, but widely in terms of what peo- President David Granger ple, as well as the profession- had requested a re-launch als, actually think is needed of the programme in 2016. A and where people consider needs assessment was done the problems to be.” by the Olive Group, a British But while the previous government contractor, last sum allocated had been over year.

US$4 billion, Quinn could The issue of reform, in not give details regarding particular prison reform, the allocation for security was given renewed empha-

S RAIGHT -- Washington DC

AN OIL REFINERY IN GUYANA MAKES BUSINESS SENSE?

UK High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

of the drug empire.

Meanwhile, the illegal landing of planes and the clandestine appearances of other forms of transport in Guyana’s interior locations is a matter of concern regarding border security. In 2014, a submarine believed to have origins in Columbia was discovered in the Waini River.

And in September 2016, what later became known as a Colombian aircraft was discovered illegally landed in another interior location.

A CoI was also ordered into this. The report was handed over in November, after an extension was granted.

A

t current oil prices in February 2017, the Liza deposits could generate some US$15 billion directly for Guyana, more than six times the size of its 2016 annual GDP, and some 15 times the size of the 2017 annual budget. Guyana is what is known as an “early-stage exploration” which has two major risks – one, it takes as long as a decade to properly develop such a facility and thus the real money can flow anywhere between 2022 to 2026 and two, the full-scale production in Guyana’s case, is contractually linked to the price of oil being above US$65 per barrel. So when I listened to the alternative facts from the Public Security Minister, Ramjattan in Washington DC when he visited, it was mind-boggling.

Bigger chunks of the revenue stream will be applied early in the life of this project towards paying off the debt holders (the bond holders and other contributors of the initial investment), leaving less available to be distributed to the equity holders like Guyana. Any politician who chooses to tell the people that they are going to see lots of money in their pockets before 2021 should not be trusted since they are trying to sell the people the Brooklyn Bridge.

I was fortunate to be at an energy gathering in early February in Washington, DC, and it reinforces for me that even senior decision makers in Guyana do not get this oil deal. Minister Trotman seems to be one of the few in the Granger administration who seems to properly understand the risks and the general framework of this oil deal, but he is in the minority. Thus it would be advisable for him and only him to take lead on the distribution of public information on this matter. The bottom line is, this project will advance when Exxon says it will advance; full stop!

These investors are literally paying a "rent" to Guyana for them to occupy portions of its territory to extract crude oil. But this is not abnormal in an early-stage exploration, especially in a small country with “underskilled” negotiators. The current agreement facilitates a situation where most of the revenues are reserved for the four main sets of investors, (Exxon, Hess Oil, the Chinese and the bondholders). Guyana must prepare itself mentally for the residual income. If the risk increases or the price drops below a certain mark, Guyana will get an even smaller portion of the pie. So even, therefore the projected US$15 billion that should be assigned to Guyana as “oil rent” on the Liza well is not a certainty.

This brings me to the pertinent point of this entire project vis-à-vis Guyana. How are we being paid? If we are being paid in dollars, we may not get fair value for our real estate.

There are two hidden costs in the mix that can extract fees from assigned US$15 million for Guyana; a decline in the oil prices and the marketing fee that Exxon will charge to sell our portion of the crude.

That is why the more sensible financial option is to ask for payment in actual crude. But what will Guyana do with the crude? Take up the offer from Trinidad to refine our portion so that they can reap all of the profit from the valueadded refining operations or build our own refinery? That is an unintelligent question, but if answered intelligently it shall expose a real opportunity for Guyana.

Today, the price of a barrel of crude is around US$52. A barrel of crude can make about 19 US gallons of gasoline, 10 gallons of diesel, four gallons of jet fuel, and another 6 gallons of other oil products. Some three gallons are attributed to processing loss. If Guyana builds its own refinery in a public-private partnership by using a portion of its US$15 billion, in this scenario, it will earn some US$57.62 per barrel (see computation below). This is an immediate additional value of US$5.62 per barrel.

I shall continue developing this idea next week.

Please feel free to share your comments at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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FRIDAY, february 24, 2017 | guya

ary 24, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

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14 news

friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chinese Embassy refutes “baseless” KN report T

he Chinese Embassy in Guyana has refuted claims by local newspaper, Kaieteur News that it is under investigation by the tax authorities for allegedly bringing in containers of goods for Chinese nationals operating businesses here.

“The Chinese Embassy in Guyana solemnly states that the report “Chinese Embassy container imports attract GRA’s attention” by Kaieteur News dated February 23, 2017, is baseless and unsubstantiated,” the Embassy said in a statement on Thursday.

Furthermore, it indicated that further investigation into the matter will be conducted, while indicating its right to take legal action.

According to the article published by the daily newspaper, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had reportedly raised the issue recently with the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Efforts by Guyana Times to contact Commissioner

The Chinese Embassy

General of the tax body, Godfrey Statia, on the matter on Thursday were futile. However, according to the Kaieteur News, he was reluctant to speak directly on the issue but reportedly told the newspaper that the GRA has been embarking on a number of initiatives to widen the tax base and also chose some areas that were being taken advantage of over time.

“We have been losing billions overtime because of tax evasion, smuggling and other areas. We have

started tightening up in some areas and we are seeing improved collections there,” the Kaieteur newspaper quoted the GRA Head.

Thursday’s article states, “According to wellplaced Government officials this week, GRA late last year stumbled on what seemed like an abnormally large number of containers brought in by the Chinese Embassy. As a matter of fact, when GRA officials checked, they found that the Chinese Embassy

brought in more containers than all the other embassies combined.”

It went on to say that initially investigators thought there was a mistake with the number of containers brought in, however “further checks confirmed that the embassy allegedly used its diplomatic channels to pass the containers through the wharves. Under the diplomatic arrangements, shipments and packages for embassies are not too closely scrutinised.”

While the Kaieteur News report did not state the amount of containers in question, it claimed that officials have estimated some tens of millions of dollars in lost taxes. According to the article, the containers were allegedly filled with “all sorts of items – from hardware and other accessories – which eventually ended up in a number of Chinese-manned stores. It meant very little or no taxes were paid on the items.”

MPI introduces modern... from page 9

“One of our fundamen-

tal problems in the Ministry

is the absence of accessible

data. The absence of reliable data often results in poor planning and decision-making; data is essentially the reality of the situation in numbers,” Thompson explained.

He continued, “Too many times we have found ourselves estimating or guessing in the absence of reliable data; now, we can make firm, irrefutable future decisions in the road sector if this technology is optimally utilised.”

He noted that the system utilises a number of laser sensors, a bumper integrator, Global Positioning System and a right-of-way camera to carry out automatic crack and defect measurements, pavement roughness measurements, mobile mapping of the road corridor and travel time and congestion surveys.

Among other things, the Ministry hopes to use the ROMDAS equipment to create a geo-referenced database of Guyana’s primary and secondary road network within the next 12 months.

The technology’s video logging feature will improve the Ministry’s asset management capabilities and allow for more effective road safety interventions in the future.

In a bid to maximise the technology’s use, 12 persons from the Ministry and one final-year student from the University of Guyana undertook a 10-day training conducted by Krishna Jammalamadaka, Director of Research and Development of ROMDAS, New Zealand.

The training included both the theoretical, practical and safety instructions required to optimise the use of the technology.

The end of Indentureship

W

hen a friend from Fiji broached the idea of commemorating the end of Indian Indentureship – and this is an academic with a PhD from New School for Social Research in NY – he was also trying to pin down the actual date it occurred. Indentureship in South Africa and Mauritius ended in 1911 and 1912, respectively, but not Fiji, Guyana, the rest of the British Caribbean and Suriname. There were several dates mentioned in literature and after tracking these down, we settled on March 12, 1917 when Governor General Hardinge of India passed an order prohibiting any further Ravi Dev recruitment and shipping of Indian Indentureds. The official date from the British Parliament came on January 1, 1920.

But in doing the research, I was struck that it had to be done in the first place: it was not a date that was stuck on the calendar over the years to be commemorated. I found this surprising in light of the significance of Emancipation Day for the descendants of enslaved Africans, since so much of the historiography of Indians in the Caribbean had been mapped on to that of the former group.

On reflection, however, it is not that surprising: there was no way to shoehorn the two events into one historical box. Even though some historians have attempted to suggest that Indenture was “A new form of slavery” – following Hugh Tinker’s seminal work from 1974 with that same name, fundamentally they really were not. Emancipation Day arrived after centuries of struggle, including riots, uprisings, a humanitarian struggle in the British Parliament and behind it all, the inexorable development of the British economic order from Merchantalism to “Free Trade”. It was a day when human beings who had been classified as “chattel”, became free. It was not just a change in the status of their labour from slave to “free labour” - but an acknowledgement of their humanity. That is an inaugural even that has to stand alone.

For the Indentured Indians, however, even though in retrospect one could question how “voluntary” was a decision made to emigrate after their livelihoods had been destroyed by the British, the immigrants themselves took the contract seriously. In fact, in Fiji the “agreement” was rendered into Bhojpuri as “Girmit” and they defined themselves as “Girmitiya - people of the agreement.

The “agreement” harked back to the indentured contract under which the majority of Europeans in the New World were brought as “bound” labourers. This started before and was coterminous with the beginning of African slavery. They had to work for a specified period for specified wages, after which they were usually given freedom and a plot of land.

The Indian indenture contract was generally for five years and included a clause that gave them the right to a return passage to India, rather than a plot of land. And this was the seminal difference with the end of slavery versus the end of Indian indentureship. Each immigrant had his/her own “end of indentureship” and collectively, new immigrants were seen as workers who were undercutting their wage rates as “free labour”.

While the conditions of labour were quite abysmal and transgressions of the contract were subject to criminal prosecutions, at no time were Indian indentureds legal chattel. The terms of the contract were invariably interpreted to favour the planters and at least on a dozen occasions the strikes by the indentureds to protest severe breaches were answered by bullets that killed dozens and wounded hundreds. But while there were several local Indian critics of indentured system, there was no organised effort to end it.

In the end, it was the work of Gandhi in South Africa that brought the plight of the indentureds in the British colonies to the consciousness of the Indian nationalists in India. Promised if they cooperated with British rule in India, Indians eventually would be British citizens in the British Empire they were stung when the “free” Indian merchants and professionally were treated like the “coolies”.

They forced the end of indentureship as much to salve their own pride, as ending the inequities of the system, which ended with a whimper and not with a bank here. It is time we interrogate indentureship from the perspective of the present with an eye to the future.

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friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 celebrates Mashramani carnival-style

By Indrawattie Natram

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colourful, exciting and unified atmosphere prevailed in the township of Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Thursday, February 23, as thousands of persons lined the roadway and joined the road parade participating in the annual celebration.

The spirit of Mashramani was embodied as the jubilant revellers made their way from Coffee Grove to the Anna Regina Car Park. They were colourfully clad in creative designer costumes which caught the eyes of many spectators.

The feeling of unity was infectious and the joy was evident on the faces of the spectators viewing the floats; persons could be seen from afar with Guyana flags waving and gyrating to sweet Soca music blaring from music boxes mounted on vehicles.

Revellers were also attired in

brightly-coloured, dazzling costumes which created a perfect carnival-style celebration on the Essequibo Coast. It was indeed a very enthusiastic and energetic day and despite the rain many persons turned out. The costumes displayed this year’s theme “Celebrate with Dignity, Liberty and Greater Unity”.

The large contingent of revellers eagerly competed with each other to showcase Guyana’s rich cultural diversity, as they made their way to the commercial centre of Anna Regina.

Hundreds of participants flocked the float parade, which proceeded slowly along the public road drawing excited well-wishers out of their homes. Persons converged at various points, shops, under trees, as well as on go-carts, to witness the beautiful and colourful floats passing by.

Leading the large cate- Beauty and Beyond Mash team gory was the Regional Democratic Council, followed by Essequibo Technical Institute then Caricom Rice Mills, Ramlakhan Rice Mills, and Fashion and Beyond.

Entering in the small category were A and L Boutique and Beauty Parlour, and VISG and Lord’s Hotel.

It was a scene to behold and the atmosphere was charged as floats entered the

Students of the Essequibo Technical Institute having a great time on Mash day

Anna Regina Car Park area.

By then, many persons had gathered at the High Bridge seeking an advantageous view of the floats. Some of them were even their own judges guessing in their mind who will be the “Champion of the road”. Fashion and Beyond‘s floats were quiet impressive, which caught the attention of many. At the Anna Regina Car Park,

all the floats came together and competed for top prizes as they performed their final dance-off. They were giving the opportunity to dance, jump and showcase their float once more to the judges.

It was indeed carnival atmosphere in the county of Essequibo as Guyanese from all ethnicities joined in celebrating Guyana’s 47th Republican Anniversary.

16 news

friDAY, february 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

East Bank Berbice hire cars raise fares by more than 40 % operators bemoan road conditions

F

ollowing failed promises by the Public Infrastructure Ministry to repair the East Bank Berbice (EBB) main access road, the Hire Car Association has increased their fares by more than 40 per cent.

The president of the EBB Hire Car Association, Maxwell Semple, explained to the Guyana Times that the members are fed-up of promises; as such the cost for short drops will now be $200, as opposed to the previously charged of $140.

He said, “Government

don’t have any vehicle on this road to help the people, is only we the private owners and the association has taken a decision to carry the fair to $200 or to withdraw our service.”

On February 10, Laison Officer of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nelson McKenzie, met with residents of the community and promised that remedial work on the road would have commenced within a 72hour period, to date, nothing has happened.

One hire car operator, Andrew France told Guyana

Times that McKenzie is not the only one to have fooled the community.

He said when President David Granger visited the community one-year ago to hand over a school bus, he also promised to have the road fixed.

According to France, when the Head of State visited, the surface of the road was levelled as a result of works which were done hours before the President’s arrival. France added that the state of the road has worsened.

Meanwhile, David G5

A section of the road in the Glasgow area

which plies that route has been out of service, reportedly owing to the poor road conditions.

Meanwhile, McKenzie had earlier promised that a section of the road will be rebuilt with funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

That project is expected to commence in March.

According to Mackenzie, the issue with the road was inherited and there is a process that has to be followed to carry out the project. The IDB has already given the green light to execute the project.

Vehicles struggling to traverse the East Bank Berbice main access road at Everton

guyanatimesgy.com

Shakti String

Team MMR

A

Sexy Vanessa

set for this weekend

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fter a day of ‘palancing’ at the Mashramani Costume and Float Parade, all attention will now be placed on the parties over the weekend but more so, the “Red Square Fete” slated to commence this evening at the parking lot of the Synthetic Track, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

The artistes are expected to arrive in the country over the next few hours and are eager to hit the stage to entertain their fans. The second show, however, will be held at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday, February 25, and the final show is billed for Rose Hall, Canje Ground, Berbice, on Sunday, February 26.

The event was planned to coincide with all the other parties for Mash 2017 and is titled “Red Square Fete”. It will feature a long list of international, regional and local artistes.

The list includes Trinidad chutney sensations, Adesh Samaroo, De Hunter, Rick Ramoutar and Sexy Vanessa, along with Guyana’s own Terry Gajraj gracing the event with his presence.

Rick Romoutar

The Guyanese cast will include Steven Ramphall and Aamir Khan who are all members of the Shakti Strings Orchestra and Ishara Dancers. Also adding some vibes to the three-night affair will be the versatile duo, WR Reaz and Selector Andy from the Team MMR family.

Tickets for the event cost $1000 in advance and more at the gate. Showtime for all the shows will be 19:00h but gates will be opened at 17:00h.

Terry Gajraj

Ishara Dance Group

is Guyana’s Chutney Queen 2017

fter intense rivalry among 14 top chutney singers in Guyana, Vanita Willie was on Saturday last crowned Chutney Queen 2017, when the competition was held at the Rose Hall Canje Ground, Berbice. Willie with her tune, “Powah” definitely captured the judges’ attention for her lyrics and outstanding stage performance.

The mandir singer who has been competing in the competition for quite some time was elated to have been crowned the new Chutney Monarch but credited all the other participants for their exemplary performances.

Coming in second was former Chutney King, Bunty Singh, who performed “Harmunium Bhajawey”. Although he put up a fantastic show and had his fans backing him, the judges decided he was second best. He nev-

Roger Hinds

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

Vanita Willie

ertheless, congratulated the new Chutney Queen and is already gearing up for the 2018 competition.

Taking the third spot was another former Chutney King, Roger Hinds.

He performed his rendition “Meri Patni Ah Horn Meh”. Some thought it was just a continuation to his 2016 song but the judges were pleased with his performance.

Finally, coming in the fourth position was a newcomer on the scene, Vicadi Singh, with “Family Doh Like Meh”. All of the 14 contestants were backed by the Shakti Strings Band.

Organisers of the event are extremely pleased with the quality of music and the support that chutney music has been receiving over the years.

Bunty Singh

Vacadi Singh

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

A satirical television production in time for Mashramani

Randolph Critchlow

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Chris Gopaul

EMS Theatre Productions, with support from IPED Creative Industries Fund, presents “Awe Guyana”; a new half-hour satirical television production for the Mashramani holidays.

This is the first satirical television programme to be presented for the Mash holidays in keeping with ‘the satirical sea-

Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones

son’ of stage productions and Calypso competitions.

“Awe Guyana” takes a look at some of the current and recent past issues and situations in the country and provides laughter.

The programme is directed by Gem MadhooNascimento, with assistance from Randolph Critchlow and features Nurriyyih Gerrard, Chris

Nurriyyih Gerrard

Gopaul, Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Mark Kazim, Maxwell Massiah, Simone Dowding, Randolph Critchlow, Marissa Morgan, Shevon Henry, Kirk Jardine and newcomer Russhell Carol. Also featured are children from Purple Arts Children’s Workshop; Antoine Grant and Rondell Rawlins.

The programme was

Merissa Morgan

made possible through sponsorship by the business community. These entities include IPED, Gafsons Industries Ltd, NPI Communications, Sandy’s Funeral Home, Transpacific Motor Spares and Auto Dealers, Churches Chicken, Sankars Auto Works, Farfan and Mendes, Real Value Supermarket, ANSA

GHDS grand Phagwah Mela and Bazaar set for March 4

Mark Kazim

McAL Trading and Hand in Hand Group of Companies.

The programme started on Wednesday last and will continue this evening on HBTV9 at 19:00h and E-Networks at 21:00h. There will be a rebroadcast on Saturday, February 25 on MTV-65

Chow Pow

at 18:30h and on CNS 6 at 20:00h and finally on Sunday, February 26 on MTV-65 at 18:30h, HBTV-9 at 19:00h and NCN-11 at 20:30h.

Enjoy “Awe Guyana” in the comfort of your home from GEMS Theatre Productions.

“Exidos”

releases latest single

T

he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will be hosting a number of activities over the coming weeks as it prepares to celebrate Phagwah or Holi. The organisation is holding out that March 13 is Phagwah while the Government has announced March 12 as the day of celebration.

The annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, which is now in its 43rd year, will be held on Saturday, March 4 at Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown from 16:00h.

The highlight of this event will be a spectacular stage show which will feature finalists and top performers of the recently held Emerging Voices competition, including favourites Vidya Ram, Karamchand Sugrim, Shivanand Singh, Elizabeth Wong, Ritesh Tularam, Altaf Hamid and Tejyas Singh.

They will be backed by the Dax New Generation Band, led by keyboard maestro Khemo Balac.

Also performing will be outstanding Guyanese singers Rekha Singh, Sookrane Bookdhoo and Mona Gowkarran.

The Dharmic Nritya Sangh of Naya Zamana fame will be presenting several new and exciting dances choreographed by Dr Vindhya Persaud.

There will also be a special dramatic presentation written and directed by Travez Piaralall who is a graduate of the Anupum Kher Institute of Acting in Mumbai, India.

In addition to fabulous entertainment, there will be delicious local, traditional and authentic vegetarian foods.

Patrons will be able to enjoy samosas, pakodas, baiganies, potato balls and pholouries fried on spot and served with a variety of chutneys, a wide range of Indian sweets, including barfi, gulab jamun, pera, mittai and jalebis, authentic Indian cuisine such as biryani rice, rajma and paneer and much, much, more.

The compound of the Dharmic Kendra will be transformed and patrons can move freely from the beautifully decorated stage area to the Bazaar, where numerous food stalls, mehndi booths, games and great shopping deals on everything from Indian clothes, jewellery and Phagwah supplies to phones from Digicel will be on sale.

Strictly no alcohol will be allowed. Tickets cost $800 with children under 10 being given free admission.

The Sabha wishes to thank Digicel, ICEE, NTN, Rent-a-Tent and Shaline’s Flower Shop for their kind contributions towards the event.

Tickets are available at Red Mango, Bhagwans, E-Networks – Camp Street and Giftland Mall locations and the Dharmic Kendra, Prashad Nagar and at the gate or call 227-6181 or 219-1900.

“ Fo r ever ”

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uyanese upcoming artiste, “Exidos”, recently released his latest single titled “Forever” – one that was done specifically recorded for the observance of Valentine’s Day. The song was recorded at AJ Records and produced by the man himself, Adrian Johnson, also called “Mix Master”.

The song was written by the talented dancehall artiste who has been creating quite a buzz of recent. He has several tunes under his belt and continues to record music based on life experiences.

This new song is based on a true experience of his life, chronicling a break-up with a girlfriend, siting the importance of his career. Now that they are no longer together; the song, he posited, is to show his appreciation for her being a part of his life in the past.

The song can be found and downloaded on www.fimimp3.com, www.gtriddims.com, YouTube and also on his facebook page “exidos exidos exidos”. He can also be followed on IG exidos official for updats on his new tracks, such as “Bruk It Off”, “Hate Story”, “Friends with Benefits” and “Cheating” among others.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

N

ow that the National Costume and Float parade in Georgetown is over, all roads will lead to Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara on Sunday, March 5 for the Buxton/ Foulis Mash and Soca Bacchanal.

The event is usually promoted by Father Moey and Devine Starz, and in its 14th edition, it has become a part of the calendar of activities for persons living on the East Coast of Demerara especially, the community of Buxton and surrounding environs.

The first aspects of the Mashramani celebration will be the road tramp which will commence from Melanie Damishana and culminate at the Buxton Community Centre Ground. This will

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get underway at 12:00h. This will be followed by the cultural presentation at 18:00h.

The soca jam session is expected to feature some of the best in the business. In addition, the Centre Ground will be “booming” with sounds coming from four top sound systems as well as two one-man bands. Everyone will be admitted into the ground free before 19:00h after which a fee will be charged.

The promoters are hoping for an incident free event and as such, are urging firearm holders to leave firearms at home. There will also be no unauthorised vending and no glass bottles allowed in the ground.

Sounds, stage and lighting effects will be provided by Crown Vibes. The 14th annual Mash and Soca Bacchanal will be hosted by Deejay Casual.

ome Saturday evening, the National Park will once again come alive with one of the most anticipated concerts, featuring one of the best Jamaica reggae musicians of all time. The event is promoted by ICulture Entertainment Production and is titled “Real Ghetto Youth Redemption”.

The headline act will be Sizzla Kalonji straight out of Jamaica. Sizzla is one of the most commercially and critically successful contemporary reggae artists and is noted for his high number of releases. As of 2014, he has released over 70 solo albums. Sizzla has faced backlashes over the anti-gay lyrics in some of his recordings, causing the cancellation of many international concert events.

In 2004, he was barred from entering the United Kingdom for several concerts. In addition, in 2008 his visa was cancelled, preventing him from entering

S

19

A

s Guyana Times Entertainment continues to feature the delegates vying for the title of Miss Region Three Culture 2017 billed for April 1 in the Parking Lot of the Leonora Synthetic Track, West Coast Demerara, this week’s focus is placed on Sonia Cummings.

This 23-year-old beauty is five feet, eight inches tall and is a Pharmacy Assistant. She is a former student of L’Aventure Secondary School who has a passion for music. She loves little children and enjoys caring them since she feels they bring out the best in her. She also loves cooking and playing fun games.

This is her first pageant and she is sure it will be a great experience. Her platform is domestic violence and she hopes to become a pharmacist. Her favourite quote is “With God anything is possible”. As a young girl growing up, she played volleyball and cricket in school and was part of her school’s debating team.

She described herself as simple.

Germany after performing half of his tour and he was sent back to the United States.

Sizzla maintains his stance that he is an artist using his creative expression and freedom of speech and will speak out against injustice where he sees it. This was followed by the cancellation of several other concerts across the globe.

However, in August of 2011, the talented artiste was hit by a bus while riding his motorcycle in Jamaica, leading to many false reports of the singer’s death. This did not deter him from resuming his records the in 2012.

Meanwhile, this highly anticipated event will also see hyped Deejay Garwin, Froggy Madd Squad out of Florida, Deejay Big Papa and Gully Ras. Heavy security is expected at the National Park on the night of the event.

ixteen delegates competing for the title of Miss St Joseph High School will officially be sashed on Saturday at the school’s patio, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. Six of the beauties will be competing in the junior category while 10 will compete in the senior category.

The objective of the pageant is to help female students of the school develop their inner qualities and to contribute positively to the world.

Over the years the pageant has helped to enhance the confidence, public speaking abilities

and general success of the delegates as well as raise funds for projects in the school.

The pageant will be hosted by the St Joseph High School Old Students’ Association in collaboration with the administration of the school.

The pageant is a fundraising activity to finance projects to improve the school so as to better educate students of the institution. Tickets for the sashing ceremony cost $1000 and will be available at the school. The pageant is slated for the National Cultural Centre on April 30.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

Samuels ponders Kolpak deal

after omission from West Indies ODIs WICB could learn from the example of the boards of New Zealand and England, who allow Marlon Samuels wants a compromise after their play17 years’ service to West Indies cricket ers to appear in overseas arlon Samuels has T20 leagues without it rencalled on the WICB to “compromise” in dering them ineligible for their selection policy after international cricket. Late he was omitted from West last year, Samuels was one Indies’ ODI squad, and sug- of the three players - along gested he could accept a with Darren Bravo and Kolpak deal in county crick- Carlos Brathwaite - to deet if an agreement cannot be cline the WICB retainer. It is understood that Samuels reached.

Samuels, twice man of was offered a Grade C conthe match in World T20 fi- tract worth $115,000, denals, was left out of West moting him from the previIndies’ 15-man squad after ous Grade B. “Why can’t I play some electing to miss games in games in the PSL and the Super 50 competition come back and play against the Caribbean regional List A tournament - in order to England?” Samuels asked in play in the more lucrative an interview with SportMax Pakistan Super League. Zone, a Jamaica-based teleCurrent WICB policy is that vision network. “I’m not 20. no player will be consid- You’re still telling me to ered for the international miss out on everything. Why team unless they have made can’t you compromise?

“The rule they have themselves available for the doesn’t make any sense. entire regional competition You have to compromise. in that format.

But Samuels, who claims Eoin Morgan, the England he was offered double the captain, is playing in the value of his previous West PSL and then he goes to the Indies retainer contract Caribbean. Why can’t I do (worth $135,000) to appear the same? Why play hard in the BPL, argues that the ball in everything?”

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WICB won’t abandon NOCs fee

While there is some logic in the WICB stance - they insist that, to retain the strength of their regional competitions, their best players must participate - the reality of the policy has been to deny them many of their best players.

Players such as Samuels, who is aged 36, and aware of the diminishing opportunities he may have to earn for his retirement, can earn far more on the T20 circuit than the WICB can afford to pay in retainers. Sunil Narine, ranked third in the ICC’s ODI bowling rankings, is another who has been deemed ineligible.

The ECB, by contrast, has actively encouraged some players to take part in the IPL during the county season - they have even allowed the likes of Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes to skip two ODIs against Ireland - reasoning that the benefits of the experience will outweigh the negatives of the dilution of their own domestic product. There might also be an acceptance that the value of central contracts cannot keep pace with the escalation in T20 fees and that, as a result, compromise is required.

The money is not the issue at the moment, I’ve been

- Cameron

playing international cricket the last 17 years so have set myself the right way. This is about principle, about being loyal.

While Dave Cameron, the president of the WICB, recently stated the board’s selection policy could be reviewed, the selection of the ODI squad to play England suggests there has been no change in the short term.

Samuels has not played for West Indies since the Pakistan tour in the UAE last year, and was dropped for the tri-series in Zimbabwe. He was especially surprised at his omission from the three-match ODI series against England given WICB’s recent investment in him when the board paid for his travel to England for his bowling action to be tested. That trip proved fruitful as the ICC cleared Samuels to bowl in international cricket once again.

“I didn’t pay for my bowling. ICC didn’t pay for my bowling .The West Indies Cricket Board paid for my bowling. So they invested in my bowling for me to come back to bowl against England. Now I’m going to hear that I’ve to stay and play all the Super50 games.”

Incidentally, Samuels ended up playing just one match for Leewards Islands

in the Super50 before he left to play in the PSL. Samuels also revealed that he has been offered a three-year Kolpak deal

by Derbyshire worth up to £130,000 a season, fuelling concerns that West Indies could be hit by a spate of international retirements of the sort that recently shocked South African cricket. While it is understood he has indicated a reluctance to accept the deal - he would prefer a deal as an overseas player in county cricket, thereby sustaining his hopes of playing international cricket - he has suggested it remains on the table.

Samuels asserted that, for him, it is loyalty to West Indies that comes first, which was evident in his 17 years’ service in Caribbean cricket. “I’ve got a Kolpak deal on my plate which I’m contemplating,” he said.

“It’s a three-year deal with Derbyshire. Worth probably £120,000-130,000 a year. The money is not the issue at the moment, I’ve been playing international cricket the last 17 years so have set myself the right way. This is about principle, about being loyal. I’ve been a loyal soldier for West Indies cricket and continue to play.

I showed some loyalty, so I expect a bit of loyalty. I’m

only the one from 2000 still here, sticking round and playing for the West Indies.”

Samuels said he was in “no rush” to sign the Derbyshire deal as, after the PSL, he would travel to play another league in Hong Kong and had a “few other deals” in the bag.

Samuels is unlikely to be the only Caribbean player attracting interest from England’s first-class counties. Darren Bravo, whose relationship with WICB would appear to be in tatters following a public falling-out with Cameron, is one who is certain to be snapped up if he decides to go that route, while fellow Trinidadian Denesh Ramdin is also understood to be of interest.

Ravi Rampaul, the second highest wicket-taker in this year’s Super 50, is already on a Kolpak deal with Surrey, while former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was second in the batting averages, has recently signed a similar deal with Lancashire.

Fidel Edwards is also signed to Hampshire as a Kolpak, Other players such as Jofra Archer, Keith Barker and Chris Jordan have also chosen to pursue their careers in England when they could have been eligible for West Indies. (Cricinfo)

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ricket West Indies (CWI) President Dave Cameron has insisted that the organization will hold firm to its controversial levy on fees being charged to grant Non Objection Certificates (NOCs) for regional players wishing to take part in global Twenty20 leagues.

The CWI caused an uproar in November of last year after all-rounder Kieron Pollard was delayed being granted an NOC to take part in the South African Ram Slam T20 League. The CWI went on to explain that the delay was due to a proposed 20 per cent tax on the salary of the player was yet to be paid. Pollard was later granted the certificate.

According to Cameron the issue of the NOC fees had already been discussed at International Cricket Council (ICC) board level. However, several members national have subsequently revealed that they were yet to agree to the measures and had proposed further discussion before its implementation. The CWI president has insisted, however, that the proposal is not one the organization is willing to back away from and would be going ahead with its enforcement.

Cameron pointed that the body were firm in its belief that it was entitled to profit from the talent of West Indies having invested heavily in their development.

“The IPL is estimated to get US$3.4-4 billion for the next ten years and the question is how much of that is due to West Indies cricket,” Cameron said during a recent WICB Town hall meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago.

WICB President Dave Cameron

“At the end of the day our players have been used to generate that,” he added.

“Each full member country using our players should pay the WICB some resources for that. We are sticking to that,” Cameron stated.

The president did, however, point out that the body were not yet able to achieve their full target of 20 per cent and the process still involved back and forth negotiations.

“Currently we are at 10 per-cent of nominal fees for the player. But we believe that is not enough to give up our prime window for what we get for those players. We continue to discuss that with India,” he added. (Sportsmax)

YELLOW PAGES friday, FEBRuary 24, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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3X3 team departs for Lesser Antilles Finals

21

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The Guyanese contingent shortly before departing on Thursday

A

male basketball contingent of five departed Guyana’s shores early Thursday morning as they head over to St Lucia for the International Basketball Federation (IBF) Lesser Antilles Under-18 Finals.

As basketball continues to grow in Guyana, its expansion has been taken to the Regional-level once again due to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) hav-

ing qualified to participate after a marvellous run of late.

The delegation compromise of Stanton Rose who will lead the side, Jonathan Mangra, Jamal Gilkes, Timothy Thompson and Junior Hercules, who is the National 3x3 Coordinator. Also, Dennis Clarke will be joining the team as assistant Coordinator today.

These four players enjoyed some preparation

ahead of the event with the League of Champions being played, and all of them showing some amount of form.

Guyana will join Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, St Maarten and Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana is tabled in Pool B and will first take on St Vincent tomorrow before playing Curaçao.

Athletics doesn’t need another Bolt - Johnson

F

ormer double world record holder Michael Johnson does not believe there has to be another Usain Bolt in order for the sport of track and field to survive.

The search has already began in earnest for a replacement for the world’s fastest man and the sport’s biggest icon following the announcement that he intends to retire following the London World Championships later this year.

With many believing the success of the sport is in many ways hinged on its biggest personality questions have

Usain Bolt

often been raised regarding its health and ability to survive following his departure.

Johnson is, however, confident that the sport will in fact survive due of its competitive nature.

“You don’t need another Usain Bolt,” Johnson told the Olympic channel.

“Because there isn’t going to be another one anyway. There’s only one Usain Bolt,” he added. Bolt the eight-time Olympic gold medallist and eleven-time World Champion, holds the world record over both the 100m and the 200m distances. The sprinter has captured the at-

tention of the world since bursting on to the scene at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where won three gold medals, all in world record time.

“I retired in 2000 and there wasn’t someone in 2001 who came along, and the sport still survived,” Johnson said.

“It’s not about one particular person. It’s about the competition between athletes. When Usain Bolt is retired next year they’ll be competitions and World Championships and there will be the Olympics with fantastic athletes competing against each other.” (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football

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Semi-final showdown tonight at GFC

our teams will go head-to-head tonight in a bid to reach the finals of the 2nd annual Petra Organised Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football Tournament at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Bourda.

The final four are Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force FC, Winners Connection and Santos, whose passage to this stage came after some battling quarter-final matches.

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca in speaking to Guyana Times Sport on Thursday felt that the teams reaching this stage are quite deserving since they would have played well in the quarter-final match-

highly competitive nature of teams in the round-robin stages. He also posited that the structure of the tournament brings a different dynamic to the tournament.

Meanwhile, Western Tigers have played unbeaten throughout the entire tournament , and with their new signing such as Andrew Murray Jnr, Devon Millington, Linden Picket have given Coach Calvin Allen great stability when going either forward or defending. During the round-robin segment, they top their group netting six goals with just three being against. They were paired with defending champions Milerock their quarter-final match but Joshua Britton made the difference in their

Dwain Jacobs (right) and Quincy Holder have performed well for Police

es. Mendonca alluded to the fact that only two of the remaining teams would have topped their group and it shows the hunger of some teams and is expecting two thrilling matches tonight.

In terms of the success of the tournament, the organizer expressed great delight in the support given in all the matches and the

1-0 in the mining town.

More so, the West Ruimveldt unit recently won a major title championship of their own and will the face the same opponent of that final, Santos FC, in their semi-final draw.

For the Guyana Police FC, much will continue to be expected Dwain Jacobs and Quincy Holder, who

Team Gizmos and Gadgets/iRide maintains dominance in 500lb

Matthew Phang, John Phang and Steven Nobrega strike a pose after winning their 500lb championship

T Dominique Bobb (left) and Orin Yard will be vital for Santos once more

have been in great goal scoring form. Though the lawmen have looked suspect when pressured by the opposition, going forward, they look a really dangerous unit, with Holder especially giving defenders headache by constantly switching from a center forward to left-winger in some matches.

Both players will be critical once again when the face the only remaining Linden team, Federal Winners Connection.

For the other two semi-finalist, though they may not start as strong favorites , they both produced steely performances in the quarter-finals.

Santos in particular were pushed to the limit by Mahaica Determinators to come from behind and win 2-1. Orlando Ricketts, Orin Yard, Dominque Bobb, and Job Caesar are some of the genuine threats on the ball but their downfall has been finishing the numerous chances they create.

The first semi-final between Winners Connection and Police will commence

Andrew Murray Junior's experience will be needed for Western Tigers

from 19:00 hrs followed by the second from 21:00 hrs.

Winner of the 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.

eam Gizmos and Gadgets/iRide maintained their dominance in the monthly Endurance Rental Cup after powering their way to victory on Wednesday evening in the second edition at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), on Thomas and Albert Streets.

The night’s proceeding once was again hosted by GT Motorsports in partnership with Secure Innovations and Concepts, and fans were well-treated to entertainment from the trio of Carlos Rodrigues, Kian Jabour and Anthonio Da Silva.

Their representation of Monster Energy drinks illustrated their non-stop energy on the track, having secured the mandatory one-hour 87lap, while Team Speed provided some challenges for the entire duration, but had to settle for the second position.

That team was led by the veteran Kamal Seebarran and comprised of Guyana Motor Racing President Rameez Mohamed and Clint Seebarran, the son of Kamal.

Forty-eight drivers participated and displayed quality racing. The number also resonated the growth of GoKarting Endurance Race having only incepted in 2017.

Rodrigues and Jeffrey exchanged the lead in an exciting duel during the final 20 minutes, and their daredevilry had the crowd fully involved in anticipation of an extremely close finish. Team E-Racing, boasting the trio of Marcel Proffit, Jason Gonsalves and Denzel Hopkinson, completed the podium with 84 laps. Team

Brava (Stephon Jeffrey, Kristian Jeffrey and Shan Seejattan), meanwhile, had to settle for fourth.

In the 500lb Class, Team Gizmos and Gadgets/iRide made it two wins in two months. For the second time in the Endurance Rental Cup, the team of Matthew Phang, John Phang and Steven Nobrega began on pole, and once again they repeated as champions.

The trio completed 87 laps in the mandatory onehour of racing. The newly-branded Team iCool of Matthew Vieira, Elliott Vieira and Marcel Proffit took second spot, followed

by Team Derick Auto Sales, comprising Shane Haly, Michael Whitehead and Sachin Ramotar, in third.

Matthew Phang recorded the fastest lap time in the 500lb Class (39.8 seconds), while Kristian Jeffrey was fastest in the 600lb Class with 40.4 seconds. They both received trophies, compliments of Auto Fashion, and a Karcher sweeper each.

Apart from some beautiful trophies put up by Secure Innovation and Concepts, and bragging rights for one month, the two category winners also received iCool tokens from ‘All in One’ Snack and Beverage Depot. The exceptional driving on the track aside, patrons were treated to samples of iCool Juice Drink and Monster Energy Drink.

Attention will now switch to the first-ever Georgetown Grand Prix, set for Friday at GT Motorsports track at the GMR&SC compound, commencing at 18:00h.

Smalta U-14 resumes today …Marian Academy, GCC debut

H

ockey season has commenced with a bang as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) aims to develop a steady crop of new players by means of numerous tournaments to facilitate the influx of players.

The GHB embarked on two tournaments, an outdoor under-18 and an in school under-14 tournament, both of which are set to commence over the weekend with the under-14 set for today across the various schools auditoriums and facilities. Amongst those schools that the tournament will

be played include St Joseph High School, where it was hosted on the opening day, Marian Academy and the St Stanislaus College, with a different venue being used every week.

The under-14 league has gathered the support of brand sponsors Ansa McAl through their Smalta Brand, who expressed the company’s delight in being a part of the first-ever hockey tournament to be played in schools, as well as their ever so often presence in youth development.

The tournament which is played on a four-a-side basis,

will have a team comprising of no more than 10 players who are registered under the team.

The teams in the tournament are Saints Hockey Club (SHC), Hikers Hockey Club (HHC), Old Fort, the Georgetown Cricket Club’s (GCC) Hockey Team, Marian Academy and St Joseph’s High School. Recapping on the action from the first day of the tournament, the Girls Division saw SHC Silencers overcoming SHC Sensations 2-1 and St Joseph’s 3-0 in back to back games with Mariah Seegobind scoring both goals in the first game and Devonte Hernandez

The school boys draw battle in the first-ever Hockey School’s Tournament

scoring all three goals in the second game. St Joseph’s made their debut with both their boys and girls teams, with some players holding a hockey stick for the first time. St Joseph’s boys managed to defend a 3-2 lead over the SHC Scorchers who earlier in the day beat HHC Hatchets 5-3. Old Fort defeated

SHC Samurai 3-2, despite having started the game with only two players. HHC Garnett Street, despite losing to SHC Scalpels 3-1 earlier in the evening, managed to draw with Old Fort 3-3 in one of the most exciting matches of the night with Samuel Garnett from HHC Garnett Street and Kai James from Old Fort being

the only goal scorers for either team.

The league will be held every Friday with games starting at 16:00h and concluding at 19:00h. This Friday, the action will continue at Marian Academy with the GCC and Marian Academy teams getting their first games of the tournament.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

23

2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship…

GABA League of Champions…

Colts take back-toback titles

Guyana crushes Belize for 1st win

– Mangra is U-23 MVP

B

ounty Colts made it a double on Wednesday night when they captured the Under-23 title to add to their senior title win in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball (GABA) League of Champions 2017 at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall, Homestretch Avenue for a second straight year.

Colts showed that their previous win was no fluke, taking game two, to take the senior category in the best of three final and ultimately inking their name in the records books, but their juniors will have to wait until Friday where the winner of the under-23 finals will be decided as Ravens levelled the best out of three contest with a win of their own.

In the senior match, Colts won their title after a 77-50 thrashing thanks to a huge final-quarter. In the opening period, Ravens drew the early lead with the score sitting at 9-12, before Colts quickly turned the tables with a 17-14 period to have the match read 26-26 by the halfway-mark.

In the third-quarter, Colts had another 17-point period, while Ravens could only score nine points, but the

deciding factor was the 34-point final-period for Colts that denied the Ravens a final match as they mustered 15 points and lost the game.

Meanwhile, in the under-23 category, Colts also secured their victory in the third round of their finals over Ravens with a 70-51 win. In the first period, the match was evenly positioned with both teams earning a 13-point period before Ravens received a slim one-point lead at the halfway stage with the score at 2322.

But in the third-quarter, Colts blew out from the onset to romp to a 22-point period as Ravens struggled to six points. In the final period, the damage was already done and a 26-point period for Colts, who secured the inevitable as the match ended.

Jonathon Mangra was awarded the Most Valuable Player.

Previously, it was redemption for Ravens as they levelled the wins after losing the opening game. Colts took first lead in the opening quarter, five points ahead with a 15-10 score-line, before maintaining that lead as both teams scored 11 points

Deshawn Joseph on the attack against Belize

T

MVP Jonathon Mangra

in the second-quarter and leave the scoreboard at 26-21 at the halfway stage. However in the penultimate quarter, Ravens leaped to a 21-point period that saw them taking up the lead with the score now 38-42. In the last quarter, that lead was further extended as Ravens secured a 17-20 period and had the final score reading 55-62.

he National Beach Soccer Team made history on Wednesday evening, February 22, with a 4-1 win over Belize in its third game at the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in the Bahamas.

The team, who were already breaking new ground for Guyanese men’s football with their debut in a CONCACAF finals tournament, lost their opening two matches to hosts the Bahamas (1-4) and Jamaica (3-6).

But, in a sign of good things to come for the future, the squad dug deep and bounced back in its final group match. Deshawn Joseph netted twice, 4' and 29'; Jahshawn Moore in the 24' and Jamal Haynes in the 25'. Haynes also scored an own goal in the 5' to seal a comfortable win.

Eastman secures Courts Florida Cup Softball Tournament bowls off today T

By Ravi Madholall

40-mile road race

By Romario Samaroo

R

iding on Guyana’s 47th Republic Anniversary, Team Cocos’ Hamzah Eastman rode to glory in the Courts Guyana Limited 40-mile road race in the ancient county of Berbice on Thursday.

Eastman completed the race, which started with the Regional Executive Officer of Region Six (Upper Corentyne-Berbice), David Armogan sending the riders off in front of the Courts store located on Main Street, New Amsterdam, in a time of one hour, one minute and 50 seconds (01:01:50).

The race, after beginning at 10:00h at New Amsterdam, saw the riders go up to Adventure Village on the Corentyne Highway and back to the point of origin at New Amsterdam.

An excited Eastman who spoke with Guyana Times Sport after the race, said “It feels good to win my first race after coming in podium positions in the last few races.”

The Cocos rider related that his machine was in top-order after having a chain problem since last month, but this race is where it all came together; giving credit to the cool

weather and a high-confidence level that ultimately won him the race.

Eastman, who dethroned last year’s winner Orville Hinds, added that in the race he was “just buying time” waiting on the sprint to show his skills and secure his first win of the season.

The top six overall finishers, as well as the top-five veterans, the top-four juveniles, the top-three females and the top-three BMX cyclists were all rewarded for their efforts.

Eastman was trailed by his club mate, Jamaul John who took the second spot, while Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds and Paul DeNobrega had to settle for third and fourth respectively. Meanwhile, Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Shaquel Agard took the fifth spot and Michael Anthony took sixth.

Also in the day’s event, Briton John was the only rider in the juniors category with Junior Niles winning the Veterans race ahead of Jaikaran Sukhai in second and Wilbert Benjamin in third, Stephen Fernandes and Lennox Jackman completed the top five in that order.

he 2017 Florida Cup softball tournament bowls off today at the Brian Piccolo Park, in Fort Lauderhill and several Guyanese teams will be vying for supremacy at the annual event This year marks the 13th year in succession and teams are also expected from New York, Canada and the hosts, along with six teams from the Land of Many Waters.

Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will be having two teams participating in the Masters category. The A team are the defending champions and once again is being led by the veteran right-handed batsman Ricky Deonarain.

The B team will also have a large number of seasoned campaigners and will be looking to make an impression on this occasion after only reaching the quarter-final stage last year. Both Regal Masters and All-Stars teams are no doubt looking to take centre stage, having done well at home on a frequent basis, while their impact at the annual New York Cup by winning the All-Stars competition can be motivating.

The other two teams com-

peting are Speed Boat X1 and Wolf’s Warriors and they are set to take part in the All-Stars (Open Category). Just before their departure, GFSCA president Ramcharran Ragbeer had expressed great confidence in the A team retaining the trophy and is very optimistic the B side can emulate them. He further stated that the GFSCA is more than delighted to feature in this softball extravaganza. He stated that without hesitation, the two teams are also excited to play in the tournament, but they have got to be consistent in all departments.

Reflecting on what had transpired in their own tournament, the Guyana Cup, the sixth edition in 2016, Ramcharran declared it was another successful tournament and thanked the overseas teams to support and take part on an annual basis.

Just after the conclusion of the Florida Cup tournament on Sunday when the two finals will be played at the international venue, the beautiful Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium, both GFSCA teams are heading across to the annual Orlando Softball Tournament as well.

Guyana finished third in Group A on three points, below the Bahamas and Jamaica who will now progress to the knockout, quarter-final rounds. Guyana will now take part in the placement rounds, which decide the final standings between 9 and 16.

The landmark win in Nassau could see Guyana enter beach soccer’s world rankings for the first time.

Belize is ranked 89th out of 112, Jamaica stands at 70, with the Bahamas at 56.

In February 2016, Guyana’s Women’s National Team secured a memorable 2-1 win against Guatemala in the 2016 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship – the nation’s first win at senior level in a CONCACAF finals tournament.

In addition to the various teams and individual prizes in the Florida Cup, there is a cash prize of US$3000 for the winners of the All-Stars competition and US$2000 for the champions of old guys category.

Meanwhile, with preparations are already underway for the Toronto Cup 2, several Guyana teams will be taking part as well. At the inaugural tournament in 2015, both the GFSCA teams attended with the A team reaching the finals, losing to Canadian side Our Own Sports Club in the championship game played at the University of Scarborough Campus venue, in Toronto. President of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Association, Azeem Khan stated that he and executives have been in steady meetings to ensure that they will be having another successful event.

His team also participated in the Guyana Cup last year with limited success but they too are hoping to come out on top of the Florida Cup in Masters Division.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football…

Semi-final showdown tonight at GFC

Pg 22

It has been high octane action all tournament and the same is expected this evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Bourda (Marceano Narine Photo)

Pg 22

Team Gizmos and Gadgets/iRide maintains dominance in 600lb The team winners pose with their accolades after Wednesday’s event

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