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Issue No. 3017

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, October 24, 2016

PRICE

Govt broke procurement laws to hand-pick special forensic auditors

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

$25M wharf to benefit Region 6 residents, Amerindian communities

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…paid 18 consultants $135.5M, still to hand out $26.2M – Sharma

Another Corentyne businessman robbed Page 3

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Freak storm destroys several houses in East Coast Berbice

National Diya illuminated to usher in Diwali

Infant among those unhurt after 2-vehicle collision at Herstelling P7 – driver allegedly fled scene

GWI reportedly dumped sewage into Sussex P11 Street Canal – Guyana Times reporter physically removed from site

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Man attempts suicide, blames judicial system P17

National Diya illuminated! As Guyanese prepare to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh lit the biggest diya on Sunday evening at Rahaman’s Park, to signify the beginning of the Festival of Lights

New Govt policy triggers looming public health crisis …monies wasted on white elephant D’Urban Park could have prevented this – Jagdeo Page 9

Fast-track court hearing on election petition – NACTA poll

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 24 – 13:00h-14:30h and Tuesday, October 25 – 14:00h-15:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 24 – 12:15h-13:45h and Tuesday, October 25 – 13:10h-14:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Early morning sunshine with thunderstorms and heavy rain showers throughout the rest of the day, while partly cloudy to clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly ranging from 1.78 metres to 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 11:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.13 metres.

Low Tide: 05:03h and 17:42h reaching minimum heights of 0.95 metre and 1.14 metres respectively.

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Govt broke procurement laws to handpick special forensic auditors …paid 18 consultants $135.5M, still to hand out $26.2M – Sharma

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he new Government, when it came to office in May 2015, announced a litany of special forensic audits into several governmental agencies suspected of being engaged in corrupt practices, but in doing so the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration breached the nation’s procurement laws in order to hand-pick its special auditors.

The breach of the Procurement Act by the Finance Ministry has since been flagged by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2015 annual report on the nation’s accounts.

Sharma, in his report, documents that the Ministry awarded 45 contracts totalling $135.576 million to conduct forensic audits of various entities.

According to documentation seen, the Ministry sought permission for single source procurement in accordance with Section 28(b) of the Procurement Act from the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) which was given.

The Auditor General has since had cause to point out, however, that the term “single source procurement” was not stated in any of the approvals by the NPTAB. Sharma noted that the

Auditor General Deodat Sharma Procurement Act states that the procuring entity may engage in single source procurement when the services by reason of their highly complex or specialised nature are available from only one source.

According to Sharma, “since the Ministry awarded 45 contracts to 18 consultants, including accounting firms, then the single source method of procurement should not have been used for the award of these contracts”.

The Auditor General has since also had cause to point out that it was also observed that at the time of reporting in September 2016, nine cheques totalling $26.194 million were still on hand.

The largest of the outstanding payments is an $8

million cheque for the audit that was undertaken at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Among the outstanding payments also is a $4.5 million cheque for the audit conducted on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in addition to similar payments for audits conducted on the Petrocaribe Fund, GOInvest, the National Sports Commission and the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

The Ministry had advised the reports related to the outstanding payments were currently with the Ministry pending due diligence checks before the payments were made.

The Finance Ministry was also flagged by the Auditor General over several other breaches of the nation’s procurement laws, including the continued abuse of the Contingency Fund, a sub-fund of the treasury meant to meet emergency expenditure.

It was found that during the course of 2015, the APNU/ AFC Government abused the Contingency Fund through a total of 11 advances, for which the requisite laws did not cater.

According to Auditor General Sharma, the 11 advances used to abuse the Contingency Fund amounted to more than $600 million, with the Guyana Defence

Force (GDF) being the biggest recipient of almost $300 million.

The Auditor General also found that the expenditure of Government was in fact overstated by more than $2.5 billion in respect of 16 Ministries owing to breaches of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. With regard to the Procurement Act, the Auditor General found that 11 Ministries had breached the laws with respect to the appointment of regional tender boards and the basis of awards of contracts, among other breaches.

The Auditor General’s report also observed that more than 50 per cent of that agency’s recommendations to stem the repeated violations had not been implemented.

“Overall, I am concerned with the lack of action towards the implementation of these recommendations, since 56 per cent of the recommendations have not yet been implemented,” the AG noted.

Sharma, in his 2015 Audit Report, observed too that “in many instances, recommendations are repeated each year without any appropriate action and as a result, weaknesses and issues that impacted negatively on Government’s governance and accountability mechanisms continue to occur.”

Another Corentyne businessman robbed

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rmed bandits on Sunday morning attacked and robbed a Corentyne businessman, firing two shots at him. The incident took place at Alness Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

According to reports Jacob Mootoo, the proprietor of J Mootoo Grocery Store was awakened when he heard a loud banging and went to investigate. Speaking with this publication Mootoo said after retiring to bed, he got up shortly after it began to rain to lock up the windows when he heard a crashing sound.

He explained: “I hear someone lashing my room window and trying fa lash out

the glass and grill so I run downstairs fa’ me cutlass and me wife run somewhere and hide.”

According to Mootoo, after he grabbed his cutlass and was making his way back up to the steps, two gunshots were fired in his direction which stopped him in his tracks. The man immediately ran back down the steps but heard his sister-in-law, who was staying with them at the time, scream for help.

The businessman said he remained downstairs as he heard the men demanding cash. According to sisterin-law Devena, the bandits ransacked the upper flat of the two-flat building. She ex-

plained that they tore stuffed animals apart in search of cash.

Moments before Police arrived the two masked men exited the building and made good their escape. An undisclosed sum of cash and two

Samsung Galaxy S5 phones were taken.

Police recovered two spent shells and the wood used to break into the building.

No arrests have been made as investigations are ongoing.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

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

Editorial

(Not) paying taxes

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here is an old American saying going back to the eighteenth century that in this life nothing is certain excepting “death and taxes”. But from numbers coming out of the Auditor General’s Report and remarks by the Minister of Finance, it would appear that an overwhelming number of Guyanese – 85 per cent - who fall in the “selfemployed” category, have been able to escape taxes. They simply did not bother to file.

The Report offered the numbers: “As of December 31, 2015 there were 126,669 registered self-employed persons.

Of this number, 93,157 were identified as active however only 14,164 filed a total of 34,644 returns resulting in collections totalling $3.407 billion. Therefore, 78,993 selfemployed persons did not file their tax returns.” The “selfemployed” generally sell goods and services to the public and in Guyana are mostly professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants, and the more ubiquitous farmers, shopkeepers, barbers, taxi-drivers, minibus owners and operators, beauticians, hucksters/vendors, etc.

But the non-payment of taxes was not confined to only the self-employed. In 2015 the Report showed that out of 2995 “active” corporations, only 786 of them - less than one in three - submitted tax returns. Back in January, when he presented his Budget, Minister Winston Jordan pointed out that those who work in the gold and diamond fields defined in the tax laws as “Tributors” - also did not generally pay their taxes. It is clear that in Guyana there is a prevalent culture of tax avoidance.

It is more than a mere coincidence that the certainty of paying taxes originated in the US, which was the first Republic established under the notion that citizens must govern themselves. It was self-evident to them that while they did not want the tyranny of a king or nobility ruling them, and their rallying cry was “no taxation without representation”, taxes yet had to be paid to fund all the services they expected from government.

In their case these also included the need for protection and opening up their country for development. To create their independent Republic that rose to eclipse Great Britain and continue into the present as the preeminent economic and political power, the people evolved a “civic culture” that guided their duties as citizens. The payment of taxes was seen as one of their prime “civic duties”. A TIME poll taken during the recently concluded presidential debate showed that 86 per cent of Americans still believe in that value.

This is what is needed in Guyana that achieved independence 190 years after the US and has the benefit of witnessing what a people imbued with a civic culture can achieve for their country and themselves. But if taxes from the people are used by governments to provide the services and overall development that are expected by those people, the question is why a similar “civic culture” as the Americans’ developed not here? One answer is the people in Guyana, unlike those in the US, have not seen their taxes used in a positive manner.

In America, there are also accusations by citizens of governmental misuse of tax funds, but at least they have evidence that notwithstanding abuses, there has been development. The same cannot be said in Guyana. And it is not just a matter of the polarised politics in an ethnically divided society causing credit not to be given to “their” government. Guyana has stubbornly remained stuck at the bottom of developmental measures as being just above Haiti in this Hemisphere even since the McIntyre Report of 1989 and this speaks most powerfully for itself.

Thus while Finance Minister Jordan in the above mentioned speech outlined measures that his government will be taking to go after tax cheats and evaders, an even more critical step is for government to demonstrate to citizens that their tax dollars are being put to good use.

While the “free rider” imperative is stubborn, its effects can be mitigated by governmental effectiveness.

Mariela Flores, who is visually impaired, is crowned one of two Miss Jacha Uru – translated from the Aymaran language as Great Day – in La Paz, Bolivia. The families of people with disabilities, with the help of the city government, organised the pageant to promote the rights of children and adolescents with impairments that ranged from physical to sensory to developmental (BBC News)

The return of blackouts

Dear Editor, The sudden rise of crime in our country is now a concern for all Guyanese citizens and the reintroduction of long hours of daily blackouts makes it easier for thieves and criminals to escape from the Police and citizens.

While many voted for change they all wanted, what are we really changed from?

Since the new APNU/AFC coalition came to power, crime has increased and worst yet, the long daily blackouts with school now open, many students will have tons of homework and research: how do we deal with this blackout situation? Where is this miracle change from our present Administration? If we cannot deal with blackouts in 50 years of independence then

it’s not possible for us to properly govern and administrate this nation.

Guyana needs a new vision to take this nation forward – the PPP and PNC and now this APNU coalition have failed this nation and most East Indians and Africans are migrating by the droves out of Guyana in search of jobs and safety from criminals. In this modern era after 50 years of recent independence, in lots of exuberance we are still a backward nation when compared to our Caribbean, South American and Latin American neighbours. Very soon we will return to the bottle lamp days of Forbes Burnham and many erudite political scientists now predicted rice flour.

Thieves are all over our country from the city

of Georgetown to Berbice and Essequibo. Our new Government failed to implement a very efficient Police Force and better technology to catch thieves and criminals.

Our laws in the courts cannot protect our citizens. Too many high profile criminals are set free on bail.

What plans does the new existing Administration have to tackle this crime situation in Guyana? Our President needs to address the nation on the crime and blackouts and not the Minister of State and the Prime Minister. Crime has now become a national issue.

A few days ago, a man was robbed of everything he came here with on vacation from the USA and his brother was killed. And now the blackouts help to facilitate more crimes

and rogue elements. What we need is a clean Police Force and soldiers to protect our citizens every day.

It’s about time our soldiers be placed to guard Government buildings, banks and patrol the nation around the clock like Suriname. We must accept one fact that after 50 years of independence, we have become a failed nation, failing to protect the rights and dignity of our citizens. What have we really achieved after 50 years of bad administration? VS Naipaul wrote a book called An Area of Darkness that is a prophecy for Guyana because we have become a nation of darkness.

Sincerely, Reverend Gideon Cecil

Utility companies conspiring to run us mad

Dear Editor, There is an old Greek philosophy which states: Whom the gods may wish to destroy, they run them mad first.

In modern civilisation, the supply of electricity along with Internet and a reliable telephone service are paramount for decent survival and development of a country.

Guyanese based overseas, visitors and investors, would have a serious dilemma adjusting to our primitive service by these two giant entities.

Both of them have no respect for their customers. They are sluggish in responding to emergencies and at times, as I am proving in a matter with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), may be involved in eternal conspiracy to defraud the customer.

The same GPL will install a prepaid meter and the contractors/employees will not remove the postpaid meter that was there. This may be due to an attempt to blackmail and defraud the customer at a later date. Or it may merely be due to incompetence and not human error, for GPL employees are more interested, in my opinion, in conspiracies and fraud against customers.

As it stands at the moment, I am personally involved in a matter where some GPL contractors/em-

ployees/former employees, were involved in trying to defraud me and my company at a property we managed in Canje Street, Campbellville.

They were arrested in a sting operation coordinated by my company and the Police.

My understanding is that to date, they have not been charged. Also, I do believe that the Police did not conduct a thorough investigation by canvassing the area to build a bigger case and by failing to publish the photographs in the newspapers to invite others who may have been defrauded or attempts were made to defraud them.

In fairness to GTT, I must state that they have never been involved in any case of fraud but their bureaucracy, obviously, is too humongous and it appears that they have a tendency of losing control due to the monopoly or semi monopoly that they enjoy, similar to that of GPL. GPL has scant regard for its customers. It is always a nightmare to visit their offices for anything.

The constant blackouts of GPL, are definitely in my opinion, an attempt to discourage support of the coalition Government. Also, I do believe that their inconsistency, bureaucratic corruption and confusion, along with fraudulent

schemes against people, point to this fact.

The constant blackouts have become a nightmare for people in industry and commerce. Students have to revert to old style hand lamps and wall lamps and in some cases, rechargeable lamps. This is an unfair and burdensome reality, particularly for persons struggling to make ends meet.

In reference to GPL and the arrest of their fraudulent contractors/employees, to date, they have not approached us for any information. It is the opinion of this writer that they should be happy when citizens help them capture bandits within their authority, and should work closely with the people, with the customers and the Police. I expect GPL to be much more proactive against their employees and not to be proactive in just merely setting up customers or trying to inconvenience their lives.

GPL, as a result of its monopoly, is like one big beast that survives on the flesh and blood of those it needs to survive… its customers! They are always looking and visiting certain people with a hope to drive fear and terror in their hearts, and create ludicrous charges and claims against them to improve on their money garnering possibilities.

I wish to state that this is the one time where I tend to agree with Freddie Kissoon, columnist of Kaieteur News, who stated that: GPL is one organisation which will help to bring down the current coalition Government. Please note that the previous sentence was an indirect quote.

It is my view that GPL, like all businesses, needs to honour its honourable customers. This writer has had many problems with GPL that it hurts his heart. For a man who always tries to live in dignity and honour, GPL, on more than one occasion, has tried to create embarrassment and to eke money out of me wrongfully. As the big carnivore, despite being given evidence and facts, it refused to accept and continues to drink human blood in this country.

I know the Chairman, Robert Badal, as one of principle and dignity. I invite him to select professional person/persons to sit and listen to all my matters, some of which are in the courts, which I had to resort to, and others.

I really do hope to see a change soon. It has been too long.

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

HPV immunisation back on Guyana’s agenda W

hen a woman hears about being screened or taking a pap smear, she cringes inwardly – not because of the painful procedure but of the thought that she could have cancer. Truth is, we are fearful of the truth… that harsh reality of living with cancer.

So, instead of rushing to the cancer institute for early screening, we wait for tomorrow and soon after tomorrow becomes next year.

So, despite half of the cancer cases in Guyana dying within the last 10 years – most of them women, persons are seldom doing check-ups or self-examinations.

In an interview with Guyana Times, a 32-yearold woman stated that she has never done a pap smear in her life because she was fearful of the outcome.

“There is a lot of reasons of me not doing it. One of my friends did it and she said it was painful and so I’m waiting until I’m (sexually) active again to do it. But all in all I’m afraid of what the result would be,” she said.

This woman’s grandmother died of cancer several years ago.

Another woman indicated that she stopped being examined several years ago, because she became complacent. “I guess I got lazy… besides it isn’t easy. It feels like someone is scraping my inside,” she said.

However, when asked why she would be compla-

Dr Vikash Chatrani, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, GynaeOncologist attached to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados

cent about such a deadly disease, the woman said: “You think about the possibly of having cancer and not fully understanding how to deal with that. I don’t wanna deal with that. I haven’t been exposed to a lot of women education and support systems to make me want to, either.”

Programme relaunched

On Friday, the Public Health Ministry relaunched its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme to prevent cervical cancer. The aim of the programme is to target preteens prior to the start of sexual activity, since the cancer is believed to be transmitted through sexual contact and school health surveys show

that by age 14 about 61 per cent of girls have already had sex.

Although the HPV vaccines have attracted negative attention, HPV has been found to cause cervical cancer. It is said to be the most common sexually transmitted infection that can be spread from one person to another through vaginal, anal or oral sex, or through other close skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities; even the use of a condom may not protect against this infection, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Subsequently, the Ministry pitched the relaunch of the programme to Finance Minister Winston

Jordan and he signed onto it.

At the launch, Pan American Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr William Adu Krow endorsed it, stating that there were about 140 HPV strains and out of that figure, 40 of them affected the genital area.

“Ninety-nine per cent of cervical cancers are linked to the variant HPV strains,” he said.

PAHO is seeking to procure the vaccines at a cheap price.

Head of the Health Sector Development Unit, Dr Morris Edward stated that there were 10 million new cases of cancer every year and that figure was projected to climb further in 2030 to 27 million. He zeroed in on Guyana, revealing an annual incidence rate of 27 per 100,000 persons.

Stating that cancers have consistently been rising in terms of morbidity and mortality, Edward emphasised that Guyana hardly diagnosed persons in the early stages of cancer, with less than one per cent of cases being diagnosed in the first stage.

“Unfortunately, almost a third of all the cases were not staged, and we would like to find out why,” he said.

Subsequently, he highlighted that more than 80 per cent of the cases had no treatment recorded, “…that is really worrying. Why are we not providing treatment to 8 in 10 of the persons with

Police Force’s vehicular capacity boosted

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n its continuing efforts to fully equip the Guyana Police Force, the Government of Guyana, through the Public Security Ministry, has made available additional mobile resources in the form of four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles.

While the full complement of these mobile resources is yet to be realised, the supplier has thus far delivered seven All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), three 4x4 pick-ups, and eight motorcycles.

With the thrust of the

Force to beef up policing arrangements in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and in particular in the Rupununi District, additional manpower and increased supervisory capacity have been allocated to the Annai Police Station, which now has five Police Officers stationed there, with two ATVs available.

In E Division (Linden), an additional ATV has been allocated to Mabura Police Station and another one to the Ituni Police Station, while two motorcycles for anti-crime patrols were al-

located to Mackenzie Police Station.

With regard to A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara), a new pick-up and four new motorcycles have been allocated for anti-crime patrols.

Meanwhile, C Division (East Coast Demerara) received a new pick-up vehicle to also boost the anti-crime patrols in that division.

Additionally, D Division (West Demerara- East Bank Essequibo) was the recipient of two new motorcycles and a pick-up vehicle, also allocated for anti-crime patrols.

Upon receipt of the other mobile resources from the supplier, further allocations will be made to the various divisions throughout the country.

cancers,” he questioned, adding that more than half of the cases within the past 10 years have died, leaving the country with a crude mortality rate of 454.6 per 100,000 persons.

He stated that over the years, Guyana has lost more than 30,000 lives because of cervical cancer. Therefore, he contended that the absence of treatment was atrocious and lobbied for a comprehensive cancer programme to be established.

Dr Vikash Chatrani, a gynaecologist attached to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, said there was no need to justify why the Government should invest in the HPV vaccines, since the financial strain cancer placed on a society was greater.

He stated that while most women have accepted pap smears as part of their DNA, there was not a lot of awareness taking place.

“Her private parts are private and they do not have the awareness. Cervical cancer is a stigma that a woman is promiscuous,” he said, adding: “You don’t realise, but some of the misconceptions out there is what we

tell them (about) and then they take that and add to it and come with a different conclusion.”

He posited that it all boiled down to the health policy in a country. He said if there was poor access to screening and treatment services, that was reflective of bad policy.

“That is poor policy and that is why it needs to be improved and it is actually costing the Government more, because if they don’t spend the money to get the vaccine, then they will have more people coming in with cancer that require more expensive treatment like surgery, chemotherapy. That’s poor economics,” he said.

Prevention

PAHO also believes that a comprehensive prevention programme is necessary in the fight against cancer.

According to the Health@50 in Guyana: Progress Health Report 1966-2016 released by the organisation, Guyana has no comprehensive cancer prevention, treatment and control programme, despite the disease being the third leading cause of death.

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Foundation

reasons teens turn to drugs

How to prevent drug use at every age

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By Raychelle Cassada Lohmann

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here comes a time in a teen’s life where he or she is faced with the single decision to take a drug. The power of that one decision is oftentimes underestimated.

Some teens are able to say no and others can’t resist the urge and give in to the temptation.

What makes one teen more resilient than another? What makes one teen say “yes” and another “no?”

Is the ability to withstand pressure because some teens are surer of themselves?

Are teens who are confident better equipped to stand tall in the face of adversity, even if it’s not the popular thing to do? Perhaps resilient teens have healthier coping skills ie, exercising, healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, to deal with life’s problems. But what about the teens who struggle and succumb to peer pressure, what makes them choose to use?

To answer these questions, all you have to do is ask a teen.

Below are six common reasons teens cite for choosing to use alcohol and drugs.

Reason 1 – Appeal

Teens can be influenced by the power of persuasive marketing. The drug and alcohol industry does an incredible job of making their products appealing to potential users. Unfortunately, they are catching the eyes and minds of youth with their products. For example, studies on youth alcohol consumption have shown time and time again that exposure to alcohol marketing affects teen drinking behaviour.

There’s little doubt alcohol advertisements, media images,

and celebrity endorsements of alcohol play a role in youth drinking behaviours.

Likewise, drug use in the media, can powerfully change the perception and attitudes of teens. Studies have shown many teens who see drugs being used in the media begin to associate use as not being a big deal.

Drug use is still widely shown on media venues and young eyes are watching. According to research on the movies teens watch, 93 per cent show alcohol use and 22 per cent reference illicit drugs.

Plus, on television, alcohol is the number one drug portrayed, appearing on 77 per cent of TV episodes. Alcohol shows up every 14 minutes on music videos. So, media exposure and marketing do have adverse effects on a teen’s choice to use drugs.

Reason 2 – Short-term escape

The adolescent years are a time of self-exploration. These times can be complicated and confusing in a youth’s life. To top it off, today’s teens have a lot on their plates. Many teens have to cope with family problems, friendship struggles, problems with school, and the list goes on and on. These teens often lack healthy coping strategies to get through life’s difficult times.

While drug use may appear like a short-term solution it can become a long-term problem.

Reason 3 – Relief and self-medication

Too many teens today struggle with emotional problems.

Between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of teens have symptoms of teen depression at any one time.

Approximately eight per cent

of teens aged 13-18 have an anxiety disorder, with symptoms commonly emerging around age six.

Approximately 6.4 million (11 per cent) of youth 4-17 years of age have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011.

Teens who struggle with emotional and mental problems are especially vulnerable to becoming susceptible to the luring power of alcohol and drugs. Sadly, these youths will do anything to find relief no matter how short-lived it is.

Reason 4 – Acceptance

We all have a desire to be accepted in life and it’s no different for a teen. In fact, the need to be accepted is probably most sought after in adolescence. The adolescent years are a pivotal time in life when teens are trying to figure out who they are and how they fit into life’s grand scheme. Many teens desire a lot of friends and popularity. This strong desire to be accepted and liked can make it extremely difficult to say “no”.

Youth who lack confidence may feel alcohol and drugs help them come out of their shell.

They build their identity on who they are under the influence, rather than who they really are. Sadly, these youths often convince themselves that people like them more when they are high or intoxicated than when they are sober.

Reason 5 – Rebellion

When teens feel trapped by parental pressures, it’s not uncommon for them to rebel.

Rebellion can come at a high price. When a teen rebels he/ she feeds an internal rage, a rage that has no conscience. It tells

them to go ahead and do what they want and not even think about the consequences. Sadly, rebellious teens may gravitate toward drugs which in turn feed their aggression.

From seeking independence, to finding a way to calm their intense emotions, teens who rebel have nothing to lose and everything to gain, or so they tell themselves. Their “screw you” attitude can quickly turn around and “screw them”.

Reason 6 – Curiosity

Sometimes the desire to try drugs is a satiated need to satisfy curiosity. When no one is home and the liquor cabinet is unlocked, what better time to explore what it feels like to get drunk? When your friends are sitting around getting high, what’s the big deal if you take one or two hits? These youths often convince themselves that one time won’t hurt anything, or better yet, they tell themselves, “everybody else is doing it so why can’t I?” They feed themselves lies to justify their unhealthy behaviour.

No one ever said the adolescent years were easy. In fact, to many youths they are the most turbulent years of life. From friendships to after-high school plans, the complexities of a teen’s life can become overwhelming. It can be difficult to sort through life’s problems alone. Teens need mentors to help them navigate and cope with stress. The teen years can be a long and winding road with many sharp curves and blind spots. It’s important to help them steer in the right direction and if the situation ever arises to use drugs, they will do the right thing and refuse. (psychologytoday.com)

reteens to teens: They’re on a quest to figure out their place in the world. When it comes to the way they view that world, they tend to give their friends’ opinions a great deal of power while, at the same time, they’re starting to question their parents’ views and messages. Your advice may be challenged – but it will be heard and will stay with your child much more than he or she will ever admit.

Here are 10 tips to help you help your preteen live a healthy, drug-free life: Make sure your child knows your rules — and that you’ll enforce the consequences if rules are broken. This applies to no-use rules about tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs — as well as bedtimes and homework. Research shows that children are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs if their parents have established a pattern of setting clear rules and consequences for breaking those rules.

Show interest – and discuss – your child’s daily ups and downs. You’ll earn your child’s trust, learn how to talk to each other, and won’t take your child by surprise when you voice a strong point of view about drugs.

Act out scenes with your child where people offer her drugs. Children

who don’t know what to say or how to get away are more likely to give in to peer pressure. Let her know that she can always use you as an excuse and say: “No, my mom [or dad, aunt, etc.] will kill me if I smoke a cigarette.” Explain why she shouldn’t continue friendships with children who have offered her cigarettes, alcohol or pills.

Tell your child what makes him so special. Puberty can upend a child’s self-esteem. Feelings of insecurity, doubt and pressure may creep in. Offset those feelings with a lot of positive comments about his life and who he is as an individual — and not just when he brings home an A. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in preventing drug use among teens.

Give your children the power to make decisions that go against their peers. You can reinforce this message through small things such as encouraging your child to pick out the sneakers he likes rather than the pair his four friends have.

Base drug and alcohol messages on facts, not fear.

Children can’t argue with facts but their new need for independence may allow them to get around their fears.

Also, children love to learn facts — both run-of-the-mill and truly odd. For drug and alcohol facts, visit our Drug Guide.

Tell your teen about the negative effect alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs have on physical appearance.

Teens and preteens usually are concerned with their physical appearance— sometimes to the point of obsession.

Tell them about the smelly hair and ashtray breath caused by cigarettes. Make sure they know that it would be hard to perform in the school play while high on marijuana.

Get to know your child’s friends — and their friends’ parents. Check in by phone or a visit once in a while to make sure they are giving their children the same kinds of messages you give your children about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Help children separate reality from fantasy. Watch TV and movies with them and ask lots of questions to reinforce the distinction between the two. Remember to include advertising in your discussions, as those messages are especially powerful.

Don’t just leave your child’s anti-drug education up to her school. Ask your teen what she’s learnt about drugs in school and then continue with that topic or introduce new topics. A few to consider: the long-term effects that tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs have on the human body; how and why chemical dependence occurs — including the unpredictable nature of dependency and how it varies from person to person; the impact of drug use on society — societal costs of impaired health and loss of productivity; maintaining a healthy lifestyle; positive approaches to stress reduction; or setting realistic short- and long-term goals.

(Excerpt from drugfree.org)

NEWS

7

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Freak storm destroys several houses in East Coast Berbice already begun the process of reconstructing. Many claim zinc sheets were missing. Parts of some roofs were found some 300

A

her roof. “And the whole house shaking and like it tumbling up with me inside.”

She said none of the

out the bed and come into the hall and then all the ceiling in the house start to come down. When the ceiling start to come off then I look up and see that the roof gone. Ah build this shed lately and spend close to $400,000 to build it and I ain’t finding nothing

age in the house because the rain was falling. I just grab me and my daughter passport and one sponge and come downstairs in the kitchen whey it dry.”

During the devastating three minutes, electrical wires sparked, causing many residents to turn off

The affected neighbourhoods after the storm

storm on Sunday morning destroyed eight houses and damaged many more at two villages on East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Reports are that shortly before 02:00h, high winds followed by rain ripped off roofs and flattened thistles, while uprooting trees and causing millions of dollars in dam-

ages. One house was totally destroyed.

Alimoon Gobin said he was not at home when the storm came. “When I come home I looking for the house, but the house deh flat. Can’t do anything about it, it done happen.”

When this publication arrived at Number 19 Village and Warren, there was no electricity in either village and residents had

Several houses were severely damaged

metres from their houses.

Fallen trees blocked access to sections of some streets.

One shop owner, Jasoudra Bhoodu, related that she was awoken at around 01:00h by the sound of rain tapping on

zinc sheets from her house were located.

Another resident, Neezam Khalim, said his entire roof, along with other parts of the house were blown away: “I start hearing noise, so I get up from

Residents picking up the pieces after the storm

from the shed; I ain’t know where they gone… it was rough. Everything dam-

their main switches.

Thankfully, there were no injuries.

Infant among those who escaped unhurt in 2-vehicle collision at Herstelling

…driver allegedly fled scene

A

n infant was among several others who escaped unharmed following a two-vehicle collision at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The Sunday afternoon accident resulted in one vehicle landing upside-down in a nearby drain and the other skidding off the road and over the concrete median of the roadway.

Vehicle PMM 2954 was travelling towards Timehri when it was clipped by vehicle PTT 5087, reportedly speeding from behind.

According to eyewitnesses, PMM 2954 flipped two times and landed upsidedown in a drain by the housing scheme, while PTT 5087 bolted over median and onto the other side of the road.

Eyewitnesses further told Guyana Times that the driver of the reportedly speeding vehicle fled the scene, leaving behind two children, an infant and two young women.

However, the women insisted that he was taken to the hospital but refused to relay any other information

Vishnu Rampersaud

to the media.

When asked to share what transpired, one of the women declared that “you can write whatever you

want”.

Bystanders said that they saw the man escaping through Haji Street, Herstelling. In response to the women’s claims that the driver did not abandon them, eyewitnesses pointed out that the driver side of the vehicle sustained little to no damages; therefore it was illogical that he received injuries which warranted him being rushed for emergency treatment.

Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle which landed in the drain was identified as Vishnu Rampersaud.

He explained that he was

This vehicle landed upside-down in the drain

cruising when he noticed the other vehicle driving wildly on the road. He said that was the last thing he remembered before his car flipped and ended up in the drain.

Police were on the scene taking information from eyewitnesses and those involved in the incident.

An investigation has been launched.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

8 drivers fined after admitting to DUI charge

Eyew tness

Hitting out...

Omparkesh Rajpat

A

Anthony Johnson

Rameshwar Singh

Rolston Griffith

s ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department continue with traffic enforcement efforts, they have arrested and charged eight more drunk drivers under the Force’s “name and shame” campaign.

Omparkesh Rajpat,

he pleaded guilty and was fined $30,000.

On August 5, 2016, Anthony Johnson, of Lot 118 Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was also stopped and tested while driving motor vehicle PTT 3706 on the Vlissengen Road, Kitty. He too was charged and placed

2016, while driving motor vehicle PGG 7126 on the Henrietta Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Singh was subsequently charged and appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court the next day when he pleaded guilty and was fined $30, 000.

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to the DUI offence.

Additionally, his driver’s licence was endorsed with the offence.

Omesh Ramadar, of Lot 135 Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, was stopped and

Omesh Ramadar

Kelvin Prince

Latchman Chutkhan

Jason Persaud

of Adventure, Essequibo Coast, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on March 15, 2016, while driving motor vehicle PSS 4095 on the Henrietta Public Road, Essequibo Coast. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption and was subsequently charged. The following day, Rajpat appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where

before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts days after he was found to be above the legal limit. Johnson pleaded guilty to the driving under the influence (DUI) charge and a $7500 fine was imposed.

Rameshwar Singh, of Lot 206 Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, was found to be above the legal limit after he was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on March 15,

Next, Rolston Griffith, of Lot 868 Onderneeming, East Bank Essequibo, was driving motor vehicle PMM 4148 on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, when the Police stopped and tested him with a breathalyser on August 6. Griffith was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol, so he was charged and six days later, appeared at the

tested with a breathalyser on March 13, while driving motor vehicle PLL 8576 on the Cotton Field Public Road, Essequibo Coast. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol; as such, he was charged and the next day, appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where he was fined $30,000 after pleading guilty.

TURN TO PAGE 12

T

...at the team?

he US TV Series “Law and Order” had one of the longest run – 20 years between 1990 and 2010. And as one of the staples of our viewing fare with reruns, who among us isn’t familiar with its opening theme? “In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the Police, who investigate crime; and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders”.

Well in Guyana, we do have the Police who’re supposed to keep “Order” but on the matter of the “Law” we have a DPP that uses Police Prosecutors to prosecute those arrested by the Police for breaking the law. Now most of us have to deal with the police when something goes really awry between us Guyanese, don’t we? They represent the “Law and Order”. So it’s not surprising when crime stalks the land and most of us are huddled behind our steel-grilled windows and doors, the pressure’s coming down on them.

But with their subject Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan refusing to stick his hand up and take responsibility (see yesterday’s fulminations by your Eyewitness) for offering some reassurances, the acting CoP David Ramnarine had to step to the crease. Rather than regurgitate the statistics that have become the reflexive retort of his Minister, Ramnarine took a pot shot at the Judiciary to which Police Prosecutors present their cases - or rather “our cases” - since we’re the victims.

He pointed to some egregious examples of individuals who were charged by the Police but when brought before the High Court or Magistrates’ Court were let out on bail - and then blithely proceeded to commit further crimes.

It’s as if the judicial system works like a revolving door for criminals, in the view of the acting CoP. Now this isn’t a unique complaint - in fact it’s quite common among us ordinary law abiding citizens.

The fly in this ointment, however, is there’s this rule members of the judiciary HAVE to observe - persons charged have to be presumed innocent until they’re tried and proven guilty. For bail, all the judge/magistrate can do is weigh whether the person charged will turn up for trial and whether his background suggests he won’t do further wrong if released. If “no” the judge would order “remand”.

And this is where we end up with the “remand” situation that caused all that mayhem at the Camp Street Jail.

Obviously, there are no quick answers to our criminal siege and all the members of the Justice System have to work together.

What can’t be done, is to follow the Security Minister and just spout statistics.

...at competition?

Seems like a “Chicken Feed War” may just break out between Guyana and Jamaica over some businessman here importing Chicken Feed from the land of Dancehall. The local businessman’s undercutting the price at which two of our local manufacturers of Chicken Feed - Badal of Guyana Stockfeeds and Fernandez of Bounty Farms - are selling theirs to our chicken farmers.

Now if our Chicken Feed manufacturers are willing to lodge this protest with the GRA, you know the money they’re losing isn’t Chicken Feed! Badal and Fernandez’ gripe is the Jamaican HAVE to be importing soya and corn for their feed so they’re exceeding the 5% Caricom allowance for “foreign inputs” and thus a 15% tariff should be slapped on their products.

While that may be so, your Eyewitness wants to know that since GUYANA doesn’t also produce soya and corn, how come the Jamaicans can have insurance and freight added to their Feed price and STILL come in cheaper than theirs?

Aren’t they stiffing our poor chicken farmers?

...petroleum import licence

While there were protests about GWI’s boss Van WestCharles obtaining a petroleum importing licence, folks were puzzled about how he’ll sell the stuff without any storage tanks.

Well, he wouldn’t need the latter if he “wins” the contract to supply Exxon rigs and drilling ships, would he?

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

9 New Govt policy triggers looming public health crisis NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

…monies wasted on white elephant D’Urban Park could have prevented this – Jagdeo

A

new policy being pursued by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government could potentially lead to a countrywide public health crisis if not addressed immediately.

The warning bell was sounded this past week by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who was at the time addressing members of the local media corps at his Party’s Freedom House Headquarters.

According to Jagdeo, “it seems that the Government is intent on not just shooting itself in the foot, but [is also intent] on destroying any longterm prospect for change in the country”.

Expanding on his posi-

tion, the former President said he has, in recent weeks, been engaging with several of the young doctors returning from training in Cuba and has since learnt that the Government has been pushing an agenda to have these persons enrolled through the traditional pensionable public service.

This, the Opposition Leader said, will serve as a disincentive and could very well see Guyana losing its trained healthcare delivery personnel in droves, should Government persist.

Jagdeo told media operatives that under previous Administrations, priority was placed on guaranteeing “each person a job in public service when they’re finished training”.

According to the Opposition Leader, persons on their return from specialist training are now being told by representatives of the

western driveway at a fast rate, while the cyclist was proceeding in the said direction but on the eastern side of the road.”

Eyewitnesses explained that the cyclist was struck after he had crossed the road from east to west into the path of the speeding vehicle. The man was picked up by ranks of a Police patrol and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital

where he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, according to Police, a breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the car got no trace of blood alcohol.

However, preliminary investigations revealed that a breaking distance of 126 feet from the point of impact was observed. The driver was taken into custody as Police investigations continue.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Goed Fortuin cyclist killed, driver detained

A

speeding car collided with a bicycle resulting in the death of a Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, man. Albert Shivdyal, 58, was killed on the Public Road of his village when the driver of PNN 7289 struck him.

Reports are the accident occurred just before 22:00h Saturday. According to Police the car, “was proceeding north along the

HPV immunisation back...

PAHO has supported the Public Health Ministry to conduct a situation analysis of cancer prevention, treatment and control as a pre-condition to the development of a National Cancer Plan. The second step is for the statistics collected from the consultancy to be utilised, and for the key stakeholders assembled to develop the plan and proceed with the establishment of the comprehensive programme.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud acknowledged the need for such a programme, whilst asserting that Guyana should put an end to cervical cancer.

“I think all of us here who have daughters and nieces and sisters know how important it is to offer protection to these persons. Even though prostate cancer is high, breast and cervical cancer is challenging us majorly,” he said, adding that

FROM PAGE 5

still they find a lot of women coming forward in the latter stages of cancer, when the disease has ravaged their bodies.

“We can do very little sometimes and we still have persons dying from these types of cancers. We would like to see the end of that; we would like to see all our women and girls protected from this un-eventual happening, which is linked to the exposure of the HPV,” he added. (Jeanna Pearson)

Administration that jobs were not available since no money was available to pay the salaries.

“This government now is demanding that people go on the pensionable establishment and not contract as was the choice before,” Jagdeo reported.

He has since surmised that most doctors would lose contract gratuity and other benefits if they were forced to go on the pensionable system.

Jagdeo told media operatives that he was being informed that those that have completed five years on contract are being told they would have to be placed on the pensionable system.

“This is gonna cause major problems,” Jagdeo said, even as he surmised that the situation would lead to heightened

dissatisfaction and a loss of doctors.

Jagdeo suggested that there was in fact money available to avoid the pitfalls of such a move by the Administration.

He reckoned that it would maybe cost a couple hundred million dollars to keep the trained doctors on contract.

Jagdeo, in highlighting the Administration’s ability to foot the bill, pointed to the almost one billion dollars spent on the construction of the D’Urban Park facility which he said has now become a white elephant.

That money, according to Jagdeo, could have been used to meet the salaries and benefits for doctors for another five years.

“Why we want to chase people who we invested in?”

Jagdeo questioned, and posited, “it will cause major dissatisfaction… It could lead to a reversal of what we had, that is more doctors in the system.”

On the matter of the previous Administration’s commitment to the nation’s healthcare delivery, Jagdeo pointed at efforts to improve the facilities through the building of several new facilities, improved availability of drugs and medical supplies, and personnel.

He used the occasion to recall that the previous Administration had its focus on the training of personnel, adopting a position to “train beyond our means, beyond the migration curve”.

This, he said, ensured that there were an adequate number of trained personnel in the healthcare delivery system.

10

guyana-times.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

News

$25M wharf to benefit Region 6 residents, Amerindian communities

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Fast-track court hearing on election petition – NACTA poll

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alls have intensified for the fast-tracking of the election petition in the High Court.

An ongoing opinion poll being conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) finds that a significant portion of Guyanese believe the court should have ruled expeditiously on the election matter in light of

country stained by rigged elections and to not treat the matter with urgency indicates that something is amiss.

According to the poll, voters are particularly concerned about Gecom’s refusal to recount the votes, especially in a region where there was a one vote difference between the Ruling and Opposition parties, which

cilitated fraud in the May 2015 Election to remove the PPP/C from office.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) supporters disagree.

A majority of respondents felt that Gecom should have carried out a recount of ballots if it had nothing to hide or if some of its staff were not involved in skullduggery or if

The site where the wharf will be situated

project that is likely to benefit farmers along the Corentyne River including Orealla and Siparuta is nearing completion.

A $25 million wharf is being constructed at Corriverton and will assist farmers from those Amerindian communities with a bond. It will also benefit school children traveling from those riverine communities.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan told Guyana Times that the first phase of the project will cost $17 million. The rest of the funds will be used to construct the bond.

Alluding to the impact the facility will have, Armogan noted: “One of the things that was said to me a couple of years ago in Orealla and Siparuta, is that

when they bring their produce out to Springlands or to the Number 79 Market, the wholesalers want to buy their stuff very cheap, and because they don’t have any holding place where they can store their produce they have to sell it out very cheaply and get back to Orealla very quickly.”

He said now that the bond is being constructed, those farmers will be able to store their produce and sell it over a period of a few days.

“The wharf that we are building is for two sets of people; it is for people coming out of Orealla and farmers coming out of the Corentyne River.

Currently, these farmers have nowhere to discharge their produce; sometimes when the tide is low, they have to wait for hours until the tide rises so that they can get their produce to land.

“School children and everybody else is using the launch service and because there is no wharf you find that these children will be walking on very narrow boards up to 300 yards in length to get onto the launch.

The launch is outside and can’t come in because the tide is low and this is very dangerous for them,” he added.

In justifying the project, the Regional Chairman noted that residents of the two Amerindian communities will have wharf service, making it is easy for them and at the same time they will have a bond to store their produce: “I hope that this will be an imput for them to produce more agricultural stuff, both in the Orealla/Siporuta area as well as the Corentyne River, so I think it is a good thing for farmers.”

Supporters during a recent protest outside GECOM Headquarters

the many controversies surrounding the conduct of the election and the counting of ballots.

The survey finds that a majority of voters are dissatisfied with the Guyana Commission’s Elections (Gecom) conduct in the highly controversial May 2015 General and Regional Elections, where ballots were refused to be recounted, despite the worrying development of fake statements of polls (SOPs) finding their way into the entity’s machinery.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and supporters staged a number of protests to expedite the hearing of the Petition that was filed since June 2015 by party executive Ganga Persaud.

Persaud had stated that the elections petition ought to be given preference in a

could have determined which party would gain a one-seat majority in the parliament.

Additionally, the survey indicated that a majority of voters feel that there is bias in the High Court’s handling of the election petition.

“Voters feel the court should have ruled expeditiously on the election matter in light of the many controversies surrounding the conduct of the election and the counting of ballots. A majority of voters feel there was electoral fraud in the May 2015 Elections,” the analysis surmised.

In fact, asked if Gecom is doing a satisfactory job on electoral matters, 58 per cent said ‘no’, with only 35 per cent saying ‘yes’ and 7 per cent not offering a response.

Almost every PPP supporter felt that Gecom fa-

it felt its conduct of the elections was above reproach.

Asked if there is judicial bias in the High Court’s handling of the election petition, 44 per cent responded in the negative and 50 per cent in the affirmative with 6 per cent not offering a response.

However, a huge 69 per cent feel the court should rule expeditiously on the Petition to put to rest any doubts about the outcome.

But many coalition supporters feel the Election Petition should be dismissed.

The NACTA poll is being conducted by political analyst, Dr Vishnu Bisram.

The findings of the survey are based on interviews with 710 voters reflecting the demographic composition of the population and the poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 per cent.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

GWI reportedly dumped sewage in Sussex Street canal – Guyana Times reporter physically removed from site

I

n what may be deemed as another impropriety on its behalf, workers of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) were discovered transferring what appeared to be raw sewage from mains in Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, into the canal.

On Sunday about 12:30h Guyana Times received reports of what GWI workers were reportedly carrying out.

Residents were said to be very concerned about their health and as such rejected the works.

When this publication arrived on the scene some 10 minutes later, it was evident that works were ongoing as GWI had cordoned off a section of Hunter and Sussex Streets. Further the canal appeared to be discoloured around that section where the hose was placed.

Residents related that the workers quickly removed the hose being used to allegedly transfer the raw waste into the Sussex Street Canal after a reporter from another publication had left the scene.

However, when Guyana Times attempted to investigate the allegations, and to take photographs of the scene, a male individual who had no identification made inquiries and demanded to

The discoloured section of the Sussex Street Canal

know what the reporter was doing there.

When the reporter provided explanations and identified the newspaper, the worker then instructed: “Okay, move back, this is a worksite.”

When the reporter obliged to this request and attempted to snap images from some distance, the man became visibly annoyed, walked over and ordered the reporter to remove, thereafter he placed his hand on the reporter’s back, who was then physically removed from the area.

As the man was carrying out the physical assault, Guyana Times enquired about his name and if he had a supervisory role on the midday sewage project.

He however quipped: “You don’t worry with all ah da… you [don’t have to know my] name.”

At this point, about three other workers wearing GWI badges opted not to intervene.

After the incident, Guyana Times contacted GWI Public Relations Officer Leana Bradshaw and informed her of the incident.

She noted that in this instance, the worker “had no right” to remove the reporter who was carrying out the investigation.

When questioned over whether the works were water treatment or sewerage works, the PRO informed that she would make contact after follow-up inquiries

The GWI truck that was on site

were made. However, this publication was unsuccessful in making contact with

Bradshaw up to press time.

This latest undertaking

by GWI comes just one week

after Guyana Times reported that the entity had begun using the chemical Antinfek to treat its water being distributed to residents in Diamond, Soesdyke and Bartica. This chemical is said to be dangerous to health and was refused to be used by Haiti.

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC), had issued that GWI halt the use of this chemical but the water entity lamely justified the chemical’s use, arguing that it was found that the residual concentration of chlorine has a short life span, thus it does not protect the water from re-contamination during prolonged storage.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Guyana, Chile to remove visa requirements – agreement to be signed during President Granger’s State visit

T

he movement of people between Guyana and the South American country of Chile is likely to increase as citizens of both countries will soon be afforded visa-free travel.

Today (Monday) Guyanese Head of State, David Granger begins a three-day State visit to the Republic where he will meet Chilean President Michelle Bachelet at Palace Moneda, at a ceremony where two Agreements between the countries will be signed.

These are the Open Skies Air Service Agreement, and the Reciprocal Visa Abolition Agreement.

According to a Ministry of the Presidency release on Sunday, President Granger will also be delivering a lecture at the Andrés Bello Diplomatic Academy of Chile on ‘His vision and assessment, as well as the strategic implications on his call for the Caribbean to be preserved as a zone of peace’.

On Saturday last, the Guyanese Head of State expressed that relations between Guyana and Chile and the Caribbean Community [Caricom] are cordial and

Earlier this year, President David Granger and President Michelle Bachelet shook hands during their meeting in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Acting Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Audrey Waddell

strong.

“Chile is a key member of UNASUR [Union of South American Nations], CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] and Mercosur, and only this year an Embassy was opened in Georgetown.

I would say the relations are cordial and strong and they are growing in strength now,” the President pointed out.

“This is a step towards strengthening the bonds between Chile and the Caribbean too. Chile partic-

ularly has a large maritime zone and the Caribbean really is a maritime zone, so we expect that there will be a good base for bilateral cooperation,” the Head of State added.

It was in July last that Chilean President Bachelet met with the Guyanese leader on the sidelines of the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community. In discussions between the two, she gave the commitment that her

country will support Guyana to strengthen its own framework in the mining sector as mining is the driving force of the Chilean economy, with copper exports alone accounting for more than one-third of the country’s income.

The Chilean President had reasoned that while Guyana’s mining industry is diverse with gold, bauxite and diamond, her country can lend expertise in regulating these activities so that the most benefits can be reaped.

“Chile is a very experienced country on copper, but also on regulatory framework

to ensure that all the extraction of those natural resources will have the regulatory norms that will prevent from other consequences that a country doesn’t want and also, that will receive the benefits from it,” she had opined.

It was at this meeting that the Presidents of the two Union of South American States (UNASUR) member states reviewed existing bilateral relations between the their countries while President Bachelet had also extended an invitation for the Guyanese Head of State to visit Chile.

Beepats launches multiaction detergent

Ozon staff at the booth set up at Giftland Mall for the launch of the product on Saturday

B

eepats on Saturday launched its first ever multiaction detergent at the Giftland Mall, Lilendaal, Georgetown, where sever-

al other items were up for grabs.

Customers were treated with promotional items as they made their purchase.

Brand manager Vondette Porter speaking to this publication disclosed that the multipurpose detergent is the first of its kind for the company.

She disclosed that the company also has other promotions to share with the public before the year

ends “This is a product that can be used for multipurpose whereby you can clean with it, and it helps to disinfect as well; it also deodorizes,” Porter explained.

She further stated that customers can purchase a value pack and gain a free item.

According to Porter, customers can lookout for a number of promotions that will be held spontaneously.

8 drivers fined...

FROM PAGE 8

On May 26, while driving motor vehicle PRR 1435 on the Hampton Court Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Kelvin Prince, of Lot 61 Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was stopped and tested with a breathalyser. He was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption and was charged. Prince appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty and was fined $20,000.

In addition, Latchman Chutkhan, of Lot 48 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on May 10, while driving motor vehicle PFF 5636 on the Tain Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice. He was charged after the Police

found that he was above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol, and subsequently appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to the charge after which a $7500 fine was imposed.

Finally, Jason Persaud, of Lot 732 Charity, Essequibo Coast, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on June 26, while driving motor vehicle PSS 658 on the Perth Public Road, Essequibo Coast. He too was found to be above the legal limit and was charged. Persaud appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court the next day, and pleaded guilty to the offence. He was fined $30,000, with an alternative sentence of two weeks’ imprisonment.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Rupununi communities training to be National Diya illuminated to active participants in green economy usher in Diwali N

Invitees gathered at the second Annual National Diya Light-Up ceremony

I

ts radiating glow illuminated the busy highway, signalling the commencement of the Festival of Lights in Guyana.

The second annual National Diya Light-Up was hosted on Sunday evening at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown.

The event was organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a local Hindu organisation.

Participants turned out in their brightly coloured Indian garments to witness a cultural extravaganza as they prepared to usher in the festive season.

Diwali is hailed as the Festival of Lights, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

The controversy surrounding the date for Diwali celebrations was virtually forgotten, as Hindu adherents joined in singing and dancing as they celebrated the beginning of this auspi-

cious occasion.

Pandit Hardesh Tiwari of the Viraat Sabha alluded to the difficulties in the Hindu community and urged Guyanese to ignore the negativism and embrace the true meaning of the holiday.

He urged Hindus to unite themselves for it is their sacred duty to foster the culture that has nurtured generations.

In his remarks, HSS President Ravi Dev urged Hindus to become living examples of Hinduism by putting values to work.

Local Non-Governmental Organisation, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) representative Daniel Ali shared a brief history of the celebration as he sent Diwali greetings to all Guyanese.

The Ministry of the Presidency representative, Malcolm Harripaul also used the opportunity to wish all of Guyana a happy Diwali.

ineteen Indigenous communities of North Rupununi are being trained to become active participants and beneficiaries of Guyana’s green economy.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas, in collaboration with the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), launched the “Optin Readiness” Project which aims to help communities prepare to become involved and benefit from conserving their forests.

The project was launched in Annai, North Rupununi, on October 17.

Indigenous communities hold title to three million hectares, approximately 16 per cent of Guyana’s 18.5 million hectares of forest.

Under the Guyana/ Norway Agreement, those communities are to participate in the conservation of their lands.

Under the project, two teams of trainers, both headed by Indigenous people, will lead the capacity development efforts. The community development team will facilitate a process in each of the communities to create Community Development Plans (CDPs) and provide training in financial management, conflict-resolution and governance to the village leadership (15-25 people) in each of the 19 communities.

In addition, 38 people – 28 men and ten women (two chosen by each community) will receive 11 weeks of intensive training in Community Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (CMRV) over the coming year. They will be pro-

vided with knowledge and technology to gather, analyse and report forest cover and carbon (training provided by the Guyana Forestry Commission), natural resource abundance and use, and community health and wellbeing, including a happiness index.

WWF Guianas, REDD+, and Lead, during the launching, explained that “one outstanding deliverable under the Guyana Norway Agreement is the development of opt-in – the mechanism intended to open the door for titled Indigenous communities to participate

A section of the gathering at the project launch in Annai

The information will help the communities better manage their natural resources, care for residents and foster community development. It will also prepare them to receive annual payments under a new Guyana/Norway Agreement or any future payment scheme for conserving our forests.

and benefit from REDD+ payments for conserving forests on their titled land.”

In this regard, it was reiterated that the aim is to facilitate this effort by developing a model that can prepare communities to effectively opt-in and participate in REDD+.

The Opt-in Readiness Project is one component of

WWF’s wider programme of practices to support Guyana’s green development.

WWF Guianas Country Manager Aiesha Williams affirmed: “With the true participation of Indigenous communities, in partnership with the Guyana Government and other stakeholders, and with technical assistance from WWF and others, the green development path our country is pursuing can indeed be achieved and sustained.”

The launching was attended by Vice President and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Special Assistant to the President, Major General (Retired) Joe Singh; representatives of the Guyana Forestry Commission, and Office of Climate Change; as well the National Toshaos Council (NTC), the Amerindian Peoples Association, Iwokrama and Conservation International Guyana, and NRDDB leadership.

14

guyana-times.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

News

T

he young Amerindian girl jostled the baby onto her hip and eyed the delegation of officials entering her village. She was only 13, but already a mother. She was one of many young girls who were raped or coerced into participating in sexual activities at a young age.

Although, the rate of teenage pregnancy is much higher for women living in remote areas of the country and who are Amerindians, it is not isolated to these determinants. In fact, one in every four girls in Guyana become a mother in their teenage years, Pan American Health Organisation Country Representative William Adu-Krow said.

Teenage pregnancy occurs predominately in poor homes, with girls who have early sexual debut. Moreover, it is associated with two other factors—low levels of contraceptive use, and early marriage, which accounts for 13.3 per cent of girls being married or cohabiting between the ages of 15 and 19.

Alicia Ali was one of these girls; her first sexual encounter was at nine years. She became pregnant at 15 and then again at 17. She was forced to drop out of school. Seven years later, she is still reeling from the effects of an early pregnancy.

“I didn’t want to get pregnant. I wanted to finish school but my step-father told me I had to sex to get what I want,” a visibly ashamed Ali said. She related that after her father committed suicide, her step-father moved into their home and things became hard. “I had to do things to get things for school.”

“Everything was okay when my father was alive but when he came he started to touch me and then when I was nine he raped me. After that I went into prostitution and I got pregnant.”

Ali stated that she was twelve years old when she met the father of her child. “He was the first person I had sex with other than my step-father and I didn’t feel terrible. Although I knew I wasn’t ready, I wanted to do it,” she said.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Situation Analysis of Children and Women in Guyana 2016, teenage pregnancy is still a problem since about 15 per cent of girls between ages 15 and 19 had begun child bearing, with different rates depending on the area the girl lives, her poverty status, and her ethnicity.

It stated that while the official age of sexual consent in Guyana is 16, on average, 5 per cent of the women had their first sexual relationship before age 15, however, this statistic does not indicate if the early sexual debut was consensual or it was forced.

Nevertheless, it asserted that in many cases first intercourse is forced, which highlights the underlying issue of gender-based sexual violence and the need for prevention and response strategies. As a matter of fact, 2008/2009 Biological Behavioural Surveillance Survey had revealed that almost 24 per cent of secondary school girls who had started their sexual life were forced by someone to have sex.

The UNICEF report indicated that connected

How early sexual activity, poverty increase the risk

to this matter are repeated reports of incest in Guyana in remote areas, sometimes accepted by cultural traditions, and motivated by the consumption of alcohol and other drugs.

Notably, some of these girls are legally married, Adu-Krow stressed, stating that early marriage is one factor of teenage pregnancy.

“The other issue is culture. In some communities young girls are given out in marriages so even if they are teenagers they are properly married,” he said, emphasising that issues related to culture are difficult to stamp out.

Although, child marriage violates a child’s right to an education and a normal childhood, a teen can be legally married at the age of 16 with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. This is a clause in the Sexual Offences Act.

“It is critical to address this problem and to understand the early warning signs, as well as protective factors associated with early sexual debut so that rates decrease,” she noted, adding that a polygonal programme to prevent early sexual debut is crucial for adolescents, especially in low-income, high risk communities.

Besides that, Loncke opined that the justice system has failed and continues to fail Guyanese girls who were forced into early sex.

“The Justice system has failed in the past with prosecuting child predators. Too many cases are left too long to be called up in court and by the time they do the men have disappeared already. I’ve seen many cases where the children have been raped, placed in a home or taken away from where they were… two years later the case has still not been called in court,” she lamented.

She said that after that child has gone through that long gap and begin readjusting

“I didn’t want to get pregnant. I wanted to finish school but my stepfather told me I had to sex to get what I want,” a visibly ashamed Ali said.

She related that after her father committed suicide, her step-father moved into their home and things became hard. “I had to do things to get things for school.”

“Issues that deal with culture are so difficult to deal with. As part of the United Nations, we deal with it in three ways: if it is injurious to the health of any person we frown upon it; if it’s neutral we do not say yes or no, and if it helps we support it,” Adu-Krow said pointedly.

“Teenage pregnancy is touted as one of the risk factors in delivery. In a teenager the bones are now growing and the muscles are now growing and so if you subject it to the trauma of nine months of pregnancy it is one of the hardest punishments we can give the body.

Culture or no culture.”

Justice has failed them Child Counsellor Abbigale Loncke also holds the opinion that early sexual debut increases the risk of teenage pregnancy. “The earlier the girl is exposed to sexual activities the more likely they are to become pregnant during the teenage years.”

She explained that early sexual debut has been documented to increase the level of risky sexual behaviours including having more number of partners as well as not using contraceptives in future sexual experiences, leading to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

to life, they are called upon to relive the experience, “only to be left disappointed.”

Poverty Ali recalled that she saw prostitution as the only way to get money to help her survive.

She said life got harder for her after her two pregnancies. “Things were already hard to get before I got pregnant so afterward I dropped out of school and started prostituting. After that I took whatever job I could get—cleaning, washing, cooking, taking care of old people,” she said.

According to the UNICEF report, one in every four girls who lived in poor houses in Guyana has started childbearing, in comparison to 1 in every 10 girls living in richer households.

While, 36.1 per cent of Guyana’s population live in poverty, 47.5 per cent of children 16 and younger are living in poverty.

Adu-krow stated that poverty is one of the underlying and structural causes of pregnancy in teens. He stated that some communities are so poor that parents are selling their children to “coast-landers” for money or gifts. He recalled that a coast-lander (someone who lives on the coast) had given a television to an Amerindian family and “the father asked which one of my

daughters you want?”

Therefore, Adu-Krow suggested that Guyana has to build its middle-class and reduce the level of poverty.

“When you have a broad middle-class it means that a great majority of the community can support itself but when you have poverty and when you have people living on the margins of our communities, what happens is that the least thing that is offered by a man they take.”

Above all unprotected sex is the immediate factor causing pregnancy among teens. UNICEF indicated that 13 per cent of sexually active adolescents (young women aged 15-19 years) mentioned using contraceptives in their sexual relationships, a number that is below the country average (34 per cent), and the lowest among all other age groups.

However, it must be noted that there are health system bottlenecks and/or legislation that limit adolescents’ access to reproductive and sexual health services. There are situations where sexually active adolescents encounter legal barriers to accessing contraception, information and counselling.

“Second, the lower use of contraceptives is connected to lack of empowerment of girls and older women. Male partners reject the use of any type of protection and girls have to submit to their demands. Lack of empowerment is related to lack of information, and fear of being beaten and abused. Third, qualitative reports also indicate that some religions are still very much against the use of condoms and other contraceptives, with the fear that the incentive of using them would send a message of incentive to young people to have sex,” it stated.

When this newspaper interviewed several youths most of them were against using condoms or any other form of contraceptives: “I wouldn’t use condoms if I know the person because I would trust him,” said one youth.

Most of these teens did not see the threat that lack of contraceptives pose or where misplaced trust can lead.

Loncke stated that most parents or guardians esteem sex as a taboo topic, which would instigate the teens to have sex: “Parents do not discuss with their children or in some cases when the child asks questions they are shot down because sex is never open for discussion.”

She noted that this attitude toward discussion of sexual behaviour causes a girl to be more susceptible to becoming pregnant and also risks her life in contracting HIV or any other sexual transmitted diseases.

“So the more we encourage our young girls to stay in school, the less likely they are to get pregnant. We need to give them other options and opportunities to have hope for the future.

We don’t give them a broken justice system or a law which places them at risk,” she said.

Twenty-five per cent of teens in Guyana become pregnant at a young age. (Jeanna Pearson)

Road accidents, fatalities increased since 2015

D

espite the initiatives undertaken by the Guyana Police Force’s Operation Safeway Programme, the country has seen its figures for road accident and deaths increase when the general statistics for the comparative years 2015 and 2016 are considered.

In a release by Police on Sunday, the side by side figures for the period under review show that accidents increased by 17; climbing from 80 in

2015 to 97 this year whereas fatalities went from 94 to 104 deaths for 2016. However, the number of child deaths decreased by 3 to 9 deaths year to date.

Meanwhile Police also tendered comparative Operation Safeway results for the period September 15 to October 20 for both 2015 and 2016. This section of results showed that fatal accidents decreased by 5 to 7 for this year while serious ac-

cidents deceased from 37 to 25.

Additionally, there were decreases for minor accidents (35 as against 44 for 2015) and 42 for 2016, comparing with last year’s 56.

Police also explained on Sunday that 7417 cases were recorded since September 15, 2016.

It was further stated that 4125 drivers were randomly tested for alcohol, with 3696 during the night of which 570 were found above the le-

gal limit. The Police added that an additional 58 were found above the legal limit during daylight hours.

It was explained that these said drivers were all charged and329 were fined, while many garnered suspended licenses.

Aside from to the Driving under the Influence cases, 821 persons were also charged with a string of other offences. 176 persons were charged for tinted vehicles while

92 drivers were operating vehicles without licenses. Private hire charges accounted for 67 charges while 66 were charged for operating mobile phone devices while driving.

The Police noted that a further 354 were charged for failing to wear seat belts, while another 54 faced the law for failing to wear safety helmets. Finally, 97 vehicle operators were charged for breach of traffic light signals.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

France: Calais ‘jungle’ camp Iraqi Kurds claim capture of town in advance on Mosul refugees clash with Police

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K

urdish fighters said they had taken the town of Bashiqa near Mosul on Sunday as coalition forces pressed their offensive against the jihadists’ last stronghold in Iraq.

Masoud Barzani, President of the Iraqi Kurdish region, told US Defence Secretary Ash Carter that the Kurds had succeeded in liberating Bashiqa from Islamic State.

Kurdish Peshmerga fighters told reporters at the scene that they had entered Bashiqa. Journalists were not being allowed into the town, which lies 12 kilometres (eight miles) northeast of Mosul.

The offensive to take Mosul, by Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by a US-led coalition, is expected to become the biggest battle in the country since the US-led invasion in 2003.

The capture of Bashiqa, if confirmed, would mark the removal of one more ob-

Members of Iraqi army forces keep watch at the town of Safayah near Mosul, Iraq on October 23, 2016

stacle on the road to the northern city.

The top US commander in Iraq, Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said his own information – while limited – “suggests that President Barzani is right, that there has been a considerable success at Bashiqa”.

But he added: “I have not received a report that says every house has been cleared, every Daesh (Islamic State fighter) has been killed and every IED (roadside bomb) has been removed.” Townsend told journalists that Bashiqa was one of the villages outside Mosul that Islamic State had emp-

tied of civilians and fortified over the past two years.

Reuters television footage from Nawran, a town near Bashiqa, showed Kurdish fighters using a heavy mortar, a machine gun and small arms as smoke rose over the area.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

esidents of the socalled jungle in Calais, a French refugee camp, clashed with Police as the Government prepared to close the sprawling settlement in northern France.

Dozens of people could be seen throwing rocks at Police in images broadcast on Sunday by the French BFMTV station.

Authorities responded with tear gas.

Al Jazeera’s David Chater, reporting from Calais, said frustrated refugees were protesting against the camp’s demolition.

“There are frustrated young men here who took so much time and effort trying to reach here and are now realising that the Police will be here to clear them up, so they might get violent,” Chater said.

“French officials are moving around the camp distributing about 10,000

leaflets to the people, telling them exactly what is going to happen to them and when it’s going to happen. In reaction, some of those leaflets have been torn in to pieces by the refugees.”

The closure of the camp is due to begin today.

Most refugees are trying to get to Britain. French authorities said the refugees will be settled in other centres across France.

The first group of unaccompanied teenagers from the camp arrived in Britain on Sunday.

They are the first minors to be brought from Calais without relatives or family in the UK. Dozens more are expected in the coming days.

They are entitled to move under EU asylum laws. Britain has been under pressure to step up efforts to help the refugees, ahead of the camp’s closure. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Spain’s Socialists vote to allow Rajoy minority Government

T

he Opposition Socialists in Spain have effectively voted to allow the conservatives under Mariano Rajoy to rule as a minority government.

Party leaders decided by a majority at their meeting in Madrid to abstain when Rajoy puts his Popular Party (PP) Government to a vote in Parliament.

The country had faced the prospect of a third general election inside a year.

But the Socialists forced out their leader, Pedro Sanchez, earlier this

ly known by their Spanish abbreviation, the PSOE) came second on both occasions, their support eroded by radical leftist newcomers Podemos.

For decades, the PSOE and PP took turns in governing the country on their own, but last year

Susana Diaz (L) is seen as a potential new party leader

month after he rejected abstention.

Rajoy has led a caretaker administration since losing his overall majority in

an election last December.

A repeat election in June failed to end the impasse, but strengthened his hand.

The Socialists (common-

Asian sailors freed by Somali pirates arrive in Kenya for flights home

T

wenty-six Asian sailors freed after more than four years of captivity in a small fishing village in Somalia arrived in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Sunday, ahead of flights home, a maritime expert said.

The crew from China, the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan were seized when the Omani-flagged FV Naham 3 was hijacked by Somali pirates close to the Seychelles in March 2012, when pirate attacks were common in the area.

The pirates handed the group to authorities in the northern Somali town of Galkayo on Saturday morning.

“It is great to be here today and to bring them home and to hand them over to their embassies and their

Some of the 26 Asian sailors released after being held captives

by Somalia pirates for more than four years become emotional as they arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport in the capital Nairobi, Kenya, October 23, 2016

families,” said John Steed, East Africa region manager for the Oceans Beyond Piracy group.

“We have achieved what we have achieved by getting tribal elders, religious leaders, the community

and regional government all involved to put pressure on these guys to release these hostages,” he said at Nairobi’s airport, where the sailors arrived on a United Nations humanitarian flight. (Excerpt from Reuters)

the popular vote split four ways – the new centrist Ciudadanos party came fourth.

Sunday’s resolution was passed by 139 votes to 96, with two members of the party’s federal committee not voting, the PSOE reported in a tweet.

It came after weeks of bitter infighting.

“Most Spaniards, more than 65 per cent, don’t want to go back to the ballot box and it’s the same among Socialist voters,” MP Ignacio Urquizu was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.(Excerpt from BBC News)

16

monDAY, october 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Constant power outages, how do these inconvenience consumers?

Jamal Haynes “It is messing up all household electronics; some business people suffering losses because machines shut down and lastly, criminals are more likely to strike when the lights are off. To the Government, I would say to create a system whereby or whereas when blackout occurs that there be other powerful means to get electricity ( eg hydro power )or some emergency team that would respond in a timely manner.”

Vincent Schultz “When you pay your bills late there is a fine; once you don’t deliver what you are expected to, you have to pay extra; then GPL should refund all of their customers whenever they can’t deliver or fail to. People lose business, things in your home spoil and the entire production process is slowed down and GPL should be made to pay for it.”

Alexis Monroe “I am appalled that in this day and age, we are still getting blackouts like it is normal.

When GPL goes off, the Internet goes off and it means that we can’t do business… it sucks. It’s thousands of dollars I lose with the blackout they had over the two days and nobody giving that back to me.”

Natasha Barry “No one appreciates blackout whether it is for a long time or not. People are always busy: it might not affect me at a particular time but it might affect somebody who was using electricity at that time. It is the same for me as well. All I have to say is the Guyana Power and Light has to do better than this.”

Keon Stoby “The constant power outages are ridiculous and affect the business community greatly. Every time a power outage occurs a worker is prevented from doing his or her duties, hence production of that place of business is hampered.

Glenford Bovell “Apart from the inconvenience it causes, I can safely say I’m sick of it. I made a call to GPL as to why the blackouts are so frequent and I was told it was because of “gas shortage”. Was it a great explanation? No. But it was one that I had to take and thank them for their honesty (providing it was).”

Kelvin Bob-Semple “As a business owner, the outages are hurting my pockets. Electricity plays a major role in the services I provide to my customers. On days which outages would occur, I have had to turn away customers which have resulted in revenue losses. I do not own a generator nor an inverter, so GPL is my sole provider for electricity. I do not expect the power outages to stop completely, but the least GPL can do for me is reduce the number of outages as well as the time span of the outages.”

Kerry Bostwick “I am not as annoyed as I should be, but I guess it is because the power outages are not for long periods.

However, I will say I find it wholly unacceptable in 2016 to be facing a situation where you pay for utility and cannot enjoy uninterrupted access to same. Electricity plays an integral role in ensuring people enjoy the fruits of their labour.”

Kwamisi Slowe “It is really ridiculous and people are hurting from it in a major way, and I am speaking from a small business owner point of view. I would like for them to resolve this issue quickly; I don’t know whatever issues they are having, but I need them to deal with it.”

Tenesha McKenzie “I think it’s crazy. Right now due to work I’m staying by my grandmother and my shift ends at 6. By the time I get a bus to go home after being tired, guess what? Instead of walking in ...I have to run!

Why? Because the thieves scare the hell out of me.”

Charles Medas “It is counterproductive to everyday life, especially with our businesses that depend on electricity and digital modems of sending and receiving information; it is also costly especially if we business people have to spend money on repairing appliances and equipment that we depend on. Schoolchildren need the electricity to study, as more modern ways of getting information depends on the Internet and crime is on the rise due to bandits using the power outages as cover. This problem needs to be rectified immediately.”

Ivor Moto “Well, to be honest, the blackouts haven’t affected me in any major way, neither do I find it necessary to complain, because in my opinion the amount of power outages we use to endure about a year to two ago has decreased. But I know other people will think otherwise.”

Phillip Rose "I am very disturbed about the blackouts and one of the important things is that you have theses blackouts, it is not discounted from your bills; they take the same amount or even much more than what one would normally pay.

Another thing I am disturbed about is the bills; sometimes these bills are not accurate. ”

Ravon Mc Garrell “Oh well, I hate it with a passion, because sometimes it does spoil my good moments; it really does hinder me from studying.”

17

NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Man attempts suicide, Shaping young minds for the future blames judicial system Special Miracles Ministries Royalty

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icky Munilall, 42, also called ‘Lenard’ has attempted suicide twice and is seeking help against what he says is an unfair judicial system.

According to Munilall, who has been declared medically unfit to work, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has refused to pay him a pension plus the court has ordered that he pay $40,000 monthly to support two of his four children who live with their working mother.

The man claims he has been pushed by the system to harm himself and is pleading for help. After a magistrate ordered that he pay $2500 weekly for each of two children, he has attempted to end his life.

“I got confused because I don’t have any source of income coming from anywhere; I don’t have anyone helping me, so I just got home and I picked up a bottle of Gramoxone. I was taken to the hospital and I was in there for seven days…” the distraught man related.

The substance was stored at home and is used to spray his garden, Munilall explained.

The former cane harvester was medically discharged from the Rose Hall Estate after 27 years’ service.

In December 2013 he was attacked by drunk men and got head injuries, resulting in him being placed on 27 weeks sick leave, following which he was dismissed from the estate.

His wife walked out, leaving him with five chil-

Ricky Munilall

dren ages 17, 15, 13, 12 and 9. Following this, Munilall took her to court and filed for full custody of the children, which was granted with the mother having visitation rights four days weekly.

In November 2014 she removed the two younger children and took the man to court for custody and financial support. She was granted full custody of three children; however the youngest refused to go with her.

Munilall has to take care of two of the children including his disabled son, and daughter who attend President’s College. In addition to that, he has to financially support – $2500 weekly – the two who are with their mother.

When Munilall was discharged from the Estate, he received a huge sum of money, but the majority went to the court.

Last month, he tried to get the court to reduce the sum to $1500 weekly. That application was denied.

“Mr Alex Moore told me that he is willing, provid-

ing that my mother or my father or my brother or my sister or a relative, pay the remaining $2000. If not he is not reducing anything and he said that my application is denied.”

Munilall said he has since tried unsuccessfully to get a part-time job.

He showed this publication documents from the National Psychiatric Hospital which suggest that he is receiving treatment for depression leading to suicidal ideas related to head trauma.

Munilall says he cannot afford $5000 weekly even though he has now rented his home and is living with his parents along with two of his children.

Meanwhile, the man says even the National Insurance Scheme has let him down. After making contributions over the years to the scheme, there is nothing he is getting from it.

According to him, when he was on leave he did not receive one dollar from NIS. He was also denied the grant to purchase needed spectacles.

He disclosed that NIS told him he had to work the day before the application was made. “How could I have worked the day before the application was made and I was declared medically unfit to work?” Munilall wanted to know.

The troubled man is now of the view that he will be going to jail since he cannot afford what the court has ordered.

Centre Church hosts Children’s Fun Day

These lads, steered by a volunteer, were anticipating the outcome of this game on Sunday afternoon

T

o foster the educational and spiritual development of young people in East La Penitence, Georgetown, the Special Miracles Ministries Royal Centre Church stages monthly ‘fun days’ on Sundays.

It was explained that while Sunday School is held for three weeks, the fun day was set aside to cater to the community’s need on a grander scale. Activities include games, school work assistance, counselling, and snacks.

Youth Leader Rehanna Ramsay explained that the church’s regular Sunday School classes would have around 50 children in attendance, but the size doubles every last Sunday when the fun days are usually held.

“We give them a chance to show their talent, share

whatever they want to share and have fun… they come out and get to interact with other children, learn something, do a craft, learn about the drums, singing,” she observed.

She also explained that students are given prizes at the end of activities and for good behaviour and punctuality.

“At the end of every fun day we have free snacks and drinks; parents in the community are glad to send their children out to fellowship; they are glad that their children are coming to learn about etiquette and other things that will help to make them well rounded individuals,” Ramsay pointed out.

The leader further related that outside of the fun and games, there are other needs that the church strives to provide for East

La Penitence: “Being a working class community, they would need help with school work, that is what we are here for as Sunday School teachers; we have common entrance classes; if they come to us with an issue we provide counselling [and] prayers,” the young lady noted.

“Our arms are open to those who want to come and join us, to know more about God, church and giving back to the community,” Ramsay stressed, adding that the church engages in outreach programmes in Alexander Village and Cummings Lodge.

The Freeman Street Church, which is under the leadership of Archbishop WD Babb, will celebrate its 21st Anniversary this Sunday, two of which have been spent at its current location.

18

guyana-times.com

monday, october 24, 2016

ARCHIE

Stay focused and intent on getting what you want. A fi(March 21- nancial gain looks promising, April 19) but may come with strings attached. A personal commitment will help you put your plans into play.

ARIES

You need to keep your TAURUS head down and your mind on (April 20- your work. Don’t let emotionMay 20) al matters escalate into something that you can’t control. If you say little and do a lot, you will avoid criticism.

dilbert

A partnership can lead to GEMINI good fortune if you are up(May 21front about your feelings, exJune 20) pectations and desires. Glide into the future with someone you can count on.

Overspending on or being too generous with friends or (June 21- children isn’t necessary. You July 22) can have just as much fun if you choose entertainment that isn’t costly. Use your imagination.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take a moment to refresh your appearance and to do something special that will make you feel good. A loved one will make a move that will change your life.

Keep a strict budget and VIRGO a close watch over your pos(Aug. 23Sept. 22) sessions and assets. Get involved in an event that will give you a platform to present what you have to offer.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA Baby steps will be neces(Sept. 23- sary. If you leap without lookOct. 23) ing, you will end up in debt or in the middle of a dispute.

Focus on personal improvements that fit your budget.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Someone will intervene or SCORPIO take charge if you hesitate or (Oct. 24show signs of uncertainty or Nov. 22) inconsistency. Be confident and unafraid to take an unusual approach to whatever you do.

You must be honest with SAGITTARIUS yourself and with others. If (Nov. 23- you candidly share your hopes Dec. 21) and dreams, your personal and professional lives will benefit.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t take on more reCAPRICORN sponsibility when you should (Dec. 22be getting rid of the dead Jan. 19) weight you’ve been carrying.

Stick to the tried and true methods that have worked in the past.

Don’t give in to someone AQUARIUS else when you should be doing (Jan. 20your own thing. An opportuniFeb. 19) ty is apparent, and you don’t want to miss out. Contracts, investments and romance are all highlighted.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Proceed with caution. If (Feb. 20- you are misleading or your moMarch 20) tives are questionable, you will be excluded from something important. Stick to the truth when dealing with personal and professional matters.

monday, OCTOBER 24, 2016

19

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17...

Paradise, Buxton United notch convincing wins – unavailability of referees hampers Georgetown leg resumption

T

Part of the intense action between Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise (red) and Victoria Kings

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League continued on over the weekend, with a series of exciting matches across various associations.

On Sunday in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA), Bachelor’s Adventure/ Paradise Sports Club defeated Victoria Kings 3-0 at the Golden Grove Ground.

Talented forward, Teshawn Gordon opened the scoring for his team, when he netted in the 40th; ten minutes later Shemar Noel doubled the lead with a powerful shot from the 18-yard box.

The third goal was due to teamwork, as

Gordon made a valiant run from the midfield, passing to Collin Hendricks, who dinked the keeper inside the box to score in the 70th minute, adding the icing to the cake to a dominant performance by his team.

The second match between Buxton United and BV/Triumph United FC was another onesided affair with the former winning 4-0. Buxton’s player makers were Kobe Durant and Isaiah Anderson, who helped themselves to doubles.

Durant continued his goal scoring form, netting in the 39th and 60th while Anderson scored in the 49th and 75th.

On Saturday at the same venue, Plaisance

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

Defending champs St Angela’s continue winning ways

defeated Buxton Youth Developers by a 2-0 score line in the feature affair of the slated doubleheader. Azandi King and Keiron Haymer sealed the result as they found the back of the net in the ninth and 63rd minute.

On the other hand, Ann’s Grove downed Buxton Stars by an identical margin through goals from Granton Mentis and Shamar Brandon in the 67th and 70th minute apiece.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) leg of matches which was set to resume on Saturday, was halted since there were no referees available to officiate the four matches at the Tucville ground.

A spokesperson for the Association explained that “notice was sent to the GFF concerning the resumption of the matches but was told that the referees were unavailable”.

The representative is hopeful that the coming weekend, the matches will be played at the aforementioned venue.

Title sponsors NAMILCO, have been urging both players and persons at large to live a healthy lifestyle by indulging in the usage of its heath oriented products Maid Marian Harvest High Fibre Whole Wheat Flour, Maid Marian Wheat-Up Breakfast Porridge, and Maid Marian Multigrain Flour among many other products.

Young Warriors CC secures sponsorship for East Canje Day of Sports

Alex Algoo receives a bicycle from Steve Ramdatt of Mara and Sons

Part of the riveting action on Saturday at the Thirst Park Ground

O

n a day that 22 goals were scored in Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Schools football Championship the defending champions, netted six in a 6-0 hammering of Tucville at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground on Saturday.

Omarie Nelson scored twice in the second and 27th minute while Seon Cato bagged a brace in the eighth and 26th minute. Also on target in the 13th and 29th minute was Dexter Farrell and Antonio McArthur respectively, leading the champs to comfortable victory over the 2013 winners.

In other results, 2012 holder Marian Academy and North Georgetown played to a 1-1 result.

Nicholas Verwey gave Marian Academy the lead in the first minute while Shaquan Walters equalized in the 15th minute.

Also, F.E. Pollard edged Comenius 1-0 via a Bryan Wharton 11th minute conversion while South Ruimveldt squeaked past St. Stephen’s 2-1.

Antonio Leitch and Saleem Rameshwar scored in the 11th and 12th minute for the winner.

On target in the loss was Omali Xavier in the seventh minute. Similarly 2014 victor Stella Maris lost to St. Agnes 1-0. Amos Bayley scored in the sixth minute for the Church Street unit.

Additionally, St. Margaret’s defeated J.E. Burnham 2-0 compliments of a double from Mickelle Andrews in the seventh and 27th minute while St. Gabriel’s edged St. Ambrose 1-0 through a Tyrese Hart 40th minute effort.

Meanwhile St. Pius crushed Mae’s 5-0. Kaden Wellington scored twice in the ninth and 13th minute while Dwayne Baptiste net-

ted a double in the 15th and 22nd minute and Deshale Humphrey scored in the fifth minute. On the other hand, West Ruimveldt downed Enterprise 1-0 compliments of a Kevin Mentis strike in the 18th minute.

Winfer Gardens defeated Smith Memorial via walkover while Success Elementary and School of the Nations played to a 0-0 result and Redeemer and Rama Krishna battled to an identical score line.

The teams that have qualified for the round of 16 stage as group winners and runners-up are St. Angela’s, Tucville, St. Pius, Winfer Gardens, West Ruimveldt, St. Margaret’s, North Georgetown, Marian Academy, Stella Maris, St. Agnes, South Ruimveldt and St. Stephen’s.

The third place qualifiers are F.E. Pollard, Redeemer, Mae’s and St. Gabriel’s.

T

he Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice will be the host of the East Canje Day of Sports on November 6, 2016 at the Cumberland Ground. The day’s events will be cricket and football and will see villages competing against each other. The event was boosted with the sponsorship of Mara and Sons, Chinnick Supermarket and Universal DVD. At the presentation ceremonies held recently, Mara and Sons donated a bicycle which will be used as a gate prize. Chinnick Supermarket and Universal DVD made cash donations towards the event. At the Mara and Sons presentation, Steve Ramdatt, son of the owner said that he is happy to be part of this event and hopes that it helps to find more talents like Shimron Hetmyer who is currently with the West Indies ‘A’ team in Sri Lanka. He also emphasized that sports can help to keep young persons off the streets and get them involved in positive activities.

Owner of Universal DVD, Vick Seubaran made a cash donation to Young Warriors club member Ishwar Singh who thanked him for his fine gesture. Seubaran said he will always help in the development of sports, cricket in particular. Chinnick’s donation of cash was also well received to which the organizers expressed their appreciation.

Over the years, the East Canje area have produced many talented cricketers with the latest being West Indies Under 19 winning captain Shimron Hetmyer. Leonard Baichan

was the first and only test cricketer coming out of the area. Seon Hetymer, Gajanand Singh, Damodar Daesarat, Richard and Kevin Ramdeen, Balram Samaroo, Kwesi Maltay, Linden Austin, Boodnarine Sumair and Kassim Khan are among many others that proudly represented Guyana at the various levels.

Even though most of the players came through the Young Warriors Cricket Club programme, they reside in different villages within the Canje district. This spread of talent has led to regular competition among the village teams.

Some of the teams expected to take part are Canefield, Gangaram, Canje Pathfinders, Betsy Ground, Goed Bananen Land and Rose Hall Estate.

The cricket competition will be five overs aside and will involve second division players.

However, the teams are allowed to buy the first division players in the area with the starting bid being two thousand dollars with the exception of Shimron Hetymer whose starting bid will be ten thousand similar to IPL style.

In addition, there will be a feature football game involving players from Number Two, Palmyra, Sheet Anchor and Cumberland versus the other villages in East Canje.

Attractive prizes up for grabs. Proceeds from this event will go towards Young Warriors CC to assist with the continuous effort of promoting cricket in the area. The first cricket match bowls off at 9:30h.

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

monday, october 24, 2016

India v New Zealand, 3rd ODI, Mohali

Bangladesh v England, 1st Test, Chittagong, 4th day...

Majestic Kohli guides Sabbir gives Tigers hope India to 7-wicket win of pulling off famous win V irat Kohli hit an unbeaten 154 to make short work of a seemingly steep target as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the third one-day international in Mohali to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series on Sunday.

New Zealand, who won the last match in Delhi to tie the series at 1-1, were all out for 285 in the 50th over after India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and opted to field.

India chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, riding on Kohli’s 26th century in the 50over format.

The hosts lost both their openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane inside nine overs and, with the required run rate climbing, needed a solid partnership to get back on track.

MS Dhoni completed 9000 ODI runs during India’s chase ©Associated Press

©Associated Press

Kohli, who was dropped on six by Ross Taylor off Matt Henry, and Dhoni (80), who promoted himself up the batting order to number four, provided just that with a brisk third-wicket stand of 151 runs.

India’s test captain Kohli, who will turn 28 next month, finished things off with an unbroken fourthwicket stand of 97 with Manish Pandey (28 not out).

With India needing 23 from 18 balls, the stylish right-handed batsman, who scored an unbeaten 85 in the first ODI, tore into pace man Trent Boult, hitting three fours and a six in his over to plunder 22 runs.

Earlier, James Neesham (57) and Matt Henry (39 not out) added 84 for the ninth wicket to prop up New Zealand after the touring side had been reduced to 199 for eight following a middleBowling: Yadav 10-0-75-3 (3w), order collapse.

Pandya 5-0-34-0 (2w), Bumrah Opener Tom Latham top9.4-0-52-2, Jadhav 5-0-29-3 scored for New Zealand with (2w), Patel 10-0-49-0, Mishra 10-0-46-2 a 61 and the side were comfortably placed at 153 for two India innings (target: 286 runs in the 29th over with a promfrom 50 overs) ising stand of 73 between R Sharma lbw b Southee 13 Latham and Taylor (44).

A Rahane c Santner b Henry 5 But they lost their next 154 V Kohli not out six wickets for 46 runs needMS Dhoni*† c Taylor b Henry 80 ing some rearguard action MK Pandey not out 28 Extras (lb 2, w 7) from Neesham and Henry.

Total (3 wickets; 48.2 overs) 289 Paceman Umesh Yadav Did not bat: KM Jadhav, AR and off-spinner Kedar Patel, HH Pandya, A Mishra, UT Jadhav each picked up three Yadav, JJ Bumrah wickets for the hosts though Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Rahane, 2.5 ov), 2-41 (Sharma, 8.4 ov), the former proved expensive, 3-192 (Dhoni, 35.5 ov) giving away 75 runs in his Bowling: Henry 9.2-0-56-2 (1w), 10 overs.

Bout 10-0-73-0 (2w), Southee The fourth ODI will 10-0-55-1 (2w), Santner 10-043-0, Neesham 9-0-60-0 (2w) be played in Ranchi on Wednesday. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand innings (50 overs maximum) 27 M Guptill lbw b Yadav T Latham cPandya b Jadhav 61 K Williamson* lbw b Jadhav 22 R Taylor st †Dhoni b Mishra 44 C Anderson c Rahane b Jadhav 6 L Ronchi† st †Dhoni b Mishra 1 J Neesham c Jadhav b Yadav 57 M Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 7 T Southee b Yadav 13 M Henry not out 39 T Boult b Bumrah 1 Extras (w 7) 7 Total (all out; 49.4 overs) 285 Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Guptill, 6.4 ov), 2-80 (Williamson, 12.6 ov), 3-153 (Taylor, 28.3 ov), 4-160 (Anderson, 29.4 ov), 5-161 (Ronchi, 30.2 ov), 6-169 (Latham, 31.5 ov), 7-180 (Santner, 34.2 ov), 8-199 (Southee, 37.5 ov), 9-283 (Neesham, 48.6 ov), 10-285 (Boult, 49.4 ov)

Virat Kohli pulls one away en route to his century

Sabbir Rahman (left) and Mushfiqur Rahim dragged Bangladesh towards their target © Associated

B

Press

angladesh will need 33 runs to approach, backing himself by clattering pull off a stunning victory over Moeen into the stands over long-on and England, who are just two wickets dispatching the off-spinner over the ropes again in a counter-attack under huge away from going 1-0 up in the series.

A brilliant unbeaten half-century from pressure.

Mushfiqur was watchful at the othdebutant Sabbir Rahman has Bangladesh dreaming of a famous Test victory over er end and Broad cut a frustrated figure England but the tourists will need just when Bairstow failed to hang on after two wickets to win a gripping opening Sabbir glanced one down the leg side.

It was a jubilant Batty who finalgame of the series on Monday.

The Tigers require only 33 runs to ly ended a frustrating stand of 87 when claim their biggest Test scalp on day Mushfiqur was caught by a diving Gary five after reaching 253-8 when bad light Ballance at short-leg with a vicious delivbrought play to an end with magnificent ery which turned and bounced.

The left the hosts six down, 59 short of all-rounder Sabbir still there on 59 in their target, and relying on Sabbir to get Chittagong.

Imrul Kayes (43) and captain them home and he brought up a deserved Mushfiqur Rahim (39) also chipped in on maiden half-century in the longest format another absorbing day at Zahur Ahmed off 76 balls with a classy drive down the Chowdhury Stadium, where a lively ground off Batty.

A fired up Broad got Mehedi Hasan crowd roared with every run which took Bangladesh closer to their victory target lbw and had his second wicket when Kamrul Islam Rabbi bagged a pair, with of 286.

Veteran spinner Gareth Batty (3-65) Ballance clinging on for a third time close claimed key breakthroughs, while Moeen in to leave the Tigers 238-8.

Sabbir and Taijul (11 not out) stood Ali (2-60) and paceman Stuart Broad (226) also struck to set up an intriguing cli- firm under the lights to ensure a compelling Test will be decided on the final day. max to what has been a thrilling Test.

Sabbir was dropped by Jonny Bairstow (SportsMax) off Broad on 34 and that could yet prove to be costly.

The tourists added only 12 runs to their overnight total of 228-8, with Broad run Kamrul Islam Rabbi 8-0-24-1, England 1st innings 293 out going for a quick single Mahmudullah 1-0-6-0, Shafiul Bangladesh 1st innings 248 and Batty trapped in front Islam 3-0-10-0 England 2nd innings

by Taijul Islam (2-41).

A Cook* c ahmudullah b Moeen, who opened the Mehedi Hasan Miraz 12 Bangladesh 2nd innings (target: 286 runs) B Duckett c Mominul Haque bowling with fellow spinb Shakib Al Hasan 15 Tamim Iqbal c Ballance b Ali 9 ner Batty, ended an 35-run lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 1 Imrul Kayes c Root b Rashid 43 J Root stand for the first wickMominul Haque lbw b Batty 27 G Ballance c Imrul Kayes b et when Tamim Iqbal (9) Mahmudullah lbw b Batty 17 9 Taijul Islam was taken at short leg and Shakib Al Hasan c†Bairstow M Ali c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Bangladesh were 81-2 late 24 14 b Ali Shakib Al Hasan Mushfiqur Rahim*† c Ballance B Stokes lbw b Shakib Al in the morning session after b Batty 39 Hasan 85 Adil Rashid got rid of Imrul.

Sabbir Rahman not out 59 J Bairstow† b Kamrul Islam The experienced Batty Rabbi 47 Mehedi Hasan Miraz lbw came to the fore after lunch, 19 b Broad C Woakes not out 1 trapping Mominul Haque A Rashid lbw b Shakib Al Kamrul Islam Rabbi c Ballance 9 b Broad Hasan (27) and Mahmudullah (17) 0 S Broad run out (Mehedi Taijul Islam not out 11 leg before in a probing spell Hasan Miraz/†Mushfiqur Extras (b 9, lb 13, w 1) 23 to leave the Tigers’ hopes of Rahim) 10 Total (8 wickets; 78 overs) 253 securing a stunning victory G Batty lbw b Taijul Islam 3 To bat: Shafiul Islam looking remote.

Extras (b 3, lb 8, pen 5) 16 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-8, 3-103, Total (all out; 80.2 overs) 240 4-108, 5-140, 6-227, 7-234, Bangladesh were 140-5 afFall of wickets: 1-26, 2-27, 3-28, 8-238 ter Ali sent Shakib Al Hasan 4-46, 5-62, 6-189, 7-197, 8-213, Bowling: Batty 17-3-65-3, Ali (24) on his way, but Sabbir 9-233, 10-240 14-2-60-2, Woakes 7-3-10-0, and skipper Mushfiqur 39) Bowling: Mehedi Hasan Miraz Rashid 17-2-55-1, Broad 13-420-1-58-1, Shakib Al Hasan 33- 26-2, Stokes 10-2-15-0 (1w) flourished in testing condi7-85-5, Taijul Islam 15.2-2-41, tions to frustrate England.

Sabbir took a positive

SCOREBOARD

21

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s was expected the Demerara Mutual Life Assurance annual golf tournament on Saturday October 22, at Lusignan was very competitive, but it was Balgobin Ragnauth who stood firm to resist fierce competitors as he emerged as champion of the tournament.

In a tournament which was played on the open Medal Play format, Ragnauth stood superior against players whose net scores were awesome at the end of play. First through to fourth place finishers tied on their net scores. However, it was the performance on the back-9 that determined the final places.

Winners were: 1st Balgobin Ragnauth 69/27; 2nd Aleem Hussain 69/17; 3rd Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud 70/14; and 4th Kalyan Tiwari 70/15.

Meanwhile other golfers who must be honourably mentioned in that they did well and were close to the final 4 included: Avinash Persaud 71/2; Assrodeen Shaw 71/18; Deanand Bissessar 71/18; Gavin Todd 72/19; Hilbert Shields 72/16; and Patrick Prashad 72/9.

Other winners were: Best Gross – Avinash Persaud

(73); Nearest to The Pin (7’) – Gavin Todd; Most Honest Golfer – Guy Griffith.

Club President Oncar Ramroop expressed distinct gratitude for the nearly 25 years of unwavering support that Demerara Mutual has given to the Lusignan Golf Club. He noted that Demerara Mutual, in existence for some 125 years, serving the peoples in Guyana, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, is one of the main providers of Life, Health, Loss and other financial indemnities. He noted that it is also their faithful, consistent, and remarkably long standing support of golfing in Guyana that makes them dear to the Lusignan Golf Club.

Responding to Ramroop, Clarence Perry, Marketing Manager of the Demerara Mutual Group of Companies indicated, “We are very appreciative of the gracious words of President Ramroop concerning Demerara Mutual. We can assure you that Dem Mutual will continue to support golfing in Guyana and is likely to even increase this support in the future. In fact, we look forward to the time when members of Dem Mutual will have

a permanent membership relation with the Club, and not only be here for tournament occasions.”

Winner Ragnauth, styling himself as ‘a preacher who plays golf’, said, “My life as a preacher helps me in this game, because I am able to apply mental discipline to the sport just as I need to do in my ministry.

In addition, the camaraderie at the Lusignan Golf Club is very refreshing and encourages me to play regularly.

Moreover my wife, Pauline is also a big support and encouragement for me to play and do well.”

This is Apostle Ragnauth’s third time in the winning circle in a little over a month, as he placed first in the Household Plus tournament on Saturday, September 10 and placed third in the Trophy Stall tournament of Saturday, October 15.

President Ramroop also expressed appreciation to members Hilbert Shields, Deanand Bissessar and Mike Gayadin, who have undertaken to improve the golf course and its environs, and have so far done a very good job with the preparation of the course.

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In picture from left: Gavin Todd, Aleem Hussain, Kalyan Tiwari, Avinash Persaud, Balgobin Ragnauth, Clarence Perry of Dem Mutual, Parmanand Persaud and Club President Oncar Ramroop

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G

askin, who represented the country at this year’s RIO Olympic Games, stamped his authority winning Gold in all four of his individual races, 200m IM (2:23:26s), 100m Butterfly (1:00:56s), 50m Butterfly (27:12s) and 100m Freestyle (56.85s) but had to settle for Silver in his two relays (200m and 200m Freestyle).

The 18-year-old, faced his toughest test of the day from Jair Telting in the 50M Fly, with both of the swimmers going stride for stride until the final few meters when the Olympian pulled away to win by half of a body length.

Telting went unto win

continued from page 23

gold in the Boys 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay while Wendell Zinhagel copped same in the Boys 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay.

Juan Limburg won five medals from splendid performances in the Boys 50m Breaststroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay In the female action, 12-year-old Jadyn George, also brought some joy to the jovial local crowd, as he managed to cop a gold medal, winning the Girls 200m Freestyle (2:27.60) while her sister Danielle

came in second in time of 2:28.67.

For the Surinamese, the 16 year-old Anjali Rahan was the standout performers, copping five gold medals after winning the 100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 200m Medley Relay.

Valery Amstelveen and Enrico Molly won four gold medals each. Amstelveen was first in the Girls 50m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, 200m Medley Relay and 200m Freestyle Relay, while Molly got the better of his opponents in the 100m Backstroke, 200m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke and 200m Medley Relay.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

monday, october 24, 2016

Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd Test, Abu Dhabi, 3rd day...

Yasir on song again as Pakistan turn the screw – extend lead to 342

P

akistan are in complete control of the second Test after West Indies endured another miserable day with bat and ball.

Yasir Shah tormented West Indies once again before Pakistan increased their lead to 342 at stumps on day three of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

Leg-spinner Yasir took seven wickets as Pakistan won the opening Test of the three-match series and claimed figures of 4-86 on Sunday, with the tourists bowled out for 224 in reply to 452 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

The Windies produced a magnificent fight back to make a game of it by bowling Pakistan out for only

123 in the second innings in Dubai, but there was to be no repeat on an attritional day here.

Pakistan strengthened their grip on a one-sided contest, with Sami Aslam making 50 and the inform Azhar Ali 52 not out as they closed on 114-1 to leave West Indies looking almost certain to slump to a series defeat.

Two late wickets reduced the Windies to 1064 at the end of day two and they were soon five down after Jermaine Blackwood (8) edged Rahat Ali (3-45) behind with a loose stroke.

Night-watchman Devendra Bishoo (20) struggled to contend with the swing generated by seamer

Rahat, but dug in under pressure.

The spinner’s defiant knock came to end when Sohail Khan (2-35) uprooted his off stump and Yasir struck straight away with the second new ball to see the back of Roston Chase, who added a spirited 22 from 80 balls.

West Indies were 1979 with Shai Hope (11) and Miguel Cummins (3) falling cheaply, with captain Jason Holder fortunate to be put down by Mohammad Nawaz at long-off on seven when he attempted to launch Yasir over the top.

Holder (31no) and Shannon Gabriel (13) delivered a few lusty blows in a stand of 27 for the last wicket, but Yasir finished off the innings when the latter was taken by Sohail at mid-on.

Yasir Shah dismissed last man Shannon Gabriel to finish with 4 for 86 © Getty Images

ers took Pakistan’s lead past 300 before Holder had Aslam caught behind following a review just after he brought up his fourth Test half-century, but Azhar

also reached his 50 before stumps with a classy square cut after he was joined in the middle by Asad Shafiq (5no) late in the day. (SportsMax)

SCOREBOARD

Sami Aslam’s fifty helped Pakistan build on their 228run first-innings lead © Getty Images

Misbah-ul-Haq again opted against enforcing the follow-on and his openers set about turning the screw, with the Windies left frustrated when Azhar successfully reviewed after being given out leg before off Kraigg Brathwaite on 10.

Azhar had a stroke of luck soon after when he cut Brathwaite and the ball struck the thigh of Blackwood, who would have needed incredible reactions to take the catch.

It was a day to forget for Brathwaite, who was also given an lbw decision by umpire Michael Gough when Aslam was struck on the pad but again the decision was overturned due to an inside edge.

The open-

Pakistan 1st innings 452 View dismissal Sami Aslam b Bishoo 6 View dismissal Azhar b Gabriel 0 Ali View dismissal Asad Shafiq b Gabriel 68 View dismissal Younis Khan c Chase b Brathwaite 127 View dismissal Misbah-ul-Haq* lbw b Gabriel 96 View dismissal Yasir Shah c Bishoo b Holder 23 View dismissal Sarfraz Ahmed† b Gabriel 56 View dismissal Mohammad Nawaz (3) b Holder 25 View dismissal Sohail Khan c 26 Johnson b Holder View dismissal Zulfiqar Babar c †Hope b Gabriel 0 Rahat Ali not out 0 Extras (b 1, lb 15, nb 9) 25 Total (all out; 119.1 overs) 452 (3.79 runs per over) Fall of wickets 1-6 (Azhar Ali, 4.2 ov), 2-42 (Sami Aslam, 13.2 ov), 3-129 (Asad Shafiq, 39.6 ov), 4-304 (Younis Khan, 83.6 ov), 5-332 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 89.4 ov), 6-342 (Yasir Shah, 92.4 ov), 7-412 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 109.5 ov), 8-430 (Mohammad Nawaz, 114.6 ov), 9-452 (Sohail Khan, 118.3 ov), 10-452 (Zulfiqar Babar, 119.1 ov) Bowling :View wickets -ST Gabriel 23.1-1-96-5 ML Cummins(20-165-0),View wickets -JO Holder 22 -847-3,View wicket -D Bishoo (26-0-112-1)RL Chase (191-80-0),View wicket KC Brathwaite(9-0- 36-1)

West Indies 1st innings 12 L Johnson lbw b Rahat Ali D Bravo lbw b Yasir Shah 43 K Brathwaite run out (Misbah-ul-Haq/†Sarfraz Ahm ed) 21 M Samuels c Sami Aslam b Rahat Ali 30 D Bishoo b Sohail Khan 20 J Blackwood c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Rahat Ali 8 R Chase c Asad Shafiq b Yasir Shah 22 S Hope† b Yasir Shah 11 J Holder* not out 31 M Cummins b Sohail Khan 3 S Gabriel c Sohail Khan b Yasir Shah 13 Extras (b 2, lb 7, nb 1) 10 Total (all out; 94.4 overs) 224 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-65, 3-10, 4-106, 5-121, 6-144, 7-169, 8-178, 9-197, 10-224 Bowling: Rahat Ali 21-8-45-3, Sohail Khan 19-8-35-2 , Zulfiqar Babar 21-6-39-0, Asad Shafiq 1-0-2-0, Yasir Shah 28.4-6-86, Mohammad Nawaz (3) 4-1-8-0 (1nb) Pakistan 2nd innings Sami Aslam c Hope b Gabriel 50 52 Azhar Ali not out Asad Shafiq not out 5 Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 2) 7 Total (1 wicket; 39 overs) 114 To bat: Younis Khan, Misbahul-Haq*, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Mohammad Nawaz (3), Yasir Shah, Sohail Khan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali Fall of wickets: 1-93 Bowling: Gabriel 8-1-21-1, Cummins 3-0-5-0, Brathwaite 13-2-27-0, D Bishoo 12-0-45-0, Holder 3-0-11-0

Guyana joins in World Judo Day celebrations

Flashback! The winners from last year’s World Judo Day celebrations

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he Guyana Judo Association (GJA), the International Judo Federation (IJF) and all Judo fraternities across the globe will be celebrating the fifth annual World Judo Day on October 28.

Judo is the third highest ranking sport in the Olympics, following Athletics and Swimming. World Judo day takes place on the same date every year, on October 28, because it is the birthday of Jigoro Kano, who is the founder of judo.

Judo has a number of values which signifies the hallmark of human social development; respect, courtesy, courage for what’s right, sincerity, honour, modesty, self-control, loyalty, friendship, gratitude and

principle of equality among others.

Among the medical benefits, judo aids in the management of the disease asthma, and is recognized and recommended for children because it improves their self-esteem and reduces the feeling of suffering a chronic illness. Also other sports acknowledge the importance of learning how to break your fall. This type of learning from infancy allows future application in other sports like Rugby, cycling, football, riding or motorcycling, among others.

The basics of judo can prevent a lot of injuries.

The Guyana Judo Association wants to celebrate World Judo Day here by calling on all who

are involved in the beautiful sport; coaches, fans, judokas and everyone with a passion for one of the world’s most widely practiced sports to get involved to help spread unity across our nation through the sport of judo. It is also an opportunity for judo lovers to share experiences and promote the sport in their community through activities such as demonstrations and educating the masses about the importance of Judo as a form of martial arts.

The president and executives of the Guyana Judo Association would like to extend world judo day wishes to all of Guyana and we would like to encourage you to get on board and be a part of the judo family.

guyana-times.com

monday, october 24, 2016

Suriname dominate IGG

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s the three-day bonanza of the InterGuiana Games, renamed the ‘Goodwill Games’ due to the non-participation of French Guiana, concluded at a the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Sunday night, Suriname had the most wins in the 12 event tournament.

Over the three days, sporting fanatics were treated to some of the most gruelling competition across the various facilities as hundred of energetic patrons flanked each venue.

Guyana and Suriname would have participated in seven disciplines across four venues, but when the dust had settled, Guyana would have amassed a total of 80 points, 11 points short of the Dutch-speaking nation after earning seven points for second and nine points for a victory. Unfortunately the hosts only managed to dominate in Athletics, Male Volleyball and Table Tennis.

In front of a packed CASH, the Director of Sport Christopher Jones, extended heartfelt gratitude to

The Directors of Sport for the two countries exchange the official results

the Surinamese for coming over and playing one of the best tournaments since the Games began back in 1967.

Jones also signalled the longevity of the Games, noting that he, along with his team are pledging continued support for the Games and most notably the fact that under his watch, every edition of the Games will see the Guyana team receiving as much support as possible and guaranteed success in every discipline.

The entire crowd at the

CASH rose to their feet in appreciation and applauded Jones as he went on to say that it is through events like this that the nation could develop further in sport and is confident that soon sport will be full-fledged in the school system and is confident of his administration’s support to sport.

Similarly, Surinamese Director of Sport, Luciano Mentowikromo wished well for the future of the Games and thanked the host nation for the hospitality and warm

Guyana complete clean sweep in Table Tennis

Shemar Britton (right) during his dominant display against the Surinamese

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hile some of the other sport disciplines Guyana may have faced the hammer of the Surinamese, Guyana made ensured that their rich vein of table tennis dominance continued at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) as the obliterated their Dutchspeaking neighbours winning both male and female categories at the National Gymnasium on Sunday.

Led by Shemar Britton, the male team sauntered to a 5-0 win, with Britton winning both of his team matches 3-0.

Britton used his skill and experience to beat Adesh Jawir 3-0 (11-5, 11-3 and 111) after which Jared Joogea faced the same faith losing

11-6, 11-4 and 11-1.

In the doubles aspect of the team competition, Nicklous Romain and Elishaba Johnson defeated Joogea and Jawir 3-1 at 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-7 while Johnson overcame Joogea 3-0 at 11-2, 11-4, 11-7 in his single event.

Romain was the last to win a singles match against a tough Kono Abas 3-1 as both players showed variety in shot selection with the set points going as follows in favor of Romain 11-7, 11-3, 1012, 12-10.

Similarly, the female slammed the Surinamese with a 5-0 thumping, as the talented Priscilla Greaves easily won both of her individual matches 3-0.

Greaves tackled Kristel Wijntuin and won her sets, 11-2, 11-4 and 11-3; the player then downed Sharifa Hooghart 11-6, 11-5 and 112.

In the doubles bout of the female team competition, Selenas Jackman and Aneka Phillips of Guyana displayed their dominance as well with a 3-0 over Hooghart and Kristel Wijntuin with the sets playing out 11-5, 11-5 and 11-5.

Jackman also dominated in her individual match winning 3-0 against Janily Tamrin at 11-4, 11-2 and 1311, while Neveah Clarkston took her only match of the team competition 3-1 over Hooghart at 11-6, 11-6, 7-11 and 11-4.

welcome, having catered for a massive 187 touring party.

Mentowikromo also pointed out that this was a very good form of strengthening ties with our neighbours, highlighting the fact that the youths will one day become leaders as we move to the future, seeing this event as a bridge between the countries.

National Sports Commission Chairman, Ivan Persaud lauded the crowd’s energy, as well as the goodwill of the athletes, deeming the Games a successful one with all eyes on 2017.

Each team also exchanged a token of appreciation, symbolising the spirit of good sportsmanship as they look to 2017 where hopefully, the Games can see a return of French Guiana and possibly Guyana hosting the event once more.

Suriname would have won the Male and Female Basketball, Female Volleyball, Male and Female Swimming, Badminton and for the first time Futsol.

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Suriname rule the pool!

– Gaskin’s brilliance not enough to save Guyana

Hannibal Gaskin (far right) looks over his shoulder after a fierce battle with Jair Telting in the 50m Fly (Akeem Greene Photo)

By Akeem Greene

S

uriname produced a dominant display at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal to win the overall swim title in the Inter-Guiana Goodwill Games on Sunday.

The Surinamese amassed to 268 points in the 24-event meet while Guyana

scored 195 points after surrendering many of their races on home turf.

Despite the overall performance seemed gloomy from Guyana, Olympian Hannibal Gaskin produced some sparkling performances in the presence of his father, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin. continue on 21

Suriname snatch title in thrilling win

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uyana played with much ferocity in a do or die situation at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Sunday as they went down to Suriname in the second match up between the males from the two nations in the Inter Guiana Games (IGG).

This meant that Suriname were crowned champions after they assented to a 66-63 victory at the end of the fourth quarter, registering their second win in as much games.

Guyana showed they were worth their weight in gold as they took command of the game from the first quarter where they led the Dutch-speaking nation 1915. The Guyanese then extended their lead by half time to five points with the score 29-24.

The score stood at 4541 with the visitors closing off the third quarter having led for the first time in the match. The hosts were looking to make it an easy win but with the visitors shooting 21 points in the third quarter and Guyana only managing 12, the game had took a turn that had the hundreds of jovial fans

With 24 seconds on the clock, Guyana (green) tried desperately to push the series into a third game but Suriname found a way to walk away with the spoils

in CASH biting their nails as to what would be one of the closest contest in IGG Basketball.

Guyana’s point guard Troy David’s scored in quick succession, registering 10 points in the final quarter, sending the hosts back in the lead and Travis Belgrave scoring only one of his two free throws, signalled an edgy 35-second final as everyone in CASH stood on their feet.

But Emile La Rose scor-

ing both free throws and a layup before the buzzer, Suriname had sealed the title with a simple two points, finishing the game on 66-63 in favour of the Dutch nation.

Guyana’s talent, Stanton Rose finished with the most points, 21 while Captain Nathan Saul had ten points in the game, as Darcell Leter 17 points, Jamil Wip 13 points, and Bioron Ewijk 10 points were the top scorers for Suriname.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

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

Suriname dominate IGG Pg 23

...rule the pool!

...snatch basketball title in thrilling win

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