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Health Ministry rolls out HPV vaccines in Region 2 schools P13

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3127

Friday, February 17, 2017

PSC declares loss of confidence in Govt Page 3

...SARA powers, judicial subversion, economic collapse cited

High Court halts parking meter contract Page 7

… as MAPM holds its largest parking meter protest

Page 2

6 homeless after South Ruimveldt fire

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt has failed in fighting P14 crime – Opposition Parking meter scandal

Ifa Cush P10 sacked from SCS

…as PRO distances self from NPS

No jobs for Region 2 P16 youths – Regional Chairman

Linden Town Clerk saga

P16

Council yet to decide on way forward Phone card dealer murder

5 remanded, claim Police brutality P8 The new Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at his Church Street, Queenstown office. The meeting entailed discussions on Guyana-China relations

28th Inter-Sessional HoG meeting

“Do not allow CSME to be victim of procrastination” – Granger tells Caricom Heads

Page 11

Body of Albouystown man washes ashore P12

2 news

friDAY, february 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

6 homeless after South Ruimveldt fire A

fire of unknown origin has left at least six persons, including three children, homeless after completely destroying their Lot 115 Cane View, South Ruimveldt home on Thursday afternoon.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, three fire trucks, along with firefighters, were trying to contain the massive blaze, which had already destroyed a section of the upper flat of the concrete and wooden structure.

The fire reportedly started around 14:00h, according to a resident.

This publication was informed that at the time

Divisional Operations Officer, Compton Sparman

of the fire, only an elderly woman and her eightyear-old grandchild were at home.

Divisional Operations Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman told media operatives that the report he received indicated that the elderly woman was in the lower flat of the home, and the child was in the upper flat. The elderly woman reported that she saw the blaze when the child exited a room and as such, grabbed her and immediately evacuated the premises.

“Upon receiving the call of a fire, we immediately dispatched three units.

Firefighters battling to douse the blaze, which engulfed the South Ruimveldt home

Residents gathered at the scene of the Thursday afternoon fire

One from West Ruimveldt and two from Central; and equipped with our water and water from the canals, firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading on to the other building that you can see is very close,” he said.

Additionally, the elderly woman’s son-in-law, Ven Chase told media operatives that he was at work when he received the call.

The man, who appeared distressed, was questioned as to his next step and said, “Something gotta be done.

I don’t know, but we gotta start back. Somehow we gotta.”

Eyewitnesses at the scene said that they heard an explosion before seeing the red flames on the roof of the house. “It gotta be gas bottle or something. All I hear is boof, boof, boof and the red flames at the top of the house,” one man said.

An investigation has been launched.

This is the fourth fire that has been reported for this week. On Sunday, three people, including a one-year-old, perished in a fire at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, after the house was purposely set ablaze.

On Tuesday, another

house was set alight by a jilted man at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, and on Wednesday, a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed two buildings on Bishop Street, between Princes and Norton Streets, Georgetown leaving at least 11 people homeless and millions of dollars in losses.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle announced that more buildings were destroyed by fire this year so far when compared to the corresponding period in 2016. He also noted that some of those fires were acts of arson.

news

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friDAY, february 17, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 17 – 09:00h-10:30h and Saturday, February 18 – 10:00h-11:30h.

Friday, February 17 – 08:20h-09:50h and Saturday, February 18 – 09:05h-10:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with heavy rain showers in the later afternoon hours. Thundery showers can be expected to return in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 24 degrees and 26 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tides: 08:28h and 20:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.32 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 02:02h and 14:26h reaching minimum heights of 0.81 metre and 0.82 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, febrUARY 15, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS 4

7

14

18 23 27

20 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 03 05 08 14 LUCKY 3 7 1 0 Afternoon Draw

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ollowing a meeting hosted between the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its affiliates on Monday, the body has come to a resolution that the combination of poor policies, ill-judged statements and paucity of significant new investments has caused it to lose confidence in the Government.

According to the body, in a statement on Thursday, continued growth and improvement in Guyana cannot continue if investors’ confidence continues to be eroded. And it noted that “the trajectory in which the country is heading at the moment does not inspire such confidence.”

“Participants noted the decline of the economy.

Among the concerns are the crippling new taxes for the mining sector and the institution of Value Added Tax on necessities. The members of the business community present expressed a lack of confidence in the manner the Government is managing the economy.”

“This is reflected in the flight of capital from Guyana and the lack of significant new investments in the last two years. Real estate values are dwindling, property for sale inventory is on the rise and wealth is eroding rapidly.”

The body called for the Government to create an enabling environment and to increase its engagements with the business community. This, it noted, was to facilitate the creation of employment opportunities, ensure wage growth and “measures to increase the wealth of all Guyanese”.

SARA Bill

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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...SARA powers, judicial subversion and economic collapse cited

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The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

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PSC declares loss of confidence in Govt

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

Other items on the agenda were the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill, the parking meter contract, the rule of law, and the state of the economy.

The PSC noted that the SARA Bill, Bill No 3 of 2017, delegated too much power to the SARA Director.

“While the consensus of businesses is that there is a

of the project, the tendering and approval process, and the extent of a legal review of the contract.

However, it was noted that given the “obscurity” of the process, consensus was reached that the contract should be rescinded in its entirety.

Judiciary

SARU Head, Dr Clive Thomas

need for unlawfully appropriated assets of the State to be recovered, it was felt that the SARA Bill provides too much unchecked power to the Agency. The Director of SARA supersedes the Courts, the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner General of GRA.” “The Bill will impede business progress as it allows for harassment and political victimisation of legitimate businesses. The Bill allows staff of the Agency to arbitrarily look at private accounts and financial information of citizens without due process. This Bill should be recalled and amended to be consistent with the constitutional rights of citizens.”

Parking meters

The PSC has always been a staunch critic of the parking meter project agreed to by top officials from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and a foreign company. The meters have been consistently boycotted; however, with the result that businesses have reported a drop in sales.

Coming out of its meeting, the PSC reported that members of the business community present were demanding that a Commission of Inquiry be set up to investigate the parking meter initiative.

The body said that clarity must be provided as to the feasibility studies done, the nature of accountability for the revenues, the role of Government in each stage

The PSC also stated that allegations of political involvement in the judicial system were noted with great concern. It emphasised that there must be a separation of the Government and the Judiciary, as well as the role Government plays to ensure full autonomy and adequate financial resources to maintain such a system.

“There is need for Judges to be appointed at all levels, especially at the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

In addition, the presence of one Commercial Judge to handle the thousands of cas-

PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer

es annually is inadequate.

This needs to be addressed,” the PSC also added.

Recently, President David Granger stated that his Government deserved an “A “grade for the work it has done since coming into office in 2015. This self-assessment has not been well received by sections of society and the Opposition party.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, February 17, 2017

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

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

United against VAT on education

G

uyanese are yet again taking a unified stand, this time against Government’s imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on education – a service which is a necessity to develop a country and is enshrined in the Constitution as a basic human right. Since its application, Government’s 14 per cent tax on private education has received widespread condemnation.

Like we have witnessed with the movement against the parking meters, led by the civil society group of the same name – MAPM for short, a mass online movement is once again taking root, and hundreds of persons have already signed a petition against Government’s decision to charge 14 per cent on private educational services. The petition is not only protesting the imposition of VAT on educational services but also on education-related expenses, because Government has always paved the way for this tax to be charged on reading materials, geometry sets and other items necessary for attaining a sound education. The basis of the campaign’s stance is that the imposition of the 14 per cent VAT on private schools will impact very heavily on children and youth attending those schools.

And while the decision aggravated the masses, the Government, instead of empathising or attempting to placate, instead came out swinging and announced that there is no VAT on public education, and that it remains a choice of the parent, one which Government is not forcing them into. The Director of the private institution, School of the Nations, Dr Brian O’Toole, had penned a letter, which was published in the media and which outlined the constraints that this additional 14 per cent tax would have on the specified education sector.

He had noted that while the tax might not affect the affluent in society, the poorer parents who struggle to send their kids to the same school will be severely affected.

However, Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s contentions are that if the parents ‘choose’ to send their children to private schools, then they should afford the price as there is no VAT on public education. Following the Director’s pronouncements, a petition named “Education is a Necessity, Let it be VAT free” was organised calling for an appeal of the recent imposition of the 14 per cent VAT on education-related expenses.

The concerned citizens, many of whom are students, are saying that the imposition of the 14 per cent VAT on private schools, however, will, of course, impact very heavily on persons attending those schools. The students have been informed, a few days ago, that with immediate effect, their fees have now been increased by 14 per cent.

A number of these students pay the fees in $100 bills, this new imposition may simply mean they stop the course, stay home and lose hope and add to the growing numbers of the unemployed and unemployable, stakeholders argued.

Many have come out in praise of the ad hoc MAPM for generating and sustaining calls for the parking meter agreement to be scrapped. The group has successfully galvanised the people into action against sustained abuse and disregard by City Hall. With three successful, peaceful protests under their belts, it is the hope that more Guyanese, witnessing the results of a unified stance, will throw their support behind the petition “Education is a Necessity, Let it be VAT free”. As the Director of School of the Nations so eloquently explained, the only hope for Guyana moving forward is an educated, motivated pool of youth who see Guyana as theirs. This new tax does nothing to further that vision, that sense of optimism, the idea that they can rise out of poverty. Whether they take to the streets or garner as many signatures on the petition as they can, it is hoped that this new movement can illustrate that taxing education is not the best decision on the way forward.

President David Granger, along with other Heads of Government and Delegations, who are participating in the 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of Caricom on the lawns of State House on Thursday

Wales diversification model

– Disaster or mismanagement?

Dear Editor, As we progress into 2017, we bear witness to a rollout of the “New GuySuCo” concept, a brainchild of the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer. This “New GuySuCo” concept speaks to sugar production and a diversification division with focus on aquaculture, fruit crops, dairy farming, livestock farming and rice cultivation. Wales Estate was identified in 2015/16 as the ideal location to commence implementation of this model. At that stage, one would assume

that any competent designer of such a plan must have considered all factors that will allow for seamless transfer of remaining canes from Wales cultivation to Uitvlugt factory and conversion of abandoned cane fields at Wales to rice plots and fish ponds. In September 2016, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder gave assurances that the diversification plan is on schedule. Refer to SN, 09/23/2016“Agri Minister, team visit Wales Estate to inspect diversification steps”.

The recent protests by my fellow brothers and sis-

ters of Wales Estate brings into focus, the progress made on the diversification plan at Wales Estate. From all indications, the road to transport canes to Uitvlugt is incomplete, lifting equipment to transfer canes from trailers to factory conveyors at Uitvlugt is incomplete, fish ponds are nowhere in sight and there is change from rice to seed paddy cultivation on a few acres of land. Editor, the physical appearance of things at Wales bears resemblance to gross mismanagement at best and colossal disaster at worst. Maybe,

GuySuCo can provide an update on progress with the respective ventures in the Wales diversification plan.

After all, it is the model recommended to lift GuySuCo from bankruptcy to financial viability. The CEO needs to update his paymasters, i.e., the taxpayers of this country periodically. He has a moral obligation to this because we provide him an estimated package of G$60 million +/yr and we must not be treated with contempt.

Sincerely, Sookram Persaud

Don’t be duped Dear Editor, The biggest mistake the Movement Against the Parking Meters and Civil Society could make would be to be duped into accepting the honey coated offer now being made by the Council to reduce the parking meter rates, have some entities exempted, and some categories of motorists relieved from paying.

This is too little too late, and is what should have been offered in the first place. Is it not now clear with their knee jerk reaction that they were obviously overcharging us in the first place? And how does one party in a contract have this amount of flexibility as the Council purports to have to reduce rates, to exempt persons and entities etc, particularly in light of the fact that it was not the Council who prepared the contract.

What would stop the Council and Smart City Solutions from sharply increasing the rate in another

three months after everyone has accepted the parking meter arrangement and settled in? Will this parking meter initiative be governed by the Public Utilities Commission or some other oversight body to ensure compliance, especially after Chase-Green and King have left? And what will the City Council now earn from the initiative? A hundred million or less a year? This would be less than their payroll for one month, what nonsense?

But this parking meter situation has to be dealt with wholly and not in the piecemeal manner that the Council is trying to con us into accepting.

First, it should be remembered that Ifa Cush appeared immediately after Hamilton Green became Mayor in 1994 and they signed a contract to install parking meters. The public should see the minutes of the Council’s decision of 1995 that approved such a decision and should

be given copies of that contract.

Second came a contract from Astralobe Technologies associated with a Saratu Phillips that was signed by Council for the installation of parking meters; the public needs to see the Council’s minutes that approved that contract and also a copy of that contract to ascertain Council has any liability now or in the future to that company.

Third, according to King, Ifa Cush and National Parking Systems reappeared in 2015 after the new Government came into office and there was a Council decision (the old Council 1994-2016) that approved another contract by National Parking Systems.

The citizens need to see those signed and certified minutes. Additionally, the contract that was signed by the old Council in 2015 needs to be brought out for scrutiny.

Fourth, and finally, in

2016 and possibly in 2017, there seem to be several iterations of the most recent contract signed by the ‘Fantastic Four’.

The citizens are entitled to be provided with each and every version of the contract. And I don’t mean being guarded by a Constable while one reads it, the citizens need copies in order to have it examined by competent legal authorities and examined by consulting agencies with experience and expertise in municipal parking.

I just don’t understand how any self-respecting Council, could once again sit down and consider further amendments to this contract to which they have never been given copies of the original. Had this indentured servant been a Councillor, I would never have accepted or allowed any municipal officer to disrespect me like that.

Sincerely, Modi Sankar

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, february 17, 2017

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

Peaceful protests do not constitute civil unrest

Dear Editor, Just when you think you have heard it all, and things could not get worse something even more bizarre comes out of City Hall, the latest being Patricia ChaseGreen seeking to blame Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan for “taking misinformation to the public on the parking meter contract, and causing ‘civil unrest’.

First of all, someone needs to tell the Mayor that peaceful demonstrations and protests that abide by

the law, such as the one held by civil society and the Movement Against Parking Meters, do not constitute civil unrest. Civil unrest is typically defined by law enforcement as a gathering of three or more people, in reaction to an event, with the intention of causing a public disturbance in violation of the law. Civil unrest typically involves damage to property or injury to other people.

The Collins Dictionary defines ‘Civil unrest’ as

fighting between different groups of people living in the same country, and losses caused by this fighting are usually not covered by insurance.

The Travel Industry Dictionary defines ‘Civil unrest’ as a loose term to describe anti-government activities as varied as organised protests, rioting, general strikes, arson and looting, and armed insurrection. Sometimes used as a euphemism for civil war.

How could the Mayor of

a capital city not know simple concepts and meanings like this? To make it worse, is Councillor Bostwick calling for Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan to prove why he should not be disciplined.

Martin Luther king Jr once said “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity”.

Best regards, Sambu Jacobus

CCJ vigilant on appointment of Judges, independence of the Judiciary Dear Editor, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is vigilant as regards the method of the appointment of judges and the independence of the Judiciary in the Region.

Last Tuesday, the regional court criticised the system how appellate court judges are appointed in Belize. Although the CCJ judges did not entertain the appeal filed by the Bar Association against the Attorney General of Belize, but expressed displeasure with the present arrangement for the appointment of Justice of Appeal.

At present, under section 94 of the Constitution of Belize Chapter 4, Appellant Court “Judges are appointed by the Governor General acting on advice of the Prime Minister given after consultation with the leader of the Opposition... is for such period as may be specified in the instrument of appointment.”

I should state that since there is no fixed time in the appointment, the judges’ tenure is at the whim and fancy of the Executive. This does not find favour with the CCJ which stated in its judgment that Justices of Appeal should be appointed in a similar position as Supreme Court Judges (first instant judges) with an independent appointing body and tenure until retirement age. The CCJ also recommended that shorter

periods of tenure should be offered to appointees over the age of 75.

In Belize, Judges, Magistrates and legal officers are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC). The composition of the JLSC – Chief Justice (Chairman), Solicitor General, President of the Public Service Commission and a representative from the Bar Association. Perhaps I should add that Belize is the only jurisdiction in the Region in which lawyers have a say in the appointment of Judges and legal officers.

The Guyana Government is expected to appoint a new Chancellor who will replace Carl Singh who has been acting as Chancellor for the past 13 years, but his appointment was not confirmed since the Leader of the Opposition did not agree to his confirmation. Ian Chang who acted as Chief Justice for more than 11 years was not confirmed either because there was also no agreement. In fact, Chang went into retirement a year ago without being confirmed and Yonette CummingsEdwards has been appointed as acting Chief Justice.

In the light of the political climate in Guyana it is not likely that there will be an agreement between the President and Leader of the Opposition to the appointment (confirmation) of

the Chancellor and Chief Justice and therefore they might have to act until an agreement is reached. .. if it will ever be reached. So sad and unfortunate.

Guyana is the only country in the region where there must be an agreement between the President and Leader of the Opposition.

This was only changed in 2002. Previously it was merely consultation like other jurisdictions in the Region. It seems as if the Cooperative Republic has to be different from other countries. Guyana is the only country in the Commonwealth where the Judiciary is headed by a Chancellor and not the Chief Justice. In July 1966 when the Court of Appeal of Guyana was established,

Forbes Burnham who was Prime Minister and Head of Government was not happy for the then Chief Justice, Sir Joseph “Bonnie” Luckhoo to continue to head the Judiciary. He then appointed Guyanese Sir Kenneth Stoby who was Chief Justice of Barbados to the top job and renaming the position as Chancellor of the Judiciary and President of the Court of Appeal.

However, Judges – except the Chancellor and the Chief Justice – in Guyana are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission which is headed by the Chancellor.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

NY Guyanese edgy on Trump’s immigration round-up Dear Editor, As a result of ongoing round-ups of out of status immigrants in New York and across the country, Guyanese and other Caribbean undocumented (illegal) immigrants in the New York metro area are edgy and fearful of their continued stay in the US. If picked up, they are likely to be deported unless they show cause why they should stay in the US. They remain in custody until their hearings are concluded. The raids have swelled fears among all immigrant communities of deportation, and they are all warning each other to take precautionary measures to avoid immigration agents who are targeting immigrant communities. New York, like most cities in the US, has ethnic enclaves where people choose to live among their own group. Agents have not targeted White enclaves although there are many illegals from Europe, including Irish, Greeks, Italians, Portuguese, etc living in the US. Minority communities and minority owned businesses are targeted.

Because of these raids by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Guyanese and latinos and other immigrants are watching over their backs worried that they will be picked up and deported. Reports are circulating in immigrant communities of ICE or Homeland Security raids all over New York State.

Teaching colleagues of other ethnic groups inform me that dozens of undocumented persons from their communities from Mexico and countries in South and Central America have been arrested. Guyanese have also been picked up. Indo Guyanese

and Trinis, regardless of religion, are easily identified and targeted for raids with federal agents mistaking them for Middle Eastern Arabs who are being targeted because of the war on terror.

Several Guyanese were ensnared in the recent round up in Queens. The raids brought back memories of those in the 1970s when immigration agents raided tenement buildings, offices, and other work places checking on the status of employees.

This writer himself was once quizzed about his status on a street in Manhattan by immigration agents when he was a teenage student at City College. Agents are forbidden by law from randomly stopping people in the streets and asking them about their status.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tried to reassure New York City’s immigrants on Trump’s raids. He told reporters that New Yorkers should rest assured that city officials, including the NYPD, will never ask about immigration status, and the NYPD will never become immigration enforcement agents. New York is considered a sanctuary city meaning its agencies will not comply with federal requests to report illegal immigrants who commit minor crimes or turn over any illegal immigrant. Trump threatened that cities that do not assist federal agents will not receive federal aid. However, the federal government is supreme over the state’s and cities and can send agents anywhere to raid workplaces and homes for illegals. This is the root cause of the anxiety.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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friDAY, february 17, 2017

Page I

magine you are four years old. You are given the choice of eating one marshmallow now, or receiving two marshmallows if you wait. What would you do?

In a now famous series of studies, Walter Mischel and colleagues (Mischel, Ebbesen & Zeiss, 1972; Mischel, Shoda, & Peake, 1988) had preschool and school-age participants make this decision. This research taught us that children who were able to delay eating the marshmallows to obtain the larger prize were more likely to do well in school and in their careers for decades following the study.

This ability to delay gratification and regulate our emotions and behaviour is a key component of a set of skills often referred to as social-emotional skills. In a world where academic skills are often viewed as the priority, social-emotional skill development may not always be on the forefront of most parents’ and teachers’ minds.

However, research has shown that social-emotional skills are crucial for children to become successful both socially and academically.

What are the key social and emotional skills?

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning has identified five core skills that are widely recognised as critical social-emotional skills: Self-awareness is the ability to recognise your emotions and understand the links between emotions, thoughts and behaviours.

Self-management is the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts and behaviours.

Social awareness is the ability to take other’s perspectives and demonstrate empathy.

Relationship skills are the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships.

Responsible decision making is the ability to make good choices about your behaviour and interactions with

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation others.

Why are social-emotional skills important?

Early social emotional skills are related to how socially, emotionally, academically and professionally skilled we are later in life. For example, having higher social-emotional skills in kindergarten is related to important outcomes at age 25 (Jones, Greenberg, & Crowley, 2015). These outcomes include: Educational success, such as completing a college degree Career success, such as an increased likelihood of being employed Other key life outcomes, such as being less likely to have problems with the Police Social-emotional skills help children to persist on challenging tasks, to effectively seek help when they need it and to be thoughtful in their actions.

Importantly, social-emotional skills can be taught. This was highlighted in a large review of research on social-emotional skills in 270,034 students in kindergarten through 12th grade (Durlak et al., 2011). The review found social-emotional learning programmes in schools not only improved social-emotional skills, but also increased positive attitudes toward school, positive social behaviour and academic performance. These programmes also decreased the likelihood of kids getting in trouble or experiencing emotional problems.

Five strategies for promoting social-emotional learning in children

Be a good emotional role model.

Children model their behaviour from people they admire, such as their parents and teachers. When caregivers model a variety of emotions and coping strategies to manage their emotions, children learn appropriate ways to react in similar circumstances.

Be an “emotion coach”. Accept and talk about children’s emotions. It is also useful to teach children how to label emotions, cope with and prob-

lem-solve emotions, and appropriately express emotions. Emotion coaching is associated with greater emotion regulation and adaptive behaviours as well as lower levels of disruptive behaviours (Dusnmore, Booker, & Ollendick, 2013; Gottman, Katz, & Hooven, 1996).

Read books with social-emotional plots. Reading books can provide opportunities to learn and discuss social-emotional topics, such as turn-taking and cooperation. Asking children to label and explain the emotions of the characters in the story helps them learn a variety of emotions (Brownell, et al, 2013).

Give choices. Providing children with choices and the independence to make them are linked to higher levels of social-emotional learning. A parent-child relationship that involves working together to solve problems teaches children how to negotiate and solve problems with parents, which later leads to improved social skills and higher acceptance in relationships with peers (Matte-Gagné, Harvey, & Stack, 2015).

Use positive discipline strategies. Setting rules and expectations for behaviour, giving warnings of potential consequences, offering praise and incentives for positive behaviours and ignoring unwanted behaviour are associated with higher levels of social-emotional skills (LaRosa, Ogg, Suldo, & Dedrick, 2016). When children act out, discuss the effects of their behaviour on others to promote empathy, perspective taking and prosocial behaviour (Eisenberg, VanSchyndel & Hofer, 2015).

There is a common theme in these strategies. Children need to be taught and to have opportunities to practise social-emotional skills, in much the same way that they learn how to read and solve Maths problems.

These efforts come with a big payoff, as strong social-emotional skills can help children in a wide variety of social and academic settings for years to come. (psychologytoday.com)

- how different sleep patterns affect children's IQs

By Joseph A Buckhalt, PhD

M

any factors contribute to children’s academic performance, including those related to the quality of instruction, the curriculum itself, the school and home environment, and factors intrinsic to individual children. When performance of a child is below expectations, assessments are often administered to determine the causes. On many occasions, school psychologists administer tests of achievement and ability. The original purpose of the first IQ tests, the Binet scales, over 100 years ago was to identify children who warranted specialised instruction.

In spite of their shortcomings and many criticisms directed at their use, especially over the past few decades, there remains no better sole predictor of a child’s expected level of achievement than an individually administered intelligence test.

In a study recently published, our lab group examined the relations between sleep and academic achievement for children at different levels of intelligence.

The participants were 280 children around 10 years old. Sleep was assessed objectively over seven nights with actigraphs they wore on their wrists to measure both sleep duration and quality of sleep. Intelligence was assessed by administration of a short version of the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Intelligence, and achievement measures were obtained from a group-administered state test of reading and math. Variables controlled for in analyses included age, sex, ethnicity, SES, puberty, body mass index, single-parent status, and chronic illness. No child had a documented intellectual disability or sleep disorder.

As expected, for the group overall, intelligence showed a strong positive correlation with achievement (r = .77). The most interesting result was that for children of higher intelligence, that

relation was of smaller magnitude in the presence of sleep quality (not quantity) measures. The correspondence between intelligence and achievement did not differ based on sleep measures for children with lower intelligence.

The effect was of modest size, and needs replication, but it shows that while children with higher intelligence almost always perform better than those with lower intelligence, poor sleep in children with higher intelligence may be preventing them from attaining their full academic potential. Intelligence is the factor with the highest relation of any other to achievement.

Our finding of a strong relation overall is characteristic of the body of research going back over a century. But although IQ often accounts for about half of the variance in academic achievement (shared variance is calculated by multiplying the correlation coefficient by two), there is much unshared variance that researchers have tried to account for.

We have proposed that sleep is one of those factors, and in this sample it seemed that higher IQ children’s performance is held down when they sleep poorly.

I have argued that sleep is one factor that relates to the achievement gap between children from lower and higher social class, as there is evidence that children living in poverty (defined in numerous ways) have lower school performance and poorer sleep than their middle and upper-class peers (Buckhalt, 2011). The implication is that by improving lower class children’s sleep, they may perform better in school and help narrow the achievement gap that has been so concerning and longstanding. The results for this study show that children with higher IQs may have even more to gain by improving sleep. If sleep for children of all social classes was improved, the achievement gap might still persist.

(psychologytoday.com)

news

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friDAY, february 17, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter scandal

High Court halts parking meter contract … as MAPM holds its largest parking meter protest

C

hief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards (ag) on Thursday issued an order bringing paid parking, penalties and the implementation of the controversial parking meter contract in Georgetown to a screeching halt, pending the results of a hearing later this month.

The order was granted after an application for judicial review was made by Attorney Kamal Ramkarran, on behalf of Mohendra Arjune.

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green, Town Clerk Royston King and City Councillors were named as the respondents.

According to the document, which was seen by <<<Guyana Times>>>, “an order nisi of certiorari be and is hereby granted to quash the decision of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown to enter into an agreement on or around 13 May, 2016”.

In addition, the order also prohibits the respon-

Protest

The orders which were issued on Thursday

A business which closed its doors in support of the protest

dents from making “any amendments thereto for the establishment of parking meters in Georgetown with (Smart City Solutions – SCSI) and all acts and things thereafter which flowed from that decision”.

The order also curtails the power of the Town Clerk. According to the High Court order, “this court orders that an order nisi of certiorari be and is hereby granted to quash the decision of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown and the Town Clerk empowering and authorising the Town Clerk to sign and operationalise contracts with (SCSI) for the establishment of parking meters in Georgetown and all acts and things done or caused to be done thereafter flowing from that decision”.

It also revokes “the decision of the Mayor and Councillors and anyone acting by or through them or under their directions or instructions or on their behalf to exempt persons or categories of persons from paying fees for parking in the City of Georgetown and being subject to penalties for parking in Georgetown”.

has always held the view that solid legal grounds existed for the termination of the contract.

The respondents will have to show cause against all the orders made by the Chief Justice to quash their decision to enter into the contract, which has already caused weekly mass pro-

Mayor Chase Green has, in the past, defended this secrecy. When the original contract was revealed, it was found that only four City Hall officials signed it.

The four officials – Chase Green; King; Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke and his predecessor and current Councillor, Junior Garrett – were dubbed the “Fantastic Four” after they embarked on trips to Mexico and Panama, funded by the company, to conduct due diligence checks on the parking meters the company had previously installed. However, these checks were done after they signed the contract with SCSI. However, Chase Green has always denied the existence of a ‘Fantastic Four’ faction which would

Protesters against the parking meters on Thursday

tests in front of City Hall.

Their day in court is set for February 27, 2017, before Justice Brassington Reynolds. Should they fail to comply, the document noted, they will be held in contempt of court.

The original contract had been shrouded in secrecy, with Councillors complaining of it being kept in a secret room at City Hall.

sideline other Councillors when making decisions affecting Georgetown.

The City Council, including outgoing Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, had reportedly not sanctioned the trips or even known about them.

The Deputy Mayor had insisted that a full council must discuss the deal, as that is the role of the council. During the first of three

Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) protests in front of City Hall, the Town Clerk had been asked about the legality of the contract and the rates and penalties prescribed in the by-laws.

King had been adamant

that there was no need to tender at the national level. He had also expressed the belief that the penalties were just.

MAPM, a recently formed lobby group composed of concerned citizens,

While some sought redress in the courts, MAPM organised its third and largest protest yet in front of City Hall on Thursday. The third consecutive protest to shut down Regent Street for an hour, it was supported by several city businesses that closed their doors from 12:00h, when the protest started.

Present at the protest was activist Ras Leon Saul, who made it clear that the conciliatory measures being pursued by the M&CC were not sufficient. Noting that matters have escalated, Saul stated that former SCSI Director and co-signatory on the original contract, Ifa Cush, did not help matters when he referred to protesters as having a “slave mentality”.

“The voice of the people is (sacrosanct). And right now the people are calling for total revocation. I think we’ve got to listen to the people’s call. And even though the Mayor and City Council has given some leeway, it’s still too little, too late.” turn to page 9

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friDAY, february 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Phone card dealer’s murder

5 remanded, claim Police brutality

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Shannon Batson

ive men were on Thursday refused bail for allegedly murdering a cellular phone card dealer on the Corentyne last week.

The men appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s Court and were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

As they were being taken to the court, there were chants from a packed courtyard of ‘murders’. One woman, who claimed to be a sister of the deceased, said: “Murders, I will see you rot in hell” and his widow, Mary, lamented: “Why did you have to kill him; he never troubled anybody, why?”

The five charged with the February 8 murder of Dianan Jagdeo are Mark Doman, 22, a businessman of Nigg Village; Abdul Azimulla, 34, a cattle farmer of Hampshire,Corentyne; Abdul Zaheer, 28, a cane harvester of Adelphi Village, East Canje; Shannon Batson, 24, who claims to be a livestock farmer of Hampshire/ Topu and Satesh Budram, 19, a painter of Hampshire.

Three of the four ac-

cused were represented by Attorneys Rohan Jagmohan, Kim Kyte-John and Marceline Bacchus. Through their legal representatives, the accused told the court that they were beaten by the Police.

Doman claimed that he was beaten at the Whim Police Station and was also taken to GuySuCo Road in Albion where he was again beaten.

Azimulla told the court that he was beaten by the Police at the Albion and

Mark Doman

Whim Police Stations, while Zaheer said the Police picked him up and took him to Tain Dam where he was beaten. He said as a result of the beating he suffered a fractured left rib and was not taken to receive medical attention as he requested.

Batson, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, claimed that he was picked up and taken to the Rose Hall Police Outpost, where he received a beating causing him to sustain injuries to the face and fractured ribs. As the prisoner stood in the dock, there was a laceration visible on his chin. He claimed the

Satesh Budram

Police also put a gun to his ear and fired off three shots.

As a result of the gunshots, Batson told the court there was a mark on the side of his head.

Attorney Jagmohan, who represented Budram, said that the defendant was also beaten by the Police when he was taken to Albion.

Magistrate Artiga said she was going to endorse the warrants so that prison authorities would ensure that all of them received medical attention. They will have to return to court on March 6.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo was laid to rest on Wednesday at Rose Hall Town.

On Tuesday evening, scores of persons participated in a motorcade and candlelight march against crime in Berbice. It was attended by many persons who were victims of brutal attacks by bandits, especially along the Corentyne.

Speaking at the commencement of the programme at Adventure, Regional Chairman David Armogan said it was a march in protest against gun-related crimes.

He called on all to take back

their communities. “No more can we allow bandits to come into our communities and do what they want, we have to take back our communities,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering was Jagdeo’s widow, Mary. Following the speeches, there was a motorcade to Rose Hall Town and then a candlelight parade to Williamsburg.

Jagdeo, 36, of Lot 12 Section G, Kings Street, Williamsburg, Corentyne

Abdul Zaheer

was killed when a lone gunman walked into a creole restaurant at Adventure and shot him in the process of robbing him of an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of phone cards.

Jagdeo was the main phone card distributor in East Berbice.

As a result, Top Up and C Point retailers and many phone card retailers along the Corentyne, East Canje, East Bank Berbice and New Amsterdam have been unable to supply their customers with cellphone credit.

Jagdeo leaves to mourn a wife and four children.

Dominican woman remanded for fraud

A

Dominican woman was remanded to prison by Magistrate

Judy Latchman on two counts of conspiracy to defraud, when she appeared at

the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

It is alleged that Doris

Vasquez Santana, 36, of The Dominican Republic, between January 6, 2016 and February 13, 2017, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud conspired with person/s to forge four Guyana Immigration service stamps in her Dominican Republic passport purporting to show that same had been issued by the Guyana Immigration Department.

In addition, Santana, on February 13, 2017 had allegedly presented to Shana Morrison, an Immigration officer, one Dominican Republic immigration passport with four forged immigration stamps knowing same to be forged.

The accused, who was unrepresented, entered a not guilty plea to both charges and stated that she is currently seeking employment in the country.

Police Prosecutor Gonsalves objected to bail on the grounds that the woman is not a citizen of the country and the existing probability of the accused not returning to court should bail be granted.

The presiding Magistrate denied bail and the woman was remanded to prison until February 21, when the matter will proceed to trial.

Throwing shade…

Y

…on PPP

our Eyewitness has already spoken about this dangerous practice of the Government – through its 79-year-old Presidential Adviser/SARA Director/ GuySuCo Chairman, DR Clive Thomas – about throwing out massive numbers on how much the PPP “stole” without a scintilla of evidence. The danger lies in other members of the Government and folks out there actually believing the ALLEGATIONS and working up themselves into a lather about it. One cannot fail to sense the seething anger in the letter columns that are inflamed by these allegations.

This is nothing more than seeking to prove guilt through innuendo and slander. Between 2011 and 2015, APNU and the AFC controlled Parliament and they could’ve investigated their claims about the PPP “siphoning off” money from the Government. They had the Economic Services Committee that could’ve done this in real time.

The allegations were based on the same assertions Thomas made in his columns in the Stabber News about a “criminalised state”. But they did nothing ‘cause their purpose wasn’t to stop corruption – which exists in any institution – but to stain the PPP with the corruption stain.

It worked.

So once ensconced in office, the Government hired some of the accountant types who supported Thomas’ “siphoning” allegations to conduct “forensic audits” of the allegedly looted agencies. Again, all sorts of scandals were hurled even though the audits had more holes than rice colanders/”strainers”!!!! Thomas, who’d been made head of SARU – claimed no one could be jailed cause the laws were inadequate! SARU must now be changed to SARA giving him powers that exceeds those of the Grand Inquisitor of yore.

But Thomas and his Government doesn’t need the new “Bounty Hunter” laws to prosecute thievery – there are enough laws on the books to take care of that right now. They have Westford in court, don’t they? But just like before the elections, the allegations have nothing to do with dealing with corruption – but everything to do with playing politics. Especially when the Government shoots itself in the foot as daily target practice and needs to create some misdirections and diversions.

The fact of the matter is the Government has a very simple method to prove whether the PPP was raiding the Treasury. Before the elections, they said the funds would surface in their clean, corruption-free regime; providing them with billions and billions to fund all sorts of expenditures – such as granting raises and suchlike. So where’s the money? Or are the PNC and AFC thiefing even more than the $306 BILLION they claimed the PPP stole??

Is this why there’s still no Code of Conduct and New Integrity legislation?

All smart flies do end up in the cow’s (messy!) posterior orifice!!

…on referenda

One fella took on Bisram’s assertion that the 1980 Constitution’s unacceptable because it wasn’t approved in a referendum. Fella says referenda are an “idyllic dream”. And furthermore several countries don’t require it. And those that do – like the US and India – had special circumstances. How’d you reason with a fella who dismisses arguments so cavalierly with the retort, “Whatever!!”

Your Eyewitness responds not to the fella – but to those who may seriously want dialogue on constitutional change.

It all has to do with how our Constitution was made.

The one the British gave us at Independence prescribed referenda – Article 76 – for the changes Burnham wanted to make – to be a ”legal” dictator. So he held a referendum in 1978 to do away with the need for referenda – making the same arguments as Bisram’s interlocutor.

Burnham rigged an astounding 97 per cent approval vote – but then went on to include the need for referenda in his new 1980 Constitution!

Which (of course) didn’t need a referendum to approve!! So we follow Burnham’s precedent?

…and under the bus

Well, looks like Cush has been coshed and thrown under the bus by his non-slave/non-indentured foreign friends!

In the bible, a goat (the “scapegoat”) was sent into the wilderness to atone for the sins of its people!

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

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friDAY, february 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

US-Caricom relations legally strong – St Vincent PM that is the legal position. I think we (should) just proceed with that,” the regional leader posited.

According to the Prime Minister, Caricom and the US have both bilateral and multilateral relationships with the two being members of organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of

American States (OAS).

To this end, Gonsalves posited that collaborations will continue between the two, particularly in light of their geographical locations.

“Most of tourists come from the United States, we have a lot of our nationals go there to study, we import a lot of goods and services

from the United States and they buy from us.

We also engage with them security matters, so there is a whole host of practical issues… The United States of America is located where it is and we are where we are geographically; you can’t take up St Vincent and the Grenadines and car-

ry to it to Vladivostok,” the St Vincentian leader explained.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister indicated that the future of Caricom-US relations is up for discussions during the two-day Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Caricom Heads of Government being held in Guyana.

High Court halts parking...

Prime Minister of St Vincent, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

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s there continues to be widespread speculations and uncertainly around the world over foreign policies and international agenda of the United States of America under its new Administration, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, believes that the path for continued relations between the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the US is legally binding.

Gonsalves was at the time speaking with local reporters on the sidelines of the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, where he was

asked about the future of Caricom-US relations under the Donald Trump Administration.

While St Vincentian Prime Minister refrained from commenting on the policies of the new US Government, he asserted that a recent law under the Barrack Obama Administration ensures continued bilaterals between the North American nation and the Caribbean region.

“All I know is that in Congress, just before the end of the Obama presidency, a law was passed to deepen engagement between the United States and the Caribbean, and

“Our leaders who call themselves servant leaders have got to listen to the people who put them in power.

And that’s the nitty gritty of it, that suddenly our leaders are divorced from the voices of the people who voted for them. That’s why they need a wakeup call.”

Saul also expressed dissatisfaction at the handsoff approach adopted by the Central Government.

He pointed out that Oscar Clarke, a signatory on the notorious original contract, is a People’s National Congress (PNC) stalwart.

“This hands-off attitude by President (David) Granger hasn’t boded well.

Even though he said it was burdensome, someone should have listened to what the President said then and taken action. They didn’t. So he’s looking soft.”

Popular local actor Chris Gopaul also protested

against the parking meters.

He expressed concern at the arbitrary rates, noting how unlikely it was that motorists would always have $9000 in their possession to pay the fines and penalties accompanying the parking meters.

He stated that it was unfair for a motorist without $9000 to then have to pay for overnight storage of their own impounded vehicle. He was also critical of the city by-laws which were signed

by Central Government.

The by-laws include provi-

sions absolving the M&CC from responsibility for damage the vehicles may sustain while impounded.

“I would hate to know that I’m with my vehicle and because I’m a minute over my time because someone delayed me, I come out and my car is clamped and towed away. And then it’s damaged and I’m left with all the expenses. It’s not fair and it’s not right.”

“We’re not against parking meters. What we’re saying is revoke this contract, let them bring a new con-

from page 7

tract to the table.

One that is transparent, that people can see and can benefit all of Guyana and not most going out the country. You can’t take 80 per cent and expect us to build with 20 per cent. That makes no sense.”

During the protest, there was no sign of the Mayor or Town Clerk or any counter protesters. This is in stark contrast to the first protest on February 3, which featured protesters both for and against the parking meters.

10 news

friDAY, February 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter scandal

Ifa Cush sacked from Smart City Solutions ..as PRO distances self from NPS

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he Board of Directors of Smart City Solutions Inc (SCSI) on Thursday announced the immediate dismissal of controversial personnel Ifagbamila Kamau Cush from his position as a Director of the company, which spearheaded the parking meter project in the city.

The announcement of the dismissal came a few hours before a third planned protest for the complete revocation of the parking meter project by the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM).

According to SCSI, the decision to send Cush packing resulted from statements he made on

Former SCSI Director Ifagbamila Kamau Cush

his Facebook page on Thursday, February 9, 2017, when he made com-

ments suggesting that Guyanese have the “mentality of slaves and indentured servants”.

The company said it has found the posts to be “completely unacceptable” and condemned as disgraceful Cush making the statements without any reference to or the authority of Smart City Solutions Inc. Cush had stirred up controversy and came in for much blistering following his social media rants last week. He had also been the centre of attention when reports surfaced that he faced jail time back in 2002, serving four months in a US jail.

According to court documents, Cush had plead-

ed guilty to grand larceny in the third degree in a County Court of Nassau County, Long Island, New York back in March 2002.

He was sentenced to four months’ incarceration and five years’ probation, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of US$7981.50. The document said Cush did not appeal and was released from custody on May 5, 2002.

The same document

showed that on November 20, 2006, Cush was charged with vio-

lating the terms of his probation. The County Court signed a Declaration of Delinquency and a warrant was issued for his ar-

rest. Cush was returned on the warrant in November 2006 and released on his own recognisance the following month. He was then returned again on the warrant on August 30, 2011.

On May 9, 2012, after numerous delays and a motion by the defendant to dismiss the charge, the court found that Cush had violated the terms of his probation, and sentenced him to one to three years’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Smart City’s Public Communications Consultant Kit Nascimento on Thursday distanced himself and the company from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the National Parking Systems (NPS).

He said his company, Public Communications Consultants Limited, was engaged as Public C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Consultant to SCSI and not to the M&CC and NPS. “I wish to make it clear, therefore, that I am in no position to comment on any contract entered into or relationship, which existed between the Mayor & City Council and National Parking Systems.”

Nascimento was at the time responding to statements made by Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green in sections of the media, while fielding questions about the “proper due diligence” work, which was done on NPS. According to reports, when asked specifically about the due diligence work done on the contractors, Chase Green said she could not recall. She then said, “I cannot comment on that. I don’t know what you are talking about.

Direct all questions to our PR, Kit Nascimento. See if he knows about it. ”

news

S RAIGHT with Sase Singh -- Washington DC

The Good Life beckons – but for whom?

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his week I want to focus on the state of the VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT), which is a tax on consumption. A widening of the VAT bracket to cover more items like electricity and water is unlikely to improve the economic conditions of the people. There has been an uptick of taxes on production and consumption (mainly VAT and Excise Taxes), but no commensurate increase in benefits to the people. Those benefits can only flow with the expansion of the productive sector rather than devouring of the people’s consumptive power. This is an impetuous strategy that lacks intellectual depth and calculated reach.

We continue to hear about how this 2017 Budget will “deliver on the good life”, but for whom? I have an awkward feeling that this phantom prosperity promised by the Granger Administration isn’t something on which we can base our hopes for the future. No progressive nation in history has fostered economic expansion because of a tax burden that reached more than a quarter of its national income. This is the case in Guyana, yet the Government plans to finance a deficit budget that spends $140 million a day more than the Government takes in. Economic insanity!

How are we funding this runaway escalation of Government spending? Their answer is more taxes and more debt on the back of the Guyanese children. Most of these politicians who are incurring these debts today will not even be alive because of old age, when these children will be called upon to pay back these debts. Isn’t this high immorality on the part of the geriatrics in power? To compound this immorality, they have now gone and increased over 200 taxes on the parents of these children so that they can live a Cadillac lifestyle today in donkey cart economy? Leaders achieve lasting power and glory by exercising compassion and selfless service in the present moment for the people, but clearly, this is an alien concept to the power brokers in the Granger Administration.

The graph below illustrates that the Granger Administration will have a revenue bonanza with this VAT on electricity. The big question remains, to what extent is this VAT destroying the consumptive capacity of the ordinary Guyanese and diluting the investment capacity of the Private Sector? We will assess the full impact of this situation when the Minister presents the 2017 half-year report. However, from all preliminary indications, this strategy will cause the Private Sector to invest less and the consumers to consume lower quality products and this will have an adverse impact on economic growth.

This Granger strategy is nothing but a short-term money grab, which is expected to destroy the productive capacity of the economy in the long run.

This above graph basically illustrates that since 2008, the tax on production and consumption (mainly VAT) grew at an average of eight per cent per year. However, over 2017 alone, this tax is expected to grow by more than 21 per cent. This will have a direct adverse impact on the ability of the poor to save for their future (asset destructive).

There can be no excuse for this draconian tax imposition on the people and those who want to believe this “Alice in Wonderland” story that the people must “swallow the bitter medicine now to benefit from the good life later”, must first consider why Ministers Nicolette Henry and Annette Ferguson are not also swallowing any of this bitter medicine? The workers continue to be overtaxed to fund the administrative wildness that is taking place in the Granger Administration.

Wild acts of administrative corruption like sending Ministers back to school to learn skills that they should have had in the first place to qualify to become a Minister are a daily occurred under President Granger.

So, in the final analysis, this increase in VAT on electricity and water will have direct adverse financial consequences on the poor and the working class. These bankrupt policies from the Granger Government have to be combated on the street and in the villages; there is no other choice today.

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

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friDAY, february 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

28th Inter-Sessional HoG meeting

“Do not allow CSME to be victim of procrastination” – Granger tells Caricom Heads

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he need for greater regional integration was emphasised at the opening of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) InterSessional Meeting held in Guyana on Thursday, where regional leaders pushed the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) agenda.

During the two-day confab, focus will be placed on the broad areas of economic development, crime and security and international relations.

In his address to the Caricom Heads, incumbent Chairman President David Granger underscored the need to expedite the full implementation of the CSME in order for the Caribbean to escape the economic downfall in

Caricom Chairman, President David Granger, delivering his address at the opening of the 28th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government

cooperation an elemental pillar of Caricom, the Guyanese Head of State pushed for greater cooperation among

mainland States – Guyana, Belize and Suriname – are, together, bigger than developed countries such as Germany

Caricom Heads and members of various delegations gathered at the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting

today’s global environment.

“The CSME has the potential to enhance Private Sector growth and competitiveness by providing access to a larger pool of resources, facilitating the movement of human capital, catalysing the establishment of regional businesses and encouraging the free movement of goods. The CSME must not be allowed to become a victim of equivocation and procrastination,” the Guyanese Leader noted.

He added that the region faces threats that include dampened demand for its goods and services and distortions in its financial sectors caused as a result of de-risking by international banks.

On the other hand, President Granger asserted that with regional security an essential pillar of Caricom, there needs to be an integrated approach to tackling issues that threaten the security of the Region.

“The Caribbean – a maritime corridor between two continents – is vulnerable to narcotics trafficking and human trafficking, gun running, terrorism and penetration by international criminal cartels. Transnational criminal threats demand multinational functional cooperation,” he outlined. We must continuously strengthen our security architecture in order to assure citizens and investors of greater security and stability,” he outlined.

The Head of State also went on to urge the Member States to be vigilant in the face of continuing threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Region.

Moreover with functional

Member States in promoting food and energy security in the Region.

Food security

To this end, he posited that the Region has the capability to meet its food needs, noting that the Community’s three

and Japan.

The President added that food security will not only ensure health and nutritional benefits for the Caribbean but at the same time also earn foreign exchange and eliminate the bloated bill for food importation.

“Ensuring regional food security is a cross-sectoral task involving cooperation in agriculture, finance, health and nutrition and infrastructure, among other sectors… Food security can be advanced by the fuller utilisation of our lands for largescale investment in agriculture and agro-processing and by dismantling barriers to regional trade in agricultural products,” he asserted.

Furthermore, President Granger also called on his fellow Caricom Heads of State to intensity efforts at regional energy security.

“We have the means to do so since we are blessed with abundant sources of renewable energy. The Community has done considerable, commendable work towards ensuring energy security which can ease the Community’s energy sector off of its addiction to fossil fuel and encourage the adoption of renewable sources of energy,” he remarked.

Also delivering remarks at the opening of the two-day confab, General Secretary of Caricom, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque also posited that a sustained economic development requires a cohesive response by working collectively and pooling resources.

In this regard, he noted that with CSME already having been established as the “best vehicle” to drive sustainable economic growth and development, there is much more to be done despite the progress made in promoting the initiative within the Region. turn to page 14

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friDAY, february 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Body of Albouystown man washes ashore

Dead, Chavez “Shavy” Allicock

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wo days after falling into the estuary of the Demerara River, the body of Chavez Allicock, 25, of Lot 33 James Street, Albouystown,

Georgetown was discovered floating at Ruimveldt on Thursday evening.

Based on reports received, the father of four was in the process of pulling in a fishing net when his hat fell into the river and he jumped in to retrieve it.

From all indications, the man might have hit his head on a piece of wood and although his brother went to assist him, he sank into the murky water and never resurfaced. Leonard Allicock, the dead man’s father who was piloting the fishing boat, told Guyana Times that his son jumped into the rough water on Tuesday evening.

He explained that his son had recently purchased the hat and after it fell into the water, he felt the need to go after it.

“After he jumped into the water, my other son went behind him…so as I bring around the boat to collect both of them… my other son tell me that Chavez went down in the water… I couldn’t believe, because he was a good swimmer,” the father stated.

The grieving man explained that he had to see his son’s body before he

believed that he drowned. After the young man failed to resurface, a search party was launched, but there were no signs of Allicock. On Thursday afternoon, the elder Allicock said that he received a phone call informing him that his son’s body was sighted.

He immediately gathered his other sons and they went into the river and managed to pull the body ashore. The father refuted claims that his son was shot on Tuesday evening during a pirate attack. “The body was recovered; let the Police check to see if he has any bullet wound… I don’t understand where they got that information from,” he noted.

The now dead man was charged for the murder of Wendell Tappin and was convicted of a robbery charge and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The case was appealed and he was granted bail in the sum of $400,000.

Three other brothers who were suspected to be members of a “Hot Skull” group were also convicted and were presently serving time in prison.

Allicock leaves to mourn his four children, parents and siblings.

Port Kaituma rape suspect arrested A 24-year-old man is now in Police custody for allegedly raping a teenage girl while holding her at gunpoint at Arakaka, Barima, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini). The incident reportedly occurred on February 8.

Based on initial reports, on the day in question, the young man sexually assaulted the teenager while

he used an unlicensed .32 Beretta Pistol to threaten her.

After he was arrested, the suspect led Police to a location at Arakaka, Barima where he handed over the firearm but there were no matching ammunition.

The case file is being compiled to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice at the earliest.

Only on Wednesday, four

men were charged for raping a 20-year-old woman from Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

She was allegedly gang raped on February 13, by three men from the Potaro area. It was reported that about two weeks ago, the woman was raped by another man from her community.

It was confirmed that both matters were reported to the Police and an investigation was immediately launched.

The trio involved in the second incident of rape was placed on bail while the fourth suspect was remanded.

Wales and indentured labour

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s we have been reporting this year – March 12th – marks the 100th anniversary of the cessation of indentured labour from India. During the 79 years of indentureship starting in 1838, the immigrants had been dubbed “bound coolies”.

This perfectly described the way the sugar planters viewed them: as a group that would perform menial labour without any mobility away from the ambit of the plantation. And it’s more than an irony of history that at Wales, we have a recapitulation of the indenture experience going on.

Ravi Dev The essence of indentured labour was the contract that was signed by the “indentured servant” that was supposed to define the terms of his employment –hours of work, wages, hospitalisation, return passage to India, etc. But more often than not, it was honoured in the breach leading to daily disputes between the labourers and the “overseers” and “drivers”. The unequally negotiated contract became a tool the planters used to ensure if the indentureds were not in the fields working, then the only excuse accepted was they were in hospital or in jail.

Indentured labour is usually described as a transition device from slave labour to “free” labour, which theoretically arrived after the last indentured labourers served out their contract by 1921. But it was a long and arduous – but ultimately futile – struggle waged by sugar workers for the premises of indentureship to be lifted from those that ran the industry. During the transition from slavery to indentureship, the remnants of the anti-slavery movement could be counted on to agitate in England when information on planter excess reached them. After indentureship, this task fell on the trade unions that were formed after 1939, when another protest by the workers ended in the Police reading the riot act, shooting and killing four and wounding dozens.

At Wales, 50 years after independence from Britain, which was celebrated in grand style by the APNU/AFC Government, the latter condescended to inform neither the sugar workers nor their unions when they decided to shutter the plantation. How different was this from the days of indentureship when labour was a commodity, and who informs commodities of their fate?

While the indentureship contract specified the hours of work to be seven and a half hours, “from dawn to dusk” was the reality. Today, even though the contract of the “free labour” specifies that if the employee is sent to work more than 10 miles from his regular worksite, the employer is constructively breaking the contract, the Government-run GuySuCo insists that 600 cane-cutters must go daily to Uitvlugt, 22 miles away and not concede their demand for severance pay, which is due them for being effectively fired. The cane -utters are seen as “bound coolies” with no control over their mobility.

The truth is, GuySuCo always knew the cane-cutters would refuse the “option” of working at Uitvlugt and their “offer” was made simply to allow the Corporation to escape from its responsibility to pay the workers for constructively “severing” them. Uitvlugt suffered even more from the dynamics that operated at Wales and huge swaths of its lands had been abandoned while the factory is in no better shape than Wales, if that.

Yet GuySuCo is blithely claiming Uitvlugt could triple its production to 40,000 tonnes with the cane-cutters from Wales. Even if the canes were to be found to be cut, where would they be processed? The centrifuge, for instance, at Uitvlugt has been defective since the beginning of the decade, resulting in the yields being about half of Albion’s. Yet without even mentioning whether it will be fixed, production is projected to rise.

Last week, we referred to Professor Frankfurt’s use of the word “bullshit” which is worse than a lie, since in the latter, one knows the truth but is simply hiding it. At Wales, the Government is simply bullshitting since it has absolutely no concern for the truth – it just wants to sound “plausible” to escape culpability. There is no concern that it is dealing with the livelihood and lives of over 6000 persons. Even during indentureship, the planters were never this callous.

News

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friDAY, February 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Indigenous people strategically Public Health Ministry rolls out positioned to fight poverty HPV vaccines in Region 2 schools – Minister Allicock

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griculture is poised to becoming Guyana’s main economic platform and in this regard, securing Indigenous lands for the Indigenous peoples remain critical for the Ministry with responsibility for the Indigenous Peoples.

This was underscored

by Vice President and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock during the North Rupununi District Development Board’s (NRDDB) meeting, held last Friday, at Bina Hill, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The Minister spoke to Guyana’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Millennium Development Goals for Sustainable Development.Attaining such achievements, Minister Allicock noted, will ensure “growth in our economies and poverty reduction must become a reality.”Minister Allicock added that “we the Indigenous peoples of Guyana are strategically positioned to fight poverty, lift our economies and improve food security given the fact that, we have at our disposal land which is rich with agricultural potential”.The NRDDB, according to the Minister, is far advanced in terms of its structure on paper and while there is no need to reinvent the wheel it is now time to cause the wheel to roll.

He spoke to amalgamating families, groups of families or clusters in villages to boost production, which according to him will result in a very large harvest when it all

Vice President and Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock during the North Rupununi District Development Board meeting

comes together.

The NRDDB, he stressed, is strategically structured to achieve its objectives since it was established to represent the interests of its constituent communities and to facilitate their general development.Region Nine is the largest administrative region in Guyana and tremendous effort is being made to diversify agricultural production making the region self-sufficient. Only last year, the Agriculture Ministry rolled out a number of initiatives aimed to propel the agriculture sector in the region.

Among the initiatives include crafting a long-term agricultural development plan, adequate infrastructure and access to market opportunities all of which is being fully supported by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry.

Minister Allicock reminded that the world is changing and Guyana must change with it. Another important component of the approach in-

tended to achieve these goals is international trade.

“We are aware that, there is an interest in realising the road link between Brazil and Linden en route to Georgetown. As we are all aware, the state of Roraima in Brazil has no readily available Atlantic shipping outlet.

Guyana presents an opportunity in this regard”.What one must be cognisant of according to the Vice President are the “challenges. International trade demands quality, standards and reliability. We are, therefore, challenged to up our capabilities and our state of readiness. By readiness I mean: technologically ready, research ready, human resource ready, management ready, negotiation ready, adaptability ready, environmentally ready, security ready among other things”.

The ultimate goal is meeting the food security demands; grow village economies while at the same time focusing on achieving a green Guyana.

The vaccination team at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School

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cores of secondary and primary school children in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) benefited from the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), courtesy of the Public Health Ministry.

According to the coordinator for the vaccination process, Anasha Venture, hundreds of children were beneficiaries from several schools, including Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, Johanna Cecila Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary and Fisher Primary.

The vaccines were administered to children between the ages of nine to 16 years old and safeguards against cervical cancer, among other complications of HPV. The vaccination process, which commenced in 2013, is currently ongoing.

The focus, according to Venture, is to vaccinate every girl in secondary and primary school. While the coordinator stressed that children were not compelled to participate, she said that the team met with the Parent Teachers Association

(PTA) of each schools, and encouraged parents to give approval for their children to receive the vaccines.

The team comprised of a medex, nurses and a doctor, and was assisted by teachers during the vaccination process. The children are expected to receive three doses of vaccines over a six months period. The vaccines will save persons from spending extra at private hospitals.

Transmission of HPV can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix and other genital areas which can lead to cancer.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, february 17, 2017

News

Govt has failed in fighting Dominican Opposition calls for CBI Commission crime – Opposition – to reduce “widespread corruption” T in Skerrit Administration

Leader of the Opposition in Dominica, Lennox Linton

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he parliamentary Opposition of the Commonwealth of Dominica has moved a notch higher in its fight against what it has described as high-level corruption, calling for the establishment of a Caricom Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Regulatory Commission to “protect the integrity of Caricom citizenship and secure Caricom’s commitment to the global security arrangements for the prevention of money laundering, terrorism and other crimes”.

The call was made by Leader of the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) Lennox Linton, in the wake of the 28th Inter-sessional Conference of Caricom Heads of Government being held in Georgetown.

At a specially convened press conference at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Linton told local journalists that the proposed Commission was absolutely necessary at this time to ensure full CBI compliance with global security arrangements for the safe movement of people and money across borders, and the harmonisation of critical elements in the operation of Citizenship

by Investment programmes in Caricom.

The call has come on the heels of widespread accusation by the UWP against the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration.

Skerrit has been accused of being involved in the selling of Diplomatic Passports and diplomatic immunity under the table, said to be in “flagrant violation of the 1961 United Nations Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations”. This practice, said to have been ongoing since 2004, involves “a band of international rogues and vagabonds, many of whom have been arrested for international crimes while holding Dominica Diplomatic Passports”.

“Since, like the regular passports, these

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

Diplomatic Passports are actually Caricom Diplomatic Passports issued by Dominica, this reprehensible practice has severe implications for the entire Caricom integration grouping and needs to be addressed urgently,” Linton told Journalists Thursday evening.

According to Linton, Dominica, a member of the United Nations, “is now associated with a scheme to violate United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran involving the use of Dominican registered vessels transporting sanctioned Iranian oil to China”. He said one of the operatives, Alireza Monfared, who has been accused of stealing billions of dollars from the scheme was a diplomat of Dominica and was actually harboured, aided and abetted in Dominica as a fugitive wanted in Iran.

The Dominican Opposition Leader says Caricom Heads are duty-bound to intervene because “the Skerrit Administration cannot be left to bungle its way through these serious issues for which it accepts no responsibility, notwithstanding the grave dangers they pose for the integrity of Caricom citizenship and the security of the grouping in these times of drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism and other crimes against human civilisation”.

Linton said the procedure advertised for acquiring economic citizenship in Dominica “has been breached to selectively sidestep due diligence on applicants and/ or grant citizenship without any evidence of payment of money into the Government’s citizenship programme.

“Questionable vetting for citizenship in Dominica which opens up new avenues connecting the country to transnational crimes is not just a Dominica issue; it is a Caricom issue of significant proportions given the free movement and other Caricom privileges enjoyed by citizens of Dominica and

other Caricom member nations”.

Linton said he and his team arrived in Guyana on Wednesday and will be seeking to meet with current Caricom Chairman, President David Granger and as many Heads of State of the 15-member Community as possible. He said he not only wanted to share the story, but hoped that a thorough investigation would be had, so that “truths” could be discovered.

In early January, CBS’ 60 minutes featured a “Passports for Sale” story where correspondent Steve Kroft sat down with Linton to hear of the “Citizenship by Investment” industry.

Meanwhile, during his address to Regional Heads at the opening of the 28th Intersessional Meeting, Prime Minister Skerrit commented on what he called “rebellious acts of the leadership of the Opposition”, which unfolded in Dominica two Tuesdays ago.

“The situation at home, I can assure you, is under control and I expect that a thorough investigation will be carried out into those disturbances, with a view to bringing the perpetrators of any and all unlawful behaviour, to justice,” the Dominican Prime Minister assured.

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called out the coalition Administration for “abysmally” failing to implement any stringent and effective crime-fighting strategies despite having a Cabinet featuring experienced national security experts.

This criticism of Government comes on the heels of a resolution passed at the Party’s Congress held in Essequibo back in December to bring attention to the horrendous crime situation in the country.

“Having regard to the fact that the Cabinet is comprised of a number of persons trained in the area of national security, who have held top positions, both in the Defence and the Police Force, this is one area in which the citizens expected this Government to demonstrate a minimum of competence. Instead, the crime situation gets worse with each passing day,” the PPP said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the Opposition, all the nation sees from Government is the “blundering incompetence” of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and a Police Force that is paralysed by mixed signals from the President and other members of the executive, which seems to favour criminals.

To this end, the PPP posited “in very clear and unequivocal language, the Government must unfold, immediately, a crime fighting/crime prevention strategy, now! Too many of our citizens are dying at the hands of bandits.”

The PPP went on to outline that when the Party demitted office two years ago, it left in place comprehensive crime-fighting programmes with the requisite financial support from international financial institutions.

In fact, the Opposition noted that its Government had already begun to implement most of the strategies and components of the Citizens Security Programme, which it noted as a result of minis-

terial incompetence seemed to be in complete disarray.

“This plan was conceived and designed by experts and contained various components which targeted for participation, a number of important agencies of State, amalgamating them as part of the crime fighting machinery of the State. An important component is to design, develop and implement an integrated crime information system to support the Ministry of Home Affairs in creating a comprehensive and up-to-date Integrated Crime Information System (ICIS), which would have

plan of its own.

“The Government’s posture sometimes demonstrates support for the criminal and on other occasions, its position can be described, at best, to be ambivalent. The pardoning of criminals, the instructions to Police Officers not to shoot at bandits, the condemnation of citizens who defend themselves against bandits and the failure of this Government to commiserate with the victims of crime, cumulatively, send the wrong signals,” asserted the Opposition.

The statement further outlined that instead

been easily shared with the use of modern technology,” the PPP’s public missive detailed.

According to the PPP, it is intended that this database would have been merged with others within the governmental architecture to provide complete profiles of perpetrators and victims. The plan, it added, contemplates a collaborative working relationship with the justice system and the construction of data management centres throughout the country, while provides for specific strategic plans for the Police Force, the prisons and other agencies.

Moreover, the Opposition outlined that the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team was supposed to be assembled along with the operationalisation of the multimillion-dollar forensic lab.

In this regard, the PPP is claiming that not only was Government failing to implement that which it inherited, but it has abjectly failed to come up with any effective

of implementing the plethora of crime-fighting and crime prevention strategies which are already with the Government and enacting more legislation to deal with real criminals, the coalition Government’s emphasis is on assembling special prosecutors and fast-tracking the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill, which will be used to target not just political opponents but the business community.

The PPP continued that over the past two years, no “serious” criminal investigations were done by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) yet law-abiding citizens in the business community and persons who have served in the last Government are being harassed, intimidated and persecuted on a daily basis by the Unit. In the meantime, the Party posited, crime in the country continues to spiral out of control with no sensible response emanating from the Government.

“Do not allow CSME to be victim of...

“With all that is before us, it is relevant and timely for this meeting to consider a comprehensive review of the CSME, as agreed to last July. Ideally, a review of the CSME must not only be about what has been done, or not done, and what might have been the constraining factors; it should also be about the impact and how it has measured up to intent and expectations, and therefore how the shortcomings might be addressed,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.

Integration

On the note of integra-

tion, the Secretary General stated that steps are apace to establish a Results Based Management (RBM) system that will measure the tangible results of regional integration mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Dominica, Rooseveldt Skerrit, who handed over the Caricom Chairmanship to Guyana last year, decried the slothfulness of progress particularly in carrying out the mandate of the Heads of Government Meeting.

He recalled urging Member States last July to use powers at their disposal to work towards the speedy

and effective implementation of matters we have long agreed upon.

“Today many of these matters are still pending, as they languish in our Ministerial Councils, Committees, Commissions and Working Groups.

Whether this is due to them being inquorate or Member States asking for time to consult, or even officials not being adequately prepared, the effect is the same – a hindrance to progress,” the outgoing Chairman opined.

He further noted that it will be no surprise if, during deliberations, there is further evidence of the need for

from page 11

a greater effort by all to complete the tasks set by the Heads of Government.

“We are dealing with matters that strike at the heart of both the concerns of our Community and the strengthening of our integration movement. Indeed these matters are also of great significance to all our countries domestically,” Prime Minister Skerrit added, while pointing out to his colleague Heads that as Leaders, they have a responsibility to ensure that those who have been tasked with fulfilling regional mandates participate fully in the relevant discussions.

friDAY, february 17, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Suicide attack on Pakistani shrine kills 72, claimed by Islamic State

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suicide bomber attacked a crowded Sufi shrine in southern Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least 72 people and wounding dozens more in the deadliest of a wave of bombings across the South Asian nation this week.

A spokesman for medical charity Edhi said the attacker appeared to have targeted the women’s wing of the shrine, and around 30 children accompanying their mothers were dead.

Islamic State, the Middle East-based militant group which has a small but increasingly prominent presence in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack, the group’s affiliated news agency AMAQ reported.

Senior Police Officer Shabbir Sethar told Reuters from a local hospital that the death toll was likely to rise. “At least 72 are dead and over 150 have been in-

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CNN Spanish service moves to YouTube after Venezuela ban

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Devotees look at the blood-stained floor of the shrine

jured,” Sethar said by telephone.

Television footage from the famous Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in the town of Sehwan Sharif showed army and paramilitary medical teams reaching the site and injured people being

taken to nearby hospitals in ambulances and a military helicopter.

The attack comes as the Pakistani Taliban and rival Islamist militant groups carry out their threats of a new offensive. The violence has shattered a period of

improving security, underscoring how militants still undermine stability in the nuclear-armed country of 190 million people.

The high death toll at the shrine makes it one of the worst attacks in Pakistan in recent years. (Excerpt from Reuters)

NN’s Spanish language service has begun broadcasting on YouTube after the Venezuelan government pulled it from the country’s cable channels. CNN said Venezuelans would now be able to access its information without charge on the Internet.

Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) accused CNN of “defaming and distorting the truth”.

The accusation came after CNN broadcast a report on alleged passport fraud at the Venezuelan embassy in Iraq.

The report alleged that Venezuelan Vice-President Tareck El Aissami was directly linked to the granting of 173 passports, including to members of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is designated a terrorist group by the US and other Western powers.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez gave a news conference on Wednesday in which she dismissed the allegations. She accused the whistleblower behind them of being an “agent in the service of international intelligence agencies” and of having links to Venezuelan opposition groups.

The ban on the US news channel comes at a time of rising tension between the United States and Venezuela. On Monday, the US treasury department sanctioned Vice-President El Aissami for allegedly trafficking drugs.

In its statement, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) described him as a drug “kingpin” who worked with traffickers in Mexico and Colombia to ship drugs to the US. El Aissami accused the US of imperialist aggression. (Excerpt from BBC

Jamaican scientists close to creating affordable Hepatitis C drug from cannabis Baghdad car bomb kills

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esearch scientists say they have discovered properties in Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the major bioactive compounds in the cannabis plant that have the potential to provide affordable treatment as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals for hepatitis C. Information on the new discovery can be found in the latest issue (January- March 2017) of Pharmacognosy Research, a publication of Pharmacognosy Network Worldwide, making it subject to peer review.

“We report here for the first time in vitro studies to demonstrate the antiviral activity of CBD against HCV,”

Dr Henry Lowe, and his research team – Jamaican Wayne McLaughlin and Cameroonian Dr Ngeh Toyang – state in their published study, adding that Cannabidiol was shown to

have activity against HCV in vitro but not against hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Last Friday, Lowe, who is known worldwide for his anti-cancer and ganja research, as well as the pro-

duction of a range of nutraceuticals using Jamaican plants, told the Jamaica Observer that the discovery is a major development.

In their study, the scientists point out that viral hepatitis is caused by a group of viruses divided into five types – A, B, C, D, and E – and they are primarily known to attach to the liver.

“Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the most dangerous and prevalent of the five virus types,” they state. The latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data state that 130 million to 150 million people globally have chronic hepatitis C infection. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

dozens in deadliest attack of 2017

A massive car bomb ripped through a used car market in the south of Iraq’s capital Thursday, killing more than 50 people in the deadliest such attack this year, security officials said.

Parents of backpacker killed in A India voice dismay at trial delays

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he family of a British backpacker killed in India have spoken of their struggle as a Dutchman accused of murdering her faced his 88th court hearing.

Richard de Wit is accused of killing 24-yearold Sarah Groves, who was stabbed more than 40 times while she slept on a houseboat in Kashmir in April 2013.

Almost four years on, De Wit has yet to stand trial, and Groves’ family learned that the latest hearing at the district court in Srinagar on Thursday was adjourned until March 1.

Groves’ parents, Victor

The man suspected of killing Sarah Groves, pictured, claims to hold a mystery ‘secret’ about her death that he will only reveal to her parents

and Kate, are desperate for help to progress the case, and have repeatedly called on the British government to apply diplomatic pressure.

They have also been tormented by the disclosure that De Wit holds a mystery “secret” about their daughter’s death, but is only willing to share it with them.

News)

The couple are willing to travel to India to hear the apparent revelation but first want an assurance about the veracity of his claim.

The family said in a statement that the public prosecutor agreed following the latest hearing that De Wit could apply for the court to allow him to speak to them by telephone. The family also said a major reason for the case stalling is De Wit’s lack of legal representation. Despite orders by the judge to resolve the matter, he remains without a lawyer as he “trusts no one”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

huge car bomb blast has ripped through a used-car market in southern Baghdad, killing at least 52 people, security and medical sources said, in the deadliest such attack in Iraq this year.

Islamic State, which is on the defensive after losing control of eastern Mosul to a US-backed Iraqi military offensive, claimed responsibility for the bombing in an online statement. It was the third such attack to hit the Iraqi capital in three days.

As it cedes territory captured in a 2014 offensive across northern and western Iraq, Isis has stepped up strikes on government areas, particularly in Baghdad.

Mobile phone footage circulated on social media showed charred bodies and extensive destruction in the Bayaa neighbourhood of the

Iraqi capital. The explosion went off at about 16:15h local time on Thursday.

Security and medical sources said at least 55 people had been wounded.

A Police Colonel said the emergency services were struggling to cope with the number of casualties and warned that the death toll may rise.

The explosion occurred in the same neighbourhood in southern Baghdad where a car-bomb blast killed at least four people on Tuesday. On Wednesday at least 11 people were killed in a suicide car bomb attack claimed by Isis in a northern neighbourhood of Baghdad.

The city was rocked by a wave of deadly suicide bombings during the first days of 2017, but relatively few explosions had been reported since then until this week.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

16 news

FRIDAY, february 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Multi-Stakeholder Group launched Council yet to for extractive industry Linden Town Clerk saga

decide on the way forward

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Town Clerk Jenella Bowen

ollowing the release of findings of the Investigative Committee appointed to hear the issues surrounding the No-Confidence Motion brought on by the municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) against Town Clerk Jonellor Bowen, last week, Mayor Carwyn Holland has indicated that the Council is expected to meet to discuss the way forward on the issue.

On Monday when Guyana Times asked Holland to provide an update on the situation, he declined to speak publicly on the issue just yet, but promised to do so following a meeting which was expected to take place between himself and Councillors.

While the Town Clerk had expressed optimism of resuming duties on Monday, up to press time, she continues to be off the job. Speaking with this publication earlier on Monday, Bowen said she was still awaiting word from the Permanent Secretary (PS) within the Communities Ministry, Emil McGarrel, regarding the way forward.

This newspaper understands that McGarrel met with the Mayor and Councillors at the municipality on Tuesday where the issue was reportedly

brought up. As a result of the meeting, Holland noted, when contacted again on Wednesday, that the Council did not get the chance to meet as planned, but was expected to do so on Wednesday to discuss the matter of the Town Clerk.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Bowen outlined that there has been no official word on her position as yet, as she remained out of office. The findings of the Investigative Committee had indicated that the motion brought “was in contravention with the procedures set out in Section 8 of Chapter 28:01 of the Municipal and District Councils Act of the Laws of Guyana and was also in contravention of the Standing Order rules under Section 9.” It is, however, unclear as to what the next step would be for the Town Clerk since the Committee’s findings went on to state that, “… notwithstanding the above, the Commission during the course of the investigations noted the toxicity of the relationship that existed between the two parties and is recommending that in the interest of the forward movement of the municipality and for the benefit of the people of Region 10, that the Town Clerk be transferred to another department of the municipality.”

On the other hand, the recommendations section of the findings would have stated that, “Consequently, the Committee is recommending… despite the procedural irregularity of the NoConfidence Motion, that the Town Clerk be reassigned to another post within the Ministry of Communities, where she can use her many skills and better apply her qualifications.”

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he Natural Resources Ministry on Wednesday launched the Guyana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative Multi-Stakeholder Group, a body that will assess the work in the country’s extractive industry.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said, at the launching ceremony at the Umana Yana, the Multi-Stakeholder Group is a new chapter in natural resources governance in Guyana.

According to him, the extractive industry initiative seeks to provide consolidated information on the country’s extractive sector in accordance with international standards, and aims at reconciling key resource revenue flows paid by companies with those received by Government Trotman said Government has approached the initiative with transparency and openness, and with a recognition and acceptance and deliberate effort to enforce the truth that the resources of this country belong to every Guyanese in equal measure.

“We in Guyana made a deliberate step to distribute these seats equally among the tripartite body with four members and equivalent alternates for each sector. The Government will be represented by high-level officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the G-EITI will be chaired by the Ministry of Natural Resources,” he said.

According to Trotman, the initiative has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the Guyanese economy through increased accountability and trans-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman at the Umana Yana on Wednesday

parency, translating into more informed public policy debates and guidance on managing resource endowments. It also has the potential to increase the confidence of business and enhance Guyana’s reputation as a sound investment destination, he said.

“This process joins a suite of initiatives that this Government has committed to, and is actively pursuing to strengthen public institutions and systems for managing resources and revenues from the extractive sector.”

According to Trotman, his Ministry has been identified by Cabinet to lead the process of implementing Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) and has budgeted

funds to support the implementation within Guyana, in particular for the establishment and functioning of the National Secretariat.

The G-EITI National Secretariat will be managed by the Natural Resources Ministry. Its responsibilities encompass conceptual and organisational support for the Multi-Stakeholder Group in order to ensure the successful implementation of all EITI requirements.

The Secretariat will serve a public relations function, encouraging contact with the EITI International Secretariat, as well as fellow national EITI Secretariats and will be managed by Dr Rudy Jadoopat, the National Coordinator, who was recently retained to support and guide the process to-

wards EITI candidacy and thereafter, meet Guyana’s reporting obligations.

Trotman said the Natural Resources Ministry has made a commitment to pursuing openness, collaborative endeavours and to maintaining standards of transparency in every aspect of its work. The Ministry will be embarking on an outreach programme across the country to inform and engage the general public on all matters of importance and interest within the natural resources sector.

“It is an exciting time in our country and this launch of the G-EITI MSG takes us one step closer to achieving goals long set, and developing a culture of openness and unity of purpose that will only bode well for the development of a Guyana we can all be proud of – sustainable, prosperous and free. Next stop is EITI candidacy and the development of a road map to achieving compliance with global standards. We look forward to working with industry and civil society and our development partners to achieve these goals. We are in this process, truly together. Congratulations to the G-EITI, and thanks for your continued support”, Trotman said.

No jobs for Region 2 youths – Regional Chairman

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here are no jobs available in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) for the scores of secondary school students and graduates of the Essequibo Technical Institute, according to the Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt.

The Regional Chairman was at the time speaking at the statutory meeting for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) held on Tuesday, February 14, in the boardroom of the RDC. The topic arose for discussion after the issue was raised concerning the filling of many vacancies in the Health and Education Departments, and the high unemployment rate within the region.

Ramdatt lamented the fact that many youths along the Essequibo Coast are applying for jobs existing within the regional administration; however, those jobs are often given to pensioners.

He informed the RDC that there were numerous vacancies that existed in the region in all programmes, and noted that in the latter quarter of 2016, several applications were submitted to the Public Service

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

Commission for filing of said vacancies, and to date, those vacant positions are yet to be filled. This he said is affecting the quality of service provided to the public.

“This weakness applied by the Government is affecting youth employment and undermines the quality of human resource now recruited to serve the public,” Ramdatt said.

The Chairman therefore called on the personnel department of the Administration to do meaningful follows up on the filing of vacancies.

A Government Councillor, Julian Cummings, said the situa-

tion is worrying and many health centres and schools along the Pomeroon River are understaffed.

During interviews with Guyana Times, several young people related that the situation is worrying as they are now qualified but without jobs.

“I did so many courses and yet am without a job,” one young person explained. Many youths are also calling for a branch of the University of Guyana to be established on the Essequibo Coast so that young people can benefit and further pursue their education.

guyanatimesgy.com

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fter a spectacular semi-final in the mining town on Linden last Saturday, the 10 calypsonians who made the cut into the finals are ready to dethrone the reigning king, De Mighty Professor.

Come this evening, De Mighty Professor will take the stage for the first time in the competition as the defending champion and the Lindener is all prepared to defend his title.

Those competing for the title are John Marcus, also known as “Ras Marcus”; Kenroy Fraser; Diana Chapman; Pearl Lewis, also known as “Precious Pearl”; Tshanna Cort; Wendell Walcott, also known as “Mighty Hunter”; Roger Hinds, also known as “Young Bill Rogers”; Lassel Duke, also known as “The Mighty Duke”; Dawn Edwards, also known as “Lady D”; and Manoel Ferriera, also known as “King Perai”.

Those to look out for are former calypso kings, Young Bill Rogers and King Perai as well Diana Chapman out of the mining town. Junior Calypso Monarch Tshanna Cort is also hoping to get the nod from the judges as she is the youngest competitor in the business.

The senior men and women will be vying for $2 million in cash prizes at Demerara Park, Georgetown. The action gets underway at 20:00h and everyone will be admitted free.

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friday, FEBRUARY 17, 2017

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fter weeks of intense training, the six beauties vying for the title of Miss Mash Queen Guyana 2017 will now battle on the stage of the National Cultural Centre on Sunday evening.

The delegates are Ashanti Jasper, Aquaila Rupan, Keleisha Kelly, Younette Stepheny, Romichelle Brumell and Gabriella Chapman.

Come Sunday evening, the delegates will participate in an opening fanfare but this will be followed by heated competition in the introduction, talent, swimwear, evening gown and onstage interview segments.

Tickets for the pageant will cost $3000, $2000 and $1000 and are available at the National Cultural Centre. This pageant has returned after several years under the management of Simpli Royal.

Romichelle Brumell

Ashanti Gasper

Younette Stepheny

Aqualia Rupan

14 to compete for Chutney Monarch

Gabriella Chapman

for Aracari on Feb 23

in Berbice on Saturday

F

ourteen chutney artistes will take to the stage on Saturday evening to compete for the title of Guyana Chutney Monarch 2017 but reigning King, Bunty Singh, is expected to regain the coveted title.

The event is set to sing off at 20:00h at the Rose Hall Canje Ground, Berbice. The 14 contestants will clash for supremacy and will definitely showcase their vocals and lyrics.

The line-up includes King Solo, Ameer Baksh, Sheldon Lyken, Vicadi Singh, Shevon Singh, Roger Hinds, Balika Seenaraine, Vanita Willie,

Some of the artistes

Aamir Khan, Steven Raphael, Amanda Heeralall and Dennis Tatpaul, along with NY-based Marissa Deodat.

The singers will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra Band, with its lead keyboardist Avinash Roopchan.

This year the competitors are drawn from Essequibo, Berbice, Georgetown and New York.

Their songs are original compositions and the artistes are all ready to hit the stage on Saturday evening after weeks of rehearsals. Some of the entries this year are focused on relationships and

Janiel Cumberbatch

“Mash Washdown Dinner and Big Truck Fete”

A

s Guyana gets caught up in the frenzied festivity of Mashramani 2017, the Aracari Resort located at Lot 160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara, will certainly not be left out.

Come February 23, 2017, the resort is hosting its much anticipated dinner fiesta and “Mash Big Truck Fete”. This event will include an “After Mash Dinner”, which will be held in an air-conditioned Banquet Hall and served from 20:00h up until 23:00h.

Persons who wish to enjoy the dinner experience alone can pay $5000 per couple and enjoy the delicious meals. This fee will also allow free access to the Big Truck “After Mash Pool Fete”. Persons can take things a notch higher and access a much more exciting package, that includes a Luxury Deluxe Room , free breakfast, dinner and free admittance to the “Big Truck Fete” for only $15,000.

Interested persons are urged to call telephone numbers 264-2946-8 or 6031893 for more information or to book reservations.

Reigning Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh

Indian weddings while once rendition is about revival of traditional chutney. One entry also talks about a secret admirer.

friDAY, february 17, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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akin’ Style by Sonia Noel will be hosting a ‘Pop Up Shop’ for ? the Mash season – an opportunity for local designers to showcase and sell their beautiful products for men and women.

The “Pop Up Shop” will be held at the Court Yard Mall from February 16 to 18 and February 22 to 25. ?Makin’ Style Boutique seeks to position its designers, not only to increase their visibility but to promote the enormous economic potential of the local fashion industry. Ultimately, this venture seeks to elevate the status of the fashion industry.

Some of the designers expected to participate are Sonia Noel; Deborah Mathias;

19

Meleesa Payne; Indigenous designer Vanda Allicock; and Shonta Noel,? who is under the label crafted by Chey.?

Patron will be able to buy off the rack or have custom made designs. In addition, patrons can purchase that unique bag and matching jewellery.

“We are building a fashion industry and it is very expensive to operate an individual shop space so I am happy to provide that outlet for local fashion to generate sales,” Noel said.

A wide range of exclusive designs from swimsuit to evening dresses will be on display. Special attires suitable for the Mashramani celebration for men and women will also be available.

Guyanese are encouraged to support all things local and make an effort to add some local designs to your wardrobe or buy as gifts for your family and friend in the Diaspora.

“White Shorts: Soca Glow Party” for this Saturday at Dutch Bottle Café

T

he Majek Fingers Drumming School will host its first drumming educational workshop scheduled for Sunday, February 26, at the National Dance Company, National Park, Georgetown.

This workshop will feature Master Drummer Mark Sirous as the drumming instructor.

The workshop will be based on inspiring and educating 20 drummers about basic techniques of drumming, hand patterns, rhythms, and the history and art of drumming in Guyana.

As the Majek F i n g e r s Drumming School celebrates its 7th anniversary, the organistation sees the workshop as an excellent opportunity to continue promoting culture and art throughout our country. To make their first workshop a dynamic success, cul-

tural groups in Guyana are encouraged to participate.

Orlando Primo, Founder of the Majek Fingers Drumming School which came into being in 2010, set the Drumming School’s mission to provide a culturally focused educational support to the Guyanese music community. He believes that every member of the Majek Fingers’ team understands the role of cultural behaviours and sustainment of musical art.

This understanding permeates every action its members take to promote the art of drumming.

The initiatives in the school’s strategic plan are targeted towards creating a cultural transformation whereby understanding; support and education are the principal focus of everything we do.

The workshop will commence at 15:00h sharp.

T

o warm up for Mashramani 2017, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is set to host its fundraising pre-Mash “White Shorts: Soca Glow Party” this Saturday, February 18, at the Dutch Bottle Café, located at 10 North Road, Georgetown.

Mix Master Tony will keep revellers energised with the best and latest in soca music. The revelries start at 21:00h and partygoers are encouraged to wear their best ‘white shorts’ and come ready to fete the night away as Dutch Bottle is transformed into the perfect Mash celebration.

Limited pre-sold tickets cost $1500 and can be purchased from Oasis Cafe, 125 Carmichael Street; Vintage Wine Bar & Lounge, 218 Lamaha Street; and SASOD’s office, 203 Duncan Street, Lamaha Gardens. Admission at the door is $2000.

All proceeds from this fundraiser go to SASOD’s LGBT Emergency Shelter Fund to provide facilities which facilitate urgent support for LGBT victims of violence in Guyana.

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friDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017

“One Armed Warrior” ready for ‘Nuff Cuff’ Tutorial High squeeze past GCB/DMLAS/MOE/ National Secondary Schools Champions League…

T

he intensity heats up for the Guyana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF)/BrisMac Promotions’ “Nuff Cuff” this Sunday, with the announcement that the President of the Suriname Boxing Association, Remie Burke will be on tour with his contingent.

According to president of the GABF, Steve Ninvalle five boxers will be coming from Guyana’s dutch neighbours and all will have blood in their eyes as they seek to turn the tables.

Team Guyana, who toured Suriname last year will not be a walkover, having shared the spoils of a successful 2016 where they recorded their best showing in regional battle of recent memory including a record setting medal heist at the Caribbean Youth Development Tournament in

T Marlon Leming will try to salvage a win for the Surinamese

Tony Lin will represent Suriname

the Caribbean Youth Development Tournament are all representing the Golden Arrow Head.

Apart from Guyana and Suriname, St. Maarten has already expressed intentions of coming but are yet to confirm while Trinidad and Tobago had expressed a desire to participate but unfortunately due to financial strug-

SBA President Remie Burke

Charlestown Secondary

Barbados.

Adding to that, the likes of the Caribbean middleweight Champion, Desmond “Dynamite” Amsterdam who also went to the Olympic qualifiers, Jason “AK-47” Barker who is the Caribbean super heavyweight champion as well as the Guyana heavyweight champion and Christopher Moore, who won best youth boxer at

gles, pulled out.

Following the conclusion of last season’s boxing, many stakeholders, including Minister with responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and President of the Guyana Olympic Association, KA Juman Yassin have all pledged their full support to the sport as they eye the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in an effort to secure a medal, bearing in mind that Guyana has only secured a medal at the Olympics in boxing. There are 15 matches on card and Admission to the fights is $1,000 for the VIP section and $500 for general admission. The organisers will place a high premium on punctuality and the first bell will be sounded at 20:00h sharp.

utorial High beat Charlestown Secondary by two wickets in a thrilling encounter on Thursday at the Demerara Cricket Club ground in the Georgetown Schools’ District playoffs as part of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Ministry of Education (MOE), National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL) 30-over competition.

Tutorial started off things nicely by winning the toss and without hesitation invited their opposition to take first strike.

Charlestown students only posted an inadequate 86 all out from 22.4 overs while Tutorial High safely reached 87-8 in the 25th over when they responded.

Zian Grey led the way with an aggressive 30 which was punctuated with three sixes and two fours while Eyitawaya Pilgrim scored an unbeaten 8 including the winning run.

Raymond Bandhu claimed two wickets for five runs from two overs and Jamal Michael and Nagusa Walter also claimed two wickets.

Earlier, off-spinners Joel Spooner and Brandon Matthews combined to destroy Charlestown with seven wickets. Spooner finished with impressive figures of 4-11 from 5.4 overs while Matthews snared 3-8 off 6.3 overs.

Qumar Torrington made a top-score of 21 which counted three sixes and 17 from the bat of Tathesh Shivrattan.

In the first match of the play-offs on Tuesday at the same venue, Chase Academic Foundation beat Tutorial High by 53 runs. Chase Academic Foundation will now meet Charlestown on Monday right at DCC.

clears way

IFBB for local bodybuilders

-door reopens for IFBB participation

By Romario Samaroo

A

GABBFF President Keavon Bess

fter much upset in the local bodybuilding community, President of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF), Keavon Bess has assured that the Federation has secured a waiver of the outstanding debts owed to the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB).

Bess related the good news to Guyana Times Sport on Thursday, stating that he “would have been asked by many persons why we could not cover the fees that caused the athletes to miss the competition in Ohio.”

Ever since, the GABBFF took it upon themselves to have the issue sorted out and as a result of their determination to remedy the issue, Bess said “the update is since that last incident an arrangement has been made with the IFBB which is the parent company and we have been able to come to a compromise whereby we can pay the 2017 fee and the athletes can compete at any other IFBB sanctioned competition for 2017.”

He went on to point out that “the registration date for that competition was January 31, so we would not be able to make that registration date.

On the other hand, the GABBFF President informed that while no definite word was given on the complete waiver, “discussions are still in the pipeline to have the entire outstanding sum which is in excess of one million dollars probably almost two to have that sum waived and for us to work from 2017 onwards.”

But nevertheless, the Attorney-At-Law highlighted that it is his view that the IFBB would be seeking a ‘face to face engagement’ in order to have the issue resolved.

However, Bess said it was a sad reality that “the IFBB headquarters is in Madrid, Spain and that is very costly” to visit but another alternative, the council noted that “perhaps when I visit Mexico in September, if reappointed president, I should be able to engage face to face with the persons heading the IFBB and to have the entire sum waived but the feedback thus far from the heads of the IFBB is that they willing to erase the outstanding sum.”

According to the GABBFF President, “I think a large part of that, was our Olympic Association headed by [K.A.] Juman Yassin, would has given a lot of support to the IFBB.” Relating that because of his efforts, “now bodybuilding would be a sport at the next Pan-Am Games.”

He compared the issue to what is called “a hand wash hand basically operation” as he added “ much thanks to Mr. Yassin for establishing that relationship and I am almost certain we would get that sum waived.”

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Marlon Samuels allowed to bowl again T

he International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, announced that following remedial work and reassessment, the bowling action of West Indies player Marlon Samuels has been found to be legal, and the player can now resume bowling in international cricket.

On 29 January, Samuels underwent a reassessment of his bowling action at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough where it was revealed that the amount of elbow extension for all his off-spin deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

The umpires are still at liberty to report Samuels if they believe he is displaying a suspect action and not reproducing the legal action from the reassessment. To assist the umpires, they will be provided with images and video footage of the bowler’s remodeled legal bowling action.

If Samuels is reported again, he will be required to undertake further analysis of his bowling action at an ICC accredited testing centre.

Samuels was last reported during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka (19 October 2015) and was subsequently suspended for 12 months in December 2015 after an independent assessment revealed he had employed an illegal bowling action for the second time in 24 months.

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

“Adverse weather affected our preparations”- Drubahadur

friDAY, february 17, 2017

Bhaskar Yadram

By Ravi Madholall

P

resident of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur acknowledged that the Guyana Jaguars’ poor performances in the current Super50 were mainly due to the adverse weather that affected the team’s preparations prior to the tournament.

Guyana Jaguars were eliminated at the preliminary round after only winning four out of their eight scheduled matches

consequently failing to qualify for the semis.

According to the GCB topman, the annual Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) Jaguars 50-over League tournament which was set for late December last year to mid-January was supposed to give the national selectors a good look at the core of players to form the Super50 squad.

However, due to the rainy period during the aforementioned time, the competition was put on hold.

“The rain wasn’t kind to us in 2016 and earlier this year and the competition we were planning to use to name our team was badly affected so I think that may have contributed to our early exit,” Drubahadur explained to the media at the headquarters of the Guyana Cricket Board, Regent road on Thursday.

Notwithstanding that, Drubahadur also commented that they will have to move forward in 2017 and expressed optimism that the team can do well in future tournament.

“Unfortunately, the weather was bad and as Guyanese we would have loved to see our country coming back with the trophy but we have got move forward now,” he mentioned.

In Group B, Guyana Jaguars were beaten twice each by their arch-rivals Barbados Pride and Jamaica Scorpions in compre-

Drubahadur hensive fashions much to the consternation of Guyanese fans.

The Jaguars’ victories came against less-fancied International Cricket Council (ICC) Americas and Combined, Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners.

“Obviously, we [are] disappointed because we didn’t make it to the semi-finals but I knew the guys tried well in Barbados because they know the conditions and players, but again we have got to move forward,” Drubahadur related.

Quizzed on if changes are of utmost importance at this time, Drubahadur replied by stating that these were the basically the best set of players.

“Having seen the technical people saying that there were

several dropped catches and other things and that definitely would have also contributed for the poor performances but as I said we have to move forward and try to progress next time,” Drubahadur declared.

He spoke highly of young promising players like Kemo Paul and Bhaskar Yadram, both of whom represented the West Indies Under-19 team in the same competition.

The junior Caribbean team featured in Group A alongside defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes and English County team Kent Spitfires.

Only Hurricanes and Red Force made it to the other stage.

Guyana was last crowned with a regional one-day trophy in 2005 under the captaincy of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who came out as the second best Guyana Jaguars batsman.

The veteran left-handed Chanderpaul scored 199 runs from six matches with the best average of 66.33 while skipper Leon Johnson finished with 243 runs from his eight appearances and Franchise player Raymon Reifer proved his all-round capability by making 189 runs and claiming 16 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.89 from eight matches.

Raymon Reifer

A n o t h e r fast-bowler Ronsford Beaton picked up 14 wickets from his seven matches while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Peramul bagged 12 victims from his eight outings to be among the Guyanese top players.

FIFA Director Essequibo on developmental visit to Guyana bundled out for 15

GCB/Senior Female Inter-County

A

FIFA Director Mosengo-Omba in discussion with Minister Nicolette Henry in the presence of GFF and Ministry officials

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IFA Director of Member Associations & Development for Africa and the Caribbean, Véron Mosengo-Omba, arrived in Guyana on Thursday as part of a two-day visit to support the work of the Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF) and to encourage the Government of Guyana (GoG) to help with the development of football. This is according to a press release from the local football body.

Mosengo-Omba, GFF President Wayne Forde and GFF First Vice President (Ret.) Bruce Lovell met with Minister within the Ministry of Education – Department of Sport Nicolette Henry to update her on the GFF’s plans to invest in football infrastructure and youth development, including the FIFA Forward Project and the possibility of a nationwide schools’ initiative for football. “It was a very productive meeting and the Minister was very attentive,” MosengoOmba said. “There was a lot of good will to work together for the youths of this coun-

try. It’s important for us to strengthen the relationships between governments, our Member Associations and FIFA. Minister Henry said she was keen on the three organizations joining forces to strengthen football in the region. “Lots of the initiatives discussed here are very feasible things that we can get done,” Henry said. “It looks very promising for us and we see the opportunity to collaborate – government, FIFA and the GFF – particularly the opportunity to do the schools initiative through this stakeholder engagement.”

“I’m also really excited about the football stadium at Providence, and the government would like to give as much support as it can for that initiative.”

The meeting, which was held at the Minister’s office on Main Street, saw Mosengo-Omba presenting a signed Adidas football to the Minister and, in return, she presented a ‘Guyana At 50” magazine.

totally one sided affair at the Everest Cricket Club, Camp road on Thursday left those in attendance stunned as Essequibo were displaced for a mere 15 runs in the Guyana Cricket Board’s Senior Female Inter-County match.

Playing against a strong Berbice team, it was the West Indies duo, Erva Giddings and Tremayne Smartt who outfoxed the Essequibo batters, taking a combined figure of 8-12 after Essequibo won the toss and elected to field.

Giddings bagged a five wicket haul for just nine runs while Smartt returned 3-6 as the Essequibo women could only manage to stay at the crease for a total of 37 deliveries to lose the match by an enormous 278 run margin.

Charlene Fredericks was the only batter for Essequibo who did not take her mark at the crease due to an injury suffered during the Berbice innings.

Berbice batted first on the track, posting an imposing 293-4, batting out the full quota of 50 overs. Estel Lewis (1-36) and Althea Newark (1-37) were the leading Essequibo bowlers against the Berbicians who worked the gaps beautifully and picked up the odd boundaries as well on the big outfield.

Player-of-the-match, Melanie Henry stroked an even 50 and was supported by Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond with 48 and 47 respectively.

Player of the Match Melanie Henry receiving her award from former West Indies Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul at the Everest Cricket Club Ground

Essequibo will be looking to change their fortunes when they take on hosts Demerara when the tournament resumes on Saturday at the same venue while the final is set for Sunday between Demerara and Berbice at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

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friDAY, febRuary 17, 2017

23

Caricom to keep pushing for restructuring ofWest Indies

By Akeem Greene

T

he troubles that plague West Indies Cricket are by no means are being ignored by CARICOM as on Thursday, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves expressed his firm belief that the regional body must continue to push for the restructuring of West Indies Cricket.

“It is a work in progress, we have to really to push for the continued restructuring of West Indies Cricket to enhance its democratization and to make sure it is sufficiently reflective of the public,” the Prime Minister stated while speaking to the media at the 28th CARICOM Intersessional meeting at the Guyana Marriott International Hotel on Thursday.

Just days ago, CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has stated that the indiscretions of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) are still on the radar of the regional body. Likewise, Dr. Gonsalves felt that though the WICB is a private institution, the hope that discussions at this conference can help derive a plan of action to deal with those indiscretions.

He explained, “This is a public good that is cricket which is being run by a private entity, these are matters which are litigated in India and certain conclusions have been arrived at and we have to address this with greater urgency and I’m hoping that sometime during this meeting we can get some further discussions on this matter.”

At the last the heads of government meeting, Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell had stated, “We’re looking at legal options on the basis that cricket is a public good run by a private institution.”

The Grenadian was questioned on the progress of that legal analysis and stated that he is optimistic of the results

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

he has received thus far.

“We have legal optimism and they have to properly filtered; they are two legal opinions which have come to CARICOM as to how we can move forward,” he revealed.

Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash…

Joseph, Fernandes cruise to victories, Pollard dropped

I

n the Open category Nyron Joseph and Taylor Fernandes hardly had to break a sweat, as they comfortably won their matches in the customary Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts on Wednesday evening.

Joseph (-22) had a straight set victory against Jonathan Antczak (+7) 15–13, 15-13, however, former national champion and top ranked player Regan Pollard (-14) was the first main casualty of the event when he was up-

set by Stephen Persaud 15–1, 15–11.

Fernandes (+4) then cruised to victory against Gabriella Xavier (+12) 15–9, 15–12 while Alex Cheeks (+3) defeated Sarah Lewis (+10) 15-11, 15-7. Veteran player Denis Dias (+10) used all of his experience to overcome Ryan Rahaman (+7) in three games 8–15, 15–11, 15-5.

In category A, Gianni Carpenter (-6) disposed of Rayden Persaud (+13) 16–14, 16-14 while Mikhail Persaud (+10) had to overcome a valiant effort by Joshua Verway

(+13) before winning 15–7, 1512. Paige Fernandes (+8) defeated Grant Fernandes (+13) 15–14, 15-13.

Results of the other matches played on the evening are as follows:

Open category

Javid Rahaman (+5) beat Douglas De Groot (+7) 13–15, 15–9, 15–9 Medhi Ramdhani (+7) defeated Robin Low (+10) 15–9, 15–11 Narendra Singh (+10) defeated David Fernandes (+10) 15–6, 15–4

In July 2016, CARICOM reaffirmed its resolve to dissolve the WICB and said it would soon create another Prime Ministerial sub-committee that would have a wider say on cricket in the Caribbean.

A CARICOM cricket review panel had made the recommendation to dissolve the WICB in November 2015, in a report that termed the board’s governance structure as “antiquated,” “obsolete” and “anachronistic.”

Added, the constant spats between players and the board, the on field performance has been utterly disappointing.

In Tests, they are currently ranked in eighth-place just ahead of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Since 2009 across four captains, the regional side has played 57 Tests, losing 29, drawing 15 and winning just 13.

Judging by the numbers, in the One Day International (ODI), the regional side seem to struggle even more since across six different captains from the said time line, they have lost 57 of the 89 ODIs played while coming out victorious in only 28. Three were tied and one ended as a no result. The year 2016 returned some glory with the team winning their second Men’s World T20 title, the Women, winning their first and the Under-19s winning their maiden World Cup title, there is a long road ahead for the revival of West Indies cricket.

Guinness Greatest of the Streets West Dem/East Bank Zone…

4 teams, 1 title

- finals on tonight at Pouderoyen

Deje Dias (-2) defeated Tony Farnum (+11) 17–16, 15–14 Daniel Islam (+3) beat Joe Mekdeci (+4) 15–10, 15–7 Jonathan De Groot (+11) beat Juanita Fernandes (+13) 15–4, 15–10 Adam Alves (+7) defeated Patrick Fraser (+5) 15–9, 15–8 Theron Mohabeer (+7) defeated Andrea King (+10) 15– 13, 15-13 Matches continue in both of the categories this evening from 18:00h.

LABA/Hamid Foundation Under-23 Basketball…

Bulls favoured against Pistons at MSC tonight U

cricket

n-ranked Christianburg Pistons will make their second game entrance against the number one ranked Half Mile Bulls in the first game of tonight's double header card which starts at 18:30h and the second at 20:30h is between the second and third ranked clubs Amelia's Ward jets and Victory Valley Royals in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) / Hamid Foundation Under 23 basketball championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

The Bulls will again be armed with national shooting guard Terron Welch who nailed 31 points to open their defense of the championship which they last won in 2015 when it was last played. He was the Most Valuable Player on that occasion.

Not showing any rust from that last outing Welch is expected to carry the heavy scoring load and with Keifer Tappin and Tahquille Johnson they could prove too strong for this Christianburg side. But the Pistons should put in a better performance even if it is against this strong Bulls side.

The second game is one that will help to determine the real ratings of this competition. The Royals were placed at second but the records who that they ended third in the last competition and should have not gained that nudge ahead of the Jets who lost in the final against the Bulls.

But the seeding did not impact on the group placing as they are rightly placed in Group B where Kwakwani has proved to be a huge factor in which teams will move to the semifinals after the round robin games.

The Royals lost their match against the Kwakwani 55-25 and must be at their best to beat the Jets who began with a good win against Bankers Trust Falcons 57-46. The Royals best shoots were Yannick Tappin with 11 points in that game but Daniel Lee who got six points and Oneil Gentle will have to step up to bring them victory.

The Jets are depending on Akini Wilson who hit in 24 points in that win over the Falcons and had solid support from Vibert Benjamin with 17 and Travis Archer got eight.

So this game could be one to help determine among the three stronger clubs in this group, which are likely to get into the final four. The Royals can ill afford another loss and the Jets could tighten their grip on moving forward with another win.

On Sunday the Kwakwani side is expected to continue their campaign when they face the Jets in the second game, but that will be preceded by the clash between Raiders and Flames.

It was fierce competition all evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac in the quarter finals on Wednesday and tonight should be no different

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our teams remain in the 2017 Guinness Greatest of the Streets West Demerara / East Bank Zone and will battle in the semi-finals in a bid to the reach the finals tonight at the Pouderoyen tarmac.

In the first semi-final, ESPN clashes with Hustlers then defending champions Showstoppers will play the Money Team.

In Wednesday’s quarter-final rounds, ESPN were locked in a goalless draw with Agricola but won 2-0 on penalty kicks.

Hustlers match also had to be decided from the spot after they drew 1-1 with Goal Getters, as Deon Charter but the Hustlers ahead in the 14th but Rolex Smith equalized in the 28th; Hustlers won 3-2 on penalty kicks.

Defending champions, Show Stoppers were made to work for their spot as their appetite for goal was quelled by Brother United with neither producing a conversion before regulation time. After the match went to the spot kicks, the champs won 2-1 to keep their show going.

Similarly, Money Team won 2-1 on penalty kicks after they drew with Tajoe's Admiral United 0-0.

Tonight, the top teams are competing for a first place prize of $450,000 with second place to fourth, receiving $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017

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

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Pg 23

Caricom to keep pushing for restructuring of West Indies cricket

CWI Regional Super50 2017

Pride turn back Hurricanes to reach final - set up clash with potent Scorpions

Shai Hope hits out during his match-winning innings for Barbados Pride against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Coolidge on Thursday. Scores: Pride 317/7 (50) (S Hope 125, K Brathwaite 54; R Cornwall 2-53) beat Hurricanes 204 all out (47.3) (M Hodge 63, R Cornwall 30; A Nurse 3-37) by 110 runs

FIFA Director on developmental visit to Guyana Pg 22

FIFA Director Véron Mosengo-Omba exchanges tokens with Minister Nicolette Henry (centre) in the presence of GFF President Wayne Forde (right) and First Vice President Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell at the Department of Sport on Main Street

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