Guyana Times

Gafoors to rebuild employee’s home destroyed by fire P 14

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Issue No. 2868

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, May 27, 2016

Vibrant sprits, high zeal profuse as thousands join Independence Day parade Page 11

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Narcotics P8 trafficking accused to stand trial in High Court

Breached Mahaicony Dam

Unfilled breaches P9 causing flooding again

RK guards confess P8 to staged robbery Govt yet to sign contract for Specialty Hospital P9

Independence Energy: In this composite photo: The Amazon Warriors contingent along with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 rallying down the streets of Georgetown during Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary parade on Wednesday

1 dead, several injured in East Bank Demerara accident Page 7

President Granger confers Order of Roraima on Barbados’ PM Page 2

Scrap metal export ban to be lifted – source P5

2 NEWS President Granger confers Order of Roraima on Barbados’ PM P FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

resident David Granger conferred Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart with the insignia of the Order of Roraima, Guyana’s second highest National Award on Thursday. The investiture ceremony was held at State House.

The Prime Minister was bestowed with this honour in recognition of his support for the rights of Small Island and Low Coastal Developing States, his advocacy for Caribbean Community’s demand for reparations for the citizens of the Caribbean Region and his contribution to the reduction of the impact of climate change in the Region.

President Granger in his remarks said the Prime Minister also distinguished himself as, “a doughty defender of the territorial integrity of Guyana and Belize and the maritime space of all

Caribbean states.”

He explained that both Guyana and Barbados gained their Independence from Britain in 1966. Barbados will be celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary in November. Additionally, the two states’ Prime Ministers, Forbes Burnham and Errol Barrow, were among the four ‘founding fathers’, who signed the Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community in Chaguaramas in 1973.

The Guyanese Head of State said Prime Minister Stuart is known for combining his country’s legendary leadership in regionalism with the international activism necessitated by the changing circumstances of the 21st century Caribbean.

“We applaud Prime Minister Stuart’s leadership and stewardship. We commend him for his commitment to the Caribbean Community,” President Granger said.

President David Granger conferring on Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart Guyana’s second highest national award, The Order of Roraima

Meanwhile Prime Minister Stuart said he receives this honour with much gratitude and humility: “It is an important moment for me. I have been a follower of Guyana for many, many years. I’ve been influenced quite a lot by what is happening in Guyana over the years.

I was a great admirer of the late President of Guyana, Forbes Burnham and therefore to have been the recipient of this award this morning is a real humbling but delightful experience,” he said.

Speaking about bilateral and trade relations be-

tween the two countries, the Prime Minister said concerted efforts are being made by both nations to improve and strengthen the GuyanaBarbados Joint Commission.

He said both countries can learn much from each other, noting that Barbados as a leader in tourism in the Region, stands ready to assist Guyana to further develop its own tourism industry.

On the other hand, the business community in Barbados can benefit from significant investment opportunities in Guyana.

“We think that it is important that opportunities for deeper collaboration be fully exploited between the two countries. So tradewise and otherwise, we are deepening the relationship… this relationship is going to get stronger and stronger,” he predicted.

Prime Minister Stuart is the holder of Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a

Bachelor of Law degree with honours, a Master of Laws degree in Public International Law and is the holder of a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

He became a member of parliament in 2008 and served as Attorney General, Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister until his appointment as Prime Minister in 2010.

Also present at the investiture ceremony were Cabinet members, Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, Advisor on the Council of Ministers of Suriname, Ambassador Harvey Narendorff and the diplomatic corps.

Last evening at the 50th Independence Anniversary flag-raising ceremony at D’Urban Park the Government announced the list of outstanding Guyanese to be conferred with National Awards this year.

Female Palms’ Independence treat ...“This is all a part of sharing the love and spirit of independence” – First Lady

The First Lady presenting a duster to a female resident at the Palms Geriatric Home

I

n observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, First Lady Sandra Granger involved in the joint initiative by the Ministry of Social Protection and the Women Across Differences (WAD) group, visited female members at the Palms Generic Home.

According to the press release, the First Lady and Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, made a contribution of 96 sets of bed linens and dusters for the women of the home on Wednesday, after having treated them to a special spa session of manicures, pedicures and hairdos on Monday.

“This is all part of sharing the love and spirit of Independence, it is also an inter-generational activity because the girls from WAD were able to meet with seniors they might not have met in their ordinary lives and I think they had a good time,” said the First Lady.

In the release, Lawrence highlighted that the move to treat and pamper the women of the Palms was conceived

with the intention of bringing joy and remembering the less privileged during the celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, adding that there is hope for a similar initiative to be conducted on Fathers’ Day for the male residents there.

“We are celebrating and in order to celebrate you have to prepare and this is just one of the ventures that we have partnered with NGOs and other organizations to ensure we bring cheer to the persons whom we are given the permission to care for,” the Minister of Social Protection voiced.

Meanwhile, in a speech of appreciation, representative of WAD, Ann Greene said: “We give thanks to the First Lady for this initiative and we at Women Across Differences will continue to work with her. It was a very good experience with the girls. The girls got to speak with the women about what was going on in 1966. I think it was very encouraging. They enjoyed interacting with the ladies and all the ladies were very accommodating to the girls.”

news

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friDAY, may 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Still no explanation from Govt

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 27 – 08:30h-10:00h and Saturday, May 28 – 09:30h-11:00h.

– MPs vent on social media

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 27 – 07:35h-09:05h and Saturday, May 28 – 08:35h-10:05h.

A

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:57h and 20:35h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.37 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:29h and 14:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.72 metre respectively.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS E 01 05 12 14 24 26 28 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

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Mistreatment of Opposition at flag raising ceremony

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lmost 24 hours after they were left to stand embarrassingly at the flag-raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary Wednesday night, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are yet to receive an explanation from the Minister responsible for staging the event, Nicolette Henry.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, when contacted on Thursday, said his party has received no response from Henry or any other government official on the issue.

Wednesday night opposition MPs walked out of D’Urban Park after they turned up and found that the promised seating arrangements were not available.

Jagdeo told Guyana Times his Party had signalled its intention of attending the event, since it wanted to participate in the activities to mark the country’s significant milestone. He said contact was also made with Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who had responsibility for the event, concerning the seating arrangement. He said assurance was given that this was taken care of. In fact, he said she related that there were some 1000 VIP seats.

Jagdeo said while himself and a few other senior members of the Party were seat-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo expressing his displeasure on Wednesday night at D'Urban Park

ed, the majority of party members were left standing, while other persons, many of whom were dressed inappropriately, passed by and were allowed seats.

He said he asked Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams to address the matter and warned that if it was not, then he would be left with no choice but to leave in solidarity with his colleagues who were left unseated. The group left some 45 minutes after arriving Meanwhile, several MPs took to social media to vent over the situation.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said, “they may deny us seats at the Flag Raising Ceremony. They may refuse to recognize but cannot deny the role which Cheddie Jagan and many other leaders of PPP played in the struggle for Independence from 19431966. Not only did we play a leading part in that struggle,

but the 23 years (out of 50), after independence, that is from 1992-2015, that we governed this country were the best period of our country’s developmental trajectory. It’s too much to recite here but even detractors, if they want to be credible, will agree.

Member of Parliament Priya Manickchand said, “unfortunately, when we got to the event, happy to be there with feelings of deep patriotic pride, the Govt provided no seats for the opposition MPs except for five seats given to the Leader of the Opposition, Sam Hinds and three other MPs. While the rest of us were standing there in the passageway for no less than 25 minutes.”

The MP went on to say that, “this shameless and infantile” behaviour was designed to embarrass the Opposition and is unacceptable as it is petty, disrespectful and destructive. “Hey, Executive. You can’t stop us. We are elected

office holders. We represent hundreds of thousands of persons. We celebrate Guyana’s Independence,” Manickchand added.

Also venting disappointment was former Housing Minister and now shadow Finance Minister Irfaan Ali: “The talk of unity and coming together was all fluff. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected the Government to stoop to this level of disregard and disrespect for the opposition. Despite assuring the opposition that accommodation would be made for Opposition MPs this was not the case. On arrival at the Jubilee Park we were shocked to learn that neither seats nor accommodation was made for us. After standing for almost 30 minutes waiting to be seated whilst numerous persons were seated, the humiliation was enough and as a team we left... The former Presidents and General Secretary left with the MPs in solidarity.

This is the unity the President alluded to” Meanwhile, former President Donald Ramotar who also attended the flag raising ceremony and was seated said that he also walked out of the proceedings in support of his colleagues when he heard about the incident, .

Efforts to contact Minister Henry on the issue proved futile.

Teixeira grills Bulkan on donations for water works in Region 9

O

pposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira grilled Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan on donations from contractors for water projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) at Tuesday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

Teixeira wanted Bulkan to confirm to the House whether the $8 million solicited as donations from contractors in the water sector for projects in Region 9 was entered into the accounts of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) as revenue or into a special projects fund in the Ministry or GWI, or whether it was submitted to Consolidated Fund.

The Opposition Chief Whip also wanted to know whether receipts were issued to donors for their contribution and if any preferential treatment will be given to those who contributed. In response Minister Bulkan clarified that the sum in question is not $8 million but rather $6.2 million. He noted that the money was entered into the accounts of GWI as a Special Projects Fund.

Moreover, he confirmed that receipts were issued to the donors and noted that no preferential treatment will be given.

However, Teixeira explained that the Chronicle newspaper reported the GWI chief executive officer quoting the figure as $8 million, as such she asked the Minister to clarify the discrepancy in the figures, to which

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

he responded that the $8 million was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine and the contractor that was commissioned to drill the wells in Rupununi.

Furthermore, Bulkan posited that contrary to the Opposition Member’s notion, no contractors were summoned to contribute; in fact, he noted they were all voluntary donations. “(The donations) were offered by contractors who were

responding to the blistering thirst that had engulfed the region as a result of El Niño.

These donations were not for pipelines, they were for the drilling of wells in eight villages in the Rupununi,” the Minister of Communities stated.

Moreover, Bulkan stated that cheques for refunds of the donations were subsequently for distribution to the voluntary donors.

Back in April, this newspaper had reported that contractors were threatened into making donations to GWI. However, head of GWI Dr Richard Van West-Charles, denied these allegations, saying that while donations were solicited from contractors to drill additional wells in the Rupununi, no one was forced, threatened or coerced into contributing.

He had explained to report-

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

ers at a press conference at the time that due to dry weather, more wells were needed in the region and in order to raise funds, he appealed to contractors attached to GWI, other businesses and citizens as well, to make donations to the project if they were in a position to do so.

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

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Editorial

A missed opportunity

W

hat was expected to be a historical event at the D’Urban Park arena where the Government and Opposition would have sat side by side to celebrate Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary turned out to be a huge blunder and embarrassment for the Administration.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was no doubt insulted and disrespected when they, just like other Guyanese, committed to patriotism, put politics aside and joined the Government in celebrating the country’s significant milestone.

Rather than being welcomed for this act of partnership, the country’s Opposition were given a cold shoulder and left standing, with no proper accommodation for them at the country’s premier event. This act defies all calls of unity and social cohesion. As a matter of fact, the illmannered act comes 24 hours after Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in his address to the National Assembly said Guyanese need to work together in order for the country to truly prosper.

In his speech, the Opposition Leader also pointed out that the Party wants the country’s people to live together in harmony and not be divided by history and by current circumstances.

More importantly, the Opposition Leader said that “regardless of the robust debates that we have; regardless of the numerous encounters we have wherever we go in the streets or on television or in the debates, we are all children of this soil. We all share its history.”

The sincerity of this speech was demonstrated when Jagdeo and his MPs turned up at D’Uban Park on Wednesday night. However, this act by the Government now raises the question of their genuineness when calls are made for unity and social cohesion. The President on numerous occasions outlined that the country’s future depends on deeper social cohesion and political inclusiveness.

Only recently in his address to the National Assembly, the Head of State said, “Social cohesion is about fostering greater integration in our nation. Integration can increase a sense of belonging. It can give recognition to all groups and to allow them to freely practice their culture… Our nation’s future stability depends, also, on wider political inclusiveness...”

As a matter of fact, no other than the Head of State himself, in his independence message to the nation said that the country has made headway in uniting its people.

To give lip service to such an important issue in a delicate nation, by all means should be rejected by Guyanese.

The political Opposition’s acceptance of the invitation to participate in the events at D’Urban Park demonstrates maturity and seriousness towards inclusiveness as Guyana moves forward. However, to leave the Opposition standing at such an event sends a message of pure disregard and disparage.

The President should launch an immediate investigation into such humiliation especially given the fact that the Opposition Leader spoke to the Attorney General and Minister responsible for culture about the concerns of the PPP/C MPs being seated.

Both Ministers should be held accountable for the utter disrespect since although requesting an intervention, the concerns aired by the Opposition Leader fell on deaf ears.

It can be recalled that at past independence celebrations that were held at the National Park, the VIP sections were reserved for all MPs, diplomats and special invitees.

Such uncouth behaviour was not extended by the previous Administration and the President should not condone it either. As a matter of fact, a public apology should be extended to the People’s Progressive Party and the President should reprimand those responsible for such callous, irresponsible and destructive behaviour extended to the political Opposition.

Independence energy: The Guyana Amazon Warriors large contingent at D’Urban Park on Thursday participated in the float parade to celebrate Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary

Unity and social cohesion Dear Editor, 50 years on and those that seek to divide the people through political means continue to win victories, the failure to allocate seating to the PPP Members of Parliament is not an isolated act or accident of planning, it was a well calculated move designed to elicit knee-jerk reactions from both sides of the political divide. It was an inexcusable act of sabotage

against our Nation.

Our President has done a good job of appealing for unity and social cohesion, his sincerity is now under serious question and his future actions will be regarded with askance as all else he has planned fails.

Social Cohesion is undoubtedly needed and must be given serious attention. The current Minister of Social Cohesion must re-

sign over her failure at the most basic of tasks. I would humbly suggest that the President consider the appointment of a younger person with greater inter-personal skills, serious intellect, integrity, unbridled energy and unquestionable cohesive credentials.

Attorney James Bond would suit this portfolio and I have no doubt the appointment of someone such as

Bond would be well received by all sides of the political coin and more importantly, the people of Guyana who yearn to live in a less divisive country.

The Golden Arrowhead waves magnificently, her colours vibrant for all to see, dear President; it is time for us to see yours.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

GPSU responds to President’s ‘lazy man pay’ comment Dear Editor, The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) notes with a mixture of puzzlement and surprise, the comments attributed to His Excellency, the President, and seemingly directed to public servants which states in part that “If they want to be lazy, they will get a lazy person’s remuneration.”

The GPSU is a firm believer in the principle that reward, in whatever field of endeavour, should be associated with effort.

We hasten to add that with regard to public ser-

vants as a whole, this category of workers is richly deserving of far greater reward than they receive at this time.

We humbly submit too that the phenomenon of unequal effort among various workers is not unique to the public service. Indeed, it has been our experience that that deficiency is also to be found in other critical areas of public service where the transgression never seems to attract threats of remuneration commensurate with effort.

The point should be

made, too, that what in the instance of the public service, might be construed as laziness may well, in effect, and insofar as it exists, be consequences of a protracted experience of being under-resourced and inadequately incentivised.

Indeed, we believe that some of the findings of the recently concluded report of the Commission of Inquiry into the public service bear out our position.

Nor can the Union pretend to be unaware of the nexus between the timing of His Excellency’s com-

ment and what, we hope, is the imminent announcement of a date for the commencement of negotiations on wages and salaries.

Indeed, we hasten to express the hope that while that may not be the substantive intention, His Excellency’s comments do not, inadvertently, serve to guide or prejudice the focus and direction of the forthcoming engagement on wages and salaries.

Sincerely, GPSU Public Relations

Region 2 residents want undesirable vendors relocated Dear Editor, Residents of Charity, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) would like to state that since the conclusion of the Local Government Elections, we have not seen or heard anything from Neighbourhood Democratic Council officials who have to look into issues confronting us.

Our area is polluted with

stink and stagnant water.

Garbage which consists of plastic, broken bottles, paper, plastic bags, cardboards and boxes etc, line the roads and trenches.

There are vendors who squat illegally and build unsightly stalls over the said trench which is very unhealthy, since it is impossible to get around to clear.

Sooner rather than lat-

er, a serious epidemic may erupt which will affect residents in the area. Eighty per cent of the vendors are from far off villages that are undesirable and make themselves a nuisance in front of business places and private properties.

We are appealing to Central Government and the relevant authorities to remove these vendors to

the vending mall specifically built for them to ply their trade.

This mall cost the Government over $30 million. We need some uniformity. We may have a township very soon since it is a port of entry.

We thank you.

Sincerely, Concerned residents

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

“We must protect the gains Scrap metal export ban to of independence”– Harmon be lifted even though no tells Region 3 residents improvements made — source

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon, called on residents of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences and work together as one in order to protect the gains of past generations of Guyanese, who sacrificed their lives for Guyana’s Independence.

The Minister was at the time delivering remarks at a flag raising ceremony on Wednesday organised by the Regional Administration of Region Three held at the Synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

“Where we are today is a result of the hard work done by all of the governments that we have had since Independence. I make no distinction here because we believe that every government, every politician and every individual had a role to play in making us who we are and allowing us to be where we are today,” he said.

The Minister said that

Minister of State Joseph Harmon delivered remarks at the flag raising ceremony in Region Three

50 years ago when Guyana achieved Independence from Britain, it was in a state of crisis with poor and in some cases, non-existent roads, schools and other vital infrastructure. He said that today some of those challenges still persist but assured that the Coalition Government stands committed to providing the kind of leadership that is required to make the country a better place for future generations.

“We can fix these problems if we work together as

one people. National unity is [an] imperative… If we work together our destiny will be a strong one,” Minister Harmon said.

He also spoke of the Administration’s policy of ensuring that Guyana becomes an education nation. He said that education moves a nation from poverty to prosperity and said that, “we are going to create the conditions in this country that would make you want to remain here to work and live and those who would have migrated would want to return home.”

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber also spoke of the struggle for Independence and said that it is an extremely great achievement of which all Guyanese must be proud.

Apart from the flag raising ceremony and military parade done by ranks of the Joint Services stationed in the Region, there was also a packed cultural programme with performances by students from a number of schools in the region.

T

he scrap metal ban, implemented in June of last year is soon to be lifted, according to a reliable source who chooses to remain anonymous.

Scrap metal export was put on pause for one year by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government until the scrap metal industry was improved.

It was expected that better procedures and strategies would be put in place to improve the trade as concerns were raised over the management of the Scrap Metal Unit, the body that monitors the trade.

Additionally, there were complaints of vandalism and theft, as metal thieves were pillaging state and private infrastructures to supply the lucrative trade which had a demand on the international market. Concerns were also raised by metal exporters over the large duties levied on the exportation of scrap metal.

However, government is

moving to lift the ban even though no significant strides have been taken to improve the industry, said the source.

According to reports Guyana Times have received, scrap metal exporters are uncertain whether to proceed with their trade as they have not received any confirmation on the ban, and are hesitant to restart normal work.

According to a source, numerous calls have been made by exporters but no substantial information is being given to them.

This publication was informed that if the ban is lifted, usually exporters would have to pay 100 per cent duty to export and since no progress was made to improve the industry within the year, this will likely remain the same.

This payment would be nearly impossible for the dealers to pay.

However, according to the reliable source, the Business Ministry is seeking to have the exporters export their goods for free until better can be done. This will be done to keep the dealers quiet until procedures are put into place.

This will however result in major losses for government, losses amounting to multimillions.

Further, the Business Ministry along with Ministry of Communities, will be meeting with the Guyana Metal Recyclers’ Association for discussions as to how to proceed.

After that meeting definitive answers are to be given to the exporters as to how they should proceed.

Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations in New York start on June 4

G

u y a n a ’ s 50th Independence C e l e b r a t i o n Committee (New York) has announced final plans for its one week “Guyana Jubilee Celebration NYC” from June 4-12, in the Tri-State area.

This will be the largest celebration outside of Guyana.

The celebration kicks off on Saturday, June 4, at 13:00h with an interfaith service at the York College Performing Arts Theatre, at 94-45 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, Queens. This will be preceded by an intercounty cricket match at 09:30h, at the Idiewild Park Springfield Blvd & 149th Ave, Rosedale, Queens.

A symposium on Guyana’s independence journey is planned for Sunday, June 5, at 09:00h at the York College Large Lecture Theatre, at 94-20 Guy Brewer Blvd, Queens, while on Monday, June 6, there will be an exhibition of Guyanese art from 10:00h at Aljira Centre for Contemporary Art, 591 Broad St, Newark, NJ. The following day, June 7, will see a live radio broadcast from the famous Sybil’s Restaurant at 13217 Liberty Ave, Jamaica, Queens, at 19:00h.

On Wednesday, June 8 – which is Guyanese Volunteer Day – Guyanese medical doctors, nurses and lawyers will provide free medical and legal services at various locations in Brooklyn, Queens and New Jersey.

Locations are listed on the Committee’s website, www.celebrateguyana50thinnyc.com.

On Thursday, June 9, there will be the official flag raising ceremony at Newark City Hall Square, at 920 Broad St, Newark, NJ. This will be done by the Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka.

Friday, June 10 is “Invest Guyana” Business and Investment conference at 09:00h, at the Harvard Club of New York, located at 35 W 44th St, New York, NY. Speakers include

Guyana’s Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

On Saturday, June 10, there will be the President Cup Soccer Tournament at the South Shore High School Park, located at 6565 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn,

NY (at the corners of Ralph and Flatlands Avenues) at 10:00h.

The Black Tie, Red Carpet official Jubilee state dinner will take place on Saturday, June 11, at 20:00h, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and Towers, located at 811 7th Avenue & W 53rd St, New York, NY. Keynote Speaker is Guyana’s Head of State David Granger.

The grand finale of Guyana Jubilee Celebration NYC, the Independence Parade, is on Sunday, June 12, in Brooklyn. The parade

will start at 11:30h, at the intersection of Church and Utica Avenues and will proceed West to Ralph Ave, turn South into Ralph Ave and ends at Ralph and Flatlands Avenues – a 3.3 miles route.

A grand after parade, unity concert will take place at 16:00h on Sunday, June 12, at South Shore High School Park, at 6565 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn NY

(at the corners of Ralph and Flatlands Avenue).

The New York Jubilee Committee is asking all Guyanese to showcase the Golden Arrowhead (Guyana’s flag) during Guyana Jubilee NYC from June 4 – 12. For more information of the New York celebration, visit their website or call 929-263-2556 or 212947-5115.

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

Page

Foundation

Why mixed gender play dates should be avoided at all costs

BY MISHA

E

very bone in my equality-minded body screams as I write this, but it must be said. I always considered myself the mom who would encourage my son to play with boys

and girls, to get along with both, the message of equality always being taught. The mom who would be sure my son grows up to be one of the “good ones.” You know the type – the solid dad who plays tea party and soccer with his daughter, remembers to bring his wife her favourite flowers (and wine), and does the laundry (without having to be reminded) and folds it.

But I can no longer avoid the obvious; mixed gender play dates from ages two to around eight are just a form of pure hell.

Now, this does not apply to siblings’ relationships where bumping elbows, stepping on each other, and battling daily over who gets the last cookie teach children to navigate some of the gender

guyana-times.com

differences on a regular basis. However, when it comes to the Saturday 14:00h play date, then it is a whole other story.

Maybe if you have a quiet, obedient boy (do those even exist?) who is cool with playing with princesses (yes,

I know not every girl is into being a princess) or a million versions of some dressup game and various Frozen toys, then the mixed gender play dates are actually enjoyable. But for those moms out there who have the energetic, playful, loud, crashing, sirenloving, superhero-emulating little guy, then these play dates turn into a major battle of the wills.

The play date usually starts out innocently enough, with one child reluctantly agreeing to some type of game at the encouragement of his or her mom to “just try it.” But things usually dissolve quickly from there.

The boy insists superheroes are the real things they should be playing, and the girl insists, usually at almost

deafening, high-pitched levels that you must, and I mean must, put on this Elsa dress right now and play dress up!

And on it goes. The boy gets more and more rowdy and wants to look and touch everything, and the girl gets bossier and bossier, shouting various commands such as, “Do NOT touch MY jewellery box!” Then comes the inevitable throwing, breaking, or smashing of some toy.

Typically this originates from the superhero camp and is quickly followed by a bloodcurling scream from the Frozen camp: “He. Threw.

My. Toy!” The constant mediation and negotiation on the part of both parents also brings out whatever superior negotiating skills you may possess.

There is the “taking turns with different games” route, the “making sure everyone got a turn to do what they wanted” route, and then at the most desperate moments the “let’s combine the games” route. How about a superhero Elsa character who can also make spider webs?

This is the time in the play date where I want to stand up and scream, “Enough of this creative play!

Someone put on a damn movie for these mini rebels already,” and WHY do we not have wine out?

I know that suggesting to put on a movie at a play date in today’s era of creative parenting is, in the words of a fellow mommy friend, “a crime punishable by death.”

But really, what is the harm in creating cinematic common ground? We can put on

a kids movie and throw in some pretzels and goldfish and we may, just may, have a half hour of peace.

Now, the biggest challenge is that hopefully these play dates involve another mom who is cool – someone who can joke along with the battle of the wills playing out in front of her eyes. But the worst is when the play dates do not.

That’s when you encounter the mom of girls who knows nothing but the typical girl toys and style of playing and clearly thinks your energetic little man is acting kind of, well, nuts. I know my son has skills that can rival the best of them; he can literally rearrange your living room in about five minutes if he gets the chance. This little runner walked at nine and a half months and has been on the go ever since. We are currently in the process of mastering what we call the “coffee table somersault” where he can jump from the coffee table to the couch and back again in under one second despite my constant, and I mean constant, warnings to stop or he could hurt himself, but fear plays no role in this little daredevil’s thinking.

When we are in the company of other like-minded boys, this is not considered “odd” behaviour; this is a bonafide Olympic sport. As soon as the mom of another little boy and I turn our heads, they are off and running. But put a girl in the mix, and nine times out of ten this results in some cocktail of baffled stares and “What is wrong with them?” sentiment. (www.sammichespsychmeds.com)

11-year-old hearingimpaired boy competes in national spelling bee

A

The short of it

n 11-year-old boy who was born deaf has made it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The lowdown

Neil Maes is hearing impaired. But that hasn’t stopped the fifth grader from becoming one of the top spellers in the nation. In f a c t , yesterd a y , h e

competed in the Scripps National Spelling B e e , a l o n g with 285 o t h e r young s t u dents f r o m across t h e country.

Maes was born with a severe hearing impairment and began speech therapy at just six months old. He then got his first cochlear implant when he was almost one-year-old.

“It seems like a bad situation: ‘Your child can’t hear.’ But so much good has come out of it,” Neil’s

mom, Christy, told ABC News. “We thought for him to win the regionals and come into the nationals that would be a great platform to encourage and inspire hearing-impaired individuals. It makes a child feel so hopeful, saying, ‘I could do this.’ It’s things like this that mean the most to me.”

It all started one day in third grade w h e n Neil came h o m e and told Christy he had won his classroom spelling bee.

Then later that year, he won his school spelling bee, beating out every single kid in grades third, fourth and fifth.

“He was the first thirdgrade winner,” Christy said. “We studied hard and then went to regionals. He had a goal and wanted to win. We tried to make it fun.”

This year, Neil did make it to regionals, where he won after spelling the word “ecru,” which secured himself a spot at Scripps.

To prepare for the big day, Christy said he practiced spelling out words in sidewalk chalk and shaving cream on a cookie sheet.

“One of his favourite words is abecedarius,” Christy told ABC prior to the competition. “ He likes the German words, the fun ones to say. He loves spelling long dog breeds like Chihuahua. He’s nervous, so I’m trying to play it cool, give him some space.”

The upshot

Neil was speller number 213 at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He competed with the help of an FM frequency system, which transmitted the sound of the words to a receiver on his head that’s part of his cochlear implant system.

And while Neil didn’t make it to the next round – he spelled the word “polychromatic” incorrectly – we think he is still a pretty big winner and a shining example of the amazing things children can do when they set their minds to it. Keep on spelling, Neil! (Parenting.com)

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

1 dead, several injured in Hinds calls for conversation on misuse East Bank Demerara accident of State apparatus against opponents Walter Rodney CoI report

– said report should not be used as political football

By Alexis Rodney

W

hile agreeing with the call by People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, for the final report of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) be sent to Parliamentary Special Select Committee, executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr David Hinds has cautioned the two major political units against using the report as a political football, and urged that it be used as a force that could propel a “conversation” against the abuse and misuse of the State Apparatus.

Hinds, speaking with Guyana Times in an exclusive interview, reined in the fact that Guyanese are tired of both the PPP and the People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU), using the very inquiry as a “political football”.

When the inquiry was first established back in February 2014 by former President Donald Ramotar, and with the allegation that the PNC had killed Dr Rodney, then opposition leader and now President David Granger had maintained that the inquiry was being used as a tool to tarnish the good name of the PNC. Ramotar denied this assertion and pointed to the call made by Dr Rodney’s widow and her children for an investigation into his death.

Some two years later, and with the final report of the Presidential Inquiry being made public, the PPP, now in opposition is very concerned that the details of the report may never be scrutinized. The party’s Teixeira was somewhat emotional during the 37th sitting of the National Assembly earlier this month, when House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland informed that her motion to have the report sent to the committee could not be considered.

Hinds said he wants to believe that Teixeira might have been genuine in her call for the report to be considered for debate in Parliament; however, he was also aware that political parties have a way in turning “genuine things into political footballs.” “I agree that it should be sent to the Parliamentary Select Committee. It should be laid in Parliament and there should be a debate on it. I am not quite sure of the workings of Parliament and what it being sent to the Parliamentary Select Committee is set to achieve… My suspicion of the scenario by the PPP is grounded in the very birth of the Commission of Inquiry,” Hinds told Guyana Times.

He added that he is firmly for justice for Dr Rodney and believes that all Guyanese are: “But for both sides wanting to make it a political football, I am totally against that. It should be laid against Parliament, the President has given his undertaking that

The two minibuses involved in the accident

Dr Walter Rodney

WPA Executive, Dr David Hinds

it be laid before Parliament.

It was handed over to the Speaker and that there will be some level of debate, whether if it is at the level of the select committee or in Parliament, it doesn’t matter. What I want is for it not to be made a political football.”

Hinds, speaking of the call

by Teixeira, said if her initiative to get the report before a select committee is to advance a conversation on State and political violence against the opposition, then that is the conversation he wants to be had.

“We are tired of this throwing stones at each other.

I think Walter Rodney means more to Guyana, more to the world than to be used to be throwing stones… if the report should be used for anything, it should be used to start a conversation among the leaders and the people, about the misuse of state apparatus against political opponents,” he stressed.

Details coming out of the 18-month investigation, heard evidence from numerous witnesses, that the Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham regime of the 1980s had been very forceful and had used its political power to injure smaller and defenceless political parties.

Rodney, a world respected political and social activist, died in June 1980, after a communication device he was exam-

ining exploded in his lap.

It was the theory of those close to the founding Leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), that the man he had somewhat come to trust; a then Guyana Defence Force Sergeant and communications expert William Gregory Smith, had implanted the explosive in the device Rodney was expected to test.

The theory claimed too that the Government of the day, the People’s National Congress and its leader Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, had used Smith to carry out the attack.

In the report the three Commissioners – Barbados Queen’s Counsel Richard Cheltenham, Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown and Trinidadbased Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam – concluded that given all the relevant facts, events and circumstances set out in the report, they could do nothing else but establish that William Gregory Smith was not acting alone but had the active and full support, participation and encouragement of, and/or was aided and abetted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) – both agencies of the State – and the political directorate including Prime Minister Forbes Burnham in the killing of Dr Rodney.

O

ne person is now dead and several others injured after a two-vehicle smash-up at the intersection of Demerara Harbour Bridge and East Bank Demerara.

Dead is Roxanne Mitchell, of Farm, East Bank Essequibo.

According to reports Mitchell was with her husband in a route 32 minibus heading home from the Independence flag-raising ceremony.

According to reports the accident occurred at about 01:30h involving the route 32 minibus bearing license plate BPP 6158 and a route 42 minibus, BPP 167.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the now dead woman, who was in an unconscious state, was bleeding profusely as they helplessly waited for some 25 minutes before the ambulance arrived.

The woman was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, speaking with this newspaper, the route 32

minibus conductor stated that the bus was turning from the eastern carriageway towards

Dead: Roxanne Mitchell

the Harbour Bridge when the route 42 minibus, heading north along the western carriageway, slammed into them.

A passenger in the route 42 minibus recalled that its driver Michael Thorne called Romel, after realizing he would crash into the route 32 minibus did everything he could to avoid the collision, even shouting “No! no! no!”

The impact caused both minibuses to topple several times before finally landing on their sides.

It was with aid of publicspirited citizens that the buses were quickly uprighted and passengers trapped in them assisted out, with most of them miraculously only suffering minor injuries.

The driver of the route 42 bus was pinned in the vehicle. He is nursing a broken leg at the Georgetown Public Hospital while another passenger suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Police are currently investigating the matter as speeding is suspected to be a major factor. (Romario Samaroo)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Causing death accused RK guards confess on $1,030,000 bail to staged robbery

A

41-year-old man was granted bail in the sum of $1,030,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Robert Grant pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 23, at Garden of Eden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove minibus BSS 5550 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Keith Andrew Simon.

The Police are contending that the 37-year-old farmer was walking along the roadway heading south when he was struck by the minibus and killed.

Grant was represented

T

Robert Grant

by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, who made an application for the bail to be reduced, pointing out to the court that his client could not afford such a substantial bail. However, the lawyer’s submissions were overruled.

The case will continue on June 10.

GDF rank charged for snatching cellphone from teen

A

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank was on Wednesday ordered by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to be placed in the care and custody of his commanding Officer after he was charged with simple larceny.

Hyasi Jones, 18, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that he stole a cellular phone, valued $60,000, from a 13-year-old.

The Police are contending that Jones and an unknown accomplice while being armed with a broken glass bottle attacked the teenager while she was on her way home, threatening her before relieving her of

T

the leg during the incident.

However, Police became suspicious of the two since there were inconsistencies in their stories. Also, ranks upon hearing their recollection of the incident realized that the men could have returned fire at the bandits but did not.

Blanhum said the security officers as well as Pearce’s common-law wife are in custody assisting with investigations, as the hunt continues for the two others implicated in the crime.

The Crime Chief said on Thursday it is likely that the matter will be taken to the High Court, to have an extension for detention secured.

“We’re looking for at least two other persons, and I’m not sure if the matter will be taken to court tomorrow but it will be taken to the High Court to secure an extension for detention,” Blanhum voiced.

Narcotics trafficking accused to stand trial in High Court

A

Hyasi Jones

her cellphone.

The teen was not present in court for the hearing but she was represented by her stepfather. The case will continue on June 2.

Men shot during altercation over parking

wo men were on Wednesday afternoon rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after being shot during an argument which stemmed from the shooter parking his vehicle and obstructing their work.

Seydel bourne and another man identified only as “Avey” were shot by an unidentified gunman in Kitty, Georgetown.

According to information, Avey was discharging a container parked on the road shoulder in the presence of his

wo RK security officers have allegedly confessed to planning and executing a staged robbery on Monday. The men have since implicated two other persons.

According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, after a series of intense questioning, the two officers attached to RK Security Services, Damion Pearce, 24, and Cleveland Pyle, 22, admitted the robbery was staged.

The Crime Chief added that the masterminds also disclosed the location of the stolen cash amounting to approximately $3 million and a firearm, found concealed under a bucket in the A Field, Sophia, Georgetown, yard Pearce shared with his common-law wife.

On Monday last Pearce and Pyle were taking the cash to a La Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, bank to deposit when they were relieved of the money and two firearms. Pearce was shot in

Chinese employer; the shooter parked his vehicle close to the container, hindering Avey from continuing his work. Avey reportedly requested that the man move his vehicle but this request flared and the man refused to do so and an argument ensued.

During the argument, the peeved driver whipped out his firearm and shot several rounds at Avey, which hit him and Bourne. A Police investigation has been launched into the incident.

fter almost five months of hearing evidence and arguments, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday stated that a prima facie case was made out against alleged drug trafficker Shemroy Robertson, while the charge against his accomplice Odinga Chase was dismissed when they appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The duo were accused of having 1.15kg of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking on January 15, 2016 at Princes Street, Georgetown.

When Chase’s, the number two accused verdict was read, Chief Magistrate McLennan told the court that a prima facie case had only been made out against the number one accused Shemroy Robertson.

On January 15, 2016 officers attached to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) were on an operation when they cornered vehicle PTT 696, driven by Robertson. It is alleged that Chase at that time exited the vehicle and surrendered himself to the CANU officers.

Robertson however continued to evade law enforcement from Princes Street, all

Shemroy Robertson

the while being chased by the CANU officials. He was later cornered at Bent Street by CANU officer Andrew Yard, the main witness in the case who shouted to Robertson “stop and pull over”; this was when Yard saw Robertson throw a black plastic bag out of the car and escaped.

Robertson was later apprehended at a house and the said car key was found in his pocket.

During Wednesday’s hearing the Chief Magistrate asked Robertson if he had anything to say after she stated he will be standing trial at the high court, to which he replied, “Yes, madam. I am innocent of this offence.” Robertson was granted $600,000 bail and will stand trial at the High Court.

Eyew tness

Kicking National unity...

A

...in PPP’s teeth

t the last sitting of Parliament Tuesday night before the Big Jubilee Flag raising ceremony, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo literally rose to the occasion and delivered one of the most moving calls for national reconciliation. He was acclaimed even by the government benches for his magnanimity since very few in his position - as the officially and constitutionally defined role of “Opposition Leader” - had ever offered an unreserved olive branch.

“We believe that we have to work together regardless of our political persuasion to move our country forward.

We too share a vision for our country... with ideals... similar to that the President (Granger).” He pledged that after the Independence celebrations, the PPP would spend the year working to bring the country together. “The patriotism of the PPP must never be questioned,” he concluded.

Afterwards he spoke specifically to the Junior Minister of Education, in charge of the Flag-raising ceremony at midnight of May 25/26, assuring her that he and his MPs would be there.

Many had hoped after this ringing peroration for unity, Jagdeo and Granger might duplicate the famous embrace between Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham in that inaugural raising of the Golden Arrowhead when the Union Jack was lowered for the last time on May 26, 1966. But such idealists... and Jagdeo... were given a swift kick in the teeth rather than an embrace when they arrived at the Jubilee Park for the grand event.

Imagine there were no seats reserved for the PPP dignitaries - just a couple for former Presidents Jagdeo and Hinds! While all sorts of other persons - some in the most casual attire in disrespect of the solemn occasion - were escorted to VIP seats, the PPP MPs were left standing for 45 minutes. Refusing to be disrespected any longer, the Opposition Leader and his MPs left the ground. When former President Ramotar later arrived and discovered what had transpired, he also left.

There was no other course of action open to them: the callous disrespect by the APNU/AFC government was not just an insult to the PPP individuals on site, but the 202,000 Guyanese whom they represent.

How can President Granger and his government even utter words like “unity” and “social cohesion” when they would not even deign to pick up the olive branch held out by the Opposition so openly?

Combined with all the other events that determinedly and flagrantly insisted on overwhelmingly showcasing only individuals from the old PNC days, it appears clear that all the rhetoric of “unity” and “coming together” aren’t even worth a bucket of warm spit.

That at least, doesn’t stink to high heavens.

...with National Awards

At his first opportunity to hand out National Awards last year, President David Granger picked 52 worthies as deserving of the honour. He assured it was totally on merits that former Prime Minister and City Mayor, Hamilton Green; PNC General Secretary, Oscar Clarke; former Minister of Information in the PNC administration, Yvonne HarewoodBenn; former PNC Executive Member Supriya Singh-Boden and former PNC Home Affairs Minister Llewellyn John all received awards. Nothing to do with him being also Leader of the PNC, you cynical reader, you.

Well, this year, in the conveniently scheduled government-sponsored African-Guyanese Awards in observance of the UN Decade of People of African Descent, PNC Executive Carl Greenidge proffered another reason. He claimed the PPP avoided doling out National Awards between 1992 and 2015 just to slight African Guyanese. They were the only ones deserving of those awards since they dominate the Public Service and Disciplined Forces. Other fields aren’t “national”, presumably.

Well, this year another 85 worthies collected their Awards.

Same background, naturally! Rectification of “PPP spite.”

...at “National Symposia”

The Jubilee celebrations opened with a “National Symposia” at Arthur Chung Conference Centre last Tuesday.

Guess out of the 70 scholars analysing the “Independence Journey” how many Indian Guyanese made the cut!

Let us acknowledge the magnanimity of Dr Jagan, who was ousted from office unfairly, still showing up to show his solidarity with Mr Burnham on the inaugural occasion.

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Govt yet to sign contract for Specialty Hospital

G

overnment is yet to sign the contract with India-based construction firm Fedders Lloyd for the construction of the controversial Specialty Hospital.

Health Minister Dr George Norton told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the contract is currently with the Indian government. He said as soon as the Indian government completes its evaluation, it will be handed to the Government of Guyana.

Finance Minister Winston Jordon recently said the project was moving at a rapid pace, with consultants currently put-

An artist’s impression of the Specialty Hospital

ting the documentation together ahead of the first phase of construction expected to begin by midyear.

Jordan said Fedders Lloyd had already modified the design, taking into account the work al-

ready done by the previous contractor, Surendra Engineering.

He assured the project would cost no more than the remaining US$13 million (of an initial $18 million) line-of-credit provided

by the Indian Exim Bank.

In 2012, the hospital contract was awarded to Surendra Engineering to design and construct the facility.

Its services were subsequently terminated ow-

ing to several contractual breaches.

The matter was taken to the High Court and compensation was accordingly awarded to Government.

During that initial bidding process, Fedders Lloyd was disqualified, but the company’s legal representative Khemraj Ramjattan (now Vice President and Public Security Minister) had argued against that verdict.

Despite this, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, even while in Opposition, contended that Fedders Lloyd was wronged.

Shortly after assumption to office, the government signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the disqualified company to undertake the construction, citing that it would be more economical and less time-consuming than going through the transparent process of retendering.

The government’s decision to hand the contract to the company was made despite a public outcry over the manner in which the award was handled and concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the entire transaction.

Breached Mahaicony Dam…

Unfilled breaches causing flooding again

D

espite the commencement of rehabilitation works to correct a dam breach in the backlands of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, flooding continues to plague inhabitants along Company Dam, New Providence. According to reports received by this publication on Thursday, when high tides come in, the community is flooded.

It was only on Friday last that the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agricultural Developmental Authority (MMA-ADA) had undertaken to rehabilitate repairs to two major breaches along the Perth Canal. As it stands currently, while works have been ongoing sporadically, sections of the breaches are not yet closed, resulting in flooding from the high tides.

One resident told Guyana Times his yard normally floods and he has is not able to replant any of his subsistence crops that perished when the flood waters inundated the area. He explained that when the tides come in the lands become flooded and when it goes out the water would eventually

Water being pumped off farmlands earlier this month

recede but poodles would remain.

“No plants can’t grow back – I used to plant bora, ochro, bulanger,” the resident who works as a labourer noted. It was further explained that this situation has added to the difficulties which some residents have been encountering in finding employment.

The flood waters are also affecting farmers in areas along Branch Road, Mahaicony who have the expensive undertaking of pumping out flood waters.

During the last month Guyana Times had been highlighting that the un-

repaired breach flooded hundreds of acres of farmlands during high tides as well as several house lots along Company Dam, New Providence.

This newspaper was told Monday that MMA-ADA had deployed a hymac in the canal on Friday to commence corrective works but setbacks have delayed the rehabilitation.

When Guyana Times contacted the farmers who were adversely affected, they related that they are overjoyed that works have begun but noted that some flood-waters would still come up on their lands.

General Manager of MMA-ADA Aubrey Charles when contacted last week confirmed that works to repair the breach had begun.

Based on his assessment, he noted that some months after the dam was constructed, it settled and its height was reduced.

“After the settlement, the height of the dam was below the designed level,” Charles had told this publication.

The General Manager also said the spring tide overflow caused soil erosions which facilitated widening

of the breaches, occasioning heavy flooding.

The dam at Perth Canal was rehabilitated around seven months ago when the dry weather caused by El Niño had prevailed but it collapsed shortly after.

The farmers told Guyana Times they had made several appeals to the MMA-ADA to repair the broken sections but their repeated calls went unheeded.

They expressed frustration over the fact that the recent El Niño period was the ideal time to have done

the repairs but nothing was done to assist them. Now that the rainy season has started, they lamented they have to suffer losses yet again.

Meanwhile, this publication was made aware that MMA-ADA has visited areas in Branch Road, Mahaica, and works were conducted to correct a malfunctioning pump which had caused flooding in the area. It is unclear if the magnitude of corrective works in the areas has been responsible for the stalled works.

10

guyana-times.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

News

Lindeners celebrate Guyana’s 50th in historic flag raising ceremony

By Utamu Belle

T

he Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s National Flag was hoisted outside the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) office in Linden at midnight on Wednesday, ushering in the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.

The Flag-raising ceremony was marked by ceremonial speeches, military procession and various performances before a packed crowd which had gathered to be part of the historic event.

Onlookers, Golden Arrowheads in hand, waved in anticipation of Guyana’s Jubilee. After the crack of dawn, some danced and hugged others in jubilation as they wished each other a ‘happy Independence’.

Speaking on behalf of President David Granger, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson stated that there are some valuable lessons that should be noted as we observe the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.

Those lessons, she said, are that Independence was a “collective effort, a promise for the future, it opened the

The hoisted Golden Arrowhead

door of opportunity while it gave us responsibility and brought with it the element of accountability.

“This Golden Jubilee Independence Day is for all Guyanese - whether you live in a town, a village, in the countryside, in the city or whether you inhabit one of our beautiful hinterland communities. We should all

celebrate this day with great pride and enjoyment. This Golden Jubilee is a national occasion. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, to recognize the nation’s heritage, laws, history, society and people”, she noted.

She said “Guyana was born broken and there are people with a vested interest to keep it broken and divided.” She noted that the country cannot move forward as a nation with sections of society preaching disunity.

“We are proud of our accomplishments since achieving political Independence over the past fifty years.

We now look forward to the achievement of economic independence over the next fifty years.

We shall be prouder when we employ our energies and efforts in this special year of our ‘national renaissance’ to remove the remaining obstacles that still keep us disunited, and to chart a course that will bring happiness to our people. It is now time to set forth on a new pathway to progress”, AdamsPatterson said.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland in his address stated that the country has come a far way over the past fifty

A section of the large crowd witnessing the ceremony

years and it is time to celebrate the accomplishments.

“The Golden Jubilee is a time for celebration. The year of Jubilee is the year of freedom and restoration... it is my belief that that which was lost will be restored.

For us Guyanese, 50 years after Independence, some may condemn our level of progress and criticize that we would not have gone further on our journey since Independence.

I say to the critics, if you would have seen what we Guyanese would have endured and overcome, you would have a greater appreciation for where we are now and what we would have achieved in spite of our many hardships.

It is our will and resolve

that has kept us going and will keep us going forward into a bright and prosperous future for all... We must allow our pride in our Nation, direct our attitudes towards this great land, oh beautiful Guyana...” he noted.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Community Development Councils (CDCs) Sandra Adams stated it is a great milestone for the country, noting that Guyana is on the rise again and that change has come.

“This is the moment that we cherish, 50 years Guyana will be celebrating its existence as a country that fought its way through thick and thin, high and low and here we are today celebrating Jubilee... We

would have gone through so much, in particular Linden.

We would have struggled.

We fought , and let me say to you Lindeners, don’t lose hope... things will get better... change will come... while we celebrate our Jubilee, celebrate it knowing that we’re in the right place at the right time... let us reminisce, let us look to the future. Let us celebrate, knowing that Guyana is going to higher heights”, she said.

In a symbolic move, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Adams-Patterson cut the Jubilee cake. Similar Flagraising ceremonies were for the first time held at Ituni and Kwakwani (Berbice River).

news

11

friDAY, may 27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Vibrant sprits, high zeal profuse as thousands join Independence Day parade

By Devina Samaroo

E

uphoria and patriotism filled the air as masses of jubilant faces plastered with bright smiles overflowed the sidelines of the opening route of the grand inaugural Independence Day float parade, a massive festival commemorating Guyana’s 50th Jubilee celebrations.

With high spirits, thousands assembled at the Stabroek Market Square and eagerly got into formation with their respective bands, paying little worry to the overcast skies above.

Booming music then took over and the crowd grew wild with excitement as they began to revel down the road, exhibiting a profusion of local talent and creativity in their costume designs and uniqueness of their floates.

The atmosphere was nothing short of electric as the float parade participants gyrated down the Brickdam, proudly waving the Golden Arrowhead in the air.

Some 28 bands marched down this route, making their way to the spanking new D’Urban Park

arena, where thousands of onlookers had already gathered to welcome the colourful costume and float parade.

D’Urban Park was already transformed into a hive of commercial activities, with scores of

vendors setting up shop hoping to capitalise on the vast number of patrons who turned out in love and unity to take part in the jubilee festivities.

Do not be fooled to think the onlookers just stood idly by and watched in awe as the parade of

exotic colours marched on, for pumped revellers were seen jumping into the procession, dancing to the beats of the various genres of music.

The parade in its vibrant atmosphere comprised of both adult and children’s costume bands, which all fell in place with the theme of the Guyana’s anniversary celebration; a time for the country to reflect on its past, celebrate in its accomplishments and be inspired to work towards the further growth of the country.

Down at jubilee park, persons erupted in cheers and applause as their favourite costume band made their way onto the enormous tarmac to be judged.

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo subsequently joined the celebrations at the Durban Park arena.

Other Government dignitaries later made their way to the jubilee park to mix with the crowd in observance of the country’s historic festivities.

Though the threatening weather initially disappeared for most of the day, huge showers came down later in the afternoon; however,

celebrators were far from discouraged.

“The rain ain stopping we! The celebrations more sweet!” a group of young men declared outside a bar that was established on the outskirts of the Durban Park arena.

Meanwhile, some of the participating bands in this year’s first ever independence float parade were the Amazon Warriors, Digicel, the Guyana National School of Music, the Guyana National Service, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Tutorial High

all, it has been a good day,” he expressed.

He explained that 50 years of Guyana as an independent nation gives everyone an opportunity to press the “reset” button and mould the country into the nation we, the citizenry, want it to be.

Commenting on the Durban Park Project, which falls under the oversight of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Minister Patterson explained that assessments will first have to be done before a concrete decision is made on the way forward.

School, Caramel Secondary, the Education Ministry, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the Communities Ministry, among others.

Guyana Times caught up with Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson at the Durban Park facility where he was already heavily engrossed in the celebratory activities.

“I am extremely happy to be here. It is a monumental occasion, 50 years doesn’t come often.

I am glad that everything is going well, the people seem to be enjoying themselves so I think all and

“It is supposed to be a green space for the benefit of every Guyanese… everything is conceptual at the moment. You would have probably seen the artistic designs. But the final decision will be representing the country about where we are and where we want to go,” he stated.

The event was hailed as one of the most memorable in Guyana’s history where persons from near and far, and even cross continent assembled in honour and recognition of the struggles made by their foreparents to achieve independence status on May 26, 1966.

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friDAY, may 27, 2016 | guyan

27, 2016 | guyana-times.com

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14 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Zeeburg Secondary School in a poor state – new school yet to be commissioned

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Zeeburg Secondary School

arents, teachers and students of Zeeburg Secondary School, West Coast Demerara (WCD), are seeking attention of the Education Ministry to intervene in the current plight they are enduring.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times the school is currently in an insanitary condition due to stray animals entering the school’s compound through broken fences around the building.

Chief among complaints of the teachers is that the strays (cows, dogs, goats and sheep) leave their droppings throughout the school compound.

Additional reports relayed to this publication states that the school’s building is very old and is a cause for worry.

A visit to the school by this news agency noted that the school is in need of attention. There are huge holes in the

barbed wire fences and there were strays in attendance.

What was very notable is that a new Zeeburg Secondary School is built but closed.

The building seems to be completed and upon enquires, this newspaper was told the school is ready but no information is being given as to when the school is to be commissioned.

In March this year Guyana Times received information that the new building was vandalized. The vandals sprayed paint on the walls, defecated in the new toilets, left garbage on the floors and stole the fire extinguishers. This delayed the opening of the school but the matter was dealt with, the damages repaired, yet the school is not commissioned.

The headteacher of the school was unable to give a reason for the delay.

A teacher of the school who wishes

to be anonymous said the opening was scheduled for earlier this year but due to undisclosed reasons, it was not. Teacher added that they are patiently awaiting the opening as it is long overdue.

“This old building has numerous issues that would take me a long time to list. When we received information that money was awarded for a new school to be built, I was overjoyed. But it’s been over two years now and still we are in this old building; it is about time that we move over and I hope that the Ministry can see to it that this new school is opened very soon” teacher stated.

This publication spoke to a mother of a student who expressed dissatisfaction that her daughter is being educated in such poor conditions: “My child should be getting the best education in the best environment and it is very sad to know that she has to sit daily in such conditions”.

This newspaper was told that students have been escaping during school hours through the broken fence to hang out in surrounding areas. Teachers are unable to control this because even though the gates are locked, the fences are opened.

The headteacher of the school along with other teachers, parents and students are calling for the new building to be commissioned urgently by the Education Ministry.

Gafoor to rebuild employee’s home destroyed by fire

By Ahreefa Bacchus

D

espite the recent fire which left over 60 per cent of his Houston Shopping Complex completely destroyed, Executive Chairman of Gafoors, Sattaur Gafoor, continues to standout as an exceptional employer following his announcement that he would

be rebuilding an employee’s home which was destroyed in a separate fire.

The announcement was made on Wednesday evening by Gafoor during an appreciation dinner at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. The Chairman explained that the employee, Napolean Daymon of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank

Demerara, has not only shown loyalty to him as a worker, but stood with him and lent his support during the fire which razed his Houston Complex on Monday, May 9, 2016.

He related that the young man was one of his employees that managed to save one of the buildings in the complex by drench-

Executive Chairman of Gafoors, Sattaur Gafoor

ing the building with water to prevent the flames from travelling further. “He was exceptional on that evening, running back and forth and helping,” Gafoor related.

Gafoor stated that Daymon is currently living in a makeshift tent among the remnants of his burnt house in his yard. He explained that 10 of the man’s relatives are currently living in the deplorable condition, and as such, he has vowed that within three weeks, a three bedroom house with all the basic amenities will be completed for him free of cost. He also urged those there to render their assistance to the young man in any way possible.

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, commended Gafoor for his outstanding actions as an employer, as he described the Chairman as “a Guyanese of extraordinary quality”. “Sattaur Gafoor, I believe, happens to be a great man of Guyana and we’re thankful… this country needs men of his qualities, his calm, his commitment, his honesty and his patriotism,” he stated.

That Independence Date

A

s a footnote to the hype around the Independence Jubilee celebrations was the observation by two letter writers Rakesh Rampertab and Swami Aksharananda that the date chosen for Independence, May 26, 1966 was at best, insensitive to the sentiments of Indian Guyanese. And at worse, an act to remind them in perpetuity of their humiliation.

Just two years before independence, between May 22-26, three Indians in the community of Wismar had been murdered, 38 injured, six women and girls raped, 220 houses and businesses burnt to the ground and 3399 men, women and children - almost the entire Indian community - evacuated.

The CoI into the atrocities concluded: “This was a diabolical plot, ingeniously planned and ruthlessly executed... politically and racially inspired.” The “ethnic cleansing” was in retaliation for the murder of an elderly African couple, the Sealeys, aback of Buxton on May 21.

The murders were only the latest in a string of titfor-tat violence unleashed after the PPP called a general strike in the sugar industry - overtly for “recognition” by the Sugar Producers, but actually a last ditch attempt to derail the imposition by the British and the Americans of Proportional Representation (PR) method of voting they knew would eject them out of office.

The Wismar ethnic cleansing “tit” of May 22-26 was followed by the “tat” of bombing of the ferry between Wismar and Georgetown, the Sun Chapman, on July 6 and killing 38 African Guyanese aboard. Even though the Inquiry was inconclusive, the PNC and residents of Wismar maintained the bombing was the retaliatory work of the PPP. That evening five Indians were murdered and seven seriously injured from the approximately 300 who had either remained or returned after May 26.

Rampertab pointed out the PPP did originally object to the PNC’s choice of independence date (they had boycotted the constitutional conference in Nov 1965).

But they objected more vociferously when the PNC downplayed the commemoration in favour of Republic Day, February 23 after 1970.

They placed it on the front-burner after returning to power in 1992. Rampertab also claims that in 1962 it was PPP Minister Cedric Nunes who originally proposed the May 26 date. Hamilton Green, who was at the 1965 London Confab, claims May 26 was a “compromise” between preference between Burnham’s choice of February 23 (Cuffy’s Revolt) and D’Aguiar’s August 1 (Emancipation).

But the suggestion by Rampertab that the date should be changed would seem academic since it is a matter of the historical record, an order of the British Crown, granted us independence on May 26th. One cannot undo that circumstance.

The other suggestion would be to “let sleeping dogs lie” about that period in the 1960s when there were enough atrocities committed by “both sides” to spread around. But there are some who believe otherwise.

One such person is President David Granger. In a 2003 paper, without ever mentioning the preceding Wismar atrocities, he wrote: “The most alarming slaughter of the ‘Disturbances’ was that of 40 Africans on 6 July at Hurudaia in the Demerara River as they travelled in a motor launch to Mackenzie.”

The following year, a “Son Chapman Tragedy Commemoration Committee”, with the PNC integrally involved, organised a 40th Anniversary event at the fatal spot at Hurudaia on the Demerara River. Robert Corbin, leader of the PNC said, “a nation that fails to record its history is bound to make the same mistakes.”

After Granger became the leader of the PNC he attended the Commemoration ceremony in 2011 and declared he wished more people would converge at the spot. The Motto on the Monument at Hurudaia declared: “Those who forget the lessons of history do so at our own peril.”

In 2013, Granger and the PNC initiated moving the commemoration to the centre of Linden so the people there “would not forget”. When the PNC took office they would construct the monument.

We cannot undo the past but I believe we can have a memorial for ALL the 176 Guyanese who perished in the 1964 disturbances and need restorative justice.

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the world

5 dead, 92 injured in Mumbai chemical factory blast

A

powerful blast in a chemical factory located near a residential area in a Mumbai suburb killed five people and left 92 injured on Thursday, Police officials said.

The factory building collapsed after the fire and residents living nearby complained of breathing problems from the smell of the gas that was released, Police and residents said.

“First we thought it was an earthquake, the way our building was shaking,” said Sumedh Joshi, who lives about a mile away from the factory. “Our window panes shattered due to the blast and we quickly came out of our building.”

Twenty fire brigades and 15 ambulances were sent

15

Rescue personnel work at the site of an explosion at a chemical factory in an industrial area in Dombivali, on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, May 26

for the rescue operation, one police official said. “We are investigating the reason behind the explosion,” local police official Ashutosh Dumbare told Reuters, adding that a disaster response team was trying to rescue

several people trapped underneath the debris.

“The rescue work will take time, maybe until tomorrow morning. So far five people are confirmed dead and nine people are seriously injured.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

US election: Trump wins enough delegates for Republican nomination

T

he US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has reached the number of delegates needed to secure the party’s presidential nomination.

In North Dakota on Thursday, he thanked 15 unbound delegates from the state who he said “got us right over the top”.

He defeated 16 other Republican contenders and according to the Associated Press has 1238 delegates, one more than needed.

Republicans will finalise

their nomination at a convention in July.

While Trump has the required amount of delegates, his nomination by a divided Republican Party is not yet secured. Unbound delegates in the party are free to support the candidate of their choice.

If his nomination is confirmed, Trump will face former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who are vying for the Democrat nomination.

On Wednesday, the New

York billionaire suggested going against Sanders in a TV debate in California before the state’s primary on June 7. Sanders agreed to the debate in a tweet, saying “Game on”. On Thursday, Trump said: “The problem with debating Bernie? He’s going to lose.”

He also threw a barb in Mrs Clinton’s direction, saying: “Here I am watching Hillary fight and she can’t close the deal. That should be such an easy deal to close.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bolivia Police clash with disabled protesters in La Paz

Jamaica to strengthen cooperation with Cuba

J

amaica’s Industry Minister Karl Samuda says Jamaica is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Cuba in key areas such as agriculture and manufacturing.

In a an address at a luncheon on Wednesday, hosted for Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Ambassador Ileana Núñez Mordoche, Samuda said Jamaica is seeking to learn from the experience of Cuba, which “has done remarkably well with limited resources”.

He noted as well that

Cuba has stayed on the cutting edge of competition with the technology that they have introduced.

Samuda has been having discussions with Mordoche to explore various areas for cooperation.

The Cuban minister is in the island for a four-day working visit.

According to Samuda, one of the essential areas discussed during the meeting was how Jamaica could benefit from Cuba’s skills in sugar cane cultivation and sugar production.

“Our sugar industry is

one sector where we feel we can gain a lot by being exposed to their training techniques and their approaches, in terms of the development of the factories and also the sugar fields as well.”

He said that out of those discussions, his Cuban counterpart extended an invitation for a team from Jamaica to visit Cuba to see the techniques the methodology and the technology that they have applied to making their industry one of the most vibrant of its kind in the world. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

Migrant crisis: Many feared dead in shipwreck off Libya

EU Navfor Med released images of the boat which capsized on Thursday

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p to 30 migrants are feared dead after a boat capsized in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast while some 77 were rescued by EU naval units from the sea.

Ships from an EU task force and Italy’s coast guard raced to the scene 35 nautical miles (65km) off the coast as survivors clung to the hull or swam.

The Italian navy rescued 562 migrants from a capsized boat on Wednesday.

It has now emerged that the death toll from that shipwreck may have been as

great as 100.

Five deaths were reported by the Italian coast guard at the time but the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) believes others were trapped in the upturned hull.

Some 6000 migrants trying to reach Europe have been rescued from flimsy craft in the Mediterranean this week alone. Aid agencies say the crossing between Libya and Italy is the main route for migrants since an EU deal with Turkey curbed the number sailing across the Aegean to

Greece.

A Luxembourg reconnaissance plane spotted the capsized boat on Thursday and raised the alert.

“We estimate the dead to be between 20 and 30 people,” Captain Antonello de Renzis Sonnino, spokesman for the EU Navfor Med operation to combat people smugglers in the region, told AFP news agency, as the rescue continued. The Spanish frigate Reina Sofia, backed by the Italian coastguard, threw life floats and jackets to those in the water. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The Bolivian Government said a group of radical protesters attacked Police first

P

olice in Bolivia have clashed with disabled protesters who tried to approach the presidential palace to demand an increase in state benefits.

The Bolivian Government said a group of protesters attacked police officers with knives and noxious gases.

Police pushed them back with high-pressure water cannons. Disabled activists have been camping in central La Paz for a month, calling for a five-fold increase in disability bene-

fits.

They are asking for 500 bolivianos a month (us$73; £50), but the Government of leftist President Evo Morales has rejected their demands. It said it had reached a comprehensive deal other disability groups over the past weeks.

“We have now a small, intransigent group who refuses to accept the 42-point deal we have reached with disability groups,” said the Interior Ministry statement.

“We believe this type of action is aimed at generating conflict, clashes and violence.” Many of the protesters involved in the clashes were wheelchair users. Passers-by and shopowners were also affected, La Razon newspaper reported.

Bolivia is one of Latin America’s poorest countries. It has some 388,000 people with disability, according to official figures, AFP news agency reported.

(BBC News)

Nearly half million Haitians in line for cholera vaccinations

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uthorities are teaming up with two United Nations agencies on a vaccination campaign against cholera that aims to reach 400,000 people in Haiti this year.

The Public Health and Population Ministry has secured the support of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The first phase of the campaign was launched on May 11 in the town of Arcahaie, about 30 minutes

north of the capital, with the aim of providing two doses of oral vaccine to some 118,000 people between this month and the next.

A second phase of the vaccination campaign is planned for the second half of the year, but officials say nearly 563,785 additional doses are required for it to be successful. For both phases of the campaign, an initial budget of about US$3.6 million has been provided.

Previous campaigns of vaccination against cholera reached 285,534 people – 102,250 in 2013 and 183,284

in 2014. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has stressed the importance, given the increase in the population, of increasing access to clean water and sanitation in exposed areas as key to eliminating the disease.

In the first quarter of 2016, MINUSTAH’s Civil Affairs programme approved or began work on 17 Quick Intervention Projects worth some US $845,380 to prevent cholera and other water-borne diarrheal diseases. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Sophia residents fearful Stabroek Square restoration Despite injunction, of “serial rapist”, call businesswoman fearful M&CC for Police patrol

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esidents of Sophia, particularly those in A Field are calling for police to investigate the matter where an alleged “serial rapist” has been on the prowl, attacking young women traversing the area at night.

According to reports the man who residents say may also reside in Sophia, recently created havoc in the community when a number of persons spotted him lurking in the dark, late hours of the night, acting in a suspicious manner.

Guyana Times understands that when the residents started to relate the story to each other, it was concluded through description that it was the same man. Unfortunately, no residents this newspaper spoke to had made a report to police about their suspicions.

However, the residents reported that they are taking precautions, ensuring their properties and families are secured before dusk.

Speaking with some residents who wished to remain anonymous, the episode commenced some two weeks ago when on several occasions the man was seen late at nights, mostly in parts of the community that are without streetlights.

One resident said she has seen the man clad in a police uniform apparently posing as a traffic police late at nights.

She said when she had enquired from other residents about the identity of the man, they were all unaware but related that they had also seen him acting in a suspicious manner.

According to the resident, she later heard that the man had raped a number of females in the past and had resumed his attacks on those who are unaware of his actions.

This publication was told the man is HIV/AIDS positive, and his “mission” is to infect young girls with the virus as a form of revenge.

“Everybody is saying that the man has the virus and this is the reason he is raping these females, I don’t understand how humans can be like this to each other and the convincing thing is that he is dressed as a police so people would trust him.”

A fearful resident related.

A man added that he had heard of the complaints and had spotted the man around midnight last Friday seemingly searching for someone as he stood in a dark corner.

He cited that the man, at the time, was carrying a fire-

arm and dressed as a police officer on duty. “I saw him and I was convinced that he was a police because I heard about the man who raping but never know he was posing as a police officer. I bet a lot of people don’t know this either.”

The residents believe many young females will fall prey since the man is perceived as a police officer, directing traffic and searching vehicles in the area.

Some residents also informed that the man is additionally robbing persons after attracting their attention and introducing himself as a police officer on duty.

They are calling for police to immediately intervene since the lives of residents are at risk.

“We never know when this man will strike again so we have to get the word out to as much residents and hopefully get the attention of the police” another resident posited.

The calls for police patrol and streetlights were reiterated since lack of these are believed to be factors contributing to the situation.

When contact was made with the Turkeyen Police Station, the ranks informed that no reports of the man had been made there.

Canes donated to Guyana Society for the Blind

will dismantle building

By Shemuel Fanfair

E

ven as the transformation of Stabroek Market Square continues and the vintage “Dread Shop” bulldozed, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has been barred from dismantling the structure of its immediate “Dread Shop” neighbour.

According to information reaching this publication, attorney representing the Island Snackette Nigel Hughes was successful in obtaining an injunction barring City Hall from tearing down the food and drinks business.

Guyana Times was told the court order stipulated that if the business is to be removed, the proprietor must be given time to vacate the premises while City Hall should find a suitable place for the business to be relocated.

However, manager of the snackette Abeola Fung in an interview with this newspaper on Wednesday said her greatest fear is the operatives at City Council will attempt to destroy the structure which her family has heavily invested in.

To this end she explained that since the nightspot “Dread Shop” was destroyed she and her husband have been taking turns guarding the snackette throughout the night and early morning. Fung noted that this has increased her stress levels and put a strain on the entire family. She stressed that if her business is dismantled, one of her daughters who is a medical student might be forced to suspend her studies as she is a paying student.

Fung told this publication

The Dread Shop structure dismantled

that in the past she petitioned City Hall to install a portable public convenience near her shop but this request was denied. She further noted that her family desires that their business not destroyed.

Meanwhile Guyana Times has learnt that City Hall may have to pay compensation to the proprietor of Dread Shop.

Around 03:00h on Thursday last week, M&CC moved in and dismantled ‘Dread Shop’ a business in existence for some 48 years, located at Stabroek Square, Georgetown.

The emotional proprietor Anthony Forde, 73, had said he was not informed his building would have been demolished and had only learnt of it at 09:30h.

Forde and his nephew also related that they did not get an opportunity to retrieve their valuables and that “junkies” made off with many of the items. Among their lost property were a pools table and television sets.

Attorney Nigel Hughes representing Forde stressed that City Hall has shown “disre-

gard” of the courts as the matter was still being addressed: “This has got to be the most outrageous act I’ve seen in a long time because [the matter is] actively going to mediation on the recommendation of the Court of Appeal and then they failed to turn up at the mediation and the Court of Appeal still has conduct of this matter and they believe they can disregard this act,” Hughes had posited.

City Council in a statement had explained that a technical team attached to the Municipality’s Engineer’s Department carried out the removal exercise that saw “the flattening of the so called ‘dread shop’ located west of Parliament Building.

“The Town Clerk’s office had given earlier notice to the structure’s operators, while making specific reference to what was described as ‘unsavoury’ activities taking place there, particularly on Friday nights. Operations at this facility was also said to be in direct breach of city public health laws,” the statement further added.

Family pleads for the return of 12-year-old girl

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umerous canes for children and adults were donated on Wednesday by United States-based grandsons of Arthur Williams.

According to Aubrey and Linden Wilberg, their grandfather was blind and a part of the Guyana Society for the Blind. They intimated that their mother, Veronica Wilberg had a passion for assisting persons especially the blind, and this is the reason they are continuing to do so as well.

Aubrey Wilberg disclosed: “Because my grandfather was blind, my mother had an affinity for helping people, and she chose the blind because she could relate to that situation more

than any other. So about 20 years ago, on their 60th wedding anniversary, she came to Guyana and she donated canes to the blind and she wanted to make it something that she would be remembered for, as helping. And after she did that, things kind of slipped because she passed this year, so we wanted to honour her memory because we knew how much this meant to her.”

Aubrey Wilberg highlighted that through being inspired by his mother, and with the knowledge of how essential canes are to visibly disabled persons, his family made the decision to maintain this norm of giving back to society.

Appreciation was extended to the Wilberg brothers

by Winfield James, a representative of the Guyana Society for the Blind as he emphasized on the need for the canes.

“It means a whole lot because for the last two or three years, we’ve been really running short on canes and we haven’t had a major donor of canes in a long time. Recently somebody brought about 10 canes and that hasn’t been distributed yet because we didn’t know where to start because people all over the country calling us for canes. So this is really timely and really really needed in our situation”, he said.

he family of Rhonda Junor, last seen sometime early in April at her aunt’s residence in Benn Street, is appealing for assistance from the public in locating the 12-year-old student of South Ruimveldt.

According to the girl’s older sister, Tonella Junor, this is not the first time her sister had absented herself from home, but this is definitely the longest she has spent away from her family.

Guyana Times understands that the young girl had disappeared from her aunt’s residence earlier this year for about two weeks but was found by her sister in South Ruimveldt at a young man’s residence.

Since then the family had tried their to keep her indoors when she was not at school but their attempts proved futile.

It was reported that Junor had left for school early on the morning that she disappeared but failed to return home.

As it was a habit, the family had only become fearful af-

Missing: Rhonda Junor

ter she failed to return home that week.

When the girl last disappeared, she was taken away by her family from the residence of an older man but a search of his premises turned up nothing.

This news agency understands that the missing girl had telephoned members of her family last week enquiring about how they were doing but when questioned on her whereabouts disconnected the call. They have since not received any calls from

the young girl.

The family is fearful that she might be in a relationship with an older man who might be keeping her away since she has not returned to school or was spotted anywhere around. However, information about the child’s possible relationship with an older person was never reported to the police.

“I don’t know where she could be, we looked everywhere we can but we can’t find her. We really need help in locating her,” the sister appealed.

The sister related that there won’t be any repercussions for the child’s actions, their only concern is for her safe return.

“We won’t be mad at her, all we want is for her to come back home safe because we really miss and love her” the emotional sister pleaded.

The missing girl is said to be tall, brown-skinned, slim and has a short afro.

Anyone with information pertaining to her whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest police station.

guyana-times.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

W

ithin a matter of hours, a new Miss Guyana World queen will be crowned at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park. The seven delegates have all competed in the preliminary competitions and are in competition mode for this evening.

The delegates – Divya Yabindranauth, Najuma Nelson, Marva Langevine, Ariella Basdeo, Ashmini Ramnauth, Treasure James and Nurriyah Gerrard – will definitely wow the audience as they battle for the coveted title.

Top Model and Fitness Champions

However, Ariella Basdeo, Nuriyyih Gerrard and Marva Langevine emerged as the three top finalists in the Fitness Competitions which was held on May 7 at the Fitness Express Crossfit training facility. The panel of judges for the Fitness Competition included Seeon Satrohan; Gary Greene; and Natasha Martindale, the Franchise Holder.

In addition, the Top Model segment of the 2016 competition was integrated into the Jubilee Fashion expo, which was held at the Authur Chung Convention Centre. The top three winners in the Top Model completion are Ariella Basdeo, Treasure James and Ashmini Ramnauth.

Franchise Holder Natasha Martindaler, Kevin Bhagrat, Tashana Sasha Ramdeholl, Colwyn Arvey Abrams, Sonjie Fantessa, and Claire De Baros were part of the panel of judges. Come this evening, the seven finalists vying for the coveted crown will walk the stage one last time as the name of the 2016 Miss World Guyana titleholder is announced.

Meanwhile, Missosology Guyana has announced that Miss Region One (Barima-Waini) Divya Yabindranauth would have won the People’s Choice Award for Miss World Guyana 2016 with a whopping 10,551 votes followed by Miss Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Nurriyah Gerrard with 4797 and Miss Region Nine (PomeroonSupenaam) Najuma Nelson with 3304 votes.

The winner will be presented with a custom made trophy at the

S

Miss World Guyana 2016 Coronation this evening. VIP tickets for the grand coronation cost $7500 while general admission tickets will cost $5000 and will be available at Nigel’s Super Market, Robb Street, Georgetown;

everal high quality concerts were held over the past two days to commemorate Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary and from all reports received, they have been extraordinary, with lots of hype and excitement.

We have seen the HJ Jouvert which saw thousands in attendance at the GCC Ground, Bourda, Georgetown. There was also GTT’s concert featuring Kees, Destra and Shal Marshall, among others.

However, as the celebrations continue, all roads will lead to HJ Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara for the X-tra Beer concert titled “Vintage” on Sunday.

The show is expected to feature live performances by Red Rat, Ghost, Frisco Kid, Mr Lexx, General Degree, Mega Banton, Jipsy King and Rupee.

In ad- dition, Super Ray and Stitchie, Madd Squad, Deejay Platinum and Deejay Skinny Hype and most obviously, the most hyped and versatile deejay, Garwin will add some excitement to the evening. Persons can get free tickets when they purchase Xtra products while stocks last.

Those without tickets can purchase at the gate at a special cost for both general admission and VIP.

Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park; Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown; and Giftland Mall, Pattensen, Greater Georgetown.

Red Rat

Ghost

Mr Lexx Mega Banton

18

guyana-times.com

friday, may 27, 2016

W

King Yellow Man

Wayne Wonder

hile some will be tired and worn, true partyholics will definitely find the energy to continue the party this weekend. While several events are planned for this weekend, all roads will lead to the Guyana National Stadium for the “Back to the Future” concert tonight.

The event which is highly anticipated will see high-class performances by several well known artistes that will undoubtedly add some steam to the jubilee celebrations.

Patrons are in for a treat this evening as the artistes are all hyped and ready to perform.

Those

T

slated to perform are Wayne Wonder, Spragga Benz, King Yellow Man, and Chaka Demus and Pliers. Also performing will be the future of Guyanese music, including Poonam Singh, Dublin, Remar, Gadinelli and Juke Ross.

On the night of the concert, patrons will also be treated with a performance by Arturo Tappin and the Phillip 7 Band as a bonus.

Tickets for the event will only be available though promotions by the b e v erage company countrywide. The

he parties and concerts continue in galore this weekend as the curtains come down on the grand celebrations of Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary.

The celebrations will end with some good music from some to the best in the Region.

Banks lovers will not miss out on “Banks Beer Fest” on Saturday evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Several massive companies have already had

O

nce again, the Hit and Jams Water World, at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara will be a hive of activities this evening when Mc Neil Enterprises hosts “50 Shades of Reggae”.

Headlining the show is renowned Jamaican International Reggae artiste, Beres Hammond. He has made exceptional and dedicated contributions to the Jamaican music industry and is the owner and producer at his own record label, Harmony Records.

In recent years, he has toured much of the world, performing at sold out concerts with his smooth lover’s rock style of music.

Performing alongside him on stage will be Jamaican sensation Christopher Martin and Guyana’s very own, Timeka Marshal; both of whom have great stage presence and performances. Martin is known for several of hits such as “Nah Go Change”, “Take My Wings”, “Tonight”, “Giving It”, and the singles “Jamaican Girls” and “Gallis”.

With all the early bird tickets gone, those desirous of going to the concert will now have to pay $4000 for general admission, while VIP ticket cost remains at $15,000.

their concerts and this time around, beverage giant, Banks DIH Limited is ready to host one of the most anticipated parties during the jubilee celebrations.

The concert is being held in collaboration with the Education Ministry, through its Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and will feature some of the best local and internationally acclaimed artistes.

The line-up includes Busy Signal, Konshens, Vanessa Bling, Cecile, Benjai, Ravi B and the Karma Band, Michelle “Big Red” King, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Adrian Dutchin and First Born.

Timeka Marshall

Beres Hammond

Remar

Poonam Singh

event is sponsored by Mix FM, Digicel, ANSA McAL, Demerara Distillers Limited and the Government of Guyana.

The event is expected to be mad vibes.

Tickets for the event were only available via promotions since the announcement o f the concert a few weeks ago.

The event is exclusively sponsored

by Banks DIH as part of its contributions towards Guyana’s 50th independence celebrations.

Chris Martin

2

friDAY, august 1, 2008

Headline

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

guyana-times.com

G

uyana’s 50th Independence Celebration Committee in New York has announced final plans for its oneweek “Guyana Jubilee Celebration NYC” from June 4-12 to commemorate Guyana’s 50th anniversary of independence in the New York Tri-State.

This will be the largest celebration outside of Guyana. The celebration kicks off on Saturday, June 4, at 13:00h with an Interfaith Service at the York College Performing Arts Theater, 94-45 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, Queens NY. This will be followed by an inter-county cricket match at 09:30h at the Idiewild Park Springfield Blvd and 149th Ave, Rosedale, Queens.

On June 5, a symposium on Guyana’s independence journey is planned for 09:00h at the York College Large Lecture Theatre, located at 94-20 Guy Brewer Blvd, Queens.

On Monday, June 6, there will be an exhibition of Guyanese art at 10:00h at Aljira Centre for Contemporary Art, 591 Broad St, Newark, NJ. A live radio broadcast from the famous Sybil’s Restaurant at 13217 Liberty Ave, Jamaica, Queens, takes place on Tuesday, June 7, at 19:00h.

On Wednesday, June 8, will be the Guyanese Volunteer Day. Guyanese medical doctors, nurses and lawyers will provide free medical and legal services at various locations in Brooklyn, Queens and New Jersey.

Locations are listed on the Committee’s web-

site: www.celebrateguyana50thinnyc.com.

On Thursday, June 9, is the official flag raising ceremony at Newark, City Hall Square – 920 Broad St, Newark, NJ. Then on Friday, June 10, there will be the “Invest Guyana” Business and Investment conference at 09:00h at the Harvard Club of New York – 35 W 44th St, New York, NY. Speakers for the event include Guyana’s Business, Finance, Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure, Tourism, Public Security, Social Cohesion and Agriculture Ministers.

On Saturday, June 10, the President’s Cup Soccer tournament will be held at the South Shore High School Park; 6565 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn, NY, (at the corners of Ralph and Flatlands Avenues) at 10:00h.

The Black Tie, Red Carpet, official jubilee state dinner will also take place on Saturday, June 11, at 20:00h at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and Towers, 811 7th Avenue and W 53rd St, New York, NY. Keynote Speaker will be President David Granger. Guyanese-American Actress CCH Pounder will be Mistress of ceremonies; while

T

h e Corbin Media Group (CMG), Guyana’s preeminent magazine publisher has released a special bookazine – a combination of a book and magazine – titled Guyana: The Growth of a Nation, as one of its contributions to the country’s golden Jubilee of independence celebrations.

The 124-page high-quality publication is presented with a sturdy embossed cover, glossy pages, beautiful photos and an easy-to-read layout.

This comprehensive publication includes messages from President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, pictures from every decade, a 50-year timeline, maps, features on our arts and entertainment industries, business contact information, trivia, calendar of events and much more.

CMG noted that the commemorative publication took nearly a year to gather the contents and complete the design and layout. The publication attempts to help readers reflect and celebrate

former Leader of the British House of Lords and current President of SOAS University of London, Baroness Valerie Amos and 10 Ministers of Guyana’s Government will be guests of honour.

Tickets for the state dinner can be purchased on the Committee’s website at www. celebrateguyana50thinnyc.com or from the Committee or the Guyana Consulate in New York City by calling telephone numbers 929263-2556 or 212-947-5115.

The grand finale of Guyana Jubilee Celebration NYC, the Independence Parade, is on Sunday, June 12, 2016 in Brooklyn.

The parade will start at 11:30h at the intersection of Church and Utica Avenues and will proceed West to Ralph Ave, turn South into Ralph Ave and ends at Ralph and Flatlands Avenues – a 3.3 miles route.

This will be followed by a grand after-parade unity concert will take place at 16:00h

on Sunday, June 12, at South Shore High School Park – 6565 Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn, NY. The event will be co-chaired by several persons, including Sean London, Michelle Gibbs, Terry Gajraj, Jason Waldron, Rawle DaSalva, Kishore Seunarine.

This event is being designed to bring international and/or recording artistes of Guyanese and/or Caribbean lineage together with local Guyanese artistes to produce a night of unforgettable entertainment for our young people and to promote unity and healing in the global Guyanese community and nation.

The event will take the form of a mega show. Part of the proceeds of this event will be donated to a fund dedicated to the elimination of domestic violence, suicide and child homelessness among Guyanese.

G

Sonia Yarde

five decades of a growing nation in one package.

The well put together articles were written by a knowledgeable group of contributors; the likes of Dr James Rose, Viviene Daniel, Al Creighton, Petamber Persaud, Linda Griffith, Alim Hosein and Marilyn Dewar just to name a few.

Since 20,000 copies of this full sized keepsake was printed, CMG intends to get it into every nook and cranny, both in Guyana and the Diaspora during its free distribution drive.

Complimentary copies will also be handed-out at many jubilee events and available at Government offices, hotels, resorts, libraries, other high traffic areas and later readable online.

Leza Singh

19

iftland Mall is set to explode on May 28 when the cast of “Nothing to Laugh About” takes the stage at 20:00h sharp.

The presentation is set to entertain fans to the extreme, leaving them wanting more.

The show was sold out for the six nights it was held at the National Cultural Centre last year and is expected to do the same in its jubilee edition.

Through the years, the “Nothing to Laugh About” franchise has never disappointed loyal fans since it is a well produced and competently performed through a collection of comic sketches, many of which capitalise on topical humour and references with a touch of political humour.

This edition will feature some of

Michael Ignatius

the best skits of the franchise and include some of the best in the comedy business, including Sonia Yarde, M i c h a e l Ignatius, Leza Singh, Kerwyn Mars, Jumbie Jones and Chris Gopaul among others.

Tickets cost only $1000 and are available at Elegance Jewellery, Giftland Mall and Nigel’s Supermarket. Limited accommodation is available so patrons are advised to get their tickets early.

Kerwyn Mars

20

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

GFF Ordinary Congress set for tomorrow “Reds” Perreira to be Guest of Hounor

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will host its Ordinary Congress on Saturday and a fundraising dinner on Sunday.

The Congress, scheduled for 11:00hrs on Saturday, 28th May, 2016 at the Herdsmanston Lodge, Queenstown is the first for the new Executive and is in keeping with Article 28 of the Constitution of the GFF. It will include a presentation by legendary broadcaster and sports commentator/ administrator Mr. Joseph “Reds” Perreira A.A. who is also being hosted by the GFF as the Guest of Honour at its Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, 29th May, 2016.

According to the President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, he is looking forward to the Congress and is encouraged by the current atmosphere heading into the Congress. “Over the past six months I have experienced a very warm and reconciliatory tone and embrace from the membership and I think they will be interested in what we have to say to them. I think they will be keen on every aspect of football development that we will present; I believe it will be a fine example of what a GFF Congress ought to be.”

He said among the objectives of the Congress is the need to foster cohesion for the benefit of football. “There is a need for us to recognize that the kind of infighting that has really

Legendary broadcaster and sports commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira

stymied our growth over the years needs to come to an end. We need to find a way to truly embrace each other and trust each other as we need to recognize that, on our own, there is very little which can accomplish.”

Among the key agenda items, according to the President, is the presentation of the GFF strategic document, which goes by the acronym “PEAK” – Performance, E m p o w e r m e n t , Accountability and Knowledge which captures the “four key pillars of the developmental goals for the thrust local football.”

Following the Congress, on Sunday, 29th May, 2016, will be a fundraising dinner dubbed, “An Evening with Reds Perreira” scheduled for Gravity Lounge at 20:00hrs.

This event is aimed at rais-

ing funds to advance the development agenda of the Federation. The Guest of Honour will be former Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and football coach Joseph “Reds’ Perreira, born in British Guiana, “Reds” Perreira’s life began in humble beginnings in the Pomeroon.

While he has achieved much of his fame from his distinguished role as a cricket commentator role, amidst this sports enthusiast’s vast and rich experience was his involvement in his “first love,” football.

“Reds” Perreira made his debut at the first division level at age 16 when he was the Goalkeeper of the Georgetown Football Club (GFC). The man who has been described as a “walking sports encyclopedia” advanced his football career to the position of Coach of the Santos Football Club.

He later became a coach of National Under-23 Side in the 1960s. His life was one characterized by outstanding moments and immense challenges, the latter which propelled him to even greater accomplishments. His autobiography “Living My Dreams” chronicles his life including his role as a sports administrator where he served in various capacities including President of the St.Lucia Boxing Association and Sports Director of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

RHTY&SC and F+H Printery makes donation to ‘B’ Division Crime campaign

T

he eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S and the F+H Printery of John Street, Campbellville of Georgetown on Friday last donated $100,000.00 worth of stickers to the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division anticrime campaign. RHTYSC, M.S Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at a public face the community meeting with the Police had committed Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation to assisting the anti-crime drive and only last week had donated $100,000.00 worth of bicycles, sporting equipment and security lights.

The stickers would be placed on vehicles and in business places in an effort to educate the public about the telephone numbers of every Police Station in the ancient county. Under the theme “Together let us reduce crime in Berbice”, the stickers encourages Berbicians to report crime by calling any of the Stations. The Club Secretary/CEO hailed the work of his cricket teams and the contribution of one of the RHTYSC, MS friends, F+H Printery. He especially expressed gratitude to MR. Fazil and Hakim Hakh for their continued assistance.

The RHTYSC, MS, Foster stated was totally committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others and would continue to support the work of the Guyana Police Force.

The cricket teams, Foster stated would shortly be unveiling their massive 2016 Say No to Suicide, Drugs & Crime and Yes to Education, Life and Sports Programme

with sponsorship from the Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd, while a GUYOIL sponsored Berbice Wide Traffic education programme targeting schools and all users of the public road. The cricket teams would also be hosting an inspiration youth forum on the 8th of June for 500 students and would shortly start the construction of a multi-million Family Recreational Park. Other upcoming projects of the RHTYSC, MS and its Cricket teams includes the Republic Bank Summer Camp for grade 6 Students, a Youth Career and Business Fair, Cricket Academy and Sports Camp and the donation of more items to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost including an electric fan, tables and chairs.

A Television set and more bicycles. The long serving Secretary/CEO hailed the outstanding work of Asst. Commissioner of Police Ian Amsterdam and his senior officers which has resulted in a decline of crime

during the last two weeks in the township of Rose Hall and pledged that the Club was committed to assisting as much as possible.

Amsterdam in accepting the much needed donation congratulated the RHTYSC, MS and F+H Printery on being public oriented organisations and stated that the donated educational stickers would play a major role in getting residents actively involved in the crime fight. He stated that the hard work of his officers were bearing fruits.

The Commander launched the sticker’s project by placing several of them in the new police vehicle which is now stationed at the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost.

The cricket teams of the RHTYSC, MS involved in the campaign are the RHT Farfan and Mendes under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division Teams.

he 22nd edition of the Mayors Cup knockout tournament will continue this Saturday, May 28 with a double header at the Den Amstel Ground; the Beavers will face off with Eagles at 14:00hrs while Uitvlugt will take on Herstelling at 16:00 Hrs. Sunday’s action will feature another double header, this time at the Victoria Ground. BV Triumph will

battle Mahaica at 18:30Hrs and Golden Grove will face off against Cougars are 20:30Hrs. The top four prizes have been put up by Aruwai Resorts, Ansa McAl, John Fernandes and German’s Restaurant respectively.

The winner of the tournament will receive $700,000 and a trophy from Aruwai Resort. The Runner up team will receive $300,000

and the Ansa McAl trophy, third placed team will receive $200,000 and a trophy from John Fernandes while fourth place finisher will take home $100,000 and the Minister of State Trophy. Winners will also receive hampers from Ricks and Sari.

Top scorer of the tournament will be rewarded with a 3-piece suite from AH&L Kissoon.

Hilbert Foster (left) making the donation to Asst. Commissioner of Police Ian Amsterdam

Olympic Wild Card hopeful Mayors Cup continues to Compete in Barbados this weekend G T

uyanese swimmer Andrew Fowler departed Guyana on Wednesday for the Barbados Invitational in his bid to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games. Fowler who is competing for an Olympic wild card qualification spot will look to trim some time off his personal best of 25:65 in the 50 meter freestyle.

The 20 year old who hails from the rural village of Farm, is very confident of bettering his personal best

due to his excellent preparations ahead of the meet. The Agri- Machinery student of the Guyana Technical Institute who will be in Barbados for the first time revealed that his best accomplishment in the pool thus far is winning his heat at the World Championships in Russia last year.

Fowler can directly qualify for the Olympics if he meets the Olympics Qualifying Time (OQT) of 22:27 seconds. He can

also potentially qualify if he reaches the Olympic Selection Time (OST) of 23:05.

The qualifying time standards must be obtained in World Championships, Continental Championships, Continental Qualification Events, National Championships and Trials, or International Competitions approved

by FINA in the period between March 1, 2015 to July 3, 2016.

21

SPORTS

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Cricket and Independence

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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Alvin Isaac Kallicharran Full name: Alvin Isaac Kallicharran Born: 21 Mar 1949, Paidama, Berbice, Guyana Batting: Left-hand batsman Bowling: Right-arm off-break Teams: Guyana U19 (2in: 1966-1968); Guyana Colts (1in: 1968); Berbice (FC: 1972-1973); Guyana (FC: 1967-1981); Guyana (ListA: 1973-1978); West Indies (Test: 1972-1980); West Indies (ODI: 1973-1981); Rest of World (FC: 1974); Warwickshire (Var: 1971-1990); Queensland (FC: 1977/78); Transvaal (Var: 1981-1984); Orange Free State (1984-1988); All teams Relations: Dereck Kallicharran (brother), Mahendra Nagamootoo (nephew), Vishal Nagamootoo (nephew); Club: Port Mourant (Berbice) School: St Joseph Anglican; Port Mourant Comprehensive High A small man, Alvin Kallicharran had poise, balance, orthodoxy, a full range of strokes off either foot, and a bat that because of its size relative to him, appeared far too large to a generation of hapless bowlers. He was named Indian Cricket Cricketer of the Year in 1975, South African Cricket Annual Cricketer of the Year in 1983 and Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1983.

C

ricket has played a pivotal role in the development of Guyana as a nation long before Independence in May 1966. There are a many outstanding Guyanese cricketers whose contribution to the glorious game will never be forgotten. Today Guyana Times Sport put the spotlight on Alvin Kallicharran. In the first part of this two part series we will have a look at Alvin’s early days and distinguished First Class Career.

Early days

Alvin came from a large family, with four brothers and six sisters.

Family members from both parents were avid cricketers. His father played for Berbice county in Flood Cup competition between Indo-Guyanese, older brother Stanley played for the Guyana youth team and younger brother Derek played for Guyana. Two nephews, the Nagamootoo brothers, represented Guyana, with Mahendra playing Test cricket.

With no formal coaching, Alvin began playing on the unpaved streets of Port Mourant, with homemade bats and balls. Without pads, he had to perfect his defense quickly to stay in the game. Not from a wealthy family, he welcomed the financial assistance he received by members of the cricket-loving community in which he grew up, which helped to pay for club dues, travelling, formal cricket gear and even school expenses.

Alvin first appeared in West Indies regional cricket in 1966, as captain of the first Guyana Under-19 team, which played matches in Dominica, Barbados and Guyana. He scored 90's against the Combined Islands and Trinidad & Tobago. His brother Stanley was in that team.

First class and List A cricket

He made his first class debut for Guyana against the Windwards, on 15 March 1967 in Grenada, in the regional Shell Shield competition, just

6 days short of his eighteenth birthday. His first first-class century, 137 against the Combined Islands at Bourda, came in March 1970, but it was not until March 1972 that he scored his second, 154 for Guyana against New Zealand.

Possibly through Rohan Kanhai, who came from the same village, news of Alvin's promise as a batsman reached England and Glamorgan tried to recruit him. It was Kanhai's county Warwickshire, however, that succeeded in recruiting him first. Alvin played for the Warwickshire Second XI in 1971, but moved up to the senior team in 1972, after making his Test debut.

In January 1974 Alvin scored 197 for Guyana against Jamaica at Sabina Park, adding 241 runs with Clive Lloyd for the fifth wicket, in a highscoring match. This was his highest score ever for Guyana. The following year, he scored 110 for Guyana against Barbados in Bridgetown, adding 297 for the second wicket with Roy Fredericks, who went on to score 250.

In January 1981, Alvin scored 184 for Guyana against Trinidad & Tobago in Georgetown, adding 286 for the seventh wicket with Clive Lloyd. This turned out to be his last century and last season for Guyana, even though his first class career would continue for another eight years.

After being dropped by the West Indies in 1981, Transvaal stepped in with a lucrative winter contract. The first West Indian to compete in South Africa's Currie Cup, he averaged nearly 60 to finish third in the national list and inspire Transvaal to win the Benson and Hedges Floodlit Cup. In a tortured 1982 season, when they usually had to sit and suffer, Warwickshire's followers could at least take comfort from Alvin Kallicharran's disciplined brilliance.

He was the only batsman on the county circuit to score 2,000

first-class runs, hitting three double-centuries and five other hundreds in the Schweppes Championship. He also played one great innings in limited-overs cricket, his 141 not out against Somerset at Taunton securing a shock NatWest Trophy quarter-final success.

One shot in this innings will be particularly treasured by those who saw it. When the 6ft 8in Joel Garner came round the wicket to bounce one at him, perfectly positioned, 5ft 5in Alvin hooked his towering adversary high over square leg for 6 with stunning power.

Banned by West Indies for playing in South Africa and with the added incentive his 1983 county benefit being just a year away, Alvin had plenty of incentive to score heavily. His first century came at Dartford, followed by a career-best 235 at Worcester, his maiden double-hundred in first-class cricket.

Edgbaston had yet to sample a Kallicharran special, but any voodoo was dispelled with 195 against Surrey, followed by 109 not out in the return against Worcestershire.

Finally came the climax at Southampton.

Kallicharran, the country's leading run-maker, versus Malcolm Marshall, the leading wicket-taker a contest to savour.

Alvin countered Marshall's extreme pace with unrivalled expertise, his second-innings 131 raising him past 2,000 runs for the first time in his career. Eight centuries in a summer equalled the Warwickshire record held jointly by R. E. S. Wyatt (1937) and Rohan Kanhai (1972).

He played for Orange Free State from 1981 to 1984 and Transvaal from 1984 to 1988 in South African domestic cricket.

While playing against minor county Oxfordshire in the 1984 one day Natwest Trophy he scored 206 and took 6 for 32.

To be continued in tomorrow’s edition of the Guyana Times

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friDAY, may 27, 2016

Cricket, the energy of Independence!

By Devina Samaroo and Romario Samaroo

A

ll warriors were called out amid pomp and fanfare as two-time finalists of the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) T20 Cricket, the Guyana Amazon Warriors team participated in the country’s Independence Day parade in observance of the 50th Jubilee celebrations.

The gargantuan crowd grew wild with excitement on seeing their favourite players parading on the road, joining them in the grand festivities, just ahead

of the much anticipated CPL tournament.

With two fully loaded trucks on the road, hundreds of thrilled fans and supporters flaunted their Amazon Warriors branded jerseys, flags, hats and other merchandises as they gyrated to the beat of the popular theme song: Calling All Warriors!

True cricket fanatics made use of the opportunity to greet and rub shoulders with their heroes, soliciting autographs and snapping selfies, reminiscent of the distinctive

razzmatazz known to this cricket-loving region Fifty autograph cricket balls were given to excited fans along the parade route.

At the Stabroek Market Square before the parade kicked off, Amazon Warrior’s Coach Roger Harper explained that the players are committed to their vigorous training sessions and capitalising on advice in every possible way to improve performance and remaining a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive tournament, with the ultimate goal of emerg-

ing champions for the first time.

“We have a good squad of players. We are looking forward to have a successful tournament,” Harper expressed.

Among the players who were in the parade were Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Christopher Barnwell, Stephen Jacobs, Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz and Anthony Bramble. Coach Roger Harper, Assistant Coach Esuan Crandon along with Team Manager Omar Khan were also in

the parade The team will come out under new Captain, New Zealand’s destructive top order batsman Martin Guptil, who has been with the Amazon Warriors since the inaugural tournament in 2013.

The team will include regional powerhouses: Dwayne Smith, Orlando Peters, Stephen Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan, Jason Mohammed, and Rayad Emrit.

The team will be boosted by international players with the likes of Pakistani

fast bowler Sohail Tanvir; Australian duo, Chris Lynn, the explosive all-rounder and spinning phenomenon Adam Zampa; both of whom had exceptional runs in this year’s Indian Premiere League (IPL).

The core of the squad comprises local superstars including Captain of the West Indies Under-19 Worldcup Champions Shimron Hetmyer; spin twins Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo; all-rounders Christopher Barnwell and Stephen Jacobs; fast bowler

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

23

Guyana All-Stars face Shamsi ready to off with DC Jammers unleash new flipper I tonight at CASH T

he Washington Based side; DC Jammers will conclude their fourgame Goodwill tour this evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when they face off against the Guyana Allstar team.

The Jammers have a 100% record so far after three games on their four-game tour with victories against Pacesetters, Ravens and National Club Champions; Colts.

The North Americans are proving to be a handful for the Guyanese oppositions; however, they are not unbeatable.

Although the Ravens and Pacesetters made it difficult for the Jammers at various parts of the game, the Jammers’ explosive offense was just too much for both sides as they both gave up fourth quarter leads that proved costly.

Careless turnovers and missed shots were evident for both Guyanese sides down the stretch and had there been better execution in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter it can be argued that both Ravens and

DC Jammers Semaj Inge going up for a two handed reverse dunk

Pacesetters could have given the Jammers their first taste of defeat on tour.

Former NCAA Div.1 player and highflyer, Semaj Inge has been outstanding for the Jammers during their three game stretch. Inge scored 21 points against both the Ravens and Pacesetters and has produced a number of highlight-reel dunks and ‘al-

ley-hoops’ for the Jammers.

Guyana All-Star team will be looking to hand the DC Jammers their first loss of the Goodwill tour while the highly touted Jammers will be looking for a clean sweep.

Action tips-off at 18:30Hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall this evening.

GASA Independence meet on today at National Aquatic Centre

The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will host it annual Independence long course meet at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal from today.

The fiercely competitive swim meet that usually attracts the nation’s top swimmers, is being held in collaboration with the country’s Independence Golden Jubilee Anniversary.

Today’s proceedings will be the qualifying rounds while the heat of the action will commence on Saturday and conclude on Sunday.

The events are expected to be conducted under the governing body of FINA and a heated rivalry is expected throughout the competition.

The closing ceremony

The Aquatic centre is set to come alive today with some heated rivalries across the events

will follow immediately after the championships and an entrance fee of $200 will be charged. Food and drinks

will be on sale all three days to assist the association to offset minor operational expenses.

ustralia’s Melbourne based Big Bash franchise, Melbourne Renegades, have confirmed that they are not going to re-sign West Indian star batsman, Chris Gayle, for this season’s tournament.

Renegades chief executive, Stuart Coventry, said that the club is looking elsewhere to fill its overseas quota. “We’ll unveil our international signings soon and Chris (Gayle) isn’t part Chris Gayle

of those plans,” Coventry told News Corp.

The decision of the Renegades to not call upon Gayle’s services effectively ends the West Indian hopes of featuring in this season’s tournament, with the remaining clubs having already signed or having shown no interest in the Jamaican. Dwayne Bravo could be a replacement for Gayle, according to reports. (cricbuzz.com)

Tabraiz Shamsi

duty in the Indian Premier League in 2016.

Asked about his philosophy and approach, Shamsi said he is a wrist spinner who bowls faster than most – between 85 km/h to 95km/h – and tries to master and regularly land his stock delivery on a good length.

He believes conditions in the Caribbean will be much more spinner-friendly than the flat batsman-orientated wickets in India where the grounds are small and the

margins for error are limited.

“I think I could still bowl it quick and turn it appreciably,” he adds.

Titans skipper Henry Davids, who also featured in the Caribbean Premier League with Shamsi in 2015, says South Africa will probably field two spinners in most of their matches.

“They realised only later at the ICC World Twenty20 that they should have used two slow bowlers.

“It will be a case of South Africa fielding Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso or Shamsi.

“I do think Tabraiz possesses the character. He showed it in the Sunfoil Series last season. Only a few tracks gave the spinners a hint of assistance. He revelled in the conditions and his consistency has improved markedly,” he added.

Shamsi ended with 41 wickets at an average of 19.97.

Davids warned that the Australian and West Indian batsmen might be puzzled occasionally by the Shamsimagic. “He possesses more than one googly, he also has a slider and is very difficult to read.

“Possibly at international level batsmen are better equipped to deal with his type of threat,” he added.

(Super Sport)

Tri-Nation Series: West Indies | Australia | South Africa

West Indies beaten

by Barbados select XI in warm up match

T

Renegades confirmed that they are not going to re-sign Chris

A

n what can be interpreted as a thinly veiled warning to the batsmen of Australia and the West Indies, South African leftarm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi said he finally unleashed his newly developed flipper during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Shamsi, mystery spinner of The Unlimited Titans, took only three wickets in four matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, but he will soon return to the scene of his greatest triumph.

In the Caribbean Premier League in 2015, he captured 11 wickets at an average of 13.27. It included 4-10 against a top-order full of swashbuckling boundary bashers of the Barbados Tridents.

Shamsi is part of the South African squad that will play in six one-day internationals during a triangular series in the Caribbean also featuring Australia, the defending Cricket World Champs, and the West Indies, who recently lifted the ICC World Twenty20 crown for the second time in four years.

Shamsi admitted the flipper was under construction for about two years, and he decided not to bowl it until he is fully ready. He only recently utilised it while on

est batsman Shai Hope and former West Indies opener Omar Phillips stroked halfcenturies as a Barbados Select XI dealt West Indies a 50-run defeat in the first of two warm-up matches here Wednesday night.

In a day/night encounter at Kensington Oval, the Select XI piled up 290 for eight off their 50 overs, with the stylish Hope carving out a top score of 61 and Phillips getting 58.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse claimed three for 61 while fast bowler Shannon Gabriel picked up two for 75.

In reply, West Indies were restricted to 240 all out off 47.1 overs thanks to leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr who finished with three for 17 from four overs and seamers Kevin Stoute (228), Tarik Shorey (2-33) and Dario Seale (2-50), all of whom finished with two wickets apiece.

Jamaican Rovman Powell smashed a top score of 58 while Nurse completed a solid all-round game with a fantastic even 50 off a mere 31 balls.

Wicketkeeper Denesh

Ramdin chimed in with 32 while Darren Bravo got 24 and Marlon Samuels, 23.

The Select XI got a great start after the left-handed Phillips put on 58 for the first wicket with Kyle Corbin who made 14, and a further 53 for the second wicket with Hope.

Phillips, who played two Tests during the senior players strike seven years ago, struck seven fours and two sixes off 66 deliveries while Hope gathered seven fours off 79 balls.

When Phillips fell to give Nurse his second wicket, Hope and Roston Chase (18) added 40 for the third wicket before both fell in the space of 18 balls, to leave the Select XI on 165 for four in the 36th over.

However, Shamarh Brooks stroked 44 from 37 balls with two fours and two sixes and captain Stoute hit 29 from 41 balls, to revive the innings in a 60-run, fifth wicket partnership.

Kyle Mayers arrived late on to belt 29 from 13 deliveries, to provide the flourish at the end.

Shorey and Stoute then scythed through the West Indies top order to leave the

innings in ruins at 81 for five in the 20th over.

Johnson Charles played across one from Shorey in the fourth over and was lbw for seven at 15 for one and in the left-armer’s next over, Andre Fletcher pulled a catch to mid-wicket to fall for seven at 20 for two.

Samuels struck four fours in a 20-ball knock before perishing lbw to Stoute in the 12th over and eight balls later, left-hander Jonathan Carter fended off a short ball from Seale to be caught at point without scoring at 59 for four.

When Bravo was caught at mid-wicket off Stoute in the 20th over, West Indies were tottering but Powell then engineered two halfcentury stands to rally the innings.

The 22-year-old, who has played a single first class game, struck two fours and four sixes off 71 balls and added 62 for the sixth wicket with Ramdin and 66 for the seventh wicket with Nurse.

Powell was seventh out at 209 in the 41st over and despite Nurse’s four fours and three sixes, the Windies still came up short.

fridAY, May 27, 2016

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

Cricket, the energy of Independence!

Some members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for Hero Caribbean Premier League 2106 along with managment team Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop, Omar Khan and Head Coach Roger Harper took the streets on Thursday to celebrate the Nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Olympic Wild Card hopeful to Complete in Barbados

Andrew Fowler hours before he departed for Barbados

Pg 20

GFF Ordinary Congress set for tomorrow Pg 20

“Reds” Perreira to be Guest of Hounor

Joseph “Reds” Perriera, former Chairman of the National Sports Commission is the special guest of the Guyana Football Federation this weekend

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