Guyana Times Daily

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DAYS

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2864

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, May 23, 2016

PRICE

Remains of Babita Sarjou found in shallow grave

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Coordinating Committee needed to P7 tackle judicial backlog – AG

Page 3

− estranged husband confesses to murdering, burying her in yard

Radio Lethem officially on air

Page 11

Uncle Eddie’s Home seeking transportation to Jubilee P12 celebrations

Month-end completion of Kitty Market rehab unlikely – vendors P10

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other officials pose with young volunteer broadcasters at the official launch of Radio Lethem

Jagdeo challenges Granger to review dismissal of employees under his Govt Page 9

(GINA Photo)

Death penalty not a FATF requirement – Nandlall Page 2

Trotman P7 lashes back at GGDMA – says collaboration needed to strengthen mining industry Planned UG industrial action

Unions await consideration of new P11 proposals

2 news

monDAY, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Death penalty not a FATF requirement – Nandlall C

ontrary to claims made by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, his predecessor Anil Nandlall is contending that the death penalty is not a requirement under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regime.

Despite the fact that Guyana signed on to join worldwide efforts to abolish the death penalty, Williams argued that having the capital punishment enshrined in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation is a strict requirement of FATF. He contended that the death penalty along with hefty fines will definitely deter terrorists from launching terrorist activities in Guyana.

Weighing in on the discussion, former Attorney General in a Facebook post highlighted that in other countries deemed FATF compliant, the death penalty is abolished.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

He pointed out that in France, where FATF is headquartered, the death penalty had been abolished decades ago; and the country is still FATF compliant.

“So is the UK and many leading countries in Europe and elsewhere, and these countries do not have the death penalty,” he emphasised.

Nandlall, who is also a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, reminded that during the debate on the AML/ CFT Bill in the National Assembly last year, he ob-

jected to many aspects of the content of the Bill, including the death penalty clauses.

“I pointed out that the Bill created 12 offences which carried the death penalty as their sanctions - the most death penalty offenses in a singular Bill in one hundred years of criminal jurisprudence in Guyana.

“I asked if the Coalition Government is certain whether this is the posture they wish to adopt and the signal they wish to send on the issue of death penalty in the year 2016, having regard to the

international climate on this vexed question.

“I pointed out that if Guyana is to pass a Bill containing so many death penalty Offences, it will invoke the ire of the international community and the United Nations and that it will put Guyana on a collision course with positions Guyana has adopted on this issue in the Region, Latin America and at the United Nations,” he expressed in his social media post.

Nandlall wondered whether the Attorney General comprehended his presentation, given the fact that his objections were wholly rejected.

The former Attorney General lamented that the country will only suffer, having the death penalty still enshrined in its laws while standing in solidarity with the worldwide movement to abolish the capital punishment, which has been deemed inhumane and completely ineffective in deterring crime.

Given the circumstanc-

es, Guyana appears to have found itself in a diplomatic dilemma.

Williams alluded to the apparent conflict during a recent news conference as he was fielding questions

the Attorney General provided an ambiguous response.

Foremost, he explained that Cabinet has not discussed the issue and therefore he does not want

from the media on the possible reinforcement of the death penalty to deter criminal activities locally.

Williams justified the inclusion of the death penalty in the AML/CFT Act on the basis that it dissuades individuals from launching terrorist activities here.

Asked then if the same rationale could be aptly applied in relation to other horrendous crimes,

to make any pronouncements on the matter.

However when further prompted, the Attorney General indicated that it may not be correct to claim that the government wants to abolish the death penalty.

“I’m not sure you can probably say that ‘we’ don’t want the death penalty,” he opined.

3 Remains of Babita Sarjou found in shallow grave news

monDAY, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 23 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, May 24 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 23 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, May 24 – 05:35h-07:05h.

− estranged husband confesses to murdering, burying her in yard

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

By Alexis Rodney

WEATHER TODAY Heavy to light rain showers sometimes accompanied by thunder can be expected throughout the day.

Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

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

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 4.47 metres per second and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:08h and 17:34h reaching maximum heights of 2.69 metres and 2.57 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:08h and 23:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

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F

ollowing the discovery of skeletal remains in his Seaforth Street, Campbellville yard on Sunday afternoon, Anand Narine, the estranged husband of missing BK International employee Babita Sarjou, along with an accomplice, confessed to killing the woman and burying her body in the three- foot shallow grave.

Police Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed with Guyana Times, that although he was confident of the identity of the remains, Police would still carry out DNA testing to confirm that the skeletal remains was indeed hers. Samples will be sent shortly to neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) for testing.

According to Blanhum, Police began questioning both Sarjou’s estranged husband and another man said to be his close friend, who were currently in custody. He said based on the information received from the two men, Police descended on the home, where a search was mounted with the help of neighbours and relatives.

It was during the search that investigators came upon what appeared to be a shallow grave. Digging further, they came upon two bones. A little later, Police found the most of the skeletal remains. Pieces of clothing were also found in the grave.

The Crime Chief said that both men would soon be charged, as they have both, during interrogation, admitted to playing a role in the woman’s death.

He said the matter would no longer be treated as a “missing person” but homicide.

Babita Sarjou

Blanhum said he was very pleased with this breakthrough, and thanked the investigators who have been working on it for the last six years.

Sarjou, 28, mother of a now 10-year-old son, who had lived at Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara, left her desk and computer unattended at work in November 2010 –never to return. Her family and the Police had since been seeking her.

Police made the dreadful discovery some two days after taking into custody the woman’s husband and another close friend of hers, after informing her mother, Champa Seonarine that they were reopening the case.

In early April, Seonarine, along with officials from the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) organisation, had again petitioned for the case to be reopened.

Seonarine said all she needed was some closure.

“Whether Babita is dead or not, I need to find her,” her mom had told the media, fighting back tears.

“I need closure to this

case, and I am calling on each and every one out there who knows something about Babita, that they have a heart and some feelings and come out and say something,” Seonarine, who now resides in the United States, pleaded.

She said her family believed that her daughter’s estranged husband had something to do with her disappearance.

Reports are that there were several instances of domestic violence and reports made to both Kitty and Timehri Police Stations.

Sarjou disappeared the night before Diwali in 2010.

“She said to me ‘mammi I’d be home at 9’o clock’ that night, but Babita never showed up,” the mother sobbed.

No one has any idea what occurred between Babita and her husband on the night of the Diwali motorcade. Seonarine said Anand has never spoken to them concerning that night. In 2010, the Police

held him for questioning for 72 hours and then released him.

During the investigations, samples of an undergarment were sent to Trinidad and Tobago for DNA testing, but, according to Seonarine, no results ever came back.

Meanwhile, CADVA head Diane Madray said while Guyana did not have a law for missing persons, the organisation was hoping to have a bill passed in memory of Sarjou.

Madray said the law, which the organisation hopes to name the Babita Sarjou Missing Person’s Law, should be considered as there is a need to take Sarjou’s case and set precedence so that change could be made.

She added that Sarjou’s disappearance was marked as a case without a trace and the organisation has been working closely with her family to advocate for the reopening of an investigation with Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack.

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mondAY, may 23, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Development strategies II

I

n Part I of this editorial yesterday, we reviewed the elusive quest by our governments from independence to 1989 for economic growth, which is a prerequisite for any form of development. At that time, in order to qualify for loans from the multilateral lending institutions, the PNC government under President Desmond Hoyte engaged in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to deal with the US$2.1 billion debt that hung around the Guyana economy like an albatross.

The IMF "conditionalities" introduced the neoliberal Washington Consensus doctrines of 'stabilisation, privatisation and liberalisation' before we could secure debt relief. Ironically, the IMF had supported the previous strategy "import substitution strategy" of the PNC in their effort to generate capital surplus for investment and diversification. That offered an avenue for banks in the developed economies to intermediate the new oil wealth generated by OPEC. Guyana's debt was due to both strategic and structural factors.

While the APNU/AFC government has obviously not crafted a coherent framework for development, by merely copying the PPP/C's initiatives, they are seemingly oblivious to the implications of the model in which they are operating.

Under the rubric of "stabilisation" for instance, inflation targets have become a fetish since there is no empirical data to support the insistence that any rate above 5 per cent will retard growth in economies at our level of development.

The stricture is more to assure owners of FDI that their returns will not be diluted.

But more germane, the new dispensation threw out the baby with the bathwater when it insisted that the previous practice of governments working on five-year development plans be abandoned. The market was supposed to replace planning: the "invisible hand" would address all challenges, even though the hand was now "invisible" because it was simply not there.While there were evident success from the "free market" policies, it all came crashing down in 2008, when the entire developed world entered a recessions in which they are still enmeshed.

But the implications of the lack of planning for the lag in our growth did not go unnoticed from one of the institutions that had led the struggle for Latin America and the Caribbean to break the lock of "underdevelopment" occasioned by our subaltern position in the world system that had been ushered in under the latest round of globalisation.

Antonio Prado of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) insisted a few years ago: “The State must be capable of providing strategic management for the long run, looking ahead, and being involved in the design of strategies for guiding national development."

But by then it was evident that there was a third way in economic development that led to more sustainable growth: it was exemplified by Japan and the Far Eastern Tigers. In this "third way" there was also the identification of strategic industries and their facilitation but the governments very soon, turned them over to private interests. South Korea's Samsung is an example of such a company. China, which interestingly moved into a government controlled but privately-driven industrial policy mode of development at the same time, "market fundamental” was sweeping the rest of the world - and was also successful.

The difference between the Chinese and Russian models of industrial policy development was that while the Chinese government was integrally involved, the companies and enterprises were subject to market forces. In Guyana, total governmental control of productive enterprises quickly develop fatal inefficiencies. In the Chinese model, their authoritarian government acts to eliminate such inefficiencies but such a government cannot and should not be tolerated here.

We suggest therefore the government should catalyse our industrialisation through its direct intervention within a five-year plan. It must see itself as an initiator and catalyst since most of our private sector has still not developed an appetite for risk taking.

We need an entrepreneurial state.

A Taste of Guyana: The Guyana Jubilee Festival’s Food Festival and Sideshow filled the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Sunday, with the delicious smells of Guyanese cuisine and unique sounds and sights of “A Vintage Guyanese Sideshow”

Performance appraisal, compensation in the public service Dear Editor, Reference is made to EB John’s letter in another section of the media on Saturday 21 May, titled: “Merit compensation in the public service was aborted by the last regime” which adverted to mine in the various local newspapers recently on issues relating to performance related pay.

I do not wish to get into the ‘political’ aspects of John’s presentation; indeed I believe that it is improper for professional Human Resources Management (HRM) practitioners, be they officers or managers or directors or consultants to project any political bias, no matter how incidental, when publicly addressing HRM issues or even individual cases.

John’s letter seems to suggest that because I did not actually work in the Guyana Public Service, especially in the colonial era as he did, then, ipso facto, I was not qualified to comment or advise on matters relevant thereto. With all due respect to my friend and senior colleague, I wish to remind him that while I might have been “estranged” (to use his language) from the Guyana Public Service, I have, as

a matter of fact, worked in and held senior Human Resource Management positions in the Canadian Public Service as well as the United Nations, two very large, ‘state-of-theart’ and progressive Public Service organisations in the under-developed, developing and developed world.

Additionally, I have had significant recent involvement and experiences as a consultant in HRM within the Guyana Public Service which afforded me some substantive familiarity with its old, recent and current HRM policies and practices.

I am also painfully aware of the “manipulation” of the so-called “Merit system” with its resultant negatives in the critical areas of promotion, demotion and termination.

In any event, my knowledge and experiences of what obtains in the aforesaid ‘Public Services’ postdate John’s experience in the old colonial Public Service of British Guiana; furthermore, one does not have to be working or to have worked in any public service organisation to know what goes on in such ‘bureaucracies’ and to have a good appreciation of the relevant pros and cons.

In these regards, I am rather surprised by John’s apparent pre-occupation with “The pro forma and even completed documentation …” as he put it, in the British Guiana/ Guyana’s old, old system when the world has gone ahead with various methodologies that are reflective of new ‘human systems’ and modus operandi; at the most obvious, elementary level we have the advent and advances of the whole new world of IT which naturally calls into question any slavish adherence to the distant past, as some colleagues who are anchored in the last century, are wont to do.

Finally, I respectfully suggest to John that if he were to re-read my referenced letter, he would see that I am not averse to performance-related pay and benefits but, like him, I also cautioned about the dire need for much ‘preparatory work’, including the training and retraining of which he wrote.

And, having regard to the considerable time factor implicit in the prerequired substantive training and attitudinal changes, especially if such preparatory training must await the setting up of the anticipated Public Service

Training College, we cannot ignore the pragmatic issues which are exacerbated by the declared expectation of immediate negotiations with the union etc).

In the final analysis, the optimal position might be a combination of both ‘across-the-board increases’ to take care of inflationary factors, dilution of purchasing power, the expectations of the public servants which have been raised by governmental comments etc, while the discussions proceed with the unions on performance-based increases to take care of differential individual performances. (As I hinted in my earlier letter, that is what we did when I successfully led the multiyear, multiunion negotiations for DDL some years ago).

In the currently evolving situation with the Guyana Public Service, the Government seems to be facing the proverbial ‘can of worms’, which, as I also said in my referenced letter, would require patient engagement, much goodwill and less historical hang-ups on all sides.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

guyana-times.com

monDAY, may 23, 2016

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

Govt’s World Day for Cultural Diversity ad lacks social cohesion Dear Editor, UNESCO DirectorGeneral Irina Bokova stated: “The enemies of human rights always attack cultural diversity which symbolizes the freedom to be and to think, and which is unbearable to them. On this day, let us dare to respond to them collectively …”

The occasion was “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” which was celebrated last Saturday and was marked publicly with an advertisement in “Kaieteur News” which I expect was paid for with state funds by the Guyana Government.

Also featured were a quote from Mahatma Gandhi and an extract from the works of French ethnologist Claude Levi Strauss which stated that if we are to safeguard the vitality of our societies, we must “preserve at the very least the living memory of irreplaceable customs, practices and know-how that should not be allowed to disappear.”

Messages from the Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally and the Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry were also featured in the advertisement that aimed to celebrate Guyana’s cultural diversity. Except that

the only ethnic group that was given space for a message was ACDA [African Cultural and Development Association].

The advertisement, therefore, actually shows the lack of social cohesion and/or the privilege afforded to one group over every other.

I hope that UNESCO notes the exclusion of over 60 per cent of Guyana’s diverse ethnic population on a day that was specifically designed to celebrate all the various peoples and cultures of the world.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

Disappointed with poor services offered Dear Editor, We are in the Golden Jubilee celebration period and one would expect to get good treatment/service wherever he/she goes but a few observations made me wonder what we’re celebrating. A while ago, some relatives and I venture into the a Camp Street fast food place and upon placing our order, we were informed that some of the things are not available like the pepper sauce, certain flavours of drinks and some of the things we ordered to eat.

Reluctantly we ordered what was available and sat in the outdoor food court to eat. There we observed a man poorly dressed walking around with a cutlass in his hand picking up garbage, etc, and could only to surmise that he’s the security guard.

After eating, one of my relatives reentered the premises to obtain some toothpicks and to our amusement, she came out with corn on the cob sticks after being told by staff that they don’t have toothpicks, giving her the corn on the cob sticks instead. I ventured inside and asked to speak to the supervisor and he was standing in the customer area.

I explained the service we had received and asked if that’s the norm. He told me that this is not the norm and they run out of stock sometimes but when prompted about the staff’s attitude, he didn’t answer because instead of the staff being sincere, they had an attitude as to suggest ‘this is what

we have, either you take it or you don’t’. We left there greatly disappointed.

On Friday, after calling an established computer company to enquiry about a HP printer and the cost, I went to purchase it and while in the process, the salesgirl told me that I have to buy a required cable separately because for some reason, the HP company decided to leave out the cable that connects from the printer to the computer. Wouldn’t it have been better to tell me before I went there?

After that, I visited a Stabroek Market square fast food place and after viewing the various signs and prices, I placed my order, only to be told I have to pay more than what is written on the display board. I pointed out that the display price is what I was working on and the pleasant lady told me the cash register has a different price and that is what they are working with.

I enquired how long this is going on because it could put someone in an embarrassing position and she told me that since last year the prices changed for lots of things but for some reason, management had not changed the misleading prices on display board, even though many customers voiced their disapproval even after speaking to the supervisor when they are informed of the differences.

I’m wondering what would be the tourists reactions, especially when I look around and there are no garbage bins in sight

and the dining tables are littered with empty bottles, used tissues, boxes, etc. I spend nearly half an hour there and customers had to push the stuff aside on tables if they want to use a table. Is this the Jubilee environment we want visitors/ tourists to witness?

Finally Editor, passing the Stabroek Market at the eastern gates, you are greeted with the smell of marijuana and people pestering you to sell or buy something.

Our Town Clerk is relocating vendors (some) but sees it fit to leave these people to conduct suspicious activities and deter people from venturing into the market because of their menacing looks.

He could order a building that I used to frequent demolished and took others to see, including the now Director of Sport, former Ministers and present Ministers, based on allegations and I am prepared to publicly deny these allegations and I’m quite sure that many people whom I took there at various hours would verify that they were never scared, threatened, or witnessed any of those allegations that the Town Clerk is talking about.

I’m urging the relevant authorities to put a leash on him because he’s doing more damage instead of rebuilding; and to polish it off, he probably has his personal vendetta against these people, thus using his position to execute his vengeance.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

Diaspora proliferating Caribbean culture worldwide Dear Editor, Hundreds of Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals in the diaspora are travelling to Georgetown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence.

Guyanese and their regional counterparts are scattered all over the planet.

The US is no exception where thousands of Jamaicans, Guyanese, Trinidadians, Barbadians, Antiguans, Grenadians and other parts of the region work and live and to some extent try to transform their adopted homes to the land of their births.

They brought their culture, cuisines, music, cricket and other activities to the United States and most countries have organizations, where they celebrate their national days and other cultural activities. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago which have large Indian populations celebrate their religious functions such as Phagwah, Deepavali,

by Hindus and Eid by the Muslims in which their friends from other islands participate and to a certain extent integrate the society. Of course, some Floridaborn Caucasians and even American Indians, celebrate with their Caribbean friends.

There is no doubt that the Caribbean diaspora play a very important role in United States - many of them are nurses, businessmen, clerks, teachers, and even University Professors as well as medical doctors and lawyers. Of course a large number of Caribbean nationals are labourers and many of them work with the city and county councils and assist in developing their communities.

It is often said that West Indians work harder overseas than in their homeland.

There is a reason for this because hundreds if not thousands send remittances on a regular basis to their lovedones at home. This is said being abused in some cases where those at home do not try to seek meaningful em-

ployment, but rather wait on hand-outs from their relatives abroad.

Many Caribbean nationals are active in community activities in the United States - some of them are volunteers with the Red Cross, Old Folks home, and voluntary organizations.

Some realize funds to assist schools, and communities at home. Jamaica is leading in this regard and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that has set up a unit to handle diaspora affairs.

Speaking about Jamaica, that country’s reggae music is extremely popular in Southern Florida. Trinidad’s calypso is also a favourite and so is the chutney music, the Indian version of Soca.

Grenada has an active association in the Miami/Dade/ Broward area and cultural activities on a regular basis.

I attended a function a few years ago in which Grenadaborn singer Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, the King of Calypso, entertained the large crowd and Guyana’s Dave Martins did a few shows.

Jamaica’s spicy jerk pork or chicken, patties, curry goat, fried dumplings, fried plantain, jerked steam cabbage and the Guyanese roti and curry, cook-up rice, chow mein, garlic pork and Pepperpot added some spice to the numerous Caribbean cuisines, not to forget Antigua’s funjie, and ducana.

Caribbean restaurants

are scattered in areas which have a thickly populated West Indian population which is increasing every year.

Cricket is the No 1 sport in the Caribbean and the diaspora has brought the game to Florida where it is played on a competitive basis by scores of clubs. It has taken off with so much enthusiasm that a large number of non-West Indians are involved including Mayor Kaplan and Commissioner Holness. Former world record holder Lance Gibbs who lives in Kendalls is actively involved in promoting the game and a stadium was built in Central Broward to accommodate the summer game.

In fact New Zealand played three matches against the West Indies three years ago and four CPL matches are carded for that ground between July 28 and 31.

The regional governments are well aware of the important role their nationals are playing overseas and they have representatives - consul generals, honorary consuls in South Florida to facilitate their nationals with passport renewals, permits and other administrative matters. Heads of government and ministers of government pay periodical visits to address the diaspora.

Oscar Ramjeet

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monday, may 23, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

(Continued from Saturday)

By Joelle Casteix

– it’s never too early to encourage caring for others

By Gail F Melson, PhD

C

hildhood is rightly seen as a time of dependence.

Children are on the receiving end of nurture from adult caregivers who, one hopes, have children’s best welfare at heart. Gradually, children take on greater autonomy and independence.

By adolescence, we nurture our teens increasingly at a distance, scaffolding their solo adventures, while keeping our fingers crossed. By adulthood, though, the role of nurturing others takes centre stage. The once nurtured child grows into a parent, a caregiver for elderly and infirm relatives, or a support person who tends to the needs of those with disabilities. Often, adults are faced with taking on all three roles at once.

Demographic and societal trends make the role of nurturer increasingly central to adult life.

As life expectancy extends and many life-threatening conditions instead become chronic impairments, more and more adults need long-term support.

In a society where virtually all able adults, male or female, are expected to work outside the home, more adults are needed to care for other people’s children. Climate change and environmental degradation call on us to expand our nurturing horizons even beyond people.

The idea of being stewards of the environment and the planet, addressing habitat protection, species endangerment, and animal welfare, extends the nurturing mandate to all living things.

Yet, despite the importance of being a nurturer in adulthood,

little attention seems to be paid to nurturing as a developmental process. That is, we often assume that as children move into adulthood, they will seamlessly don the mantle of nurturer. No practice at home, no lessons at school, no youth group programmes in nurturing are viewed as necessary while children are growing up. At the same time, everyday opportunities to observe and practise nurturing are disappearing. In industrialised

of Utah) and others, I’ve been studying how what we call “nurturance” puts down its initial roots and sends out shoots in early childhood.

We think of nurturance as something more than caregiving. Instead, nurturance comprises the attitudes, motives and behaviours that focus on supporting and enhancing the developmental needs of another. In this way, a nurturer sometimes might take a “handsoff” approach, withholding

countries like the US and Western Europe, extended families including elderly relatives are a disappearing breed.

Specialised institutions, such as rehabilitation and assisted living centres, segregate older adults in need of care from younger generations. Smaller family size means that babies and younger children are less likely to be toddling around the house.

By contrast, at least among upwardly mobile parents, the habits of achievement, the work ethic, the striving to succeed economically, all are the focus of parenting strategies, from Baby Einstein to STEM courses and internships.

Along with my colleague, Alan Fogel (now at University

active care-giving, if the other person needs to exercise independence and risk-taking to grow into her best self.

Nurturance is a heady task. It involves understanding the developmental needs of another, even when those needs might be very different from one’s own, or from one’s expectations of what they should be. It involves a commitment to do what it takes to foster those needs. It involves expertise, knowing what one should do to successfully nurture.

An obvious example might be nurturing an infant. When a baby cries, one challenge is to decode the meaning of the cry.

Is it hunger, the need to be held, the need for a diaper change, or

some other as yet mysterious cause? New parents struggle to decipher their baby’s ‘language’ so that their nurturing addresses the baby’s needs. Another challenge is disconnecting from all the other pulls –the work deadline, the cell phone, the broken washing machine – to focus on the nurturing task at hand. The third challenge is matching new parent skills – in the process of acquiring and practising them – to the needs of the baby. And a fourth challenge is keeping up one’s nurturing spirit, in face of chronic fatigue, irritating screams, and poop smears on the new sofa.

Little wonder we never put the words “nurturer” and “child” together in the same sentence. And yet, on closer inspection, we find that ideas about nurturing others take root in early childhood and may influence our later adult roles. In one interview study we conducted, preschoolers and second-graders answered questions about how to take care of a baby with a variety of spot-on suggestions. Even the younger children talked about the need to put the baby to sleep, pick up, carry and rock the baby, change diapers, brush hair, bathe, protect, play and cuddle.

The children even thought about indirect nurturing, such as providing money and shelter for the baby. Not surprisingly, children with younger siblings had more expertise than did same age children without. In another study, we showed that caring for a pet also contributed many ideas about how to nurture a being quite different from oneself. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.

com)

Stereotype No 3: The abuser is the “creepy guy in the trench coat”

You know who he is: he’s scary, dirty, and often frightens kids. And he is a figment of our collective imagination.

Child sexual predators love children. They love to be around children. They want children to love them in return. How do they accomplish this? By being charismatic, outgoing, loving, and caring.

They do this by having jobs – paying and volunteer –that get them close to children and put the predator in a position of trust and power.

Predators ingratiate themselves with adults and become important family and community members. This grants them everything that they want: access to children, trust from the community, and love from both the victim and the community.

They are often married with children. All of them lead double lives. They are charismatic and use their personality, power, charm, and position to find children who are easy targets for abuse.

Stereotype No 4: Women can’t sexually abuse

In the 1980s, Van Halen’s

hit song “Hot for Teacher” capitalised on one of the most pernicious stereotypes about sexual offenders: that women can’t abuse.

Yes, women can and do abuse. They abuse both boys and girls. And while the numbers of female predators do not match those of men, female predators are being arrested and convicted at record rates. Why? Because we finally understand that women who abuse inflict as much damage on their vic-

tims as their male counterparts.

Our society has also come to recognise that when a boy is sexually abused by a woman, it is not a rite of passage. It is not “cool” and does not help turn a boy into a man. Instead, it is a gross abuse of power and a sexual violation that leaves victims isolated, ashamed, hurt, lost, and injured. Girls sexually abused by women suffer the same after-effects.

Stereotype No 5: There is nothing we can do to stop abusers

The power to stop abuse is in our hands. So what do we do? It’s all about communication and empowering our children about their bodies.

Child sexual predators want the “easy” victim.

Grooming a child is hard work that can take months, so predators are far less likely to target the child who knows 1) that secrets between adults and children are wrong, 2) the proper biological names of their body parts and 3) no one is to touch or take pictures of their genitals (and they are not to touch other people’s).

A predator is not going to target the child who has a strong relationship with his or her parents, good communication skills, and who knows that it’s never okay for an adult to be sexual with a child or teen.

And a predator certainly won’t target the child whose parents openly talk about why sex abuse is wrong, the importance of reporting to law enforcement, and that the crime is never the fault of the child. (Parenting.com)

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monday, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Coordinating Committee needed to tackle judicial backlog – AG … part-time judges, voice recording systems still in pipeline

T

he establishment of a special ‘coordinating committee’, comprising representatives of the judicial system is being touted as the answer to Guyana’s decadesold judicial backlog.

This committee, according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, will meet regularly and give directions to varying offices in order to improve management of the various cases and ultimately reduce the mounting accumulation of cases, which is said to be mainly responsible for overcrowding of the country’s prisons.

During a recent news conference, Minister Williams explained that there needs to be a holistic approach in dealing with the judicial backlogs, and the introduction of such a committee, along with other measures that are currently underway, the problem should be effectively addressed.

“This entire legal system basically needs to be coordinated because what happens on one end affects the other.

So we cannot resolve the prison issue unless we deal with the Police Superintendent… he deploys prosecutors… if

they’re not properly supervised they can be responsible for a lot of backlog.

You need to have a committee so that persons representing all aspects of the justice system would sit regularly and coordinate problems that they would understand…

Magistrates should know that they should not remand people on offences that are ‘bailable’ because you are going to overcrowd the prisons unnecessarily,” Williams posited.

As part of the efforts to address the age-old issue of backlog of cases, legislation was enacted introducing committal proceedings to fasttrack preliminary inquiries.

At the Magistrate’s Court, an accused had to wait four to five years for his trial to be completed then a similar period before a judge and jury in the High Court, all the while languishing in prison.

According to the Attorney General, when the paper committals were introduced, magistrates started applying them, but it was recognised that you were basically transferring the problem from the Magistrate’s Court to the High Court.

The paper committal proceedings saw the prosecutor

handing over the evidence against the accused to his attorney. If, after examination, it was determined that a prima facie (based on the first impression) case existed, in the interest of not wasting the court’s time, parties then consented to committing the accused to stand trial in the High Court.

“It meant that trials kept climbing and the figures kept increasing rapidly… a judge would take about three to four trials per session which takes three months… so we still have that problem right now and it has to be addressed,” Williams pointed out.

Voice recordings

Williams disclosed that moves are afoot to seek funding to install voice recording systems in the criminal courts (Magistrates Courts and High Courts) in an effort to speed up trials and ultimately reduce the backlogs.

Currently, judges have to take hand-written evidence during hearings.

“One of the things to determine if the witness is speaking the truth is that they look at the witness and judge the demeanour and ve-

cept in the other courts to start the process of transformational change in the speed of litigation in Guyana.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

racity… how does the judge get to do that when they are busy writing down,” the Attorney General explained.

He disclosed that US$327,000 is budgeted for this undertaking.

Under the previous administration, the voice recording systems were installed in the Court of Appeal, the Courts of the Chief Justice and the Commercial Court of the High Court.

The Legal Affairs Ministry, under the stewardship of Attorney Anil Nandlall, had intended to replicate the con-

Part-time judges

open their courts from 09:00h and close at 14:00h, Monday to Friday.

According to reports, the night courts would be opened from 16:00h to 20:00h, Monday to Friday.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh had suggested that this initiative would last for six months.

Night court

Guyana has partnered with the IDB to implement the New Justice Sector Programme which is designed to consolidate justice sector improvements.

The programme will see the establishment of a Law Revision Office and a revision of Guyana’s laws, updating them to 2015.

Additionally, a Permanent Law Reform Commission with a Secretariat will focus on continuously examining Guyana’s laws and making recommendations on areas of reform.

Judges, magistrates and prosecutors will also be trained in sentencing and the writing of decisions as part of a holistic approach to ensure efficiency within the judicial sector.

Another initiative aimed at addressing the problem is the introduction of part-time judges, Williams indicated.

The ministry has allocated a budgetary estimate of US$49,020 to employ six parttime judges for a six-month period.

According to the Attorney General, the exercise is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and it is still in the pipelines.

“Once they approve the sums, we will start incurring expenses,” Minister Williams stated.

The reintroduction of night courts is another measure on the cards to tackle the issue of backlog of cases.

Approximately $25 million was allocated to facilitate night court sessions.

Initial reports had suggested that there would be five temporary Magistrates appointed to handle the night court.

Presently, Magistrates

Law reform

Trotman lashes back at GGDMA – says collaboration needed to strengthen mining industry

M

inister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has lashed back at executives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), who recently called for more concessions to be granted it members.

The organisation had also requested last Friday that government lay out a blueprint that it would use to move the mining sector forward.

However on Saturday Minister Trotman in a strongly worded statement said he was still seeking to understand the motive behind the calls of the GGDMA executives, noting that the recent attack, having taken the ministry by surprise, suggests that the GGDMA prefers to

see itself as a pressure group rather than as a committed partner, working alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources to regulate an industry that was previously governed in a very unregulated and biased manner.

The minister said his ministry has been having cordial engagements with the organisation, the most recent on May 10, 2016, when the Ministers of the Ministry, the Chairman and Commissioner of the GGMC and others, sat with the executive of the GGDMA and held discussions on issues affecting miners and the ways to tackle them together.

“No statements about a crisis or absence of a policy were uttered at that meeting

and beg the question whether the meeting was a sham.

Interestingly, the GGDMA has also declined to share a comprehensive review of the sector, sponsored by the IDB, on its behalf, even though conceding that the findings would benefit the Government's efforts at reform and be useful in refining its policies”, the statement from the minister said.

The GGDMA executives, at a meeting Friday said there seems to be an unclear policy for the mining sector along with increased production costs. They were also clamouring for an audience with President David Granger.

All these had occurred even after Minister Trotman announced that there had

been an increase in gold production.

“You go to a meeting with one person and they tell you this is what they are going to do… you go to another meeting and they tell you something else. It is very confusing,” President of the organisation Trevor Adams had said.

Trotman in his statement said government firmly believes that it was only through collaboration that, “we can truly tap and exploit the mineral wealth in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.”

He said recent statistics about high gold declarations contradict the GGDMA's utterances about the industry being in a crisis and devoid of

any policy to give it direction.

“The statistics don't lie, and instead, confirm that an industry that is better regulated and incentive driven will produce results. The ‘free for all’ days that some want to drag us back to are over. The Ministry of Natural Resources remains ready, willing and able to seriously, fairly, and meaningfully engage the GGDMA and all other stakeholders, and is expecting that they are prepared to do the same”, the minister said.

The GGDMA along with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had signed agreements with Finance Minister Winston Jordan, exempting eligible miners from custom duties on

fuel and equipment. However, at the meeting Friday, the organisation’s president said that after six months, things took a different turn, and miners began losing out on the agreement.

“It was only for six months but the fuel was a total disaster in terms of dealing with the other ministries or agencies, that is GEA and GGMC… I don’t think we had an issue with GRA for the first instance; they were prompt in their response back to us, he said.

He said however, that the problem seemed to have resonated with the GGMC, which took a considerable amount of time to come up with approval for documents.

8 news

monDAY, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

PSC commits to reintegration of prisoners – promises to assist in job creation

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it was committed to the reformation of persons serving time in prison and has committed to assisting in helping to provide jobs for them upon their release.

The commitment was given by Chairman of the PSC Subcommittee on Governance and Security, Gerry Gouveia. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM), of the PSC at the Guyana Marriott, Georgetown. He told stakeholders recently that the PSC would be looking to help create jobs for persons within the prison system.

“Many persons lose sight of the fact that when persons go to prison; they are not there for the rest of their lives,” Gouveia said, noting that there needed to be a national system that would deal with the reintegration of prisoners into society.

In January, motivational speaker and Guyanese leader, Dr Astell Collins began the first stage of his rehabilitative programme which he said would become routine at all the penitentiaries across the country.

After hosting a number of leadership development seminars across the coun-

Chairman of the PSC Subcommittee on Governance and Security, Gerry Gouveia

try, Dr Collins told Guyana Times, he realised that there was a need for similar programmes to be extended

The Georgetown Prison

to the prisons.

Collins said he was taken aback at how the inmates, who have been labelled hardened criminals, responded to the principles he disseminated at the seminar.

“Society sees the prisoners as trash and we treat them that way. But if we treat them as human beings and not what they did, you would be amazed at how they would respond. You see most of these prisoners were never exposed to compassion or persons who care honestly about them. There is a desire within them to change and once they are provided with the right guidance, I believe that they can con-

tribute significantly to society,” Dr Collins said.

Quoting his mentor, Dr Myles Munroe, Dr Collins posited, “Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion, generated by a vision, produced by a conviction and ignited by a purpose.”

He explained that the purpose of the sessions was to take the inmates on a journey of self-discovery to self-mastery where they could identify their talents, abilities, gifts and strengths.

“We want them to understand that freedom is not the ability to do what we want, when we want to do it or with whom we want

to do it, whenever we want to do it. Freedom is, rather, responsibility and management,” Dr Collins explained, noting these inspirational messages were conveyed to the prisoners.

He said too much negativity was being publicised about life within prison, noting that positive news needed to also become available to aid the rehabilitation process.

“We need to celebrate the other half of the coin too,” he said.

Asked about his passion to help those in prison, Dr Collins reminded that all humans were flawed, so no human was in the position to cast judgment.

“I’ve embraced the concept of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a Zulu word which means the spirit of humanity. I am because we are and what affects me will also affect you as what diminish me will also diminish you,” he explained.

Dr Collins’ intention was to visit all the prisons across the country in an effort to foster the foundation needed for a sound rehabilitation process to get started within the prison walls with the aim of helping prisoners uncover their worth and become productive citizens of society.

Eyew tness Comedy of errors...

I

...or spite on rice?

f this Eyewitness were to pick an example of the APNU/ AFC’s total ineptitude in matters economic, he couldn’t do better than the “Case of the Rice Cereal Factory”.

In the waning days of the last PPP/C administration, even as the Opposition were baying for their blood with their “No Confidence Motion”, they were moving to diversify and add value to rice.

That’s what governments are supposed to do - even as then, rice was pulling in record prices from the Venezuelan “rice-for-oil” deal. In this hyper-speed globalised world, governments can’t rest on their laurels - other countries are always lurking to steal a piece of their action. We now know Suriname was lurking.

But as far back as GuyExpo 2014, the PPP/C government announced they were collaborating with IAST to launch a line of Rice Cereal - “Morning Glory”. By April of 2015, sod had been turned, building constructed and all that was left was for the machinery to be sourced in China and brought to Essequibo where the factory was located.

Even the location showed an appreciation for the challenges confronting the economy: Essequibo has the least diversified economy of the three counties and depends almost solely on rice. The factory would’ve provided much needed jobs for young Essequibians.

But sadly, the Opposition’s hardball politics stopped the PPP/C government cold in its tracks from completing the project as they were ousted by that same Opposition.

And this is where their ineptitude manifested itself - in spades. Not they allowed Suriname to steal the Venezuelan market unopposed: they turned their back on the Rice Cereal Factory and blithely walked away. In what can only be most kindly described as a comedy of errors, an opportunity to turn 1/4 pound of rice we sell for $100 into cereal that fetched $700, was thrown away!!

Turns out the land the factory was actually built on was owned by GPL. But even though the latter doesn’t use the land, nobody in the new government got the bureaucracy to transfer the land. A squatter lives in the compound, but no one in the new government got the bureaucracy to relocate the squatter as the PPP/C had promised.

And no one in the government would authorise the money for the equipment to manufacture and package the cereal. And so it ended up in the hands of the only fella who appears to get things done in the new government - Joseph Harmon. But if he act, he’ll be drawn and quartered.

One may be forgiven for thinking it’s not a “comedy of errors” but enemy action against rice?

...on lawyers?

The head of the Bar Association won’t be putting up himself for re-election. He bemoaned the unwillingness of lawyers to join in the effort to improve the image of the profession. Could it be lawyers themselves feel it’s a lost cause? The bad rap on lawyers didn’t just begin yesterday, As far back as 1728 John Gay wrote the “Beggar’s Opera” that has been phenomenally successful in the last three centuries. The following lines of the satire still provoke the most laughter: “A fox may steal your hens, Sir, A whore your health and pence, Sir, Your daughter rob your chest, Sir, Your wife may steal your rest, Sir, A thief your goods and plate.

But this is all but picking, With rest, pence, chest and chicken; It ever was decreed, Sir, If lawyer’s hand is fee’d, Sir, He steals your whole estate.”

In modern times even the existentialist Jean Paul Sartre was moved to observe: “A Lawyer and a wagon wheel must be well greased.” ...on consultants One, A Thomas, Senior Communications Officer for GuySuCo, didn’t deny Ramotar’s claim they’ve hired an 85-year-old Human Resources consultant. Just that GuySuCo needs the experience.

Or is it he’s being rewarded for his prolix letters to the press supporting the government?

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

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9

monday, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Jagdeo challenges Granger to review dismissal of employees under his Govt C

clusion based on politics and race has never been as bad as this and we have tons of cases to prove that,” he posited.

and Foreign Service.

He pointed out that MR Khan, one of the IndoGuyanese employees sent home, has more than 40 years of diplomatic service with various Guyanese governments. Yet on the other hand, B Evans, who is AfroGuyanese and a political appointee under the previous government, was retained.

“Mr Evans has been a member of the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) for ages and he is a political appointee and he is still there. The career officer Khan who is removed and five other persons, four of Indo-Guyanese origin and one an Afro-

Bharat Dindyal

Philomena Sahoye-Shury

Khurshid Sattaur

als.

Indeed, upon assumption to Executive Office, President Granger made it clear that public sector workers should have no reason to fear losing their jobs once they acted professionally.

He emphasised that political hacks and appointees however will be at risk of being dismissed.

Pointing to several incidents as evidence, Jagdeo asserted that the President did not keep his word: “The ex-

Providing one example, he made reference to the situation involving the dismissals at the New York City (NYC) Consulate.

Earlier this year, the government got much criticism following the decision to send home five employee of the Guyana Consulate in New York.

Jagdeo contended this is one of the most glaring cases that points to the political and racial discrimination being meted out to professionals in the public sector

Guyanese, who was seen as sympathetic to us was removed from the office,” Jagdeo exclaimed.

He contended that there are many other situations where this incongruity is being practiced, and in this regard he lambasted the government for hiding behind the rhetoric of “social cohesion”.

“The rhetoric must match practice for it to be believed,” he stressed, calling on the government to

ontending that the majority of dismissals under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) administration are based solely on political and racial persuasions, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is demanding that a general review be conducted on all those terminations, and to correct all errs.

During a recent news conference, Jagdeo challenged President David Granger to practice what he preaches, reminding him of his pristine promise to protect public sector profession-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

President David Granger

lay out a clear pathway to social cohesion, particularly in view of the country’s 50th year as an Independent nation.

Bayney Karran

“I hope the president does not miss the opportunity to have a review of all those people who were ter-

minated for political reasons, if they are black and they support the PPP/C or because of their race. He should have a review of this to say ‘I am going to correct this because I want my word to match the practice in my government’,” he expressed.

Among those who have been fired or forced to resign since the coalition’s assumption to office are the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall; the former Head of the National Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson; former Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry Collin Croal; Guyana Water Incorporation Chief Executive Shaik Baksh; CEO of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Dr Raj Singh and other members on the board of directors, Geta Singh-Knight, Shaik Baksh, Badrie Persaud, Keith Burrowes and Dindyal Permaul; Go-Invest CEO Keith Burrowes; several Regional execuive officers including Nigel Fisher – Region One, Ashford Ambedkar – Region Five, Paul Ramrattan – Region Six, and Yolanda Hiliman – Region 10, Region Nine’s (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

REO Claire Singh; political advisor and former Local Government Minister Clinton Collymore; acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba; Guyana’s Ambassador to Mexico Bayney Karran and Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil Merlin Udho were recalled from their posts; national director of the Community Development Council (CDC) Philomena SahoyeShury; CEO of Guyana Power and Light Bharrat Dindiyal; Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Rickford Vieira; Commissioner General of Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur, among many others.

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guyana-times.com

monDAY, may 23, 2016

News

Month-end completion of Kitty Market rehab unlikely – vendors

T

he $240 million Kitty Market restoration project has been suspended for the past weeks, according to vendors who are allocated spots there.

The vendors who continue to ply their trade at their temporary locations are awaiting the completion of the Market, but have expressed frustration at the pace at which the project is being completed.

“A Canter was here this morning two times and it picked up materials from the Market and carries them away. For the past weeks – more than three weeks – hardly any work was done here; it is yesterday I hear a little knocking somewhere,” one vendor said.

The vendors noted the

workers would often use the rainy weather as an excuse to suspend work daily, but the building had a roof which meant internal work could be done. “The market roof finish a while now, they can work inside the building if you go and check inside you will see all the work left there to do. We would be lucky to move in the Market for Christmas at the rate they are at,” one seller remarked.

Guyana Times visited the market on Saturday, but no worker was present at the site.

The vendors have expressed their disappointment with the Mayor and City Council which had promised to complete the market by May 27, 2016.

Security concerns

Meanwhile, the vendors who have been relocated to the western side of the market have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with its security.

On Saturday, several vendors indicated that their stalls had been broken into.

One vendor, Nazeela Khan said, “My shop has been broken into five times and every time I report it, it don’t make no sense.

Every time they break into my shop, it is me that is losing my goods; nobody isn’t giving me back nothing or telling me nothing.”

According to vendors, on Wednesday, three stalls were broken into. The affected vendors have echoed

The Kitty Market under rehabilitation

Khan’s sentiments. They have lost slippers, perfume sets, clothing and a number of household items.

The vendors stated that they have notified the security, and an investigation was launched by the City Constabulary which was slated to pronounce their findings on Monday to the vendors.

Guyana Times spoke with the security supervisor who declined to provide her name and she said, “All of a sudden these vendors just start claiming their stalls have been broken into and entered.

When we go to see the stall that they said have been broken into, there was no sign of anything like that.

When a stall has been broken into and entered, there are visible signs and damages.

“It is when they pack out then, they are saying they lost items. Three

boxers and a slipper they say people carry away.

Who does thief them little things? When one of them say they lost, they telling the others to check and see if any of their things missing. It is then the others saying they lose things.”

The supervisor noted the vendors were calling for reimbursements.

“I don’t know what money they want, they can show no evidence that they lost items. They cannot even provide an inventory and they expect we give them a big fat cheque.”

This newspaper has discovered that the door to the section that is temporarily housing the vendors is being closed with “just a string”. The security supervisor said, “Looking over their stalls is not our duty, but to only secure the materials for the rehabilitation.”

monDAY, may 23, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

Radio Lethem officially on air

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Ministers Cathy Hughes, Ronald Bulkan and Sydney Allicock being interviewed in the studio of Radio Lethem (GINA Photo)

R

adio Lethem went officially on air Sunday in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), with its inaugural broadcast being its opening ceremony, the Government information Agency (GINA) has said.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo officially switched on the station and extolled the importance of community radio stations.

“It is important for the people of the hinterland to have a radio station, so they can communicate with themselves in the region and the rest of Guyana, and for them to know what’s happening,” he told the gathering.

The Prime Minister who has government’s oversight

Prime Minister Nagamootoo reminded those gathered that his Government promised Guyanese that the coastland and the hinterland will be integrated and the radio station is one of the ways of achieving this.

Regional Chairman of Region Nine Brian Allicock told the gathering that it is always good to know what’s happening on the inside, but most importantly, on the outside.

“I am so happy to tell you that we are on the right path of communication as this is critical. I thank this Government very much for that radio station and in time to come a television station,” he said.

He called on fellow resi-

(NCN) chief executive officer Lennox Cornette said the state broadcaster is reorienting its Georgetown operations in an effort to extend its reach by moving from a central focus to communities to promote values in Guyanese citizens.

“This is the first expression in a community radio model so we can disseminate information from the region to central and from central to the region,” Cornette stated.

Meanwhile, 12 young persons from within the region were trained as community broadcasters.

Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock and

PM Nagamootoo and other officials pose with young volunteer broadcasters (GINA Photo)

of the Broadcast Sector, said the establishment of community radio stations is part of his government’s efforts to connect Guyanese despite geographical locations.

The establishment of the radio station, he stated, is one ways of bridging the gap and closing the communication divide.

Nagamootoo, speaking of the involvement of all Guyanese in the country’s advancement, stated that all indigenous communities must be part of the process.

11

dents to continue to work for the further development of the region despite their political differences.

In his remarks, Mayor of Lethem Carlton Beckles expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister and team for the establishment of the radio station and promised it will be used for its intended purpose.

“This is historic; this is a jubilee within a jubilee,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, National Communications Network’s

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan also attended the opening ceremony and were among the first to be interviewed on the station.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives from neighbouring Brazil including the Mayor of Bonfim.

Radio Lethem is one of two hinterland radio stations to be established.

Radio Mabaruma is scheduled to be officially commissioned shortly.

Planned UG industrial action

Unions await consideration of new proposals

T

he planned protests by the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) which was expected to begin last Friday, has been put on hold, as the two bodies are awaiting word on some new proposals they have put forward.

Guyana Times understands that the UG has agreed to give consideration to some of the proposals put forward by the unions which also expressed dissatisfaction with the course the administration has taken.

Last Thursday, academic and non-academic staff had threatened to begin a series of industrial actions, if the administration did not concede to their demands.

They said that if the new administration did not adhere to their calls for increases in salaries, the situation could become harsh.

They had also demanded that the planned 10 per cent increase for senior officials of the institution be abandoned.

The two unions said faculty and staff at the university will be launching a protest calling for increased salaries and benefits as talks between the unions and the administration had

The University of Guyana

hit a roadblock.

The two unions are demanding, among other things, that academic and nonacademic staff receive 23 per cent and 25 per cent increases in their salaries respectively, retroactive to January 2016 along with all benefits submitted to the university’s administration on April 20, 2016. This they required to be paid in their May 2016 salaries.

The unions said the administration has not been keeping the promises it made on April 18, 2016, to stop the across-the-board increases for the statutory officers. Among the key demands is for the Council to rescind its decision to pay statutory officers - two deputy vice chancellors, the registrar and the bursar - a 10 per cent increase in salaries retroactive to January 2015, until it can offer adequate justification for such actions.

They said it is the very

administration which claimed it had no monies to pay benefits including 10 bursaries for their children who performed with distinction at national exams, yet the administration found over $8 million to increase the salaries of statutory officers who had just joined the university, a mere eight months ago and all others within the last two years: “Some of whose take home pay amounts to approximately one million dollars per month.”

If the University of Guyana’s administration and Council go ahead and pay the 10 per cent increase to the statutory officers, the unions say they will “reassert their previous demand of a 60 per cent increase in salaries retroactive to January 2016 and all submitted demands contained in our Memorandum of Demands dated February 16, 2015.”

12 news

monDay, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

“Reparation is serious business” − President ... says Caribbean youth must benefit

P

resident David Granger on Friday added his voice to what has been described as a despicable time for the ancestors of Africans within the Caribbean, saying that the call now being made for reparation is “serious business”.

He was at the time addressing scores of persons at Independence Park, Georgetown, who had gathered for the launch of the Guyana leg of the International Youth Reparations Relay and Rally.

The event was first launched in Barbados last month.

According to Granger, the call for Reparations is not a “side show”, pointing out that the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was one of the greatest un-natural disasters of all time and a crime against humanity.

“There was a crime but there was no punishment.

There was a crime but there was no justice… The Caribbean Community has taken a firm and irreversible stand in the call for reparations” the President told the crowd.

According to him, Caribbean people are now looking to their leaders to bring about redress for their ancestors and it was with this in mind that the Caricom Heads of Government accepted a draft Regional Strategic Operational Plan for reparations at their 25th Intercessional Meeting in 20 14.

He noted that the plan was not about money but was a holistic plan that was carefully thought out so that Caribbean children can have a better deal in the future. He said the Caribbean

A replica of the Reparations torch first handed over to Guyana by Barbados last month

was not begging for “handouts, sympathy or favours”, but was demanding reparatory justice for the greatest crime against humanity.

Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Commission Eric Phillips in his remarks gave a brief report on the work of the Reparations Commission, which he said has completed its reparations claim which will be presented to Guyana’s Attorney General for a resolution to be passed in Parliament.

He said the Guyana Reparations Commission believes in social cohesion which must be built on justice and economic inclusion: “We seek reparations and social inclusion because we believe in the immortal declaration that all men are created equal”, he said.

Chairman of the Caricom Reparations Commission Sir Hillary Beckles was represented by member of

the Guyana Reparations Commission Jonathan Adams who delivered remarks on his behalf.

Sir Hilary in his message said it was fitting that the reparations relay in Guyana was being held just days before the country celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence from British colonial rule.

He said the valiant and timely struggle for reparations for the descendants of slaves and indentured labourers in Guyana and across the Region could be viewed as the next stage in the Region’s quest to consolidate its independence and sovereignty.

“Strengthening our nations’ independence and struggling for reparatory justice are inextricably bound to each other. Our struggle for reparatory justice is part and parcel to strengthen regional integration” Sir Hillary said.

The International Reparations Relay and Rally series is being hosted by the Caricom Reparations Commission in collaboration with the Caricom Member States which have committed to being part of the reparations movement. The Commission said it recognized that youth engagement was significant in the Reparations dialogue.

The rallies are being held on days of historical significance in relation to slavery, the slave trade or native genocide in each Member State. A baton and torch are passed from the current Member State to the next one which will host the rally.

The first leg was hosted by Barbados in April.

Lindeners benefit from HAP Dental Outreach

A

number of dental services were extended to the residents of Linden, as part of an outreach initiative organised through the United States Embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP).

The HAP team, including Dr Abby Raymond, Andrew Proctor and staff of the Cheddi Jagan Dental School conducted general dental services in the mining town last Tuesday and Wednesday.

HAP Programme Director Eric Antinucci said it was the first time in recent history that a dental outreach by the team was hosted in the community, and that the outreach was aimed at providing dental services to people who may be unable to access such treatment on a regular basis. As such, senior citizens were targeted on the second day, Wednesday.

“We’re just here to augment what the Local and

One of the doctors treating a patient

Regional Government already have in place. We know that there’s a limited number of dentists in the Region so it’s a good opportunity to help out the Government in their initiative. The main focus was assisting anybody who had any kind of oral discomfort, to alleviate it. We are always opened to assistance, unfor-

tunately we can’t fulfil every request but we do our best” he emphasised.

The team has conducted other outreaches in the community in the past.

Antinucci said the HAP team would also be heading to other areas in the country, including Regions 4 and 5, among others, to offer similar services.

50th Independence celebrations

Flags to be hoisted at 3 locations in Region 10

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ll is set for the hosting of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary observances in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), as has been outlined by regional organisers.

Slated for the evening of May 25 are three flag raising events, which will be held simultaneously at Linden, Ituni and Kwakwani.

For the community of Ituni, this will be the first time the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted there. At Linden, the flag will be hoisted outside the building of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Co-op Crescent and Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, while Independence Square in Kwakwani will be the location for its flag raising ceremony.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Maylene Stephen said the events would be marked by cultural presentations and

a parade by members of the Joint Services.

Meanwhile, the Region will be sending a medium contingent to be part of the national Jubilee float parade in Georgetown. On May 28, a float parade is also slated to be held at Kwakwani, while

a Jubilee wash-down float parade is also set for May 29 in Linden. Stephen said the procession would commence on the Mackenzie shore, before heading to Wismar, and culminating at the Christianburg Community Centre Ground.

Uncle Eddie's Home seeking transportation to Jubilee celebrations

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The back of Eddie's Home under water

ncle Eddies Home (UEH) is seeking transportation for the elderly to witness the significant events that will take place for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations.

Guyana Times spoke with the administrator of UEH, Christine Haynes who said: “I will be thrilled to have a bus to take these elderly out to see what the 50th Independence has to offer.

They are reading the newspapers daily and questioning me about attending these events of which I only hope someone can donate a bus so I can take all of them to see the events.”

Uncle Eddies Home is currently housing 24 elderly folks with the oldest being 97 and of sound mind.

Many of the residents expressed interest in attending the jubilee events since they would be thrilled to experience this celebration.

Although the home is currently housing a small capacity, Haynes disclosed it

has the capacity for approximately 100 elderly folks.

Meanwhile, the UEH had commenced renovation but is facing financial difficulties to complete the work.

Guyana Times understands that the renovation is mainly comprised of voluntary work which ceased some months ago. Haynes noted: “We are looking for donations to complete our home and sponsorship to aid in bettering the foundation.”

According to the administrator: “We are grateful for all the efforts and works many individual have done to upkeep the home. I would like to extend sincere thanks to the Lions Club, the churches and many other groups that doesn’t desire publicity.”

Guyana Times in meeting the elderly folks observed their wellbeing at the institution. One woman declared: “I am happy to be here, I get to talk to my friends here every day and we have church here. My daughter

comes every weekend to visit me, so I am happy here.”

Another elderly who seemed a bit troubled related his discomfort at the home but said he is trying to make the best of it: “I feel my room is haunted, I am always hearing voices in my room.

Sometimes I feel something is trying to hold me down in my sleep and every time I watch through my window a man is always there watching me. This is my only problem here that troubles me at night.”

Around to the rear of the home the lace is currently flooded which Haynes noted is prevalent all through the year: “At the back of the building is always flooded which gives us a difficult time cutting the grass, however we are to be assisted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The Ministry has indicated their willingness to rectify the situation and we are currently awaiting an engineer’s response from the ministry”, sighed Haynes.

13 Preparing for 50th Jubilee of Independence news

monDay, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

As the Golden Jubilee of Guyana’s Independence draws closer, around the country, but particularly in the capital, citizens are putting their patriotic pride on show by adorning organisations, businesses and homes with the national colours, flag and 50th Jubilee logo

The Guyana Water Inc

Safeway Security

The City Mall

Shamdas Kirpalani

The National Library

Palm Court

The Brickdam Police Station

The Parliament of Guyana

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guyana-times.com

MONday, may 23, 2016

Regional

President Maduro in Jamaica; protest planned as he heads to Trinidad

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (right) greets President of the Senate, Tom Tavares Finson, on his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston Saturday night. At centre is Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (Photo: JIS)

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mid the food, electricity and economic crisis in his country, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrived in Jamaica Saturday night for what the Government says is a one-day “working visit”, ahead of his trip to another Caribbean country where a demonstration is being planned.

A Jamaica Government statement said Maduro, who was met on his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, and other dignitaries, met with Prime

Minister Andrew Holness and members of Cabinet on Sunday.

Senator Johnson Smith said the visit was an important one, and she was expecting the bilateral meeting between the two leaders to be fruitful.

President Maduro last visited Jamaica in September last year, for the Summit to Commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the PetroCaribe Agreement, the 200th Anniversary of the Jamaica Letter, written by the Great Liberator Simon Bolivar in Kingston on September 6, 1815, and for the inauguration of the Simon Bolivar Cultural

Centre in downtown Kingston.

The Newsday newspaper in the twin-island republic said Venezuelans living there planned to protest his visit.

It quoted the organiser of the protest, Yesenia Gonzalez, as saying that up to 50 protesters will beat pots and pans outside the Diplomatic Centre during Maduro’s visit.

“He should not come right now because Venezuela is going through a crisis,” Gonzalez told the newspaper. “What does Maduro have to offer TT?….Maduro is coming to TT with nothing.”(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Grenada power company warns of threat to electricity reliability and costs

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renada Electricity Services Ltd (GRENLEC), the sole provider of electricity in Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, has claimed that the country’s new energy legislation will threaten the electricity sector’s reliability and costs.

It has also claimed the Electricity Supply Bill and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Bill are politically motivated.

But Government says both claims are far from the truth.

In a statement issued earlier this week, GRENLEC said the Bills unilaterally scrap the current legislative

and regulatory framework that has successfully allowed Grenada to enjoy more than 20 years of world-class electricity service and growth.

But the Health and Social Security Minister, Nikolas Steele on Saturday issued a statement, saying he was appalled at GRENLEC’s comments.

“I take issue with that. In fact, I take offence to that.

This is being motivated in the best interest of our people of Grenada. Unlike the members of GRENLEC who have framed this, we have a responsibility to the people, not to shareholders,” the minister said.

“It is not an acceptable

international norm to have a legislated monopoly.”

Steele says that, for years, Grenada has not been able to access any of the benefits of being a member of the International Renewable Authority, because of the legislative monopoly of GRENLEC, which has been preventing Government from providing electricity to less fortunate people, or to itself, without first seeking the permission of the private entity.

The new legislation thus aims not to terminate the operations of GRENLEC, but to bring greater competition for the benefit of the people.

Venezuela food crisis forces Coca-Cola shutdown

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oca-Cola, the USbased multinational corporation renowned for its sweetened beverages, has halted all production in Venezuela due to a severe shortage in sugar – the latest sign of what some are calling the worst food, power and economic crises plaguing the country in recent history.

The company explained in a statement that 90 per cent of its beverage production requires sugar. But it noted that it would not close its headquarters or leave the country.

"Ninety per cent of the production requires sugar.

We are not going to shut our central office right now. We are not leaving Venezuela," it said.

The South American nation is facing one of its deepest financial crises ever after the collapse of global oil prices, which its economy has been based on for a long time.

David Milde, a senior fellow at WOLA, a human rights organisation in the Americas, said Coca-Cola's shutdown came as Empresas Polar, which is the largest and most renowned brewery in Venezuela, had to close down plants due to a short-

age in barley needed to make beer.

Many other staple foods cannot be found in markets across the country. There is also an acute shortage in medicines.

"If you go to the supermarket, there is no milk, rice or pasta," Milde said.

But he said that oddly enough you can find products that an average person could not afford.

"You can buy yogurt, cookies, and frozen chicken fingers –- but these are all out of range for the basic person's budget. A lot of normal diet is missing." (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Brazilian President reinstates Culture Ministry after artistes protest

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razil's interim President, Michel Temer will reinstate the Culture Ministry today, a Government official said, after an outcry from some of the country's top artistes over his policy to fold it into the Education Ministry to save money.

The decision to axe the Culture Ministry was part of Temer's drive to tackle Brazil's record government deficit by reducing the number of ministries by 10 to 23, one of the first measures he announced when he took office on May 12.

Singer-songwriters Caetano Veloso and Erasmo Carlos, pioneers of Brazil's tropicalia and rock music movements, held a concert in the Education building in Rio de Janeiro last Friday in

one of the protests by artists against the move.

Temer had also invited actress Bruna Lombardi and singer Daniela Mercury to head up the scaled-back culture portfolio. Both refused.

Temer will reinstate the Ministry using a presidential decree and the new Minister Marcelo Calero, a diplomat, will take office today, Education Minister Jose Mendonca Filho said on his Twitter account late on Saturday.

It was the latest in a series of reversals by the interim Government in its hastily organised transition.

Temer was handed the reins of Latin America's largest economy after the Senate suspended leftist President Dilma Rousseff

Brazil's interim President, Michel Temer

and put her on trial for breaking budget rules. He pledged a series of business friendly reforms to drag Brazil out of its worst recession in decades. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Man mauled by lions in zoo in apparent suicide attempt

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man stripped naked and jumped into a lion enclosure at a zoo in Chile in an apparent suicide attempt, forcing staff to shoot dead two lions.

The 20-year-old man, said to be suffering mental problems, was seriously injured after being mauled.

The zoo in Santiago was crowded with visitors, some of whom saw the attack.

Animal rights activists condemned the shooting of the lions, but the zoo said its priority was the man's life and it had no fast-activating tranquillisers.

Santiago Metropolitan Zoo director Alejandra Montalba said she believed the man forced his way through the roof of the enclosure, jumped in and then took off his clothes.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Montalba said the zoo had an "established protocol" and acted to save the man's life, adding that staff were "deeply affected" by the deaths of the lions, a male and a female.

Local media reported that a suicide note was found among the man's clothing and that some witnesses had heard him shout religious proclamations.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Violent protests erupt during Caribbean Export, Latin Chamber of Commerce sign MoU Chile President's speech

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iolent protests have broken out in Chile during the stateof-the-nation address by President Michelle Bachelet.

Demonstrators set up barricades and hurled firebombs in Valparaiso, where Chile's Congress meets.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon.

A security guard died from fume inhalation when masked protesters burned a pharmacy and supermarket.

Chileans are angry because of an economic down-

turn and a corruption scandal involving Bachelet's family.

Some of the fires continued burning for hours and smoke could be seen rising from several places in the city.

Bachelet, who was elected in 2013 promising to reduce inequality, said the country was on a path of reform "from which there is no turning back".

She said policies guaranteeing everyone a free education showed the country

was heading in the right direction.

"If we don't make the changes now with everyone working together, the tensions and obstacles will grow and our opportunity to progress will be frustrated," she said.

However, she also said other reforms would be delayed because of the economic slowdown in the country.

Correspondents say there are often protests on the day of the presidential address. (BBC News)

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he Caribbean Export Development Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States, to strengthen investment and trade promotion and facilitation and develop reciprocal cooperation between the US-based entities and the member states of Caribbean Export.

It will strengthen the Region’s efforts to access the markets of Latin

America, opening opportunity for partnerships with US-based Latin firms and Latin investors seeking to enter the Caribbean, Caribbean Export said.

“These agreements will open new doors to the Caribbean and to Caribbean businesses.

Caribbean Export has always been very strong on promoting partnerships because we see them as the most effective and cost-efficient ways to advance the goals of the Agency and

those of the Region,” said Caribbean Export executive director Pamela Coke Hamilton.

Making specific reference to the agreement with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she added: “This partnership will help us reach out to Diaspora businesses and their networks so they can continue to play a role in the development of the Caribbean – which many in the Diaspora are eager to do.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

monday, may 23, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the world

EgyptAir: Submarine searches for missing flight data recorders

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gypt has deployed a submarine to search for the flight data recorders of the missing EgyptAir plane.

“We are moving hard to retrieve the two boxes,” President Abdul Fattah alSisi said in his first public comments on the crash.

The Airbus A320 was en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people aboard when it vanished from radar early on Thursday.

Sisi said there was “no particular theory we can affirm right now” for what caused flight MS804 to crash.

Investigators say smoke was detected in various parts of the cabin three minutes before it disappeared.

Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister has said the possibility of a terror attack was

The search is focused on finding the plane’s flight recorders, in waters between 2500m-3000m deep

stronger than technical failure, but Sisi said establishing the cause could take a long time, adding “all sce-

narios are possible”.

The Egyptian military released images on Saturday of life vests,

personal items and debris showing the EgyptAir logo which were found during the search in the Mediterranean Sea. Greece says radar shows the Airbus A320 making two sharp turns and dropping more than 25,000ft (7620m) before plunging into the sea.

The search is now focused on finding the plane’s flight recorders, in waters between 2500m-3000m deep.

In October, an Airbus A321 operated by Russia’s Metrojet blew up over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board.

Sinai Province, a local affiliate of the Islamic State jihadist group, said it had smuggled a bomb on board.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Erdogan loyalist elected leader of ruling AK Party

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urkish Transport Minister Binali Yildirim was unanimously elected on Sunday as the new leader of the ruling AK Party and therefore the Prime Minister.

One of the co-founders of the AK Party along with Erdogan, Yildirim, 60, who was the sole candidate, won all the votes from the 1405 delegates at an extraordinary party congress.

Hours later, Erdogan gave Yildirim the mandate

15

to form a new government as Prime Minister following the resignation of Ahmet Davutoglu, the presidency said.

Davutoglu had served as Foreign Minister, but after Erdogan became President and he Prime Minister, conflict began to emerge and, in recent months, the two men disagreed on several issues, including negotiations with the European Union “The problem is the constitution is not clear on

where the Prime Minister and President’s power and authority begins and ends,” Nurettin Canikli, the head of AKP’s parliamentary bloc, told Al Jazeera.

“Even though they’re very good friends, and have the same political background it’s still possible for them to have different views on each topic. When they tried to use their authority at the same time, they failed to meet in the middle.”

Al Jazeera’s Jamal

Elshayyal, reporting from the capital Ankara, said that while Erdogan was no longer AKP leader, he was still its founder and spiritual leader.

“Now, it seems that until or unless the constitution is changed to allow for a presidential system, the AKP is opting for a prime minister who will carry out the wishes of the President, rather than one with his own political agenda,” Elshayyal said.

Afghan Taliban leader “killed in US strike”

A

fghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor has been killed in a US strike in Pakistan, according to multiple sources, a year after he was appointed leader of the group.

Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said on Twitter that he was dead, the country’s spy agency also said he had been killed, and a source close to Mansoor told Al Jazeera he believed the reports to be true.

Earlier on Saturday, US officials told several media organisations that drone attacks authorised by President Barack Obama had likely killed him and another Taliban member.

A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also said the strike appeared to have been successful.

The Taliban, which has a history of refuting developments that could hurt its standing, has not yet issued

an official statement though some of the group’s officials earlier denied the reports.

False rumours on the deaths of Taliban figures have circulated before.

In December, the Afghan Government said Mansoor had died after a gunfight.

The Taliban later released an audio message from him in which he denied he had been killed.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday that the Taliban chief posed a “continuing imminent threat” to US personnel in Afghanistan and to Afghans, and was a threat to peace.

“This action sends a clear message to the world that we will continue to stand with our Afghan partners as they work to build a more stable, united, secure and prosperous Afghanistan,” Kerry said.

Kerry said the leaders of both Pakistan and Afghanistan were notified of the strike. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Tajiks vote on allowing President to rule for life

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Obama’s Vietnam visit marks warming ties

Barack Obama is the first US President in 10 years to visit Vietnam, and the third since the war ended

U

S President Barack Obama has arrived for the start of his three-day visit to Vietnam, only the third by a sitting US President since the end of the Vietnam War.

The trip comes amid warming ties between the countries as the US seeks to build relations with Pacific allies.

Vietnam is keen for the US to lift an arms embargo

that has been in place since 1984.

Obama will later fly to Japan for a G7 summit. He will also become the first US President to visit Hiroshima.

While in Vietnam, Obama is expected to meet dissidents and make the case for Vietnam to remove obstacles to the US-led Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal.

Ben Rhodes, Obama’s Deputy National Security Adviser, said before the visit that talks on removing the United States’ embargo on selling arms to Vietnam would be discussed.

Doing so would allow Vietnam to bolster its defences at a time of territorial disputes with its neighbour

China, which was unhappy with a partial lifting of the ban in 2014.

However, White House officials indicated the ban would be lifted only if there was an improvement in human rights in Vietnam.

On Friday, Obama will tour Hiroshima, where a US nuclear bomb was detonated in 1945, killing at least 140,000 people.

In an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK on Friday, Obama said he would not apologise during his remarks in Hiroshima.

“It’s important to recognise that in the midst of war, leaders make all kinds of decisions, it’s a job of historians to ask questions and examine them,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indian soldiers killed in rebel ambush in Manipur state

H

eavily armed rebels ambushed and killed five Indian paramilitary soldiers on Sunday in the latest attack in India’s north-eastern region bordering Myanmar.

The soldiers were on their way to rescue work after a rain-triggered mudslide hit Chandel district in Manipur state, a Police Officer said.

The rebels fired at paramilitary Assam Rifles soldiers in the forest area, said the Officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to reporters.

The region is home to active rebel groups that operate from both sides of the India-Myanmar border. The attack occurred on the Indian side, about

15km from the border.

In June last year, the rebels used rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons to ambush an Indian military convoy, killing 18 soldiers in the same area.

Rebel groups accuse India’s Government of exploiting the region’s rich natural resources while neglecting local develop-

ment.

Most of the main armed groups in Manipur state are not engaged in ceasefire talks with the Indian Government, unlike those in other remote northeastern states.

The mountainous region, known for its natural beauty, has been battling rebellions for decades. (Al

Jazeera)

President Emomali Rakhmon (right) ruled Tajikistan for nearly a quarter of a century [EPA]

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olls closed in ex-Soviet Tajikistan on Sunday in a referendum on constitutional changes almost certain to strengthen the hold of long-time President Emomali Rahmon and his family over the Central Asian state.

The country’s electoral commission, which declared the vote valid, said some 88.3 per cent of the roughly 4.3 million eligible voters had cast ballots by 1300 GMT. The 63-year-old leader has ruled Tajikistan for nearly a quarter of a century, demonstrating what critics say is an increased disregard for religious freedoms, civil society and political pluralism in recent years.

Many residents of the Tajik capital appeared enthusiastic in their support for Rahmon, who led the country out of a five-year civil war that began in 1992, less than a year after inde-

pendence.

“Rahmon brought us peace, he ended the war, and he should rule the country for as long as he has the strength to,” 53-year-old voter Nazir Saidzoda told AFP news agency.

Other voters were more pessimistic about their leader’s ability to pull the country of eight million out of economic difficulty.

“Everything that is being done is for (the regime) to hold onto power for as long as possible,” 37-year-old Marifat Rakhimi said.

“We are waiting for a better economy and the disappearance of corruption,” Rakhimi added.

The term limit amendment applies only to Rahmon, owing to the “Leader of the Nation” status Parliament voted to grant him last year, which also affords him and his family permanent immunity from criminal prosecution.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

monDAY, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Guyanese share their plans for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations Samantha Narine (Essequibo):

Dayvishanie Naipaul (Essequibo Coast):

“For me May 26 will be a quiet day, however I participated in several activities that celebrate Guyana's 50th Anniversary. I am happy that I was part of those Jubilee celebrations that will be indelible in my mind".

Charishma Naipaul (Essequibo Coast):

Noelle Mentor (Georgetown):

“The celebrations seem to be wonderful, I’m just here to enjoy the activities, and so far I’m enjoying myself. I’m most excited about the flag raising because that is so significant and we ought to be proud of our country, and the raising of the flag is a symbol of what we believe in and how we should live.”

"The jubilee spirit is within the air, I plan to relax and spend the day with friends and family, catching up. I attended the "Falvour of Region Two” activities that was planned by the Region Two administration to mark the 50th Anniversary, also I will be attending the flag-raising ceremony. May 26 will be a family day for me, I also spent time reflecting on the struggles the leaders especially Cheddi Jagan made for Guyana to be an Independent nation".

Andrew Irving:

"Independence Day will be a family oriented one for me. The day is a national holiday as such maybe a cook out at one of the Region's resorts or maybe I would just spend it with my parents. Leading up to May 26 I also attended several Jubliee celebrations to mark Guyana's 50th Anniversary. I will also be attending the flag-raising ceremony"

Kenisha Lambert (Linden):

“Well, I would like to take my daughter out to some of the activities that they have for Linden Town Week and then God willing I think it would be nice to go to Georgetown for the Jubilee festival.

I’m not sure but just looking to see how things will go. Once all goes well I look forward to having a nice time with my baby girl.”

“Well for me as an individual, I would have already said my part would have been completed because it was to give respect to the ancestors who began this Independence process So we have already had a three counties libation, which concluded today and so this would have been my contribution to the 50th.”

Denisia Liddell (Linden):

“I plan to go to Georgetown with my family for the Jubilee celebrations.

Apart from that, we have the Linden Town Week celebrations right here in Linden and there are a number of activities to go to. For me, it’s going to be a nice week to celebrate and go out with family and friends.”

Dawn Jacobs:

Vanessa McRae:

“Enjoyable, wonderful, I will be going to all of the events with maybe my husband and friends. I’m happy for the first year for our President, I’m feeling light, refreshed and I’m enjoying it so far.”

David Thomas:

“The Jubilee celebrations is excellent, I believe that it’s necessary to celebrate the 50th birth and it represents a whole lot of achievements that we should have had, that hasn’t happened in the last few years but it’s a start. So for the next 50 years we could have something even bigger. I am here for the jubilee I’m contributing, because we are hosting a 10k, 5k and a track and field run event that will be held over at the Leonora ground. We are from New York and we’re sponsoring that event”

“My views on the Jubilee celebration is that it’s a landmark celebration. Why I say this? Fifty years is a golden year and as Guyanese we are proud, it gives me great joy and pride at this point in time to be a part of this celebration. Lucky for me I was born in 1966 also, so I’ll be a part of the 50th too”

Yihao Yung (New Amsterdam):

“I have to work; I have a business to run so that is what independence is for me. My restaurant has to be opened”.

Tessa Mahadeo (New Amsterdam):

“I don’t know what I will be doing for Independence, everything happening in Georgetown and nothing in Berbice. I know I going to the Vintage Concert in Georgetown because I got thickets.

This is just a normal week and I glade for the holiday on Thursday, me and my friends might just go out Wednesday night”.

Mark Persaud:

“I think there is a tremendous amount of effort and energy put in for this celebration, and I am privy to see some of it. People working through the rain, the mud and I’ve seen individuals driving by with their waste in their hands just waiting for an empty bin to put it inside. So that is very encouraging, I like that, and I hope all of us can come on board and make it a real clean and green Guyana”

Marlon De Freitas (East Canje):

“Independence! I got to work. I does make my money hustling and when everybody sporting I got to make a dollar.

They should have planned something in Berbice for the 26th because it is the 50th but they don’t ever think of Berbice, everything is Georgetown.

This week, nothing special planned, I see that they got a lot of activities but is not for me, plenty fo dem school children and up the Corentyne. But I want to wish everybody a happy jubilee.”

17

news

monDAY, may 23, 2016 | guyana-times.com

More investment, fast-track Zika risk communication focus modernisation of regional of new prevention efforts ports needed, says CDB

PAHO will help countries by implementing country-specific vector control communication strategies to engage individuals and communities in mosquito control campaigns in the fight against Zika

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Maritime transport in the Caribbean was found to be challenged by inadequate infrastructure provision and inefficient port operations

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C a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) sponsored study on maritime ports in the Region is recommending a major overhaul in policies; significant increase in investments to fasttrack modernisation; more Private Sector leadership, and greater focus among the Bank’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) on improving efficiency.

The study is also proposing that the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries examine and explore a regional port strategy given the limited volumes being handled in some ports.

“Investments should be made under prudent guidance and with an awareness of the regional developments. It would be a waste of public resources for all the OECS countries to invest in deep-sea facilities,” the report states.

These proposals come against the background of varying degrees of efficiency and productivity among the 12 ports examined in the study.

The report, Towards the Efficiency Frontier: Study on the Transformation of the Caribbean Maritime Port Services Industry was undertaken by Maritime & Transport Business Solution BV (MTBS) on behalf of CDB. The main aim of the study is to stimulate new perspectives on policies, practices and institutions to improve efficiency and viability of the regional port industry.

Maritime transport in the Caribbean was found to be challenged by inadequate infrastructure provision and inefficient port operations. These lead

to delays and additional transport costs. The study notes that the level of efficiency of the ports has an impact on import and exports costs, with a resultant effect on the competitiveness of national economies. Port efficiency also affects growth in price levels and hence the level of poverty. Port efficiency was, therefore, a major focus of the study.

Indicators used in the port efficiency measure were berth productivity; labour productivity measured

by TEUs per employee; quality of infrastructure; nautical accessibility measured by the maximum ves-

sel draught; type of equipment used for stevedoring operations; type of IT systems used in port operations; and the level of autonomy of the port operator.

The Port of Nassau, in The Bahamas, was the most efficient in the sample. According to MTBS, this was not surprising given the port’s newness and its joint public/ private sector leadership.

The second most efficient port was the port of Port of Spain, Trinidad which enjoys economies of scale, has the largest crane park and is a front runner on IT implementation.

(Caribbean360)

ducating communities and empowering women on how to prevent Zika Virus transmission is the focus of a new collaborative effort by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the CDC Foundation, aimed mainly at pregnant women in the Americas.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is supporting these efforts, which include a comprehensive health campaign on Zika prevention and surveys on risk perception and knowledge gaps in the Americas, as well as community engagement on mosquito control especially to protect pregnant women from Zika. These initiatives will be funded by a US$1.5 million grant to the CDC Foundation and PAHO. After the Virus began circulating in the Americas in 2015, reports of microcephaly and other neurological disorders increased in affected areas. Since then, it has been concluded that Zika infection in pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe foetal brain defects. Zika has also

been linked to pregnancy loss and other problems in infants, including eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth.

“Pregnant women deserve the best and most relevant information about Zika in order to protect their pregnancies,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden.

“Collaborations such as this one, harnessing the best information and expertise from both CDC and PAHO, can have great impact and save lives.”

“We face a number of large tasks, including the challenge of effectively communicating how to prevent Zika transmission,” said PAHO Director Dr Carissa F. Etienne. “We welcome these joint efforts that will allow us to develop concrete actions with the communities throughout the Americas to prevent Zika infections and protect those who need it the most.”

As part of this effort, CDC will launch a multimedia campaign that includes public service announcements and print and digital materials, and will hold a series of community engagement events in Puerto Rico, the

US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. The goal of the campaign is to educate pregnant women and communities about Zika prevention and provide them with the steps they can take to protect themselves from Zika infection, mainly by taking actions to prevent mosquito bites and avoiding potential sexual transmission.

PAHO will help countries in the Americas by implementing country-specific vector control communication strategies to engage individuals and communities in mosquito control campaigns, launching a regional campaign effort against mosquitoes, called Mosquito Awareness Week. PAHO, with support from partners, will also carry out Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice (KAP) surveys in Latin America and the Caribbean to measure risk perceptions and address the knowledge gaps related to Zika. Risk communication strategies with the countries will also be strengthened and operationalised using a PAHOdesigned model and training. ( Caribbean360)

UN says world must stand up for widely flouted humanitarian law

U

nited Nations’ second-in-command Jan Eliasson said on Sunday it was necessary to stand up for international humanitarian law which was being disregarded, citing attacks on hospitals and “practically medieval” sieges on civilians in Syria and Yemen.

“We have to stand up for international humanitarian law. We have seen a decay, a lack of respect for international law which is causing enormous damage in the world,” Eliasson said at the opening news conference of the first world humanitarian summit. He added that there were many signs the Geneva Convention on human rights was being neglected.

Government and business leaders, aid groups and donors gather in Istanbul for the summit this week to try to develop a more coherent

response to what UN chief Ban Ki-moon has called the worst global humanitarian situation since World War Two. Eliasson said attacks on civilian targets, hospitals and schools in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan were examples of disregard for the Geneva Convention on human rights. He said in Syria and in Yemen people were being isolated in “absolute violation of humanitarian law” which was “practically mediaeval”.

This month, the UN accused the Syrian Government of withholding aid to hundreds of thousands of people and risking a new siege, saying it had appealed to the Government to change its mind.

In Yemen, the UN had previously accused Iranallied Houthi militia of obstructing the delivery of humanitarian supplies to

United Nations Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson speaks during a news conference before the UN World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, May 22, 2016

civilians in the southwest, saying residents had been living under “virtual siege”.

According to UNICEF, the UN’s children’s agency, an average of four schools or hospitals are attacked or occupied by armed forces and

groups every day.

Last year, 75 hospitals managed or supported by respected medical NGO Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) were bombed, the NGO said, adding civilians were being wounded and

killed by indiscriminate warfare in Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

However, MSF pulled out of the two-day summit, which aims to mobilise funds and get world leaders to agree on issues ranging from how to manage displaced civilians to renewing commitments to international humanitarian law, saying the “non-specific good intentions to ‘uphold norms’ and ‘end needs’” of the summit would mean humanitarian violations would be ignored.

Eliasson said he admired MSF and was surprised that it decided to stay away, and said he hoped the leadership of the aid agency would see that this conference served its purpose: “We will very much make their issues the issues of this conference.” (Reuters)

18

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monday, may 23, 2016

ARCHIE

ARIES

Strive to make the chang-

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Expand your knowledge TAURUS and interests, and do your (April 20- best to make new acquainMay 20) tances. Talks will help you impress someone who can point you in a lucrative direction.

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Stay in control, be patient and follow your own path.

Live in the moment and CANCER gravitate toward the people (June 21- and projects that intrigue July 22) you the most. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Romance will lead to congenial circumstances.

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Keep your mind set on AQUARIUS things you can do to make (Jan. 20your personal and professionFeb. 19) al lives better. A change will do you good and will give you a revived desire to reach your goals.

You’ll face emotional inPISCES (Feb. 20- terference and discord when March 20) dealing with people who are literally or figuratively close to you. Don’t let anyone pressure you into getting involved in a joint venture.

monDAY, may 23, 2016

19

Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2016…

Kohli’s 50 books No 2 spot for RCB

I

t seemed a little like grandstanding when Virat Kohli said he "loved" that Royal Challengers Bangalore had to win four out of four matches to quality for the playoffs. That was two weeks ago, when his team was placed sixth and he had recorded his first single-digit score of the season. Since then the lowest Kohli has been dismissed for is 109 and Royal Challengers have racked up the back-to-back wins they needed. Their sixwicket dismantling of Delhi Daredevils on Sunday took them up to second place on the points table, a qualifier at home and a second shot at a place in the IPL final.

Raipur provided the toughest batting conditions yet for Royal Challengers this season. The pitch had extra bounce, and the boundaries were long enough that top edges and mis-hits didn't simply skip away. Their bowlers made use of both and strangled Daredevils to 138 for 8. That Quinton de Kock contributed 60 of those runs exemplifies the lack of application from the rest of the Daredevils batsmen.

Kohli understood hitting through the line wasn't prudent. When he had tried to do so in the sixth over, a good length ball from Chris Morris had straightened, kissed the edge and fell short of Karun Nair at first slip. Royal Challengers had already lost Chris Gayle

Royal Challengers Bangalore C aptain Virat Kohli had another outstanding match

and AB de Villiers. Losing the man who has averaged nearly 100 in T20 cricket in 2016 too could have been catastrophic.

Kohli, though, refused to give his wicket away. He concentrated on the singles and twos and barring a pristine on-drive that totally disrespected a good length ball on middle stump and an inside edge to fine leg, the rest of his six fours came off deliveries that were short, down leg or overpitched.

He struck the winning runs with 11 balls to spare and his unbeaten 45-ball 54 propelled his average above 100 in 2016.

The most pleasing aspect of the Royal Challengers' victory, however, lay in the efficiency of their bowlers.

Left-arm seamer S Aravind made the first blow immediately after de Kock catch

was dropped off his bowling.

Yuzvendra Chahal did not spin the ball much, but he was able to make it kick up off the pitch. That aspect accounted for two of his three wickets - Sanju Samson was caught behind attempting a late cut and de Kock holed out to long-off.

On both occasions the batsman had seemed rather unhappy. Samson felt he did not nick it, but replays suggested the ball had run off the face and into wicketkeeper KL Rahul's gloves.

De Kock was stopped before he left the ground so the umpires could check the no-ball. Replays in this case indicated Chahal had overstepped, but the third umpire Virender Sharma disagreed.

Bad luck, however, was a distant second in the list of reasons why Daredevils,

having won five out of seven matches at the start of the season, crashed out.

Tweaks in selection - some forced by injury and others strategic - didn't give them continuity. On Sunday, they dropped JP Duminy, who was out of form but had the experience to come good in a crunch match, for Sam Billings, who hadn't played since May 7.

The other change, Morris, worked a little better. He was held back until No. 8 - another questionable move - and struck and unbeaten 27 off 13 balls.

His height and hit-the-deck style of bowling had Gayle bowled off the inside edge in the second over. Daredevils built on that in the next over when a Zaheer Khan delivery got big on de Villiers and had him spooning a catch to cover point. At 17 for 2, Royal Challengers needed a partnership. They got one as Rahul lent a hand to Kohli and the 66 runs they added took the team within striking distance of victory.

The Daredevils innings had cried out for two batsmen to take responsibility like that. De Kock, brought up on the fast and bouncy tracks in Johannesburg, did well to keep one end ticking along. His six down the ground off Aravind was simple and brutal and a four to fine leg off a ball that had been outside off showcased his inventiveness. But his partners were less adept at

SCOREBOARD Delhi Daredevils innings (20 overs maximum) Q de Kock† c Jordan b Chahal 60 RR Pant c †Rahul b Aravind 1 KK Nair c Kohli b Chahal 11 SV Samson c †Rahul b Chahal 17 SW Billings c Gayle b Jordan 4 P Negi c de Villiers b Gayle 6 CR Brathwaite c Watson b Gayle 1 CH Morris not out 27 18 J Yadav run out (Chahal/†Rah ul) 5 Extras: (lb 1, w 4, nb 1) 6 Total: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 38 Did not bat: A Mishra, Z Khan* Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Pant, 1.2 ov), 2-42 (Nair, 5.3 ov), 3-71 (Samson, 9.3 ov), 4-81 (Billings, 11.2 ov), 5-96 (Negi, 14.3 ov), 6-98 (Brathwaite, 14.6 ov), 7-107 (de Kock, 16.1 ov), 8-138 (Yadav, 19.6 ov) Bowling: STR Binny 2-0 -15 -0 (1w), S Aravind 4-028 -1, CJ Jordan 2 -0 -10

coping with the pitch and the nagging bowling.

Rishabh Pant nicked off for 1 to Aravind. Karun Nair was caught brilliantly on the boundary by Kohli, who had tracked the ball down from mid-off. Samson played an excellent slog sweep by smothering Chahal's legspin but fell the next ball.

Billings could not get on top of a Chris Jordan delivery and was caught by a div-

(1nb), SR Watson 4 -0-270, YS Chahal 4 -0-32 -3 (1w), Iqbal Abdulla 2-0 -14 -0 Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (target:139 runs from 20 overs) 1 CH Gayle b Morris V Kohli* not out 54 AB de Villiers c Yadav b Khan 6 KL Rahul† b Brathwaite 38 SR Watson c Billings b Negi 14 STR Binny not out 16 Extras: (w 10) 10 Total: (4 wickets; 18.1 ove rs) 139 Did not bat: Sachin Baby, CJ Jordan, Iqbal Abdulla, S Aravind, YS Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Gayle, 1.1 ov), 2-17 (de Villiers, 2.4 ov), 3-83 (Rahul, 10.1 ov), 4-111 (Watson, 14.6 ov) Bowling: Z Khan 4-0 -30 -1, CH Morris 3 -0 -31 -1(1w) P Negi 3 -0 -19 -1, A Mishra 4 -0 -33 -0, J Yadav 1 -0 -8 -0, CR Brathwaite 3.1 -0 -18 -1

ing Gayle at point. Pawan Negi, elevated to No. 6, to hit the leg spinner and leftarm spinner Iqbal Abdulla off their line was dismissed for 6 off 12 and Carlos Brathwaite guided his second ball to point. Daredevils lost five wickets for 36 runs and lurched from 71 for 2 in the 10th over to 107 for 7 in the 17th. A recovery from there was just too much of an ask. (Cricinfo)

Raptors bounce back, take Game 3 from Cavs

T

he Toronto Raptors have had a simple formula for success during this season's NBA Playoffs: When DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry thrive, the team's chances of victory rise dramatically.

Aside from early foul trouble for Lowry that kept him on the bench for much of the first half, the All-Star backcourt duo was clicking on all cylinders for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It resulted in the team's first victory of the series.

The Raptors snapped the Cavaliers' 10-game playoff winning streak on Saturday with a 99-84 win in Game 3 at Toronto's Air Canada Centre.

The Cavaliers now lead the series 2-1.

DeRozan in particular was

The Raptors avoided getting swept by the Cavs and won the first conference final game in franchise history by taking Game 3, 99-84

extraordinary for the Raptors, setting a franchise record with his ninth 25-plus playoff scoring game. Strong start-

to-finish performances have been few and far between for DeRozan, but after the Raptors were routed in the

first two games of the series, he needed something big to avoid falling into the historically insurmountable 0-3 se-

ries deficit.

That's exactly what happened, because DeRozan put 32 points, five rebounds and four assists on the board to lift his team to the crucial win.

Raptors coach Dwane Casey said DeRozan has competed at a high level in the team's most important moments. He did so again in another pressure-filled situation.

When the Raptors fall on wobbly legs in a series, that seems to be when their stars shine brightest.

DeRozan dropped 30 points in a Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers in the opening round, and in Game 7 of the conference semifinals against the Miami Heat, he combined with Lowry for 63 points in a series-winning effort.

Although De Rozan was a shining star, it was hard-

ly a one-man show for the Raptors. Lowry backed him up with 20 points, while center Bismack Biyombo set a playoff franchise record with 26 rebounds.

The Raptors believe the key to victory stemmed from the defensive end, though.

The Cavaliers were limited to just 20 points in the paint after getting inside for a combined 106 points in the first two games of the series.

DeRozan said his team made necessary adjustments, and the results were clear.

Prior to Game 3 the playoff had been a smooth-sailing venture for the Cavaliers.

Afterward superstar LeBron James recognized the upside of experience a first playoff loss can bring and plans to use the game as motivation to help his team flourish. (USA Today)

20

guyana-times.com

monDAY, may 23, 2016

Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2016…

Spinners, Yusuf lead Knight Riders into playoffs SCOREBOARD H

ome advantage counts. But only if you are wellequipped to use it. With four spin options to call upon on a parched Eden Gardens pitch, Kolkata Knight Riders strangled Sunrisers Hyderabad to defend 171 and pull off a 22-run victory.

The win helped them secure a playoff berth, while ending Mumbai Indians' journey in the tournament.

Sunil Narine delivered his most incisive bowling spell of the tournament, with figures of 3 for 26 in four overs. His partner in crime was Kuldeep Yadav, the 21-year-old chinaman bowler who had replaced Piyush Chawla in the Knight Riders XI. Kuldeep showed a willingness to flight the ball and repeatedly beat the batsmen with his sharp turn and canny googlies. Figures of 2 for 28, impressive as they are, do not do justice to the skill with which he bowled or the impact he made. As Sunrisers fell further and further behind, the match moved towards a tame finish.

Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan set the match up after Knight Riders slipped to 57 for 3 in the eighth over. The pair added 87 off just 49 balls, with Pandey doing most of the running early on. He slogswept Karn Sharma, the legspinner, for consecutive

Sunil Narine took 3 for 26 in his four overs

sixes over midwicket in the ninth over to trigger a surge in boundaries.

As the partnership progressed and Yusuf joined the run-fest, the two batsmen set Knight Riders up for a 180 plus total. But Pandey's dismissal for a 30-ball 48 he carved a wide full toss from Bhuvneshwar Kumar straight to Kane Williamson at backward point, in the 16th over - sapped momentum out of Knight Riders'

innings.

Mustafizur Rahman brought out his usual display of well-disguised cutters to tie the batsmen down in the 17th and 19th overs. Barinder Sran, who bowled the 18th over, and Bhuvneshwar, who bowled the 20th, executed their slower variations with exquisite control. The lower-order batsmen found it hard to adjust to the slow pace of the wicket and even

Yusuf lost his timing as the ball got older. Knight Riders managed just 27 off 26 after Pandey's dismissal, finishing with 171 for 6.

In hindsight, Knight Riders' struggles in the final few overs was an ominous sign for Sunrisers. On a slow, disintegrating wicket, Knight Riders opened the bowling with Yusuf and liberally drew upon their spin reserves throughout the innings.

When Narine was introduced in the fourth over, David Warner was determined not to let him settle.

But that effort lasted just three balls. After an unsuccessful attempt at a reversesweep and a swat over wide mid-on for six, Warner was beaten by a fuller, flighted off-break that pitched just outside leg and turned sharply to cannon into leg stump.

For a while thereafter, Shikhar Dhawan kept Sunrisers' alive with a 30ball 51 that included four fours and three sixes. While he was the beneficiary of a number of half-volleys on the pads, Dhawan showed glimpses of the sweet timing that comes so easily when he is at his best. But when a slog sweep off Kuldeep in the 12th over found Colin Munro at deep mid-wicket, the Sunrisers innings went off the rails.

Incoming batsmen found the spinners difficult to get

51 Yadav DA Warner* b Narine 18 NV Ojha† c †Uthappa b Narine 15 Yuvraj Singh c sub (R Sathish) b Shakib Al Hasan 19 KS Williamson c Yadav b 7 Kuldeep Yadav DJ Hooda run out (Shakib Al Hasan/Kuldeep Yadav) 2 MC Henriques b Narine 11 8 KV Sharma not out B Kumar c sub (R Sathish) b Rajpoot BB Sran not out 2 Extras: (b 1, lb 6, w 3, nb 1) 11 Total: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 149 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Warner, 3.3 ov), 2-86 (Dhawan, 11.3 ov), 3-92 (Ojha, 12.1 ov), 4-110 (Yuvraj Singh, 14.3 ov), 5-115 (Hooda, 15.1 ov), 6-117 (Williamson, 15.4 ov), 7-136 (Henriques, 17.6 ov), 8-144 (Kumar, 19.1 ov) Bowling: YK Pathan 1-04- 0, AS Rajpoot 3 -0 -21 -1, Shakib Al Hasan 4 -0 -34 -1(2w), SP Narine 4-0 -26-3 JO Holder 3 -0 -21 -0 (1nb), C Munro 1 -0 -8-0, Kuldeep Yadav 4 -0 -28 -2 (1w)

Kolkata Knight Riders innings (20 overs maximum) RV Uthappa† c Williamson b Sr an 25 G Gambhir* c Henriques b Hooda

16 C Munro c †Ojha b Hood 10 MK Pandey c Williamson b 48 Kumar YK Pathan not out 52 JO Holder c Henriques b Mustafizur Rahman 3 Shakib Al Hasan c †Ojha b Kumar 7 SA Yadav not out 6 Extras: (lb 1, w 3) 4 Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 171 Did not bat: AS Rajpoot, SP Narine, Kuldeep Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Uthappa, 3.4 ov), 2-48 (Munro, 5.6 ov), 3-57 (Gambhir, 7.3 ov), 4-144 (Pandey, 15.4 ov), 5-153 (Holder, 16.4 ov), 6-164 (Shakib Al Hasan, 19.1 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4 -0 -31 -2, BB Sran 4 -0 -31-1 (1w), KS Williamson 1 -0 -7 -0, DJ Hooda 2 -0 -16-2,KV Sharma 3-0-39 -0 (1w), MC Henriques 2 -0 -14 -0, Mustafizur Rahman 4 -0 -32 -1 Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (target: 172 runs from 20 overs) S Dhawan c Munro b Kuldeep

away and perished in search of big shots. Seven wickets fell for 58 runs between the 12th over and the 20th, as Sunrisers lost their way in an anti-climactic denouement.

Knight Riders' clutch victory came despite the absence of Andre Russell due to a leg injury. That is an indicator of the depth in their squad and will be a source of confidence in the playoffs.

(Cricinfo)

Windies suffer from Semenya wins 800m at 1st African meet lack of explosive S bowlers - Walsh outh Africa's Caster Semenya won the 800m at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat, Morocco - the first to be held in Africa.

Semenya, 25 - who underwent gender testing after winning gold at the 2009 World Championship - coasted home in one minute 56.64 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year.

She is a clear favourite for gold in the event at Rio 2016, where she also plans to run the 400m.

Britain's Lynsey Sharp finished fifth.

Also representing Britain in Rabat, Dan Bramble jumped 8.00m to finish fourth in the men's long jump, while Robbie Grabarz cleared 2.25m and was fifth in the men's high jump.

Caster Semenya

Rabah Yousif finished sixth for Britain in the men's 400m, posting a time of 45.90 seconds.

Gayle slams racist critics W

Courtney Walsh

est Indies bowling legend Courtney Walsh believes a lack of capable, explosive fast bowlers has negatively impacted the team's fortune in Test cricket.

Despite being a dominant force in the game’s shortest version, T20 cricket, often thought to require less concentration, the West Indies are ranked eighth among Test playing nations.

Walsh believes a major part of the issue has been the region’s ability to produce top quality fast bowlers.

Walsh whose career spanned from 1984 to 2001,

ended his career with 519 wickets at 24.44 in 132 Tests. In the ODIs the bowler claimed 227 in 205 matches at an economy rate of 3.87. Walsh formed part of a dynamic duo with Antiguan Curtly Ambrose which terrorized opposition batsmen. With dominant bowlers having faded from the regional game the former record holder believes things are harder for modern players.

“I learnt so much from the likes of Michael Holding, Andy Roberts Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner.

It is not the same now. I

think the last explosive fast bowler we produced was Patrick Patterson way back in the 90s,” Walsh claimed.

The first player to reach 500 wickets in Test cricket he believe a part of the issue also stems from the unwillingness of modern players to be patient.

"I don’t think it is a technical issue. I believe there is enough talent in the West Indies. I feel it is a mindset issue. Cricketers are not showing the patience for five days of cricket. Your attention span has to be good,” Walsh said. (SportsMax)

W

Chris Gayle

est Indies star batsman Chris Gayle believes the outrage concerning his sexism controversies is in large part due to the prevalence of racism.

Gayle has once again found himself the centre of attention following a recent interview with the London Times, where he asked a female reporter how many black

men she has had sex with or if she had ever had a threesome.

The batsman who was also embroiled in controversy last year after asking another reporter out on a date during a post-game Australia Big Bash League interview also reflected on that particular incident.

“If that had been a white footballer saying that, nothing would’ve happened.

Rugby player, nothing would’ve happened.

Hollywood actor? Tsk,” Gayle said “Successful black men are struggling because people do things to put them down.

They would cover for other people, but not for a black man,” he added.

“They just want to get a little sniff of the dirt. They find out some s*** and they want to sink you. It’s reality. You have to deal with that as a successful black man – especially if you had a poor man’s lifestyle, coming from nothing to something. Usain Bolt has the same.” (SportsMax)

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Independence Cup 2016 final…

Victoria Royals defeat Jubilee Titans by 23 runs

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21

sports

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

Digicel’s Sales Executive Seon Jackson handing over the winning trophy to Victoria Royals

F

ifties by veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and young upcoming opening batsman Kandasammy Surujnarine helped Victoria Royals of Upper Corentyne to beat the Jubilee Titans of Central Corentyne by 23 runs to win the Independence Cup 2016 on Sunday evening at the Albion Sports Complex.

Chanderpaul and Surujnarine each made even fifties to help Victoria Royals to 159-4; a score that proved too much when the Titans chased. West Indies spinners, Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo were the destroyers by restricting the Royals to 136-9 off the allotted 20 overs.

Permaul with 3 for 20 and Bishoo 2 for 38 spun a web around the batsmen that prevented them from

score at 116-1 in the 15th over, hitting six sixes in his half-century.

Chanderpaul soon followed caught at backward square leg also for 50 (7x4s) off of the bowling of Hemraj (7x4) to leave the Royals at 123-2.

Jonathan Foo 16 and Assad Fudadin 13 not out were the other main contributors.

The Royals made it to the final by getting pass West Berbice Jaguars in the first round. The summarised scores: Royals 183-4.

Chanderpaul 77 (7x4s; 2x6s), Surujnarine 47 (4x4s; 2x6s) and Fudadin 20 (1x4;1x4).

In reply West Berbice Jaguars72 all out in 18 overs; Permaul 4-14, Eon Hooper 3-14 and Clinton Pestano 2-23 were the main wicket takers.

Kandasammy Surujnarine (left) receives his prize from Director of Regional Health Services Jevaughn Stephens

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

challenging the target.

Set 160 for victory, the Titans never got going and after six overs the required run rate was over ten runs per over. The left handed Chanderpaul Hemraj was the only batsman to show any promise but when he out off the bowling of Permaul for 34 (91-5) in the fifteenth over, any hopes the Titans had of making a match out of it were lost.

Andy Mohan batting at number nine made a breezy 25 (3x6s) not out.

Earlier the Royals won the toss and elected to bat Chanderpaul and Surujnarine took full advantage of the good batting conditions and after 10 overs had put on 92 with both batsmen on 38, as the century partnership came up off 11.4 overs.

Surujnarine was the first to depart for 50 to leave the

The Titans had a much harder job in getting to the final when they came up against Canje Pheasant in the first round. Scores: Canje Pheasant 109-9 off 20 overs.Bowling for the Titans, S. Barnwell 3-11 and A. Jacobs 3-17.

In reply the Titans reached 111-8 with K. Ramdass top scoring with 28 (1x4, 1x6). .

Chanderpaul was named player of the tournament, while Surujnarine was named man-of-the final and also received $50,000 for being the most promising U-23 player.

The tournament was organised by Region Six Jubilee Committee and sponsored by Memorex Enterprise, Associated Construction Services, Js Supermarket and Nand Persaud and Company Ltd. (Andrew Carmichael)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

monDAY, may 23, 2016

GBA Jubilee Ali, Looknauth spin amateur card Demerara to title set for May 28 GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 Inter-county 50-Over...

By Akeem Greene

T

he spin combination of leg-spinner Ershad Ali and off-spin of Richie Looknauth spun webs around the Berbice batsmen to pilot to their team to a commanding 68-run win in the final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ HandIn-Hand Under-19 Intercounty 50-over competition at the National Stadium, Providence on Sunday.

Set a total of 155 for victory from their allotment of 50-overs, Ali and Looknauth combined to take seven wickets for 32 runs to skittle the opposition out for just 86 from 36 overs.

Ali used his height to extract some bounce and turn, to end with miserly figure of 4-10 from five overs while Looknauth , who also kept the shackles on the batsmen, snared 3-22 from his nine overs.

The Berbicians’ innings got off to the most frenetic starts as a horrible mixup between openers Adrian Sukwah (06) and Junieer Inshan (04) saw Sukwah being run out with just seven on the board in the first over.

Inshan and Alex Alan (03) took the score to 22 but the two players quickly departed and their team looked in serious trouble until the pair of top scorer Joel Seitaram and Mathew Hardial (12) added 25 for the fifth wicket. Seitaram was the more fluent of the too, striking two fours in 30 off 41 balls, before holding out to deep midwicket.

P

Man-of-the match Ershad Ali collects his trophy from GCB Treasurer Anand Kalladeen

His wicket essentially meant the end of the Berbice innings as no other batsman was able to reach double figures.

Earlier Demerara won the toss and elected to bat but the two-paced nature of the wicket proved to be their undoing as opening batsman Raymond Perez was caught in the slip for nine and the score was now 14-1.

The attacking Sherfene Rutherford (13) was next to the crease and his first scoring shot was a sweetly time four but he did not last long either as he gifted his wicket away to the off-spin of Deon Sinclair to put Demerara in deep trouble at 32-2 in the 9th over.

Captain Travis Persaud and Ronaldo Renee took the score to 61-2 in the 21st over but two quick wickets fell in Renee (14) and Malcom Hubbard (00) to leave Demerara reeling at 61-4.

Persaud and talented all-rounder Ronaldo Ali-

Mohammed looked to stabilise the innings, taking the score to 93 in the 30th over when Persaud fell for a compact 29 (1x4; 1x6) off the bowling of Ezekeil Kempatoo.

Ali-Mohammed offered a slight resistance, crunching a pair of fours before departing to Sinclair for 27, who then removed Gavin Boodwah (07) and Darshan Persaud (07) in quick succession.

The 150 came up in the 45th over but Demerara only managed to add four extra runs before Asif Ally and Seitaram cleaned up the remaining batters, Ershad Ali (19) and Shabodan (01).

Looknauth was the last man standing, not out on 10.

Sinclair was the most successful bowler with 3-30 from 10 overs while Asif Ally 2-14 and Seitaram 2-22 were also among the wickets.

Mekdeci, Fernandes top seeds at National Squash Championships

T

he curtains came down on the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel for the second junior tournament for 2016, the Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships which were held at the Georgetown Club Inc courts on Sunday.

Eleven champions were crowned with Benjamin Mekdeci and Taylor Fernandes being the top players on show by their capturing of the Under-19 titles.

Benjamin Mekdeci had to work surprising hard to overcome the challenge of Alec Melville winning in four games 8/11, 11/7, 11/3, 11/5 while Taylor Fernandes outplayed Larissa Wiltshire winning fairly comfortably in straight games 11/7, 11/8, 11/4.

In the Boys Under-9, Louis Da Silva defeated Shiloh Asregado 11/6, 11/6, 11/4 for first place while Chad De Abreu defeated Wade Beckles 11/1, 11/3, 11/6 to cop second; Asregado placed third.

Shomari Wiltshire

For the Girls under-11, Paige Fernandes proved to be the winner while Beau Fernandes beat Isabella Ramjohn 11/2, 11/5, 11/4 to seal second place; Ramjohn settled for third.

Over in the Boys Under-11, Michael Alphonso proved to the champion as he defeated Mohyryan Baksh 11/3, 11/2, 11/7. Demetrius De Abreu beat Ethan Jonas 11/9, 11/8, 11/0 to seal second place while Jonas outplayed Baksh 11/8, 11/6, 11/7 for third place.

In the Girls Under-13,

Abosaide Cadogan beat Haley Carpenter 11/9, 11/5, 11/3 for first place, Madison Fernandes secured second and Kirsten Gomes in third.

The Boys Under-13 saw the talented Shomari Wiltshire romping to victory by beating Samuel InceCarvahal 11/0, 11/2, 11/7, who placed second while Gianni Carpenter came third.

In the Boys Under-15 Shomari Wiltshire again outplayed his opponents for first place while Anthony Islam settled for second and Daniel Islam, third.

For the Girls Under-17 category, Makeda Harding defeated Rebecca Low 11/2, 11/9, 14/12 for the win while in the boys segment, Alex Cheeks beat Ritthew Saywack 13/11, 11/7, 11/7 At the end of the evening proceedings, Abosaide Cadogan and Michael Alphonso were voted the most improved girl and boy respectively while the most outstanding girl was Makeda Harding and the boy being Shomari Wiltshire

romoter Seon Bristol (Brisol Promotions) in collaboration with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will be hosting a Jubilee amateur card on May 28 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall starting at 19:30 hrs.

A press briefing was held by the GBA to discuss the amateur boxing card set for May 28; in attendance were President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, local promoter Sean Bristol, former Commonwealth champions; Lennox Blackmoore and Kenneth Bristol and GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole.

Ninvalle expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership with local promoter Sean Bristol, a former amateur boxer himself and applauds his continuous contributions towards boxing in Guyana.

“Mr. Bristol has been very supportive, we (GBA) are happy that we can once again collaborate for the

Steve Ninvalle

development of the sport” he stated.

Ninvalle further stated that the event will feature competition from mainly the youths, juniors and schoolboys category with the emphasis on developing our young boxers and indicated that they are looking to stage 15 bouts on the card.

Bristol, who also gave his remarks, stated he felt it was an injustice to

the fans since there was no boxing event for the Jubilee, he stated that he instantly contacted the GBA “I think it was unfair to our fans, in regards to boxing not being part of such a proud moment that Guyana is experiencing, I immediately reached out to Steve Ninvalle and we are happy to have this event added”, Bristol said.

The promoter explained that this event will help to develop the young talent and prepare them for other engagements and hopes it would not only be a memorable event but also a successful one.

He also stated that he met with two former boxers Lennox Blackmore and Kenny Bristol and both without hesitation promised to assist in making the card a successful one.

The promoter further indicated that former boxers who want to assist would be welcomed and can contact the GBA.

King’s Knight rules at Port Mourant Turf Club

K

ing’s Knight of the Jumbo Jet made easy work of Princess She’s Not from the Sheriff Racing Stables to win the feature event at the Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday and take the $1M first prize.

King’s Knight was given an early challenge by Princess She’s Not but by the time the one mile race had reached the half way mark, Jockey R. Ali made the move to the front and finished six lengths ahead.

The horses were out in an even brake with Golden Blue of the Kabrie Stables taking the initial advantage but as they got into the first turn firing at all guns, ‘Because I Say So’ of the C. P stables took over from the inside and allowed stable mate but C.P Got Even to take control.

Plum Plum of the Sheriff Stables also started to make a move and Golden Blue started to fire again and the crown went wild.

King’s Knight using its long strides on the outside, galloped to the front but Princess She’s Not held on as the two animals started to make it into a two horse race but with 700 meters left in the race Ali spurred the big animal on and away it went kicking dust into the face of Princess She’s Not which eventually finished second and claimed the $600,000 second prize.

Jack In My Style of the

Champion Jockey R Ali

Jumbo Jet Stables made a late come back to finish third ahead of Golden Blue.

The Trinidadian Jockey R. Ali was named champion at the one day horse race meeting.

Earlier in the day, Red Region of the Baker Stables took the J3 and K class race with a top prize of$175,000. “Amazon Warrior” finished second and “Affinity” in third.

“It’s My Choice” of the Jumbo Jet Stables won the 3-year-old West Indian bread horses’ event which had a top prize of $350,000.

“Wichie Poo” was second with “Fire -In-Line” and Atlantic Storm bring up the

rear in that order.

The L-Class race was won by “Replace” of Blue Lighting, while Quincy and Something Special came second and third respectively.

The D3 and lower class event was won by Release the Beast ahead of Campador, Media Day and Wize Secret while “She Is In Control” of the Pluck Stables won the 3-year-old Guyana and West Indian bread horses. The win was worth $100,000. The second place went to Miss Kristina ahead of Run Happy.

The champion stable was the Jumbo Jet racing Stables. (Andrew Carmichael)

guyana-times.com

mondAY, may 23, 2016

23

RHTY&SC to construct Shakib Al Hasan Desmond Hoyte Memorial relishing CPL return Recreational Park J T amaica Tallawahs bound star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is relishing the prospect of being a part of the fourth edition of the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) this summer and believes that the Tallawahs are primed to compete for the coveted title when the tournament begins on 29 June.

Since making his international debut back in 2006, the 29-year-old has been one of the world’s leading allrounders across all three formats.

Shakib currently lies in 15th place in the official ICC T20 bowling rankings and 27th in the batting standings and has previous expe-

rience of the biggest party in sport having featured in the Barbados Tridents back in 2013. In eight CPL matches that year for the Tridents, he took 11 wickets at a miserly economy rate of 5.7, and will feature in a squad this year brimming with local talent in the likes of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell as well as international stars Kumar Sangakkara and Dale Steyn.

Currently starring in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, speaking to www. cplt20.com Shakib said: “My wife wants me to play CPL because we get to see all the Caribbean islands, which are beautiful! I'm looking forward to it. I think we have a very good team, we

now have to put our performances together, play as a team and win games.”

Tickets for CPL fixtures in the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale are on sale now - www.cplt20.com.

The full Jamaica Tallawahs squad reads: Chris Gayle, Kumar Sangakkara, Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Imad Wasim, Dale Steyn, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Andre McCarthy, Jonathan Foo, Alex Ross, Keswick Williams, Nkrumah Bonner, Garey Mathurin, Timroy Allen and Oshane Thomas.

The coash is Paul Nixon and the Manager is mark O'Donnell.

22nd Mayor’s Cup football…

Victoria Kings outshine Agricola

T

he 22nd Edition of the Mayor’s Cup kicked off last Friday at the Victoria Ground, East Coast Demerara. Victoria Kings Agricola bested Agricola Red Triangle 3-1 (5-3 final score) on penalties.

The sides were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation and extra-time, needing penalties to determine a winner.

Orwin Bishop gave Victoria the lead in the 18th minute after finishing a shot from inside the box, Travis James would then double the advantage in the 38th closing out the half for Victoria with a 2-0 lead.

Agricola came storming back in the second half with goals in the 55th and a late equalizer in the 87th by Kacey John who dispatched his shop into the back of the net following a brilliant solo run to make it 2-2. The game went into extra time and both sides failed to score, which meant a penalty shootout would determine a winner.

Victoria King’s Reuben

Miller stepped up to take the first penalty kick in attempt to put his side ahead, however, nerves were on edge as Miller flunked on his shot sending it wide of the goal.

The visitors would take the lead after converting their first penalty kick, Calvin DeSouza would then equalize for the home side making it 1-1 with Agricola stepping up for the next kick.

Agricola failed to take the advantage in the shootout as they missed their second attempt, which Victoria would capitalize on through Akeem Holder, who converted the home side’s next kick giving Victoria a 2-1 lead in the shootout.

Agricola would go on to miss their second consecutive penalty kick leaving themselves in a predicament with the hosts stepping up to take the next kick and a chance to go up 3-1.

Victoria would cease that opportunity when Sherlock Dowden hammered home his shot to make it 3-1 as the game slipped further away

for Agricola.

Needing to convert their next penalty to stay alive, Agricola flopped terribly as they failed to find a way pass the Victoria custodian, missing their third consecutive penalty, suffering a 3-1 defeat on penalties and knocked out of the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the earlier match, Grove Hi-Tech recorded a 1-0 victory over Buxton Stars. Joel Dick scored the lone goal of the encounter in the 45th minute.

Action continues this Friday when Beavers come up against New Amsterdam United at 6:30 p.m while Uitvlugt clash with Police Force at 8:30 p.m. Both games will be played at the Den Amstel Ground.

Top four finishers will be awarded prize monies of $700,000 for the winner along with the championship trophy, $300,000 for the runner-up, $200,000 for third place and $100,000 for fourth place.

he eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS would shortly be undertaking one of their largest ever community development projects when they start the construction of a family recreational park in memory of the Club’s first Honorary Patron and late Executive President of Guyana, Hugh Desmond Hoyte. The teams – Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Rose Hall Town Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division will be investing as much as $2M to construct the Recreational Park, which would be situated right in front of the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who is in charge of the project planning and coordination along with the cricket teams stated that its objectives are to provide recreation and relaxation for families, to promote social cohesion among residents, to encourage families to spend time together and to play a part in the promotion of the Club’s highly successful Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide and Yes to Life, Education and Sports Programme. The 150’ by 50’ feet playfield would involve the construction of a benab, permanent seating, flower garden, swings, slides, seesaws among others while the entire park would be decorated with a family friendly setting. The venue would be open to members of the public and the Club would also on a monthly basis organise events for families while numerous sporting events would also be organised in an effort to get youths interested in a sports career.

The long-serving Secretary/

Tony Amerally (left) of Amerally Sawmills makes a donation to Mark Papannah

CEO stated that the park would be named after the Club’s first Honorary Patron as it was the late Executive President who inspired the RHTYSC, MS to transform itself from a mere cricketing Club into Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation with over 300 programmes/projects annually.

The Club has already secured the cooperation of several major partners with Regional Chairman David Armogan committing the RDC, Region 6 to levelling and preparing the venue and to providing several truckloads of white sands to do landscaping. Popular saw miller Tony Amerally of Amerally Sawmills have also donated close to $200,000.00

worth of materials to fence the playfield. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawerence has also committed $500,000.00 to the project while the Ministry of Health would also be contributing. The Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town in late 2015 had given permission for the Club to use the proposed venue. The RHTYSC, MS would like to express profound gratitude to MR. Tony Amerally of Amerally Sawmills for his contribution to the fencing materials.

The cricket teams hopes to complete the entire project by mid-August and intends to invite the Club’s Honorary Patron President David Granger to declare open it.

Jeremy Garrett views Digicel’s school tourney as key for scouting talent

Jeremy Garrett

By Akeem Greene

C

hase Academy’s young football prodigy Jeremy Garrett is of the view that the annual Digicel’s National School’s football tournament is a fantastic opportunity to scout for new talent and develop the National team.

“As a young football play-

er in the country, I have played for the National level and I have seen the team being made up of persons around one area and it’s been a bit disturbing to me, so based on this tournament, I hope to see players from all around the country that have the ability to play in the national team”, Garrett said in an interview with Guyana Times Sport.

He added, “I just like the fact that Digicel can bring out all the talent that is bequeathed all around Guyana”.

The top concern for Garrett will be overcoming nemesis Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary who defeated them 2-1 last year to become four-time consecutive champions.

However, a recent meeting at the National Stadium, Providence, which was a precursor to the Golden

Jaguars match against Canada’s Olympic team, the Chase Academy side reversed the score line in their favour, with Garrett being amongst the scorers.

The 16-year old explained that this year, his team has high hopes of overcoming the Linden based team.

“We have very high expectation since we defeated them in the previous match up with them and we want to send a message to them that this year it will not be easy as this year, it will be much more competitive”, Garrett asserted.

The footballer, who also plays for the Fruta Conquerors Club, was quizzed on whether there could be other schools in the Georgetown area that could pose a threat to his team.

He responded saying, “Chase Academy is without

The school tournament has allowed many talented players from around the country to showcase their talents

question, the better football school in Georgetown and we are expecting to win the Georgetown round as easy as possible, got unto the knock-out round and do the same and possibly even win the final this year”.

The defensive mid-fielder, who is also a National sprinter, is focused on making sure he finds a balance to both his beloved football

and academics as he seeks to secure a scholarship in the near future.

The tournament is played under the theme “Unite.

Develop. Excel” and caters for students under the age of eighteen, will commence on June 10 and conclude on July 31 with a grand final at the National Stadium.

This year, the champion school will collect $1 mil-

lion to fund a project of its choice.

The second to fourth place finishers will receive $700,000, 400,000 and $350,000 respectively, which will also go to a project of their choice.

The regional champions are guaranteed $100,000 each. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

mondAY, May 23, 2016

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

GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 Inter-county 50-Over...

Ali, Looknauth spin Demerara to title

Pg 22

The victorious Demerara Under-19 team pose with the respective trophies after winning both the three-day and one-day titles. GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie is far left while Hand-In-Hand Marketing Representative Savita Singh is far right (Marceano Narine Photo)

Shakib Al Hasan relishing CPL return Pg 23

King’s Knight rules at Port Mourant Turf Club Pg 22

Shakib Al Hasan has picked up 11 wickets in 8 CPL matches at 5.7 runs per over

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones (centre) handing over the Banks DIH trophy and $1 million to Jumbo Jet Stables after King’s Knight won the feature race

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