Guyana Times Daily

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

Issue No. 2854

“Promoting enterprise, driving productivity”

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, May 13, 2016

PRICE

GuyExpo 2016 declared open Page 3

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Charges dropped against Sophia victims

P9

– Police say new charges to be filed

GPHC nurses lauded for improving health P12 system’s resilience

2 persons found dead in separate incidents P15

In this composite photo, President David Granger, accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin along with his wife Han Granger-Gaskin cut the ribbon to officially declare GuyExpo 2016 open

3 arrested for gun, ammo bust

Page 7

Opposition pushes for renewal of oil for rice deal…

Not likely with relations and economic problems facing Venezuela – Holder

– robbery and family dispute turn deadly

Parents P15 protest against Mae's Schools

Page 13

Lower Pomeroon farmers Page “I did not rename 7 flooded since Sunday Page 11 anything” – President lose $Ms Eugene F Correia Int’l Airport saga

Granger

... describes controversy as “media frenzy”

P14 Brazil impeachment: New leader Temer calls for trust

2 news

friDAY, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Speaker refuses amendment to Rodney CoI motion H

ouse Speaker Dr Barton Scotland on Thursday turned down a request made by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, to have the proposed Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Motion be amended and sent to a Parliamentary Select Committee.

Originally, Teixeira had intended that very day to move the Motion in the House, calling on Government to table the final report of the Commission no later than two weeks.

However, on Wednesday, day before the sitting, Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan delivered the report to Scotland in Parliament Chambers.

“The government had the tabled report… And having the tabled report, I put in an

amendment that the matter is sent to the Parliamentary Select Committee for further examination. My amendment was submitted yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) and was circulated on the floor.”

“Verbally on the floor I have submitted an amendment hours before yesterday to allow for a simple amendment that this report go to a Parliamentary Select Committee. In fact under exemption from notice. I am appealing to you that this is an order and bringing the report merely to this House, does not give it the opportunity for examination by this House”, Teixeira visibly upset, told the Speaker.

She asked that her motion with the amendment be allowed and be debated.

“I am appealing to you, there is no harm done that this going to a Parliamentary Select Committee and we as

the MPs of this house will be able to look at it. I am begging you too because we must never let this happen again and we can only do this by looking at it and examine it. I cannot comprehend how you will do this. I am begging you that you see the reason that this be sent to the Select Committee. It will do no harm”, the Chief Whip told the Speaker.

Teixeira said the situation is a very emotional one for her, as her entire youth in Guyana during that period was spent with Dr Rodney and other “comrades for democracy in Guyana”.

“This has gone full circle and after 36 years, we now have a report and it’s now going to be shelved?” she asked.

Teixeira also questioned the completeness of the submission, asking whether more information is missing since there is only a volume

one.

“Where are the other volumes of this report? There are other volumes that were submitted. The CoI submit-

Gail Teixeira

ted a compilation of reports, I don’t know if there are other volumes but this is volume one. I have seen volume

one of the report has been tabled. In my view there must be other volumes and therefore it is not the entire report”, she contended.

Meanwhile, Dr Scotland said the matter before the House was to have the report delivered to the Assembly in two weeks. He said it has been submitted and the amendment could only be made when the question is asked. According to him, Teixeira was welcomed to take the amendment as a fresh Motion, however, as it stood, the request could not be allowed.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, rising in defence said the house is protected by rules. He said a member seeking to be protected by the rules cannot abuse the very rules of the house.

“The speaker has made a ruling that the intention of the motion has been satisfied and the member is seeking through the back door to introduce an emotive contri-

bution by way of a debate of a Motion.”

He said the speaker has ruled that the Motion is admissible and should have been on the order paper, but the intention of the Motion of the House has been satisfied and it is clear that the only Motion on the House shall relate to only one definite matter, that the report be submitted in two weeks.

Nagamootoo said the move to defeat the ruling by the speaker is “contemptuous of the house, if not of the speaker himself” and should not be encouraged whether one is emotional or not.

The report compiled the findings of the COI, set up by former President Donald Ramotar to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of renowned Guyanese and Leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Dr Walter Anthony Rodney who died as a result of a bomb blast on the evening of June 13, 1980.

Gafoors Houston Complex

Reconstruction to commence soon

F

ollowing the blaze at the Gafoors Houston Complex on Monday which destroyed several sections of the shopping complex, plans are already underway to commence reconstruction of the building. According to the information received, works will commence immediately after the insurance company has completed its assessment of the damages and losses.

It has been noted that efforts to create temporary working facilities at the complex for some staff are already underway.

Meanwhile, the company on Wednesday commenced the relocation of workers to its other branches, in an effort to ensure that employees are not direly affected by the fire.

The calamitous fire left over 530 employees with questions as to whether or not they would have to seek alternative employment but the company’s Executive Chairman, Sattaur Gafoor, after the meeting with the workers as well as the company’s Board members on Wednesday, came to a decision that the employees who live within close proximity of the Parika, East Bank Essequibo; and Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara branches would be temporarily relocated to those locations.

Gafoor had announced that those workers who were directly affected by the blaze and those that would not be relocated will be given 50 per cent of their salaries during the period that they would be off the job.

news

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friDAY, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 13 – 10:00h-11:30h and Saturday, May 14 – 11:30h-13:00h The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 13 – 09:00h-10:30h and Saturday, May 14 – 10:20h-11:50h

A

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rainfall can be expected in the morning, while light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected in the afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected to prevail in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres per second and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 09:27h and 22:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.24 metres and 2.15 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:58h and 15:37h reaching minimum heights of 1.05 metres and 0.97 metre respectively.

WEDNESday, May 11, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS 08 10 15 17 25 27 06

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

Thursday, May 12, 2015 Daily Millions

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cheaper sources of energy.

He said over the next five years, his Government will ensure huge investments are made in the development of wind, solar and hydro energy.

The President said his Government will also explore the possibility of offering incentives to encourage investments in renewable energy.

BY DEVINA SAMAROO AND AHREEFA BACCHUS

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

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“Promoting enterprise, driving productivity” – GuyExpo 2016 declared open

19 21

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

fter its one-year hiatus, Guyana’s largest trade fair and exposition returned with a bang, with over 350 booths on display, as celebrations take full swing to usher in the country’s 50th independence anniversary on May 26.

GuyExpo 2016, being observed under the theme “50 years: Guyana Means Business. Promoting Enterprise, Driving Productivity”, started off with the traditional launching ceremony at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown.

Looking ahead, the Government envisions GuyExpo developing into an international event, whereby businesses from various territories assemble in one giant trade fair and exposition.

“In order for the event to truly development, it needs to have both local and foreign participation. It needs to become a much more foreign affair; that is, it must attract foreign exhibitors and it must attract foreign buyers. Guyana means business will have to be embodied in Guyana in the coming years and this event must become the launchpad for businesses seeking access to both local and foreign markets,” Business Minister Dominic Gaskin remarked during his presentation.

Manufacturing industries Recognising that Guyana has been unsuccessful in developing its value-added industries, Gaskin encouraged investors to refocus their efforts to ensure value is added to raw materials being exported.

He acknowledged that there are a number of factors that discourage manufacturing in Guyana, not least of which are the high energy cost and lack of a skilled workforce.

“This means to me, if left to its own devices, our local manufacturing sector is unlikely to change its course,” he noted, urging the Private Sector to work with the Government to develop the manufacturing industry.

Entrepreneurship President of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Vishnu Doerga, during his brief opening remarks, emphasised that Guyana is overwhelmed with tremendous business potential, eagerly waiting to be touched.

“The expectations are many, the potential is more than evident, the path is clear. It is time to demonstrate in actions more than in words that Guyana truly means business,” Doerga declared, noting that countless business opportunities are available in the country, but it just needs to right environment to stimulate startup and sustain growth.

In this regard, he stressed that the spirit of entrepreneurship should be more widely promoted, especially in schools.

“Entrepreneurship must become a catalyst for job growth. Students must leave the ed-

NEW GPC INC is among the more than 300 companies that are exhibiting their services and products at GuyExpo 2016

ucation system with knowledge of turning ideas into reality,” he stated.

Doerga also noted that the Private Sector needs to diversify into other industries such as the telecommunication sector, the Information and Communication Technology sector (ICT) as well as the creative industries – all areas which have to potential to drastically reduce the unemployment rate.

The GGCI President also mentioned that the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) needs to function as intended in order for business to blossom.

“The CSME needs to allow promised access to [Caribbean Community] Caricom markets, access devoid of unnecessary barriers,” he noted.

Speaking to the Government, the Private Sector representative underscored the need for a more level playing field of doing business in Guyana and urged the current Administration to act with urgency in ensuring this prevails.

He also noted that tax regimes should stimulate rather than stifle Private Sector growth.

Green economy President David Granger, during his feature address, reiterated the importance of a green economy in the development of the business sector.

“A green economy is necessary for ensuring the sustainable management of our natural resources and our assets… it is also needed to wean this country off of its addiction to fossil fuels,” he stated.

The President noted that it is his mission to build a green economy, and that moves are afoot to rapidly accelerate the transition towards having cleaner and

Large corporations dominate small enterprises 300 booths were on display from approximately 250 participants but disheartening to say, large corporations once again dominated the scene.

Contrary to previous years however, the number of participating small enterprises diminished.

Thursday evening’s launch saw a limited number of small businesses participating, while the large-scale enterprises dominated the Sophia Exhibition Centre. In previous years, small businesses took the opportunity to showcase their products, including locally made sauces and well as fruits and vegetables at the exhibition; however, this year it was noted that there was a limited number of small businesses participating.

The larger booths expressed their optimism at being able to showcase their products to Guyanese at the expo, as it is a means of attracting a larger customer base.

Communications Manager of Digicel Guyana, Vidya Sanichara explained that thus far they have had an encouraging response from visitors, and she encouraged persons to visit the booths to take advantage of the many promotions being offered.

“We're always at Guyexpo and we always anticipate a big crowd. We're surprised to have such a huge crowd at the expo despite the weather. As you know, we recently launched our 4G service and that is what we're pushing tonight,” she stated adding that they have a number of data plans and handsets at affordable prices available.

The Marketing Director of GTT also shared similar sentiments as he encouraged persons to visit the booth. "At GTT there’s a lot of things going on and we have a lot of specials for all of our customers. As you all know we launched our 4G and we are proud of it as the fastest 4G in Guyana.

We have a big stand with a lot of phone specials,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a Marketing Representative of Roraima Airways explained that they have special packages available to visitors of their booth at the expo. “We know you have a lot of relatives coming in as well as those already here.

We have aerial tours being offered for just $4200 and that's the lowest you're going to get it for a city tour of Guyana,” she stated.

New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company Pharmacist Olivia Brown also took the opportunity to encourage visitors to trust the Company for all their pharmaceutical needs.

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guyana-times.com

fridAY, may 13, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotliine: 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

Death penalty H

ead of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Guyana, Jernej Videtic has reiterated calls for the Government of Guyana to abolish the death penalty. Guyana has not abolished the death penalty, but the last execution of a death row prisoner was in 1997.

There is, however, a standstill in the use of the death penalty despite the fact that criminals are still being sentenced to death. However, two years ago, the country had committed to the United Nations to join the worldwide efforts to abolish capital punishment, which is deemed inhumane and completely ineffective in deterring crime.

The fact that Guyana made this commitment means it is mandated to review its laws and abolish the death penalty. Guyana’s laws in their present form state that an individual convicted of a capital offence “shall be liable to suffer death as a felon”. Under Article 19 of the Criminal (Offences) Law, courts may not substitute punishments not specifically stated for death-eligible offences, so courts appear to have no discretion in sentencing.

Article 164 of the Criminal (Procedure) Law provides that when a person is convicted of an offence punishable by death, “the Court shall thereupon pronounce [the] sentence of death”.

According to statistics from Amnesty International, 140 countries abolished the death penalty in 2014, by law or practice. This is significant given that when the organisation started its campaign against the death penalty in 1997, only 16 countries had abolished this punishment for all crimes. Seven countries that carried out executions in 2013 did not do so in 2014 – Bangladesh, Botswana, Indonesia, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, and South Sudan.

The idea of sentencing someone to death is hard to completely comprehend. The physical mechanics involved in the act of execution are easy to grasp, but not the emotions involved in carrying out a death sentence on another person, regardless of how much they deserve it, thus the inhumanity of such an act is what has been the driving force for its abolishment.

There are many arguments used for and against the death penalty, including whether the biblical term "an eye for an eye" should be referred to in the case of the death penalty or whether it teaches the wrong ideas about killing if justified.

But does the State killing someone by imposing the death penalty really means they are punished for the crime they committed? One local leading legal luminary in his argument against the death penalty pointed out justice must also make sense. He noted that punishment by execution is no punishment at all. It ends when the State exacts the penalty. The punishment ends after the execution has been carried out. After that, it’s over.

This argument contends that perpetrators are, therefore, not truly being punished for their crime. As such, removal of freedom for a prolonged period of time it has been argued is a much more effective penalty.

The UN has long argued that the evidence demonstrate that the death penalty is cruel, irrevocable and a violation of the right to life and it has no particular deterrent effect on violent crime.

Last year, at the Caribbean Regional Conference on the abolition of the death penalty at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Minister Raphael Trotman, who was the Governance Minister at the time, had recommitted Guyana towards the abolishment of the death penalty.Trotman highlighted that Guyana already took steps towards the abolishing of the death penalty by not practising this inhumane form of criminal punishment.

It is time our country vigorously moves towards the ban of judicial death. It is also time that our legislative arm moves forward with our commitment to the United Nations and end this inhumanity.

An Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA) Mission is in Guyana to explore local investment opportunities. The team visited the Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) Group of Companies, inclusive of the Guyana Times/Evening News/Radio Guyana Inc media outlets where they interacted with staff on their prospects in the country

Ogle Int’l Airport is a Public/Private Partnership, not a one-man show

Dear Editor, Over the past few weeks, some valid questions have been raised in the media and elsewhere, about the Ogle International Airport (OAI), a public utility and a National asset. Some valid points have also been made about economic interests not necessarily being the same or even remotely converging with the public interests.

With the public interest in mind, I wish to recap the sequence of events which led to the development of this national asset which is comprised of 450 acres of state land, located in a highly-commercial area, where using present land prices would give it an approximate value of US$90 million.

The assets of the Ogle control tower, also the property of the state, is approximately US$0.5 million. In effect the total value of the national assets at this airport is US$90.5 million.

One also has to remember that the Government of Guyana permitted the use of US$2 million European Development Fund (EDF) to be converted into a soft loan with extremely generous repayment terms. The government apart from owning this national asset is also the largest shareholder.

Contrary to what is being placed in the public domain

by OAI, the development of this public utility was not done by private funds alone, nor was it ever transferred to private ownership. It was made possible through a Public/Private Partnership when the owners of five aircraft companies, although they were competitors, approached the government

with a proposal to develop the airport.

They registered Ogle Airport Inc, a private company, in 2000 with its explicit purpose being to develop and manage this public utility for a period of 25 years.

This partnership was wellintentioned, and the government took for granted their pledge to ensure fairness and equity not only in their development approaches but equally in their governance and management of this public facility.

Unfortunately, that honourable intention of high standards of their stewardship, good governance, and management of this public facility was short-lived.

OAI, which started out as a five-person, collegially run operation in 2000, ended up being managed as the private property of the Correia Group of Companies. This was never the intention of the five founding shareholders or the government and I would imagine the European Union whose taxpayers’ funds were involved.

The governance deficiencies that enabled this, has at its core the imbalance of the board of OAI. Of the five original shareholders/directors only two were allowed to remain.

Through the manipulation of shares in the company, including “gifting” shares to two of the present directors, the inclusion of family and associates of the Correia Group, the Chairman Michael Correia ensured that five of the seven directors were affiliated to his Correia Group of Companies.

This can be easily substantiated by a review of

the AGM minutes where the usual suspects would nominate and second who they had already decided should be on the board.

This manipulation over the years enabled the Correia Group, which owns 10% of the aircraft operating out of Ogle and which only contributes 15% to airport revenues, to now control the entire operations at the airport. The remaining nine domestic commercial Guyanese aircraft operators who own the majority of the aircraft operating out of the airport and whose collective contribution to the airport revenues has also enabled its development have no say.

The two independent directors on the 7-member board, despite being members of NATA are a minority.

There are important lessons to be absorbed here.

There should be fundamental attention paid to (a) how private/public partnerships are structured and (b) how oversight safeguards, in this case the Airport Review Panel which was catered for in the lease should have been implemented to ensure compliance from day one.

This is not to say that good corporate governance in the highly visible OAI should have been deficient because oversight was lacking. OAI should also have never been permitted to carry out the functions of a regulator. There should have been a clear segregation between OAI and the separate interests of its Chairman/ Secretary/Directors/ Shareholders to avoid the several cases of conflicts of interest which have arisen in the governance of the air-

port which also facilitated an anticompetitive and oppressive environment.

Conflict of interest arose when services such as ground handling were required and the other nine aircraft operators, some of whom have decades of ground-handling experience at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, were denied an opportunity to tender for those services. The Correia Group of Companies lists airport management on the home page of their website. They enabled their subsidiary Trans Guyana Airways to be listed at the top of the Ogle International Airport website under services, when this is normally done in alphabetical order. They have always been and remain the sole beneficiaries of all business coming into the airport.

The absence of the Airport Review Panel, an important oversight body, in addition to poor governance

by OAI, and capriciousness of the directors/shareholders with vested interests has compromised the management of the airport. Both domestic and foreign investors should be seriously concerned about the poor level of corporate governance that exists in this company.

OAI’s articles of association and bylaws should be amended to not only address the present shortcomings but most importantly to ensure good corporate governance, transparency and accountability in company.

This is crucial to protecting the integrity of this public utility and national asset.

Sincerely, Annette Arjoon-Martins President-NATA

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friDAY, may 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Stabroek Market restoration

Eusi Kwayana M&CC seizes “push carts” from defiant vendors denies Rodney ... decision to relocate will not be compromised – Town Clerk CoI paid his expenses to testify A

BY RAMONA LUTHI

s the Stabroek Market relocation saga continues, vendors who defy the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) order to relocate are now having their merchandise along with their mobile carts seized.

On Thursday when Guyana Times visited City Hall, a number of ‘push carts’

no kind of sale. Nobody aint know weh we deh no more.

How I supposed to provide for my family if I can’t make money?’’ one vendor asked.

An angry clothes merchant accused the M&CC of blocking his only source of income. “They stopping every way for we to make a living honestly. The only thing left fuh we do is thief now,” the visibly frustrated vendor re-

carts were seized because the vendors continue to store them in the vicinity of John Fernandes Ltd, creating encumbrances for that entity.

“They (vendors) continue to store their carts at the back of the JP Santos place there, just by John Fernandes and the authorities at John Fernandes have complained lots of times that the carts there are impeding the flow of traffic, to the rice trucks and the container trucks.’’

Relocation benefits

King meanwhile noted that as a result of the relocation of the vendors from the Stabroek Square, there has been enhanced security, an organised vending area, a

Displaced vendors vent their frustrations at City Hall

were seen in the compound of the entity, as the Council ups the ante on defiant vendors.

One cart vendor, Arthur Douglas, insisted that he had not breached the law, yet his cart was impounded by officers under the order of Assistant Superintendent at the City Constabulary, Gordon Langevine.

The vendor is accusing Langevine of discrimination, noting that he was harassed on numerous occasions in the past by the Assistant Superintendent.

“My cart was seized pulling and not violating the law.

Yesterday Langevine see me pulling my cart down Water street and decide to come with his troops them and workers them and holla “Aye, ah tired seeing you with this cart hay.

Selling with carts days done.’’

Other vendors also complained that since they have been displaced, their daily income has decreased significantly as their customers no longer know where to locate them.

“I losing a lot! Since they move we, we aint getting

Some of the seized vending carts in the compound of City Hall

marked.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk Royston King told Guyana Times that last week, vendors were informed that no carts should be stationed on the pavements and warned that there will be no compromise.

“Guyana Stores Bond, should be left free, that entire area should be left free, Muneshwars, that entire area should be left free, going right down to the area by KFC… that entire area should be left free, under by Demico area, that entire Stabroek Square should be left free and we’re not compromising on that at all. The decision to relocate the vendors will not be compromised,” King stated.

He explained that some

clean environment, and more space for pedestrians to utilise.

Meanwhile, he highlighted that as the vendors remain in the temporary location on Hadfield Street, a permanent location is being worked on.

King emphasised that the intention of this change was not to interrupt the work of vendors but to establish a balance between the duties of the M&CC and the lifestyle of the merchants.

“The idea is not to put anybody out of work, it is to ensure a good balance between their making a living and us carrying out our responsibilities, because our responsibility is not only the vendors alone. All the citizens

of Georgetown have a stake in what happens in the city and you couldn’t cater to the vendors alone,” he stated.

Meanwhile, there are still scores of displaced vendors who are still to be offered a spot to continue to ply their trade.

Whether or not the remaining displaced vendors will be offered a place to continue business, is still a question to be answered by authorities at the municipality.

O

n October 6, 2015, this paper published a letter from Sultan Mohamed which claimed “Mr Kwayana’s travel expenses and housing were even surreptitiously paid by the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) when he gave evidence.”

In another section of the press Mr Kwayana denied the allegation and cited several individuals to buttress his claim.

We wish Mr Kwayana would have communicated directly with us.

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

Pacifiers and teeth: How to protect your baby’s oral health explained by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the bacteria that cause tooth decay don’t occur naturally in children’s mouths; they are passed on by their caregivers.

Therefore, putting a pacifier in your mouth before giving it to your baby introduces the possibility of bacteria being exchanged and possibly causing tooth

BY JENNY GREEN

P

acifiers help soothe fretful babies, but many parents are concerned about their effects over the longterm. Although pacifiers can indeed contribute to tooth decay and affect the growth of children’s mouths and teeth, these problems only occur when they’re used incorrectly.

When it comes to pacifiers and teeth, rest assured your baby can enjoy his pacifier without it interfering with early oral health.

Benefits of a pacifier

It’s natural for infants and toddlers to calm themselves by thumb-sucking, and pacifiers provide a handy comforter. As a matter of fact,

According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, infants who use pacifiers are also at a lower risk of sudden

decay.

Parents can also end up encouraging tooth decay by dipping the pacifier in a sugary liquid, such as honey or corn syrup, before giving it to their baby. Keep in mind that prolonged use can create crooked teeth, bite problems, upper front teeth that tip forward, changes in jaw alignment and imperfect tooth position, according to the AAPD.

Choosing a pacifier

The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests using a pacifier is preferable to thumb-sucking.

Toddlers need to stop excessive sucking to prevent future problems in mouth and teeth development, and it’s easier to wean a young child from a pacifier than a thumb-sucking habit.

infant death syndrome, and can even experience less discomfort during complex medical procedures.

What they can do to teeth

It’s important not to overlook the fact that, if used incorrectly, pacifiers have their downsides. As

The range of pacifiers available in stores can be confusing. There are two kinds of pacifier nipples: orthodontic and nonorthodontic.

Orthodontic designs are slim and flat, simulating the shape of the mother’s nipple in the baby’s mouth, whereas non-orthodontic pacifiers have a round, bulb tip. The University of Rochester Medical Centre advises parents to buy one-piece pacifiers with no moving parts, built-in gadgets or liquid interiors. Pacifiers should also have sealed (rather than open) bases, and the nipple should be made of silicon – which

harbours fewer germs and is smoother than latex or soft plastic.

How to use pacifiers responsibly

Introduce a pacifier after breastfeeding is established, which is usually three to four weeks following birth. Clean it thoroughly before use and before replacing it in your baby’s mouth if he spits it out. As your child develops this soothing habit, consider the following: * Don’t attach a pacifier to anything else using a string, cord, ribbon or other attachment. * Always use a pacifier that has a shield wider than your baby’s mouth. * Discard pacifiers that have become discolored, cracked, swollen or sticky. * Never leave your baby unattended with a pacifier in his mouth. * Talk to your dentist or pediatrician if your baby hasn’t given it up by the age of three.

Caring for infant teeth isn’t only about correct pacifier use. You should also clean their teeth twice a day teeth using a toothpaste formulated for the undertwos, such as My First Colgate™, and start flossing when the teeth are finally touching one ano-ther. Being smart about pacifiers and teeth when looking after your infant’s oral health leads to a contently growing baby with a beautiful smile. (colgate.com)

BY PAM MYERS

T

humb sucking is a concern many parents have. Toddlers suck their thumbs because it’s comf o r t ing and calming. It’s proba b l y something t h e y did before they were born and r e vert

back to it when they are nervous, agitated, scared or ill. They may also use it to lull themselves back to sleep in the middle of the night.

Parents shouldn’t concern themselves unless it

continues after the age their permanent teeth begin to appear, around six years old. Experts say that it’s the intensity of the thumb sucking and the tongue’s thrust that deforms teeth a n d makes b r a c es necessary l a t e r .

Children who rest t h e i r t h u m b passively in their mouth are less likely to have difficulty than children who suck aggressively.

If you’re concerned, closely monitor your child and analyse his technique. If they appear to be sucking vigorously, you may want to begin curbing their habit earlier.

Punishing or nagging your child to stop won’t help because it’s usually an automatic response. Attempting to curb it by putting an elastic bandage on his thumb or another method will seem like unjust punishment, especially since they indulge in the habit for comfort and security.

Try to wait it out.

Children usually give up thumb-sucking when they’ve found other ways to calm and comfort themselves. Consider offering them other alternatives to comfort themselves such as a soft blanket or lullaby toy The key is to notice when and where they are likely to suck their thumbs and offer an alternative. If it happens while they are tired, try giving more naps. If they suck their thumb frequently while watching television, try to distract them with a toy that will keep their hands occupied.

Older children may need gentle reminders to curtail thumb sucking while in public, and praise should be given freely when the child finds and uses an acceptable alternative. Your child’s paediatric dentist can offer other suggestions for helping your child kick the thumb sucking habit. (childdevel-

opmentinfo.com)

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friday, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Eugene F Correia Int’l Airport saga

“I did not rename anything” – President Granger – describes controversy as “media frenzy”

quirements for the start-up of the carrier’s US$1 million fuel farm.

In that instance, ASL had accused OAI of deliberately creating conditions to ensure that its fuel would not be cheaper and it would be forced to continue buying fuel stored at the fuel farm operated by Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services (CAMS), a member of the Correia Group.

Ogle International Airport is owned by government but is run by the private company, Ogle Airport Inc, which exerts total monopoly control over the facility greater than that of the private partner in a PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP).

Guyana Times was told that in the past the facili-

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s the controversy continues over the renaming of the Ogle International Airport (now the Eugene F. Correia International Airport), President David Granger sought to put to rest speculations over who suggested the new name for the facility.

Speaking on his weekly telecast, “the Public Interest”, the Head of State described the issues surrounding the renaming as “media frenzy”.

President Granger also distanced his government from the actual renaming of the airport, noting that his involvement was merely a suggestion to rename the facility.

“I did not rename anything… I did publicly propose to the Board of the Ogle Airport Inc (OAI) to consider, those were my words, to consider, renaming the airport after someone I felt was a distinguish son of the soil and that was the end of my involvement,” the President highlighted.

He added that he subsequently received a correspondence from the Chairman of the Board of the OAI, indicating that the board had “unanimously” accepted the suggestion and had written to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, which granted approval.

“So who is there to consult?” the president asked, adding that “the board was consulted, an offer was made to the board and board agreed, all of the members of the board were consulted, so I cannot buy that question about consultation and non-consultation in that regard,” he stated.

What consultation?

But, while the President seems satisfied that “consultations” at the level of

The renamed Ogle International Airport now Eugene F Correia International Airport

the board is adequate for the renaming process, the National Air Transport Association (NATA) is arguing that the board is controlled by the Correias, thus any consultation at that level will be consulting with themselves and not necessarily all ten operators.

NATA President Annette Arjoon-Martins in a Letter to the Editor on Friday said five of the seven members on the OAI Board are affiliated with the Correias, and as such the two other members, despite being members of NATA, are a minority.

NATA represents nine of the 10 small operators at the airport, with the Correia-owned Trans Guyana Limited (TGL) being the only operator that is not a member of the Association.

Ownership

Arjoon-Martins reminded that the facility sits on 450 acres of state land, located in a highly-commer-

cial area, with a market value of about US$90 million, while the control tower, also state owned, costs approximately US$500,000, giving the airport a total value of about US$90.5 million .

She also reminded that government had permitted the use of US$2 million European Development Fund (EDF) to be converted into a soft loan with extremely generous repayment terms.

“The government apart from owning this national asset is also the largest shareholder. Contrary to what is being placed in the public domain by OAI, the development of this public utility was not done by private funds alone, nor was it ever transferred to private ownership. It was made possible through a Public/Private Partnership when the owners of five aircraft companies, although they were competitors, approached the government with a proposal to develop the airport,” she stated She stated that the

partnership was well-intentioned, and the government took for granted their pledge to ensure fairness and equity not only in their development approaches but equally in their governance and management of this facility.

“Unfortunately, that honourable intention of high standards of their stewardship, good governance, and management of this public facility was short-lived. OAI, which started out as a five-person, collegially run operation in 2000, ended up being managed as the private property of the Correia Group of Companies,” she stated.

This control of which Arjoon-Martins spoke has been a hot button topic for some time now.

In 2011, Air Services Limited (ASL) had called for a Commission of Inquiry into the Ogle Airport after it accused the airport’s management of running a “monopolistic” family affair.

Again in 2013, management and ASL clashed in a bitter dispute over the re-

ty is a public utility which is managed and controlled by the Private Sector.

The operational arrangement was negotiated after the initial five investors who formed a corporation, Ogle Airport Inc, made a proposal to operate the airport following safety concerns which were raised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Ogle Airport is the base of operations for several local aircraft operators including: Trans Guyana Airways; ASL; Roraima Airways Ltd; Oxford Aviation; Hinterland Aviation, Domestic Aviation, Phoenix Aviation, Hopkinson Aviation, Wings Aviation and JAGS Aviation (BK).

Bandit on the run after fatally stabbing accomplice

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former Policeman was on Monday evening stabbed to death by his accomplice while the two were attempting to rob a Brazilian businessman at Eterinbang, Upper Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven.

The dead bandit was identified as Eric Angel of No 10 Village, West Coast Berbice, a former member of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) of the Guyana Police Force.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, when contacted, told Guyana Times that the Police were on the hunt for the bandit who accidently stabbed his accom-

plice. He noted that the two men attempted to rob a shop owned by a Brazilian national, but the businessman put up a fight.

Blanhum said that it was during the scuffle, Angel was accidentally stabbed. After receiving the stab wound, Angel fell to the ground, and his partner fled. The bandit subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

His body was transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary, and arrangements were being made to have it transported to Georgetown. The Police are continuing their investigations.

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friDAY, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS Businessman slapped with fraudulent conversion, forgery charges

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48-year-old East Coast Demerara businessman was on Thursday slapped with four charges, including fraudulent conversion and forgery when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

Gopaul Tiwarie, of 89 Success Old Road, East Coast Demerara, and proprietor of Speedy’s Enterprise, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

It is alleged that Tiwarie, on May 28, 2015, being entrusted with $10 million by Ghardarie Sewnarine, to pay to the Deeds Registry, Georgetown, fraudulently converted same into his own use.

The second charge stated that on May 28, 2015, with intent to defraud, the businessman presented a transport to Ghardarie Sewnarine to show it was issued by the Deeds Registry, knowing same to be forged. It is also alleged that the defendant, between April 1, 2015 and May 25, 2015, conspired with persons known and unknown to him, to forge the transport to show it was issued by the Deeds Registry.

The businessman was also slapped with two other counts of unlawfully and maliciously discharging a loaded firearm at Detective Constables Annai and Deonarine, with intent to resist lawful apprehension.

This incident occurred

Lacytown man breaks into Stabroek Market stall

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n unemployed man of Alexander Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, was Thursday granted $100,000 bail for breaking and entering by Magistrate Faith McGusty when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Leon Obermuller, 43, of 117 Alexander Street, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on April 27, at Croal Street and Brummell Place, Stabroek, Georgetown, he broke and entered a store belonging to Vishal Ramnarine with intent to commit a felony.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman, in his facts, told the Court that on April 26, Ramnarine secured his business and left for home.

However, on April 27, while at home he received a call from MMC Security personnel informing him that his

store had been broken into, since the alarm had gone off.

Ramnarine made his way to his business where he was confronted with Obermuller, who was armed with a dangerous weapon and attacked him. Ramnarine retaliated by discharging three rounds with his licensed firearm aimed at the accused. The suspect was subsequently apprehended and charged for the crime.

Obermuller showed no visible signs of injury while in the prisoner’s dock.

Prosecutor Blackman objected to bail based on the nature of the offence committed and the punishment which it attracts and the fact that the defendant was a flight risk. .

There was also material evidence submitted.

However, after granting the defendant bail, Magistrate McGusty ordered him to return to Court on June 2.

on May 9, 2016 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara In his bail application, Tiwarie’s Attorney, Bernard Da Silva told the Court that the gun charges were mere allegations against his client, since he was immediately apprehended and dusted for gunpowder residue which was not found.

He also stated that no weapon was found on his client or in his car.

As it relates to the forgery charges, the Attorney argued that given their nature they would demand extensive work and investigation, which will in turn create unnecessary delays.

The Attorney requested reasonable bail for his client who he said usually took care

of his sick brother who was diagnosed with cancer.

Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte did not object to bail, but requested that the defendant surrender his passport and report weekly to the fraud squad at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters.

Hunte also told the Court he was seeking further legal advice on the charges.

Tiwarie was granted $500,000 bail for both of the gun charges, and was ordered to lodge his passport at the Court, and report weekly to the fraud department of the CID headquarters.

He will return to Court on May 31, for statements.

Tiwarie have similar matters pending in the courts.

Water vendor remanded for assault and threatening behaviour

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egent Street water vendor Andy Maikoo found himself on the wrong side of the law when he appeared in Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty on assault and threatening behaviour charges.

Maikoo, 45, of 15 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which read that on May 9, he unlawfully assaulted Shamawattie Arjoon, his common-law wife.

Also on the same day at the same location, he made use of threatening behaviour to Arjoon.

Prosecutor Seon Blackman, in his facts, told the Court that on the day in the question the defendant, who is habitually intoxicated, started to threaten his wife who then became fearful for her life. This was when she called out to her mother for help. During the resultant altercation, Maikoo dealt Arjoon several cuffs about her

face and head when she refused to have a conversation with him.

Prosecutor Blackman also stated that Maikoo assaulted his wife while in the presence of their two children, aged five and thirteen.

Maikoo apologised for what he had done, and asked the Magistrate to pardon him.

He also suggested to the Magistrate that she should order him to do community service instead of spending time in jail.

Bail was objected to by Prosecutor Blackman, who stated that the defendant would usually abuse his wife without any justice being served.

Magistrate McGusty sentenced him to three months in jail for the assault charge, taking into consideration the fact that he assaulted his wife in his children’s presence.

He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine for the threatening behaviour charge.

Eyew tness Cat among the pigeons...

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...in Parliament

ith the Government on the back foot after embargoing the Rodney commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report for over three months – and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) placing it on Parliament’s order paper for debate today – the People’s National Congress (PNC)-wing of the coalition decided that discretion was the better part of valour. They submitted the Report to the Speaker of the House yesterday, and beat a face off.

But they’re only delaying the inevitable, since they’ll eventually have to debate the contents. And that’s when the cat will REALLY be among the pigeons. Fulfilling its mandate to pronounce on who killed Dr Rodney back in 1980, the CoI declared unambiguously: “we conclude that Prime Minister Burnham knew of the plan and was part of the conspiracy to assassinate Dr Walter Rodney.”

Not surprisingly, the PNC faction of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition opposed the CoI and its report tooth and nail.

With Basil Williams as its lawyer, even though it didn’t “participate”, the PNC did its darnedest to derail the Inquiry. Even at the end, it refused to fund two more weeks of testimony to previous witnesses who might want to comment on the CoI’s conclusion if they were shown in a negative light. This included the Working People’s Alliance’s (WPA) Rupert Roopnaraine, the present Education Minister.

But that’s water under the bridge now. What’s on the front burner is what position the WPA and AFC will take comes the debate. There’s already a debate going on in the press right now as to how long can the rump WPA and AFC survive away from the coat tails of the PNC. From all the humiliations that the AFC was willing to endure over the past year – especially of Moses Nagamootoo – it’s clear they’ll swallow anything just to feed at the trough of the Consolidated Funds.

As to the WPA, for over three decades, they’d maintained their shining star Rodney was killed by PNC forces. Now they’ve been vindicated. So who’ll bell the PNC cat? MORE POINTEDLY, is what will Roopnaraine do? He’s the sole “WPA” face in the Government. Will be recuse himself, or will he call for justice for his old school friend Rodney, who was cut down in his prime and wasn’t allowed to live to see his children grow up?

We understand the PNC’s refusal to have the CoI debated right now. After all with Burnham being “bigged up” as the “father of independent Guyana” and all that, they don’t need the unsavoury past to be dredged up, right now.

But will the Speaker EVER bring it up for debate? He should be reminded that “black lives matter”.

And Rodney was proudly black.

... In the economy

All counsellors and therapists tell us problems can’t be solved if folks don’t accept they have problems.

So we’re making progress if Prezzie conceded cheap electricity should’ve been higher on his agenda. But why wait till now? Not only this newspaper but every commentator worth his salt – not to mention the business community – had been pleading for cheap energy.

But here we think the Government “cut its nose to spite its (economic) face”. Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project was already on the cards. It’s been practically signed, sealed and delivered. It was just their own intransigence while in Opposition that made Sithe Global, the operating company, walk away.

And nose cutting is never a good strategy. After a while, you can’t even “follow your nose” to pick out opportunities. You just don’t have a nose to follow!

To give Jack his jacket – Business Minister has been bemoaning the need for an increase in manufacturing.

He just never connected the dots to point out we first needed cheap energy to attract the manufacturing companies!

...with blaming victims

Imagine a mob burns your house to the ground and threatens you with mayhem. And after you defend yourself with guns you have legitimately, the Police charge YOU will “illegal” gun possession.

Victims of the world unite!!

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

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FRIday, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Charges dropped against Sophia victims – Police say new charges to be filed

T

he unlawful firearm possession charges filed against victims of the Elections Day unrest in C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, Bibi Farida Prasad and Narine Khublall were dropped on Thursday when the two neighbours appeared before the court.

Prasad, of Lot 589 Section C South Turkeyen, Sophia, and Khublall along with his wife Poonadai of Lot 588, appeared, as instructed by the Police, before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court to answer separate charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition without being the holders of licences.

Bibi Farida Prasad

court that the new charges are not yet filed and she will not permit them to be filed and read the same day to

A vehicle on fire in May 2015

They were represented

by Attorney Anil Nandlall, Priya Manickchand and Euclin Gomes. When the matter was called up, the Prosecutor informed the court that the charges were wrongly prepared, hence he withdrew them.

However, the Prosecution indicated that the charges will be corrected and be reinstituted within 30 minutes.

Some 40 minutes later, the police delivered new charges to the presiding Magistrate, who found they were not filed with the court.

The Magistrate subsequently indicated to the

the defendants. She then informed Prasad and Khublall that they were free to leave and that the Police will have to file the charges and summon them to court at a later date.

On Tuesday, the two neighbours were summoned to the Sparendaam Police Station where they were told that based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), they will be charged with the offence of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunitions as of May 11, 2015, and will have to appear before the Court.

However, Prasad is and has been licenced to possess a .32 firearm handgun since 1998 while Khooblall is a member of South Turkeyen Community Policing Group, the Chairman of Division C “2” of Community Policing and also the Vice-Chairman of the National Community Policing of Guyana. The man has held these positions for a number of years and by virtue, is authorised and licenced to possess a shotgun.

The homes of the Prasads and Khublalls were stormed, vandalised, looted and their vehicles burnt by a large unruly mob who claimed to be supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition on the night of May 11, 2015.

That said night, the Police had instructed the two neighbours to surrender their respective firearms and ammunition as well as copies of their firearm licences which were duly done.

However, while the police returned Prasad’s weapon the following day, Khooblall’s CPG weapon was kept by the State.

According to their attorney, Nandlall, this matter is becoming stranger with every passing day. He pointed out that after an entire year without anyone informing these persons that they were ever suspected of possessing firearms and ammunition without licences, even though they were in regular contact with the Police, suddenly criminal charges are sprung against them for allegedly possessing firearms and ammunitions without licences.

In fact he noted that after an entire year, the Police still could not get the charges right. Nandlall went on to highlight that there is a great sloth in prosecuting the charges which have been

Narine Khublall

laid against persons who stole and destroyed those people’s property on May 11, 2015.

“My clients’ only wrong, is that they permitted their premises to be used by the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] for the 2015 Elections.

It is difficult to believe that after one year the Police, and moreso the DPP, will make such elementary errors with the charges,” the lawyer noted.

He further posited that this situation is nothing short of lawlessness and that the criminal justice process being used to politically victimise and harass his clients, will be only a matter of time before this farce is unmasked.

Nandlall had indicated his intention to sue the State for the damage and losses which his clients suffered on May 11 last year, due to the negligence of the Guyana Police Force since his clients were taken into police custody that night and were told that their properties were under “Police Protection”.

However, upon their return home several days later, they found that their homes were broken into and burglarised.

3 arrested for gun, ammo bust

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hree persons, including a woman, were on Thursday taken into Police custody following the discovery of a quantity of suspected cocaine, a gun and several rounds of ammunition in a house in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

According to reports gathered, ranks of the Major Crimes Unit acted on information received and went to a house located at Section A Block X Diamond, where they conducted a search on the premises.

During the search, the ranks found a brick suspected to be cocaine, a 9mm pistol and several matching rounds of ammunition in a black plastic bag. The plastic bag was reportedly found in the lower flat of the house in a toilet bowl.

The three persons who were at home at the time were arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters where they were grilled.

The whitish substance suspected to be cocaine was subsequently tested, but turned

The baking soda neatly wrapped, gun and ammo found during the raid

out to be baking soda.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted confirmed that the Police conducted the raid on the house and what was initially suspected to be cocaine was actually baking soda.

“From all indications, it seems as though the trio was about to trick someone,” the Crime Chief stated. He noted that the Police were continuing their investigations and the trio would be charged.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, may 13, 2016

News

Govt mulls reduction of foreign Lower Pomeroon farmers investors’ concessions – President flooded since Sunday lose $Ms

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overnment has responded to a call for there to be a level playing field when it comes to concessions granted to investors, both local and foreign, and President David Granger has indicated his government intends to reduce the concessions granted to foreign investors.

Currently, foreign investors enjoy greater concession than that of locals, which prompted a call for there to be equality.

“We want to ensure that foreigners are not given concessions and waivers and rebates, to which other people are not entitled. In fact, we want to reduce the amount of these concessions so that we become more competitive,” he stated.

The President said he was concerned that businesses will became too reliant on concessions and not do enough to develop their enterprises and resources.

It is important to note that Guyana, like many other countries, both developing and developed, has been granting concessions to foreign investors by way of tax exemption with the aim of attracting foreign capital.

But, two weeks ago, Chairman of MCG Investments (Giftland Mall), Roy Beepat, called for a leveled playing field for all investors in Guyana, a call the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has long been making.

President David Granger

Beepat’s statement was made in light of Chinese company BaiShanLin advertising the introduction of an international mall, which advertisement can be seen at the arrival lounge of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

According to Beepat, government needs to be fair to local investors, whose revenues are being pumped back into the country’s economy.

“In fairness to our investment and parity between local investment and international enterprises such as these, it is important that a level playing field, I would find it abhorrent if it is a case that multibillion international companies should be treated with preferential treatment and unfair trading advantages over local companies,” Beepat said in a letter to the media.

The businessman also challenged the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Finance Ministry to disclose the details of the BaiShanLin investment, which was concluded under the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration.

Beepat said the Giftland Mall did not benefit from any concessions from government in terms of dutyfree, Value Added Tax (VAT) waivers, tax holidays or any tax exemptions whatsoever.

The Chinese company, which is currently under review by the Government State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), has been at the centre of controversies over the years it has been operating here.

The company enjoyed billions in concession from the previous government.

The GRA has over the last few months been clamping down on delinquent tax payers including BaiShanLin. It was recently revealed that the Chinese logging company owes some $50 million in duties for two luxury vehicles it had imported.

Last month GRA’s Customs Department seized the Lexus SUV with registration PRR 2888 and the Nissan minivan with license plate PRR-3888.

It is unclear if GRA would institute charges against the company or seek an out-of-court settlement.

By: Indrawattie Natram

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breach at the side dam of Grant Canaan Lower, Pomeroon, Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), has caused several large-crop farmers to suffer tremendous loses as their farmlands are now inundated with knee-high water since Sunday due to high tides.

Residential and farm land were under water at Lower Pomeroon

Trees and plants inundated since Sunday

The flooding was reported to Region 2 Administration and a team led by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson, had visited the area to make assessments. However, the residents highlighted that the breach is still not sealed, as such persons are suffering since the floods are affecting their livelihood.

According to one farmer, Joan Peters from Grant Canaan, the area has been flooded since Sunday and water is not receding. She could not estimate her loses financially but said her entire farmland was destroyed. She related that she had three acres of suckers,

two of sweet cassava, pepper, water melon and bora, all in their reaping stage.

She said she is still amazed at the level of water that came during the spring tide.

Peters reported that many kokers (sluices), dams and other drainage ports have been broken with excessive high tides. She said farmers in that area are distressed since they don’t know where and how they would restart after losing so much.

Another severely affected farmer Gavin Garraway, lost all his fruit trees laden with fruits and over 100 poultry in his pen. Garraway said his estimated losses are

in the millions. He too is uncertain as to a way forward.

Reports are that in other places such as Aberdeen; the sluices are malfunctioning and this is compounded by generally poor drainage in the area.

Along with affected farmers, residents have lost many household items due to the flooding. When asked if the flooding could have been avoided, residents related that they are living close to the estuary but if the area had proper drainage and irrigation then most of the farmers, lands could have been saved.

Many persons in the flooded areas have complained of pains and skin rashes as they are forced to spend long hours in the water. They are calling for immediate intervention from Central Government to deploy machinery as well as resources to assist in the sealing the breach. The Region 2 administration, they feel, are lacking the essential resources to fix the breach.

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FRIDAY, may 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Nation’s future depends on wider Linden Mayor urges political inclusiveness – Granger GRA to “pause” … calls on National Assembly to promote peace

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s Guyana prepares with great pomp and grandeur to celebrate its 50th Independence anniversary, President David Granger reflected how far the country has come with regards to promoting national unity.

He was at the time addressing the National Assembly on Thursday.

According to the Head of State, after gaining Independence in 1966, Guyana spent the last 50 years mending the social fabrics, promoting peace and repairing the economy.

“The first 50 years were about overcoming a hostile international economic environment. The next 50 years must be different.

Let us use this special year to usher in an era of social peace, political collaboration and economic prosperity for this and all future generations,” he noted.

Granger recalled that after gaining Independence, Guyana has since been able to make rapid progress and substantial advances but not without struggle. He pointed out that Guyana was born a broken nation under a state of emergency, noting that social strife, political disunity and economic stagnation prevented the country from achieving its full potential.

“We must do better…

Independence offered us the opportunity to work together, to heal our divisions and

President David Granger

to promote reconciliation.

Independence offered us a new beginning, an opportunity for national unity. But that national unity, however, has been elusive for most of the last five decades,” he said while adding that “the absence of national unity has impaired national development. It has triggered a continuous trickle of migration. It has led to political and economic fatigue.”

Nevertheless, the President outlined that the country now has a second chance to unite its people and assure them a good life.

He added that the upcoming 50th Independence anniversary must not only be a time of reflection on the past, but an opportunity to plan for the future to ensure that generations could inherit a

country that will allow them to enjoy a good life.

In this vein, President Granger remarked that the celebrations must be used by this generation to repair damage, restore trust and rebuild the bases of a ‘moral community.’ These will enable our people to co-exist and cooperate with each other.

Moreover, Granger posited that the nation’s future stability also depends on wider political inclusiveness: “The ethnic arithmetic of the past can only mean that a minority could be excluded from a government by a majority, however slim. Confrontation characterised the ‘old politics.’

Calculations of ethnic support determined election tactics. The ‘winner-takesall’ jackpot became the prize of every election. The political landscape became a battlefield, not always of ideas, but of racial rivalry.

Communal conflict hampered human development.

Mr Speaker, that system belongs to the past. It is now dangerously dysfunctional.”

The President further underscored that his administration has initiated the Constitution reform process, with the aim of ensuring that the intended ‘inclusionary’ system is made to work. He noted that the reform process must be extended to involve consultations with citizens in their communities in all 10

Regions.

“Every eligible elector in this Republic must be given the chance to be heard so that our country could advance with a Constitution in which we all have confidence,” he said.

On this note, the Head of State called on the National Assembly to renew the Independence covenant with the Guyanese Nation.

It must resolve to work together to reunite the Nation as one. He said the National Assembly will have to take the first steps on the long road to social cohesion, political inclusion and economic resilience.

“The National Assembly was born in this hallowed chamber where the instruments of Independence were handed over to the first Prime Minister of Independent Guyana. It is fitting for me to come back here today, to plead with this same National Assembly to sue the opportunity of Guyana’s Fiftieth anniversary to unite our people. Mr Speaker, we have a golden opportunity in our Golden Jubilee to build bridges that will lead us forward into the future as a unified nation” President Granger resonated.

crackdown on errant businesses

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inden Mayor Carwyn Holland has called on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to put a hold on a current crackdown which targets non-compliant businesses in the mining town.

Holland said the call followed a meeting on Wednesday with members of the Linden business community.

At the meeting, businessmen complained that the GRA exercise was being conducted “without any warning”.

“The business owners acknowledged their error in not being in compliance, but expressed their willingness to be fully compliant. They argued that they faced difficulties in getting the required documents and would welcome any initiative to ease the difficult process,” Holland said.

The Mayor acknowledged the need for better and timely dispatch of notices to residents of

Linden, while stating that the GRA campaign had affected the local economy as many shops closed their doors in fear of their goods being confiscated.

Business owners were advised to comply with the GRA’s requirements and get the necessary documentation from the Mayor and Town Council in order to facilitate their compliance.

Mayor Holland stated that he held discussions with the Commissioner General of the GRA, Ingrid Griffith in an effort to give some time for the businesses to comply.

A GRA team is expected to be visiting the mining town on Wednesday to meet with the Mayor and other leaders in the town to rectify the situation.

Already, a number of businesses have commenced the process of ensuring compliance with GRA requirements, with the assistance of the Mayor and Town Council.

12 news

FRIDay, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Mortice Schools remain in deplorable state

By Shemuel Fanfair

P

arents of students attending the Mortice Primary and Nursery Schools in Mahaicony, Region Five ((Mahaica-Berbice) are still outraged as their children continue to be educated under deplorable conditions.

On a visit to the schools on Thursday, Guyana Times discovered that electrical wires and light sockets were still uncovered and dangling, while the toilet facilities of both schools remained nonfunctional.

This publication was also shown evidence of structural damage to various sections of the building, which occurred some weeks ago. One individual with knowledge of this situation, who preferred to remain anonymous, related that the return of the May/ June rains coupled with recent flooding caused stagnant water to prevail in the vacant lot to the east of the school.

The man explained that this caused erosion of the soil and, as such, sections of the building shifted.

“The water that is so close to the building actually pulled the soil [and] the whole back

Evidence of structural damage

section [and beam] moved an inch and a half to 2 inches,” he said.

Guyana Times also witnessed that the canteen facilities had dangling wires, making it hazardous for food preparation or consumption.

The top floor of the building is principally the Primary School, while the bottom was designed to house nursery students. Now both departments are stationed on the same upper flat after a bat infestation caused a section of the nursery school’s ceiling to collapse. It was reported

that the pest control department had removed the internal ceiling of the school after a section “caved in” owing to the growing bat problem. Bat dung and dead bats were removed from the school over a month ago.

Guyana Times had been told that some of the parents complained of the lingering scent, which drove them to clean up, as they were concerned about the children’s health. Many students missed classes as parents opted not to send them to school.

The stench and unsani-

tary conditions led teachers to take the 23 pupils outside where they have classes and even meals. This area is not enclosed and the young pupils were exposed to the elements.

After a May 7 report by this newspaper, a team of regional officials met with stakeholders on Monday and parents were reassured that rehabilitation would commence Wednesday (May 11).

However, this newspaper was there on Thursday (May 12) and no sign of rehabilitation was evident.

Running water at the school is also almost non-existent and the two black tanks in the yard were almost empty. Guyana Times had also reported that cleaners had to appeal to the neighbours constantly for water to flush toilets. These cleaners have been fetching the water themselves.

The officials who had visited the schools on Monday included the Regional Chairman, the Regional Executive Officer, Regional Education Officer and an Engineer who was on site to assess the rehabilitation works.

For peace and reconciliation

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e have heard nothing but "social cohesion" over the last year. But how is this going to come about if we sweep so much of our differences under the rug. There is this refusal to acknowledge that our salient political cleavage is “race/ethnicity”. And that this orientation is due to rational concerns stemming from the reality of how power in all its various manifestations is distributed in our society.

This is nothing to be ashamed about, since this is the dominant form that politics has taken across the globe – including the “developed” countries, we seek to emulate.

Then there's refusal of the political parties that purport to “represent” the interests of the people to be clear on “who speaks for whom”. The present state of affairs where the parties publicly assert that they are “multiethnic” while in private they are forced to send ethnic signals to ensure votes, has proven quite debilitating, to say the least.

In Guyana, the term “multiracial/ethnic” party is used even though the party in question has invariably not clearly spelt out its position on specific “ethnic” concerns.

How can you be “multiethnic” if “ethnic is not on your radar?

“Multiracial” in other jurisdictions and expressions such as “rainbow coalitions” describe situations where the interests of the disparate members (including “ethnic ones”) are clearly articulated and represented by caucuses or subgroupings of the leadership. We don’t have this in Guyana: we simulate it by picking tokens from the various communities.

Going forward, we will have to accept that a party that speaks for an ethnic constituency is not, ipso facto, against the interests of the other constituencies. In fact, the leader who accepts true multiracial/multiethnic politics – where the ‘ethnic’ parties have to bargain with each other may better appreciate the problems of other communities.

Many who quote the success of Malaysia relative to us, forget that their success rides on the fact that their acknowledged ethnic parties came together after the elections in a multiethnic government.

A multiracial/ethnic government ought to be the goal; not the party - if the latter concept has not worked after fifty years.

Another factor that hinders any lasting reconciliation in Guyana is the pervasive contestation of our historical narrative and its rewriting to buttress the individual claims to priority in achievements and by extension to priority in rights to the national patrimony.

Claims are being substituted for truth. Another subtext is that the violations inflicted on groups from all sides of the divide have been papered over and the victims left not only to suffer but for the suffering by extension to be visited on their descendants.

To address these hindrance to real social cohesion, we have persistently called for a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”.

We first made the call following the ethnic riots of January 12 1998 in the hope that we would create something positive out of the great tragedy. Unfortunately it was never heeded and we careened into so many other greater tragedies.

Political parties continue to play fast and loose with the truth; saying one thing and meaning another. In going along we are perpetuating the morally debilitating practice where we knew the dictator was lying, the dictator knew he was lying but we pretended we were dealing with the truth. Pretty soon, very few of us could even distinguish the lies from the few truths that might have come our way.

“Truth” became whatever the dictator said was true.

Guyana will never be capable of sustained development (in its wider sense) unless we destroy this culture of lying and make-believe and the participants in the political process are seen as legitimate by all Guyanese.

This condition does not now exist.

If we cannot deal with truth, however harsh it may be, then we will always be interacting with each other with distrust and suspicion.

Guyana will see no real progress without a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

NEWS

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FRIDay, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GPHC nurses lauded Opposition pushes for renewal of oil for rice deal… for improving health Not likely with relations and economic problems facing Venezuela - Holder system’s resilience

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Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton along with some of the nurses of GPHC at the International Nurses’ Day event on Thursday

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t various activities throughout the country to commemorate International Nurses’ Day, observed on Thursday, nurses at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) were recognised for their role in improving the Public Health System.

The theme for this year’s observance of Nurses Day is: “Nurses: A force for Change: Improving Health Systems’ Resilience”.

Speaking at the GPHC’s observance in its East Street car park, Public Health Minister George Norton said one has only to imagine for a moment a world without nurses to realise how vital their services are.

“Every day, nurses provide leadership, innovation and advocacy to meet the health care needs of our citizens. I can also safely say that they also help in making the lives of our doctors easier, he asserted.

Minister Norton pointed out that in addition to their technical skills, nurses must bring to their dutiful posts, a generous dose of compassion

in dealing with patients who are severely ill and in need of not only constant care but also of emotional support and encouragement.

“We have recognised that nurses are an essential part of the healthcare workforce, and as such we want to give our nurses attractive career opportunities and pathways, so that they can fulfil their aspirations. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to advance its training opportunities in the areas of professional nursing and midwifery,” he assured.

Meanwhile, director of nursing services at GPHC Collene Hicks stressed that nurses are a vital force for change that the health system needs. However, she pointed out that in order to improve Health System’s Resilience, nurses must seek every opportunity to improve their own resilience.

“Improving our Health System’s Resilience or improving our health system’s capacity to recover from difficulties, for us to do that we must maintain our health and our wellbeing,” she em-

phasised.

Hicks highlighted the growing pressure which nurses face, including coping with changes to service delivery and models of care, financial pressures and enhanced expectations.

According to her, nurses have the responsibility to look after themselves and develop strategies that will help them to recover from their own difficulties.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of GPHC Allan Johnson urged the nurses to use the occasion to do some introspection. He applauded those who have been doing well and urged the others to step up.

“We can’t do without you but we need you to do well.

It is you who deal with the patients; it is you who report to the doctors,” he emphasised.

Others gathered to celebrate Nurses Day included: Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green; Chairman of GPHC, Dr Max Hanoman and Chief Nursing Officer - Ministry of Public Health, Tarmattie Barker.

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Thursday sought to fulfil its promise of reaching out to the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, by offering much more support to what the PPP said is a weakened rice industry, which today has left hundreds of farmers in economic turmoil.

However, that was yet again shut down by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

PPP’s Executive member and Member of Parliament (MP) Irfaan Ali suggested that Government, through the Agriculture Ministry resume ties with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, so that some amount of relief could be had among rice farmers here.

Government, following its ascension to office last year, had announced that Venezuela would no longer engage Guyana in the PetroCaribe deal; a trade agreement which saw Guyana, along with a number of other Caribbean countries, trading rice for oil.

Since the loss of that market, farmers and millers alike said things have not been the same.

Ali proposed the motion titled “The state of the rice industry in Guyana” which highlighted the plight under which rice farmers have found themselves.

He reminded the House of Government’s campaign promises for the rice industry; a promise, Ali said, was designed to “fool and deceive farmers”. He said Government has a role to play in the sector, noting

that it has to provide key elements including infrastructure, development of capital through education and public health and investments in research and technology among others.

According to Ali, it is “discernable” that the relationship between Guyana’s Government and the Government of Venezuela did not start off on “the right footing” “Mr Speaker, I will adumbrate the social and economic reasons why the Government should resume talks with Venezuela on the exportation of rice and paddy to this country,” he said.

According to the MP, many farmers had to seek extensions on their mortgages because they could not make the agreed premium.

Businesses also have been affected because there is less disposable income of residents.

He said his party wants to see Guyana move forward and noted that it was even willing to assist in this regard. He said Government needed to “suppress their pride and take our suggestion in good faith”.

To this end, Ali put forward nine recommendations.

Through several recommendations, Ali said Government should resume talks and negotiations with the Government of Venezuela, remove all form of taxes and duties on fuel for the industry, work with financial institutions to refinance loans and farmers, suspend payment of land leases and Drainage and Irrigation charges, lay supplementary provision in the National Assembly to provide finan-

cial support to farmers in order to aid in the purchase of seed paddy and fertilisers, to immediately implement minimum export prices and paddy, and implement an aggressive marketing strategy in order to enhance current prices and secure new lucrative markets.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder acknowledged that the rice industry is faced with challenges; however, he said that under the PetroCaribe Agreement, Guyana signed contracts with Venezuela and has honoured all such contracts.

According to Holder, the Venezuela rice trade has totalled some 624,647 metric tons of paddy and 355,628 metric tons of white rice valued at US$594,918,265 (paddy) and US$282,272,790 (rice). He said during that period, the rice industry saw some positive transformation as farmers and millers were able to increase their investments over the years.

The Minister said however, it is a known fact that the contract with Venezuela was renounced by the country itself and Guyana’s efforts to resume shipments were unsuccessful.

“We are all aware of what has happened to the price of oil and the serious economic problems Venezuela is facing as a nation. It is inconceivable that deals that are comparable in volume and price often past are achievable again,” he said.

Minister Holder went on to address each of the recommendations proposed by Ali and has agreed to implement a few.

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guyana-times.com

FRIday, may 13, 2016

GuyExpo 2016

Part of the gathering at the offical opening of Guyexpo

Guyanese at the GTT booth

The First Couple at a craft booth

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes shares a light moment with Digicel representative Vidya BijlallSanichara at the expo

FRIDAY, may 13, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

Brazil impeachment: New India to ban unofficial maps and satellite photos leader Temer calls for trust I B

razil’s new interim lations.

President Michel In her final speech on Thursday afternoon, she Temer has adagain denied the allegadressed the nation after the Senate voted to back tions and vowed to fight the impeachment trial of what she called an “injusDilma Rousseff. tice” by all legal means.

Temer, 75, has now tak“Trust in the values of our people and in our abilen over as President for up to 180 days – the maxity to rebuild the econoimum time allowed for my,” Temer said. He has named a business-friendthe impeachment trial of ly Cabinet that includes Rousseff, 68. He said: “It is urgent to restore peace respected former Central and unite Brazil. We must Bank Chief Henrique form a government that Meirelles as Finance will save the nation.”

Minster. Rousseff denounced her removal as a Stressing that “eco“farce” and “sabotage”. nomic vitality” was his key task, he added: “It is Temer was the leftist Rousseff’s Vice President Acting Brazil President Michel Temer: essential to rebuild the credibility of the country before withdrawing his “Trust in the values of our people” at home and abroad to atparty’s support in March. more than 20 hours, senaShe has accused him of intract new investments tors voted by 55 votes to 22 and get the economy growvolvement in a “coup”.

After Wednesday’s all- to suspend her and put her ing again.” (Excerpt from BBC News) night session that lasted on trial for budgetary vio-

Parents protest against Mae’s Schools P

arents of Grade Five students of Mae’s Schools, a private school, on Thursday stormed the gates, demanding that the administration keeps its promise.

The parents said they will continue to protest if they do not receive word from the administration.

According to the parents, the school’s administration had promised it would promote Grade Five students to Grade Six with a new bunch of teachers for that level. They had also agreed that the Grade Six teachers would begin offering lessons for the students before going into Grade Six. However, they were recently told through a letter that this would not be so.

A concerned parent highlighted that the school “promised that the Grade Six teachers would give extra lessons to grade five stu-

dren out and send them to another school, maintaining that they wanted the Grade Six teachers to do what they paid them to do.

“The problem is they take out $20,000 from the teacher’s salary one week before the common entrance because we pay them an extra $10,000 to teach our kids an extra hour-and-a-half.

It doesn’t matter if we pay an extra $10,000. Your job is not to take out or reduce the teachers’ salary”, said Dwayne Halley, who has two children attending the school.

The private school located in Subryanville, Georgetown, which offers educational services from nursery through secondary has again come under fire, after being accused of defrauding and failing on a promise made to teachers.

It first made headlines in April after Grade Six teach-

Parents outside the school on Thursday

dents. After we paid the $20,000, they sent us letters telling us that they will no longer give us the Grade Six teachers; that we will have to work with the grade five teachers. We are all annoyed with that, we are not settling with that. That is not the arrangement you made with us to get our $20,000.”

He said it was too late for parents to take their chil-

ers carried out a three-day strike action against the school. The school had begun deducting the teachers’ salaries, reportedly without any given reason.

Guyana Times understands that it was following the protest that teachers were shown a copy of a memorandum, which stated that an impending salary cut was on the cards.

ndia is introducing legislation to ban maps or satellite images of the country unless they are approved by Government.

The new bill, which would affect digital maps from Google, Apple, and Uber, is facing stiff opposition from campaign groups.

It also bans “wrong” information, including disput-

ed international borders.

The Government said the rules would not create barriers to business if the bill became law. The bill bans all types of geospatial information, maps, raw data or photographs, acquired by any means, including satellite photography. Offenders could be fined up to one billion rupees (£10.4 million).

It also requires anyone who has already gathered such information to apply for a licence to keep it.

It was designed to regulate both the creation and distribution of geospatial information in India “which is likely to affect the security, sovereignty and integrity” of the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs said. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

2 persons found dead in separate incidents — robbery and family dispute turn deadly

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eports reaching Guyana Times indicate that two persons from separate incidents were reportedly found dead in the wee hours of Friday morning.

According to the in-

formation reaching this newspaper, a possible robbery went sour, leaving a Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown man dead in his home.

Additionally, while reports are sketchy, a family

squabble escalated to the point where a person was killed and another was seriously injured.

Guyana Times will provide more in depth details on both stories in Saturday’s edition.

16 news

friDAY, may 13, 2016 | guyana-times.com

RDC dissatisfied over REO’s poor performance M

any sluices are clogged, several Secondary and Primary schools are without resources, drainage pumps need maintenance, vouchers are still to be processed, and lack of competent staff in various areas are some of the major challenges affecting the Region 2 Administration and pushing major development works back.

At the May Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting, councillors from both the Government and Opposition sides debated the poor performance of the Regional Executive Officer (CEO) Rupert Hopkinson.

The RDC expressed dissatisfaction that the REO has sidelined the Accounts Department by having an inexperienced accounts clerk in the office of his confidential secretary to exam-

ine vouchers, thus creating delays in processing of vouchers.

Taking the floor first was Alliance For Change (AFC) councillor Naithram, who said the REO is missing too many RDC meetings and little or no follow-ups are being done to address issues raised at the council level. According to Naithram, the Region’s economy and development are being pushed back due to the “incompetence” of REO Hopkinson.

“The REO keep absenting, he has the money purse for the Region, most of the projects and issues cannot be addressed because of him lacking knowledge on the area where he operates” Naithram surmised.

He further said the REO has no proper knowledge on the Region since he was not around for approximately

Region Two REO, Rupert Hopkinson

25 years. Naithram reflected that recently he reported an issue at Lima Sands and as he was venturing to the community with the REO, Hopkinson asked where they were going. Naithram then questioned how can someone whose lack of

knowledge about a particular area that he operates run the Region. “We need a better person to be in the REO place here” Naithram argued.

Chairman Davenand Ramdatt noted that several important issues that were forwarded to the REO are still to be addressed. Ramdatt cited the REO’s lack of knowledge and experience of Public Procurement, Budgeting and Financial Management as major hurdles affecting schools, hospitals, (including Suddie Public Hospital) and other health facilities. He also cited that coastal and hinterland ares are also affected.

The RDC Chairman highlighted that several schools (Nursery, Primary and Secondary) washrooms are in urgent need of repairs.

Maintenance of computers

for CSEC students are also on hold.

At that point PPP/C councillor Beatrice Mittleholzer said what the REO is doing is very unfair and it is affecting the livelihood of persons. She said it is “very disgusting” to hear that someone who was put in a position to represent his people is not doing so.

She concluded her argument by requesting for a new REO. Another PPP/C councillor Showkat Ali also explained that Region 2 is “a star Region compared to other Regions” and if the trend continues then the region will be left behind.

Ali said the RDC needs to take stern actions against the REO for his “incompetence”.

PPP/C councillors Nandranie Coonjah and Arnold Adams also noted

that there is poor drainage and irrigation within the region and lack of maintenance works.

Effective maintenance of kokers (sluices), trenches, drainage and irrigation structures are also affected due to the REO’s lethargic actions, and this has resulted in challenges to residents and farmers in this rainy season, the councillors reiterated.

Ramdatt said he will be writing the Minister of Communities on the REO’s poor performance on key development matters, and further explained that the REO has been absent too many times from the RDC. The RDC is of the strong view that the public servant must be competent to serve in the best interest of all the people and will not condone poor administration.

Guyana participating in high-level Resident accuses Parika Police of victimisation aviation meeting in Canada and bribery

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From right: Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson; President of ICAO, Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu; GCAA official Saheed Sulaman and Althea Roper of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority

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(GINA Photo)

he Guyana is currently participating at the first International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) high-level meeting on a Global Market-Based Measure (MBM) Scheme.

The three-day meeting, being held at ICAO’s Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, commenced Wednesday. Guyana also participated in the ICAO preevent briefing on Tuesday to familiarise participants with the elements of the global MBM Scheme.

The local delegation is led by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, who has oversight of the civil aviation sector in Guyana. She is accompanied by acting director of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA’s) Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman.

The meeting had been organised to finalise a draft Assembly Resolution text on a Global Market-Based Measure Scheme which will be brought before the 39th Session of the ICAO Assembly in September 2016 in Montreal, for acceptance by all ICAO member states.

Once the draft Assembly Resolution is accepted in September 2016, it becomes binding on all states.

The ICAO is working assiduously to achieve carbon neutral growth from 2020 through a “basket of measures” comprising technical, operational, and infrastructure enhancements; sustainable alternative fuels; a CO2 standard for aircraft; and the development of a global market-based measure.

The Global MBM Scheme being established by ICAO is to provide a framework where aircraft operators of participating member states can trade emissions through the sale or purchase of emission units arising from international aviation.

Currently, the ICAO is working with all its member states for them to prepare and submit an action plan for CO2 emissions reduction from its international aviation activities. The action plan essentially identifies the specific voluntary measures a state intends to take in order to improve efficiency and thereby contribute to CO2 emissions reduction.

Guyana will be addressing the development of a framework for CO2 emissions reduction from international aviation to submit its CO2 action plan to the ICAO which is a voluntary submission for now because of the country’s level of international aviation activities.

However, because of the global nature of aviation, setting up a framework for CO2 emissions reduction

by ICAO member states from international aviation will become necessary in the near future as ICAO, a UN body, is set to implement its first and second phases of the Global MBM Scheme in 2020 and 2026 respectively.

The aviation sector plays a critical role in facilitating connectivity, trade, commerce and tourism and the resultant impact of climate change will have an effect on the development of the sector. Guyana’s aviation sector remains small in comparison to the rest of the world, however, the global rules and framework established by the ICAO will affect the country’s aviation activities as the rules sometimes do not take into consideration the challenges confronted by small developing states.

It is therefore important that small states voice their views in the decision-making process.

The outcome of the ICAO High-level Meeting on Global MBM Scheme will see ICAO member states playing a greater role in the reduction of CO2 emissions and thereby a greater involvement in Climate Change initiatives.

amwattie Safeek of Lot 1982 Main Road, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, is claiming some of the ranks stationed at the Parika Police Station are victimising her and taking bribes.

The mother of four, in an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, broke down in tears as she conveyed to this newspaper the treatment she has been receiving from the officers at the Parika Station.

The 41-year-old woman, accompanied by her friend, indicated that she could not read nor write and as a result, she used her phone to record important matters, but this has not been of much help.

Safeek noted that the Police had been unprofessional in a number of incidents involving her.

She related that she had let her property to two Chinese who operated the “Golden World Restaurant” on the premises. This agreement was done by way of a contract, but since Safeek could not read and write she asked her former friend, Lynette Singh, to accompany her to ensure the contract was fair. However, Singh was allegedly offered money from the tenants to trick Safeek.

Stemming from this, several altercations between Safeek, Singh and the Chinese had taken place, but, unfortunately, for Safeek, she was given the bitter end of justice by the Police even at times when she had reported

Ramwattie Safeek

matters.

According to Safeek, when she showed the Sergeant attached to the Parika Police Station her phone containing video recordings of what transpired between her and the perpetrators, the Sergeant deleted her video records and took no action to look into her plight.

Another incident involving Safeek and the Police took place when she called them to lodge a complaint against the named individuals only to hear an unpleasant reply.“Tuesday night me call the station to complain and Officer (name given) tell me I is a witch to call de Police Station and he hang up de phone.”

Additionally, Safeek alleged, she could not get a fair dealing since the Police were taking bribes from the tenants and other vendors. Safeek explained that vendors selling in

front of her premises were dumping garbage on her land and upon inquiry, she was told “call the Police if you want, I gun just pass a something”.

Similarly, she pointed out the Chinese woman told her “she (Safeek) made me pay $100,000 to Council”.

Safeek related that while the Chinese woman was destroying her property, she investigated the issue and was “cursed out” by the woman who then went to the Police Station and filed an assault complaint against her. However, Safeek was not charged, but rather was forced to stay an entire day in custody, only to be released with the aid of her Attorney.

When trying to explain what happened to the Sergeant, she said was very unpleasant. “When me telling he what happen he tell me shut up, he ain't want hear nothing; I in custody get on the bench.”

Safeek also identified a female officer who even joined with vendors to “torment her” and stated that the officer could not say anything because “dem does pay her”.

The Parika resident is calling on officials to address the professionalism of the officers at the Parika Station so that justice could be served.

This news agency tried several times to call the Parika Police Station to get a response from the officers stationed there, but the phones were engaged.

guyana-times.com

Guyana Heritage Festival for New York on May 21

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n its continuing aim of knitting the Guyanese heritage into the lives of the Diaspora living in the United States by creating the atmosphere and environment conducive for Guyanese to meet and interact, Wee Radio Inc proudly presents the “Guyana Heritage Festival”; which goes hand-in-hand with the celebrations for Guyana’s 50th Jubilee.

Under the theme “Land of Our Roots and Culture”, the Guyana Heritage Day seeks to provide an opportunity for those who are unable to travel to Guyana to celebrate this momentous occasion – the nation’s 50th independence anniversary – to do so in New York City.

Devindra Pooran

The Festival is expected to attract over

10,000 persons of all ages from the Caribbean, East Asians and South American communities as these communities join the Guyanese Diaspora in a day of culture, music, food and overall family fun.

The event is slated for May 21, at the Roy Wilkins Park on Baisley Boulevard in Queens, New York, and is a day of culture, food and entertainment.

The event aims to bring the true flavour of Guyanese celebrations to its Diaspora and by extension, the populace of the United States of America.

The event promises a panorama of music, dance, food, games, interaction and fun for which Guyanese from all walks of life will join with their Caribbean brothers and sisters.

The highlights of the event will be dances and cultural shows which will extend from 14:00h to 19:00h and will provide unforgettable entertainment for all attending.

The cast line-up consists of primarily Guyanese talent along with supporting talent from other Caribbean islands.

The event will be Emceed by one of the Caribbean’s most talented announcers, Bob “Spiceman” Frederick and some of the main highlights of the cast are the legendary Calypso Rose, a special appearance by the Mighty Sparrow, Geeta Bisram, the Angels Caribbean Band, Devindra Pooran, Fiona Singh, Wata Flo, Joyce Ormilla Harris,

friday, may 13, 2016

Mighty Sparrow

Dheeraj Gayaram and the Gungroo D a n c e r s , Guyana Folk D a n c e r s , Rudy Bishop’s Chronicle Atlantic Steel Band, Clif Joseph,

and the Wee radio DJ’s.

Additionally, there will be a number of supporting activities including, but not limited to, games, clowns, face painting, bouncy castle, cartoon characters among other side attractions.

Some of the main sponsors of the event are MGN Funding, Wee Radio Inc, Angels Entertainment Inc, GTT, Xoom International Online Remittances and many more.

The EartHeart Knows to be launched at GFW Fashion Expo

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uthor and web TV host, Selwyn A Collins offers readers a unique and inspiring collection of his work which encourages all to “live life more powerfully”, with the release of his new book titled The EartHeart Knows – daily blessings and inspirational thoughts.

The book will officially be launched at the Guyana Fashion Weekend Beauty & Fashion Expo is on May 21 and 22.

Collins uses his own insight to help others use their gifts and talents to help themselves and others. Selwyn A Collins is a Georgetown, Guyana, born writer, motivational speaker, artist, web TV broadcaster and host.

He is the last of nine children; six of whom are his sisters and one of his greatest influences in life. He lives the uncommon principle in life that defines his unwavering belief that the woman is the centre of life and our most sacred gift as evidenced

in many of his inspirational writings.

With The EartHeart Knows, a unique and inspiring collection of blessings and meditations for your daily life, he explores and exposes his passion for writing at the urging of many, including one of his best friends, who said “Don’t stop writing, Sel. Think about the rest of us who benefit from this stuff ...”

His inspirations have drawn a huge following, especially on Facebook, where his daily posts have been described by many as essential to their spiritual growth and well-being.

Although he has spent years in web de-

signing and building a successful web-design company – Selco2000 Web Solutions – four years ago, Collins created a web

TV show called CWS Journeys (Conversations with Selwyn).

His other programme, ‘CWS AS IT IS’, which airs every Sunday afternoon, was developed to provide a platform where people can discuss matters such as the Arts, music, education, health, politics, etc. Collins said it is a virtual village square since a village square is a place where some of the best ideas are formed.

CWSJ, which has been honoured by the Guyana Cultural Association in NY in recognition of his innovation in digital media, for bridging culture and ethnic divides, has a styled conversation format focusing on how people are using their gifts and talents to empower and help others to live life more powerfully and with greater satisfaction.

Collins is also the recipient of the prestigious Young Gifted and Black (YGB) award for entrepreneurship and excellence.

According to Collins, you’ll learn to persist through challenges to create a better life in helping others not someday, but now, today, in reading The EartHeart Knows.

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guyana-times.com

friday, may 13, 2016

Celebrate the 50th

Kerwin Dubois

Independence Jouvert style

Destra

at GCC on May 26 A

s Guyana counts down to its 50th anniversary celebrations, parties and fetes are being organised in abundance to give party goers a wide range to choose from. However, the latest to be added to the calendar will be more like a carnival celebration with the full jouvert style party.

Yes… Hits and Jams Entertainment will be hosting the event at the Guyana Cricket Club (GCC) ground on May 26. The action is expected to commence just after the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead to mark Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The party will continue until sunrise and in time for the costume and float parade.

Those slated to perform at the event are the best in the soca industry, including Trinidadians Destra, Kes the Band and Kerwin Dubois. The Guyanese cast will feature performances by Jumo, Jackie Jaxx, Kwasi Ace, Shelly G, Super Ray, the Heatwave Band, Fusion Sound Company and the Boom Deejays.

Regular tickets will cost $2000 and $3000 in advance and VIP stage will cost $12,000. These tickets will be released soon at regular ticketing offices.

Chutney Soca for Tuschen Ground on May 26

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hile there is Jouvert at the Guyana Cricket Club ground and GTT’s Super concert at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara on May 26 to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence, partyholics on the West side will not be left out.

On the same day, the Tuschen Community Centre ground will come alive as several Trinidadian artistes are expected to perform live at an event called “Chutney Soca”. At the event, reigning International Chutney Monarch, Kris Persad, better known as “KI” will be the headline act.

The others slated to perform are Adesh Samaroo, the Hitman, De Hunter, Crazy and others. Apart from the live performances, there will be a softball cricket competition which will see cash and other prizes up for grabs.

Adesh Samaroo

Adding some vibes to the event will be Slingerz Family Deejay Garwin, members of the KlyMaxx Sound and Ramping Vibes. Admission to the event which is sponsored by Xtra Beer will cost $1000.

The man behind “GT Woman” – Robert Hiscock T

wenty-six-year-old Robert Guy Forster Hiscock, also called “Dublin”, was born at Redhill, England to Steve and De Hiscock.

He grew up with his siblings Dominic and Emma Hiscock and half brothers, Jason and Mark Hiscock and is presently the Brand Manager of Heineken Beer at ANSA McAL. Although he was born in England, Robert spent most of his life in Guyana. He moved here when he was two months old but returned to England in 1993.

He then moved to Australia in 1997 and back to Guyana in 2002. Hiscock remained in Guyana until 2008 before moving back to the UK to start his degree. However, as soon as he was done with studies, he returned to Guyana’s shore in 2012.

He grew up as part of a very loving home, with parents and siblings who he adored. His dad was a career diplomat, so moving around from country to country was a big part of his upbringing.

In many ways, he feels as though it shaped him into the young man he is today – one who has an undying need to continuously try new things and experience different cultures.

He participated in a wide variety of sports

while growing up – from Karate to cricket and football; but nothing superseded the passion he had for fast motor vehicles as a youngster.

With that said, at around 12 years old, he was fortunate enough to start racing alongside some of Guyana’s greatest; Stanley Ming and Kristian Jeffery.

However, as time went by, and racing became increasingly expensive and his attention shifted back to school. All in all, his childhood was one full of excitement, great friends and great family.

He attended the Hitherfield Primary school in the UK then the Kenmore South and Brisbane Boys College in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

After returning to Guyana in 2002, he went to the Georgetown International Academy (American School) until he graduated in 2007.

After working for a year or so, he returned to the UK and attended the London Metropolitan University where he obtaining a degree in Business and Caribbean Studies. In April 2016, he began attending Nation’s University in Guyana reading for his MBA. One would wonder how did he get involved in singing but in actuality, he grew up in a fam-

ily that loves to sing so it was always a part of my life.

In fact, his dad used to sing as part of a band in the UK at the age of 26. Back in England in 2008, he began to build his own instrumentals and record.

After a while, Jonathan Beepat who heads Wildfire Productions, heard his music and arranged for him to appear at several shows that were headlined by Gyptian, Tarrus Riley and Demarco.

Those experiences, collectively, form his initiation to music. However, shortly after these shows, he took a break from music until he was asked to be a part of the Golden Children Project.

The Golden Children Project has been a wonderful experience for him. Not only was he among some of the best in the business in Guyana, but Hiscock had the chance to mix and mingle with the artistes and everyone involved.

Working with such a diverse and talented bunch has really helped him to figure out where he wishes to take his music in the future. On that album, he performed “GT Woman” which he wrote several years ago.

The song is about “rough break ups”, which

is why the original lyrics read “you broke my heart” rather than “you stole my heart”. Having said this, when asked to be a part of the project, he along with his producer and colleagues sat down to re-write and compose the song that is available today.

The song in its current form refers not only to his love for Guyana’s beautiful women but also to his love for Guyana itself. He feels privileged to be given an opportunity to be a part of the Golden Children Album and more so to be working alongside a great group of talented people.

However, on a lighter note, Hiscock without hesitation revealed that his father would definitely be his role model. He loves to party but stated “responsibly of course” with a grin.

“I love watching football and support Manchester United, England and the Golden Jaguars to the end! My favourite colour is black but I am not really sure why and my favourite dish is a fresh roti and dhall”. Finally, he told Guyana Times Entertainment that watching movies and NatGeo are also an integral part of his daily routine.

friDAY, may 13, 2016

guyana-times.com

19

IAC Indian Arrival 22 move to 2nd round of

Berbice mela

T

set for May 15

he Indian Action Committee (IAC) will be holding its annual mela in Berbice to commemorate the arrival on East Indians in Guyana on Sunday, May 15, at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, Corentyne, Berbice.

The event, which will feature several Guyanese artistes, will also be part of the organisation’s activities to mark Guyana 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Shakti Strings Orchestra comprising Aamir Khan, Pooram Seeraj, Yoland Nedd and several others will be providing the main entertainment. There will also be several leading dance troupes adding to the festivities.

Also availPooran Seeraj able will be a variety of games, food and drinks. The mela is slated to commence at 17:00h, with gates open at 16:00h.

Admission is free and as usual, alcohol will not be allowed.

In addition to the commemorative melas, the IAC will be holding a symposium to discuss the contributions of East Indian immigrants and their descendants towards the achievement of independence.

It is scheduled for Friday, May 20 at Red House, commencing at 16:00h.

Aamir Khan

Yoland Nedd

Timehri Film Festival for Moray House May 18-20

T

he Timehri Film Festival will kick off on May 18 and will run through May 20 at Moray House, Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

The festival is the brainchild of The Caribbean Film Academy (CaFA) and is an annual film festival aimed at showcasing the work of Guyanese and Caribbean filmmakers in the Region and Diaspora.

The Festival is designed to not only showcase Caribbean film in general but also to develop the burgeoning Guyanese film industry in particular.

Aracari Resort Jubilee

Karaoke Contest T

wenty-eight singers took to the stage last Saturday as they battled for top spots in the Aracari Resort 2016 Jubilee Karaoke Competition.

It was the vocal battle of the century as singers from West Bank Demerara (WBD), East Bank Demerara (EBD), Georgetown and East Coast Demerara (ECD) battled for vocal supremacy. Under the watchful eyes of judges Alex Wayne, Youhlanda Kerr, and Winston Felix, singers put on a fiery showcase as they tried to demolish their counterparts.

Already, the large audience has dubbed Quacy Waldron of Mocha Arcadia, EBD; Tonika Thompson of Beterverwagting, ECD; Josh “The Love Child” of West Bank Demerara; Azzaruddin Laljie of ECD; and Lisa Walcott of Georgetown as the favourites by the riveting choreography they brought to the stage.

But of course they will have to watch out for the likes of Tyra Banks of WBD, Marvin Mc Clennon of Georgetown, Anthony Flett of WBD, Wayne Bailey of Georgetown, and “Jah Joe” from the Westside – all dark horses in the competition.

Those making it to the second round slated for Saturday, May 14, are Adrian Lyken, Josh “The Love Child”, Ronald Ramsaroop, Anthony Flett, Tonika Thompson, Azzaruddin Laljie, Quacy Waldron, Danielle Flett, Desmond Mars, and Marvin Mc Clennon.

Also raking in a spot there as well are Asaide Swan, Tyra Banks, “Bootilicious Tasha”, Jason Griffith, “Kojo”, Latoya Mc Pherson, Kevin Walters, Shawn Robertson, “Jah Joe”, Shawn Robertson, Lisa Walcott, Ronald Ramsaroop, Wayne Bailey, and Fiona Younge.

The winner of this competition will take home $50,000, a night for two at the Aracari Resort, a trophy, and a recording contract, compliments of KrossKolor Records.

The second place winner will receive pool membership for three months for themselves and a partner, a package compliments of Aracari Resort Salon and Spa, and a trophy; while the third place winner will receive two months pools membership, a trophy and dinner for two at the Aracrai Resort.

“Legend of Victoria Village” for NCC May 20-22

C

arib Feedback Productions, as part of its contribution to the Golden Jubilee will be staging “Legend of Victoria Village” on May 20, 21 and 22 at the National Cultural Centre. The play is written and Directed by Ras Leon Saul.

“Legend of Victoria Village” is a musically-dramatic historical re-enactment, with a pinch of triangular romance and a dab of comedy, that tells of the legend of Aunt Bellender Hopkinson who was brave enough to venture out one night to guard

“ V i l l a g e Movement” and started the local government system.

It will

Wendella Austin

also focus on how AfricanGuyanese rebuilt their lives after centuries of enslavement, and in the process, created a democratic politiMax Massiah cal system which has evolved into a permanent feature in the dam in Guyanese politics.

The play Victoria. will explore She was discovered how using the next morning argument that Michael Ignatius El Cast by villagers Africans were strangled by ill-equipped

by Max De Bowen, and filmed in Guyana. for freedom, her own scarf. Who killed Aunt Bellender?

There will also be over 15 short films to inBritish landShe became a martyr and after this indulge in.

The Seawall cident, the village was never again flooded. owners and The Festival will feature free screenings Victoria’s example inspires generations to politicians reof short and feature length films with postpursue the ideal of independence in the face branded slavscreening discussions, film production and ery as the of domination and provocation. directing workshops and networking opRenamed apprenticeportunities to connect with local filmmak“Victoria ship system.

Opara Samuels ers with industry players in country and Village” after Africans still throughout the diaspora. the then reignworked the Persons who are interested in the working monarch plantations for no wages. shops which feature script development, of England – The cast includes Michael Ignatius, pre to post production and post production Max Massiah, Wendella Austin, Opara Queen Victoria The Festival will feature full length films and marketing, feel free to make contact at Samuels, Davindra Ramnarain, Shantel – the freed such as “Songs of Redemption” (Jamaica), emailinfo@timehrifilmfestival.com or visAfricans utiMcLean, Tristan Isaacs, Akbar Singh, “Sensei Redenson” (Curaçao), “The Skin” it timehrifilmfestival.com. lised the co-opRoxanne Daniels, Brian Goodman, Shivina (Antigua and Barbuda), “Rain” (The CaFA and the Timehri Film Festival are DeMendonca, Veronica Wilson, Harriet erative tradiBahamas), “Algún Lugar” (The Dominican pleased to have Blossoms of Guyana as a tion, pioneered Simmons, Lurlene Bess, Ras George, Fyah Republic), and a special sneak preview of the sponsor, and SASOD and Melissa “Vanilla” the vanguard and Clive Jordan. international film “A Bitter Lime,” directed Davindra Ramnarine Roberts, as community partners.

20

friDAY, May 13, 2016

Tributes pour in for Tony Cozier W

inston Anthony Lloyd "Tony" Cozier (July 10, 1940 – May 11, 2016) was a cricket writer and commentator on West Indian cricket from 1958 until his death.

Cozier was described as having an "encyclopaedic" knowledge of cricket.

Cozier was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, and studied journalism at Carleton University, Ottawa. He began his reporting career in 1958. He played hockey as a goalkeeper for Barbados and cricket as a batsman and wicket-keeper for two local Barbados clubs.

Cozier's first Test Match commentary on radio was on West Indies v Australia in 1965. He was a member of the BBC's Test Match Special commentary team and also commentated for Channel Nine in Australia, and Sky Sports.

In 1994, Cozier wrote of Brian Lara's record-breaking innings that "there was no real surprise among his countrymen, simply the feeling that his inevitable date with destiny had arrived rather more suddenly than expected.

Tony had been admitted to hospital in his native Barbados on May 3 for tests related to infections in the neck and legs and died on May 11, at the age of 75.

Cozier is survived by his wife Jillian, his daughter Natalie and his son Craig.

As news of his death spread around much like his captivating voice tributes began to pour in from persons whose lives this journalistic icon has touched.

although I knew he was not well for a good time but you know when death comes, you always feel bad about it. I have known Tony for a long time; in my stint in the Guyana and West Indies Cricket Boards we have crossed paths several times and I have known Tony to be a very knowledgeable people.

He loved West Indies Cricket, in fact West Indies Cricket was everything to him, and his comments were always respected by people and not only respected by me because I knew whatever he said, he was well aware of what he was saying.

He for me, was the face and voice of West Indies cricket throughout the world, cricketers and officials go and come but Tony was always there.

He is a great loss to West Indies Cricket and in my view there is no replacement for the Tony Cozier in the Caribbean, some may be better in one field but as an all-round journalist, I think Tony was the best we have ever seen and also the best we will ever have.”

Ramnaresh Sarwan,

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Chetram Singh

Chetram Singh, Former President of Guyana Cricket Board and Director of the West Indies Cricket Board “I was very saddened yesterday when I heard that Tony Cozier passed away,

Former West Indies Captain “His passing came to me as a shock! I think over the years he has been known to be the voice of West Indies cricket in terms of when doing his commentary, I could remember since I was 15 years old, playing for West Indies under-19, he was writing his stories and doing radio commentary.

As I grew and played for the senior West Indies, he was always there to encourage us, especially when we not doing well because he knew the difficulties we were facing as players and of course we were not performing the way we should.

At no point in time was

he negative towards us in anyway, he was always there to help and support us in the best way he could.”

Roger Harper, Former

Omar Khan

Roger Harper

West Indies Off-spinner and Coach and current Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors “Tony Cozier was the voice of West Indies cricket for several decades. From the days of my first interest in the game of cricket, Tony Cozier's was the voice I heard. During the days when radio commentary was all we had, Tony Cozier's voice was our TV screen. He had the descriptive ability to put you right there in the middle of the action in any environment, whether West Indies was playing a test match in India, Australia, England or in the Caribbean, Tony Cozier put you the listener right there.

His love of cricket, his passion, skill and professionalism won him the respect of his peers and the fans worldwide. In the eighties he took delight in telling the world that West Indies were the best. He helped to make the game of cricket so much better just because he was involved. Tony Cozier may have passed but rest assured that his legacy will live on.

On behalf of my wife and family, I would like to extend sincere condolences to his wife and family, and the entire cricketing fraternity.

May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Omar Khan, Former West Indies Team Manager and current team Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors “Tony Cozier loved and worshipped West Indies Cricket and as such wrote and spoke about it fearlessly. He was by a long distance the best writer of West

Indies Cricket in this era.

Tony Cozier knew the game of Cricket, he was very analytical and knew all the statistics of West Indies Cricket.

As a little boy growing up I used to listen to cricket on a small transistor radio -since that was the only method of following the cricket - and I followed all West Indies tours and home matches and I always looked forward to listening to Tony when he came on to commentate since in addition to his commentary on the field of play he used to describe the ground conditions and the venue so beautifully that you got a picture in your mind of the ground by just listening to him.

I remembered, as Manager of the West Indies, him covering the West Indies tours of New Zealand in 2008/2009 and England in 2009 and he would always come to me and discuss the game situation at the end of each day’s play and will always gave his insights and be objective about the players performance.

He was a real joy to talk to about cricket. I really consider it a great privilege and honour to have had the pleasure to know him and to follow his voice and writing of West Indies Cricket.”

Inderjeet Persaud

Inderjeet Persaud, Guyanese International

Cricket Commentator “Tony Cozier was world renowned. He was a complete package as a cricket commentator and an excellent writer on cricket. His voice, rhythm and the use of the English language captivated and thrilled millions across the cricketing landscape. No one ever turned off their radio when Tony was on. I was fortunate to spend one week in 2004 with Tony in Jamaica. We were on the same assignment covering the Red Stripe Bowl semifinals and final that year.

There were so many great lessons I learnt from him during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tony was always humble and a simple human being. He had a unique voice and was always humerous.

West Indies have truly lost a patriot. His death is like an eclipse at high noon.

Young commentators like myself, will do well to take at least one page out of his life’s contribution to the great sport – cricket. Tony will definitely be missed.”

Sean Devers

Sean Devers, Guyanese International Cricket Commentator “I fell in love with cricket commentary as a nineyear old from listening to a small transistor radio hidden under my pillow in the wee hours of the mornings when Cozier and “Reds” (Joseph Pereira) described the action from Australia.

It was a great honour when much later I was privileged to meet my icon and work with him in the commentary booth and to listen to his advice. I unconsciously pattered my cricket writings after him. If had three words to describe Cozier; professional, informative and compassionate. My one lasting memory of the great man had nothing to do with cricket. When I had to do a brain surgery in 2012, Cozier or-

ganised a telethon to raise funds on a Barbados Radio station. Reds and Andrew Mason were the others involved and that act helped me to be here today instead of dead. My condolences to his son Craig and his relatives and May his soul rest in peace. He will be greatly missed by the West Indian cricket media.”

Colin Benjamin

Colin Benjamin, Cricinfo Correspondent “In remembering the great Tony Cozier, My biggest regret is never being able to meet him more often face to face despite having numerous conversations with him via phone & email in the past 2 years.

First time we met was at 2011 Caribbean T20, then again at 2012 Windies vs Australia test in Trinidad.

But it was after 2014 India tour pull out when out talking relationship blossomed as the drama with West Indies cricket escalated It's a shame that Caribbean listeners were denied listening to his iconic voice more often on television in the past two years - because the WICB leadership shamefully terminated his contract over claims that his eyesight was poor when it wasn't This should not be forgotten and its disgraceful that a man who gave so much to Windies cricket more than all board members combined - in one of his last acts had to sue the WICB president for the aforementioned defamation. For someone so legendary in the cricket media world history - on par with other great broadcasters & writers like CLR James, Neville Cardus, Richie Benaud, John Arlott & Bill Johnston - as a young man in the media he spoke to me like if I was his peer to my shock. There was not an arrogant bone in his body & was easily the most humble and easy going journalist I've ever met.”

YELLOW PAGES

Mishra, Morris end

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21

sports

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

D

Chris Morris took 1 for 19 and effected a run out off his own bowling

elhi Daredevils were without captain Zaheer Khan who missed his second game of the season because of a niggle. Chris Morris stepped up and unfurled cutters,

the Powerplay. His reward, though, came off a quicker ball when Warner backed away outside leg, played inside the line, and had his leg stump pegged back for 46 off 30 balls. Mishra cranked up his pace to a new level Indian Premier League Points Table in his second over, ending TEAMS Dhawan's slow-cooked 34 MAT WON LOST TIED N/R PTS NET RR with a 114kph seam-up ball.

Sunrisers Hyderabad It 11 7 4 0 0 14 +0.417 made another appearance in Mishra's third over Gujarat Lions 11 7 4 0 0 14 -0.138 when he had Yuvraj Singh skying a catch to short fine Delhi Daredevils leg for a run-a-ball 8. The 10 6 4 0 0 12 +0.376 shaky middle was exposed.

Kolkata Knight Riders Mohammed Shami 10 6 4 0 0 12 +0.206 made another dent when he Mumbai Indians pinned Moises Henriques 11 6 5 0 0 12 -0.346 lbw for a duck. The ball Royal Challengers Bangalore wasn't coming onto the bat 10 4 6 0 0 8 -0.041 and stroke-making was difRising Pune Supergiants ficult. Kane Williamson 11 3 8 0 0 6 +0.087 aimed to force the pace beKings XI Punjab fore he was bowled by an 10 3 7 0 0 6 -0.567 inswinging 146kph Morris full toss for 27 for 24 balls. fast yorkers, slower york- games. Mishra was intro- He capped his spell by kickers, and bouncers. Amit duced into the attack in the ing the ball onto the stumps Mishra tested Sunrisers 11th over, after off spinner to run out Bhuvneshwar Hyderabad with googlies Jayant Yadav had complet- Kumar for 1. Coulter-Nile and claimed two wickets, ed a tidy spell with 1 for 32. had Deepak Hooda hit wickboth with seam-up balls, Yadav gave the ball plenty et and Naman Ojha caught clocked at over 110kph. air in his three overs during at square leg off a full toss.

(ESPNcricinfo) Nathan Coulter-Nile, playing his second game of the season, impressed in the end overs as the bowlers triggered Sunrisers' disintegration, after a fast start from David Warner. From Bowling: J Yadav 4-0-3¬2-1 Sunrisers Hyderabad innings 80 for 1 in the first ten (w-1), NM Coulter-Nile 4-0-25(20 overs maximum) overs, Sunrisers finished DA Warner* b Yadav 46 2 (nb-2), Mohammed Shami with 146 for 8. Warner lat3-0-26-1, CH Morris 4-0-19S Dhawan c Samson b Mish er said that they were 20-30 1 (w-1), JP Duminy 2-0-19ra 34 runs short.

0 (w-1), A Mishra 3-0-19-2 KS Williamson b Morris 27 Quinton de Kock took Delhi Daredevils innings Yuvraj Singh c Pant b Mishra 8 (target: 147 runs from 20 overs) charge of the chase. The MC Henriques lbw b cuts and the pick-up shots Q de Kock† c †Ojha b Mohammed Shami 0 Henriques 44 flew off his bat. He looked DJ Hooda hit wicket b Coulterunstoppable until he was MA Agarwal c Yuvraj Singh b Nile 10 Nehra 10 given out caught behind by NV Ojha† c Samson b CoulterKK Nair b Henriques 20 umpire Marais Erasmus, Nile 7 SV Samson not out 34 despite no signs of a nick, B Kumar run out (Morris) 1 RR Pant not out 39 after an prolonged appeal.

BB Sran not out 1 Extras: (w-3) 3 De Kock slashed at a short, A Nehra not out 1 wide ball and the noise Total: (3 wickets; 18.1 ove Extras: (lb-6, w-3, nb-2) 11 rs) 150 came from his helmet fallTotal: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 146 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Agarwal, ing onto the ground. When Fall of wickets: 1-67 (Warner, 3.1 ov), 2-75 (Nair, 9.2 ov), he was dismissed for 44 off 8.5 ov), 2-98 (Dhawan, 12.6 3-78 (de Kock, 9.5 ov) 31, Daredevils needed 69 ov), 3-113 (Yuvraj Singh, Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-32-0 (woff 61 balls and Mustafizur 14.6 ov), 4-114 (Henriques, 2), A Nehra 3-0-23-1, BB Sran Rahman had three overs 15.2 ov), 5-135 (Hooda, 2-0-21-0, Mustafizur Rahman 17.5 ov), 6-137 (Williamson, left. Sunrisers had hope 4-0-39-0 (w-1), MC Henriques 18.3 ov), 7-138 (Kumar, 18.6 but the 21-year old Sanju 3-0-19-2, DJ Hooda 1-0-5ov), 8-143 (Ojha, 19.5 ov) 0, Yuvraj Singh 1.1-0-11-0 Samson and 18-year old Rishab Pant showed nous to end Sunrisers' four-match winning streak.

Daredevils' stand-in captain JP Duminy identified the "collective bowling performance" as the key to Daredevils' sixth win in ten

SCOREBOARD

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

friDAY, may 13, 2016

GBTI partners with People’s Progressive Party pays tribute to Tony Cozier GFF for GuyanaW Canada game T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has officially joined the list of key sponsors who have partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the International Friendly between Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and the Canada Olympic Team on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

This was formalized on Thursday at a brief presentation ceremony at the Bank’s High Street, Kingston headquarters at approximately 13:30hrs.

Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Pamela Binda expressed her company’s optimism about this partnership, stating “this is the

first time that GBTI has partnered with the GFF and we do hope this is one of many partnerships that will come forth. We are especially proud … since this is our 50th Jubilee anniversary and we can be a part of this historic International Friendly.”

In response, First Vice President of the GFF, Brigadier Bruce Lovell (Rtd.) expressed the GFF’s satisfaction at this partnership.

He said “we at the GFF are indeed gratified for the support that GBTI is giving to us for this International Friendly match, Guyana vs Canada and we see it as a harbinger of things to come in the years ahead where we can develop a more fruitful

and long-lasting relationship. We are indeed happy that they have chosen football to get involved in sports…”

Lovell issued a call for more corporate involvement in football and outlined opportunities: “We certainly hold the view at the Guyana Football Federation that there is a role for corporate and civic Guyana to play in the development of football.

In fact we see it as a threefold role where we are hoping we can engage corporate Guyana in what we call the corporate / social responsibility collaboration, social issues advocacy and the third role is where we would like them to be engaged in commercial and investment sponsorship.”

Canadian Montagliani wins CONCACAF Presidency A head of the clash between Guyana and Canada’s Olympic team this weekend; Victor Montagliani, head of the Canadian Soccer Association, has been elected President of (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) CONCACAF. Montagliani beat Bermuda Football Association President Larry Mussenden 25-16 to

Soccer Association (CSA) president.

His first and most major task is to end the scandal in CONCACAF. The last three Presidents have all been caught up and charged in the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into world football.

The 50-year-old from Vancouver put forth a platform that included a "collaborative strategy" to bring the 2026 World Cup to CONCACAF with Canada

Victor Montagliani was recently acclaimed to a second fouryear term as Canadian Soccer Association President

oversee the confederation which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.

The CONCACAF presidential vote was held in Mexico City ahead of Friday's start of the FIFA Congress.

Montagliani was recently acclaimed to a second four-year term as Canadian

having already indicated it will put up its hand.

"It's still the case that we're very much interested in bidding," Peter Montopoli, General Secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association, said Wednesday.

FIFA removed Gordon Derrick, general secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda

Football Association, from the election field saying he had failed an integrity check. It did not disclose details. CONCACAF's President is automatically a FIFA Vice-President and member of FIFA's ruling Executive Committee, which is being renamed the FIFA council.

Montagliani, recently acclaimed to a second fouryear term as CSA President, has been prominent in FIFA recently. He was heavily involved in CONCACAF reforms that were unanimously passed by its 41 members. Montagliani, a member of the FIFA Reform Committee, also presented a package of FIFA reforms to the full Congress.

He is already on the same page as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whom Canada backed in February's election. The former UEFA administrator ran on a platform that includes expanding the World Cup field by eight countries to 40 and allowing regions to share World Cup hosting duties.

The FIFA council made reference to that Monday when it released its fourphased bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, saying the "eligibility of confederations to bid" should be made public in October 2016 when there will also be a decision on the number of teams and format.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil featured 32 teams.

Expanding the field might lend itself to bringing more countries on board to host.

The council also said there would be a review of "the current stance on joint bids."(cbc.ca/sports)

orld Renowned Legend Cozier is no Longer! A true Son of the Caribbean soil, a Legend the master Tony Cozier, passed away on Wednesday morning at the Bay View Hospital in Barbados. Tony Cozier was the voice of West Indian Cricket.Toney Cozier, the West Indian cricket writer, commentator and Journalist,the true voice of the Caribbean people for more than fifty years will besadly missed. The People’s

Progressive Party (PPP) will like to extend, on behalf of all our members and thousands of supporters, our heartfelt sympathy to his dear wife Jillian, his son Craig and daughter Natalie, his grand children and his extended family the cricket fraternity all over the world. Our Party, the PPP, recognized his tremendous contribution to the development of cricket the real unifying force in the Caribbean.

He was theCaribbean Ambassador who markets

our cricket as the best product in the Cricketing world.

The Master Cozier was able to identify scores of young cricketers and help them to achieve Greatness in cricket. He covered more than three hundred test matches and release stress and pains as spectators all over the world listened and watched his live ball by ball coverage. The Tony Cozier legacy must unite our people as we celebrate the great works he left with us.

May his soul rest in peace.

GNRA receives timely boost from Queensway Security Service

Ron Marks (2nd left) makes presentation to Ryan Sampson in the presence of GNRA Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud (3rd right) and ranks of Queensway Security Service

S

cheduled to participate at the upcoming West Indies Fullbore Championships in Antigua and Barbuda, the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) were the beneficiaries of a $100,000 donation from Queensway Security Service.

In need of support to make the budget of over four million dollars for the Championships the association was very grateful for the timely gesture by businessman and fellow shooter Mohamed Qualander.

Quality Control Officer

of Queensway Security Service, Mr. Ron Marks said that the company was always supportive and wished the (GNRA) Fullbore Team every success while handing over the cheque to the association’s Secretary Ryan Sampson in the presence of Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud. Marks also congratulated the team for their consistent high level of performance at regional and international competitions The GNRA Fullbore Team which has been dominant in the region for many

years is set to travel on Monday to defend their title at the West Indies Fullbore Championships which runs from May 16-22 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Sampson expressed gratitude on behalf of the Association to Marks and Queensway Security Service for their continued support pledging that the team is ready for next week’s action.

The final team practice is set for Saturday at the Timehri Range at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Warriors advance to conference final, Raptors poised to progress

D

efending NBA champions the Golden State Warriors are a series away from another NBA Finals campaign after seeing off the Portland Trail Blazers 125-121 in game five.

The Warriors closed out the Western Conference semi-final matchup 4-1 via their four-point victory on Wednesday.

Golden State, who closed out the regular season with a league-record 73 wins, trailed 63-58 at half-time but outscored Portland by seven points in the third quarter to hit the front.

And the Warriors never looked back as they now await either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference final.

After posting 40 points in his return from a knee injury in game four, MVP

The Golden State Warriors claimed a 4-1 series win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday

Stephen Curry had 29 points and 11 assists, while Klay Thompson top-scored with 33 points.

Draymond Green contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Damian Lillard (28), C.J. McCollum (27) and Allen

Crabbe (20) combined for 75 points but it was not enough for the Trail Blazers.

The Toronto Raptors moved into pole position to advance to the Eastern Conference Final after defeating the Miami Heat 9991 in game five.

DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry were at their best as the Raptors earned a 3-2 lead in the semi-final play-off series.

A play-off high 34 points from DeRozan and Lowry's double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds inspired the Raptors in Toronto.

The Raptors, who never trailed, can now seal their first conference finals berth by winning game six in Miami on Friday.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 20 points, while Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson posted 13 points apiece. (Sportsmax)

guyana-times.com

friDAY, may 13, 2016

23

Greaves elated to be back Inter Guiana Games may in the Jaguars’ camp proceed without French Guiana

By Akeem Greene

F

ruta Conquerors midfielder Jahaal Greaves is elated to be back in Guyana’s National Football team set up for the Golden Jaguars much anticipated match against Canada’s Olympic Football team on Sunday at the National Stadium, Providence.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday, attacking midfielder in the most humble manner expressed his joy over being able to return to national colours after last playing at the under-23 level.

“I have been performing well in the Elite league, I think I deserved to be back in the team but just got to continue working hard because there are a lot of good players in the team, so I got work hard and attempt to impress the coach to hopefully get a chance to play Sunday,” Greaves explained.

The predominately rightfooted player, has scored seven goals this season and along with his mid-field compatriot Shaquille Agard have been two key components to Fruta Conquerors exceptional performances in the Finale stage of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League and also have put

them (Fruta Conquerors) on the verge of the momentous Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) qualification.

A vital aspect for any footballer is being able to understand their own style of

Jahaal Greaves

play if they seek to achieve a level of consistency in their performances, and Agard explained that he is well aware of the role he offers to the team.

“I understand my game; I understand the aspect of playing both in the defensive and attacking functions; the coach had me playing as a forward in matches because of my ability to play physical and also to “head” the ball etc, which help me score

goals”, the player explained.

His Tucville based team, finished fourth on the table last in the Genesis stage of the League but have only lost two matches and had draw this season which allows them to sit firmly in second place in the finale stage.

Quizzed as to the insight behind the improvement of fortunes of his team, he said “the chemistry helped, everyone glued with everyone, we are all happy to go out and play football and just to win and also trying to get our team to go CFU [Caribbean Football Union] but really just about the happiness.

The major test of his career will certainly be against the Canadians and the player voiced that he is not holding back anything and is looking to give it is his all come Sunday.

“I’m just looking to play hard, give it my all, play what the coach wants, keep it simple and also play for the team and just make sure i do my part correctly”, Greaves stated.

In the near future, Greaves his hoping to have a few try-outs in the United States of America, as he seeks to take his football career to greater heights. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Golden Jaguars looking to grow from Canada clash

A

s part of the celebrations in Guyana for the nation’s 50th Jubilee of Independence, the Golden Jaguars will tackle Canada’s Olympic team on Sunday May

Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde.

“The senior male team represents a brand and it’s a brand that the Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation will

Islands on June 7 in another away fixture.

“I want to encourage the nation to join me in extending a heartfelt thank you to the guys for putting in the hard work that they have

I

The last Inter Guiana Games were held in 2014 with representation from all three nations

NTER-Guiana Games organizers from Guyana and Suriname will consider the possibility of hosting the tri-nation Games without the participation of the French Guiana team, if correspondence to the French nation continues to go unanswered, as has been the case since earlier this year. According to Director of Sport Christopher Jones, a meeting between the three nations had been set for earlier this year in French Guiana to discuss the planning of the multi-sports Games.

However, that meeting never happened, reason for the cancellation was attributed to the French nation’s recent elections held in December of last year.

Following the cancellation subsequent correspondence has not been forthcoming from the French Nation.

“We are still awaiting confirmation from French

Guiana. We [Guyana and Suriname] were scheduled to meet in French Guiana on January 19th earlier this year, but that was cancelled.

Both sides are waiting to hear from French Guiana.

We have been sending correspondence to French Guiana but no response,” Jones said.

However, if French Guiana continues to be unresponsive the probability stands that the Games will go on without them. It is expected that the event, which usually involves two stages in two different countries will be relegated to just one and that one will be in Guyana.

“We are set, in terms of Guyana we are set to host the games, it is likely that we would have one leg, though,” Jones further stated. What remains uncertain, however, Jones pointed out, is when the event would be held and which sporting disciplines would be done. The

annual Games, last held in 2014, after several hiccups and continued cancellation, resulted in no games being held last year.

The fact that all three nations held their general elections last year played a part in the continued sidelining of the event.

Guyana was set to host the first leg of the Games last August but it was cancelled after Suriname was without a Sports Minister having recently concluded their elections. Subsequently the second stage of the Games, set for French Guiana in October was also cancelled, again because of pending elections.

The Inter-Guiana Games is an event between Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana that began in 1967.

The Games usually involve competition in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, chess, athletics, swimming, and table tennis.

CASH upgrade on schedule ahead of CBC U-16 Championships

U

Guyana Golden Jaguars prior to their Scotiabank Caribbean Cup match against visiting Anguilla on March 22, 2016 at Providence

15, 2016 at the National Stadium at Providence.

With a pair of second-round matches in the Scotiabank Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men’s Caribbean Cup slated for June, the Golden Jaguars are looking to continue their development process.

“I’m indeed very happy and exceptionally proud of the players, the coaching staff and the management team for the tremendous work they’ve been doing with that team,” said

manage very carefully. We believe that is the brand that will position Guyana on the international stage to our rightful place.”

In first-round Caribbean Cup play, Guyana went a perfect played two, win two with no game drawn and no defeat (P-2, W-2, D-0, L-0).

The guys from the land of many waters defeated Anguilla 7-0 at Providence then went on to beat Puerto Rico 1-0 in an away fixture.

Those wins set-up dates with Curacao on June 1 in Guyana and the US Virgin

over the past three international engagements and to encourage them to strive to do better as we go forward in the Caribbean Football Union’s Scotiabank Caribbean Cup,” Forde finished.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars are looking to capitalize on this experience against a formidable opponent in Canada and gain momentum heading into the CFU games as they seek to qualify for Guyana’s first-ever CONCACAF Gold Cup appearance.

pgrade works on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) are ongoing and are on schedule. This was revealed during an inspection visit on Wednesday May 11 by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President, Nigel Hinds and other Commissioners of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The facility which is Guyana’s leading indoor sports venue houses Badminton, Volleyball and occasionally Futsal, is being prepared to host the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championship scheduled to bounce off on July 3.

The upgrade will bring the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in line with the capacity to host international Competitions. However, according to International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rule, only markings for basketball are allowed

Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

on the floor for the upcoming Championships.

The entrance and exit protocol for the venue will also be changed from what currently occurs and the works to facilitate that has been completed. Other completed works include a well working interior lighting system and working fans that would sufficiently provide much needed ventilation.

The National Gymnasium’s practice venue also stands to benefit from this upgrade by receiving the two basketball goals currently at the Sports Hall while two new ones will be imported for the Championships.

Jones expressed his satisfaction that those neces-

sary upgrades to host an international tournament will be completed in time.

At the completion of the project the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall will sport an external facelift, a new paint job, working showers, working wash rooms for players and patrons and rehabilitated floor, media and VIP rooms.

The CBC Executive Evaluation Commission, which included CBC President, Glyne Clarke and CBC VP, Patrick Haynes was in Guyana two weeks ago and also inspected the facility.

Clarke stated that he is assured that the works to be done will be completed since they are mostly “cosmetic”.

friDAY, May 13, 2016

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

Tony Cozier, gone but not forgotten. Local cricket fraternity remembers the voice of West Indies Cricket

Pg 20

Tributes pour in for Tony Cozier Greaves elated GBTI partners with to be back in the GFF for GuyanaJaguars’ camp Canada game Pg 22

Pg 23 Greaves on the ball during one of his recent matches in the Stag Elite League

Pamela Bind (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Bruce Lovell

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