Guyana Times Daily - September 29, 2015

GuySuCo's massive debt calls for radical

Minibus driver jailed on causing death charge

Port Kaituma woman killed in Soesdyke/ Linden Highway accident

PPP/C supports protesting Berbice minibus operators

Garbage fire causes panic at SOL HQ

Lowenfield continues arguments to quash

tuesday, september 29, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU/AFC scaring away investors

... President and Ministers ‘singing from a different hymn book’ – Rohee

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration was lambasted on Monday for sending mixed signals to the public with respect to its position on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs or P3).

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee, on Monday at a press conference, stated that such signals emanating from the David Granger-led Administration were casting a negative impression on local and foreign investors, causing most to be reluctant towards investing in Guyana.

Rohee stated that for the sake of the development of the country, the PPP/C was asking that Government officials stop “singing from different hymn books” and declare the official posture towards

PPPs.

The Opposition party noted that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson publicly stated that the Public-Private Partnership model would not be used by the Government to construct the new Demerara River Bridge –- a proclamation that painted a negative image about the coalition’s position on such financial partnerships.

The General Secretary noted that on the contrary, President David Granger had earlier stated that the Government welcomes Public-Private Partnerships.

“The PPP believes this is another manifestation of the level of confusion in the APNU/AFC Government camp, where everyone seems to be singing from a different hymn book,’ Rohee added.

Further, he stated that it ex-

posed the “trial and error” approach of the Granger Administration to the management of the affairs of the country.

In underscoring the importance of Government’s attitude towards investments of this nature, Rohee made reference to World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jorge Familiar’s statement at the High Level Caribbean Forum 2014, where he stated, “The Private Sector can play an important role in financing infrastructure through PublicPrivate Partnership.”

He also referred to the Caribbean Development Bank, which declared that PPPs were an effective tool for national development. On that note, the Party posited that it agreed with these international financial institutions, calling on the coalition administration to realise the importance of such partnerships.

“Therefore, the Party calls on the Granger Administration to state clearly its position on PublicPrivate Partnerships and the reasons why it intends to abandon this extremely critical model of investment,” Rohee said.

One of Guyana’s major PPPs, the Berbice River Bridge is a typical example of the present Government’s negative outlook on investments of this nature, the PPP/C argued.

The PPP/C, in highlighting the benefits of such partnerships, said the construction of this bridge significantly reduced the time it takes

to travel to and from east Berbice. The Party noted that it cost farmers less to move their perishables and other produce and commuters can move about freely at their convenience.

Since its accession to office, the APNU/AFC Government has been trying to reduce the Berbice River Bridge toll so as to fulfil the very first of 21 of its 100-day plan promises. The Government has offered to subsidise the proposed reduction of the fares to cross the bridge, without meaningful consultations that would have incorporated the rise in the tolls proposed since last year to make the Bridge financially viable.

In an attempt to put pressure on the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), the Government has

reintroduced water taxis across the Berbice River, after it was unsuccessful in getting the Company to reduce the toll by $300 for cars.

President Granger had previously assured the nation during a televised interview that Government’s posture towards this particular investment should not be considered as a fixed attitude towards all such partnerships.

The Marriott Hotel is another prime example of PPPs in Guyana, creating hundreds of jobs for many young Guyanese as well as opportunities for taxi drivers, cash crop farmers and livestock farmers, among others. The Government is yet to determine the role it will play with respect to the hotel.

The Berbice River Bridge

The Marriott Hotel

tuesday, september 29, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 29 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, September 30 – 05:00h-06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 29 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, September 30 – 05:40h-07:10h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

High Tide: 05:07h and 17:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.94 metres and 2.97 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:58h and 23:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.32 metre and 0.23 metre respectively. Winds: East to East North-easterly between 2.23 and 4.02 metres per second.

Sugar industry crisis

GuySuCo’s massive debt calls for radical surgery

...Uitvlugt, LBI and one Berbice Estate face possible closure – CoI leak

The future of the sugar industry in Guyana and more so that of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) remains murky as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) inexorably moves to its conclusion.

However, it is no secret that the sugar industry is long past its “splendour and glory” as the Sugar Corporation continues to encounter major financial difficulties and remains mired in seemingly insurmountable debt.

Reports are that GuySuCo is effectively ‘bankrupt’ with its total debt amounting to billions of dollars to date. For a number of years, it has been operating at a loss and has only survived because of the previous Administration’s massive subventions.

Only recently, Chairman of the Board at GuySuCo, Dr Clive Thomas, had proposed to the Administration that

the interim management should remain in place until sometime in 2017.

This proposal was as a result of the Chairman’s view that the management should be in place until the end of the sugar markets agreement between Guyana and the European Union and Tate and Lyle.

When the CoI is concluded, its recommendations and findings as it relates to the future of the sugar industry in the country would result in the industry being ‘extremely different’ than it is presently.

From all indications it appears unlikely that the present status quo in GuySuCo or the industry can continue. The only question is how radical the recommendations for restricting the industry will be. It is understood from sources close to the CoI that Uitvlugt Estate on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and one unnamed estate in Berbice will be closed.

The reason for the massive closure is the inability of the management to bring down the costs to a level where a profit can be made. In fact, the present cost of production means that GuySuCo – meaning Guyana – loses more money the more sugar is shipped.

Guyana Times understands that at present the Sugar Corporation is being smothered under its current debt and that the current cost of production is over 40

US cents per pound while world market prices are one third of that.

This means that the revenue that GuySuCo receives is not enough to cover its operating costs thus resulting in the Corporation suffering huge losses annually.

It was also recently disclosed that the company is running on debt financing.

In this regard, there are also overdrafts from institutions which GuySuCo bor-

However, historically, this has always been the percentage of wages to overall costs in the industry which is extremely labour intensive. Mechanisation of operations has been mooted and implemented but the labour costs have not been reduced.

According to reports, Dr Thomas explained that with GuySuCo being technically bankrupt, the only way it can receive loans from institutions would be if the

rows from, but has not been able to repay; hence, it is not considered a ‘sustainable’ situation and the company can be declared “technically” bankrupt.

The Chairman, Dr Thomas has added his voice to concerns over the level of wages, which amounts to two-thirds of the operating costs, claiming that the company cannot afford to cover its wages and salaries while servicing any of its debts.

Government guarantees to repay such loans.

However, it is unclear at this time what the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government will do in relation to the future of GuySuCo especially if after the CoI concludes, the estates are closed and the losses still continue to mount. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

GuySuCo Chairman, Dr Clive Thomas

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Aftermath of the Cold War

Year after year, one hears that Guyana is a “racial” society composed of Africans, Indians and Amerindians who are separate entities, and that Africans give their political support to the PNC, now subsumed into the APNU while Indians give their political support to the PPP/C.

This racist picture of Guyanese society was reinforced in the 1950s, during the emergence of local politicians and political parties which were largely socialist and communist in orientation. At the same time, the West which was fighting the Cold War against the USSR, the main communist State, also decided to fight the emergence of socialist and communist States which were emerging from the disintegration of colonial empires.

Guyana was therefore sucked into the Cold War. The main strategy of the Cold War actors consisted in weakening the enemy from the inside. In the USSR, this was done through the stimulation of nationalism, in particular Russian nationalism. In other theatres, it was stimulation of sharper class conflicts. In Guyana, the main area in which conflict could be stimulated to weaken the newly independent State was to fuel racial divisions, in particular among Africans and Indians.

During the Cold War, Guyana was visited by sociologists, anthropologists, political advisors and analysts in great numbers who wrote papers and books on how that the main racial groups in the country were separate, had separate economic interests, and never the twain shall meet. It is this Cold War template of Guyanese society which came to be worked into the educational system and political assumptions and became stronger and stronger until it unconsciously gained the status of a truth.

And what helped to make the template stronger was that the emerging political parties adopted it so as to mobilise electoral support which they successfully did. When the Cold War ended with the victory for the West, the Cold Warriors withdrew from Guyana leaving the political parties with the mechanistic assumption that Africans vote PNC and Indians vote PPP. It is this racial political assumption which has led to confusion, complaints, disgust and questionings which have enveloped Guyanese society to-day.

Another aftermath of the Cold War was the Guyana –Venezuela controversy which has negatively affected both countries. During the Cold War, Venezuela was termed the Sergeant of the USA in Latin America. Dictators were propped up and Venezuela was kept in the 19th century world of politics.

The border controversy between British Guiana and Venezuela was resolved by International Arbitration and was accepted by both Venezuela and Britain and the entire International Community. The Cold Warriors succeeded in having Venezuela unilaterally trying to resuscitate the dispute which had been settled in the 19th century. The reason for this was to have Venezuelan pressure brought on any Guyana Government which seemed to lean towards socialism/ communism. Now that the Cold War has ended, Guyana and Venezuela are left in this muddle.

A beginning of the cleanup of the aftermath of the Cold War could be done by the following:

1) Educate the population that a great deal of the “racial problems” in Guyana is an aftermath of the Cold War including the adoption of the Cold War template by politicians to garner electoral support.

2) Educate the population to understand that the Guyanese economy is closely intertwined and that no group should have separate economic interests. If any part of the economy falters, all will suffer, and if all segments of the economy prosper, all will prosper.

4) Venezuela and Guyana should realize that they are both victims of the Cold War as far as this Border controversy is concerned and that both States could gain much more by social and economic cooperation.

In support of a forensic audit of the forensic audit team

Dear Editor, There has been even before the new regime came into power, the development of a league of extremists and fundamentalists which is now full blown. These extremists are found in every sector of society but they are more evident in Guyana’s Fourth Estate, namely the dailies. The main features of the extremists are as follows: the PPP is corrupt and should never return to power; Indians who support the PPP are supremacists; hero worshipping towards PM Moses Nagamootoo; APNUAFC is God-sent; unwavering support, defense and protection for the APNU/ AFC; etc. These extremists, of course, have the right to their opinion. But when they float their views constantly and consistently over the media –when the same is denied to others –then there are unnecessary repercussions, especially in the most vulnerable sections of society. These extremists will not change their posi-

tion because they want every Guyanese, irrespective of their political affiliation – to accept the APNU/AFC as the best Government for Guyana. They want Guyanese to speak with a single voice. Does it ring a bell? They are blinded to the concept that oppositional views are productive for constructive dialogue in the pursuit of national unity as well as growth and development. The practice of patronage and patrimonalism towards the new regime and the attack on anyone speaking against it cannot sustain itself in a globalized modern world. Look at Freddie Kissoon, the extreme of extremists, bush columnist, and lip kisser of the current regime, who continues to propagandise and glorify an inglorious start of the APNU/AFC. That the PPP/C was corrupt in the second half of its tenure in office, that it lost its sense of direction, that some Ministers were incompetent and unprofes-

sional, that it was not transparent in transactions and that Bharrat Jagdeo should not lead the Opposition are views that I share and accept. But the question is, where do we go from here? Do we back pedal spewing past rubbish or do we examine and analyse what is before us. Speaking against this regime does not make one a PPP supporter but rather, helps to see that the fair practice of Government is adhered to.

So far, the performance of the new regime is riddled with question marks, particularly in the area of policy coherence. First, PM Moses Nagamootoo should not lead the unity talks but neither should Jagdeo.

Second, would there be a fair and consistent policy or a dominant recognised one on how important positions are filled. Right now there are mixed messages.

For instance, many PPP/C supporters are being released from their postings but valid explanations are

not provided for this action. That they are corrupt may be a reason but transparency is needed to justify why and how they are corrupt. It is simply a fair journey of jurisprudence. To fire those who do not support the regime and place loyalists may be a false sense of satisfaction since this policy has the potential to weaken rather than strengthen solidarity in an already deeply divided society. Moreover, the campaign trail of the coalition reveals a movement away from unilateral high-handedness to multilateral cooperation. Finally, what was the new regime thinking when they chose Christopher Ram and Anand Goolsarran to lead the forensic audit? These individuals are staunch critics of the previous administration.

I support a forensic audit of the current forensic audit team.

Sincerely, Lomarsh

Roopnarine

Understanding Ethnic Supremacism

Dear Editor, Controversial columnist Freddie Kissoon in another media routinely and habitually attacks Indian writers calling them supremacists because he says they have “Indianized minds”. Taking Freddie to its logical end, those with “Africanized minds” writing on African issues, such as Tacuma Ogunseye, Abu Bakr, Dr David Hinds, Eusi Kwayana, Lincoln Lewis, Vincent Alexander, Clive

Thomas, etc. should also be “African supremacists”. But Freddie does not so describe them. He restricts his vulgar diatribe only to Indian intellectuals.

Freddie, like a few other idiots who write on the subject, does not comprehend the definition of the term. Supremacism is the view that a member of a particular ethnic group feels superior to people of other ethnic groups and may seek to dominate them as was done

in Guyana. No Indian subscribe to such an ideology. In Guyana, Indians were dominated between 1965 and 1992 and denied basic rights including the right to vote. They were also denied basic foods critical to their cultural diet; their cultural and religious practices such as making offerings of sirni and mohanbhog, were restricted. They were also denied the right to the ballot that was granted by colonialists in 1953. Such

practices were inherently supremacist in nature. Indian leaders never denied anyone the franchise in Guyana. It was Indians, Amerindians, Chinese and Portuguese who were denied the franchise in Guyana. It was Indians who fought racist supremacism. So there is no way Indo-Guyanese can be linked to the ideology of “ethnic supremacism”.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Villagers warm up for the spear-throwing competition at the St Cuthbert’s Mission Heritage Day celebration on Saturday (Marceano Narine photo)

Education Ministry unequipped to deal with school infrastructure

Dear Editor, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon in his cabinet press briefing on September 23, stated that some contractors were deliberately under-bidding Government projects to win contracts only to return later with lame excuses to justify the need for contracts cost increases, thereby causing bona fide contractors to be cheated out of Government contracts.

It is unfortunate that this statement belie the facts as contracts costs increases are due to many complex factors outside the dictates of the contractor. Experienced contractors before bidding, review contract documents in great detail and are quick to recognise omissions in the bill of quantities as well as changes which have to be made to the plans and specifications during construction if the project is to fulfill its requirements. Therefore they low bid on listed items of work and jack-up the costs for variations (Change Orders) which enables them at the end of their contract when the pluses and minuses are tallied, to generate a profit. These variations which are necessary for project completion have to be negotiated and approved by the Government before payments are made to the contractor.

The Kato Primary School in Region 8 was awarded for construction to the lowest bidder (not the lowest evaluated bidder) at a cost of $780M in April 2013 with a completion date of April 2015. The Engineer's estimate for the project was $680M. As of September 2015, construction costs had increased to over $1.0B and is still rising. Construction time overrun is over five months with no specific project completion date.

It was noted that the KPS project cost increases and contract time extensions were recommended in the first instance by the Government's Consultant for supervision of project works and then submitted for approval by the Government officer overseeing construction of the project for the responsible Ministry. If there was no collusion between these Government employees,

then Minister Harmon should have been aware that the payments made for extra work and the additional time given to the Contractor for KPS project were legitimate and have nothing to do with under-bidding and shady contractors' tactics as was claimed.

Experience has shown that if a project is poorly designed and its contract documents ill prepared there will be many variations during construction resulting in project cost increase. The contractor is entitled to be paid extra for all works above and beyond those listed in his bill of quantities for which he tendered and for any time extension due to construction delay caused by the Government. It is inconceivable therefore that the Consultant for construction services did not alert the APNU/AFC Govt. in his periodic reports which must have been submitted during the past five months that this KPS project was incurring large costs and time overruns. Neither were accompanying recommendations given for remedial action which should have been taken to slow and/or eliminate their increases. Despite these and other supervisory lapses the APNU/AFC Government has given this Consultant a contract time extension and will be paying a further $4.2 million for his services while project costs continue to escalate with no completion date in sight.

It is evident that the Education Ministry lacks the competency to design, prepare tender documents and supervise the construction of schools. Therefore, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, should seriously consider re-organising this Ministry and to establish a School Construction Division staffed with qualified personnel to provide architectural and engineering services to design and build schools as well as the other educational facilities under his portfolio to generally accepted standards and with the Division directly answerable to him for its performance.

Yours faithfully, Charles Sohan

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

It’s our moral obligation to take zero tolerance stance on crime

Dear Editor,

Just within the last few months the crime rate has jumped by more than ten percent, sparking serious concerns about our safety in this country. Like most Guyanese, I too am a victim of brutal repeated robberies, despite being poor and hardworking.

Similarly, within this past week Omar Esau, a hard working fisherman was robbed of his earnings while his coworker was shot. Who can argue that these hardworking people do not deserve better? Fishermen risk their lives at sea to provide for their families and it is one of the least desired professions in our society, yet we steal from them. This story spotlights the daily plight of the working poor and how criminals take advantage of us. This then directly debunks inequality as being responsible for crime. Often times, criminals indulge in luxuries that victims will never

Celebrating

Pitri

Paksh – our foreparents

Dear Editor,

Pitri Paksh is one of the most auspicious Hindu periods revered in the Hindu calendar. On this day all Hindus show our ancestors respect and remembrance for their labours and sacrifices made to build our nations so all can live comfortably in the New World.

This is not a day of mourning as Hinduism has no such festivals but of celebration for our ancestors’ achievements and their remembrance. Our foreparents went against great odds living in a hostile environment but braved those odds so that their children can live in peace and prosperity. While we do jal, aarti, and other offerings in respect for our departed ancestors, we too must make commitments to them so that their sacrifices will not be in vain and this present generation will continue to be politically and culturally strong. We have not only inherited their wealth of achievements but, an obligation to carry on and protect what they brought with them to these new lands.

Sincerely,

Vassan Ramracha

afford in a life time. They bluntly refuse to take up low end jobs that victims take to make ends meet. Inequality is nothing but a convenient excuse to justify crime in this country. This dynamic is unhealthy for social cohesion where in places like the USA, this is never tolerated. Often times, crime victims are murdered leaving behind grieving families whose lives are forever shattered. Our society offers them nothing other than a life of heartache, grief and suicide temptations. Criminal activities are inexcusable and should never be tolerated.

Humans should never be subjected to a horrifying life like this. We deserve better. Humanitarianism by our society cannot be described as laudable. The rhetoric and actions of our society are critically driving crime. Take for example, how we unfairly offer mothers of criminals solace but ignore the heart wrenching pains of crime victims. Criminals, who embrace their actions are revered but victims are forgotten. We release criminals from prisons assuring the public that their incarceration was only for “small crimes” and their release will be a comfort to their mothers. Additionally, we blame inequality for their

actions. In fact we blame everything under the sun except criminals themselves. If we genuinely care for criminals we should discipline them and encourage them to take responsibilities for their actions. Actions can be interpreted as exploiting criminals to get what we want, even votes. We’re also accused of not caring a hoot of their welfare.

Our actions are such that we give criminals free passes when they do “small crimes”. We inaccurately consider the stealing of a cell phone as a “small crime”. How can we assure the public that criminals released from prisons will not commit future crimes.

Criminals need a slew of interventions to navigate them away from crime which includes: stiff penalties, education, counseling, role models and taking responsibilities for their own actions. This will ensure a healthy reduction of the prison population. Our reckoning that releasing prisoners will reduce the prison population is wrong. Even in developed countries, there is no reliable way to predict that prison inmates released for small crimes will not commit future crimes. For example, in Texas, a routine risk assess-

ment used on sex offenders when they are released from prison classified convicted rapist, Darren Vann to be a low-risk to re-offend. Later, Vann confessed to police that he killed seven women. Is this what we want for our society?

It is our moral obligation to recoil from such a lax stance on crime so as to save lives. We need to genuinely ferret out crime by dropping our rhetoric and dishing out stiffer penalties so as to send a tough message, as is similarly done in the US. The current crime fighting strategy in place needs to be replaced. Additionally, social cohesion cannot be achieved under an atmosphere of dysfunction. We need to look into the mirror if we are confused about who is to blame for the high crime. We also need to ask ourselves why crime has gained momentum recently. Editor, we fail to even recognise the pains of mothers whose children are murdered. No mother should have to experience this in a life time. It is our moral obligation to take a zero tolerance stance on crime.

Sincerely,

Stanley Dhalkumarsingh

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana

Page Foundation

Part 2

Allow her to disagree with you and get angry

“Raising a powerful girl means living with one. She must be able to stand up to you and be heard, so she can learn to do the same with classmates, teachers, a boyfriend, or future bosses,” says White. Lyn Mikel Brown, EdD, and Sharon Lamb, EdD, coauthors of Packaging Girlhood, write, “Girls need guidance about how to stay clear in their disagreements, and they need support for not giving up their convictions to maintain a false harmony. Help girls to make considered choices about how to express their feelings, and to whom.” Steiner-Adair notes that “Not all girls will want to do this, especially shy girls, but you can still help them develop the skills.”

Address girl fighting when you see it

“Talk with girls about relational violence (such as gossip, rumourspreading and exclusion) as well as physical violence (hitting or fighting).

But don’t assume all girls are mean, and avoid saying ‘girls will be girls’ when you witness girls engaging in exclusive cliques and clubs. Instead, affirm girls’ relational strengths and sense of fairness, help them identify and hold on to their strong feelings, like anger, and encourage them to practise more direct, positive ways to effect change in their relationships,” says Brown.

Make regular time to listen to your girl

“By creating consistent, predictable times when she knows that you are receptive and available to listen — like riding in a car, taking a walk, or just sitting reading — you will eventually be let into her inner world. Let her use you as a sounding board to sort out what she is going through, without solving problems for her. The answers that come from within her are the ones she will eventually live by,” says White.

Listen more than you talk

“When we talk to girls, they often experience it as us talking at them, and they not only stop listening, they stop thinking and reflecting. But when we listen to them, they have to think about what they are saying, and they tend to reflect more. And we need to keep an open dialogue – we can’t dismiss their chatter about ups and downs of friendship as trivial, and then expect them to talk to us about the important stuff,” says Lawrence Cohen, PhD, coauthor of Mom, They’re Teasing Me

Limit your daughter’s exposure to the media and popular culture when she is young

“This will give her more time to develop her own ideas, creativity, and imagination from her direct firsthand experience. As she grows, media messages will start to get in, so having rules and routines from the start can help your daughter control her own experiences as she gets older,” says

Help her process the messages in the media

“Help her avoid the narrow focus on appearance and consumerism that often dominates the media. By helping your daughter process the messages she sees on the screen and develop her own ideas about them, you can prepare her to better resist the media’s pervasive stereotypes,” says Levin. “Help her notice the bigger picture — for example, how looking like her latest teen idol can be fun but also connects her with a lot of other stuff she might not have noticed or thought about. Wonder aloud about more general patterns you see, like how all those little purses hanging from everything might make it seem that all girls, even three-year-olds, are into shopping,” add Brown and Lamb.

Talk with her about the differences

between sex in the movies and loving relationships in real life

“It’s important to talk with your daughter about sex and sexuality in ways appropriate to her age and your values,” says Levin. “As she gets older it becomes increasingly important to help your daughter understand the difference between sexualised images in the media and healthy sexuality. Through give-and-take discussion, you can help her begin to understand the difference between the media’s presentation of sex and sexiness. You can talk about how sex is frequently portrayed without love, intimacy or emotion, or as part of caring relationships. When your daughter is old enough, you can begin to discuss what a mature, healthy, loving relationship – in which sex is a part – is all about.”

Acknowledge her struggles but keep a sense of perspective

“We have to acknowledge the pain our daughters are experiencing, so they feel heard and accepted and empathised with. But we also need to put it into perspective, to stay calm and listen to what they are experiencing without projecting our own experiences onto theirs. Your daughter is having a different experience than you did, even if there are surface similarities,” says Cohen. “After all, she has something you didn’t have: you.”

Enjoy her!

“Having a powerful girl can be exciting and energising. Find activities you both enjoy and do them regularly together. Maybe you both like cooking or having breakfast together, hiking or reading books,” says Katch. “Try to keep this connection as she gets older – if times ever get tough, you’ll appreciate this special bond you share!” (Excerpt from pbs. org)

(Conclusion)

By Isadora Fox

Manners & Responsibility

Mr, Mrs, or Ms?

Should your child call your best friend Jane or Mrs Jones? Ultimately, say manners experts, it’s up to your friend. However, some grown-ups prefer more formality than others, so err on the side of politeness.

Introduce adults as “Mr” or “Mrs” and let the adult in question say, “Please call me Al,” if that’s his preference.

Gross Behaviour

Q. Help! My two-and-ahalf-year-old is a pathological nose-picker. To top it off, she’s learning to use the potty, so she’s constantly talking about pee and poop. All told, she presents a pretty gross package. Is there anything I can do?

The nose-picking is definitely the easiest thing to deal with. “When you see her going for her nose, just offer her a tissue,” says Thompson. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.” Toddlers are trying to figure out exactly what they can get away with and what they can’t. Showing displeasure may make your daughter want to engage in the behaviour even more. As for the potty talk, you’re going to have to deal with it for a while. Saying the words is a way for your child to connect the urge with the act – and that’s a good thing. When she uses the words for shock value, treat the situation the same way you would the nose-picking: In a matterof-fact manner, ask her if she needs to use the potty. If the answer is no, carry on with what you were doing. Chances are, she won’t be as tempted to use these words if she can’t get a rise out of you. (www.parents.com)

Diane Levin, PhD, author of So Sexy So Soon

tuesday, september 29, 2015

Berbice Bridge toll fiasco

PPP/C supports protesting Berbice minibus operators

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is standing in solidarity with the distressed Berbice minibus operators who are opposed to the reintroduction of the Berbice River taxis.

Several minibus operators who ply the New Amsterdam to Rosignol route claim to be losing significant revenue as a result of the stiff competition against the heavily subsidised Government-operated ferry system, which sees pensioners, schoolchildren,

nurses and teachers travelling for free.

The PPP/C is contending that the reintroduction of the water taxis service is merely a ploy to undermine the revenue stream of the Berbice River Bridge since the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) refused to lower its tolls in accordance to the proposal submitted by the Government.

“The river taxis were introduced in the Berbice River by the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC

Administration as a transportation service to “get back” at the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) because the Company has not agreed with the APNU/ AFC political demand to reduce the toll for crossing the bridge. The introduction of the river taxis is to bring the Company to its knees through economic pressure and political blackmail and to undermine the revenue stream of the Company,” the Party stated on Monday. It added that no proper consultations were held with

Demerara Bank donates to Hinterland Students’ Dormitory

emerara Bank

DLimited on Monday made a donation to the Hinterland Scholarship Students Dormitory on the East Coast of Demerara, in keeping with the Indigenous Heritage Month celebrations.

The bank donated books, geometry sets, calculators, dictionaries and educational board games to the institution.

Caretaker of the dormitory Rosemund Daly in expressing gratitude for the donation stated that she believes the children will use the gifts wisely to assist with their academic pursuits.

The Hinterland Scholarship Students Dormitory currently houses 86 students from various Indigenous villages from across the re-

gions of Guyana.

The dormitory was commissioned in 2010 by then President Bharrat Jagdeo at the cost of $95.4 million, with plans to accommodate 78 females and 42 males under its roof. It also sports a communal dining room, large kitchen and a library where free internet access is available to all residents.

the relevant stakeholders to take into consideration the negative impact it would have on both the Bridge and the minibus operators.

“No special measures”?

Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson had told Guyana Times that the operators had indeed approached the Ministry, expressing concerns over the reintroduction of the service; however she assured that measures would be put into place to ensure the livelihood of the bus operators was sustained. She disclosed that moves were afoot to ensure there was a level playing field between the two services which would now be made available to the people of Berbice, but she declined to disclose any more information on the matter. From

all indications, it appears as if no measures were put into place.

“The Government has not clearly thought out public transportation policy which takes into consideration the interest of all interested stakeholders,” the PPP/C asserted as it threw its support behind the minibus operators who are now suffering.

Compounding the situation, even amid the continuous protests by these operators, government has announced that it will be extending the free service longer than the initial onemonth period.

As a result of this situation, the minibus association agreed to have all of the 49 buses registered to ply that route operate on a shift system to enable all of the drivers to earn a full day’s

pay when they are working. The river taxis commenced operation on September 21 last with two ferries, the MV Nicholas and the MV Shanit transporting passengers all day long between New Amsterdam and Rosignol. Meanwhile, according to reports, Government will be paying boat operators $1500 for each trip they make. The daily costs of this new subsidy have not been reported to the public. In the meantime, commuters from the Essequibo Coast and the North West District (NWD) are up in arms over what they claim to be discriminatory treatment since their fares are much higher than Berbice commuters, but the Government has turned a Nelson’s eye to their plight.

Berbice minibus operators protesting

A section of the gathering

tuesday, september 29, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Minibus driver jailed on causing death charge

Aminibus driver was on Monday jailed after being found guilty on a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Sookraj Permaul was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment by Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Permaul, 26, was convicted of the indictable charge, which stated that on April 2, 2015 at Carifesta Avenue, he drove minibus BNN 6492 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of remigrant cyclist Roy Albert Mendonca.

tion had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

She stated that based on the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial, the court was convinced that he drove the minibus in a dangerous manner resulting in the death of Mendonca.

along Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown when he overtook several vehicles and struck the deceased, who was heading west along the road. At the time of the incident, Permaul was driving at a fast rate.

Eyew tness Back to first base...

S...on Venezuelan controversy?

o President Granger met President Maduro in New York, with the UN Secretary General acting as referee. Each side trotted out their well-rehearsed spiels that's been regurgitated with great regularity over the past 49 years. That's right! The Geneva Agreement - supposed to lead to a resolution to Venezuela's outrageous claim that the 1899 Arbitral Award is "null and void" - was hashed out the same year we "got" our independence.

The case was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Steven Telford.

Mendonca, who was 67 years old at the time of his death, of Lot 281 Forshaw Street, Queenstown, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was taken after the head-on collision with the minibus.

In court on Monday, the Magistrate informed the defendant that the prosecu-

According to evidence presented, the minibus driver was travelling east

The evidence further stated that a Policeman, who was in the area stopped and assisted the injured man and placed Permaul under arrest.

Both the driver and Mendonca were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention, but the elderly man was pronounced dead on arrival.

Men remanded for robbing Pastor

Two men were on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after they appeared before her charged with armed robbery.

Jamal Thomas, 23, and Kenrick Cosia, 23, both pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on September 25 at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, while

being armed with a sharp object they robbed Pastor Sydney George of an iPhone4 valued $140,000, a Samsung cellular phone valued $4000 and $3000 in cash, all to a total value of $147,000, property of the Virtual Complainant (VC).

The Court heard from Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones that the VC was a Pastor who worked as a taxi driver. He revealed that on the day in

question, the two men entered the VC’s taxi as passengers and hired him to take them to a destination which was not revealed in the Court. During the course of the journey, the two defendants placed a cold object to the VC’s neck while demanding that he hand over his valuables. They subsequently snatched the items and escaped, but were soon after apprehended and charged.

Jones informed the

Court that the phones as well as the $3000 were recovered on the two defendants. He objected to bail, citing the gravity of the offence.

The men, however, denied the allegation, saying “The items weren’t found on us”.

The Magistrate, after reviewing the facts of the charge, remanded the men to prison and adjourned the matter until October 16.

Magistrate dismisses causing death case

Aminibus driver on Monday walked away a free man after a causing death by dangerous driving case against him was dismissed by Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Fitzroy Alder, 38, of Lot 36 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was found not guilty of the charge, which stated that on July 17, 2015 at Durban Street, while being the driver of minibus BTT 3835, he drove the vehicle in a dangerous manner thereby causing the death of pedestrian Romel Juner.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones informed the Court that on the day in question, the defendant was proceeding along the northern half of Durban Street, Werk-en-

Freed: Fitzroy Alder

Rust at a fast pace. He further related that when the bus reached the intersection of Durban and Lime Streets, it struck the 60-year-old Juner, who was attempting to cross the road at the time. Prosecutor Jones said the impact caused Juner to be

tossed several feet through the air.

The elderly man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Court was told that prior to the accident Juner had left a popular bar in the area with a female companion in ‘high spirits’.

During his testimony, the defendant told the court that he had been a minibus driver since 2006 and was knowledgeable of the speed limit in the area which the accident occurred.

He claimed that he departed from the Stabroek Market Bus Park at approximately 21:15h and thereafter made no stops prior to the accident. Alder further denied the allegation, which stated that he had caused the death of Juner by driving in a manner dan-

gerous to the public.

In handing down her decision, Magistrate McLennan stated that through the testimony of a passenger in the bus, it was revealed that the defendant honked his horn but the now deceased ran across the road into the path of the vehicle. This resulted in him suffering a broken rib and fractured skull. The Magistrate stated that there was no evidence to show that the defendant was speeding, and emphasised that from all the testimony and evidence presented, it was clear that it was Juner who ran into the path of the vehicle and as such, died as a result of his own negligence. She thereby concluded that the defendant was not guilty, adding that the prosecution had failed to prove its case, and hence dismissed the case.

Some say it was just another ploy to have the US (via Britain), maintain a legal basis for intervening into Guyana's affairs. In case Burnham fumbled the ball they'd handed him. The not-so-well-publicised-fact is that Britain's a legal party to the Geneva Agreement. If Cameron can extricate himself (or his protuberance) from "pig-gate", maybe our old "motherland" can rattle a few Sabres for us. After all, we did do our bit for them in WWI and WWII, not to mention manning their buses afterwards.

Anyhow, what're we to expect now that the UN will "intervene"? Well as President Granger pointed out, Guyana doesn't have to do anything. On the "exchange" of Ambassadors, we had nothing to do with the Venezuelan Ambassador leaving our fair land. Or sending gunboats to drive off oil rigs, or massing troops on our borders and last but not least, not renewing our rice/paddy contract.

In fact, this Eyewitness thinks that President should've asked Maduro to renew the rice contract as a gesture to show he's willing to put his money where his mouth is as far as being friendly to Guyana. Now we're not sure exactly what the UN can do that's different from what we have asked - take the controversy to the World Court. Why in goodness name Venezuela should refuse that? The court isn't packed with "friends of Guyana" now that Shahabudeen's gone to the great beyond, right?

The Geneva Agreement spells out the avenues open to the UN Secretary General in the matter – which were spelled out in the UN Charter to begin with: inquiry, Sect Gen. Good Offices, mediation, conciliation, negotiation but just as relevant the adjudicative choices of arbitration and judicial settlement. Looks like the agreement just reached in NY is for the UN to send an "investigative team" which sounds like an "inquiry". This isn't a good sign- it's a return to first base.

We've been there; done that. It's time to move on to Judicial Settlement which - unlike the diplomatic optionswill produce a binding result. The Venezuelans aren't going to get a more impartial and informed hearing than from the World Court.

If their cause is just - what do they have to fear?

...for Canada?

What's really going on up in Canada? They stuck with the Brits when the US decided George III was batty and became a senior avuncular figure in the Commonwealth as we all joined her as "free States". We looked up to them since they didn't throw their weight around like the "ugly" Americans - and didn't demand a pound of flesh for their assistance. Didn't even bat an eye when we nationalised their Aluminium Company ALCAN. Kept taking in our poor, huddled masses who claim "refugee status" in the post Burnham era.

So lots of folks were befuddled when the Canadian Government issued a directive that foreign Governments weren't supposed to interfere in their elections. This was the kind of language that would come out of places like Congo and Guyana. But Canada??! And now there are blaring headlines that the predicted close elections could lead to "instability"!! Holy Cow!!

What next? That the elections were rigged? O tempora!! O mores!!

...on chain of command

We thought that with Pressie in NY, PM Nagamootoo becomes President - and "Commander in Chief". But Stabber announced Harmon as "Defense Minister". Is Nagamootoo getting Larwah once again?

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

Deceased: Roy Albert Mendonca

Port Kaituma woman killed in Soesdyke-Linden Highway accident

One person was killed and several injured after a family outing turned tragic on Sunday evening when a Toyota Tundra turned turtle along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Dead is 20-year-old Delicia Simpson, formerly of Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD) and of Farm Track, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Among those injured are the driver of the Tundra, Dwayne Loaffe and his brother, Kevin Loaffe, both of Land of Canaan, EBD.

Dwayne Loaffe is presently hospitalised while the younger Loaffe brother

was treated and sent away. According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the occupants of the vehicle were returning from St Cuthbert’s Mission after participating in the Amerindian heritage celebrations there when the vehicle suffered a blowout in the vicinity of the Police Outpost at Hararuni, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The vehicle reportedly flipped several times before coming to a halt. Simpson reportedly sustained a broken neck and died at the scene of the accident. She, along with the two brothers, was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where

she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the younger Loaffe explained that they were driving along the Highway when he felt a sudden impact. He stated that his brother was not driving at a fast rate. He related that there were about eight people in the tray of the vehicle when the accident occurred. Loaffe stated that several persons were “pitched out” of the vehicle as it toppled, but only sustained minor cuts and bruises. His brother, Dwayne, he disclosed, sustained broken arms and leg and was presently at a

private medical institution.

When contacted, Dwayne Loaffe stated that he was driving along the Highway when he suddenly felt as if he hit something and soon after, the vehicle became difficult to control. The Tundra, which was rented by his family to travel to St Cuthbert’s Mission for the Heritage celebrations, then turned turtle. He said he was pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens who rushed to their assistance.

The Police are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Help sought for laid-off Lindeners ... PPP/C calls for solutions

It has been weeks since scores of Lindeners who were employed at the Toucan Communications Inc Call Centre have been ‘laid off’ and Government has yet to find a solution to the plight that those affected have been facing.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is of the view that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition needs to address this problem urgently and that the solution must be to the satisfaction of the workers.

According to the Opposition, any action taken by the Administration to resolve the issue(s) stemming from the workers losing their jobs should be consistent with the manifesto promise of the APNU/AFC to provide a ‘good life’ for all Guyanese.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee, during a media briefing on

Monday, stated that the Government appeared to have “abandoned” the almost 90 Lindeners who were “laid off”.

“Thus far, all that the workers have heard from Government officials is platitudes to the effect that the off-shore company ‘must pay’, ‘the Government is trying its best’ and ‘we are deeply concerned’,” Rohee said. For approximately two months, he added, these empty exhortations have meant nothing to the workers, “who Government appears to have abandoned”, stating “it is a private enterprise matter” and as a pretext for dragging its feet on the matter,” he added. The PPP/C understands, he pointed out, that the matter was already “dropped like a hot potato by several Government Ministers since it proved to be an insurmountable challenge for them and was shunted off to the Office of the President.”

Rohee added that the Party was reliably informed that the issue was to be discussed at a Cabinet meeting, but “nothing was heard of since”.

“Wits’ end”

In the meantime, he added, the Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, of the mining town appeared to be at his “wits’ end” to put a spin on the effort(s) to find a solution to the plight of these workers.

Guyana Times was further told that with the absence of a Labour Ministry in Guyana, this and other industrial matters were bound to surface and remain unresolved “by a Government, who from all appearances, have placed labour/industrial relations at the lowest rung of the social ladder”.

Rohee contended that the same manner in which the APNU/AFC Government has established Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the public service and education sector to correct perceived deficiencies, in the same way, the Administration must revisit its decision to “do away” with the Labour Ministry.

“The callous attitude towards workers’ compensation and industrial relations will do more harm than good to the economy, which, incidentally, is already experiencing serious problems at the commercial and manufacturing levels with hundreds of workers in both sectors being laid off. One of the several reasons being because of Government’s scarecrow policy towards foreign and local investors,” Rohee said.

tuesday, september 29, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen gets second chance – charged for stealing from employer

A17-year-old was on Monday brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with stealing from his employer.

The juvenile, who hails from Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on September 25, at Regent Street, Bourda, he broke and entered into Brandrite Variety Store and stole four DVD players valued $140,000, four digital cameras valued $110,000 and $4000 in cash. The items,

valued a total of $254,000, were the property of the virtual complainant (VC), Deon Jack.

The Court was told that the defendant worked at the said store and the VC opted not to offer evidence against him since he was 17 years old. The VC told the court that he “deserves a second chance so that he can do something better for himself”. The Magistrate subsequently dismissed the case, but ordered the young man to seek counselling with a probation officer.

Fight over mattress lands brothers in court

AFurther, he noted that the PPP/C demanded that the Granger-led coalition heed the call of Guyanese workers and farmers, who are the producers of wealth in which all Guyanese share.

He added that Lincoln Lewis, David Hinds, Ministers Simona Broomes and Volda Lawrence who all “pretend to be friends of the working people” while promising them a ‘good life’ must speak out on this matter and have it settled in favour of the workers. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

man was on Monday brought before Magistrate Annet Singh in Court 11 of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with unlawfully assaulting his brother.

Shawn Agard, 42, a construction worker of 51 William Street and Stanley Place, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on September 21, at the aforementioned address he unlawfully assaulted the Virtual Complainant (VC), his brother Derrick Agard.

The Court heard that the defendant and the VC both reside in the same house which belongs to their grandmother. According to the defendant, on the day in question the VC removed

his mattress from his room and he confronted him twice to request that he return the said item. However, the VC refused, and as such on the third occasion he pushed open the VC’s bedroom door and attempted to retrieve his mattress. He claimed that his brother then called out to their younger brother, saying that he was being assaulted despite the fact that he did not touch him.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Adduni Innis made no objections to bail and the Magistrate released the defendant on self-bail with the condition he sign a bond to keep the peace until the completion of trial. The matter will return to Court on October 15.

Toucan call Centre in Linden

Garbage fire causes panic at SOL HQ

Employees of Sol Guyana Inc was on Monday forced to vacate their head office located at Agricola, Georgetown, after a fire was lit behind the compound, posing a threat to the fuel products stored there.

The fire was noticed at about 11:00h on Monday. While it is unclear, who started the fire and how it was started, Guyana Times was told that the neighbouring company reportedly dumps several unwanted items such as old crates on the open land, located behind the gas company.

When this newspaper arrived at the scene, the Guyana Fire Service was already there and was working assiduously to put out the flames. Even though the fire was closer to the Prittipaul Singh Investments seafood exporting company, the fire fighters had to use the Sol compound to access the fire. The firefighters managed to extinguish the fire speedily.

Speaking with Guyana Times Divisional Officer of the Guyana Fire Service Compton Sparman explained that initial information suggested that someone from a nearby company deliberately lit the fire, which began to spread because of the high weeds surrounding the garbage pile.

General Manager of

SoL Orlando Boxil told reporters that he is not sure how the fire started.

“This morning we heard the fire alarm and when I came out I saw a lot of smoke building up. It was kind of difficult at that time to see where the smoke is coming from. We activated our security and we called the relevant authorities – the Police and

the Fire Service – and they responded,” Boxill said.

He added that the company will do a ‘Root Cause Analysis’ to examine what occurred following which recommendations will be made to avoid a recurrence.

The Company’s general manager praised the fire service for its diligent work in preventing a di-

saster, saying that they were “admirable”.

“We are a petroleum company and have a lot of barrels of flammable liquids here and we activated our procedures and made sure that area where the tanks are were cool. Thankfully nothing has happened but it is a lesson for us that we need to be ever so vigilant; we need to make sure our sur-

roundings, and the area outside of our surroundings are safe,” Boxill said.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times was told that the management of SoL previously wrote its neighbouring seafood company on their disposal practices and the danger it can have on the fuel products stored in the compound.

Man intercepted with gun, ammo on Thomas Street

One man is in Police custody after a gun and several rounds of various calibres of ammunition were found in his vehicle along Thomas Street, Georgetown on Monday.

According to information received, a motorist was stopped by traffic ranks at Thomas Street, but he drove away as the Police approached him. This resulted in traffic ranks contacting their counterparts on patrol and the vehicle was subsequently intercepted. During the search, an un-

licensed .38 revolver with six matching rounds along with four .9mm rounds and two .32 rounds of ammunition were recovered. The suspect is expected to be charged shortly.

Only recently, two men were arrested following the discovery of a large cache of arms during a raid at Black Water, Mahdia Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

The men, who were subsequently charged, were stopped at a road block along the Black Water Trail when fourteen 12 gauge shotgun cartridg-

es, seventy six .38 rounds, one hundred .9mm rounds and 150 .32 rounds of ammunition were discovered in their possession.

The ammunition was found in bags the miners had in their possession. During the court proceedings, the men claimed that they were heading to the Bartica Police Station to hand in the weapons and ammunition as part of the gun amnesty programme implemented by the Public Security Ministry. They were placed on self bail and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

In the last few years an increasing number of serious crimes including murder and robbery have been executed by armed persons. The Ministry of National Security has instituted an amnesty programme designed to have illegal weapons and ammunition turned in, but the response has been disappointing. The Opposition has claimed that the few weapons that have been turned in are obsolete.

Fire fighters tackling the heavy smoke while staffers from Prittipaul Singh Investments look on

Sugar crisis deepens:

Skeldon private cane farmers demanding GuySuCo waive 30% fee

…want meeting with Agri Minister

Private cane farmers who operate on the Upper Corentyne, Region Six are calling on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) via the Skeldon Sugar Estate to waive its 30 per cent cost, which the estate takes from them, as a fee for reaping the farmers cane, the use of punts, the transportation of cane to the factory, and for fertilizer supplied.

Twelve farmers, who are part of the Cane Farmers Committee and operate under the Skeldon Estate Private Cane Farmers Group, supply some 60 per cent of cane that the Skeldon Factory grinds.

According to these farmers, because of the poor performance of the Factory over the past five years, they will be forced out of business if the Estate does not adhere to their request. Already five farmers have abandon production, leav-

ing a total of 14,000 acres of cane land uncultivated.

The Skeldon Sugar Factory demands an average of 18-20 tonnes of cane to make one tonne of sugar, while other factories in the country have an average of 10 – 13 tones per tonne of sugar.

According to the farm-

Guyanese to

ers, GuySuCo is claiming that farmers owe $1.4B to the Estate, but the farmers argue that between 2013 and 2015 there has been a 45 per cent drop in the price for sugar paid by the Estate to them.

In 2013, they received $111,000 per tonne of sugar while in 2014 they got $74,000 a tonne. It is projected that the price will be $62, 000 per tonne this crop, the farmers said.

Head of the Skeldon Estate Private Cane Farmers Group Prakash Singh argues that Government has been assisting the Estate since 2007 and the Estate has a principal duty to assist them, more so now that they are cash strapped.

“Our major sour point at this time is that if we have to pay the full cost for fertilizers and supplies, which constitute the 30 per cent, we will have no

enjoy

‘Share a

Coke’ campaign – bottles to be personalised with names

Anumber of countries have recently participated in the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign where consumers can ‘get on a firstname basis’ with their personal bottles of Coca-Cola.

As such the Coca-Cola Company is inviting everyone to share moments of happiness with a campaign that uses the power of names to inspire people to enjoy together.

Guyana Times understands that Coca-Cola is swapping out its iconic logo on 20-oz bottles for the 170 most popular first names among Guyanese. According to a press release from BANKS DIH Limited, the ‘Share a Coke’ idea, was first launched in Australia and has since

rolled out in more than 50 countries.

“It invites fans to find their names and the names of family members, friends, co-workers and people they’d like to get to know a little better,” the beverage company’s Coca-Cola Brand Manager, Jennifer Khan stated. It added that through this proposal, the company is inviting everyone to rediscover the meaning of connecting and sharing.

Khan noted that she is excited at having this new promotional campaign introduced in Guyana so that all Guyanese will be able to join the world in sharing this experience.

She further stated that the ‘Share a Coke’ packag-

ing will roll out nationwide and will be brought to life online, outdoors, on television and radio. Fans can also visit facebook.com/cocacola to personalize virtual bottles and share them with friends, she added.

Also, Coca-Cola will amplify and curate the #ShareaCoke conversation via its social channels.

Guyana Times was further told that this campaign will put a ‘modern, youthful twist’ on the brand’s 128year legacy of bringing people together and making them feel special.

It should be reminded that Coca-Cola is bottled in Guyana under the license by Banks DIH Limited at Thirst Park.

monies to plough back for the next crop. Prices have fallen tremendous from last year.”

Singh told Guyana Times that the private farmers are not asking for the money but just for the estate to put a hold on the deductions until they are able to get back on

their feet. He notes that GuySuCo received $12B from Government but none of it trickled down to farmers.

Recently the farmers met with management of the Skeldon Estate but the meeting was unsuccessful.

The farmers argued that the Estate should immedi-

ately discontinue a fee of $3300 for each punt which takers the cane to the estate.

The farmers are demanding to meet with Agriculture Minister Noel Holder who they have not been able to meet although efforts were made several times to meet with him.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

tuesday, september 29, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C’s Elections Petition to nullify elections results

Lowenfield continues arguments to quash

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang on Monday heard arguments on the summons filed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, challenging the elections petition that was filed by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member Ganga Persaud. Lowenfield had stated in the summons that the petition does not have sufficient facts to support the claims made. During Monday’s session, the Chief Justice heard Attorney Roysdale Forde, representing Lowenfield, continuing his arguments on the summons filed by his client and cited authorities to support his contention. The matter was heard in Chambers.

Following the session, Forde briefly told reporters that he continued arguments on behalf of the CEO and the matter was adjourned until October 6, when he will continue his submissions.

Meanwhile, Attorney-atLaw Anil Nandlall, representing the petitioner Ganga Persaud, subsequently informed reporters that after Forde completes his submission, the court will call upon him to respond. Nandlall had previously presented all the necessary information required in the petition. These include facts on the rejected ballots and refusal of the Returning Officer to grant a final general count.

“The Petition itself is 13 pages long, it details some

28-odd grounds and the reliefs, which it seeks, are the Statutory Reliefs which are to be sought in any Elections Petition based upon any given facts. So we could not have pleaded anymore than what we have pleaded… Each one of the grounds that were alleged, there are sufficient facts pleaded in support,” the Attorney had outlined.

Asked on Monday about an anticipated timeframe for conclusion of the matter, Attorney Nandlall explained that the matter has a while more before it can be completed. He noted that in addition to the summons filed by the CEO, another was filed by the representative of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) List of Candidates, Professor Harold Lutchman, who is also asking for additional information.

However, Nandlall pointed out that most of the information requested was in the possession of the CEO and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and as such he has recently filed a summons asking for the release of this information.

“A lot of the information that they are asking for is in the custody of the Chief Elections Officer. Therefore,

Unattended newborn dies at NA Hospital

–

hospital says child was not fully developed

An East Canje, Berbice family is accusing staff at the New Amsterdam Hospital of unethical behaviour after their one-day old baby died at that facility.

The baby’s grandmother Basmattie Parsram speaking with this publication about the incident said her daughter was at home when her amniotic sac [water bag] burst on August 31 last. “We take her to the Hospital and they told us that the baby is six months one day and it would not live.”

Two days later, she said, the doctors gave 27-yearold Dharmattie Shinkumar a drug which Parsram believes led to th death of the child. She said during that day her daughter started to experience abdominal pains and at around 16:10h she delivered the baby. “She tell me that the baby come out and I see the thing when I lift up the towel so I call the nurse and tell she that the baby come and she say the baby can’t come out now,” Parsram said.

She further stated that she sought help from a senior nurse who was passing outside of the ward and a

doctor was summoned. She added that some 25 minutes later the doctor returned and told the family he was sorry for their loss but there was nothing he could have done to save the child’s life.

She said she demanded to see the dead child. “They carry me and the baby father and an aunt to a room and open the door an we see she lie down on a counter top and she stretch out she two hand and yearn and turn she head.”

The concerned grandmother who was then bursting with excitement pointed this out to the nurse and subsequently told the doctor who had previously said that the child was dead.

“The doctors say that he will put her in an incubator as soon as one becomes available.” That was at about 18:10h, she stated, noting that at 21:00h the baby was still left laying on the counter and it was only upon her intervention that the baby was moved.

“We go back to the Hospital at 9 O’clock and we see the nurse coming out going home so we ask she what happen with the child and she say that we got to ask

that summons that I have filed for the production of those documents is very, very essential before the petition can even begin… We will have to dispose of all

these interlocutory applications before we can get into the substantive matter, which is the petition,” he explained to reporters.

While Justice Chang continues to hear the summonses, this will impact the substantive elections petition case by delaying it. However, should Justice Chang uphold any of the summonses on the grounds proffered, he can strike out the petition. In the petition, which was filed on June 24, 2015, the PPP/C member is asking the court to grant a number of orders including the nullification of the May 11th elections as well as an order for new elections to be held.

Anna Regina roadside vendors protest IMC decision to move them – says they have families to sustain

the nurse that take over. When we go inside the nurse did’n know anything about it,” the disturbed grandmother said.

According to Parsram when they went to the room the infant had changed position and was still alive but was only covered with a diaper. “Is after we open we mouth that the nurse pick up the baby an carry it so that they could put it in the incubator.”

The infant lived for more than 24-hours after that. Family were told that her lungs were not developed and the skin was very thin. “Okay, we understand that she might not have lived because it was not developed properly. But look how they punish the baby; just drop it on a counter top without clothes or cleaning she. She could have lived a few hours more,” said a family member.

Meanwhile a source at the Hospital told this newspaper that the baby died because it was not properly developed. Parsram however added that the way the infant was treated could be a reflection of the way many others are treated.

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Over fifty market vendors selling along the roadway at the Anna Regina old market on Monday hosted a peaceful protest demanding justice and fair representation from the Anna Regina Interim Management Committee in Region Two.

The vendors were issued with notices last week by the new Anna Regina IMC to cease vending in the area. This move however was described as “unfair” and “heartless” by the protesting vendors.

In their quest to be heard vendors stood with the placards outside the Anna Regina Town Council building. Among some of the slogans on their placards were, “ I am a single parent, I have bills to pay just as office worker, “who go give us the money, If vendors can’t sell then children can’t attend school”, “they want us to move and they have no where to put us”.

The vendors, who have been occupying the market road for many years said they are dissatisfied with the IMC decision to have them removed.

They are contending that the Town Council should find an alternative area for them to carry out their business.

Speaking with Guyana Times, vendor Maureen (only name given) said that she has been selling at that location for some 26 years now and was asked to move.

The woman who sells pork said that the money she earns at that location assists her greatly.

Another, vendor, who sells vegetables and other perishable items, said that she sells to provide for her children.

“We custom to come out every day and earn we money, we not asking anyone for anything, we sell if we have to clean our surrounding we clean, we not thieving, why take bread out we mouth” one vendor explained.

The vendors are contending that they too have bills and monthly expenses and deems the council’s action as inconsiderate.

Another vendor who sells eggs said that she recently set up a poultry farm and now she is reaping the benefits. A single parent, who is a CD vendor, Joy Barrow said that she has four children to support and to move her will be unacceptable. Barrow said she started her business over two years ago.

The said that the Anna Regina/Bush Lot market is an alternative but that market does not have sufficient space to accommodate them. The vendors lamented that Christmas is approaching and it is during such period that they earn well.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Anna Regina Town Clerk, Diane Chritchlow and the New IMC chairman Marck MeLean were both in a meeting and were unable to comment on the issue.

Anna Regina roadside market vendors protest

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlal

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

KN’s scaremongering on Marriott refuted

Hotel operating performance in line with budget

... AHI not in default with RBL borrowing

tlantic Hotel Inc

A(AHI) on Monday denied reports carried in the Kaieteur News that it was in danger of defaulting on the Republic Bank payments.

On Monday, the AHI stated that as part of the legal financial arrangements with Republic Bank Limited (RBL), payment on the interest on the debt provided for the construction of the Hotel is not due until the end of 2016. It noted that repayment of the principal is not due until 2017.

“In fact, during this period, interest will be capitalised in accordance with the loan agreements. Therefore there is no outstanding payment owed by AHI/Marriott Hotel to RBL,” AHI in a re-

lease to the media stated.

Based on actual and projected performance of the hotel, Marriott management projects that the hotel will deliver a net operating profit (measured in cash flows) by year-end.

It stated that it also projected that the existing working capital was adequate to cover all operating expenses and as such the shareholder would not be called upon to inject any funds into the operations of the hotel.

“The management of Marriott has reported to the AHI Board of Directors, that for the month of August, the hotel occupancy was 52 per cent representing an average occupancy of over 100 rooms per night for the

month. Occupancy of the hotel in July was 48 per cent. Food and Beverage performance is also exceeding its budget,” it stated in its release.

Only recently, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Beverly Harper, stated that that Marriott was in no danger of defaulting on any of its payments. She noted that the hotel was making a profit.

It was speculated by analysts that the Kaieteur News’ motive for the sensationalism and scaremongering tactics vis a vis the Marriott Hotel, the only five-star hotel in the country, might be to help boost the flagging fortunes of a fellow Opposition operative who owns a hotel.

Region 9 wins Miss Indigenous Heritage 2015

– queen commits to assisting her community resolve pertinent issues

Sherica Ambrose, the twenty-one-year beauty of Region Nine 9 (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), was crowned Miss Indigenous Heritage Queen 2015 on Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre. She emerged winner after competing against nine other young women from the hinterland regions of Guyana.

Ambrose, who holds a Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Guyana, stated that she was very overwhelmed but at the same time felt extremely happy for making herself, her Region, and all others who supported her, proud.

On Saturdaynight the young woman awed the audience with an interpretive dance and musical rendition as her contribution to the Pageant’s talent segment, in which she played a pan flute made of bamboo.

Her performance depicted an indigenous woman’s ability to charm the animals before hunting them, and highlighted the strong survival skills needed in the jungle.

Ambrose stated that it is the greatest feeling, knowing that her hard work has paid off. She added that it was not easy leaving home to come to Georgetown, wanting to emerge victorious but still feeling intimidated by the other beautiful and intelligent delegates.

She explained that training for the big night was intense but added that the girls all worked hard to perfect their individual roles. This, she added, was despite the fact that their schedules were filled with various ac-

tivities, including travelling to Santa Aratak in Region Three, spending a day at the palms making the elderly feel special by providing manicures and pedicures, and various television and radio appearances. She said the group had also made a trip to the Walter Rodney Museum.

The former Central High School student said that now she has won, she is excited about being a role model for other young women. She added that she has founded a fitness group in Lethem and plans to build on that.

She also noted that she has always been interested in the idea of hosting an

Caribbean Labour Solidarity demands continuance of Dr Rodney’s CoI

The A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s decision to abruptly end the life of the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) a short while ago, is still coming under scrutiny, this time by the Caribbean Labour Solidarity (CLS).

Guyana Times understands that the group, which sets itself the task of informing the concerned about labour issues in the Caribbean Region, strongly believes that the above-mentioned CoI should have been continued.

In a statement on Monday, the CLS explained that Dr Rodney’s assassination in 1980 remains a most traumatising political murder in Guyana’s history.

It was noted that a proper investigation into the death of the preeminent scholar, historian and activist had been evaded for many years until the Commission was established by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) under the Presidency of Donald Ramotar in 2014.

media, said it was disturbed by the posture of the new Government.

indigenous fashion show in her Region and plans to accomplish that dream soon.

Other than activities she considers fun, Ambrose inplied that she plans to visit villages within her community to speak about any issue they may be facing and find ways to assist them. Ambrose said she plans to engage in discussions with the relevant authorities on matters affecting her community and plans to do her best to help benefit her indigenous siblings.

She said that the other delegates are willing to work alongside her, and for that, she is very grateful. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy.com)

“Rodney’s political teaching exposed the exploitative nature of Guyana’s ethnic Indian/African conflict. His renowned work and legacy in Guyana endured sufficiently to curb racial voting for the first time in 50 years thus enabling the win of the new David Granger cross-racial coalition government. Yet Guyana’s new Government has refused to allow the Commission a final two weeks to complete the investigation for transparently political reasons,” the CLS emphasised.

Guyana Times was told that the CLS is demanding that the CoI be allowed to finish its ‘long awaited task’ and particularly, to hear from the remaining key witnesses.

According to the labour group, its plea is supported by all three commissioners, the lawyers representing Dr Rodney and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), his brother Donald Rodney and the rest of the Rodney family.

“A new dispensation for the Commission could resolve previous abuses. All Guyanese need and deserve a completed inquiry into this atrocity, both to unearth the truth and to promote healing and reconciliation…,” the CLS added.

In August of this year, the Justice for Walter Rodney Committee in a statement to the local, regional and international

“Commissions of Inquiries are established to find the truth, and this inquiry was no different. The world is waiting on the findings of this Commission. Rather than allow the continuation of the hearings for two weeks upon the request of the commissioners, and other interested parties, the Cabinet voted against due process,” the committee had argued.

Also, former President Donald Ramotar, who established the Inquiry, had already condemned the actions of the APNU/AFC Administration explaining that “it simply makes no sense to bring the Commission to such an abrupt end to save a few dollars when hundreds of millions have been spent already and the Commission’s report will most likely be affected by the failure of the Commission to receive evidence from important witnesses who are yet to testify and from those who have testified already and who are to complete their testimony”.

He had also noted that Ramotar expressed satisfaction that “history will record that a PPP/C Government established a credible Commission of Inquiry into the death of Dr Walter Rodney and that it was a PNCR + AFC + WPA that killed that inquiry.”

Miss Indigenous Heritage 2015 Sherica Ambrose during her first walk as Queen

Dr Walter Rodney

Jamaican Justice Minister pleads for support of CCJ legislation

ustice Minister Senator

JMark Golding is urging Opposition Senators against voting along party lines on three Bills proposing to make the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) the island’s final court of appeal.

“The Super Eight Opposition Senators must dig deep and do the right thing, and thereby ensure that in this fundamental matter, the Bill is passed with bipartisan support,” Golding said during the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers fourth biennial conference at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel late last week.

The three Bills –

which are proposing to entrench the CCJ into the Constitution of Jamaica, replacing the UK-based Privy Council – will be debated in the Senate in October.

The House of Representatives has already passed the Bills by a twothirds majority vote.

But the Opposition, which voted against the Bills in the House of Representatives, has signalled that it will also oppose them in the Senate.

The Bills need a twothirds majority vote in the Senate to be passed. This means that at least one of the eight Opposition Senators would have to vote with the 13 Government Senators to make it a reality.

“While we admire and

respect Judges of the UK Supreme Court, who... also comprise the Privy Council, we say without hesitation that the Judges of the CCJ are at least as erudite and are better suited to our needs and aspirations as a people,” Golding said.

He added: “I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to make the call for political consensus between the Government and the Opposition in fulfilling this most critical element of our national independence. I say today to Jamaica’s eight Opposition Senators that they should not etch their names forever on the wrong side of history.”

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Browne says unkept promises thwarting development in some countries

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne has used the occasion of the United Nations Summit for the adoption of Post-2015 Development Agenda, on Friday, to call on First World leaders to follow through on promises and declarations that are made.

Browne said in his address to the UN that leaders have failed to deliver on previous declarations and on a number of their promises including the Millennium Development Goals — which remain partly unaccomplished.

“We must not just say what we will do; we must do what we say,” Browne told the summit.

The Antiguan and Barbudan leader called on the international community to commit to the Post-

2015 Development Agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals, as a guide to eradicate poverty.

“Inequality within and amongst countries is still unjustifiable, while the majority of the world’s poorest live in middle income countries. I appeal to developed countries to continue to hold true to past commitments including fulfilling their [Overseas Development Assistance] ODA mandate,” Browne said.

PM Browne said NorthSouth Cooperation remained the core of this partnership and strengthened commitment from developed countries was, therefore, required to enhance international cooperation and scale

up support for developing countries.

He also added that South-South cooperation from developing countries that were in a position to offer assistance should not be seen as a replacement of commitments by developed countries, but instead be seen as complementary to achieving sustained development.

“We must remind ourselves that the announcement of goals and targets is not the achievement of those goals and targets. So while we should take some comfort from the fact that we are able to agree on them, celebration should await their delivery,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Panama murder rate drops by 21%

in 2015.

Panama’s murder rate has dropped by 21.4 per cent in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period last year, official figures suggest.

In Colon, Panama’s most murderous city last year, the number of homicides more than halved, according to figures by the Security Ministry.

US latest to slap travel advisory on The Bahamas amid rise in robberies

Against the backdrop of escalating crime in The Bahamas, the US Department of State has warned its citizens of a rise in armed robberies in New Providence.

Echoing warnings issued by the British and Canadian Governments last month, a recent travel advisory posted on the Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) website warns visitors of an increase in robberies in tourist areas.

While the full report was not available on the website, it read in part: “An apparent two-year rise in armed robberies in The Bahamas has spurred numerous warnings by foreign Governments to their citizens visiting the country.

“Given the large volume of US tourists that visit The Bahamas and recent criminal incidents in popular tourist destinations, American visitors to tourism hubs in Nassau should

be cognisant of heightened criminal risks.”

Late last month, Britain updated its travel advisory to state that: “There have been incidents of violent crime including robbery, which is often armed and sometimes fatal, in residential and tourist areas of New Providence, Grand Bahama and Freeport.”

“The number of breakins and robbery incidents reported to the British High Commission has increased. There are Police patrols in the main tourist areas.”

Canada’s warnings state that Canadians “should exercise a high degree of caution”.

“Crime occurs mainly in Nassau and Freeport. There has been an increase in armed robberies targeting tourists in Nassau. Incidents take place in populated and isolated areas, and even in daylight hours [there are] high rates of crime, especially in Nassau.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360.com)

Jah Cure arrested after T&T concert for owing promoter

But a poll suggests the perception of insecurity in Panama remains high. Panama does not have as serious a gang problem as other Central American nations such as Honduras and El Salvador.

But Panamanian gangs

Officials say a programme to rehabilitate gang members has been key in driving the figure down.

are believed to be behind the majority of the murders committed in recent years and also play a key part in drug trafficking.

Security Minister Rodolfo Aguilera says a programme offering gang members an amnesty and vocational training to lure them away from crime has been instrumental in reducing homicides

He says that across Panama, 100 fewer people were killed between January and September of this year than in the same period in 2014.

However, the fall in the murder rate has not been reflected in Panamanians’ perception of security, a poll suggests. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Barbados: National consensus needed on way forward, says Arthur

Predicting that the layoffs at Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) were just the beginning of cuts to be made in the public sector, Member of Parliament for St Peter, Owen Arthur, is calling for a national consensus to discuss the “bitter medicine” that has to be taken to get the economy on a growth path. He was delivering the

feature address at an awards ceremony hosted by the Small Business Association at the Radisson Aquatica Resort on the topic “Reimagining National Development: The Role of Small Enterprises”.

Saying that Government’s fiscal consolidation programme requires that subsidies and transfers to State enterprises be reduced by Bds$200 million, and against the back-

drop of the most recent IMF Article IV stating that restructuring of State enterprises must be accelerated, he said more than just the early retirement of staff at BIDC would be contemplated. “Some enterprises will be amalgamated, some will be privatised, some may even be abolished altogether. Some will be downsized and have their structures rationalised.

“It will be a huge undertaking that will affect the course of Barbados’ development in a very profound way for a generation.

“A national consensus needs, therefore, to be developed as to how this endeavour should be implemented, especially with a view to transforming what on the face of it could prove to be a negative into a positive.”

(Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Jamaican reggae artist Jah Cure is the latest international performer to face legal woes while on tour in Trinidad.

The 36-year-old performer, whose real name is Siccature Alcock, was arrested by marshals of the Port -of-Spain High Court shortly after completing his performance at a show at the O2 Park in Chaguaramas on Sunday night.

Alcock, who has been a regular fixture on the local entertainment scene since being released after serving an eight-year prison sentence in 2008, was brought to the Hall of Justice around 13:00h.

After lengthy discussions between his lawyer Mario Merritt and attorneys for the local promoter who

he owes over TT $83,000 in performance fees for a concert that did not materialise, Alcock was allowed to go free. The T&T Guardian understands that Alcock was able to pay US$6000 in cash to the court and agreed to pay the remainder by Monday evening.

Alcock is expected to return to court this morning to report to Justice James Aboud if he was able to meet the deadline. In July dancehall artist Reano “Busy Signal” Gordon was arrested before performing in a concert after a promoter sought emergency court intervention over an unpaid US$37,000 debt. He too was able to negotiate an agreement and was later allowed to leave the country.

Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding

Antiguan and Barbudan Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Siccature Alcock, aka Jah Cure

Around the world

US “willing” to work with Russia and Iran on Syria

US President Barack Obama has denounced world powers that continue to support embattled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Syria “cannot return to the pre-war status quo”, Obama said at the 70th United Nations General Assembly on Monday afternoon.

The US leader decried Assad as “a tyrant” and “a brutal dictator [who] slaughters tens of thousands of his own people”, adding that peace in Syria is only possible if Assad leaves office.

The Syrian conflict, which began as a peaceful protest in 2011, has led to at least 250,000 deaths, according to the UN.

More than half of

Syria’s pre-war population of 22.4 million has been internally displaced or fled abroad.

“Assad and his allies cannot simply pacify the broad

Victorious Catalan separatists claim mandate to break with Spain

Separatists on Sunday won a clear majority of seats in Catalonia’s Parliament in an election that sets the region on a collision course with Spain’s central government over independence.

“Catalans have voted yes to independence,” acting regional government head Artur Mas told supporters, with secessionist parties securing 72 out of 135 seats in the powerful region of 7.5 million people that includes Barcelona.

The strong pro-independence showing dealt a blow to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, three months before a national election. His centre-right government, which has op-

posed attempts to hold a referendum on secession, has called the separatist plan “a nonsense” and vowed to block it in court.

Spain’s Constitution does not allow any region to break away, so the prospect remains highly hypothetical.

The main secessionist group “Junts pel Si” (Together for Yes) won 62 seats, while the smaller leftist CUP party got another 10, according to official results.

They jointly obtained 47.8 per cent of the vote in a record turnout of 78 per cent, a big boost to an independence campaign that has been losing support over the last two years. (Excerpt from Reuters)

majority of a population who has been brutalised,” Obama said. He called for a “managed transition” that removes Assad from the presidency and puts in his place a

more democratic system.

The US President’s comments underscore the tensions between the US and Russia, the latter of which has stepped up its support for the Assad Government with an ongoing military build-up in Syria.

Nonetheless, Obama also said that the US will work with any nation on Syria, including Russia and Iran.

He also denounced the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant: “I said it before, and I will say it again: There is no room for accommodating an apocalyptic death cult like ISIL.”

“We know that ISIL, which emerged out of chaos in Iraq and Syria, depends on perpetual war to survive,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rallies in Hong Kong to mark prodemocracy protests

Thousands of pro-democracy activists rallied near Government headquarters in Hong Kong amid tight security to mark the first anniversary of pro-democracy protests that crippled parts of the Chinese-controlled city.

Yellow umbrellas and makeshift tents were back in the city centre on Monday, as the protesters gathered chanting anti-Government slogans, according to Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride.

He said that some of the “more radical” activists have been urging protesters to go out to the road and block traffic.

A large contingent of Police have been deployed by the city to secure the pro-

test area while several thousand more are on standby, McBride said.

Police were on alert to avoid a repeat of last year when protesters streamed onto major highways in a push for full democracy demonstrations that became the biggest political challenge to Beijing’s Communist Party leaders in decades.

Metal barriers were stockpiled in key locations, including Government headquarters and near the office of Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying.

At the height of the 2014 protests, which lasted for more than two months, tens of thousands regularly gathered to demand political reform. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bangalore lake of toxic snowy froth

Is it snowing in India’s tropical southern city of Bangalore?

The picture above would certainly make you think so.

Unfortunately, the reality is quite different: what looks like snow is actually harmful snow-white froth that floats up from the city’s largest lake and spills over

into neighbouring areas.

Over the years, the 9000-acre Bellandur lake in India’s technology capital has been polluted by chemicals and sewage.

Shell stops Arctic activity after ‘disappointing’ tests

Royal Dutch Shell has stopped Arctic oil and gas exploration off the coast of Alaska after “disappointing” results from a key well in the Chukchi Sea.

In a surprise announcement, the company said it would end exploration off Alaska “for the foreseeable future”.

Shell said it did not find sufficient amounts of oil and gas in the Burger J well to warrant further exploration.

The company has spent about US$7 billion on Arctic offshore development in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas.

“Shell continues to see important exploration potential in the basin, and the area is likely to ultimately be of strategic importance to Alaska and the US,” said Marvin Odum, President of Shell USA.

“However, this is a clearly disappointing exploration outcome for this part of the basin.”

Lord Browne, former BP boss and Government Adviser, told the BBC that the Arctic “is a very risky place [to explore] and very expensive to develop, so there are probably easier places to go”.

Indeed some analysts suggested Shell might give up on the Arctic completely.

“It is possible that Shell might almost be relieved as they can stop exploration for a legitimate operational reason, rather than being seen to bow to environmental pressure,” Stuart Elliott from energy information group Platts told the BBC.

“With the oil price around US$50 a barrel, it was a risky endeavour with no guarantee of success.

“You could argue that this has been bad for Shell’s reputation and it wouldn’t be a big surprise if they abandoned Arctic drilling altogether.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

NASA: Water found on Mars

IT professional Debasish Ghosh has been taking pictures of the lake of “harmful snowy froth” for months now.

Mixing with storm water coming out of two outlets into the lake, pollutants form a toxic snowy foam that covers the water and rises so high it flows into the surrounding areas. The situation gets worse during the rains. When the wind blows, it carries the foam in the air.

Locals say authorities are not doing enough to clean the lake. They have filed petitions in the court, urging action – the earliest complaints date back to 2000 – but nothing much has happened.

Ghosh says the foam emits an “unbearable smell”, but local people have to live with it.

These dark, narrow, 100 meter-long streaks called recurring slope lineae flowing downhill on Mars are inferred to have been formed by contemporary flowing water. Recently, planetary scientists detected hydrated salts on these slopes at Hale crater, corroborating their original hypothesis that the streaks are indeed formed by liquid water. The blue color seen upslope of the dark streaks are thought not to be related to their formation, but instead are from the presence of the mineral pyroxene. The image is produced by draping an orthorectified (Infrared-RedBlue/Green(IRB)) false color image (ESP_030570_1440) on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the same site produced by High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (University of Arizona). Vertical exaggeration is 1.5 (Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona)

NASA announced on Monday that liquid saltwater exists on the surface of Mars – a discovery that scientists say indicates the “potential” for life on the planet.

The historic findings by scientists from NASA and several US universities are based on research on dark, narrow and elongated streaks that appear on the surface of the Red Planet and which are known as “recurring slope lineae” (RSL).

Research shows the streaks “appear and grow incrementally in the downslope direction during warm seasons”.

NASA scientists suggest the streaks were formed as a result of salty “flows” or “seeps” because they bear a striking resemblance to

the shapes and curves that water on Earth makes as it flows along the surface of the ground.

The theory that water exists on Mars was first proposed by scientist Lujendra Ojha, who as an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona in 2011, studied dark, fingershaped images on Mars.

Ojha, now a PhD candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the lead author of the study, told Al Jazeera that “water does exist on Mars”.

Ojha added that chemical signatures of water were found in the crystals of salt samples.

“We found evidence of water activity in hydrated salts on Mars,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The US President has expressed his country’s willingness to engage with Russia and Iran over the ongoing war in Syria [AP]

The foam rises so high that it flows into the neighbourhoods around the lake

sepTember 29,

T&HD launches investigation into Supenaam operations

In light of an article published in the Monday edition of the Guyana Times about complaints about the operation of the Supenaam Stelling the Transport and Harbour Department (T&HD) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has on Monday launched an investigation into the operations at the Stelling.

General Manager of T&HD Marclene Merchant in a GINA release indicated that the investigation, which was launched will conclude latest by weekend, as the as-

sistant superintendent has already written his statement surrounding the incident. “Additionally, where the investigation finds any member of staff culpable of any wrongdoing, disciplinary actions would be taken against them,” she stated.

“There is a system where thirty vehicles are usually allowed into the compound to go on the boat. The space for twelve vehicles is usually left for priorities and perishables. If there are not so many priorities travelling on that particular crossing,

other vehicles from the line are allowed to enter onto the vessel,” Merchant explained.

While vehicles are loaded based on a first-come - firstserve basis, they are expected to be present at least an hour before the departure time.

The complaints from commuters using of the Parika-Supenaam ferry services saw the management of T&HD implementing a rotation system, where the most senior supervising officer from each port are rotated.

On Monday, Guyana Times reported on the frustrations of persons, especially vehicles owners and businesspeople, experience over the low standard being set by staff of the Transport and Harbours Department attached to the Supenaam Stelling in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). On a daily basis many persons venture to and from Regions Two and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to conduct business and other activities on the ferry service. There is the view that supervision should be strengthened at the facility and standards should be set. Commuters and vehicle owners called for an intervention and the setting up of proper standards at the facility.

Multi-agency taskforce to help stop gold smuggling

Government has established a taskforce to ensure that there will be effective collaboration among the various law enforcement agencies to monitor gold smuggling, in wake of recent discoveries.

This taskforce, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA), which held its first meeting on last week, comprises representatives of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the State Asset Recovery Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Minister of Governance,

Raphael Trotman, who also has responsibility for the natural resources sector, made the announcement at a media briefing.

“We looked at the various arms or the tentacles of this problem, particularly at the export end. We discussed collaboration with foreign countries, and we have agreed to establish a Task Force to ensure greater collaboration at all ends,” the minister said.

Trotman further explained that the taskforce will meet again on October 06, 2015, to refine its action plan for implementation and will then make relevant information available to the public. The minister is of the view that the issue is a sensitive one, since it involves billions of

Food and Drugs workshop to look at counterfeit products

The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) of the Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), on Monday opened a five-day food and drugs workshop, aimed at improving training in Food Science and Water Surveillance.

The training sessions, which are being held at the Cara Lodge Hotel, target FDD Officers and Regional Representatives, along with other individuals who are directly involved in analysing the processing of food, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister

dollars. He explained that the export of Guyana’s gold reaches countries in the Middle East, China and parts of Europe.

“There are big interests here that have their hand on the export, not all are illegitimate. We do want to facilitate legitimate export of gold, one of the matters that came up this morning was the case of the infamous gold that was stolen in Curacao, we are trying to track that down and get a better handle on it,” he added.

Guyana had asked Curacao sometime back for help, in tracing the origin of US$11.5M worth of raw gold that was stolen by gunmen from a Guyanese fishing vessel on the Dutch Caribbean Island in 2012. It was reported at the time that, six men who were masked and wearing jackets marked ‘police,’ stole 470 pounds of raw gold, divided into 70 bars, off the MV Summer Bliss.

Meanwhile, the Minister informed the media that he is impressed with the work done by SOCU and the Office of the Minister of State, and believes firmly that, “we will get to the bottom of this matter.”

within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings expressed great appreciation for and gratitude towards PAHO, for extending a helping hand to the Ministry.

According to Dr Cummings, the workshop is aimed at the general development of the Guyanese people, and as such, public health issues are to be given as much attention as possible since “training is never enough.”

In this regard, the Minister noted that importers need to be updated on products, the regulations surrounding their marketing and distribution as well as their health factors.

It was pointed out also that consumers and FDD

Officers have to be on the lookout for bootleggers and bootleg products. “Our officers also have to be up to date with these kinds of information also,” Dr Cummings noted. With respect to water surveillance, the Minister stressed that while Guyana was the “Land of many waters” and water is abundant, it does not mean that the water is safe and potable. As such, the purification of water is necessary. The Minister noted that the workshop was very timely and touched the key areas that the Government is focusing on. She pledged the Administration’s full support towards such under takings.

West Berbice gets upgraded farm-to-market road

West Berbice farmers are now breathing a sigh of relief as they now have access to 60,000 acres of farmland at Onverwagt, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) with the upgrade of an access road. More than one third of the 10-kilometre road was upgraded from an impassable access road to an all-weather asphaltic concrete road.

The $261 million project, which commenced in

September 2014, concluded earlier this month.

Both cattle and cash crop farmers will now be using the road. The Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) main office and workshop, the Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation Centre and a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation are all situated along the newly paved road. Additionally, five farm-to-

market roads (including one to the Abary River) are linked to the upgraded road. According to an official from the Agriculture Ministry, the decision was taken to pave the Onverwagt access road since it provides ingress and egress to a huge acreage of farmland in the West Berbice area. This project commenced under the previous Administration, the official stated.

One of the ferries at Supenaam Stelling

A section of the participants at the workshop

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman

The new farm-to-market road

Caricom presses for debt relief and concessional financing

The issues of debt and the criteria for access to concessional financing need urgent attention in the context of financing for development if the Caribbean is to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

So said Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque as he addressed an Interactive Dialogue at the United Nations Summit on the Post-2015 Development Agenda at UN Headquarters on Saturday, the regional bloc revealed in a release. Among participants in the dialogue were the Presidents of Ireland, Argentina, Ghana and the Cameroon; the Prime Ministers of Sweden and Denmark; the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Austria as well as the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for International Development and Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Facebook.

Speaking on the topic “Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth, Transformation and Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production”, LaRocque stated Caricom welcomed any initiative for strong collaborative action to address these issues urgently “if our region is to continue on the path to sustainable economic growth”.

He recommended that ac-

tion could include all Small Island Development States (SIDS) and development partners such as the UN and its agencies, the International Financial Institutions, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Ambassador LaRocque outlined the major challenges threatening the Community’s development gains: “decade-long persistent low or negative growth performance barely averaging one per cent over the last five years; the lingering, debilitating impact of the global financial and economic crises of 2007 and 2008; the reality of geographic location in a region described as one of the most natural disaster prone in the world; and a crushing public debt burden of more than US$24 billion, attributable mainly to external shocks and climatic events –a debt burden which will require growth rates between six and 10 per cent.”

He pointed out that Caricom’s high level of debt was of particular concern and constituted a major drag on sustainable economic growth in the Region.

“Five of our Member States are among the most highly indebted countries in the world, while 10 are considered as having unsustainable levels of indebtedness, with debt to GDP ratios ranging from 65-140 per cent,” he said, noting that a significant portion of that debt was due to factors outside the control

of the Region and to reconstruction after natural disasters.

LaRocque commended a proposal put forward by the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean to alleviate that debt burden to the international community for serious consideration.

That proposal called for the conversion of multilateral and bilateral debt into special funds to address external economic shocks, natural disasters, and education and human resource development. He said it had “the potential to create much needed fiscal space and assist in fostering inclusive economic growth”.

He told the session given that the limited domestic and regional resources were not sufficient to meet the financing needs of the Region’s sustainable development, there was need for external concessional financial resources.

“However, Caricom States have been graduated out of concessionary development financing due to their classification as middle income countries, based on the criterion of [Gross Domestic Product] GDP per capita,” the Secretary General added. He argued that the criteria for concessional financing must not be based solely on GDP per capita, and must be changed to include economic and environmental vulnerability.

Police charge six more drunk drivers

As the Guyana Police Force continues with its traffic enforcement activities, another six drivers were charged and placed before the courts for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ishwar Ragheebir of 67 Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on August 10, while driving motor vehicle PMM 9029 on the Providence Public Road, EBD. He was found to be above the legal limit and as such was charged and ap-

peared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court the following day, where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

On August 9, Tejram Naresh of Number Two Settlement, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice (WBB) was stopped and tested while driving motor vehicle HC 4615 on the Blairmont Public Road, WBB. He too was found to be above the legal limit. He was charged subsequently appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court where he was fined $7500.

Ron Singh of 1 Number 64 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was stopped while driving

motor vehicle PPP 9832 on the Number 62 Public Road, Corentyne. Singh appeared at the Skeldon Magistrate’s Court and was fined $7500.

Additionally, Romesh Chunnu of 186 A Number 67 Village, Corentyne, was stopped while driving motor vehicle HC 2770. He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on August 10 where he was fined $7500.

Latchana Ornahunde of 43 Race Course, Corentyne, was also fined $7500 af-

ter he pleaded guilty to a DUI offence. The man was stopped on August 15 while driving motor vehicle BPP 7052. He appeared at the Skeldon Magistrate’s Court on August 17.

Finally, Mahendra Sukhai of 25 No 55 Village, Corentyne, was stopped while driving motor vehicle PSS 1107. The man was charged and ordered to pay the $7500 fine.

Only last week, Traffic Chief Dion Moore had reported a reduction in fatal accidents and road deaths for 2015 compared to figures from last year. He noted that

this is as a result of intense traffic enforcement activities.

The Chief pointed out that while speeding continues to be the number one contributory factor to accidents, another area of concern is drunk driving. He detailed that some 1451 cases were made out against persons driving under the influence of alcohol.

Moore explained that the “name and shame” campaign against drunk drivers has made persons more cau-

tious, but noted that it does not stop the culture of driving drunk. He highlighted that on a monthly basis, the Force gets about 100 DUI cases; however, due to the lack of space they are unable to publish all.

“We have in excess of a hundred persons charged but you cannot put a hundred faces, it will take over a whole paper. We can only release at intervals, an amount per day and because of this fact, some people tend to believe they cannot be seen but when they least expect it, it will be there,” he said.

Education Ministry awards students for attendance and punctuality

The Georgetown Department of Education Schools Welfare Unit on Friday held an Attendance Award Ceremony for schools within the Georgetown education district at the National Cultural Centre.

In brief remarks, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam stressed the importance of attendance and punctuality in education delivery, offering that multiple studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between high attendance and high scores achieved by students. He stated that while some might question the need for highlighting attendance, it should be noted that attendance is a key indicator of a culture of performance in the educa-

tion system and has a direct impact on the time a child spends learning.

Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine in his feature address shared some of his experience from a very early age as a child attending school. He underlined the importance of reading, urging parents to inculcate in their children the discipline to read more instead of spending too much time watching television.

The Minister congratulated the children on their achievement and noted that it took commitment from their parents as well. He also asked the audience, as residents of Georgetown and surrounding areas, to consider the difficulties faced by some children in other part of the country in at-

tending school.

“Whereas in the city and on most parts of the coast,” the Minister stated, “it is simply an issue of jumping in a bus or a car or walking part of the distance on paved roads,

in some communities, access to a simple canoe to get from home to school is a challenge for many children. In other communities, the journey to school and back is in fact a journey, often taken on foot through tough terrain over significant distances.”

He also outlined challenges in attendance faced by children in the capital such as crime and climate change. He added that even in school there are other issues to contend with.

“Of course,” noted Minister, “there are challenges to attendance within the school itself. We have seen some worrying incidents of violence in schools make national headlines and those are the ones that make it to the press. This is the sort of phenom-

enon that is not only untenable on its own, but which has repercussions for the quality of education a child receives. Then there is of course the issue of suicide among schoolaged children, and we have seen in the past year at least three incidents which were related to issues at school.”

Dr Roopnaraine reiterated that from the perspective of the Ministry, education remains a partnership between parents and teachers, highlighting the fact that more of a child’s time is spent on interacting with teachers than with parents.

He outlined measures the Ministry and Government were taking to facilitate better attendance and a more wholesome school experience for children in the school sys-

tem.

“In closing,” said Dr Roopnaraine, “even as we acknowledge that we are not at the moment at the best place when it comes to education, we must also celebrate – as we are doing today – the steps we continue to take on the right path towards that destination. Today I commend all of you who observe the most fundamental discipline – that is arriving at school every day and arriving on time.”

Several schools and individual students received plaques as acknowledgement for attendance records of 95 percent and above. The audience was also treated to several cultural performances by students from various schools, including singing, dancing and steelpan recitals.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and the delegation at the post-2015 Development Agenda summit, UN Headquarters, New York

Ishwar Ragheebir

Tejram Naresh Ron Singh

Romesh Chunnu

Latchana Ornahunde Mahendra Sukhai

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You will be bored if you don’t keep moving. This is a great time to take care of unfinished business. You’ll ease your mind and feel free to take on something new.

Others may be tightlipped about their plans, so make a point to investigate what is going on behind the scenes. Don’t rely on secondhand information.

Indulge in entertaining and out-of-the-ordinary pursuits. Join a club, class or group where you can meet like-minded people. Sharing your ideas will lead to an interesting proposal.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Things are on the move and a change in direction is evident. You will get positive feedback from an acquaintance regarding a recent project. An old friend will get in touch.

You are too trusting and will be easily fooled by someone pitching a get-rich-quick scheme. Promises will not be kept. Long-term moderate investments are a better choice.

You will come to a roadblock with a friend, lover or colleague. An honest in-depth conversation will help clear the air. The silent treatment will not bring resolution or keep the peace.

Get out and enjoy yourself. Your high exuberance will impress everyone you encounter. Friends and strangers alike will want to be by your side and listen to your opinions.

Fun and entertainment will be on your mind, but you will have regrets if you decide to overindulge or overspend. A trip to a conference or trade show will offer better value.

You have everything planned out, but things don’t always run smoothly. Keep your emotions in check and focus on what you have to do to stabilise your future. Don’t waste time trying to get others to do what you want. Make a step-by-step plan and stick to it in order to accomplish your goals without interference or meddling.

You will shine at any group, recreational or professional events. This is a perfect time to present your ideas and share your thoughts. Romance is in the stars.

Leave your problems at home. Personal or emotional matters must not interfere with your professional responsibilities. Securing your position is essential if you don’t want to be left behind.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert

arChie

Simmons suspended as West Indies Coach

Phil Simmons has been suspended with immediate effect as West Indies coach, two days after he expressed his unhappiness with the ODI squad selected for the Sri Lanka tour. Simmons was caught unawares by the decision, which was communicated to him in an email from WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead, as he was in the UK preparing to join the squad in London on their way to Sri Lanka. Simmons will now not travel with the team, and former West Indies fast bowler Eldine Baptiste, who is also a national selector, will take up the position of interim coach for the tour of Sri Lanka. The series, which begins on October 14, is the new Test captain Jason Holder’s first assignment.

“The West Indies Cricket Board has learnt of the comments from head coach of the West Indies team Phil Simmons in the print and electronic media which appear to question the legitimacy of the selection process of the one-day international squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. As a result, the management of the WICB has taken action to suspend the head coach, pending an investigation into the issue,” the board said in a statement. “The head coach will not now travel with the team on the tour of Sri Lanka.”

Though West Indies’ limited-overs squads for

the tour had not been announced, Simmons revealed that “interference from outside” at a selection meeting on September 23 had kept allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard out of the ODI side. Simmons said that he, as coach, and chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd

had voted for their inclusion, but were outnumbered 3-2 despite Holder also wanting Bravo and Pollard in the team.

“I think it’s disappointing from the fact that I haven’t got the best 50-over ODI squad that we can select in the Caribbean,”

Simmons had said at a media conference, at the conclusion of the West Indies training camp at the 3Ws Oval in Bridgetown. “The chairman, Mr Lloyd, he came and he gave an excep-

tional speech saying that he thinks it is time they are back in the squad and he gave exceptional reasons for them being back in the squad. Unfortunately, when we went into the selection [meeting] we lost it 3-2. Him and myself - the captain [Holder] doesn’t have a vote in this - but the captain also gave his views as to why they need to be back.”

Bravo and Pollard have not been considered for ODI selection since they were dropped for the series in South Africa in January this year, and their omission from the World Cup squad generated plenty of debate. At the time Lloyd had said he had spoken to the two players and explained to them that the selection panel wanted to move on and give youngsters more chances. (Cricinfo)

“Chelsea are not babies, and we will improve” –

Chelsea’s players are well aware that they must step up to the plate after a poor start to the season, says Cesc Fabregas.

Cesc Fabregas has vowed that Chelsea’s players will right the wrongs of a dreadful start to their Premier League title defence.

Stuttering Chelsea had to come from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw at winless Newcastle United on Saturday - a result that leaves the defending champions in 15th place with just eight points from seven games this season.

But speaking ahead

of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Porto, Fabregas insisted Chelsea

will improve sooner rather than later.

Former cricketer gives back to MMZ West U-15 team

Former national youth wicketkeeper/batsman Ajaz Asgarally on Saturday last presented a quantity of cricket gear to Meten-Meer-Zorg West Under-15 cricketers at the club’s ground on the West Coast of Demerara.

Asgarally, who now lives in the United States

of America, returned home to celebrate the Islamic holiday Eid-ul-Adha, and used the opportunity to donate two pairs of batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping pads, two pairs of batting gloves and one helmet to the youths of the club.

At the simple handing over ceremony, Asgarally

urged the youths to be disciplined, work hard, focus on their education, and to always remember that hard work brings success. “And sometime soon I hope to see another player from Meten-Meer-Zorg on the Guyana team as I did,” Asgarally told the youngsters.

Classy half centuries from David Latchaya and Anthony Bramble, and a six-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, propelled Albion Community Center to a massive 140 runs win over Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) in the Tenelec Inc. 50-over first division cricket competition.

By the virtue of the win, Albion also booked a place in the last six, and will clash with Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets in order to determine the zone winners.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Albion had a steady start from openers Balchand Baldeo and Kandasammy Surujnarine.

The pair added 40 before the latter went caught behind off skipper Lakeram Latchman for 25.

Adrian Sukhwa joined Baldeo but both batsmen were dismissed in quick suc-

cession.

Sukhwa was leg before wicket to Davanand Chatterpaul for four, while Baldeo went for 47, stumped off Naeem Yacoob.

Latchaya and Bramble then joined forces and batted with much discomfort. Bramble was eventually dismissed for 82, while Latchaya was left unbeaten on 92. Permaul, who is

fast developing into a genuine all-rounder, was also unbeaten on 31. Albion ended on 291-4 off their allotted 50 overs. In reply, UCCA were bowled out for 151, with Totaram Persaud top scored with an unbeaten 29. Balram Samaroo supported with 25. Permaul finished with 6-14 off 8.3 overs. (rajivb@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Dwayne Bravo

Kieron Pollard

Ajay Asgarally presents the gear to Under-15 Captain Aftab Bashir in the presence of his clubmates

Veerasammy Permaul Anthony Bramble

Cesc Fabregas

Imad Wasim’s four-for helps Pakistan defend 136

Arearguard effort of 33 not out from Mohammad Rizwan and a strangling spell of 4 for 11 from left-arm spinner

Imad Wasim kept Pakistan’s unbeaten T20 record against Zimbabwe intact with a 13run win in the first match in Harare. Pakistan’s innings was first salvaged by Shoaib Malik, before Rizwan lifted them to 136 for 8. Zimbabwe went down with hardly any fight despite restricting the visitors to a below-par score as Wasim, in his fourth match, made sure most of Zimbabwe’s reputed batsmen fell for low scores. Only Hamilton Masakadza tried to establish the chase with a run-a-ball 25, and captain Elton Chigumbura gave the hosts some hope in the end

first over. He got Chamu Chibhabha for a duck and Sikandar Raza in the eighth

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan innings (20 overs maximum)

Ahmed Shehzad

b Chibhabha 17

Mukhtar Ahmed c Masakadza

b Chibhabha 4

Sohaib Maqsood b Chibhabha 6

Shoaib Malik b Williams 35

Umar Akmal c Masakadza

b Cremer 14

Mohammad Rizwan† not out 33

Imad Wasim c Ervine b Jongwe 19

Shahid Afridi* c Chibhabha

b Panyangara 2

Wahab Riaz run out

(†Mutumbami) 0

Extras: (lb 2, w 3, nb 1) 6

Total: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 136

Did not bat: Imran Khan (1), Sohail Tanvir

Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-25, 3-29, 4-71, 5-87, 6-133, 7-136, 8-136

Bowling: P Utseya 4-0-320, CJ Chibhabha 3-0-18-3, T Panyangara 2-0-8-1, LM Jongwe 2-0-9-1, AG Cremer 4-0-21-1, SC Williams 4-0-34-1,

with a 28-ball 31, but the asking rate had shot up too far after the early wickets.

Wasim’s bowling from round the wicket reaped rewards from the very

Sikandar Raza 1-0-12-0. Zimbabwe innings (target: 137 runs from 20 overs)

H Masakadza c Mukhtar Ahmed

b Imad Wasim 25

CJ Chibhabha b Imad Wasim 0

CR Ervine lbw b Sohail Tanvir 11

Sikandar Raza lbw b Imad Wasim 13

SC Williams lbw b Imad Wasim 14

E Chigumbura* run out

(†Mohammad Rizwan) 31

R Mutumbami† run out

(Imad Wasim) 9

LM Jongwe run out (Imad Wasim/†Mohammad Rizwan) 2

AG Cremer c Shahid Afridi

b Wahab Riaz 0

P Utseya not out 12

T Panyangara not out 1

Extras: (lb 2, w 3) 5

Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 123

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-27, 3-49, 4-60, 5-66, 6-77, 7-90, 8-90, 9-121

Bowling: Imad Wasim 4-0-11-4, Sohail Tanvir 4-0-24-1, Wahab Riaz 4-0-27-1, Imran Khan (1) 4-0-29-0, Shahid Afridi 3-0-23-0, Shoaib Malik 1-0-7-0.

over in bizarre fashion when the batsman came down the pitch and was stumped, but was also given lbw. Keeping the pressure on from the other end, Craig Ervine

was trapped lbw by Sohail Tanvir as he unleashed a flick but missed. Masakadza started slowly with the fall of wickets around him and then tried to push the run rate with boundaries but the pressure showed when he holed out to long-on off Wasim, who made it four wickets in his four overs by getting Sean Williams lbw for 14 soon after.

At 66 for 5 the task was left to Chigumbura but he was let down further by two run-outs - of Richmond Mutumbami and debutant Luke Jongwe. Chigumbura took the chase to the last over but 16 runs from six balls was too stiff with only two wickets in hand.

Earlier, Pakistan were kept on a leash almost throughout their innings, barring two partnerships - one led by Malik and the other by Rizwan. Chibhabha - like the other Zimbabwe medium-pacers - hardly gave the batsmen any pace to work with, and threw Pakistan off track by removing their top order early.

After not allowing Ahmed Shehzad to build on his momentum of three fours in the first three overs by knocking back his off stump, he dismissed Mukhtar Ahmed and Sohaib Maqsood by bowling a stump-to-stump line.

Pakistan were rescued from a precarious 29 for 3 when Malik and Umar Akmal combined for nearly six overs to score 42 runs.

Malik hammered a six off Graeme Cremer in the 10th over and Umar used the late cut effectively to keep the run rate around six, but he holed out to long-on in the 12th over. Pakistan would have been 74 for 5 had Mutumbami stumped Rizwan in the next over but Williams’ sharp turn beat both the batsman and wicketkeeper.

That cost Zimbabwe the match as Rizwan scored another 31 runs with unorthodox shots to provide the finish his team desperately needed. He used his feet against the spinners, especially to smack a six off Raza in the 17th over that conceded 12 runs, and his alliance with Wasim (19 off 12) turned the match Pakistan’s way as they accumulated 46 runs from 4.4 overs.

Wasim struck a consecutive six and four off the last two balls of Williams’ spell and Rizwan’s stay till the last over helped Pakistan collect 45 runs from the last five overs, despite scoring only nine from the last two overs off the slower balls of Jongwe and Tinashe Panyangara. (Cricinfo)

Former WIPA boss calls for public support for Simmons

Former West Indies Players Association (WIPA) President Dinanath Ramnarine has called on the cricketing public to speak out in defence of West Indies head coach Phil Simmons after he claimed that outside interference was hampering the selection of the West Indies One-Day International squad.

Trinidad and Tobago media quoted Ramnarine as saying he fears that Simmons may suffer some backlash after he publicly protested the omission of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from the Windies squad to tour Sri Lanka next month.

Simmons said both he and chief selector Clive Lloyd had been in favour of the players’ re-inclusion, but the five-member selection panel had voted 3-2 against.

“This is a very serious matter and has to be examined. I trust the cricketing community will give Simmons the support he needs,” said Ramnarine.

“I have played under Simmons and he is the most decent, honest and fair human being you would ever come across”.

The issue escalated over the weekend with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who is Chairman of CARICOM’s Sub Committee on Cricket Governance, labelling Simmons claims as “disturbing” adding that any selection panel needed to be “free of interference, fear, or favour”.

The ODI side for Sri Lanka has not yet been announced by the WICB and on the basis of Simmons’ announcement, Bravo and Pollard are not expected to be included.

“We cannot allow people like Phil Simmons to fall through the crack because of poor governance structure and be maligned and victimised when those who play the games of the Board have a free ride,” said Ramnarine.

“That has to stop. The

time has come for the coach to be given full authority.” Bravo and Simmons were dropped ahead of the ODI series in South Africa last January and also overlooked for the subsequent ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Critics have compared Bravo’s batting average of 25.36 and 199 wickets and Pollards batting average of 25.20 with the 18.75 average of opener Dwayne Smith who was included in the World Cup team to illustrate their case.

The ex-Windies leg-spinner said the spotlight must be put on the selectors who voted against Pollard and Bravo.

Simmons and Lloyd were outvoted 3-2 in the selection meeting which included Courtney Walsh, Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste.

“This is the first time we have had a coach so honest and transparent. The question is why the three selectors who did not vote for them are not being called to account,” he said.

“If a team does not perform, the three people usually suffering the most criticism are the captain, coach and Chairman of Selectors, and if they not being supported we must ask why”. (CMC)

Blatter and Platini insist nothing wrong with questioned payment

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the man who aims to replace him, UEFA chief Michel Platini, both insisted on Monday there was nothing untoward about a 2 million Swiss franc payment at the centre of fresh corruption allegations.

Swiss prosecutors said on Friday they had opened a criminal investigation into Blatter, the long-time head of FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Blatter denies any wrongdoing and on Monday told FIFA staff that he has no intention of quitting as a result of the investigation.

The prosecutors said

Blatter was suspected of a “disloyal payment” of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.05 million) to Platini in 2011 at the expense of FIFA, allegedly

made for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002. They did not say why the payment was “disloyal” or what became of the

money. Both leaders said on Monday the payment was legitimate compensation for work done but neither

offered an explanation for why Platini was not paid until nine years after finishing his spell as a paid advisor to Blatter. “I wish to clarify that for the period 1998 to 2002, I was employed by FIFA to work on a wide range of matters relating to football,” wrote Platini in a letter to European national football associations.

“It was a full-time job and my functions were known by all. The remuneration was agreed at the time and after initial payments were made, the final outstanding amount of 2 million Swiss francs was paid in February of 2011.

“This income has all been fully declared by me to the authorities, in accordance with Swiss law,” he added.

An emailed statement from Blatter’s personal lawyers, Lorenz Erni of Switzerland and Richard Cullen of the United States, supported Platini’s stance. They said Blatter had “explained to the prosecutors that the payments were valid compensation and nothing more and were properly accounted for within FIFA, including the withholding of Social Security contributions”.

Friday’s allegations marked the first time that authorities investigating corruption in the world’s most popular sport had pointed the finger directly at Blatter, the 79-year-old Swiss who has run its powerful governing body for the past 17 years.

Dinanath Ramnarine

Shoaib Malik rescued Pakistan from a score of 29 for 3

FIFA President Sepp Blatter speaks with UEFA President Michel Platini (left) before the 2014 World Cup (Reuters photo)

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Hinds talks yearend plans for GABF

– Antigua to come in December

By TreisTon Joseph

President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds in an extensive interview with Guyana Times Sport highlighted that the federation will be aiming to beef up its youth movement towards the end of 2015.

While Hinds noted that the year has been “up and down” for the GABF, the former national basketball player hopes to have an extensive youth exchange programme among schools with the incorporation of the Ministry of Education which is responsible for Sport.

“What we are coming up with is a proposal to the Ministry of Education which now houses the Department of Sport where we can have a lot of basketball exchange programmes within the schools which we will also have coaches assigned to a specific number of schools… basketball among other sports will be a part of the curriculum,” Hinds noted.

Hinds also noted that he hopes to “synchronise” the programme with the Youth

Basketball Guyana (YBG) and their organising and youth developmental ability.

“That (youth exchange programme) along with working and synchronising with the Youth Basketball Guyana who have done a lot of work in the development of youth basketball… so ideally we should have a situation where at least at the high school level you have exchange games and you have practice sessions,” Hinds mentioned.

Further, Hinds highlighted that he hopes the

initiative is received well in order to raise the level of basketball from the youth level with albeit the limited facilities available.

“We want to extend it to at least about 20 schools in a comprehensive way that is well funded and obviously the funding… we are hoping that the Ministry steps in and recognises that it is very important that we get their support to fund the personnel who will pass on their knowledge to the physical education teachers of the schools… so I think that is key for the rest of the year and that’s the pivot on which we want to operate on in terms of developing high calibre players,” Hinds said.

Meanwhile Hinds revealed that an all-star team from Antigua will be coming to Guyana to challenge Guyana’s best in a best of three series in December that will cap off the 2015 year for the GABF.

While the dates are not set in stone at the moment, Hinds pointed out that he expects the games to be held in mid-December. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Blatter and Platini insist...

Blatter held a meeting with FIFA staff at the organisation’s headquarters in the hills above Zurich on Monday afternoon and told them he was not going to quit because of the investigation.

“President Blatter spoke to FIFA staff today and informed the staff that he was cooperating with the authorities, reiterated that he had done nothing illegal or improper and stated that he would remain as president of FIFA,” said the statement.

Blatter is due to stand down following the election of a new FIFA president at a special congress on Feb. 26.

Platini, a former French international player who heads Europe’s football federation UEFA, was the early favourite to win that vote. But although he was only interviewed as a witness in the case, his chances have been thrown into doubt by the reference to the payment by Swiss prosecutors.

Both men could face a separate probe by FIFA’s

Ethics Committee which has the power to investigate allegations against officials within the governing body.

Platini said he was ready to provide answers to any questions the ethics investigators might have.

“I have today written to the Ethics Committee of FIFA to request that I may come forward and provide whatever additional information may be needed in order to clear this matter up,” said Platini in his letter. (Reuters)

“Chelsea are not babies...

“It’s not good enough, we know we can do better and we will do, but we have to start from now,” said the Spain midfielder.

“It’s the beginning of the season and we know it’s not about how it starts, but how it ends. When you are Chelsea and when you play for a big club you have to compete to your maximum in every game.

“You don’t just need to be good technically or tactically, you need to be mentally strong and going into every training session with a special dedication.

“That’s why this club signed us, why we play for a big club. We have to start showing it on the pitch, starting from tomorrow because it’s a big game and we want to do well.

“We have to improve and

it’s not because of the coach telling us things or him being upset that we have to perform, we have to perform because we are winners and we play for Chelsea.

“It has to come from us - we are not babies, we are not players who have only just started playing. Yes, we are a young squad, but that’s not an excuse, we won the league last season and there is no reason why we cannot do it again this year. We have to start performing from now.”

Fabregas went on to dismiss any suggestion that the manner in which Chelsea cantered to the Premier League title last term has led to them taking their foot off the gas this season.

The former Barcelona man added: “It wasn’t easy,

trust me. We worked really hard for it and there were difficult moments. This team works well and the manager would never allow us to be complacent. We are training well and we are motivated.

“Maybe things aren’t going the way we would want at the moment but I’m sure we will turn it around. Tomorrow is a great moment and a great scenario in which to do it; the Champions League, away from home, everyone is watching us.

“If we want to start playing as well as we did last season we have to start performing in big games like tomorrow.”

Chelsea visit Porto having beaten Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-0 in their Group G opener a fortnight ago. (Digicel

Computer literate person with CXC passes including Mathematics & English. One I.T Person.

Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

VaCanCIes

Nigel Hinds

Stag Elite League…

Final round 3 games set for tonight

By TreisTon Joseph

The Stag Elite

League will continue this evening at the Tucville Community Centre Ground with the final two games of round three from 18:00h.

Pele FC will meet Buxton United in the first game of the evening while host Fruta Conquerors will take on Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Pele with a win will move atop the standings in

in the standings with zero point.

Pele, the obvious favourites for this encounter will more than likely aim to attack the overzealous players of Buxton United who at times break their formation in search for goals.

Once Pele can get their attack going early especially from the mid-field where the team has some dangerous players, then the night can be over quickly for the East Coast side.

The Buxton side will

the League while Buxton if victorious will register their first points of the tournament as they currently occupy the last spot

need to stay a disciplined bunch as they come up against the experienced Pele side; they search for their first points, having

lost both of their matches in the League thus far.

With players such as Deon Alfred, Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson and Travis “Zorro” Grant on the field for Pele, Buxton will have to play one of their better defensive games to stop the Georgetown based side from scoring.

Meanwhile Fruta Conquerors who currently lead the table with six points will be in search of their third consecutive win of the tournament when they face a GDF side that has been underwhelmed thus far in the tournament.

GDF, currently at fifth

with three points can pull off a win against a Fruta Conquerors team than has not been matched in terms of talent levels. This game will definitely be competitive between two sides that can be said to be on even keel; a win for both sides can have a big domino effect in the standings, despite it being early in the League yet.

Dennis Edwards and Kwame LaFleur will hope to continue the Conquerors’ rich form of scoring, especially in front of their home fans. The night’s action is expected to start at 18:00h.

(josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

RHTY&SC in planning phase for Busta Champion of Champions

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Guyana’s leading youth and sport organisation, will shortly be unveiling the 11th edition of its annual Busta Champion of Champions 40-over cricket tournament.

The competition will be a special one for the Club, as it would be one of the numerous programmes organised as part of its Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration. Club Secretary/Chief

Executive Officer (CEO), Hilbert Foster, disclosed that the Club’s Cricket Development Committee was hard at work making preparation for a highly successful tournament.

The teams that will be playing in the tournament are defending champions Albion, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, West Berbice, Blairmont, Young Warriors, Tucber Park (formerly Bermine), Police and Upper Corentyne. The winning team will take home

$100,000 and the Busta trophy, while the losing finalist will receive $50,000 and a trophy.

Matches will be played across the Ancient County with the final most likely being played under lights at the Albion Community Centre Ground. Foster noted that the RHTY&SC will also be using the matches to promote the “Say no to Crime; Yes to Sport” message. Meanwhile, the management of the invited teams will be required

Groden’s tenure as GFF GS to end Wednesday

Richard Groden’s tenure as the General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will come to an end on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Groden was scheduled to complete his services as General Secretary as originally scheduled for the duration of the Normalisation Committee – at the end of September 2015.

Owing to prior personal commitments, Groden will be unable to fulfil the extended November 14, 2015 mandate of the Normalisation Committee. Diedre Davis

will assume the role of General Secretary as of October 1, 2015.

Groden expressed gratitude to all who exhibited patience and provided support and clarity during his tenure as General Secretary.

He believes that there is still a lot to be achieved in the interest of football and urges those who will take over the reins of administration, at all levels, to proceed in a collective and inclusive manner to ensure the success that is necessary in the governance of the administration of football in Guyana.

11 local golfers for Suriname tourney

– Ramroop confident team will do Guyana proud

By raJiv BisnauTh

Eleven of Guyana’s leading golfers will compete in this weekend’s Golf Club Paramaribo’s Republic Bank Invitational 2015 tournament in Suriname.

Guyana has always had a presence at the tournament, which will be staged on October 3 and 4.

A total of ten males and one female will play under the colours of the Golden

Arrowhead in the tournament, which will use the Stableford format.

stiff competition to the other competitors,” Ramroop remarked.

The contingent will leave on Friday and return on Monday.

The Guyana team is: Troy Cadogan, Mike Gayadin, Brian Hackett,

to submit a 20-member squad to the RHTY&SC via email (foster_hilbert@yahoo.com) or to the Club’s office at Area H Ground, Rose Hall Town.

The RHTY&SC, Foster stated, will be organising numerous cricket tournaments at the second division, Under-19, Under-17 and Under-15 levels as part of its cricket development programme, but only teams who have ‘committed management’ and the interest of Berbice cricket at heart will be invited.

There will be a total of four categories for the male players and one for those on the distaff side.

Lusignan Golf Club

President Oncar Ramroop said he is confident the local golfers will do well during the two-day event.

Ramroop disclosed that the players are all in top form and should be among the winners in all categories they will compete in.

“I am extremely optimistic that the Guyanese players will perform very well and should be among the winners in all the division they participate in. All of the players are in top form so they are expected to give

Dr Philbert London, Parmanand Persaud, Patanjalee Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar, Patrick Prashad, John Tracy, Kalyan Tiwari and Shanella Webster On their return the local golfers are expected to up their preparations for the annual Guyana Open - the premier golf tournament on the local calendar. (rajivb@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Travis Grant Deon Alfred

Dennis Edwards (left) and Kwame LaFleur

Oncar Ramroop

Troy Cadogan

Brian Hackett

Flashback! The Albion team that won the 10th edition of the tournament

Grissi wins annual Trophy Stall golf tournament

Roberto Grissi played to perfection last Saturday to cop the winner’s tag when the annual Trophy Stall-sponsored tournament was held at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

YWCC names strong squad for DCC clash

The Queenstown based Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will host the Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice, in a friendly T20 game on Saturday under lights.

The match will be sponsored by popular softball player and businessman, Ricky Deonarine of 4R Bearings.

Sukhdeo and attacking wicketkeeper/ batsman Ishwar Singh.

The bowling will be led by pacers Suresh Dhanai and Royden Phil, with support from medium pacer Seon Hetmyer.

He finished 27/63; while Ramroop ended 26/63. Third position went to Richard Haniff 16/65.

Best Gross was Sam Harry 11/67, while Kassim

Grissi and 12-year-old Laksmana Ramroop were in a fierce battle throughout the day, but a better back nine score for Grissi edged him into the winner’s seat.

At the presentation ceremony President of the LGC Oncar Ramroop thanked the Managing Director and Proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich for his continued support of golf locally. Ramroop indicated that

Trophy Stall, a leading supplier of trophies in Guyana, has been involved in sponsorship of sports in all the disciplines in Guyana, and has been supportive of the Lusignan Golf Club in significant ways for over 16 years. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

slingerz, alpha notch 1st win

By TreisTon Joseph

The two pre-tournament favourites in Alpha United and Slingerz FC grabbed their first win of the Stag Elite League on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground when the first half of the third round was played.

Slingerz FC topped Monedderlust FC 3-0 in the opening fixture while Alpha United topped host side GFC 2-0.

Slingerz dominated the game against Monedderlust, using ball possession as well as crisp passing to slow the pace of the game; something Monedderlust is unfamiliar with.

The ability to dictate the speed of the game was critical for Slingerz as they were able to penetrate the defence of Monedderlust.

This was proved with an attack that resulted in a penalty kick that Tichard Joseph easily sunk in the 22nd minute.

Dwayne Jacobs would then find himself with an easy shot on goal after a

cross from the left flank that he buried with ease to increase Slingerz advantage to 2-nil in the 37th minute.

With Monedderlust trying to desperately push the pace, only opened their glaring hole in defence as Vurlon Mills got a break away and finished nicely for Slingerz to basically end the game in the 38th minute as the sides went to the halftime break with Slingerz ahead 3-0.

The remainder of the game was simply back and forth as Slingerz decided to close up shop which has now made them the only team left in the tournament to not concede a goal.

Meanwhile in the feature game of the night, Alpha United also scored their first three points of the League with a win against GFC which now languishes near the bottom of the League table.

Alpha as is usually the case since the League started, struggled with their flow early in the game.

However, once they found their rhythm especially on the offensive side, seemed very dangerous and that was proven when Kithson Bain opened the scoring in the 57th minute to send Alpha ahead.

Dwayne Lawrence

scored nine minutes later in the 66th minute to ensure Alpha’s victory. (josepht@ guyanatimesgy.com)

The last time these two teams met was in the Neal Massy 40-over National final at the National Stadium, with Young Warriors emerging winners.

The East Canje team is boosted by the return of former senior Guyana batsman Gajanand Singh.

He will be supported by arguably the best young batsman in the Caribbean, West Indies Under-19 and senior opener Shimron Hetmyer. Other batsmen of worth is Shimron’s elder brother, Seon, who represented Guyana at the Under-19 level, Maxie DeJonge, Kevin Ramdeen, Linden Austin, Kassim Khan, Waheid Edwards, Sasenarine

The loaded spin attack will be led by Ramdeen, Austin, Khan and Gajanand Singh. While the DCC team is not yet named, West Indies T20 player Christopher Barnwell, senior opener Trevon Griffith and pacer Paul Wintz will be on show.

Young Warriors team reads: Shimron Hetmyer, Maxie DeJonge, Waheid Edwards, Kevin Ramdeen, Gajanand Singh, Seon Hetmyer, Ishwar Singh, Sasenarine Sukdeo, Linden Austin, Kassim Khan, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Mahabir, Alex Algoo, Ameer Khan, Royden Phil and Shan Sattaur.

The Coach is Hubern Evans, while the assistant coach is Kwesi Maltay. The manager is Sahadeo Singh. The game starts at 18:00h. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy. com)

Khan won the Nearest to Pin prize.

From left: LGC Manager Alicia Bess, Sam Harry, Richard Haniff, Laksmana Ramroop, Roberto Grissi and Oncar Ramroop

Dwayne Jacobs Vurlon Mills

Ricky Deonarine Shimron Hetmyer

Simmons suspended as West Indies Coach

Slingerz, Alpha notch 1st win

By TreisTon Joseph

Phil Simmons’s tenure as West Indies coach is now uncertain, only six months after his appointment. (WICB Media photo)

Kithson Bain