Binder1

P2 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

US$5M IDB funding secured for maternal health programmes

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2844

Monday, May 2, 2016

PRICE

Workers reunite in historic May Day parade …moments later trade unionist/politicians clash over workers’ rights Page 12

Unity: Despite heavy downpours, hundreds of workers participated in the Labour Day Rally during which the two main trade union bodies finally put aside their differences and marched together through the streets of Georgetown

Stabroek Square restoration

M&CC dismantles stalls of reluctant vendors

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Gun, ammo P7 found under heap of grass in Alberttown Harmon urges Guyanese in the Diaspora to return P9 home

Region 10 janitorial staff complain of unsatisfactory working P2 conditions ...40 workers will not be eligible for pension – GPSU rep

Parika fuel dealer's murder

Woman in P custody 8

Page 10

– vendors accuse APNU/AFC of abandoning elections promise

Granger blames TVG demands “$121M arrears” “small mindedness” owners be revealed for delay of OIA disappointed renaming –withGouveia choice of words by HOS Page 3

...”loudmouth Vieira in conflict of interest”, financials to be resubmitted

Page 7

Prisoners seated with civilians on Essequibo ferry during escort P9

…passengers uncomfortable with decision

2

news

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Region 10 janitorial staff complain of unsatisfactory working conditions ...40 workers will not be eligible for pension – GPSU rep

R

egion 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Representative Maurice Butters has spoken against what he believes is the unfair treatment meted out to over 40 janitorial ‘open vote’ workers in the Region, who he noted have complained of working under unsatisfactory conditions.

At the helm of the complaints of these workers Butters said, is that when they retire at age 60, they are not eligible to any pension based on the onerous fact that they are employed through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and not the Public Service Commission.

These 40 persons are employed as janitorial staff at various schools.

In an interview with Guyana Times last week, Butters, who also serves as Industrial Relations Officer, said he recently met with the affected workers who were vocal in their concerns.

Butters explained that ‘open vote’ workers are those who upon commencing work are placed on ‘probation’ but after fulfilling the necessary requirements are not made permanent.

GPSU representative Maurice Butters

According to him, upon retirement such employees are only subject to receive gratuity payment, which he noted as “unfair” since there are others, employed through the Public Service Commission who are eligible to receive pension.

Presently he said, there are several ‘open vote’ workers who have been in

the system for over 19 years and are close to retirement but given the circumstances will not receive pension.

According to him the issue has been brought to the attention of both the previous and present Administrations, but the situation has remained the same.

Butters explained that the former government had agreed to have such workers be made permanent, but this never materialised.

“We (GPSU) had a meeting with the present government since last year which also gave us a commitment and we were hoping that by now things would have progressed but there has not been any positive movement. We would like if the process can speed up, since many of these employees are approaching the retirement age. We would like to know that this matter is sorted out so that those people can retire with pension,” the GPSU representative stated.

Butters explained further that these employees are sometimes made to work under substandard conditions and it is time the relevant authorities look into their plight.

US$5M IDB funding secured for maternal health programmes

G

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

uyana has secured a US$5 million grant from the InterAmerican Development (IDB) to execute a series of programmes aimed at strengthening the country’s maternal health and neonatal services.

Health Minister Dr George Norton disclosed during a recent interview with Guyana Times that the plan was already approved and the programmes, which will be executed over a period of five years, will be commencing shortly.

Currently, he explained that while the government has secured funding, they still have to submit a written document of proposed initiatives which will be embarked upon.

Providing a brief insight to some of those areas to be addressed, the minister said the significant factor is to ensure that the maternal and neonatal services offered across the country get up to standard.

“We are dealing with improvement in health indicators, challenges remaining in maternal and neonatal health, access and use of maternal and neonatal health services, we are looking at the quality of reproductive and neonatal health services, and other areas,” he stated.

Earlier in the year, the Health Minister had noted that major emphasis will be placed on maternal health in 2016.

He said making health institutions baby-friendly and training more midwives and other health professionals are aspects of a new outlook for maternal health, given the cases of maternal and infant mortality that were recorded the previous year.

Chief Medical Officer

(CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud also spoke at length about government’s plan to improve the maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the country.

In fact, he admitted that a considerable number of cases of maternal and neonatal deaths were avoidable.

According to Dr Persaud, the situation where infants and mothers have been dying after being treated or having come through labour in perfect health has not gone unnoticed and as such, it is their priority to avert further cases from occurring and restore trust in medical personnel.

He added that much emphasis would be placed on training doctors and nurses on a nationwide level so they are better equipped with the knowledge and skills to care for newborns and mothers.

Further, the ministry will aim to improve the physical condition of all health facilities so deliveries are done in clean and safe surroundings being comfortable for both mothers and newborns during their time at the institution.

This, he said, will go a far way in preventing mothers or newborns from picking up any infection or medical condition as a result of their hospital environment.

At the end of 2015, there had been 17 reported maternal deaths from hospitals across Guyana.

news

3

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 2 – 13:30h-15:00h and Tuesday, May 3 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 2 – 12:45h-14:15h and Tuesday, May 3 – 13:45h-15:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day and into the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 3.12 metres per second and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:33h and 13:01h reaching maximum heights of 2.34 metres and 2.40 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 06:31h and 19:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.88 metres and 0.75 metre respectively.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

01 09 14 19 24 25 25 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Almost all TV operators are delinquent – GNBA Head

C

hairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Leonard Craig has said more than 95 per cent of the holders of Television Broadcast Licences are not fulfilling their legal obligations as is prescribed by the Broadcast Act. Speaking with Guyana Times on Sunday, Craig said very few operators are adhering to the laws, including those governing the payment of the fees.

He explained that TV station operators are required to pay $2.5 million as an annual fee or 3.5 per cent of their gross annual earnings, whichever is greater.

Craig explained that when fees are paid, operators are required to submit an audited annual financial statement, so that the GNBA can determine if the fees paid are the correct amount. He noted, however, that many of the operators are not providing the necessary information.

“Almost all the operators in Guyana are delinquent in one way or the other. Either they have not paid the $2.5 million or they have not submitted their audited financial statement as is required

GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig

by law and not until they would have done so can we determine whether they are compliant or not,” he noted.

When asked who are the delinquent operators, Craig decline to reveal the names, explaining that the Board has taken a decision not to name defaulters or those who are complying, but restated that if there are any who are complying, that number will be every low.

Amnesty vs new rates

Meanwhile, Craig made it clear that the proposed new rates will not be retroactive, and therefore all outstanding amounts will be calculated at the current rate of $2.5 million or 3.5

per cent the gross annual income.

“We are saying that the law that existed up to December 3, 2015, as of that date, those amounts are due as payable so that is the fee we want to sit down with operators and work out a payment plan,” he explained, adding that “up to December 31, 2015 what is due and payable is legally due and payable and we are going after it.”

The GNBA Chairman however noted that the Authority is not going after the outstanding amont with any hard and fast position, but is leaving the door open for negotiation so that a workable payment plan could be derived.

“We want to renegotiate with people and we want to give discounts and so on, but we want people to come and deal with us in a straight manner,” Craig added.

He also explained that the possibility exists that some operators may benefit from “forgiveness” however that will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The GNBA said some $121 million in licensing fees are owed by delinquent operators, dating back as far as 2013.

New fees

Craig, at a recent press conference, said a new fee structure for radio and television licences using a zoning system has been recommended by the GNBA Board.

Reading from a prepared statement, he said that a new commercial zoning system is recommended – namely primary, secondary and tertiary zones, with a special category for community stations.

He said that a new fee of $1.2 million on per annum is proposed for the Primary Zone (Region Four, Georgetown and environs); $600,000 for the Secondary Zone (Berbice, Bartica and Essequibo); $300,000 for the Tertiary Zone (Linden, Lethem, Mabaruma); and Community TV Stations $150,000.

For radio licence fees, for the Primary Zone (Georgetown and environs), the fee recommended is $2.5 million per annum (current rate); Secondary Zone (Berbice, Bartica and Essequibo), $1.25 million; and the Tertiary Zone (Linden), $625,000 while $312,500 is the fee for Community Radio Stations.

TVG demands “$121M arrears” owners be revealed

... "loudmouth Vieira in conflict of interest", financials to be resubmitted

Daily Millions

07 10 12 19

06

LUCKY 3 1

2

2

Draw De Line 01

Broadcast licensing

03 04 09 12

13 19

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

T

he Management of TVG Ch 28 reacted sharply to the statement in other sections of the press attributed to Tony Vieira at a press conference by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) on the status of the broadcasting licence to the corporation.

They said “the loudmouth as usual was just mouthing off” to speak conclusively on a subject he does not have the authority to do so. Claiming that

TVG might not have submitted its financials for 2013 and 2014, Vieira alluded to the owner of the station, Dr Bobby Ramroop, and said crudely, “He ain’t gon see a licence for 2016.”

The Chairman of the GNBA, Leonard Craig, however, subsequently pointed out that the Board had not met to make a decision on its action on TVG. At the Press Conference, the Finance Committee Chairman Vic Insanally revealed that only “three or four” TV broad-

casters had paid their annual $2.5 million annual fees, adding that a total of $121 million was outstanding – some going back to 2013.

In its statement, management of TVG stated emphatically that the corporation was one of the broadcasters that paid their fees on time and it “now calls on Vieira to reveal the names of those who have defaulted to the tune of $121 million and are not threatened with losing their licences.” turn to page 7

Tony Vieira

4

guyana-times.com

monDAY, may 2, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Workers of Guyana, unite!

O

ne of the tragedies of Guyana is even though five of the “six peoples” - the exception being Amerindians - were brought into this country to “work” in most exploitative relationships, a unity of interest to address that relationship has never been achieved.

But if the historical record is examined, one can begin to appreciate the challenges in achieving that goal since the seeds of disunity were sowed from the earliest days.

When Africans were brought in as slaves to work on the Dutch up-river plantations, the ones that escaped into the “bush” were hunted by Amerindians hired by the Dutch planters and paid a bounty. During the Berbice Rebellion of 1763, forces loyal to Cuffy were hunted by Amerindians.

After the fertility of soils of the riverain areas were depleted and the plantations moved to the coastland, that particular competition between the groups receded.

But the Portuguese, West Indian freed Africans, Indians and Chinese, who were brought into the colony of British Guiana as “indentured labourers” after the abolition of slavery, precipitated competition between the working peoples that remain stubbornly entrenched.

The indentureds were explicitly imported by the planters to undercut the bargaining power of the freed African slaves.

The latter were successful in their strike of 1842 and their wages were significantly higher than in the WI islands where there was no alternative to remaining in the plantations.

In Guyana there was comparatively more opportunities.

However, with the introduction of significant numbers of Portuguese (15,747) West Indians (12,898), African freed from slave ships (6,956) and Indians (8,692) the strike of 1847 was broken by individuals the freed slaves had to have seen as “scabs”.

This early resentment against “indentureds” undercutting African bargaining soon became personified in the Indians, who came in a seemingly unending stream until 1917. From 1848, the exodus of the African from the plantations began in earnest and those that remained were mostly skilled workers in the factories.

From a workers’ perspective there was not much competition on the plantations until after Indentureship when Indians began vying for jobs in the sugar factories. The competition became more significant when Indians began moving off the sugar plantations and into the towns.

There they began to compete for positions in the lower echelons of the Civil Service, which had been carved out as a niche for ambitious members of the Coloured and African middle class that had developed. There was also competition from the 1930s onwards as Indians began to enter the professional class. Worker competition unfortunately became coterminous with “ethnic” competition.

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow’s pioneering and historic launching of the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) on the waterfront inspired many Indian workers seeking to better their lot on the sugar plantations. But a concatenation of several political currents caused a joint worker effort at Ruimveldt in 1924, which could have resulted in crossethnic worker solidarity, instead end in separation. While the factory workers were represented by the BGLU, the first sugar union for field workers was the Ayube Edun-led Man Power Citizens Association (MPCA) in 1937.

Dr Cheddi Jagan’s attendance at the 1945 Caribbean Labour Congress in Georgetown, spurred both his political ambition and his desire to help sugar workers.

Practically all political movements in the Caribbean, including Guyana’s, were birthed in the fight for workers’ rights by Trade Unions. Jagan’s Public Affairs Committee (PAC) of 1947 was followed by the GIWU that agitated in the sugar belt and precipitated the Enmore strike where five workers were killed by the colonial police.

In the struggle for Independence, as the politicians from the PPP and the PNC competed for the political prize, they turned the unions into vehicles to support political, and not necessarily workers’ interests.

After 50 years Independence and persistent divisions of the labour unions, all the labour organisations marched under one banner on Labour Day 2016. It is our hope that like all “representative” organisations, they will focus on representing their constituency’s interests.

The manmade waterfall is nested Tiperu, Mazaruni River

May Day 2016: Government’s disinterest in working class

Dear Editor, May Day is a day that workers use for celebration and also to highlight their problems and challenges.

This is the first May Day since the APNU+AFC regime took office and almost a year since they took power. Therefore, there is sufficient time to look at trends and attitudes of the regime to the working people of our country, mainly workers and farmers.

During the 2015 elections campaign, the two parties individually and collectively made big promises to the working people of our country. They promised huge increases in wages and salaries for workers in the public service, in the sugar industry and other places. They also promised huge increase to rice farmers for their paddy.

However, on assuming office, they dispensed with all the commitments they made. The working people are coming under severe pressure and no let-up is seen in the future, but just more pressure.

At the outset, the increase to workers in the public service has been meagre. The five per cent increase given for 2015 was not for the whole year, but only half of it. This robbed the workers of millions of dollars.

For 2016, the increase is also expected to be small since the regime has not announced their intention as to what increase to offer the working class.

Last year, too, they put an end to a policy that the PPP/Civic had in relation to our hard working security forces - one month salary, tax free, was given by

the PPP/C Administration to the police, army, fire, and prison services during the month of December.

These are persons in high-risk jobs and the PPP/C showed its appreciation by allocating this to them during the festive period.

The APNU+AFC regime cut this added bonus for our personnel in the security sector.

This was one of the early signs of their anti-working class attitude. We also saw them reducing other benefits to our working people.

A clear case of this was the withdrawal of the $10,000 granted to each child in the public school system. The regime also performed a three-card trick on our senior citizens.

On the one hand, they gave an increase in old age pension. On the other hand, they removed the subsidies on water and electricity rates, which the PPP/C administration had instituted.

That act has put most of the pensioners in a worst financial position they were in before the increase was granted.

The regime has also dealt some very cruel blows to the sugar workers and rice farmers in our country.

In the rice industry, due to poor diplomacy, they lost an important market for rice exports – the Venezuelan market.

At the same time, they have refused to lift a finger to support that very important sector. There has been no assistance with fertilizers, fuel or negotiation with banks to ease the burdens of the farmers. Instead, the regime has shirked their collective shoulder and stat-

ed that rice is private industry and they cannot interfere.

But that is not all.

They have removed the duty-free concessions on some important machinery, therefore, instead of easing the pressure on the industry, they have added to the burden. The regime has clearly abdicated their responsibility to this group of Guyanese working people.

Their attitude is even worse to workers in the sugar industry. The sugar workers made their target last year, but were paid the lowest in bonus and given no increase in pay. This is shocking and scandalous.

This industry has great potential to once again become one of the most profitable in our country. It needs investment now and would pay great dividends from the medium term.

However, the regime’s clear intention is to shut it down, without proposing an alternative/s. They have already announced the closure of the Wales Estate.

Now suddenly, we are hearing about closing the LBI operation.

There is no doubt that soon other estates will be put on the chopping block.

At the same time the regime is killing all the projects that can create jobs in the sugar industry and the country as a whole.

The most notable in this regard is establishment of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Power Station.

While they have dealt worse than miserly with the working people, we cannot say the same about their attitude to the bureaucratic elite and a section of the

business class, whom they claimed made an investment in their assumption to power.

It is payback time, they are reaping a rich harvest.

Taxes are being piled up on the small huskers, taxi and minibus owners and persons in the security sector, who have to pay hefty sums in licences and fees.

In the meantime, we see how obsessed the regime’s officials are with ceremonies. They are spending millions on a new facility at D’Urban Park, while we already have other facilities like the National Park, and Stadium.

This money could have been better spent on the productive sector rather than “prestige” projects that will earn very little for our country.

The regime has demonstrated their disregard for working people in many more ways touched on above.

The fact that they did not see it fit to have, as part of their governance structure, a Ministry of Labour, speaks volumes of their attitude. Clearly they are saying to labour “you are not important.”

This May Day, workers will surely see the trends, and their conclusion can only be that the APNU+AFC regime is hostile to their interests.

Working people and their organisations must struggle now to stop the slide to dictatorship.

Unite and fight, you have nothing to lose but your claims!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar

guyana-times.com

monDAY, may 2, 2016

5

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

Ramjattan doesn’t know how Are we returning to kick down door banditry? to deal with the crime situation Mr Editor, When I read about bandits invading the Ramada Princess Hotel, I knew immediately that we have crossed the line in the sand in the fight against the criminals.

It is now an established fact that since my fellow Berbician was made Minister of Home Affairs or even dressed it up as Public Security that he confirmed that he ain’t able with the job. Since he became the Security Minister, we have sent the ants to catch the tigers. In every society the freedom of the criminals is a test of its civilisation and clearly Guyana has now returned officials to banana republic status similar to the days of the Roger Khan/ Fine Man reign.

With all these military officers in power wasting tens of millions on salary and travel on themselves, we continue to fail the people on the crime-fighting front.

These military people have no time with the welfare of the people as they empty the Treasury on themselves.

As a Berbician, it pains me to see the Ramjattan administration struggle this much to the point that it

starts to seriously resemble the Rohee administration. I do not want to see him fail but it is clear that Ramjattan is the new Rohee.

I have always been trained to recognise that irrespective of how competent you think you are, honest people know their core competence and never dabble in areas they are not competent.

Khemraj Ramjattan might have made an excellent Attorney General or Minister of Legal Affairs, or even Agriculture or Education but a successful Home Affairs Minister he shall never be.

Today he continues to bring great shame to Berbicians as he looks even more incompetent than Rohee. But he is not a man to his word. Two years ago he said that Rohee must go and Rohee was a failure and he was right. But now given the chance to prove himself, he has now ended up worse than Rohee. Thus the call is only fitting – Ramjattan must go!

Ramjattan has limited training in the art of criminology; zero experience is the trade of crime fighting and thus is poorly qualified

to do this job. This was nothing but a political set up by the PNC to destroy, and destroy him they did.

Today Berbice wants nothing to do with Ramjattan as our people continue to be slaughtered like animals, while he sitting like a fat cat living off the state, driving our prados and living off of our money and he cannot even serve us competently.

When I saw how he begged Minister Harmon to join him at the jail to engage the criminals, I was convinced that Ramjattan is afraid of the criminals.

He might be a good lawyer, a good book boy, a good legal researcher, but what he is not is a street boy and unless you got street sense, you cannot win this war against crime.

Keeping Ramjattan one more day in the Ministry of Public Security will only cause greater harm to this nation and most importantly to himself. Bottom line is Ramjattan ain’t able with this portfolio so why is he fooling himself?

Sincerely, Jai (Harry) Lall, Corentyne

Region 5 Chairman responds to Carol Joseph’s letter Dear Editor, Please grant me a space in your newspaper to respond to a letter published in other sections of the media on April 26 and 27, written by Carol Joseph, Region Five Councillor.

Councillor Joseph stated in her letter that the Regional Chairman disrespected the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana by referring to

him as a “Jackass” at a public meeting held on 5 May, 2016, at Foulis, West Coast Berbice.

I will like to make it very clear that I never attended any public meeting at Foulis, and secondly I did not utter those words.

Those statements by Councillor Joseph are false and totally misleading.

I consider myself a respectful individual and

there is no need for me to disrespect anyone.

This is a blatant attempt by Councillor Joseph to tarnish my character as the Regional Chairman of Region Five and also it’s my belief that she does not want to allow the region to move forward.

Vickchand Ramphal Regional Chairman RDC

Police need database on CG motorcycles use by bandits Dear Editor, Police need to clamp down on the trend of illegal activities being committed by persons who traverse the city and its outskirts on motorcycles and bicycles as a chosen means of escape.

In addition, to the present tint removal by the traffic department which must be applauded, it must also be noted that most crimes are committed with the use of motorcycles. The use of tinted vehicles are also a sign of concern since many now feel it’s a fashion statement to have their vehicle heavily tinted. This type of lawlessness must not be allowed.

Meanwhile, since so many people have been robbed by bandits on CG motorcycles the police should

ensure that they monitor this mode of transport in a database since it’s the number one choice of movement for many bandits during their execution of nefarious activities.

Many of these riders don’t even have legitimate papers for these motorcycles. Imagine there are many persons riding the motorcycle in front of the Traffic Department, Eve Leary, Brickdam Police Station and many other stations without helmets and any fear of recrimination.

Helmet use consistently has been shown to reduce motorcycle crash–related injuries and deaths, and the most effective strategy to increase helmet use is enactment of universal helmet laws. Universal helmet laws

require all motorcyclists to wear helmets whenever they ride.

By preventing motorcyclist deaths and protecting against injuries, helmet use also translates into economic costs saved at public health institutions. Police statistics indicate there have been a high percentage of deaths of motorcyclists and pillion riders who do not use the basic protection of a helmet for their own safety.

Kindly request that authorities compile statistics on the amount of crime being executed by motorcycle bandits, and it would be realized that there is a trend that needs to be stopped; the law must be enforced condignly.

Sincerely, Haleem Khan

Dear Editor, Since the change of Government – from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition – in May last year, there has been a sharp increase in all kinds of crime; particularly robberies, most of it ethnically directed. On a daily basis, since May 2015, there have been media reports of multiple incidents of some of the most heinous crimes (robberies) imaginable in addition to racially directed violence.

Many people have had their homes or businesses invaded during which they were violently attacked (some fatally) and robbed; scores of business people were murdered.

Business persons and ordinary folks have also been routinely robbed as they go about their journeys in the streets shopping and or banking, or on their travels to and from work.

Very little is being done to reduce, much less to end, these racially inspired crimes.

There is no direct evidence linking the coalition APNU/ AFC Government to these notorious criminal acts. But the nature of the types of dastardly crimes committed today bring back memories of what took place under the People’s National Congress (PNC) ethnic dictatorship against Indians during the late 1970s and through the 1980s in what came to be known as “the era of kick down door banditry”.

The PNC dictatorship was implicated in and even accused of, being the chief sponsor of those brutal crimes committed against Indians. Indians felt the dictator Forbes Burnham and one of his lieutenants (who went on to serve as Prime Minister) and other racists introduced the “kick down the door” policy as a means to seize wealth of non-supporters and put fear in Indians, forcing them to migrate”. There was virulent anti-Indianism from the PNC leadership. At a public meeting, Burnham asked PNC supporters: “Comrades, who mined the gold?” The rhetorical response from his supporters was “We do comrade leader”. And Burnham asked: “Who has the gold now, comrades? Who wears the gold and who have the gold in their homes”? He implored: “Take back your gold from them (meaning Indians)”. Kick down door crimes were encouraged and became widespread in Indian communities.

There was the charge that

the kick down the door policy was used to instil fear in Indians, Chinese and whites to force their migration so as to strengthen the PNC’s numerical support. African nationalist Eusi Kwayana as well as other Africans nationalists said the PNC Government did nothing to stop criminals from attacking and robbing Indians in the streets and invading their homes or businesses. Dr Cheddi Jagan and other prominent politicians also accused the PNC Government of being behind the violent kick down door robberies and other atrocities committed on non supporters of the dictatorship.

There were countless reports in the Caribbean Contact newspaper and other regional media on the racist nature of the violent robberies linking the PNC to them. Many of these crimes were committed by members of the House of Israel para military group that was organised by Rabbi Washington (black American fugitive David Hill) and funded by the PNC dictatorship.

People claimed that some criminals in jails were furloughed and instructed to commit crimes against Indians.

The criminals were given arms to commit crimes after which they returned to prison which served as an alibi; they received special privileges in jail and part of the loot.

Roopnarine who campaigned for the AFC in last year’s elections said that several victims of kick down door robberies identified the perpetrators of the crimes in complaints at Police stations, but no one was arrested and no action taken against the bandits.

In several cases, the victims identified criminal elements among the Police and soldiers as the perpetrators of kick down door banditry. Instead of the accused being arrested, the victims were arrested.

The Police often harassed, in-

timidated and beat those (victims and their families) who filed complaints against them.

This discouraged complaints against kick down door banditry.

But the Indian businessmen decided to take action; they came together as a group in late 1980s and decided to approach the Government for relief. A delegation of Indian businessmen met the dictator Desmond Hoyte and appealed to him to put an end to the kick down door policy which was being encouraged and funded by one of his colleagues and nemesis. Hoyte issued a directive to the Police and Army to put an end to kick door policy. Several of the violent bandits were arrested and hanged, which triggered a power struggle between Hoyte and his nemesis, who opposed to Hoyte’s softening attitude towards Indians.

Hoyte ended the kick down door banditry sidelining his nemesis who continued his own anti-Indian policy.

Hoyte lost power in 1992, but his party is back in power.

And kick down door banditry seems to have returned after a break of 25 years. The APNU/ AFC coalition has not taken significant measures to reduce these types of crimes. Is it because it will drive fear among Indians forcing them to migrate and secure elections for the PNC? Will David Granger act like Hoyte and take measures to end the kick down banditry?

Many Indian businesses funded the APNU/AFC with over a billion dollars in the 2015 election campaign. Some of them are now victims of kick down door banditry similar to how they funded Burnham in the 1970s and 1980s. They should form a delegation and meet Granger and demand he put an end to kick down door banditry.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

6

mondAY, may 2, 2016

Page

Foundation

Steps to fit your parenting to your child’s temperament

By Ellen Sturm Niz

A

s a parent, you have a general sense of whether your children are worrywarts or free spirits, but accepting your children for who they are and parenting according to their personalities may make your job raising them both easier and more effective. While it’s important to encourage children to challenge themselves and grow, it’s also important to recognise their individual disposition and not force them to be someone they aren’t.

“Appreciate the temperament and the abilities of your child, because some children’s temperaments are such that they really do require more protection from parents,” D. Sam Goldstein, a Psychologist who specialises in children and co-author of “Raising Resilient Children,” tells Parenting.com. “They’re not ready for more independent activities, and their experience with failure or mistakes tends to be psychologically overwhelming for them.

Other children are ready to handle it. It’s about accepting your children for who they are.”

In his practice, Dr Goldstein works with children and their parents on this issue. “I just finished visiting with a parent whose little girl has significant problems with worry – and worry is a lack of confidence in predicting outcome,” he says. “Since she’s been little, she’s had anxiety – separation anxiety and school attendance anxiety.

Pushing her to engage in those activities without an appreciation of her sensitive temperament puts her in harm.”

While Dr Goldstein is not suggesting the girl should get to stay home from school, he explains that it’s important for her parents to work with her with the understanding that their daughter’s nervous system leads her to conclude that school is dangerous. By doing so, they can better help her deal with her anxiety.

Dr Goldstein believes these four steps can help you better understand your child’s nature, how it affects the way they interact with the world and how you can adjust your parenting to help them be their best selves:

Step 1: Get educated

guyana-times.com

First, you must understand and accept

your child’s disposition and what is reasonable to expect from him.

“You can’t say, ‘Well, I accept that my child has an anxious temperament, but I want him to go out into the playground’ and then get upset if they don’t,” Dr Goldstein says. “You have to say, ‘Yeah. I want him to go out into the playground, but the first thing we’re going to have to do is help them just kind of get away from me a little bit and feel okay about that.’”

To learn what your child’s temperament is and what steps you can take to deal with it, Dr Goldstein suggests reading articles

and experiences the world, you must then manage your feelings and thoughts about it, Dr Goldstein says.

“We all think of ourselves as potentially perfect parents with perfect children,” he says. “Parents have to consider their mindsets about what their child is struggling with.”

Only then can you begin to answer the necessary questions. “[You] have to decide, ‘How am I going to handle this?” Dr Goldstein says. “And, ‘What feelings do I have about my child? What expectations did I have and are my expectations being fulfilled?’”

Step 3: Make appropriate adjustments

Next, you can begin what Dr. Goldstein and psychologists call “environmental management” to address any issues your child has.

“Try and manage the environment in such a way that it gives the child reasonable opportunities to try things, but doesn’t push them so hard that the probability of success decreases,” he says. “Because [if that happens], they never move forward.”

Be mindful that this may be a longterm process. “Some children take a long time to feel comfortable and confident in making mistakes and learning from negative experiences,” he says.

Step 4: Work together as parents

on websites, checking out books, talking to teachers, and visiting psychologists, if necessary – and taking the time to pick up on the cues your child is giving.

“It’s an active process to have to go looking for the information,” he says. “It’s not going to come to your door.”

He also says to remember that every child is different and can’t necessarily be parented the same way with the same results.

Step 2: Measure your mindset

After learning how your child perceives

Like all parenting, both you and your partner have to be on the same page about your child and your parenting techniques.

“Parents have to collaborate, and temperament is one of those big-ticket items that parents end up not being on the same page about, with one parent thinking the child is manipulating and the other parent seeing the child is really having a challenge,” Dr Goldstein says. “Mom will say, ‘She’s really nervous about this,’ but dad will say, ‘Well, you’re too easy. You let her be nervous. You got to push her out there.’”

Only when both of you come to an agreement about your child’s temperament – and the chosen ways to encourage the child – can you raise that child to be her best self. (parenting.com)

Is your kid ready for a best friend?

– There are pros and cons to having a best buddy. Help your child navigate the relationship

By Rachel Rabkin

W

hen my daughter started first grade last year, she brought home drawings of her classmates with one labelled her “BFF.” I had no idea if Lena knew that it means “best friend forever,” but it was obvious that the term was being used at school. I wanted my daughter to have good friends, but I was concerned about the exclusivity and pressure that came with that title. “The myth of the BFF is that you should do everything together, you won’t have any conflicts with each other, and you’ll stay friends forever,” says Simone Marean, Executive Director of Girls Leadership, a national educational non-profit. “But that’s unrealistic.”

Whether your child has a BFF, wants one, or isn’t yet clued in to the concept, these tips will help you teach her what true friendship entails.

Think of “best” as a behaviour, not a label

“Friendships at this age are crucial to connectedness and happiness, but the downside of the best-friend la-

bel is it implies a ranking,” says Deborah Gilboa, MD, Assistant Professor of family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and founder of AskDoctorG. com. If your child mentions best friends, take the opportunity to talk about how he should be the best friend he can be as opposed to focusing on which friends he likes best. “This is a chance for you to explain the role of a friend.”

For instance, good buddies have fun together, respect each other’s feelings, and try not to be mean. Help your child understand that even if he calls someone his BFF, he doesn’t always have to agree with that friend, accept unkind behaviour, or play only with him.

Give your child space to experiment

The skills your child develops now will help her navigate relationships later in life. “Close friendships are a wonderful emotional resource for children because they provide a sense of security, teach empathy, and offer a chance to learn conflict resolution,” says Parents advisor Wendy Mogel, PhD, a psychologist and author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee.

Rather than meddle in your child’s social life, give her the freedom to figure out how to handle some of the ups and downs of relationships alone.

Remember that early relationships change as children grow, switch classrooms, or move to another town, says Dr Mogel.

Be prepared for bad breakups

If your child gets “dumped” by a friend, allow him to grieve. If he wants guidance, help brainstorm ways to handle the situation, suggests Marean. Out of anger, your son may say, “I want to tell him I hate him.”

Don’t instantly discard a bad idea. Act it out to show your son how the other boy might react. He’ll see that some ideas can yield better results than others. You’ll teach him to shift his focus from “What do I want to do?” to “What is the result I want?” Suggest he set small goals to help him move on, like inviting another friend over or sitting with a different classmate at lunch.

It may also help to let him know you had friendships that didn’t last, and that with time, he too will make new friends. (parents.com)

news

7

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Granger blames “small Bartica Deputy Mayor bashes GTT for poor service to community mindedness” for delay D of OIA renaming – Gouveia disappointed with choice of words by HOS

Ogle International Airport

P

President David Granger

resident David Granger in his weekly television programme “Public Interest” has slammed aircraft operators for the delay in renaming the Ogle International Airport (OIA), describing the behaviour of those operators as “small minded”.

A few months ago, the president suggested the idea of renaming the airport as Eugene Correia International Airport but this did not go down well with some of the private aircraft owners who objected to the proposal.

These include Air Services Limited, and Roraima Airways, who were more concerned with mending some of the issues plaguing the airport and to holistically develop Guyana’s aviation sector.

At that time, President of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) Annette Arjoon had stated that despite tremendous contributions to Guyana’s growth over the years, the aviation sector has not seen the develop-

ment and representation that it needs to propel it forward.

Correia Group of Companies is not a member NATA but according to Vice President Gerry Gouveia this was due to the fact that the group was “refused” a meeting with Michael Correria regarding the issues affecting operators at the Airport.

However, the Head of State made the proposal on the basis that Eugene Correia would have contributed enormously to Guyana while he was alive.

Although dead more than 50 year ago, his career was described as stellar since he was minister of communications responsible for aviation, a pilot, and also the recipient of a national award.

“There is no doubt in my mine he is a deserving person after whom the airport should be named…

Controversy arose not because of the character of Mr Corriea but because of the small mindedness of some persons who know nothing of Correia or what he has done for this country and that is very disturbing,” the president remarked.

He added that he is very disappointed at a personal level at the malicious behaviour of those persons claiming that anyone who knows Correia would agree is the best name to use as consideration to rename the airport.

However, the president noted that after he proposed the name change, he listened to the criticisms and would have met with

T

Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud

ficial from the GTT service has ever come to aid our situation.” Frustrated, Persaud lamented that when the residential lines are out of service or there is an issue, persons have to wait several months to have it rectified.

“It is time we receive better treatment from this company.

I have applied for a phone line

two years ago for a business and up to this day I have never received any word about when the service will be available to me,” Persaud lamented.

Meanwhile, a resident Elizabeth Moonsammy had told this newspaper that if a resident wants telephone or DSL Internet service that person had to travel to the city to apply.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford in earlier reports had attested to the residents plight of phone service and made similar calls for better service to be provided.

“As Regional Chairman we do crave in Bartica for the upping of standard by all service providers. As it comes to the internet, indeed it is very slow and difficult at times.

Sometimes you try to send an email and it’s so difficult because you have to wait 10-15 minutes before a simple email can go through,” he had explained.

TVG demands “$121M arrears...

Gerry Gouveia

a few people who objected. “As I said, I continue to be disappointed that they would put personality before nationality… it is my view that is a national interest that the airport is being named after a son of the soil who has done a lot”.

However, the recent comments by the president have prompted a reaction from executive director of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouviea, who took to his Facebook page to express views on the issue.

“The President is insulting the intelligence of the Majority of the Aircraft operators. I am baffled by his insistence and determination to rename the airport against the wishes of the majority,” the businessman stated.

He went on to say it is obvious the President is oblivious to the enormous advantages and value of branding in the world of business. He also vented concerns with the words “small mindedness” used by the president during his television programme.

Gun, ammo found under heap of grass in Alberttown he Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of a pistol and several matching rounds of ammunition at a vacant plot of land at Alberttown, Georgetown on Sunday morning.

According to information received,

eputy Mayor of Bartica Kamal Persaud is demanding Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) erect a local office in Bartica and provide satisfactory service to the community.

In an interview with the media on Sunday, Persuad disclosed that residents in the community have always had problems with GTT’s landline, internet and cellular services.

“There is no GTT office located in Bartica to report the many phone issues Barticians are faced with, and yet still when we call to report these issues you have to hold 30 minutes before you can speak with a representative,” the deputy mayor said.

Persaud disclosed that, “residents are often users of the internet service at their homes but it is hardly ever working. All of these issues have been reported but no of-

Police acting on information went to the vacant lot where a .32 Walter Pistol and 23 rounds of matching ammunition were discovered under a heap of grass.

No one was arrested and the Police are continuing their investigations.

The company revealed that financials were previously submitted to the GNBA and they would be resubmitting them to their new location. These were requested to determine whether the licence fee should be three per cent of the revenues, if that amount exceeds $2.5 million, which they did not. The management of TVG also demanded that Vieira reveal whether

the delinquent $121 million broadcasters had submitted their financials.

They noted “we read that an amnesty will be declared for defaulters and once again defaulters will be rewarded, therefore providing a perverse incentive for companies not to perform in accordance to the law.”

The company stated that Vieira was not only speaking

from page 3

out of turn, but had a clear conflict of interest that disqualified him from pronouncing on the status of TVG. He once owned the station which he sold to Dr Ramroop and has an outstanding matter before the courts pursuant to that sale. Vieira operated an illegal radio station, the assets of which were seized by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).

8 news

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Parika fuel dealer's murder

Woman in custody Eyew tness Ungrateful...

T ...to the Police?

The area where the man was shot

Dead: Seeram Singh

H

The businessman’s house

ours after Seeram Singh, 52, of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, was shot and stabbed to death, police have arrested a woman, closely associated with the businessman.

Alesia Singh, daughter of the dead man told Guyana Times that the woman is known to her father but she knows lit-

tle about her. “They use to talk and so but I ain’t sure if they had anything going on,” the daughter said.

Guyana Times was told the fuel dealer was stabbed at least three times to his abdomen and shot twice – to his right ear and hip. From all indications the man was shot at close range.

The incident took place on Saturday night at about

21:00h a short distance from his home.

When Guyana Times visited the grieving family on Sunday, the daughter explained that she was at home when she heard the sound of a gunshot and immediately rushed out to enquire but by the time she reached to the gate, a family friend informed her that her father was shot and

was lying on the road.

“I run out of the gate and started to scream and end up toppling over meh father… I fall on he... When I look, blood was coming out of from his head and he belly… I de done know he dead because he was not breathing,” the daughter said.

Nevertheless, a taxi was summoned and the businessman taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The daughter went on to say her father was shot nearby a drinking spot but no one saw who committed the act.

Reports are that the man was on his mobile phone a short distance from his house when he was attacked and stabbed. In an attempt to alert people drinking at the shop, he ran a short distance but the bandit gave chase and caught up with him. It was then he was shot.

At the time he was wearing three gold chains, two hand bands and three finger rings. After the shooting, the lone gunman snatched the three chains and made good his escape.

The daughter stated her father would always wear “heavy jewellery.”

The dead man she noted, operated his own fuel boats and supplied fuel to mining areas along the Mazaruni/ Cuyuni area. He had been plying the trade for quite some time.

The young lady noted that while they are still trying to overcome the death of their mother who died some three years ago, her father’s murder is a heavy blow to the family.

Her brother is handicapped and they are worried that if he finds out about his father’s death he definitely will not take it lightly. “With all that is going on at home, we can’t let he know so I ask a friend to come collect he and keep he until things settle,” the grieving daughter lamented.

The businessman leaves to mourn four daughters and one son.

The police are continuing their investigations.

he Police Association (PA) - claiming to represent the largest number of police ranks and officers says the Berbice Chambers of Commerce (BCC) are “ungrateful”.

The BCC had criticised Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan on several fronts including refusing to meet them because he was “too busy” with Jubilee preparations. The BCC’s overall concern was the crimewave in Berbice.

The Police Association believes the BCC are “ungrateful” to them and Minister Ramjattan. Now both the Association and Minister are paid from the public purse - into which Berbice puts a whole lot more money than is spent back in their Ancient County. So if anyone should be grateful it’d be the Policemen and the Minister, nuh?

But it’s clear the Policemen don’t think paying taxes to pay their wages is sufficient to earn their goodwill.

They harrumphed, “over the last five years” unlike other groups in other parts of the country, the BCC haven’t been coughing up for projects organised by the police.

Maybe like Police BBQ’s? Well now we know what it takes for the Police not to call you “ungrateful”!!

Ramjattan had also consistently berated policemen for using “too much violence” and the BCC suggested he might’ve sent the wrong signal to bandits. Not so!! We now have a kinder gentler force! As for being “ungrateful” to Minister Ramjattan, the PA compared the situation in 2014 when a LAPOP poll showed the police force was “the least trusted organisation in Guyana”. “Today”, the PA trumpeted, “this has all changed in a very positive way and certainly Minister Khemraj Ramjattan’s initiatives have contributed significantly to this current development.”

Can you believe this? The Police are supposed to have their ears to the ground and know what’s going on in society, and THIS is what they hear? That the Police is NOT the “least trusted organisation” any longer? So who’s replaced them? The government? This is what the vaunted “intelligence led policing” produced? No wonder bandits launch attacks on businesses next to police stations - like the invasions of Sterling Products and Ramada next to Providence Station! Some intelligence!

And what exactly are these “initiatives” of Ramjattan that produced a “turnaround” in the fight against crime? The 2:am curfew? Maybe if the curfew wasn’t on, the “insider” wouldn’t have told the bandits that the attack would be best after that time - since the Casino wouldn’t have too many patrons then. The “dog and pony” unit? We’re still waiting.

And whatever happened to “Operation Dragnet” incidentally introduced by President Granger and not Ramjattan? Wasn’t this supposed to eliminate both “internal and external threats”?

Maybe Ramjattan can induce “Operation Castnet”??

...to sugar workers

Unlike what we hear about elephants, most people have short memories. Take this PNC-led government of which President Granger’s leader, as he reminded the nation at the party’s annual meet last week. Back in the seventies they imposed a levy on every ton of sugar shipped out of this country and in this way, drained billions of dollars from the industry. That could’ve gone into refurbishing the already old factories and such like.

Rather, the money was frittered away on Hydro in Mazaruni, glass factory, bicycle factory, etc. All of which never saw the light of day. So now sugar’s fallen on hard times, all the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition can do is to tell sugar workers “tough luck”!! On its closure of Wales it couldn’t refurbish for $1.7 billion and save 1700 jobs but could write off $3 billion taxes for a company that uses sugar’s by-product, molasses.

Isn’t it ingratitude when the goose that laid the golden egg doesn’t get sauce like the gander?

...to Prison CoI

Trying to speed up the Prison CoI, its Chairman caused Lawyer Lalloo to storm out when his speeches were cut short. And still Pressie’s impatient!

The old song says, “If you can’t please everyone, you might as well please yourself”!

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

news

9

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Prisoners seated with Harmon urges Guyanese in civilians on Essequibo the Diaspora to return home S ferry during escort …passengers uncomfortable with decision

A prisoner (in grey vest) chatting with a civilian on the ferry

S

ome passengers traveling with the Essequibo ferry service feel threatened by the decision of the Guyana Prison Service and Guyana Police Force to have prisoners sit with civilians when being transported to and from court in Region Two. On Friday last prisoners were placed in seats with civilians. Passengers related that the prisoners entered the boat with cuffs on their feet and were placed to sit next to civilians.

This caused much concern among some passengers, who told this publication they saw this move as a “security risk”.

Prisoners making conversation with passengers

During interviews with this newspaper, some passengers suggested that a section on the ferry be reserved for the prisoners when they are being transported to and from court for trials. They have even suggested that Prison Service provide special vehicles – police or river taxis – to transport prisoners, or even have that area barred off.

Divisional Commander for Region Two and Essequibo Islands, Kevin Adonis when contracted said there is no “lockup cell” in the boat to keep prisoners, as such they have to be placed with civilians. He however sought

to assure that prisoners are usually escorted by armed policemen, and that civilians should be wise not to sit next to prisoners.

When contacted a supervisor of Transport and Harbours Department explained that prisoners could be placed upstairs of the ferry, away from civilians.

Asked whether this proposal was ever done by the Guyana Prison Service, the supervisor said “no.”

Passengers have since suggested that prisoners should be placed away from passengers for security reasons and the matter should be dealt with in a responsible manner.

tate Minister Joseph Harmon has once again sounded a call for Guyanese in the diaspora to return home to play a major part in the development of the country.

He was at the time delivering the feature address to a large gathering on Saturday at the Signature Grand in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during Guyana’s 50th Independence Gala.

In talking up the pomp and ceremony expected for the mega celebrations, Harmon urged those in the diaspora to return home to take part in the festivities and contribute to the country’s development under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) rule.

According to a statement from his office, the Independence Gala was hosted by the South Florida Guyanese Association Inc in collaboration with Joy Agness Events & Guyana Sports Development Association Inc where a number of prominent Guyanese who have made significant contributions to development here were honoured, including Fashion Designer Sonia Noel, Captain Gerald Gouveia, and Larry London.

Meanwhile, President and CEO of Joy Agness Events Joy Agness said she is excited to be a part of Guyana’s celebrations.

She pointed out that, “A Golden Jubilee

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

is a momentous occasion. I am filled with immense pride to see the intense enthusiasm of Guyanese in the diaspora in celebrating our 50th Independence not only in Florida but the entire USA and Canada…”

Minister Harmon says he was extremely impressed by the work of the organisers as he recognised that Guyana is still very close to their hearts.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 2, 2016

News

Stabroek Square restoration

M&CC dismantles stalls of reluctant vendors – vendors accuse APNU/AFC of abandoning elections promise

D

The cleared Stabroek Market Square

espite opposition from vendors, who ply their trade in the historic Stabroek Market Square, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Sunday morning moved in and dismantled some 130 stalls, some of which were at that location for almost 30 years.

The council had informed

the vendors last week that they would be required to move and even set up a “temporary” location south of Parliament Buildings on Hadfield Street.

The council said this move is part of its efforts to “clean up” the area and restore it to its former glory.

Some vendors reluctant-

ly moved their merchandises prior to the exercise, while a few refused to move, expressing concerns about the new location at which they are being placed.

They are of the view the new vending area will not attract much business.

Some vendors expressed the concern that govern-

M&CC workers cleaning the area on Sunday

An M&CC worker packing debris into a truck on Sunday

The area where vendors were relocated

ment has taken this decision as it seeks to “nice up” the city for foreigners, but totally ignoring the plight of Guyanese who ply their trade outside Stabroek Market, many of them being single-parents.

Many vendors accused government of only enticing them to vote for the coalition, and now they are casting them away and seeking to satisfy the desires of foreigners who were not here to vote for the coalition at elections.

One vendor accused the coalition of duping them with pre-election promises and now that they have won, those promises are abandoned.

However, City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green shrugged off the vendors’ claims that the administration is backpedalling on its campaign promises and stated that, while they may have voted for the coalition, there must be order.

Meanwhile, ChaseGreen made it clear that outside the market can no longer accommodate the vendors and held strong to her position that the area must be restored, noting that the area “looks like a shanty town”,.

“Our market has its history and the building opposite the market has its history.

And so we have got to maintain our heritage. We have

just cleared a part and you are able to view the beauty of the market,” she said.

She said for years the area has been an eyesore to many locals and foreigners, while persons were being robbed in that area, which was extremely congested.

The M&CC is planning to allow some vendors to return to the area, while others may have to stay away permanently.

But, the process through which the vendors will be selected to return is yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times visited the new location on Sunday afternoon the area was unoccupied by vendors.

monDay, may 2, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

Dr Collins to mentor Guyana’s Caribbean Youth Ambassadors

PANCAP’s Youth Advisor Dr Collins with Guyana’s Caribbean Youth Ambassadors

R

enowned Guyanese Leader Dr Astell Collins was recently appointed Youth Advisor for the Pan Caribbean Partnership (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, making him the focal point for youth throughout the Caribbean.

PANCAP encompasses the fight against HIV and AIDS, and it is a partnership of national, regional and international state and non-state actors, which was established on 14 February, 2001 to respond to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean.

In his capacity both as Global Representative and Youth Advisor, Collins believes it gives him greater access to the Caribbean

community to promote the principle and concept of UBUNTU, which he learnt while living in South Africa.

He said it is simply to promote the Spirit of Humanity.

He also believes Guyana can become a model nation to the rest of the Caribbean and even the world as a nation of peaceful co-existence among an ethnically diverse citizenry.

Dr Collins continues to honour the legacy of his mentor the late Dr Myles Munroe with every seminar.

Moreover, with his vast experience in advocacy for human rights and equality, he will be engaging with Guyana’s newly appointed Caribbean Youth

Ambassadors, namely Jewel Collier-Swan and Adrian Alfred.

Collins is committed to working with the entire Caribbean Youth Ambassadors Corps and a number of plans are already in the works for various training and developmental sessions.

Moreover, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Youth Ambassador Programme (CYAP) is the mechanism established by the Community to facilitate youth participation and partnership in the regional integration process and in national and regional development.

The Programme is coordinated by the Caricom Secretariat; facilitated at the national level by depart-

ments responsible for Youth Affairs; and implemented through multiple networking and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including private and public sector agencies, national youth councils/organisations, retired Caricom youth ambassadors and international development partners.

The Secretariat, with support from development partners, equip CYAs with appropriate information, knowledge, skills, attitudes and resources, and provides spaces and opportunities for them to participate in decision-making and programme/policy development at the regional level.

Caricom Youth Ambassadors are young Caribbean nationals man-

dated by Caricom Heads of Governments to advocate for and educate young people about regional priorities such as HIV and AIDS and the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

They perform a dual role, addressing youth issues at the national level within a regional strategic framework, as well as bringing national issues to the attention of the Region’s policy-makers and planners.

Dr Collins is a humanitarian who cares deeply for all and in his capacity of chairman of Habitat board of directors, his first initiative known as Fifty for the 50th Project was established to ensure that Habitat for Humanity Guyana Inc was positioned in such a way to

create a platform to promote national unity, social cohesion and also the spirit of humanity.

The idea is to have those who can afford to give to the less fortunate which ensures we become our brother’s keepers, He said what better way for us to celebrate our 50th Independence anniversary but by looking out for those in need.

With this initiative, Collins wants special attention to be focused on singleparents especially mothers, the elderly population, and the differently-abled.

He is passionate about expressing compassion to the differently-abled and has worked with a number of institutions that offer services to this group.

12 news

monDay, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Workers reunite in historic May Day parade …moments later trade unionist/politicians clash over workers’ rights

GAWU workers marching on Sunday

GTU members along the parade route

Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers at the parade

United workers marching to the National Park

By Devina Samaroo

H

eavy downpours on an early Sunday morning did nothing to stop scores of work-

ers from leaving the comfort of their homes to participate in the historic Labour Day Rally, during which the two main trade union bodies finally put aside their differ-

ences and gyrated in one accord through the streets of Georgetown to soca and chutney tunes – a Guyanese pastime.

Unity messages were

aplenty, with trade union leaders echoing all too familiar sentiments: the need to combine forces and use one resounding voice to call attention to the desperate need for better recognition, value and honour for the working class people in society.

Decked in red, with umbrellas in hand and colourful banners held high, hundreds of workers gathered at Parade Ground where the march commenced, before making their way onto Main Street then onto the Avenue of the Republic, straight into D’urban Street and then all the way to the National Park for the unity rally, where Government Ministers and representatives of the parliamentary Opposition were also present.

Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of both the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) told Guyana Times that it is quite satisfying that there is at last unity among the trade unions.

“This is what we were fighting for all the time. We always knew that the workers of the country were never disunited, there was disunity among the labour leaders… Now the two labour organisations can meet and discuss matters of interest to the entire nation,” he stated.

Guyana Labour Union (GLU) President Carvil Duncan, whose long serving position has disgruntled some workers, expressed hope of seeing a united movement going forward in addressing workers’ issues and upholding workers’

rights.

“It is a wonderful thing and the beginning of unity in the trade union movement and I hope that we can use this May Day celebration when we come together as a catalyst to move forward so we can unite in everything. I want to see a united movement where we can have issues affecting the workers discussed, for example, the teachers have an issue; the mining workers have an issue; the public service has an issue, where they have not gotten an increase in salary yet; those things will be echoed at today’s rally but that is not enough, we need to get together and unite our forces to ensure that we achieve something for our workers,” he stated.

Long standing President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Patrick Yarde noted that Labour Day is an exceptionably important day in the life of any conscientious worker.

“Labour Day should be a kind of beacon for solidarity of our working people. It is a day when they should all forget differences and strive for the alternative which is unity among working people. Today is also a day when we reflect on the challenges ahead and there are many challenges ahead and we have got to find ways of overcoming them. We believe power resides in the people and the majority of people are workers and therefore the only thing preventing us from ceasing control of our destiny is disunity, which we must correct,” he stated.

Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) President Mark Lytle boasted of his organisation’s contingent being the larg-

est participants in the road march, however, he lamented that despite this fact, teachers are still not being given the priority they deserve.

“We’ve always been a Union that celebrates Labour Day but we are of course disappointed that many of the issues we’ve had haven’t been resolved, but we are confident that with a showing like this today, it will also indicate to our employers and Government that you will have to address our issues,” he posited.

Additionally, a representative of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union who identified herself as Cathy Fowler emphasised that while Guyana has come a long way in the trade union movement, not much is being done to honour the achievements which Nathaniel Hubert Critchlow fought for.

“Today is a day where workers look forward for unity. We want strength, we want togetherness as workers, we want to know that as workers, we can achieve.

In my view, we are only receiving a portion of what Critchlow has done for us because there are so many indifferences going on and I am really disturbed over it,” she expressed.

Particularly, the worker noted that workers’ rights are still being flouted by management – a practice she urged to reach an immediate halt.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Junior Social Protection Minister with responsibility for labour Keith Scott, along with other Government members participated in the parade.

News

13

monDay, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Workers enraged by Govt’s treatment – Rohee

Labour Day 2016

Trade unionists/Govt clash over workers’ rights A

General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress Lincoln Lewis

T

rade unionists and the government on Sunday clashed during the observation of Labour Day 2016 at the National Park, when union representatives took to the stage and expressed dissatisfaction over salary increases and collective bargaining in Guyana..

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand in his address stated that trade unions have the expectation of being consulted and involved in matters of national importance and the development of the country.

He went on to raise several issues facing the workforce which government is yet to address, including that of collective bargaining for wage increases: “We are occupied with several matters, of which impact the working rights of workers and the rights of working people.

Collective Bargaining, on this Workers’ Day, we must again emphasise our displeasure at the disrespect showed to collective bargaining which was

(GTUC) Lincoln Lewis reiterated that the labour movement has the responsibility to protect the gains workers have acquired over the years.

He reflected on efforts of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

the labour movement, further adding that, “efforts are intensifying in treating us with contempt and wanting to put us on the fringe of the

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union President Komal Chand

denied to GAWU last year 2015. Shame! GuySuCo, a few weeks ago, unilaterally and bluntly told the union that at no time it would offer an increase to 2015. The government promise of collective bargaining with unions and the Public Service has almost for one year not been fulfilled,” he stated.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress

frage and self-government, these efforts were informed by the principle of the right to self-determination and representative leadership.

Representative leadership means that when one is elected by the people, he or she is in service to the people.”

Lewis stated that thus far, the coalition government has failed to carry out this responsibility, as they have increased their salary by 50 per cent while public servants are still awaiting the bargaining process for their increase.

“While this government has been elected to do better than its predecessors, it is expected that the business of the state would be conducted within the confines of the Guyana Constitution. The right to collective bargaining is protected in Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution; it must be respected like all rights. The government is calling to commence negotiation on wages and sala-

society”. He opined that in both government and trade unions, elected leaders must be held accountable, adding that both government and opposition have to perform as they are paid by taxpayers’ monies.

He stated that it is their responsibility to move the country forward and serve peoples’ interests: “When the movement saw the need to fight for universal adult suf-

ries for the Guyana Public Service Union. This negotiation has nothing to do with the work of the Public Service Commission,” he stated, adding that trade unions have a right to meet and negotiate with the relevant government bodies.

However, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo challenged Lewis claims that government has failed to serve the people: “When I heard my good brother and friend Lincoln Lewis speaking, I know he had been doing that speech for the past 20 years, perhaps not realising that the game has changed… so he found everything under the sun for which he could criticise and indict this 11-monthold coalition.”

The Prime Minister stated that instead of a one-off increase, the government is seeking to come to a long range arrangement that goes beyond wages and salaries: “We hear here this recitation of collective bargaining, collective bargaining, collective bargaining from those who presided over the funeral of collective bargaining. We must have an arrangement that not only deals with salaries and wages but we must return to merit awards.

midst heckling and booing during his address at the Labour Day celebrations on Sunday, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee expressed dissatisfaction at the treatment being meted out to Guyanese workers by government, saying Guyanese are embarrassed.

Rohee stated that despite the many promises made by government before, and even after taking office, Guyanese are yet to see them being implemented.

“Our country seems to be at the cross-roads,” he told the hundreds of workers gathered at the National Park, adding that development has been at a standstill.

“In the meantime, the working people wait in vain for the good life in the promised land whether these will be fulfilled in heaven or on earth. The country’s economy is at a tailspin. Foreign direct investments have dried up, exports are plummeting, and jobs for young people have become extremely difficult to come by.

Guyanese are demanding good governance. They are embarrassed and enraged at the treatment being meted out to them… and treatment by whom? Treatment by the Government of Guyana,” he declared.

He related that on the occasion of Labour Day 2016, he has reflected on how far Guyana has come in terms of development. However, it is a somewhat mute celebration since recently a number of troubling developments have arisen: “We are pleased to celebrate with Guyanese and all working people the holiday of workers. The

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Clement Rohee

Parliamentary Opposition participates in this May Day parade with mixed feelings.

On one hand, we are pleased to be in the midst of the Guyanese working people. Our party representing the parliamentary Opposition does all for the rights of the working people. We have travelled a long way since then, the distance we have travelled is the same distance the nation has travelled. Our past, present and future is inexplicably bound up with the Guyanese working people.

On the other hand, we

participate in May Day 2016 at a time when the working people - be they in the service sector or productive sector - are confronted with so many troubles, so many worries and distresses, that they are finding it difficult to make ends meet. ‘Woe be unto us’ is the cry from many corners of Guyana.

Working families and single-parents have fallen on hard times, they are actually crying out for help.”

He urged government to deliver on its manifesto promises of increased salaries for government workers, especially to teachers, nurses and members of the disciplined services, as they are a vital part of the Guyanese work force.

He also reminded workers of the plight faced by the sugar workers of Wales and LBI Sugar estates which are scheduled to cease operations.

“Reverse the decisions to close Wales and LBI estates and enter immediate negotiations with GAWU [Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union] and its workers,” he urged, adding that it is vital that the economy be restored and revived.

14

guyana-times.com

MonDay, may 2, 2016

Regional

Rousseff says opponents Trinidadian suspect to appear plotting to water down in court for raping J'can woman Brazil labour laws

B

razilian President Dilma Rousseff on Sunday accused her opponents of plotting to water down existing labour legislation and cutting social stipends for the poor if Congress puts her on trial for allegedly breaching budget rules.

Rousseff, speaking at a Labour Day rally in São Paulo, said her ouster from office would open room for a dismantling of labour rules that have protected millions of workers in Latin America's largest economy.

In her speech, she did not name the opponents she was referring to.

A Senate committee is currently discussing wheth-

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff reacts as she attends a ceremony marking the extension of the ProgramaMais Medicos (Programme More Doctors), at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil April 29

er a request by the lower house to initiate proceedings to impeach Rousseff are valid and should go to a plenary vote. Recent polls showed that senators would back putting Rousseff on trial for using state banks to fund Government programmes – an offense that violates the country's fiscal responsibility law.

Apart from watering down the labour code, she said her ouster would weaken social programmes that have kept her Workers Party in power since 2003. Efforts to help local manufacturers actively participate in a massive offshore oil exploration plan could suffer too, she noted.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Scotiabank T&T on board Rio 2016 Olympics

S

cotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation recently invested TT$100,000 to officially partner with the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) with Rio 2016 Olympics just around the corner.

A cheque presentation recently took place between the two bodies as Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation extended their association with

the TTOC. Since 2010, the Scotiabank Foundation has partnered with the TTOC, contributing to the administration of various programmes.

Part of the proceeds given to the TTOC by the foundation will go towards sponsoring the annual Olympic Youth Camp. The Olympic Youth Camp targets national junior athletes with the aim of preserving Trinidad

and Tobago’s sporting and Olympic culture and helping create a brighter future for these young athletes.

Scotiabank continues to invest in the development of the nation’s youths and recently pumped a significant amount of money into the annual Kiddy Cricket programme, which has been a tremendous success for over a decade, producing future West Indies stars. (Trinidad

Guardian)

New principal for UWI St Augustine Campus

P

rofessor Brian Copeland has been named as the new principal of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI). His announcement was made at the end of the Conference of the University Council meeting on Friday night.

Copeland, who replaces the Guyanese born Professor Clement Sankat who is retirning, takes up his new appointment in October.

The coordinator of the Real Time Systems Group, his research interests are in the areas of Digital Electronics, Controls and Steel Pan technology. Professor Copeland, who has served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering since 2007, joined the Department in 1981.

According to a statement on the UWI website, the highlights of his distinguished professional career include being a joint recipient, along with the G-Pan team, of a Chaconia Medal Gold, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national awards.

In 2011, former attorney

A

man held and charged in connection with the rape of a Jamaican woman in Chaguanas, Trinidad, is scheduled to appear in court today.

The Police report that

general Anand Ramlogan had alleged that Copeland’s firm, Panadigm Innovations Limited, was making and selling special steelpans to which the Government owns the patent. Ramlogan later said that the lawsuit would be withdrawn, as the parties had agreed to a settlement.

Under the terms of the mediation agreement, the

ownership of the pan will be vested in the University of the West Indies, the regional university. The UWI is to set up a private company to exploit the patent in order to make profits. The State will be entitled to one third of the profits, with UWI enjoying one third and Copeland enjoying the remainder.

(Antigua Observer)

a man as she arrived at her home in Orchard Gardens, Chaguanas. The man reportedly placed a knife to her throat and demanded that she hand over her belongings.

(Jamaica Observer)

Puerto Rico declares moratorium on Government Development Bank's debt

P

uerto Rico's governor on Sunday declared a moratorium on a US$422 million debt payment due Monday by the island's Government Development Bank, the most significant default yet for the US territory facing a massive economic crisis.

Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla said in a televised speech that he signed the moratorium on Saturday in what he characterised as a "painful decision" based on inaction from the US Congress, which continues to debate a legislative fix for Puerto Rico's US$70 billion debt load.

Garcia Padilla, addressing Puerto Rico's 3.5 million people in Spanish, said the island's American citizens had sacrificed much for the nation throughout history and asked Congress on many occasions for tools to restructure its financial liabilities.

"We do not want a bailout. We haven’t asked for a

The Government Development Bank (GDB) is seen in San Juan, November 30, 2015

bailout. We haven’t been offered a bailout," he said as the US territory's economic crisis enters its most dire stretch yet.

Puerto Rico, a tropical paradise in economic purgatory, faces a US$70 billion debt bill it knows it cannot pay, a staggering 45 per cent poverty rate and a shrinking

population as citizens flee to the mainland. The legality of this move to invoke the moratorium, which effectively means defaulting on the debt, is almost certain to be challenged by the GDB's creditors, and could spawn costly lawsuits and perpetuate more economic uncertainty for the island. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister to sign agreement with Cuba on May 6

J

Professor Brian Copeland

the 38-year-old man was arrested at his home last Thursday, after he reportedly raped the 26-year-old woman at her home last week Sunday morning.

According to the police the woman was accosted by

amaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, says he will be signing an agreement with his tourism counterpart in Cuba, which will facilitate multidestination marketing between the countries.

Addressing the official opening of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) Trade Show, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St James, on Friday, Bartlett also said that another agreement is to be signed soon between Jamaica and a number of Caribbean countries for a similar multidestination marketing programme to commence.

“On Friday of next week (May 6), Minister (Manuel Cruz) Marrero (Cuba’sTourismMinister) and myself will sign an agreement for multidestination tourism between Cuba and Jamaica and somewhere in the middle of June, a similar signing will take place between the

Dominican Republic and Jamaica,” he noted.

The Minister said the push for multidestination

ces and not island competitiveness.

“The way forward for the growth of tourism in the

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett

marketing for Jamaica and its Caribbean counterparts is necessary, because it has been discovered that the way forward for the growth of tourism in the region is based on island convergen-

Caribbean is about collaboration and the sharing of resources and the rationalisation of our space and the harmonisation of our policies,” Bartlett argued.(Jamaica Observer)

tuesDAY, may 2, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the world

Newborn baby among dead after shipwrecks in Mediterranean

A

newborn baby is among 99 people believed to have drowned in two separate shipwrecks off the Libyan coast this weekend, according to survivors who arrived in Italy.

Twenty-six survivors were rescued by a commercial vessel after a rubber dinghy in which they were travelling sank in the Mediterranean on Friday, a few hours after departing from Sabratha in Libya.

They were transferred to Italian coastguard ships before being brought ashore in Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost island, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The baby was among 84 people still missing on Saturday.

“The dinghy was taking on water, in very bad conditions. Many people had already fallen in the sea and drowned,” said Flavio Di Giacomo, IOM spokesman in Italy.

“They are all very shocked,” Di Giacomo said, adding they would receive

15

psychological support in Lampedusa. The UN refu-

operation the day before.

Two bodies were recovered

Islamic State suicide attacks kill 32 in southern Iraq

T

wo suicide car bombs claimed by Islamic State killed at least 32 people and wounded 75 others in the center of the southern Iraqi city of Samawa on Sunday, Police and medics said.

The first blast was near a local government building and the second one about 60 metres (65 yards) away at a bus station, Police sources said. The death toll was expected to keep rising.

Unverified online photographs showed a large

plume of smoke rising above the buildings as well as burnt out cars and bodies on the ground at the site of one of the blasts, including several children. Police and firefighters carried victims on stretchers and in their arms.

Islamic State said it had attacked a gathering of special forces in Samawa, 230 km (140 miles) South of the capital, with one car bomb and then blew up the second when security forces responded to the site.

Islamic State holds positions mostly in Sunni areas of the country's North and West, far from the mainly Shi'ite southern provinces where Samawa is located.

Such attacks are relatively rare.

The rise of the ultrahardline Sunni insurgents has exacerbated Iraq's sectarian conflict, mostly between Shi'ites and Sunnis, which emerged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Death toll from building collapse in Kenya rises to 16

Survivors arrive at the Lampedusa harbour. Eighty-four people are still missing after an inflatable craft sank off the coast of Libya

gee agency, UNHCR, said that after taking on water the boat broke into two pieces and 26 people were saved from the sea.

Survivors from a second shipwreck arrived in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo on Sunday, after an accident during a search-and-rescue

and brought ashore along with eight of about 105 people saved, who were taken to hospital in serious condition.

So far this year, at least 1360 people have been reported dead or missing after trying to cross the Mediterranean. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Daytime cooking ban in India as heatwave claims 300 lives

W

ith sizzling temperatures claiming more than 300 lives this month in India, officials have banned daytime cooking in some parts of the drought-stricken country in a bid to prevent accidental fires that have killed nearly 80 more people.

The eastern state of Bihar this week took the unprecedented step of forbidding any cooking between 09:00h and 18:00h, after accidental fires exacerbated by dry, hot and windy weather

swept through shantytowns and thatched-roof houses in villages and killed 79 people. They included 10 children and five adults killed in a fire sparked during a Hindu prayer ceremony in Bihar’s Aurangabad district last week.

People were instead told to cook to night. Hoping to prevent more fires, officials have also banned the burning of spent crops and religious fire rituals. Anyone defying the ban risks up to a year in jail.

“We call this the fire season in Bihar,” Vyas, a state disaster management official who goes by one name, said. “Strong, westerly winds stoke fires which spread easily and cause great damage.”

Much of India is reeling under a weeks-long heat wave and severe drought conditions that have decimated crops, killed livestock and left at least 330 million Indians without enough water for their daily needs.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

China passes new laws on foreign NGOs amid international criticism

C

hina has passed new laws on foreign Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) state media said, amid criticism.

The full text was not immediately available, but previous drafts stated that NGOs would have to submit to police supervision and declare sources of funding.

Critics say the laws amount to a crackdown, but China has argued that such regulation is long overdue.

There are currently more than 7000 foreign NGOs operating in China.

The bill has undergone several drafts after international criticism that it was too onerous. The White

The new laws could impose police supervision on foreign non-governmental organisations

House has said the bill will "further narrow space for civil society" and constrain US-China exchanges.

Amnesty International said on Thursday that the

law was aimed at "further smothering civil society", and called on China to scrap it. "The authorities - particularly the police - will have virtually unchecked powers to target NGOs, restrict their activities, and ultimately stifle civil society," said William Nee, Amnesty's China Researcher.

"The law presents a very real threat to the legitimate work of independent NGOs and should be immediately revoked." The Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders described the law as "draconian" and said it would have "a profoundly detrimental impact on civil society in China". (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Unrecovered household items are seen trapped in the rubble of a six-storey building that collapsed after days of heavy rain in Huruma neighbourhood of Nairobi, Kenya, May 1

T

he death toll from a collapsed six-storey building in Nairobi has risen to 16 from 12, the Kenya Red Cross said on Sunday, but officials declined to be drawn on how many more people might be still under the rubble.

The 198-room building in Huruma in eastern Nairobi collapsed on Friday night after heavy rain and rescue work continued on Sunday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who visited the site of the collapse, told officials "to undertake an im-

mediate survey of all the houses in the area to find out those which are at risk of collapsing".

He also ordered the arrest of the owners of the building, which had been condemned by the authorities. "Those people who have died in Huruma have died an unnecessary death. That death is a product of corruption. And that is what we must fight in Nairobi," legislator Johnson Sakaja said during Labour Day celebrations in the capital.

The Kenya Red Cross

said in a statement 16 deaths had been confirmed and 135 people injured and treated for their injuries.

"Search and rescue operations are ongoing to rescue survivors that may still be trapped under the rubble," it said.

Neither the Kenya Red Cross nor the National Disaster Operation Centre – which is leading the rescue operation – would be drawn into giving an estimate of how many people may still be under the rubble. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Pope condemns pedophilia as details of girl's death shock Italy

P

ope Francis called for "severe punishment" for pedophiles on Sunday after new details emerged in Italy of the 2014 death of a six-year-old girl who is alleged to have been thrown from an eighth-storey balcony by her abuser.

"This is a tragedy. We should not tolerate the abuse of minors," Francis said, departing from prepared remarks at his weekly Sunday message and blessing to tens of thousands of

people in St Peter's Square.

"We must protect minors and severely punish abusers," he said.

Though the Catholic Church itself has been rocked by its own abuse scandals, he did not mention them on Sunday as he has in the past.

Italians have been shocked as details emerged in the case of six-year-old Fortuna who died in June 2014 after a fall from an eighth-storey balcony in

Naples.

After re-opening the case, police charged a 43-year-old man with having thrown the girl to her death in a housing block in a rough area of the city after raping her. Police said they suspected he killed her so she would not talk.

The man, who has also been accused of molesting other children and is now in prison in Rome, has denied the charges. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 news

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

VOX POPULI

T

he ICC Board held its second meeting of 2016 at the ICC Headquarters in Dubai on April

24.

The Board considered the behaviour

of some of the West Indies players in the immediate aftermath of the men’s T20 final, and unanimously agreed that certain comments and actions were inappropriate, disrespectful and

brought the event into disrepute.

The Board acknowledged an apology by the WICB but was disappointed to note that such behaviour had detracted from the success of what was

Leon Angus “It wasn’t wrong if you ask me, it was done for joy. The players were just rejoicing by expressing themselves; I really don’t see anything wrong with it for me. I am also a football fan and after a victory, I myself sometimes take off my shirt and celebrate because it is a good feeling.”

Romain Martins “I don’t think the players were wrong in any way; even when they took off their clothes. When you win a World Cup Final, you feel happy and you celebrate.”

Prakash Balgobin “ICC was correct. It (the behaviour) was not called for after they (West Indies) won the world cup. It was a total disrespect to the sport from sportsmen and ambassadors of the sport of cricket especially to the youngsters who are looking up to the players as role models.”

Basil Persaud “The players did not have a flag of the West Indies to wave to celebrate so the shirt represented the flag. Also, as an athlete after a match there may be cramps so Marlon Samuels just needed to stretch his feet to get his blood circulating. We in the Caribbean have a different culture and ICC should see that.”

Dwayne Adams “I disagree with the ICC. When you win, you can do what you want. Such celebrations were never an issue before but it looks like all of a sudden it looks like everybody have problems with the players. Maybe ICC is backing up WICB.”

Shaheed Mohamed “ICC is wrong. ICC need to understand when you win a tournament like that, emotions are very high. However, Samuels’ issue is questionable.

If it was another team doing the same thing ICC would not have said a thing.”

Local Barber JR “They should be fined for breaching the code of conduct indeed because their behaviour was out of order. I know they won and everything, but you still you have to maintain a little respect. For me taking off your shirt and celebrating is normal but I don’t agree with Marlon Samuels’s behaviour. I don’t see anything wrong if some of the players are fined for the ICC’s Code of conduct violation.

If they are fined, at least now the players will pull themselves together, because they need to set a good example for the young cricketers coming up.”

Ishaka Jackman “I am disappointed but not surprised at their (ICC) stance and really don’t expect much changes or support from the cricket hierarchy. Why, because at the end of the day the big bucks were made (and) they were able to keep their boys club happy. I pray for the day of the Lloyds, the Richards to unleash “Fire in Babylon.”

I SAY...

What the people say

otherwise a magnificent tournament and final.

Guyana Times asked the man in the street his views on what the ICC said on the issue.

Clifford Stwart “I think it is ridiculous, because you find all over the world people do celebrate like that. If you watch the football world cup players take off their shirts and celebrate all the time. You have to remember it is a World Cup victory so I don’t see anything wrong with how they celebrated.”

Johnny Azeez “I agree with the ICC. Millions of different people are watching worldwide and no other team behave like that.

I think it wasn’t nice at all for cricket.”

Ronald Jaisingh “ICC is wrong. It is a joy to win three world cup titles in one year. ICC always finding faults with West Indian players. We as West Indians celebrate like that.”

Zika virus: Risk higher than first thought – doctors

T

he mosquito-borne Zika virus may be even more dangerous than previously thought, scientists in Brazil say.

Leading doctors have told the BBC that Zika could be behind more damaging neurological conditions, affecting one in five pregnant women who contract it.

Rates of increase in Zika

infection in some parts of Brazil have slowed, thanks to better information about preventing the disease. But the search for a vaccine is still in the early stages.

And Zika continues to spread across the region.

Most doctors and medical researchers now agree that there is a link between the Zika virus and micro-

cephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small heads because of restricted brain development.

While it is estimated that 1 per centof women who have had Zika during pregnancy will have a child with microcephaly, doctors in Brazil have told the BBC that as many as 20 per cent of Zika-affected pregnancies

will result in a range of other forms of brain damage to the baby in the womb.

A separate study, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, said that “29 per cent of scans showed abnormalities in babies in the womb, including growth restrictions, in women infected with Zika”. (BBC)

Venezuela raises minimum wage as high inflation bites

T

housands of workers in Venezuela will receive a pay rise of 30 per cent as the country’s socialist Government works towards improving its deteriorating economy.

Sunday’s introduction of the minimum wage is aimed at calming tensions caused by runaway inflation and food shortages.

Nicolás Maduro’s Government has been rocked by protests in response to the crisis and demands from the country’s

Opposition to stand down.

The embattled president spoke to Venezuelans in a televised address on Sunday evening.

The Government, which models itself on the leftwing ideology of its late leader Hugo Chávez, still has significant support among the country’s poor.

However, even the most dedicated supporters are feeling the pinch these days.

Many have turned to Government-sponsored,

self-sustaining programmes to deal with the shortages.

Naudy Aliendref, a supporter of the Government who helps out at a community-run allotment to grow the essentials, is confident Chávez’s ideology can weather the storm.

“I don’t get paid to do this. It’s an honour for me to teach what I’ve learned thanks to President Chávez,” he said “The knowledge I’ve gained has to be socialised

... for me Chavismo is like a brotherhood.”

Bartulo Rodriguez, Aliendref’s neighbour, told Al Jazeera that Venezuela’s poorest were still appreciative of the government’s efforts.

“People want to keep hoping things can be better, they are afraid to lose their benefits,” she said.

“And the Government is trying to maintain the policies that assist the poor but the economy has fallen too low.” (Aljazeera)

17

news

monDAY, may 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

JAGS now offering flights to Bartica D

omestic airline Jags Aviation is now operational to the newest town, Bartica, as the airline offers three flights weekly to the town.

Cessna Caravan EX has a capacity of accommodating 13 passengers per flight.

This brand new aircraft is equipped with state-of-theart technology and is fully air conditioned.

With the three flights weekly; scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the airline will also facilitate any emergency event that requires the City’s medical attention.

JAGS aviation is a member of the BK Group of Companies that is working closely with Bartica for its development.

Meanwhile, the company took the media on a tour on Sunday, showcasing the quarry operations located in Tiperu. The media was

By Indrawattie Natram

I The Jags Aviation aircraft at the Bartica airstrip on Sunday during its inaugural flight

treated to a detailed tour of the quarry industry, displaying the large site where the quarrying process is done.

Jags Aviation was launched in August, 2014, by the BK International Group of Companies. One of

the Directors at the launching of the airline in Guyana, Briony Tiwari, had told the gathering that the company saw the potential of Guyana’s tourism product and wanted to invest. Tiwari pointed out that the new Cessna Grand Caravan is

outfitted to provide the highest standard of comfort for passengers. The Director assured that the company will be continuing its efforts to improve the aviation sector by investing in new aircraft and higher standards of operations and customer care.

Crisis hit Venezuela sets clocks ahead to save power

W

ith their country gripped by an economic crisis, Venezuelans lost half an hour of sleep Sunday as their clocks were set forward to save power on President Nicolás Maduro’s order.

At 14:30h local time, the oil-dependent South American nation shifted its time ahead by 30 minutes – to four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.

The move, announced in mid-April, is part of a package of measures the embattled socialist President is pursuing to cope with a crippling electricity shortage.

Maduro’s Government has also instituted four-hour daily blackouts across most of the country, reduced the Public Sector workweek to two days and ordered schools closed on Fridays – adding to the woes of a country already stuck in a crushing recession.

The power cuts sparked riots and looting this week in Venezuela’s second-largest city, Maracaibo.

In announcing the time change, Science and Technology Minister Jorge Arreaza said the nighttime use of lighting and air conditioning was especially draining for the power grid.

“It’ll be simple to move the clock forward a half-hour -- this will allow us to enjoy more daylight, and it won’t get dark so early,” he said.

Maduro’s late predecessor, Hugo Chávez, implemented the unusual halfhour time shift in December 2007, saying he didn’t want children to have to walk to school in the dark. Chávez died in 2013.

Officials issued a statement saying the return to the old time zone would not affect bank transactions or flights.

Maduro blames the El Nino weather phenom-

6 pumps without operators in Region 2, outfall needs clearing – Chairman

January 2017, a successful recall vote would transfer power to Maduro’s Vice President rather than trigger new elections.

A recent poll found that more than two-thirds of Venezuelans want Maduro to leave office. (AFP)

President Nicolás Maduro

enon for a drought that has reduced the lakes at Venezuela’s hydroelectric dams to oversized puddles.

The dry spell, the most severe in 40 years, has especially affected the El Guri dam, which provides 70 per cent of Venezuela’s electricity.

But the Opposition says mismanagement is to blame for the power crisis as well as the recession and shortages.

Speaking in a national broadcast on the eve of International Workers’ Day, Maduro decreed a 30 per cent increase in the minimum wage.

He also urged his followers to turn out en masse for May Day rallies Sunday evening.

While the pay bump may seem substantial, it brings the minimum wage to the equivalent of $40 a month at the official exchange rate, or just $14 a month at the black-market rate.

The minimum wage had already been increased by 56 percent earlier this year.

But the raises are far from keeping pace with inflation, which came in at 180.9 percent last year and is forecast by the International Monetary Fund to hit 700 percent this year.

The decree, which took effect Sunday, includes raises

for public workers, pensioners and members of the military.

Once-booming Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has plunged into economic chaos as global crude prices have collapsed. Its economy has been in recession since 2013.

The import-dependent country faces acute shortages of food and basic goods like toilet paper thanks to a shortage of hard currency, more than 96 per cent of which it gets from oil sales.

Maduro has vowed to press on with the socialist “revolution” launched by Chávez in 1999.

But the Opposition – emboldened by winning the legislature in elections last December – is been pushing to drive him from office.

On Saturday, opponents said they gathered nearly 10 times the roughly 200,000 signatures needed to begin organising a referendum to oust Maduro.

If the electoral board accepts the signatures as valid – far from a sure bet, since opponents criticise it as loyal to Maduro – the Opposition will then have to collect four million more for the board to organise the vote.

Opponents are racing to hold a referendum before the end of the year. After

n preparation for the rainy season in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), the RDC is concerned that much work needs to be done as six pumps are currently without operators and most outfalls are silted up.

According to the Region Two Chairman the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is making a dedicated effort to address drainage and irrigation in preparation for the rainy season but in doing so there are various challenges.

Ramdatt Devanand highlighted that due to the El Niño conditions and efforts to conserve water for farmers, several outfalls are in need of desilting since sluice doors had to be closed for extended periods. This situation prevented the gravitational flow of water which generally helps to clear the outfalls.

“Presently most outfalls are heavily silted up and are creating severe challenges for excavators to do any meaningful work.

As outfalls are cleared by

these excavators they are being filled up on a tidal basis” Ramdatt explained.

In addressing the issue, Ramdatt said the RDC raised with the Clerk, Rupert Hopkinson at the recent statutory meeting the need for pumps to become operational. In relation to the six pumps without operators, the Chairman said he had recommended that actions be taken to address the timely employment of operators.

It was further suggested that repairs and maintenance of pumps, excavators, drainage trenches and the timely supply of fuel to machines/equipment are matters to be given closer attention.

Currently regional engineers and other technical staff are tasked with efforts to ensure the region is prepared for the rainy season. Proper monitoring and timely reporting will be given strong emphasis by the RDC. The Chairman is of the strong view that every effort must be made to prevent flooding and its negative effects since residents are already struggling with the rice crisis.

18

guyana-timesgy.com

monday, may 2, 2016

ARCHIE

Keep an open mind, but don’t let anyone bully you.

(March 21- Bring about change based April 19) on your needs. A positive result will occur if you are disciplined and determined.

ARIES

Participate in events and TAURUS causes that allow you to show (April 20- off your experience and skills.

May 20) The feedback you receive will engender an opportunity you cannot refuse. Romance is featured.

dilbert

Keep your opinions to GEMINI (May 21- yourself. Someone will try to June 20) manipulate or willfully misinterpret you. Discipline will be required if you want to avoid interference or a mishap.

Don’t take risks.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Don’t feel pressured if someone around you is unpredictable.

Gather your thoughts and focus on detail.

What you have to offer will far exceed anyone trying to outdo you. Love is highlighted.

An active approach to getting LEO what you want will not please (July 23- everyone, but it will bring favorAug. 22) able results. Don’t give in to emotional blackmail. Concentrate on personal improvements, not on changing others.

Live, learn and pursue VIRGO your goals. There is noth(Aug. 23ing you cannot accomplish if Sept. 22) you refuse to allow demanding people to interfere. Put yourself and your needs first.

Romance is highlighted.

Calvin and Hobbes

Speak on your own beLIBRA (Sept. 23- half and take care of your inOct. 23) terests personally. You will be offered valuable information from a reliable source.

Discipline and quick action will pay off.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – PRORATE

Don’t overdo it. Look beSAGITTARIUS fore you leap. It’s important (Nov. 23- to gauge every situation and Dec. 21) to dig deep when it comes to truth, values and emotional matters. Avoid indulgence.

(PRORATE: pro-RATE: To divide, distribute or assess proportionately.)

Average mark 27 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 47 or more words in PRORATE? The list will be published tomorrow.

SATURDAY’S WORD – CIGARILLO call cargo carol cigar cilia clog coal coil coir cola

collar coral corgi crag illogic gall garlic gill girl glair

goal gorilla grail grill argil aril rail rill roil roll

laic lair liar lilac lira local logic logical oral orca

Don’t take on someone SCORPIO else’s responsibilities. Follow (Oct. 24your heart and your dreams, Nov. 22) and turn your desires into reality. Live in the moment and love the one you are with.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Evaluate the past, but CAPRICORN don’t be tempted to take (Dec. 22- a step backward. Learn Jan. 19) from experience and look to the future with optimism.

Romance, home improvements and personal gains are all within reach.

Don’t waste time trying to AQUARIUS convince others to do things (Jan. 20your way.

Step up and do Feb. 19) what needs to be done. Make changes that lead to a better future.

Listen and learn. Stick PISCES (Feb. 20- close to the people you know March 20) you can count on. An important decision should be based on facts and conservative thinking. Romance is on the rise.

monDAY, aPRIL 2, 2016

Vijay and Axar tame over confident Lions Smith, Bravo fail

A

xar Patel took four wickets in five balls, including the first hat-trick of the season, to pave the way for Kings XI

asking rate. Kings XI's new captain M Vijayrotated his bowlers continuously. Ishan Kishan and James Faulkner added to Lions' score but the

ter an acrobatic effort from James Faulkner at point.

Kings XI stuttered from 65 for 0 in the seventh over to 73 for 4 in the ninth.

tried to build a platform for a late surge but that did not come as Dwayne Bravo and Praveen Kumar brought out their slower balls to flum-

Axar Patel dented Gujarat Lions’ chase with triple-strike including the wickets of Dinesh Karthick and Dwayne Bravo off the last two balls

Punjab's 23-run win against table-toppers Gujarat Lions in Rajkot. Axar's burst reduced Lions to 57 for 6 in their chase of 155, setting up the side's second win of the season. Both sides suffered batting collapses but Lions were poorer as they stuttered to their second loss of the season.

Kings XI's defence of 154 got off to an ideal start with the early wickets of Brendon McCullum and Suresh Raina, as both batsmen missed straight balls from Mohit Sharma. After a slow Powerplay, Axar was brought on in the seventh over, his second of the innings. Off the third ball, Dwayne Smith muscled a lofted drive and found Gurkeerat Singh at longoff. Two balls later, the left-arm spinner got one to skid through and Dinesh Karthik's inside edge clattered into leg stump.

Dwayne Bravo chopped the first ball he faced onto his stumps and the over ended with Lions at a shaky 39 for 5.

Brought back in the 11th over, Axar then got his first ball to dart past Ravindra Jadeja's outside edge. It seemed like bat had hit pad, but the umpire raised his finger. This was Axar's first T20 hat-trick, and the 14th of the tournament.

Thereafter, Lions were always behind the climbing

slide had taken much of the game out of their hands.

At the halfway stage, however, it did not seem like Kings XI had enough.

Despite a flying start from Vijay and Marcus Stoinis, Kings XI collapsed to 154.

Vijay's sweetly timed drives and flicks off Lions' seamers, Dhawal Kulkarni and Praveen Kumar, helped the side score 34 off the first four overs. Vijay contributed 31 of those. Stoinis, then, cut loose and Kings XI plundered 59 off the Powerplay, their highest this season.

In the seventh over, Stoinis ran past a slider from Jadeja and the wicket sparked another Kings XI collapse. Chinaman bowler Shivil Kaushik's whippy action forced Kings XI to look for pushes and nudges. Shaun Marsh could not keep one of those flicks down and found midwicket. On a pitch with a bit of grass, Kaushik found no turn, but his quick-arm action caused the ball to skid off the surface. One ball after Marsh was dismissed, Glenn Maxwell missed an attempted a cut off Kaushik and the ball snuck under his bat. Dinesh Karthik belted out an appeal and the umpire raised his finger, much to Maxwell's bewilderment.

Kings XI's situation worsened when Gurkeerat Singh, one of four changes for Kings XI, was run out af-

David Miller and Wriddhiman Saha, though, found the boundary regularly in their 39-run stand for the sixth wicket. They

mox Kings XI's lower order. Lions conceded one four off the last three overs and picked up five wickets to bowl Kings XI out. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD King’s XI Punjab vs Gujarat Lions Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs maximum) M Vijay* c Bravo b Kaushik 55 MP Stoinis st †Karthik b Jadeja 27 SE Marsh c Raina b Kaushik 1 GJ Maxwell c †Karthik b Kaush ik 0 Gurkeerat Singh run out (Faulk ner/†Karthik) 0 DA Miller c Smith b Kulkarni 31 WP Saha† b Bravo 33 AR Patel c Ishan Kishan b Bravo 0 MM Sharma b Kumar 1 KC Cariappa b Kumar 1 Sandeep Sharma not out 1 Extras: (lb-1, w-3) 4 Total: (all out; 19.5 overs) 154 Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Stoinis, 6.4 ov), 2-70 (Marsh, 7.5 ov), 3-70 (Maxwell, 7.6 ov), 4-73 (Gurkeerat Singh, 8.5 ov), 5-100 (Vijay, 13.1 ov), 6-139 (Miller, 17.2 ov), 7-145 (Patel, 18.2 ov), 8-151 (Saha, 18.5 ov), 9-153 (Sharma, 19.3 ov), 10-154 (Cariappa, 19.5 ov) Bowling: P Kumar 2.5-025-2, DS Kulkarni 4-0-28-1, RA Jadeja 3-0-28-1, (w-2), S Kaushik 4-0-20-3 (w-1), DJ Bravo 4-0-33-2, JP Faulkner 2-0-19-0

Gujarat Lions innings (target: 155 runs from 20 overs) DR Smith c Gurkeerat Singh b Patel 15 BB McCullum b Sharma 1 SK Raina* b Sharma 18 KD Karthik† b Patel 2 RA Jadeja c †Saha b Patel 11 DJ Bravo b Patel 0 Ishan Kishan run out (Maxwell/ Stoinis) 27 JP Faulkner c Miller b Sandeep Sharma 32 P Kumar c Cariappa b Sharma 15 DS Kulkarni not out 6 S Kaushik not out 0 Extras: (b 1, w 3) 4 Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs)131 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (McCullum, 1.4 ov), 2-34 (Raina, 4.6 ov), 3-38 (Smith, 6.3 ov), 4-39 (Karthik, 6.5 ov), 5-39 (Bravo, 6.6 ov), 6-57 (Jadeja, 10.1 ov), 7-86 (Ishan Kishan, 14.5 ov), 8-125 (Kumar, 18.6 ov), 9-125 (Faulkner, 19.2 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-0-31-1 (w-1), MM Sharma 4-0-32-3, MP Stoinis 4-023-0, AR Patel 4-0-21-4 (w1), KC Cariappa 3-0-15-0, Gurkeerat Singh 1-0-8-0 (w-1)

19

The Spurs obliterated the Thunder in a historic Game 1 blowout 124-92.

S

AN ANTONIO — LaMarcus Aldridge scored 38 points Saturday night and the San Antonio Spurs dismantled the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-92, never trailing in Game 1 of the second-round series.

Kawhi Leonard added 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes for San Antonio. The Spurs led by as many as 43 points and sat their starters in the fourth quarter to rest them for Game 2 on Monday night.

Aldridge broke out for his finest performance of the season after Memphis held him to 14.5 points in the first round, nearly seven points below his regularseason numbers. Aldridge was 18 of 23 from the field, including his first 3-pointer of the season and banking in a left-handed scoop shot as he was falling in the lane.

Leonard and Aldridge combined for 45 points in the first half, outscoring Oklahoma City as a team by four. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the rest of the Spurs were just as impressive early.

San Antonio matched a postseason franchise record for points in a quarter with 43 in the opening period.

Serge Ibaka led Oklahoma City with 19 points but was limited to two rebounds.

Kevin Durant had 16 points and Russell Westbrook added 14, but they were harassed into 11of-34 shooting.

The Spurs scored the most postseason points against the Thunder. They had 39 assists, which was more than the Thunder’s field goal total of 35.

San Antonio shot 82 percent in the opening quarter. (nba.com)

England County Championship Voges suffers suspected concussion as Carberry hits ton

M

ichael Carberry's century gave Hampshire the edge against Middlesex, whose skipper Adam Voges was taken to hospital with suspected concussion.

The Australia international left the field after being struck on the head by a throw from the boundary.

Carberry (107) and Liam Dawson (87*) put on exactly 100 before Carberry was caught off the bowling of James Harris.

Harris, Toby RolandJones (3-87) and Tim Murtagh all struck in the final 10 overs as Hampshire closed on 315-7.

Hampshire lost opener Jimmy Adams early and captain James Vince, an England Test hopeful, followed for 25 when he was caught by Voges off RolandJones.But Carberry was dropped at second slip shortly after passing his half century, with Murtagh the unlucky bowler, and this time made the most of his good fortune, having failed to con-

vert a fifty into a three-figure score on 10 occasions in 2015.

Following his dismissal, Middlesex picked up the wickets of Adam Wheater, Ryan McLaren and Chris Wood to give themselves hope of containing Hampshire's total.

Should Voges be diagnosed with concussion, he will face a minimum of six days on the sidelines under the England & Wales Cricket Board's guidelines.

Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser told BBC Radio London: "The feeling from the physio is that Adam has got concussion. It was a freak injury.

"He wasn't feeling very well in the dressing room so we decided to get him taken to hospital. He feels a lot better now and seems to be coming around.

"He wants to remain here and be part of what is taking place, even if he can't do anything on the field." (BBC

Sport)

20

guyana-times.com

MonDAY, may 2, 2016

Lewis Hamilton fears Mitchell Marsh out of rest of IPL season more Mercedes with side strain engine trouble Rosberg takes Russian Grand Prix

L

ewis Hamilton fears more reliability problems could thwart his attempt to catch Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in the drivers' championship.

Hamilton is 43 points behind Rosberg after finishing second to him in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.

The Briton said: "My concern is not about beating Nico. My concern is more the guys giving me a car to be able to fight equally.

"Do I think it is not going to happen again? No. There'll be problems ahead."

Hamilton's remarks are a reference to the series of reliability problems that have hit him in the last two races.

In Russia, an engine failure in qualifying left him 10th on the grid. He fought back to second after Mercedes flew in fresh parts and his mechanics worked through the night to fit them.

Two weeks previously in

China, exactly the same engine failure left him at the back of the grid, and he finished seventh in a car damaged in a collision at the first corner.

Two bad starts in the first two races in Australia and Bahrain resulted in him finishing second and third.

Rosberg has won all four races so far this season.

Hamilton had another engine problem during the race in Russia. He had closed to seven seconds behind Rosberg and was entertaining thoughts of winning the race when the team told him to back off because his engine was losing water pressure.

The Briton said: "I'm not sure I've ever been big believer in luck. There is a reason for everything. What those are, I don't know.

"I am not hoping for it to get better, I am just going to keep doing what I'm doing. I am doing the job as well as I can do."

Hamilton would need a victory and a second place - without Rosberg scoring a point - to draw level with the German.

Hamilton said: "He has a buffer knowing even if he has two bad weekends he is still in the fight, which is a huge confidence boost.

"Generally he has been starting at the front with no-one to really both him so it has been a nice Sunday drive for him.

"But there are still 17 races to go, and still 17 races I can give him hell."

Rosberg said: "For sure it is a lot of points but there is a long way to go. Lewis is as strong as ever and it will be the usual tough battle with him. It is just about going race by race at the moment."

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has described the failure that hit Hamilton on Saturday in Sochi as "freak" and has pledged that the team will work out what is going wrong. (BBC Sport)

Mitchell Marsh's injury is another blow to Rising Pune Supergiants' struggling campaign

A

ustralia allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2016 IPL season with a side strain, adding to a Rising Pune Supergiants list of injuries that already includes Kevin Pietersen and Faf du Plessis. Marsh will return home to recover ahead of Australia's tour of the Caribbean in June.

"Mitchell experienced some pain over his left abdominal area while batting at a training session with his team Pune in the IPL

a few days ago," Cricket Australia sports science and sports medicine manager Alex Kountouris said.

"He missed his team's next game and the pain has not resolved. He had scans in India that suggest he has a side strain injury and will now return home for further assessment and treatment ahead of the tour of the West Indies.

"Once we have a better understanding of the extent of the injury we will be able to advise on his return-toplay timeframes."

Marsh played only three of Supergiants' first seven games this season, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 5.00. He batted once and made 7. Supergiants won only two of those seven games and were in the bottom half of the points table when Marsh was ruled out.

Supergiants signed up Australia batsman Usman Khawaja after Pietersen and du Plessis were ruled out. With Marsh now added to their injury list, their squad now has two vacant slots. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Leicester City moved to within two points of the Premier League title after holding Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford

Hamilton has experienced two bad starts, two collisions and several bouts of engine trouble so far this season

Leicester’s goal scorer Wes Morgan

T

he Foxes recovered well from a shaky start, during which they went behind after eight minutes when Anthony Martial drilled home a near-post finish from Antonio Valencia's cross.

Claudio Ranieri's side demonstrated the strength of purpose that has become their trademark this season when captain Wes Morgan outmuscled United's defenders to head the equaliser past David de Gea nine minutes later.

Both sides had penalty appeals turned down when United's Marcos Rojo blocked off Riyad Mahrez and when Leicester's Danny Drinkwater was sent off

late on after receiving a second yellow card for dragging back Memphis Depay, with referee Michael Oliver ruling it was right on the edge of the area.

Leicester's supporters celebrated long and loud after the final whistle but this was a blow to United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League as they now stand four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with only three games left.

Leicester City did not quite complete the formalities of the greatest story the Premier League has ever told - but it surely will not be long before they can officially celebrate this spectacular triumph.

Thousands of visiting fans stayed behind well after the final whistle at Old Trafford in a demonstration of sheer elation as this dream journey towards a first top-flight crown reaches its conclusion.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gave his counterpart Ranieri a warm, almost congratulatory, greeting at the final whistle, while those home fans still inside the stadium rose to applaud Leicester's players as they made their way to the dressing room.

It was another sign of the wave of goodwill that has accompanied Ranieri and his players on this momentous journey. (BBCsport)

21

sports

YELLOW PAGES monDAY, may 2, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION Music 2016!! Register - learn to play the recorder, drums, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, violin, steel pan and train your voice at Foundation 7 Music School. Call 225-1151/657-8404

FOR SALE One Toyota Spacio, One Toyota Forklift, One Motorcycle 110cc, One Cement Mixer (Ransom), Vick’s Hardware. Tel: 2642682/649-0707 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and at Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 2265053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

One 6 inch dredge, one 4-cylinder MWM, one 3-cylinder MWM engine in working condition with all other complete equipment in good working condition. 679-3655 2 STOREY CONCRETE HOUSE 35 X 45 ENCLOSED DOWNSTAIRS, SIZE OF LAND 65 X 120, SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME, EAST BANK DEMERARA, CONTACT # 664-5052/617-0583

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral).

Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

health

Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

lAND FOR SALE 1.5 Acre Land in W.B.D. Call #:658-0115 Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel#: 625-1514 Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only)

property for sale GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987 Bargain! One 3-bedroom wooden building in Georgetown. Solid greenheart beams, columns & boards. $1.3M Negotiable. Call 227-4285

services House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs.

Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

spirituality Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc.

Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 3375103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

SICKNESS, EVIL, SPIRIT, RELATIONSHIP, IMPOTENT, REUNITE, LOVERS, PREGNANCY, JOBS, BUSINESS, BLOCKAGE ETC. 612-1975, 683 5228

services

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249.

We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

TO let FOR RENT 1,000 TO 10,000 SQUARE FT. WAREHOUSE SPACE, OFFICE SPACE & SHOP FRONT. CALL: 592-6002040/600-5758 Leonora New Housing Scheme, W.C.D. Garage, Kitchen & Shower.

Tel: 675-5998/268-2277.

NO CHILDREN. Working Persons Only

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Pitbull Minibus for sale. Excellent Condition. Call:624-5141 or email queries to mckriodax@gmail.com

tions clear when they came out to bat. Happy to swing at the length balls, he got away with two thick edges that flew towards third man in the third over. Parthiv was in sparkling form, driving Ashok Dinda for three successive boundaries before nicking the fourth ball to Dhoni. By then, Mumbai had wiped out 39 in four overs.

Ambati Rayudu played a typical innings, quietly

Fast growing food distribution company is looking for a driver and salesperson with a car, experience and police clearance. Call: 231-8344 or 231-8529 Wanted, One Joiner to work in Crown Dam, ECD. Call: 627-3405 or 2224576.

SALESGIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL BRASSONIC Bldg. (MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/Town.

231-7101 Vacancy exists for one full-time Pharmacist to work on the West Coast of Demerara in Metenmeerzorg.

Telephone: 275-0733

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF

One RZ Minibus BLL series in working condition. $400,000.00

One Toyota Picnic (8 Seater) in excellent condition.Mags Rims, DVD Player etc. $1.7M neg. Contact – 6245002

was severe on left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, who was hit for two sixes and a four in his second over that went for 20.

Bumrah was brought back with Supergiants at 91 for 1 in nine overs, and he struck off his second delivery as Smith's attempted dab down to third man resulted in a deflection to MS Dhoni. From there on, the innings stuttered like a twostroke engine running out

One live-in female housekeeper, over 35 years old and from outside of Georgetown. Tel:223-0654

NISSAN –X Trail 2013 Model Fully Loaded, 2500cc CVT 31,000KM, 8.9 Mil – Negotiable. Serious Enquires Only. Call: 685-3069/644-9141

One Toyota Raum (New Model) in excellent condition. $1.5M. Contact – 624-5002

M

umbai Indians brought the curtains down on Maharashtra Day with an eight-wicket win over Rising Pune Supergiants at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Rohit Sharma's fourth half-century in a successful chase this season - an unbeaten 60-ball 85 - helped make light work of a 160-run target and sealed Mumbai's fifth win with nine balls to spare.

WANTED

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now. Email: anew-life@live.com

immigration

IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/ VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

One AE110 XE Limited Sprinter. Very Good Condition; female driver. Tel: 223-0654

Bowlers, Rohit fire Mumbai Indians to fifth win

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

Rohit merely completed the job that was set up by Mumbai’s bowlers.

Rohit merely completed the job that was set up

by Mumbai's bowlers, who clawed back to concede only 66 in the second half of Supergiants' innings after Steven Smith and Saurabh Tiwary had clobbered the ball all over the ground in a swift, second-wicket stand of 84.

A flurry of boundaries, misjudged catches and poor fielding formed the crux of the first 10 overs of the Supergiants innings after they were put in to bat.

Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed early but Smith, who offered a tough chance to Parthiv Patel on 1, was quickly into his stride, hitting three successive boundaries off Tim Southee in the third over.

The confidence of a century in the previous game showed in Smith's intent to dominate. One moment, he was pulling in front of square. Next he swiftly used the depth of the crease to cut and ramp the ball over third man. He raced to 33 off 14 deliveries as Supergiants brought up their fifty in the sixth over.

Smith was not the only Supergiants batsman to ride his luck. Tiwary should have been dismissed for 4

by Mitchell McClenaghan but Jasprit Bumrah fluffed a regulation chance at mid-on in the fourth over.

Galvanized by the let-off, Tiwary raced from 6 off 11 deliveries to 34 off 22 balls.

He was eventually dismissed for 57 off 45 balls, his first half-century in the IPL since the 2013 season.

His modus operandi was simple: staying deep inside the crease, he cleared his front leg and used his broad shoulders to repeatedly find the leg-side boundaries. He

of oil. Peter Handscomb was dismissed quickly and those wickets not only allowed Mumbai to apply the brakes, but also brought about hesitancy in Tiwary's game. MS Dhoni, who walked in to bat at No. 5 in the 13th over, also struggled to bring out his big hits.

While McClenaghan hustled the batsmen with pace, Bumrah varied his lengths

nudging the ball, picking singles and hitting the odd boundary. He switched to attack in the eighth over, Ashwin's first, by stepping out and lofting the offspinner for a six over long-on.

There was little pressure to contend with and Rohit effortlessly reeled off the runs, a majority of which came in the arc between deep midwicket and long-

SCOREBOARD Rising Pune Supergiants innings (20 overs maximum) Rahane c KH Pandya b McClenaghan 4 SS Tiwary c HH Pandya b Bumrah 57 SPD Smith c †Patel b Bumrah 45 PSP Handscomb c Buttler b Harbhajan Singh 6 MS Dhoni*†c Rayudu b Bumrah 24 NLTC Perera not out 12 R Bhatia not out 3 Extras: (lb-1, w-7) 8 Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 159 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Rahane, 1.5 ov), 2-92 (Smith, 9.2 ov), 3-105 (Handscomb, 12.1 ov), 4-138 (Tiwary, 17.3 ov), 5-149 (Dhoni, 19.2 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 4-035-0 (w-1), MJ McClenaghan 4-0-27-1 (w-1), KH Pandya 2-028-0 (w-1), JJ Bumrah 4-0-293, HH Pandya 2-0-14-0 (w-2), Harbhajan Singh 4-0-25-1 (w-2)

effectively with yorkers and cutters. Harbhajan Singh, too, kept a lid on the runs by darting the ball and cramping the batsmen for room. The squeeze meant that Supergiants scored only three fours and a six in their last 11 overs.

Mumbai had the momentum going into the break and Rohit made his inten-

Mumbai Indians innings (target: 160 runs from 20 overs) RG Sharma* not out 85 PA Patel† c †Dhoni b Dinda 21 AT Rayuduc Rahane b R Ashwin 22 JC Buttler not out 27 Extras: (lb 4, w 2) 6 Total: (2 wickets; 18.3 ove rs) 161 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Patel, 3.6 ov), 2-91 (Rayudu, 11.4 ov) Bowling: NLTC Perera 4-0-350, AB Dinda 3-0-33-1 (w-1), SM Boland 3-0-23-0 (w-1), R Bhatia 3-0-20-0, R Ashwin 3-021-1, M Ashwin 2.3-0-25-0

on.

Rayudu's wicket gave Supergiants a brief respite but an equation of 67 from eight overs allowed Jos Buttler enough time to find his range. At the other end, Rohit brought up his fifty off 38 balls and ensured that Supergiants' campaign was left in disarray with their sixth loss in eight matches.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

22

monDAY, may 2, 2016

Guyana facing CPL blackout N

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Larisa Wiltshire living up to expectations

By Akeem Greene

CPL failed to announce Guyana as finals host … T&T prepares to make counter-offer

BY JOHN RAMSINGH

T

he Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise had set April 30 as the day for the official announcement of which Caribbean country would host the final of the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016; however, after waiting with bathed breath, nothing

year. However, no confirmation came from CPL. Last year, the Trinidad and Tobago Government paid US$3.5 million to host the event for the second time in the tournament’s threeyear history (the other venue being St Kitts and Nevis in 2014).

For 2016, it is under-

matches.

This year, CPL confirmed that six matches will be played out of the Caribbean at the Broward County ground in Florida, USA, at the end of July.

Since the inaugural tournament in 2013, Guyana had hosted a leg of preliminary matches and informa-

The Caribbean Premier League has received overwhelming support from cricket crazy fans over the years.

was forthcoming from CPL officials.

The delay in the announcement may point to two reasons – firstly, the Government of Guyana asking CPL for more time to consider the proposal and the simultaneous counteroffer put forward by the Government of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T).

Just recently, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine who holds ministerial responsibility for sport in Guyana, while speaking with Guyana Times Sport, confirmed that Guyana will be hosting CPL semi-finals and the final this

stood that CPL is asking in the range of US$4.5 million to award the finals weekend to any Caribbean country.

It was reported that the Government of Guyana had made a proposal of US$2.5 million.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago obviously understands the benefits of hosting the finals weekend, which may be the main reason for the counteroffer.

While it must be noted that countries that have franchise based there are constantly receiving heavy competition from other Caribbean nations to host

tion reaching Guyana Times Sport suggests that even preliminary matches will be lost this year. Should this bear fruit, it will equate to a total blackout of CPL matches in Guyana and ultimate disappointment for thousands of cricket loving fans.

Guyana Times Sport tried feverishly to reach Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and the honourable Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, to seek some amount of clarity but was unsuccessful.

This turn of events will have everyone waiting including players, officials and especially the game’s biggest stakeholders, the fans.

West Indies and Pakistan DayNight test to light up UAE T

he West Indies are set to play a historical day-night Test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The game will be the part of a series that will include two Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in October.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had hoped to initially convince its West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) counterparts to play a part of the

Pakistan vs West Indies daynight test will be the first for either team in the newly introduced format.

series on Pakistan soil.

Citing security concerns, however, the WICB declined the offer, but according to reports have

agreed to play one of the two scheduled matches as a day-night Test. The game will be the first for either team in the newly introduced format.

"I haven't seen their letter as yet, but yes.

Apparently, they have said yes to playing one day and night test with the pink ball in the UAE," said Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan.

Pakistan will play another day-night Test in December against Australia.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

ational Squash Player Larissa Wiltshire is by all means living dream as one of Guyana’s top junior squash players. The Wiltshire name in squash should be no surprise as the young star’s father Garfield, sister Akeila and brother Shomari are all formidable players in their own right.

Last Friday would definitely been a memorable occasion in her life by virtue of being the joint recipient of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) award for outstanding achievement in sports for winning the bronze medal at the Commonwealth youth games in Samoa, a feat she achieved with Taylor Fernandes.

When Guyana Times Sport spoke to the player she expressed extreme delight over being given the award.

Wiltshire said “I’m very happy, I was not expecting it because when we went to Samoa to play, it was new segment of the squash arena, as we hadn’t played doubles before so we’re not expecting to win the bronze medal but we tried very hard and we able to archive this feat”.

The 18-year old who can be considered an experienced player explained that the love for the sport comes from the strong family ties.

“I have been in squash since I was a child, my father is a former Caribbean squash champion so it has been instilled in us from since we were children being a family sport”, Wiltshire revealed.

She added, “Team wise, it’s about being a strong team, we train everyday so that team spirit keeps us going”.

The Queen’s College Sixth form Student who is seeking to pursue a career in the medical field explained how she is able to balance playing the game she loves so much and academics.

“Well, I go to lesson everyday and play squash everyday, so you just have to set your mind to doing a lot of work and focus on what

Outstanding Achievement! Wiltshire displays her plaque at the recent GOA Awards. (Marceano Narine Photo)

you really want, because I know what I want and I want to be successful both aspects so I try really hard and work really hard and most importantly, practice a lot in order to be successful” the student explained.

Agile, lean and now experienced Wiltshire has her eyes set on securing the Caribbean under-19 crown later this year. With her experienced of two under-15 and one under-17 finals the under-title should not be out of her grasp.

There is going to be the

Pan-Am juniors, so we are trying to go to that; also I have haven’t yet achieved the Caribbean title so I’m aiming to achieve the under-19 Caribbean title this year.” She said.

Having strengthened her cross court shots and the mental awareness to time kill shots combined by her immaculate accomplishment on the educational frontier, success seems inevitable or the young play(akeemg@guyanaer. timesgy.com)

Flashback! Wilshire (first from left) as part of the victorious female national team last year at the Caribbean Championships

guyana-times.com

monDAY, may 2, 2016

23

Jamal Goodluck becomes Sports Hall will President of GLTA be ready for CBC Championships – Jones T D — commends clubs for putting faith in youth

irector of Sports, Christopher Jones is confident that the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will be renovated in time for Guyana’s hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Caribbean Championship in July this year.

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has some minimum requirements for the host venue and the Sports Director said that Guyana’s premier indoor sports facility will be ready for the July 3 – 16 showpiece.

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, according to Jones, will see a complete overhaul, with the focus on ensuring the playing area is resurfaced to com-

plete specification of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), with the guidance of the CBC. The Director of Sports pointed out that the desired funding for the project will not be an issue and work has already started on the washroom facilities at Guyana’s premier indoor sporting facility.

When questioned about the removal of the Volleyball and Badminton Courts which also utilize the playing surface, Jones said that under the FIBA regulation, only visible lines should be those of the basketball court.

The CBC U-16 Championships will be making a comeback to Guyana after an absence of

17 years while overall, the tournament was last held in Antigua and Barbuda eight years ago.

To date, ten men’s and seven women’s national teams have confirmed their participation.

This includes Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and the hosts Guyana in the Men’s Championship.

The Women’s Championship will include national teams from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the hosts Guyana.

Bakewell on board for Guyana/ Canada football clash

I

n preparation for the international friendly football clash between Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and the Canadian Olympic team on May 15, Bakewell has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to enable one hundred school-aged children attend the match.

Bakewell, one of the largest bakeries in Guyana, purchased the tickets and these were presented on Friday to the students of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School during the launch of the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 IntraAssociation Football League.

GFF President, Wayne Forde, has lauded Bakewell’s contribution and has issued a call for other corporate entities to partner with the GFF to enable young people to engage in a worthwhile activity.

Other companies are encouraged to follow in this bold step and purchase Youth Tickets in bulk for distribution to schools and other youth-oriented organi-

Rajin Ganga, General Manager (Bakwell) presents tickets to Wayne Forde, President of the GFF. Also in picture is GFF’s Marketing and Sponsorship Director, Dario Mc Kinnon.

zations.

The GFF’s Youth Ticket Initiative was launched in April 2016 and aims to, among other things, create and build interest among the youth for the game of football and allows those 12

– 17 years entry to football games at half price.

Youth tickets are being sold at five hundred dollars ($500) and are available at the GFF’s office, Dadanawa Street, Section K Campbellville.

Mayor’s Cup kickoff delayed by rain

T

he annual feature for local football teams, the Mayor’s Cup which was scheduled to kick-off today at the Victoria Ground, was pushed to Thursday instead because of the inclement weather being experienced in and around Georgetown.

The ground is currently waterlogged due to the heavy rainfall but the matches will set to run smoothly from Thursday once the weather

is kind.

Thursday will see Golden Grove battling Grove Hi Tech of the East Bank of Demerara, while Ann’s Grove go up against fellow East Coast Demerara team Bakewell Buxton.

The teams are battling for the Mayor’s Cup and cash prizes, with the top four set to claim respective $700,000, $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000.

he Guyana Lawn Tennis (GLTA) on Thursday elected Jamal Goodluck as their President for the next two years, replacing former President Grace Mc Calman.

Speaking to media oper-

would want to congratulate her work she would have done over the years” The GLTA and the government agreed on a design for intended racquet facility which when submitted with a memorandum of under-

as the partnership with the government and the Guyana Olympic Association”, the newly elected President revealed.

Goodluck said he expected that within another four months this should be done,

Jamal Goodluck (standing third from right) along with his newly elected committee.

atives, Goodluck explained his vision for the association in his constitutional term, with having a permanent home for the sport being the top priority.

Goodluck said “Tennis needs a home; that will be one of the key things on our agenda for the next year or two years.”

He went unto say, “the Ministry of Education Department of Sports would have expressed interest in signing a MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] and that is something we will continue to pursue, this was headed by the previous president Ms. Mc Calaman and I

standing will see the association gaining funding from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to commence work on the facility.

The new President also added that they need to build capacity around the country for the sport and promotion throughout Guyana, in this vein he said they are working on getting the schools program up and running.

“We would have hit a few hiccups in terms logistics but that is something that we are working currently with the Ministry as well as Director of Sports Christopher Jones and once those things the quirks have been worked out we can go ahead as well

the GLTA boss also praised his executives who he insist has the necessary experience , capacity as well as will and motivation to see to the sports development over the next two years.

Along with the new President are Nigel Niles, and Ramesh Sebaran were elected as first and second Vice-President respectively. Leroy Trotman is the new Treasurer, Asif Suban as Secretary and Shaquile Bourne as the Public Relation Officer.

While the Committee Member are Grace Mc Calman, Robert Boswick, Cristy Campbell and Nicholas Young.

Honesty was best for Tino - Bowler hopes book is inspiration for young guys

D

iscarded West Indies bowler Tino Best believes it was important to be as honest as possible in his recently released biography ‘Mind the Windows’ where he claims to have slept with between 500 and 650 women.

The fast bowler found himself the subject of some stinging criticism following the revelations, but is hopeful his honesty can be helpful to young men growing up.

“I felt that my story was one that needed to be told…

Where I came from, and to look at what I have achieved, I think it can be an inspirational story for a lot of the young guys growing up,” Best told Wisden India.

The Barbadian player, who revealed that he had decided to write the book six years ago, also claimed that he did not mind being judged by readers, but claimed he had matured since.

“I thought of writing the book about six years ago, when I started to change my life in terms of my promiscuousness on tours and around

Tino Best wants to set a proper example for his son.

the time when I thought of setting a proper example for my son. Life is not a fairy tale, and I wanted to be honest, I didn’t want to

hide anything. I didn’t mind people judging me but when they look at me, at least they will say ‘yes, he is an honest guy.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

monDAY, May 2, 2016

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

Guyana facing CPL blackout

CPL failed to announce Guyana as finals host as T&T prepare to make counter-offer Pg 22

Fans are made to wait to know who will host the final of the biggest party in sport

Sports Hall will be ready for CBC Championships – Jones

Pg 23 The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyana-times.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.