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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3047

Hamilton Green

Monday, November 21, 2016

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 14

Govt P7 considers conservation of relinquished Barama lands

Pension Bill reeks of cronyism, withdraw it now! – TIGI

Cabinet to discuss RUSAL controversy P9

…Guyana is too poor to bankroll politicians, party stalwarts

Eccles teen fatally stabs rival in apparent love triangle

“Be responsible with garbage disposal” P17 – Linden Mayor urges

Page 8

...litter wardens to be appointed soon

Strong surveillance system needed to monitor Zika during pregnancy – Dr Frank Anthony P12

World Day for the Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims: Hundreds of persons from various organisations participated in the annual walk, organised by Denise Dias, founder of the Alicea Foundation and the Mothers in Black, in an effort to campaign against the carnage on Guyana’s roads. The annual event has been staged for the past 10 years

Economic woes deepen

Republic Bank profits dip below 2015 earnings by $100M

Granger cannot instruct Judicial Commission on appointment of Judges — Ramkarran Page 3

Page 7

Region 1 couple arrested P8 for ganja farming

Deported P10 convict arrested for WBD robbery

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, November 21 – 11:30h-13:00h and Tuesday, November 22 – 12:30h-14:00h. to facilitate maintenance works.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, November 21 – 10:25h-11:55h and Tuesday, November 22 – 11:35h-13:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers will dominate the morning hours with light to heavy rain showers in the afternoon hours. Clear skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 09:51h and 22:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.18 metres and 2.19 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:45h reaching a minimum height of 1.09 metres respectively.

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Granger cannot instruct Judicial Commission on appointing Judges−Ramkarran

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resident David Granger has no power to instruct the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) since that body regulates its own procedure and cannot be dictated to or second-guessed by anyone, including the President, and is answerable only to a court.

This is the position held by Senior Counsel and former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran as he admonished Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Basil Williams, over his pronouncements recently on the President’s appointment of judges.

People’s Progressive Party General Secretary, Clement Rohee, had recently urged President Granger to appoint the judges that had been nominated by the JSC but according to Attorney General Williams: “In the case of the said recommendations, they were not triggered by any public advertisement of vacancies in the office of judges and inviting applications for appointments thereto. Under the APNU/AFC Government the days of handpicking and secret overtures to fill vacancies in the office of judges are over.”

Ramkarran, in admonishing the Attorney General, has surmised that “this astonishing public admonishment of the JSC and public instructions to a constitutional body as to how it must perform its functions, based on President Granger’s view when he was Leader of the Opposition that vacancies should be advertised, has never, ever occurred in Guyana, in the worst of times.”

According to Ramkarran, “President Granger, as Leader of the Opposition or President may have a view on the matter, but he has no pow-

President David Granger

er to instruct the JSC.” According to the former Speaker: “The practices the JSC in the conduct of its business from time immemorial were borrowed from the judicial authorities in England… As in England, the JSC has always privately and informally invited individual lawyers in private practice or in the service of the State, who they believe are qualified to sit as judges, to apply.”

He noted that in Guyana judges are usually appointed to the Court of Appeal from among senior judges of the High Court or, on rare occasions, from among lawyers in private practice who are invited by the JSC to apply.

Ramkarran is adamant that there is no law, rule or practice which requires the invitation of applications for judgeships either in the High Court or the Court of Appeal by way of public advertisement, even though the Chancellor indicated in a meeting with Senior Counsel during last year that he will recommend to the JSC that, where appropriate, necessary and likely to be helpful, public advertisements will be utilised to invite applications for judgeships.

“The JSC regulates its own procedure and cannot be dictated to or second

guessed by anyone, including the President… The JSC is answerable only to a court.”

Williams, during the course of the past week in response to Rohee said “The President must have a higher duty to ensure that the judges he appoints are fit and proper, and were selected and recommended after a transparent process.”

He also attributed to the President the responsibilities of “ascertaining the qualifications, suitability, experience, expertise, integrity and absence of nepotism among other considerations.”

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams

According to Ramkarran, “the AG seeks to confer on the President an obligation to second-guess the JSC which the Constitution does not.”

He has since surmised that this “is a public shredding of the Constitution, which needs urgent clarification by the President or Prime Minister… A statement in the National Assembly would suffice. Otherwise the public pronouncements of the AG would be taken as the official policy of the Government.”

According to Ramkarran, in 2001 the authority of the JSC was strengthened and the dis-

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

cretion of the President was removed by the substitution of “shall” for “may.”

He notes that Article 128(1) of the Constitution of Guyana now provides that Judges other than the Chancellor and Chief Justice are appointed by the President “who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.”

Article 128(2) now provides that “the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission and appoint a person to act in the office of Justice of Appeal or Puisne Judge, as the case may be.”

These amendments were based on the recommendations of the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) in 2000, Ramkarran recalled.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 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

That Special Pension

I

t is clear Hamilton Green is highly favoured by this APNU/AFC Administration. The reason for this was explained in one of its inaugural acts last May: President Granger bestowed the Order of Roraima (OR) on Green for his “long and outstanding involvement in the struggle for independence and for his role in providing public service for three generations.”

Subsequent to stepping down as Mayor of Georgetown after 22 years, the 80-year-old Hamilton Green was again rewarded by the government with the Chairmanship of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

Then, in one of the most startling announcements even to strong supporters, the government has placed a special “Hamilton Green Pension Bill 2016” on the Order Paper of the National Assembly to be given its first reading today.

Green who was an MP for 12 years, is already receiving a pension prorated on his salary during those years, as it is for all other MPs. He also receives benefits as a former Mayor of Georgetown, in addition to special guards that were assigned by the City Council. The new pension would be “based on the salary paid to the Prime Minister, as though he actually earned the said salary, taking into consideration his record of service as a legislator.” It also provides for Green to receive all benefits provided for under the Former President (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2015.

What this means is that the new pension for Green would be based on the salary of the incumbent Moses Nagamootoo, who earns $20,580,000 annually after the Cabinet gave themselves a 50% salary increase and the PM a $2 million increase in 2015. The PM’s monthly salary is now more than $1.7 million and the pension that he and now Hamilton Green would be receiving would be 7/8 of that or another $1.5 million monthly.

In addition to this sum he would be serviced with chauffeurs, maids, cooks, etc, and two cars plus two first class tickets to any destination in the world. It is very clear that “somebody up there likes” Green.

Not surprisingly Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo reacted with great indignation and called the proposal “duplicitous” in a climate when Public Servants are being told they cannot get their promised “significant raise” because of the “strained circumstances” into which the economy is plunging.

He was joined by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), which issued a particularly strong denunciation of the Bill it dubbed “obnoxious”.

Seemingly providing a prelude to an answer to the Opposition Leader’s demand for an explication of exactly what Green had done for the special treatment, the GHRA noted: ““The Prime Minister Hamilton Green Pension Bill 2016 on the Order Paper is utterly shocking.

His entire political career reflects the attributes that have kept Guyana ethnically polarized and, for this reason, securely anchored at the bottom of all Caribbean indicators of social and economic progress in the modern era. As a young and ruthless politician in the early 1960s his name figured prominently in the violence from which this society has still to recover.”

Even the reasons offered for award of the OR could not explicitly refer to Green’s 22-year stint as Mayor of Georgetown since this “public service” only allowed the capital of the country to sink into slime and decrepitude.

During his PNC years as Minister in several capacities, he was most famous for overseeing a Ministry of Health that permitted rats to gnaw at the toes of children in the GHPC. His Prime Ministership was only made possible when a prescient Forbes Burnham demoted him from being First Vice President and allowed Desmond Hoyle to become president at his death. Hoyte then expelled Green from the PNC. The award, and now the pension, could only refer to Green’s contribution during the riotous 1960s in the role to which the GHRA alluded.

This pension must not be awarded.

Bathing at Orinduik Falls, Ireng River, the border between Guyana and Brazil (Michael Lam Collection)

Ban toy guns, squibs, and dangerous knives

Dear Editor, I have travelled this entire nation and I note with interest from Essequibo to Berbice we have more sellers than buyers. What's interesting is that these people can go to the extreme to sell anything to get money, they don't care what they sell; and it seems the police put a blind eye to what these people are selling. With the current increase in crime, I believe lots of things selling on the paves and market and in our stores should be banned.

For example, I see lots of DVD sellers expose pornographic DVDs openly for sale and school children even buying it from them.

They sell masks or false faces that criminals wear to rob people. Most of the toy guns look just like real guns and I know of many instances of people who were robbed by toy guns and the bandits will light a squib to scare people then rob them. If a toy gun seller is smart and

has contacts he/she can even sell real guns among his/her selected customers and no one will know because the toy and real guns look the same.

The squibs and bombs these people sell that's used on Diwali nights and Old Year's night are very dangerous. I read of a woman whose hands were severely damaged by these bombs.

People pelt them on top of people's houses that caused houses to be burnt down; they pelt it on cars to blow them up and on people to blind and disable them yet these bombs and squibs are sold openly and the police do nothing about it.

Thieves used these bombs to scare people then rob them at nights; people feel its gun bullets but it's the bombs. How can we know when it's gun or bombs? How can we know if the bandits have a real gun or toy gun when all look just the same. At markets and many arcades they play very

lewd-loud music and at markets and stores that is another distraction that help criminal elements to rob people so no one can hear when they are robbed.

Now I come to these dangerous knives: Just a few days ago I saw a man walking and selling knives strapped to his body in a transparent bag with pockets at the bus park. These are the Rambo knives, the switch blade knives, and a barrage of dangerous knives and ninja kinds of implements. This man is a moving store selling to anyone.

I also saw those same weapons selling on the pave all over. I think many years ago one could have been locked up for carrying a dangerous weapon. I still believe that law exists but it seems as if all our laws are flouted daily.

Editor, I am calling on the Minister of Public Security and the Commissioner of Police to ban the use of squibs, toy guns, masks,

dangerous knives and all sorts of dangerous artillery that sells openly, including pornographic DVDs. It's very sad when I look at our country. I see people trying to get rich quick by selling all kinds of evil things and many unlicensed people selling all kinds of poison at the markets. With the rise of crime and suicide our Administration should implement laws to ban all these things.

I have seen even sex toys, hand cuffs, and sado-masochistic sex apparatus selling openly at markets and the pave. What have we really become as a nation?

I am also hoping that the police will remove all roadside loud music on Christmas Eve and Old Year's night. Loud music has become an incessant nuisance and menace to our society. May God help us!

Yours truly, Rev Gideon Cecil

Leguan: Microcosm of religion in Guyana Dear Editor, November 6, 2016 will be in the history books as the date on which the tallest Hanuman Murti in Guyana was consecrated at Blenheim, Leguan, in the presence of supporters from many backgrounds.

However the significant speeches given by religious leaders should be recorded for posterity as they seem to reflect an era of mutual respect.

One of the speakers, Reverend Albert James, has served the Essequibo islands for decades in various roles but remains a humble unassuming servant of

the common man. It was no great surprise to read his words, “there is no need for conversion once a person practices the tenets of his faith sincerely.”

As Pastor of St Peter’s Anglican Church, first constructed in 1827 and replaced by its present structure in 1855, Chairman James’ comments are appreciated and long overdue.

Chairman James was never a wealthy person but always had time for needed projects. In 1993 we toured both Leguan and Wakenaam on bicycles organising and persuading local groups to cooperate with

overseas Guyanese who were adopting their schools after the late Dr Dale Bisnauth then Minister of Education had given his blessings to the Adopt A School programme. By 2015 his mode of transportation graduated to a motorbike which we rode to the cremation site at Uniform Village at the back of the island and discussed ways to improve the pathway especially in rainy season. He quotes often from the book, Mohandas K Gandhi and his inspiration the Bhagavad Gita, available at Eastern Primary school in support of their library. Apparently

he shares his wisdom with family and friends.

I distinctly recall speaking to a class at the secondary school in 1993 about Mahatma Gandhi and was quite impressed with the knowledge and confidence of a female student who eventually told me with pride “My father is Albert James.”

Conversion as a process of reaping new souls as if on a balance sheet has been the cause of injustices and atrocities for centuries and has not gone unnoticed by world leaders in their struggles to be free from foreign domination. continued on page 5

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

PPP should learn from Trump Leguan: Microcosm of... on leadership reconciliation Dear Editor, The PPP leadership should pay attention to and take lessons on how President-elect Donald Trump has handled (nomination and post-election) conflict within the Republican Party. After he won, instead of sacking or excluding presidential nomination rivals as PPP leadership did, Trump has pursued an inclusive policy by meeting critics and competitors during the nomination process.

In advanced democracies like the US, Canada, UK, etc victorious candidates at elections tend to meet with defeated candidates to bring reconciliation and unity. Trump has been meeting old adversaries, bitter rivals, foes, and fierce critics. He warmly shook hands with them after the election and invites them to join his administration.

PPP leaders are yet to pursue such an initiative some five years after its defeat in November 2011.

Trump has been holding meetings with former rivals who said the nastiest things about him, and he about them during the nomination (campaign) process.

The 2012 Republican nomine, Mitt Romney, for example, called Trump a “phony ... a fraud ...(and) a con man,” adding that “Trump’s refusal to release his tax records was disqualifying” as a Presidential candidate. Romney said a Trump presidency could bring "trickle-down racism, trickle-down bigotry, trick-

le-down misogyny" to the nation. Trump responded that Romney was “irrelevant (and) a choke artist”, and calling Romney “a dope!” Trump said Romney "blew it" and "choked like a dog" in his failed bid to unseat President Obama in 2012, and he called the former Massachusetts governor "one of the dumbest and worst candidates in the history of Republican politics."

Trump met Romney to mend fences. He did same with Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina, and other critics as well. As reports say, “the cordiality that Romney and Trump displayed publicly was a marked change from the way the men spoke about each other during the campaign”.

In Guyana, there is no mending of fences in the PPP, and therefore virtually no chance at the next election in 2020. The PNC leadership mended fences even though there was bitter feud among rivals for leadership of the party amidst electoral riggings for executive posts.

But within the PPP, the leadership was reluctant to accept critiques. The leadership alienated well-meaning critics and those who challenged their candidacy. Instead of seeing constructive criticism and competition as good for democracy, for the party, and for the eventual nominee (winner) for President, the leadership eliminates competitors, weakening the party in the process.

It is noted, for example, that instead of praising and embracing critics Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo and Ralph Ramkarran for their fiercely independent and objective positions, the PPP leadership excommunicated them.

It cost the PPP its majority in 2011 and the government in 2015.

In meetings with former adversaries, Trump discussed issues, exchanged views, and mended fences all in the interest to work together for the betterment of the party, its supporters and the nation.

The PPP should look to reconcile with its former stalwarts and embrace critics to make the PPP a better party and Guyana a better country.

The PPP should look at critics and challengers to its leadership as heroes trying to better the party and preparing it for the future. The party should learn lessons on how to handle internal conflict conflict resolution will go a long way to help the party make a comeback. Otherwise, it will be a long dry winter.

Also, the party should consider inviting the minor parties (ROAR, URP, etc) in an alliance to give it credibility after a long period of arrogant rule.

Yours faithfully, Dr Vishnu Bisram Political Scientist

Mahatma Gandhi linked conversion with imperialism by all European powers and while some are still blaming our current situation on Columbus for getting lost, nations are now independent and must find ways to respect religions of peace within their borders. The observations of this great soul will still find unconditional support among many when he stated he loved Christ and the Sermon on the Mount but not Christians who were so unlike Christ.

Another source of conversion is inter-religious unions compelling one party to take the religion of the other as a condition of the marriage. Like the state-sponsored or commercial conversions these are equally disruptive of family life. One claims to love the other so much that they will abandon thousands of years of culture and family traditions. Others respect their partners and even children who are exposed to all beliefs but free to make their choice.

Religious conversion in Guyana seems an easier and faster process than changing support for a political party which decides who will govern the nation.

This disrespectful practice based on the false premise that only one religion can lead to salvation ignores the

fact that there are genuine spiritual seekers and good people in all religions.

It has left families with permanent wounds.

A recent census showed that Hindus were reduced from 35.5% of the population in 1991 to 25% in 2012 and conversion is certainly part of the cause. Hopefully this practice will cease one day soon and the efforts to unite a nation will not be stymied.

If all in Leguan were converted, asked one devotee, who would have built the many temples and now this national landmark?

Social cohesion must start with recognising the contributions of all groups to the development of any nation and all the speakers from the various religions seem clearly aware of this.

October 6, 2016 can attain towering significance way beyond the 52-foot Murti, not only in Leguan but throughout Guyana if it is remembered as the day when religious and political leaders acknowledge that religious conversion is an impediment to national unity.

Gandhi’s guidance is still relevant: “No one faith is perfect...what is wanted is living friendly contact among the followers...and not a clash among them in

FROM PAGE 4

the fruitless attempt of one to show the superiority of its faith over the rest.”

Hinduism was recently acknowledged by the legislature of Ontario, Canada, with the introduction of a Bill proclaiming October as Hindu Heritage Month. The significance of Navratri, Durga Puja, and the globally celebrated festival of lights, Diwali, will now be shared by a wider community.

Hindus have been coming to Canada since early 20th century and have helped in all fields to build the country—science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, sports. The same body passed the South Asian Heritage Act 2001 proclaiming May as South Asian Heritage Month and May 5 as South Asian Heritage Day since May 5, 1838 was when the first ships the Whitby and Hesperus arrived in Guyana.

They should be allowed to practice their way of life without threat of conversion in the interest of the first country they contributed to in the Western Hemisphere. Every person or group should say Stop it.

Sincerely , Ramnarine Sahadeo

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When your child has problems Helping children at school: Tips for parents Part 1 become nurturers

By Janet Lehman

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ave you gotten “the call” from your child’s school? Janet Lehman talks frankly about how she and her husband James dealt with it when their son had trouble at school.

In September of our son’s third grade year, we got the phone call from his teacher. She said she was really concerned about our child’s chances of passing that year.

I was shocked, angry and anxious – and terribly embarrassed, both as a mother and a social worker who “should have known” what was going on. I immediately took the stance of viewing myself as the victim in the situation. In fact, very quickly it became all about me.

It’s not about you. It’s about your child, and what is best for him. As much as you can, put personal feelings aside and focus on your child.

I was upset at the school, the teacher and the administrators. My husband, James, intervened at that point and said, “It isn’t about you. It’s about our son and his odds of succeeding.”

What could I say? I knew he was right. After I calmed down, we sat and talked about what we were going to do about our child’s school problem. We also knew we needed to plan out how we were going to present ourselves at the meeting with his teachers. James and I decided that we wanted to be in partnership with the school as much as possible, because this would give our child the best chance of getting through the year and moving on to fourth grade. As hard as it was, I knew I needed to put all of my personal feelings aside and focus on what was

best for our son.

This brings me to my first tip for parents when their child is having trouble at school: Tip #1: It’s not about you.

It’s about your child, and what is best for him. As much as you can, put personal feelings aside and focus on your child.

James reminded me again before we went into our meeting: “It’s not about you. It’s not about how you feel about the teacher. It’s about our son.” And then he said, “To be honest, our kid

can be a bit of a pain in the neck sometimes and the teacher has 30 other students she needs to deal with. Let’s really try to find a way to work with her.”

We went to the meeting and presented ourselves as wanting to work with the school instead of against the school. We weren’t blaming the school; we were trying to be realistic about our son – both his behaviour and his needs.

And even though at first I was angry at the school for not noticing our son’s issues sooner, I was grateful to his third grade teacher for notic-

ing what was going on. Up until third grade, our son had been able to use charm to get by in school. But charming wasn’t going to make it in the third grade, where they introduce more challenging content and a lot of new learning.

Fortunately, his teacher saw through that act and realised it was a bit of a cover for some of his learning struggles.

This brings me to my second tip: Tip #2: Generally speaking, blaming the school or your

child’s teacher won’t do any good. As much as is possible, work with school administrators and teachers.

Partner with them instead of making an adversary out of them.

In my opinion, the only way to create success is to partner with the school. If you’re really struggling with your child’s teacher, find somebody else who you can create that relationship with.

Pinpoint someone in the school who you can work with – it could be a guidance counsellor, school social worker, a coach, or even the principal.

This person will be able to advocate for your child more

effectively than you can in some instances, and might also be able to shoot you an email when they notice something or feel like your child needs some extra help.

Our whole family worked especially hard during third grade: we put in a lot of time sending notes back and forth to our son’s teacher and keeping her abreast of his progress. James would also sit with our son and do homework every night. He never did the work for him – he was just there to answer questions and give him help if he needed it. I won’t lie – at first, it was a bit of a struggle. But as our son did more homework, his classroom performance improved, which then encouraged him to do more homework. It became a positive circle or a “win-win” situation for him.

So my third tip is: Tip #3: Communicate regularly with the school. At home, sit with your child if possible and help him through his homework assignments. I think one of the key things our son realised was that his teacher and his parents were going to hold him responsible for his own work. He couldn’t get out of it, because everyone had joined together to make sure he succeeded and got through the year. We also attended an evaluation meeting for him where testing was recommended. He had some tests done and it was discovered that he had a mild learning disability. As a result, the teachers arranged for some accommodations so he could do certain things differently. So again, the school was taking some responsibility to help him, but even more importantly, our son was gradually taking responsibility for his learning. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

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

By Gail F Melson, PhD

S

o, at a very early age, children begin to acquire a store of knowledge about nurturing babies. But, action doesn’t always reflect what they know.

Psychologists call this the “competence-performance” distinction, which often shows itself most dramatically when behaviour doesn’t fit societal expectations or self-identity. We found this when we videotaped twoto five-year olds in an unstructured session with a sixeight month old baby and his or her mother. In the play room, we asked the mothers to quietly read a magazine in the corner, while we watched to see how the young child would interact with the baby. The babies were fascinated by the older children and did their best to engage them. An interesting pattern emerged when we looked at how the older boys and girls behaved.

Girls were much more engaged than boys with the baby, looking, talking, staying in face-to-face contact and asking the mother about the baby, especially if the baby was female. Other research confirms that while boys and girls are equally knowledgeable and confident about caring for a baby, when it comes to behaviour, girls are more interested and involved.

We interpret these findings in terms of developing gender roles. It may seem surprising that before age five, children already associate nurturing babies with the feminine gender role, but they do. In our interview study, even preschoolers described an adult female as someone who “cares for” and “loves” a baby more than an adult male. This suggests that nurturance may become associated with gender roles from an early age.

The effect may be to encourage girls and discourage boys from developing their caring side.

If such an effect persists, this is discouraging news, since engaged nurturing is needed from both men and women in our society. The results made us continue to look for ways that boys as well as girls could be involved with nurturance of others throughout childhood.

That search took us to pets and other animals under human care. Pets share many of the same characteristics as human babies. (In fact, many pet owners view their pets as their special “babies.”) These animals are inherently dependent upon the human family in which they find themselves for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Their human caretakers have a special bond that motivates caregiving. Pet owners have the challenge of putting themselves into the ‘paws’ of anther being very different from themselves.

Our examination of nurturance of pets by children revealed that here, unlike with human babies, no gender differences emerged in behaviour. Boys as well as girls were equally engaged and motivated to care.

Significantly, over time, as children grew from preschoolers to fifth graders, parents reported increased involvement in caregiving toward pets, but decreasing involvement in caregiving toward younger siblings.

(All the children had both pets and young sibs.) In this way, we think that having a pet provides a valuable training ground in developing one’s nurturing skills, a practice area equally available to boys and girls.

Of course, pets can’t do all the ‘heavy lifting’ in nurturing children’s nurturing side. Parents and teachers can give children opportunities to care for others.

Planting a garden, taking care of a plant, raising a classroom pet, volunteering at a food pantry, visiting a rehabilitation centre, even just recycling – all these activities, especially when reinforced with nurturing ‘lessons’ – can help children flex their nurturing muscles. When they’re grownups, they – and we – will need them. (Excerpt from pyschologytoday.com)

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Govt considers conservation Economic woes deepen of relinquished Barama lands Republic Bank profits dip below 2015 earnings by $100M

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A Cabinet sub-committee was looking at a number of options for the use of the forest lands relinquished by Barama Company as it scales back its operations

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overnment is considering the possibility of putting some of the 1.6 million hectares of relinquished Barama lands under conservation.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had informed a post-Cabinet briefing that a Cabinet sub-committee was looking at a number of options for the use of the forest lands relinquished by Barama Company based on submissions made by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

During a subsequent briefing, Trotman said deliberations were still ongoing and disclosed that one of the options was for some of the lands to be conserved.

More specifically, he said, the Cabinet sub-committee is examining the concept of dividing the land into quadrants, each for a different purpose.

“The state is examining the future… Whether we can cut them into four quadrants… putting aside some for conservation, some aside for small loggers and some aside for international concessionaires,” he explained.

The Minister explained that while Government has also received expressions of interest from foreign and local companies, the Administration intended to strike a balance that was

consistent with President David Granger’s green economy pathway.

Trotman had also proposed to the Cabinet subcommittee that Government give some of the lands to the now jobless persons who were retrenched by Barama.

The Cabinet sub-committee tasked with reviewing these options comprises the Natural Resources Minister, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Indigenous Peoples Affairs’ Minister Sydney Allicock and Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence.

Barama is currently in the process of retrenching and some 500 workers stand to be affected.

In October, the Company announced that it would not be seeking a renewal of its 25-year-old forest concession agreement with Government, and would be scaling back its operations.

Reports indicate that the Company was still deciding whether it was profitable to continue its sawmilling, veneering and plywood manufacturing here.

According to reports, Government’s slothfulness in reviewing the renewal of the contract was the main reason behind Barama’s decision.

Quoted sources ex-

plained that during the period of prolonged negotiations, the global economic situation took a drastic turn for the worse. The sources said that had Government presented a contract earlier, the Company would have most likely continued its full operations.

Last year, the Natural Resources Ministry undertook to review the renewal of the contract with Barama at its behest; however, the Company was presented with a draft agreement until in the third quarter of 2016.

A task force was established to examine the Company’s request for a continuation of its contract, given the “rapacious activities” of some foreign companies operating in the forests of Guyana.

When the draft agreement was finally presented to Barama for feedback, the Company had already decided to pull the plug on its fullscale operations. The sources quoted in the media also indicated that the draft contract was “rough” and did not encourage the Company to stay in the market as is.

Barama has invested in excess of US$43 billion in its local operations since its establishment in 1991 and was one of the country’s largest employers.

vidence of Guyana’s deepening economic woes is becoming more glaring, with Republic Bank Guyana among the latest to feel the effects.

According to Republic Bank’s Audited Third Quarter Financial Statement, the Bank failed to exceed its 2015 profits by more than $100 million.

The company in 2015 earned just over $4.3 billion before taxes, winding up with a $2.8 billion profit.

In 2016, however, the company returned a profit of just about $2.7 billion and paid almost $1.6 billion in taxes, compared to just over $1.4 billion in taxes in 2015.

Republic Bank’s audited financial statements did report an increase in the company’s asset holdings up by almost $10 billion.

Increases were had in the company’s cash in hand, deposits and treasury bills holdings.

Guyana Times last week reported that Citizens Bank would be closing its Charity Waterfront branch in Essequibo on December 31, as the financial sector

continued to feel the effects of the economic slowdown. The last day of business will be December 30, 2016.

According to a public advisory issued by the Bank, this difficult decision had come after a careful review of the Charity branch’s operations.

“We wish to assure all stakeholders that the necessary measures are in place to ensure a seamless cessation of business at the Charity branch location,” the advisory said.

It was pointed out too that the mandatory 60-day advance notice has been given to customers of the Bank, along with the various options open to them.

The Charity branch, located in the Alphonso’s Complex at Charity Waterfront, was commissioned on October 29, 2012.

In more bad business news, last week Trinidad and Tobagobased construction company DIPCON Engineering Services Limited reported that it was in receivership after it failed to make payments on a substantial loan from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry

(GBTI).

The company had reportedly used its assets as collateral to secure the loan from GBTI, but its failure to pay its debts triggered the move to liquidate the company’s assets.

The company has since been placed in receivership – to be undertaken

by Harry Parmesar – and is currently looking to dispose of its assets, including its two asphalt plants and a host of road building machinery and vehicles.

The company, through its liquidators, has begun publishing advertisements inviting potential buyers.

DIPCON Engineering Services Limited was recently engaged in the multibillion-dollar construction projects, namely the East Bank and East Coast Demerara Four-Lane Highway road projects, before falling in dire financial straits and having to lay-off a number of workers.

The company also reportedly owes the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) significant sums of money.

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monday, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Eccles teen fatally stabs rival in apparent love triangle A

n Eccles, East Bank Demerara teen has been arrested after he fatally stabbed another villager, who attempted to run him over with a car, in an apparent love triangle.

Dead is Intiaz Ally, 22, an excavator operator of Lot 121 ‘BB’ Eccles. According to reports, the incident occurred just after 22:00h at a few houses from where Ally shared a dwelling with his girlfriend of 15 months, Nicola Indal.

Police reports revealed that Indal was on her way home from work in the company of the 16-year-old suspect, who was riding a bicycle alongside her, something he usually does. At the time, the suspect was in possession of the woman’s bag which contained a ten inch ‘rambo’ knife, the police said.

“It was alleged that as they were proceeding in a northern direction, Ally, who was driving motor car PSS 2435, struck down the suspect who got up and began to run but was apprehended by Ally.

(The now dead man) started to beat him and during this process the suspect, who was still in possession of the bag, took out the knife and allegedly inflicted a wound to the left side of Ally’s neck,” a Police release detailed.

According to the release, the injured man was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

Jealousy

Speaking with Guyana Times on Sunday, a distraught Indal explained that of recent, her relationship with Ally had become rocky because he was abusing her, and had even cheated on her. She noted that the deceased became suspicious of her and would constantly accuse her of cheating on him, as revenge.

She said that only last week, they had a fight on the same issue and he hit her.

Following this Ally moved out and went to stay with his mother at Tuschen, East Bank

Dead: Intiaz Ally (right) and Nicola Indal earlier this year

Essequibo.

“We had a fight because he said that I was cheating on him and when I asked with whom, he said he don’t know but when he find out it gon be big scene with he and the boy and me,” the young woman related.

Indal, who operates an internet café in Eccles, recalled that on Saturday night Ally called sometime around 21:13h, knowing that she closes at 22:00h, and said he wanted to see her. However, she noted at the time he was in Parika, EBE, at a wedding and she forbid him to come because he was drinking and would have sped on the way down.

At the time she noted that the suspect, who works at a nearby carwash, was at the café using the wifi, which is a norm, and Ally demanded that the call be placed on speaker so that he can talk to the teenager.

Indal said after talking to the suspect for a few minutes about his car, Ally then threatened the teenager that he is on his way with a car load of men to beat him up for “stealing his happiness”. At that point, the young woman said she retrieved the phone from the teenager and continued talking to Ally for about an hour, until she heard wind blowing through the phone and suspected he was on his way to

Eccles.

The young woman said she immediately closed the internet and, in the company of her siblings, cousins and the suspect, proceeded home. Upon reaching the house, Indal said she requested the teenager to escort one of her relatives home, a few corners away, since it was late.

It was at this point, they noticed Ally’s car coming through the street. “I tell them don’t move because when (Ally) drink he gets real hasty so they gon wait till he gone and then go. Then he turned around and left so they proceed in the opposite direction and next thing we see Inti car come through the other…

When he got closer he accelerated to a speed and came towards us,” the young woman recalled.

Confrontation

In tears, she further related that everybody scattered but the car hit the bicycle that the teenager was on and he fell. She noted that the suspect was holding her bag that contained a laptop and cash from the day’s proceedings as well

as a knife which she has for protection. She added too that the deceased had two other males in the car. “(Ally) come out the car and approach the boy (suspect) but the boy run… One of he friend hold he back but he break way and run after the boy and catch he. Inti dig like about four cuffs to the boy and all I see the boy make one punch – I could have swear it was a punch, I didn’t know is bore he bore Inti to his neck and he fall on his knees,” the grieving woman recounted.

Indal said that her sister along with Ally’s two friends rushed him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but on the way there he died. When asked by reporters whether in fact, she had a relationship with the suspect, the young woman denied. However, the teenager’s mother told reporters that her son and Indal did in fact share a relationship.

Nevertheless, the suspect, who resides at Eccles Old Road, has since been taken into custody to assist with investigations.

The alleged murder weapon was retrieved.

Region 1 couple arrested for ganja farming

Some of the illegal plants

P

olice in ‘F’ Division (Interior Locations) have arrested a couple from Region One (Barima-Waini) for planting marijuana.

According to reports, the police conducted a search on the farmland of the suspects, located at Hotoquai

Village, when they unearthed an estimated 400 cannabis plants ranging in height from one to three feet. The plants were destroyed by the police.

The arrested husband and wife are assisting with investigations.

Utter Contempt… …for Guyanese hat will it take for Guyanese to wake up? For how long will they take the daily contempt and scorn of the politicians - who THEY voted into Office? Dear Reader… you really want examples? Your Eyewitness' problem is where does he begin? Hamilton Green's mega pension proposal? The PNC Gang of Four at the City Council on another junket?

Their unilateral decision to name the road in front the Chinese Embassy after Fuzhou? (Where the heck is Fuzhou? And when was it twinned with Georgetown?)

But maybe we can illustrate our seething anger with the Constitutional changes both the APNU and AFC promised. This promise was at the centre of the "change" they were going to bring into Guyanese politics.

And to a lot of people this proposal made sense. The Constitution, we were taught, were the set of rules that circumscribed how the "elected" government would run the State. The people saw this proposal inscribed several times in the APNU/AFC Manifesto. All the highhandedness that had crept into the PPP's practices after the 2000 Constitutional Changes were now going to be nipped in the bud - meaning their source in the Constitution.

But what fuels your Eyewitness' rage at the blatant official contempt is that government hasn't just put the promised constitutional changes on their back burner - but the Prime Minister, Nagamootoo, under whole portfolio the subject falls - keeps coming up with excuses that are blatantly contrived. And it's not as if the fella's being overworked, since all he seems to do is fly off hither and thither to collect malas and pro-forma "accolades".

There was the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR) that conducted hearings and submitted its report to Nagamootoo. Then silence. After much hemming and hawing by Nagamootoo, Prezzie stepped in and announced he didn't want any "backroom" deals in changing the Constitution. Too elitist for him. There had to be "wider consultations". It sounded suspiciously like the British delaying tactics when the early Guyanese freedom fighters were demanding independence.

Now a year-and-a-half later, Nagamootoo says he's preparing for those countrywide "consultations". But isn't sure whether the $80 million he requested has been included in the Budget!!! What is this? Jordan doesn't take his calls? But you can bet your bottom dollar his ambiguity is simply to give himself wriggle room to delay the promised changes.

But Nagamootoo really has nothing to fear. Has he forgotten that Burnham, the Founder Leader of the PNC - he's now joined at the hip with - had once said: It doesn't matter what Constitution you have - the PNC will always find a way to have their way. Nagamootoo better get with the programme!

W

...Public Agencies Another broken promise that demonstrates the contempt this Government has shown to the people is the foot-dragging on the Local Government Commission (LGC).

Once again, when in opposition, the APNU and AFC had gnashed their teeth at the claimed interference of the Minister of Local Government into the affairs of the Local Government bodies. The LGC would’ve solved all that - since it would have both Government and Opposition reps. But as Georgetown's Mayor and City Council's outlaw behaviour continues, there's still no LGC to represent the people's interests.

And the newly designated "Minister of Communities" is mute.

But to be fair, your Eyewitness must point out that even though very belatedly - after much damage has been done, and pockets filled - there's now a Public Procurement Commission (PPC). But the test of this pudding will be in its eating - in this case the awards of the bids.

But hold it. The losing bidders' only recourse is the three-person Bid Protest Committee - appointed solely by the Government! ...on rice and sugar All across Guyana, the price for paddy is below the cost of production. But not a murmur from PM Nagamootoo who promised vast Mexican markets, to answer the cries of the 11 per cent and their cohorts.

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

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monday, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Cabinet to discuss RUSAL controversy S

ocial Protection Minister Volda Lawrence is expected to submit a report to Cabinet about the circumstances surrounding the Russian Bauxite Company of Guyana, (RUSAL) operations.

This is according to government spokesperson, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman who chaired a post-cabinet press briefing recently.

Prompted for government’s position regarding RUSAL, in light of the company’s failure to attend a meeting with the Labour Department to address several pertinent issues, Trotman said Cabinet will be reviewing the matter at its next sitting.

He explained that

Minister Lawrence will make a presentation on the controversies and he would therefore not want to preempt the agreements of Cabinet.

Nonetheless, he posited that dialogue is the only way forward when dealing with conflicts and indicated that Government will push for talks with RUSAL. Lawrence and the Junior Social Protection Minister, Keith Scott, recently held a meeting to address various issues, including workers’ matters, with the company, some of which have been in the public domain since 2009, however the company was a no-show.

The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and RUSAL have had issues following

RUSAL has been operating in Guyana since 2004

the dismissal and suspension of 57 workers several years back.

Minister with responsibility for Labour, Scott, told the media that RUSAL’s failure to attend the meet-

AFC Biennial Conference postponed to January F

ollowing an announcement last month that the party’s National Conference will be held in mid-December, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has postponed the event to January when several senior positions will be contested.

This is according to Acting Chairman and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who told reporters at the party’s press conference on Friday that a date is yet to be set for the conference, but the location has been identified.

“For the first time the National Conference will be held in a region other than Region Four and the party considers this to be most historic. Region Three – Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara – will host the National Conference,” Nagamootoo announced.

He added that a National

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

Conference Planning Committee has been set up to ensure that the party’s National Conference is successfully hosted. He noted that the AFC regional management committee for Region Three is integrally involved in the planning of

the Conference.

Moreover, according to the acting chairman, the biennial conference will see the elections of executive members.

“The National Conference, held biennially, will see the elections of executives of the party. The positions of leader, chairman, vice chairman, general secretary and treasurer are expected to be contested,” he remarked.

However, when asked for names of some of the persons contesting for the AFC top spots, Nagamootoo explained that that information will be with the conference committee and he is yet to receive such.

This will be the first National Conference since the party has been in government as part of the APNU/AFC Coalition.

TURN TO PAGE 12

ing shows a lack of respect for Guyana’s laws and Government. This is the first attempt to have both parties present at a meeting.

Minister Scott said that the Labour Department has

encouraged RUSAL to come to the table. He further expressed that the Ministry’s main aim is to ensure Guyana is given the respect due as a sovereign state; and there should be no compro-

mise whatsoever.

Reports indicate that some of the workers’ concerns raised over the years include being compelled to complete tasks without the necessary equipment to do the job; staff working far in excess of five years and receiving no raise in pay; staff reporting sick receiving pay eight hours for a three-day period, but upon resumption money is deducted from their salary; poor ventilation in office areas; and no occupational safety and health representatives or committee, among several other issues.

RUSAL, which has been operating in Guyana since 2014, owns licences to develop the Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni deposit groups.

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monday, november 21, 2016

News

Corentyne carpenter murder

2 CID ranks being questioned A

s the Major Crime Unit (MCU) continues to probe the death of Faiyaz Narinedatt, 24, two police officers are being questioned even as one of the suspect's mother and the sister of another were arrested on Saturday.

According to a source close to the investigation a Corporal and a Constable could provide vital information to the investigation.

The MCU took over the investigation after police on the Corentyne had reportedly been reluctant to follow-up on information which included names of those present and details of the events which led to the carpenter’s death and subsequent staging of the crime scene to make it appear as a hit and run accident.

Investigators at the Springlands Police Station were allegedly told of the vehicle which took Narinedatt’s body to the Number 70 Public Road to fake accident scene.

However, there has been no evidence, as yet, to suggest that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers acted on that information.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed

The deceased, Faiyaz Narinedatt

24-year-old

that two officers were being questioned.

Meanwhile, there are reports that an overseasbased businessman paid US$60,000 as ‘hush money’ to investigators in Berbice on November 1, the day the man’s body was discovered.

Narindatt’s body was discovered at about 03:45h on the Corentyne Highway at Number 70 Village at a scene which appeared to be that of a hit and run accident.

On October 31, the media was invited to Number 70 Village where multimillionaire Marcus Bisram handed over $2.5 million to the Community Policing

Group (CPG) for their anniversary celebrations.

Since the MCU took over the investigations, two teenagers have confessed to being part of the killing, and claimed that the businessman, who gave the CPG the $2.5 million cheque, had ordered the killing of the carpenter.

Reports indicate that Narinedatt was beaten unconscious then placed in the trunk of a car and taken to the public road where he was run over to stage the crime as a road accident.

The businessman allegedly made sexual advances to Narinedatt by fondling him. However, Narinedatt who was intoxicated at the time, rejected him.

The businessman allegedly instructed two villagers to beat him and to “take care of it”.

Several members of the Community Policing Group were captured on camera at the party where the beating allegedly took place.

Nine persons remain in custody as the investigations continue. According to the Crime Chief, the police are seeking legal advice with respect to the charge of murder.

He noted that the two

females who were arrested on Saturday will be charged for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

On Saturday, the mother of Marcus Bisram and the sister of one of the suspects were arrested after they allegedly tried to bribe members of the MCI with $4 million.

The seven in custody, whose aliases have been given as Zaban, Saeed, Cakes, Rado, Loydie,

Brokhan and Suraj are all suspects in the death of Narindatt.

An autopsy conducted by Pathologies Dr Nehal Singh revealed that Narinedatt suffered a fractured skull and spine among other injuries. Dr Singh’s findings revealed that the father of two was not hit while in a standing position. Police had been looking for evident to support the theory of a road accident up until the con-

fession of the two teenagers.

Meanwhile, the Crime Chief said efforts are being made to have the overseasbased businessman return to Guyana for questioning.

He did not elaborate.

In June Bisram donated $2 million to remodel the Springlands Police Traffic Department.

Meanwhile, as the nine persons remain in custody, the MCU continues to investigate.

Deported convict arrested for WBD robbery A

Guyanese involuntary returnee who served a conviction in the United States, was arrested by police on Sunday in relation to an armed robbery committed on two Bangladeshi nationals, after police tracked a stolen cell phone to this East La Penitence, Georgetown, home.

According to police reports, about 20:45h on Saturday, the two Bangladeshis were about to enter their Barclay Street, Goed Fortuin, West

Bank Demerara, home when two males, both armed with handguns, confronted them.

The gunmen relieved them of their belongings, which included two phones (a Samsung and IPhone) and $185,000 cash. The perpetrators then got into a waiting car, which was parked a short distance away.

During the investigations, the police found that the IPhone had a tracking device, which led investigators to the home of the

suspect, where the stolen IPhone was found.

The 55-year-old ‘deportee’ was arrested and taken into custody. His white Toyota Primo car, which investigators suspected was used during the robbery, was also impounded.

The police said that the arrested man had served a lengthy prison term in the US for manslaughter and drug trafficking offences.

Meanwhile, further investigations into the armed robbery are ongoing.

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monday, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Absence from antenatal clinics contributes to maternal deaths – Junior Health Minister warns

J

unior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings on Friday stated that when a pregnant mother failed to attend her antenatal clinic sessions, she placed herself and her unborn baby at risk.

According to the Minister, as a result of expectant mothers’ non-attendance or absence from the clinic, the doctor is unable to monitor her health and that of the baby, thereby leaving the mother and infant open to risks. Dr Cummings stated that sometimes a woman could develop hypertension during pregnancy, and would not be aware of such.

“What they don’t know is that if their pressure goes up by 30 per cent over the set range, they are at risk unlike a normal person,” she explained, stating that most women were not immediately joining clinics when they learn of their pregnancy.

“They are not obeying our instructions and that is why they are placing themselves at risk,” she said, adding that it was one of the reasons there were so many deaths. “If they come early, they will be able to be screened and assessed.”

In 2015, Guyana failed to reach the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to

to hypertension and bleeding, but they are preventable,” he had said, adding that if Guyana had a strong system of surveillance where pregnant women visit the clinic regular-

Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

reduce maternal deaths, with 17 maternal mortalities for the year. More so, in 2016, the number of maternal deaths remains relatively high, with 11 so far.

Shadow Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had stated that the high incidence of maternal deaths was linked to a broken healthcare system, arguing that better primary health care was needed.

He maintained that antenatal care was crucial to preventing complications during pregnancy and at births, and thus advocated for a strong primary healthcare system.

“Many of the maternal deaths would somehow relate

Electrical fire destroys Regent Street cellphone store

The scene after firefighters doused the blaze at IConnect on Regent Street

T

he owners of a cellphone store are now left counting their losses after a fire suspected to be electrical in origin destroyed their Regent Street, Georgetown business on Sunday afternoon.

The fire began around 15:00h at the IConnect store situated in the ground floor of the C&F Mall, located next door to the Footsteps building and obliquely opposite the City Mall on Regent Street.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, the blaze was already extinguished and firefighters were inspecting the ruins of the store. Chinese nationals who occupy an adjacent store were seen draining water which had collected in their store.

Speaking with media operatives at the scene, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle explained that the Guyana Fire Service received a report around 15:10h that smoke was seen coming from the building. He noted that two units were immediately dispatched – one each from Central and Alberttown Fire Stations.

“When they got here, they reported heavy smoke conditions and with some amount of visible flames in the building.

Of course, there were challenges in getting in at first because of security features – grilles

and all that…,” Gentle related.

He noted that other units were also dispatched as a precautionary measure; however, the first responding units managed to get into the building and brought the fire under control.

Gentle said the fire was confined to the IConnect store, which sells cellphones and accessories, as well as other electronic items.

Moreover, the Fire Chief pointed out that based on what he observed, it was clear that something went wrong internally and sparked an electrical fire in the store.

“I would want to hazard that from what I saw, some of the electrical work that was done there needs to be relooked at because clearly, the magnitude of the store and the type of installations there, I think, may have had some issues of overload,” he stated.

While Guyana Times did not get to speak with the owners of IConnect, the owner of the C&F Mall, Paul Fraser commended the work of the Fire Service in preventing the blaze from spreading to other parts of the building. Fraser related that upon receiving a call about the fire, he rushed to the scene and saw firefighters putting out the blaze.

ly, medical personnel would be able to monitor those pregnancies considered high risk.

Antenatal care is available in Guyana at different levels of the healthcare sys-

tem. Although differences still exist between the coastal and hinterland regions in Guyana, the national antenatal coverage rate has been above 90 per cent since the year 2000.

However, the estimated maternal mortality rate presently stands at 229 per 100,000 live births, and has not shown any significant decline since the year 2000.

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monDay, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Strong surveillance system to monitor Zika during pregnancy – Dr Anthony

S

hadow Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has stated that the Government needed a strong surveillance system to monitor Zika during pregnancy given the Virus’s link to microcephaly or it would have to deal with a serious public health crisis.

In light of four reported cases of microcephaly in Guyana, and reports of persons complaining of mosquito “infestations” in the rural areas, Dr Anthony said it was crucial to reduce the population of the mosquito which carries the Zika and other viruses, including dengue and Chikungunya.

He explained that there were standardised ways to limit the spread of the mosquito in question the Aedes Aegypti – specifically through aggressive campaigning to remove the breeding sites and to kill the mosquito at its different stages.

“If you don’t get them at that developmental stage, then when they are grown and flying around the place you can use the fogging,” he said, adding that it was pertinent to carry out these entomological studies to know what was the mosquito density in particular areas and when “you figure that out, you can know what strategy to develop”.

Shadow Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

With the advancement of genetically modified mosquitoes, Dr Anthony said the population could be reduced by stopping the mosquitoes from reproducing.

Currently, he said, genetically modified mosquitoes are being used in Brazil, Jamaica and the US. “We need to explore what it will cost and try it because in other countries it has been successful,” he suggested, noting that while the Vector Control Services has been known to periodically carry out fogging exercises, there was evidence to suggest that it was not enough. “…when you go into the rural areas, the people are

complaining about mosquito infestation so obviously a lot more can be done,” he said.

Dr Anthony opined that the Government did not know the number of Zika cases present in Guyana since it was often confused, given the similar symptoms, with Dengue and Chikungunya, which leads to misdiagnosis.

“I don’t think we have a very strong surveillance system in place to detect Zika in pregnancy and we might have more microcephaly cases because of that. We don’t want that to happen…so if the pregnant woman has symptoms of Zika or any of its cousins, then we should monitor them closely. We should be handing out condoms to pregnant women because

Zika indicated that there were 37 confirmed cases.

However, because of its similarity with the other two viruses, there may be more cases.

they are the population that is at that the greatest risk,” he said.

The last report the Public Health Ministry released on

committee, which had declared an international public health emergency earlier in the year, said the Virus still represented "a highly significant and a long-term problem".

The Zika Virus was labelled a major health threat after it was discovered that it can cause microcephaly and other neurological disorders in infants and adults.

WHO Director General, Dr Margaret Chan accepted

Zika emergency ends

Meanwhile, although it warns that the mosquitoborne Zika Virus still poses an enduring threat, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the Zika emergency.

A WHO panel composed of independent experts said in a statement that while Zika and associated consequences remained a significant enduring public health challenge requiring intense action, it no longer represented an emergency.

However, the Organisation’s emergency

the recommendations and declared an end to the emergency.

According to the Chairman of the emergency committee, Dr David Heymann, the committee has agreed that Zika must now be managed within the

WHO as are other very important infectious diseases and other threats.

Latin America and the Caribbean have approximately 500 million persons living in areas at risk for transmission of Zika Virus.

FROM PAGE 12

AFC Biennial Conference...

Last month, AFC General Secretary David Patterson had stated that the conference will see a radical reform of the relations between the ruling coalition partners, the AFC and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), with an independent review of its own affairs.

At a similar news conference six weeks ago, Patterson disclosed that an assessment of the dynamics of the two parties was among the concerns to be discussed at the AFC National Conference, which will be held before the New Year.

“I cannot dictate what the discussions will be, but I can guarantee you that someone will raise the issue of the coalition; the successes or the things which they feel the coalition should do; they would raise the question of the AFC’s shortfalls, if any, what achievements are; they would raise the issues of every Minister’s portfolio in Government.”

Among other issues to be discussed are the AFC’s role and progress in Government and the parties’ fulfilment of the joint manifesto.

“Each and every issue with leadership is put under scrutiny,” the General Secretary emphasised.

The APNU and AFC joined forces with the signing of the Cummingsburg Accord (Valentine’s Day Accord) on February 14 last year with unyielding dedication to change the politics in Guyana, with the country’s first-ever six-party coalition.

However, critics believe that the Administration has fallen short on too many of its promises and has already forecasted nothing but a bleak future, particularly for the AFC group of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition.

Several political commentators shared the view that the AFC was shafted by the APNU, with many of its inputs in government policies being overlooked or rejected.

Opposition parliamentarians have constantly pointed out that most of the AFC ministers had little or no authority within government and they are consistently being sidelined by the APNU.

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monday, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Explore Guyana 2017 Essequibo Nawjawan hosts youth camp at Golden Fleece Mandir Magazine launched

M

inister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin, unveiled the Explore Guyana 2017 Magazine on Saturday evening at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.

The event was organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and entailed the launching of the Magazine and announcement of THAG Essay Competition winners.

Held under the theme “Clean it and Mean it�, the competition was divided into two categories to include both primary and secondary school students. The theme focused on the importance of

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin; GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh; President of THAG, Andrea de Caires; and the Publisher of Explore Guyana, Lokesh Singh unveil the 2017 Explore Guyana magazine

a clean and healthy environment, which once achieved must be maintained.

Students were asked to share their contributions to keeping the environment clean and elaborate on its positive impact on tourism.

This is the third annual THAG Essay Competition.

Publisher of Explore Guyana, Lokesh Singh, and President of THAG, Andrea de Caires, also delivered brief remarks.

The Magazine is the 20th edition and is regarded as the Official Tourist Guide of Guyana 2017.

Cove and John Ashram hosts blood drive - 20 pints donated

T

he Guyana Sevashram Sangha (Cove and John Ashram) on the East Coast Demerara, on Sunday donated 20 pints of blood to the Guyana Blood Bank.

According to spiritual leader of the Ashram, Swami Shiva Shankaranandaji Maharaj, the blood drive is an annual event and is part of the Ashram's Seva Programme. Blood was donated by Swami,

Brahmachari, devotees and members of the Cove and John community.

Swami said it's a blessing to give blood which contributes toward saving lives. He thanked all the donors for making the drive a success.

Swami noted that it was a collective effort between the ashram and Blood Bank.

The leader also said that serving mankind is like serving God.

A devotee making a donation

Dance teacher Sursattie Singh with the children at the camp

T

he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Coast Nawjawan on Saturday successfully hosted its monthly camp at the Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhoti Mandir. The camp attracted over 60 youths from various mandirs along the coast.

Children were actively involved in culturally inclined activities, including Katak dancing, educational discourses and fun games.

Discourses were given by Nazim Hussain and local doctor Danraj. Dances were taught by dance teacher Sursattie Singh from Swarswattie Dance Academy.

According to Essequibo Nawjawan Chairman Nandram Prabhu, the camp is hosted monthly in an effort to give youths the oppor-

Youths in group discussion

tunity to become actively involved in their culture. He said since the camps started, there has been a positive feedback and more and more children are coming on board.

Prabhu said at the camps, children are taught good moral values and are also taught readings from Hindu scriptures. He said participants also took part in youth

discussions where they got to express themselves and their thoughts.

Youths who attended the camp were very happy and said they learnt a lot from the sessions. Since the year began, the organisation has held many events, including four camps, a Diwali parade, a back-to-school drive and other charity drives.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, NOVEMber 21, 2016

News

Hamilton Green Pension Bill reeks of Sugar in Guyana will not die – Nagamootoo cronyism, withdraw it now! – TIGI …says estates to be used as …Guyana is too poor to bankroll politicians, party stalwarts

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overnment is under immense pressure to withdraw the Hamilton Green Pension Bill 2016 which is being regarded by local transparency watchdog as a reward from the People’s National Congress (PNC) faction of the coalition government to its strongman at the expense of the public purse.

Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) in a strongly worded missive, contends that the Bill is “vulgar, politically partisan and reeks of cronyism” and has no basis for justification.

Parliamentarians will be heading to the National Assembly today, fully prepared to debate the Bill, which was specifically crafted for former Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, and provides for him to be paid an extravagant pension for his controversial tenure as Prime Minister between 1985 and 1992.

The pension is to be based on the salary of a current Prime Minister – a salary Green did not earn.

In addition, Green is to receive the full benefits of a former President – a position which he never held.

Insult to Guyanese

TIGI argus that the Bill is a blatant insult to Guyanese, especially those who have contributed exceedingly more to the development of the country than Green ever had; such as former Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson.

“And what about those who stood up to Mr. Green and his unacceptable conduct? People like Eusi Kwayana and Moses Bhagwan, who for their longsuffering service and

Hamilton Green

sacrifice to protect Guyana from Green’s authoritarian and policies have been overlooked,” the body highlighted.

It contends that the sheer extravagance of the provisions of the Bill specifically for Green who is a longstanding PNC politician is an insult to all hardworking nurses, teachers, police, and public servants who are denied a substantial increase in their salaries.

“Haven’t these people been “skimming” by for too long? Guyana is too poor for its poor citizens to bankroll politicians and party stalwarts.”

The organisation blasted government for making such a decision to grant Green, who had a not too peaceful role in workers’ struggle for bread and justice, a pension and benefits for positions he never held and for contributions he never made.

“The failure of the police to interview him in relation to some grave high-profile criminal events remains a blot on its reputation and this goes a long way in explaining the distrust of the

institution that continues today,” TIGI reminded.

TIGI also asks if government has conveniently forgotten that Green was only once democratically elected as Mayor in 1994 and that during his tenure, he spearheaded no policy or initiative to the benefit of the city.

TIGI anticipates that arguments will be made about the “pittance” which Green receives as a pension for his service as Prime Minister decades ago, but pointed out that at the time the law was passed, Guyana’s economy and exchange rates were reasonable.

Genesis

TIGI also questions the genesis of the Bill and the licentious haste in which it was secretly written to be presented in Parliament, without significant public knowledge beforehand.

According to the organisation, these circumstances confirm the impropriety of its legislative intent.

In this regard, TIGI is demanding that government divulge the date of the cabinet decision that lead to the drafting of the bill and to explain the lack of public disclosure via post-Cabinet briefings which served to negate robust public debate.

The transparency body also observes that since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition assumed office, it has been “unashamed and apologetic about lining the pockets of politicians and friends of the party.”

“Should this bill be rushed through parliament on Monday (today), it would confirm the position that the political elite

of Guyana, on all sides of the political spectrum, are primarily concerned with protecting the financial interests of their own at the expense of the Guyanese people,” the entity asserts.

Moreover, TIGI is shocked that in such critical times when citizens are faced with an upsurge in violent criminal assaults on their persons and property, unemployment, economic hardship and high cost of living; the government finds time and effort to craft legislation to benefit one controversial individual of nebulous contribution.

Terminate

TIGI demands government terminate the Bill, which it contends is blatantly repugnant since it is made in the name of a single individual rather than for all prime ministers, gives Green access to benefits of which he is not entitled based on the offices he held, provides him with a pension based on a salary that he never earned, gives special consideration to a man who is especially undeserving of such recognition given his historically divisive role in society, perpetuates the enrichment of politicians and friends of the government at the expense of the citizens, made possible only through the power entrusted to those in government and is rushed to the process without regards to transparency and good governance in general.

TIGI also calls on the AFC faction of government to clarify its position on this Bill and set out cogent reasons why it presumably supports it, given the absence of any strenuous objection from AFC.

diversification platforms

I

n spite of the many issues facing the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has promised that sugar in Guyana would not die, but would work hand in hand with other sectors to ensure economic growth.

Speaking to Journalists on Friday, the Prime Minister, who is also the acting Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), said some of the functions that were connected to sugar would have to be diversified in order to accommodate other activities that would earn foreign exchange and revenue. “The Skeldon factory has not performed to its expectations and from 2009 after the US$200 million had been spent on it and then some additional sums were given to South African and Indian consultants to try to correct the fault of the factory, we knew it was a limping elephant,” Nagamootoo told reporters. He said: “This elephant that we inherited was not producing sugar in accordance with what was envisaged, that it would produce sugar at break even, even if it is US15 cents per pound, not 40 cents per pound, then you could have relied on that factory that it was doing what it was built to do.”

“So what do you do with Skeldon if the factory is not performing? You would have to have methods to refurbish it for other players to come in, either to refurbish the factory, to diversify crops, to work an arrangement with private cane farmers, a combination of several things.” He said every estate that sits on lands would require a forensic study of what the lands could be utilised for and to see how to absorb existing labour and retrain the labour to fit into a new value-added chain of production.

The Prime Minister said the notion that Government was seeking to shut down the sugar industry was false. “…Sugar will remain the

remit of GuySuCo. In order to save the industry, you will have to disaggregate certain functions, because it has now become oppressive to carry out the annual bailout of the sugar industry.” He said over the past five years, some $37 billion has been spent on bailouts of the industry.

“If there’s any raiding of the treasury, it is really raiding the treasury right now to pay sugar workers and I hope they would appreciate that,” Nagamootoo said.

He added that what was needed now was strong leadership to address the issue of the sugar industry, noting that sugar should not be politicised as “too much is at stake”.

“Too much history of our country, too much psychological harm could be done to persons who may feel that if sugar is diversified, then their livelihood may come to an end.”

Nagamootoo said the children of persons working in the industry deserve a better quality of life and a better type of employment that would place them at the higher end of the value chain than the job of the “menial mule working in the sun with a cutlass, firing chops at cane roots”. He said leaders needed to be bold and decisive on this issue and not allow politics to destroy them, because sugar has always been a critical aspect of Guyana’s foreign exchange. He said the industry has also been used as a political football, because of the peculiar nature of the constituency, its ethnic nature that has become a “fiefdom of some politicians and their sidekicks, who see sugar workers not as people who could be transformed and their future made better, but as a checkout machine where they can get union dues every month”. He said Government did not see it that way, but looked at it knowing that the transformation of sugar was vital for the people in the sugar industry and Guyana as a whole.

73-year-old denied Govt pension A

man who left Guyana in 2015 to undergo some medical procedures in the United States has been denied his Old Age Pension, and is pleading with the relevant Authority to speedily address what he said is a troubling issue.

Back in May of 2015, Inshan Ally, 73, of Triumph, East Coast Demerara, (ECD) left Guyana for the United States to undergo several surgeries including to his eyes and hand. He said he spent just over a year in the US. The man was unable to travel immediately after completion of the operations. He returned to Guyana on June 1 this year, and commenced the process of sorting out his pension. That was when the “royal runaround” began.

“I worked 45 years with the

Inshan Ally

government in the Ministry of Public Works. I retired in 2004. After my retirement, I had some other work with the National Parks Commission for seven years before I applied for my Old Age Pension in 2009 at the age of 65.”

Ally said he has been receiving his pension since 2009, and even presented the remains of his 2014 and 2015 books to prove that he has been living in Guyana and has been receiving his pension.

He said upon his return, he went to the office of the Region Four administration but was directed to the Ministry of Social Protection where he interfaced with an acting Assistant Probation and Social Services Officer (name provided). He said the official has been refusing to make his book available, telling him that he could not get his pension because he spent two years out of the country.

The pensioner has denied that he spent two years out of Guyana, and was even forced to take a statement from the

The 2014 and 2015 Pension books belonging to Inshan Ally, 73

Central Immigration office, which showed that Ally departed Guyana on May 31, 2015 and returned on June 6 2016. He also took his passport which was stamped by immigration officials, reflecting the very information, yet the officer held out that he spent two years out of the country and could not get his

pension.

Ally said he was fortunate to speak to an official above the assistant probation officer, Ministerial Advisor John Adams from the Ministry of Social Protection, who in a stamped note, instructed the officer to release the book and pension. This too was not done.

“He (Social Services officer) got me sit down waiting. So I ask the girl (secretary) what he got me waiting for, he got the directive to give me the book, because the book supposed to be already there, so after I waiting there, I said I ain’t able with this. I talked to another man upstairs, the director, and he sent me down to the man, for him to open my file and let me get my book, and he never did, although I submitted all of my papers and documents.”

These documents included information about his travel, doctor notes on the surgeries done, among other things. Yet the official has denied him his pension.

He is hoping that government would hear his plea and address the situation accordingly.

monday, November 21, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Haiti votes in delayed German Chancellor presidential election Merkel to seek 4th term

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P

eople in Haiti are going to the polls, in an election delayed for more than a year amid allegations of fraud.

The Caribbean nation is voting for a new president and lawmakers in the hope of restoring constitutional order.

The results of the October 2015 vote were thrown out, creating a power vacuum when then-President Michel Martelly’s mandate expired in February.

Haiti has suffered from decades of corruption and, in recent years, a series of crippling natural disasters.

The most recent disaster, Hurricane Matthew, left hundreds of people dead, and destroyed thousands of homes.

Many are still living in temporary accommodation, including schools due to be used as polling stations on

Some 6.4 million Haitians are eligible to cast their vote for one of 27 presidential candidates

Sunday. It has led to tensions between homeless families and the authorities, who want them to vacate so the vote can take place.

However, there is hope among Haitians that this election may kick-start the process of rebuilding the disaster-hit nation.

There are 27 presidential candidates to choose from, and the vote is being monitored by the United Nations.

“(I want) for everyone to come together, for the country to be rebuilt,” Judeline Hubert, a 23-year-old nursing student from the southwestern port of Les Cayes, told Reuters. The new President is expected to take over from Jocelerme Privert, the interim President, in February, following a possible second-round vote between the top two candidates in January. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Syria war: Aleppo self-rule plan rejected by Government

A

United Nations proposal to end heavy fighting in the city of Aleppo has been rejected by the Syrian Government.

Under the plan, rebelheld eastern Aleppo would remain under Opposition control if rebel fighters withdrew.

Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, who met the UN envoy to Syria on Sunday, called the idea a violation of “national sovereignty”.

Earlier, eight children died in Government-held western Aleppo after rebels hit a school, State media say.

In a rebel-held area, a barrel bomb killed a family of six, activists say.

Local medics say the victims in the al-Sakhour district suffocated to death because the bomb was laced with chlorine gas.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, which monitors all the latest developments in Syria, reported the bombing, but could not confirm the gas was used.

In Sunday’s rebel shelling of the school in the Government-controlled Furqan area, a teacher was also killed and at least 32 people were injured, Syria’s State-run Sana news agency reports.

Muallem rejected the truce plan during Sunday’s meeting in Damascus with UN envoy Staffan De

Mistura.

De Mistura suggested the Government grant autonomy and recognise the local administration in rebel-held areas of Aleppo if jihadist fighters left the city.

But Muallem said the State’s institutions must be restored across the whole city because it was a matter of “national sovereignty”.

“It is not acceptable at all to leave some 275,000 of our people as hostages to 6000 or 7000 gunmen.

There is no government in the world that would accept that,” the Syrian Minister said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Catholic Bishops apologise for role in Rwanda genocide

T

he Catholic Church in Rwanda has apologised for its role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regrets the actions of those who participated in the massacres.

A church statement acknowledged on Sunday its members planned, aided, and executed the genocide, in which more than 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu hardliners.

“We apologise for all the wrongs the church committed. We apologise on behalf of all Christians for all forms of wrongs we committed. We regret that

church members violated [their] oath of allegiance to God’s commandments,” said the statement by the Conference of Catholic Bishops, which was read out in parishes across the country.

Many of the victims died at the hands of priests, clergymen and nuns, according to accounts by survivors, and the Rwandan Government said many died in the churches where they had sought refuge.

In the years since the genocide – which was sparked by a contentious plane crash that killed the then-President, a Hutu –

the local church had resisted efforts by the Government and groups of survivors to acknowledge the church’s complicity in mass murder, saying those church officials who committed crimes acted individually.

The bishops’ statement is seen as a positive development in Rwanda’s efforts at reconciliation.

“Forgive us for the crime of hate in the country to the extent of also hating our colleagues because of their ethnicity. We didn’t show that we are one family, but instead killed each other,” the statement said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ermany’s centreright Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that she will run for a fourth term in office.

Speaking at a meeting of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Berlin, she said she expected her toughest campaign to date, and vowed to “fight for our values and our way of life”.

General elections are expected in Germany next year.

Merkel’s poll ratings have slipped since the height of her popularity, but she re-

tains wide support.

The Chancellor, who has been in office since 2005, is being challenged by the populist right-wing AfD party.

She announced she would stand again after meeting party leaders at CDU headquarters.

She told reporters that the decision to run for a fourth term had been “anything but trivial after 11 years in office”.

She added that she expected challenges from both the right and the left of the political spectrum.

In September, Merkel accepted responsibility for election defeats for the CDU in several states and conceded that her open-door policy towards migrants was a factor.

Germany expected up to 300,000 migrants to arrive in the country this year, the head of the country’s federal office for migration and refugees said earlier this year.

In 2015, Germany received more than a million applications for asylum. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

India train crash: 115 killed in derailment near Kanpur

T

he death toll following the derailment of a train in India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state has reached at least 115, with more than 150 injured, Police say.

Fourteen carriages of the Indore-Patna Express derailed just after 03:00 local time on Sunday near the city of Kanpur.

Rescuers are still trying to reach the injured and recover the dead from the twisted carriages.

The cause of the crash near the village of Pukhrayan is not yet known.

However, the Times of India quoted sources as saying a fracture in the track could have been to blame.

The death toll has been rising steadily all day and is expected to increase further.

Krishna Keshav, who was travelling on the train, told the BBC: “We woke with a jolt at around 3am.

Rescuers are desperately trying to reach people trapped inside

Several coaches were derailed, everybody was in shock. I saw several bodies and injured people.”

Most of the victims were located in two carriages near the engine which overturned and were badly damaged.

By late Sunday afternoon, rescue workers were still using heavy machinery to try to reach survivors.

Senior railway official Pratap Rai told Reuters: “We are using every tactic to save lives, but it’s very dif-

ficult to cut the metal carriages.”

The BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder, in Delhi, says rescuers brought out two children alive on Sunday morning, raising cheers from onlookers.

One passenger whose carriage did not derail told the Associated Press the train was going at normal speed. It stopped suddenly, said Satish Kumar, then restarted shortly before the crash.(Excerpt from BBC News)

France’s Sarkozy 3rd in conservative primary – partial results

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ormer Prime Ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe were seen qualifying for a second round runoff of France’s conservative primaries on Sunday, first partial results of the vote showed, in what would be a major upset for ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy.

According to results based on 2912 polling stations out of a total 10,228, Fillon was seen gathering 42.8 per cent of the votes, Juppe 26 per cent and Sarkozy 24.4 per cent. Organisers of the contest for the Les Republicains party and its centre-right allies had warned ahead of the vote that partial results may not be representative of final results, with votes in rural areas being counted first.

“I want to say that these are very provisional results,” the election’s organizer Thierry Solere told reporters.

Pollsters suggest that the chosen centre-right nominee is likely to make the Elysee Palace in 2017’s presidential

Former French President and candidate for the French conservative presidential primary, Nicolas Sarkozy votes in the first round of the French centre-right presidential primary election in Paris, France, November 20, 2016

election. Unless one of the candidates gets 50 per cent of votes in the final count of Sunday’s first round, there will be a head-to-head runoff vote between the top two candidates next Sunday, November 27. Juppe, a moderate conservative campaigning on an inclusive, “happy identity” platform, had for months been ahead

in polls. But over the past week the contest has been transformed into a tight race between Juppe, Sarkozy and Fillon, who served as Prime Minister under Sarkozy from 2007 to 2012.

Sarkozy has sought to tap into populist sentiment while Fillon is proposing tough measures to shake up the economy. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16

monDAY, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Your views on the Guyana Police Force’s Name and Shame Campaign Kristie Coleman

“I totally agree with that move by the Guyana Police Force, because until they take these drastic measures, then no one would adhere to the road rules. We have seen too many road fatalities that could have been avoided if measures like these were implemented before now.

Kudos to the Police Force.”

Tzaddi Franklin, Georgetown “I think it’s a good initiative; it would drive fear in other drivers to think twice about drinking and driving and they would try to avoid being put on the shame campaign.”

Adrian Je’Mapple

“I believe that programme can be productive as a form of discouragement. Drinking and driving is a choice that many people make and it doesn't matter which class you're from, it seems to be an ongoing issue. It is a deadly choice that is rooted in selfishness.

I'm not sure if that will deter everyone's perception of how severe the crime is. If someone is drinking and driving, I'm sure they drink publicly.

They will most likely not be ashamed of people knowing they were caught drinking.

This along with other penalties may help the problem slowly bring awareness. To defeat a problem the public must first be aware it exists.”

Anthony Ramdyal

“I believe that this campaign can bear some sort of fruit, since it might deter some persons from drinking whilst driving, since they would not want their faces to be displayed for wrongdoing.

However, this may not be the solution to the problem of drunk driving. What we need are stricter road rules and harsher penalties for persons found driving under the influence of alcohol.”

Sherece Wilson

Ceon Warner

James Jerrick

“I am a hire-car driver and I get problems with drink and driving. I am an experienced driver – driving 16 years hire car; I driving 10 years strictly in the night, and I does observe some of them when they swaying and Ah suspect that is alcohol. I am happy with all what the Police doing to keep the drunk drivers off the road.”

Taise Seepaul

“I'm pretty sure it’s illegal for the Police Force to publish the names of persons who commit certain offences deemed as minor offences; that wouldn't change anything in terms of lowering the rate of drunk driving. It's tarnishing the names of the persons; yes, will it make them change; no, it wouldn't because it will make them a stigma in the public eyes thus their resentment to the Police Force will increase, as well as that of the general public.

Overall, I think it’s a horrible approach, and will backfire on them.”

Maimouna Mohamed “With all that the Police doing and putting them in the paper and sometimes on TV, they still drinking and drive. And if you look, is the same people park-up they car in front of the rum shop every Friday and Saturday night. People licence supposed to get take away after the third time. My brother, you and I know what does happen because nobody going in the paper because they licence get take away, because they driving drunk; and is the same people that drinking and driving. What goes for one should go for all.”

“I am not too sure about that because Guyanese are a set of people that don’t really care. Stricter road laws need to be implemented to help the road carnage situation that we currently have here in Guyana. Anyhow, at least they can try it for now instead of just sitting back.”

“I think the campaign is a bad move and it's definitely not helpful. It can also be dangerous if someone sees their photo and decides to take revenge on the person who took the photo, the person publishing the photos or someone laughing at the photos. In some cases, the drunk driver might actually be ashamed and change their ways, but in other or most cases, the person will just be angry and end up making more bad decisions.”

Quindel Williams

Deson Alleyne

“I haven't heard much about the campaign.

Nevertheless, I'm sceptical that drunk driving will noticeably reduce if/ when this campaign is implemented. I do not think that public shaming (along with the current fines/ penalties) is sufficient to combat and reduce DUI. I think DUI penalties should also be made harsher, and the Police Force should improve and upgrade their policing strategies and equipment.”

Colwyn Abrams

"Nice! I totally agree with this, other than the photos being horrible, because Government photos are always horrible. It would be funny and interesting to see who appears and the shame alone would have some of them in fear of drinking. I like the idea. At least we are trying to control it. I can't see grown people drink and drive after being warned not to. Great idea, Guyana Police Force. Keep it up."

“Though it might be somewhat embarrassing for the persons caught in the eyes of the public through the newspapers or social media, I believe that it would be a deterrent for those who believe that driving under the influence of alcohol has no penalty or consequence.

Apparently, prosecution within the judicial system isn't a strong enough means to have persons desist from this careless act of behaviour and their lack of regards for the life they have or the lives of others. After a standard amount of warnings if caught in the act, the officer should inform the perpetrator that he/she will be placed in the newspaper for all to see. I'm sure the "Name and Blame" campaign will have some negative effect, for example it may hamper their ability to attain a job. Jobs today are already hard to find and having your face in every newspaper nationally won't help their cause. This campaign will act as a warning to others who will attempt to commit the act that consequences do exist.

Though, having their photos posted in the newspapers isn't all that is needed, it's a good ploy on the behalf of the armed forces. This should happen for all perpetrators, despite class or creed, none are above the law.”

news

17

monday, november 21, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hamilton Green Bill is an unruly attempt to deny us our fair day in Parliament – MP

O

pposition parliamentarian Anil Nandlall is concerned about another deferral of Opposition Day in Parliament for the laying of the Hamilton Green Pension Bill today.

The Opposition business had been hijacked by Government during the recent sitting and it was subsequently agreed to grant the Opposition Members today to present matters they are desirous of debating in the National Assembly.

However, Government has signalled its intention to present a Bill which provides for former Mayor of Georgetown and Prime Minister Hamilton Green to receive a special pension package.

Nandlall, during an interview on Television Guyana’s programme “The Factor”, expressed annoyance and concern over Government parliamentarian’s constant attempts to block People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MPs from having their day to discuss issues affecting their constituents.

“This is the kind of authoritarian behaviour de-

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

veloping in the Parliament.

When we were in the government we respected that and we dared not interfere with the Opposition Day in the National Assembly.

Government is always attempting to defeat or defer it. Then when the day is fixed, Government businesses are imposed on that agenda,” he explained.

The recent sitting on November 4 was dedicated to the Opposition, however leader of the Government’s business in the House had

"Be responsible with garbage disposal" – Linden Mayor ... litter wardens to be appointed soon

W

ith the Christmas season approaching, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland is urging the community to be responsible with waste disposal, highlighting the numerous issues the municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) continues to endure with regards to the issue.

In an effort to curb the situation, the municipality recently trained a number of Environmental Officers to serve as Litter Wardens and, according to Holland, this means that persons could now be charged and placed before the courts if found guilty of littering. The wardens are expected to be deployed across Linden soon.

As it relates to solid waste management, Mayor Holland said the municipality is hoping to soon see the closure of the Dakoura dumpsite since it poses a threat to the neighbouring Watershed.

"Coming into the Christmas season, I'm calling on everyone to be responsible with their garbage disposal. The council—we're trying our best. We have the small compactor truck working, however it cannot be used due to the fact that it

cannot use the road to the dumpsite, which is now being repaired...We have to work to ensure that that dumpsite is closed. I think it's being used by Cevon's Waste Management, and we're to do an assessment very soon to see what they're doing there. We're to go back to do an assessment. I think council will soon be looking into that. We want to have a clean Christmas", Holland said.

The dumpsite is situated nearby the Dakoura Creek, which will be the sole source of water for the Western sub-section of the rehabilitated Linden Water System. Consultant of the project Samuel Wright had also disclosed that there has been an increased level of human activities around the Dakoura Creek Watershed, as many are utilising the land surrounding it as farmland as well as for building homes. An increase in activities such as garbage disposal, slashing and burning, he noted makes the area vulnerable to pollution.

The LM&TC has struggled with garbage collection and disposal over the years due to lack of necessary equipment and funding.

moved a motion – in keeping with the Standing Orders – to have Government’s business take precedence, namely a debate, to approve the policies that had been outlined by Head of State David Granger when he addressed the House on its return from its 2016 annual recess.

After publicly venting about parliamentary democracy being under threat, it was agreed to grant the Opposition today to discuss its business.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Irfaan Ali, was slated to move a motion on the Parking Meter Project being implemented in Georgetown.

Ali and the PPP/C will be looking to garner Government’s support to have the National Assembly call on the Auditor General to immediately conduct a forensic audit of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), including the parking meter contract.

Former Junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, is also expected to seek House approval for an inquiry into the multimillion-dollar D’Urban Park Project, and Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira is also expected to move a motion named and related to the report from the Commission of Inquiry into

Hamilton Green

the Public Service.

However, Government plans on presenting the highly controversial Hamilton Green Pension Bill in the National Assembly, which will most likely once again take away from Opposition Day. “It’s a continuous state of unruly attempts to deny us our fair day in Parliament,” Nandlall vented.

Commenting on the Bill, the former Attorney General said there are numerous questions surrounding Government’s spontaneous decision to give Green, who served as Prime Minister decades ago, a prime ministerial pension.

“We believe that persons who have served and are deserving of a pension should be given a pension (but)

Green was Prime Minister generations ago. The people he served, half of them are not alive,” he posited.

Nandlall also contended that Green was already getting a special package from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for his stewardship as Mayor of Georgetown.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had also argued that it was extremely duplicitous that the very politicians who previously cried about the “raping of the Treasury” to fund pensions, salaries and benefits of past government officials are now moving to Parliament to grant Green a special package.

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has also labelled the Bill “obnoxious” and exposed that the only justification for the Bill is cronyism.

The GHRA also outlined that to date, Green, a former Mayor of Georgetown, never apologised for the humiliation, hardship and violence to which Guyanese were subjected to during his harrowing term of office, adding that had Dr Jagan in 1992 not ‘drawn a veil’ over the past in the interests of social peace, Green would have found himself facing the courts.

Another ground proffered by the Rights Association is that the idea that former Presidents and senior politicians deserve to

be treated as ‘Princes of the City’ with excessive pensions and benefits reinforces rather than undermines the repugnant notion that the purpose of politics is to enrich politicians.

The GHRA’s statement went on to say too that a personalised Bill to reward Green for a lifetime of politics marked by incompetence and divisiveness is provocative in the context of the current Administration’s anti-corruption campaign.

Incumbent Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s only objection to the Bill is that it should not be isolated to Green alone.

Nagamootoo wants the benefits to be extended to all former Prime Ministers.

The Bill provides for Green to receive all benefits provided for by the Former President (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2015.

The value of these benefits are an annual pension of $20,580,000, other benefits to the value of $3.1 million annually, two vehicles provided and maintained by the State, and two first-class annual airfares provided by the State. Additionally, the former Prime Minister also qualifies for an ex-Parliamentarian pension, together with whatever benefits accrue from his period as Mayor of Georgetown.

Region 2 RDC dissatisfied with the state of Suddie Public Hospital

C

Councillor Arnold Adams pointing to a damaged outlet

ouncillors from both Government and the Opposition of the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), have expressed dissatisfaction over the state of Suddie Public Hospital. The councillors said that the hospital is in such a deplorable state that is unfavourable for medical practitioners to operate.

Last week an RDC team visited the hospital as a follow-up to numerous issues raised at a recent RDC

meeting by Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams.

The team was headed by Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah, accompanied by People’s Progressive Party/Civic councillors Showkat Ali, Brian Basil, Arnold Adams, and Government councillors Naithram, Hardat Narine and Julian Cummings.

The team began its visit at the pharmacy where it discovered shortages of essential drugs; it then moved to the Medical

Superintendent’s office where acting Administrator, Omkar Persaud, aired his concerns over the fluctuation of power and the devastating effects on the hospital’s equipment. After a lengthy discussion there, the team moved through the various wards and interacted with medical practitioners and patients.

During the tour it was observed that there were several defective works to the roof, a malfunctioning neonatal department and a faulty theatre, in addition

Other defective works

to major electrical faults.

The team also heard that access to blood is a major problem.

The councillors assured that there would be meaningful follow-ups at the RDC level. The team is therefore calling on Public Health Minister George Norton to address issues at the hospital.

Medical practitioners at the facility bitterly complained about the conditions they are working under.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 21, 2016

ARCHIE

Watch your step when dealing with people in key po(March 21- sitions. Listen carefully and April 19) make considered suggestions.

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dilbert

Play it safe when dealing GEMINI with relationships and emo(May 21June 20) tional matters. You are best off listening, sizing up what’s being said and responding carefully. Someone will try to bait you.

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CANCER

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Don’t let your emotions stop you from pursuing something you enjoy or love doing.

It’s up to you to bring about change and assume responsibility for your success and happiness.

Don’t let little annoyances VIRGO get to you. Do what needs to (Aug. 23Sept. 22) be done and move on to happier pursuits. Update your image and focus on physical fitness and better health.

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You need to embrace the LIBRA changes that will directly ben(Sept. 23efit you.

What you learn from Oct. 23) participating in events will help you make the right decision.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Find a good way to express SCORPIO your desires and concerns and (Oct. 24flex your attributes. Fully usNov. 22) ing your skills will help you reach your goals.

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SATURDAY'S

solution for Last Published Puzzle If you control your emoAQUARIUS tions, you’ll avoid a dispute (Jan. 20with someone you want and Feb. 19) need on your side. Pay attention to detail and bide your time until you are fully prepared.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Avoid an emotional disas(Feb. 20- ter by listening, observing March 20) and making very detailed and cautious responses. Choose to offer peace and kindness regardless of what others decide to do.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WICB/ PCL Digicel Regional 4-day…

Jaguars set Hurricanes imposing total

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016

19

GFF/Stag Elite League 2 …

Victoria Kings taught royal lesson by GDF ― Caesar scores season’s first hat-trick

Christopher Barnwell struck a vital 61 which propped up the Jaguars’ second innings after some early wickets

G

uyana Jaguars have placed themselves in a commanding position to win their second match of the 2016/2017 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Digicel Regional 4-day competition after setting the Leeward Island Hurricanes 369 runs for victory.

When the third’s day play ended on Sunday at Warner Park St. Kitts, Hurricanes were placed at 47 without loss still needing another 322 runs on today’s final day; Captain Keiran Powell (20) and Montcin Hodge (26) were the not out batmen at the crease.

Earlier, when the

Hurricanes resumed their innings from the overnight score of 157-9 in 76.2 overs, it took the visitors four deliveries and one run to remove last man Quinton Boastwin for six as he was caught by Shimron Hetmyer off the bowling of fast bowler Keon Joseph.

It was Joseph’s second wicket as he along with Raymond Reifer also with two victims supported Gudakesh Motie who spearheaded Guyana’s attack to close with figures of 3-43 from 17 testing overs.

Jeremiah Louis remained unbeaten for the host on 24 after adding one to his overnight score.

The all-rounder had the second best score for the

SCOREBOARD Jaguars 1st Innings 293 Hurricanes 1st Innings K Powell* c & b Motie M Hodge c Johnson b Reifer A Saunders lbw b Barnwell N Bonner run out (Motie) J Hamilton+ lbw b Permaul R Cornwall c Johnson b Permaul J Louis not out H Walsh Jr c Joseph b Motie G Tonge lbw Joseph Q Boatswain c Hetmyer b Joseph 6 Extras (b-0, lb-1, w-3, nb-1) Total (all out, 77 overs) 158 FOW: 1-15, 2-37, 3-44, 4-69, 5-92, 6-109, 7-138, 8-142, 9-156, 10-158 Bowling: Joseph 15-3-272, Motie17-5-43-3, Permaul 24-6-44-1, Reifer 10-5-222, Barnwell 11-3-21-1

79 8 7 13 4 8 24 0 3

5

Jaguars 2nd Innings R Chandrika c wkp Hamilton b Cornwall 24 S Hetmyer c wkp Hamilton b Boatswain 12 *L Johnson run out 28 V Singh lbw b Walsh 2 S Chanderpaul c Walsh b

Cornwall 20 C Barnwell c (sub) Karty b Wal sh 61 R Reifer st Hamilton b Walsh 46 +A Bramble c Cornwall b Was h 22 V Permaul not out 22 Extras (b5, nb3) 8 TOTAL (8 wkts decl., 75.4 overs) 233 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-45, 3-62, 4-70, 5-109, 6-186, 7-208, 8-233.

Bowling: Tonge 14-4-38-0, Boatswain 14-3-30-1, Louis 8-4-17-0, Cornwall 24-3-722, Walsh 10.4-3-56-4, Bonner 3-1-4-0, Powell 2-0-11-0.

Hurricanes 2nd Innings (target: 369 runs) K Powell not out 20 M Hodge not out 26 Extras (w1) 1 TOTAL (without loss, 18 overs) 47 Bowling: Joseph 4-1-10-0, Reifer 3-1-16-0, Barnwell 2-09-0, Motie 4-1-7-0, Permaul 4-2-4-0, Johnson 1-0-1-0.

Position: Hurricanes require a further 322 runs for victory with all 10 wickets intact

Hurricanes, who were led

by Kieran Powell 79 while Nkrummah Bonner was the other batsman to make it to double figures.

In the Jaguars’ second innings they raced to 25 without loss in 5.3 overs before left hand batting prodigy Hetmyer was caught by wicket keeper Jamar Hamilton off Boatswin on that said score. Afterwards the host managed to contain the flow of runs in the first session on the third day as the Jaguars crept to 64-3 in 31 overs by lunch, with Rajendra Chandrika (24) and Vishual Singh (02) the other batsmen back in the hut.

Subsequent to the lunch break, skipper Leon Johnson and veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul pushed the score to 97 within eight overs before the former was run out for 23.

While Chanderpaul followed shortly for 20 and the score now 105-5.

All-rounders Christopher Barnwell and Raymond Reifer then joined forces to see the Jaguars through to tea at 140-5 without any other casualty. At that point Barnwell and Reifer was on 37 and 15 not out respectively.

After the interval, both players began batting more positively in the quest for quick runs. The righthanded Barnwell eventually fell for 61 (6x4s; 1x6) and Reifer was soon afterwards stumped off the bowling of Hayden Walsh Jr for 46.

Veerasammy Permaul came and hit a quick fire 22 as Guyana declared with the last hour remaining hoping to get some wickets.

Leg-spinner Walsh was the leading wicket taker with 4-54 while the off-spin of Rahkeem Cornwall took 2-72.

Play resumes today at 10:00 hrs

Part of the intense action between The Guyana Defence Force (red) and Victoria Kings (Marceano Narine Photo)

By Delvon McEwan

M

idfielder Sherwyn Caesar scored a hat-trick as Guyana Defence Force (GDF) scored seven goals in a lopsided fixture as the second edition of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League got underway on Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in Queenstown.

Caesar opened his account in the 78th minute and continued in the 87th and 90th minutes as the Military unit secured a commanding 7-1 victory over new comers Victoria Kings to get their League campaign off to the ideal start.

The winners scored three goals in the first half and four in the second while they m i s s e d several cleared opport u nities and were denied several others due to some excellent glove work from the Kings’ goalies.

After missing clear shots prior to the fifteenth minute of the match, striker Delroy Fraser and midfielder Jeffrey Pereira were on spot in the 20th and 23rd minutes respectively

to give GDF early control of the match.

Following those goals, striker Olvis Mitchell sent in the third in the 31st minute as the military unit increase momentum heading into the half.

Starting as one of the tournament’s favourites, GDF, who finished fifth last year were allowed a fourth goal in the 50th minute compliments of Eusi Phillips, who occupied the midfield position.

Subsequent to Phillips’ goal it was

Caesar, who dominated in front of the patrons which amounted to just over 150 person and was growing into the night’s proceedings.

The Kings’ lone success came in the 86th minute when Marlis Johnson registered a stunner to give the East Coast unit something to really be proud of.

Apart from Johnson’s goal, Kings’ custodians Rown Hamilton (who was in the goal for only the first half) and Shoman Holder were very watchful in the goal as they kept out at least five

quality shots to deny their opponents and save their team some further embarrassment.

Meanwhile from as early as the 13th and 15th minutes and throughout the game GDF missed some clear shots. Some that could probably be consequential in other matches.

The tournament has been reduced to six teams from eight last year due to the weather over football.

The teams participating this year are. GDF, Victoria Kings, Bakewell Top XX, Buxton United Sports Club, Fruta Conquerors and Monedderlust.

In a post-match briefing, President of the Guyana Football Federation said he is experiencing mixed feeling now that the tournament is up and running.

“It’s mixed feeling guys [members of the media], naturally my heart bleeds for the fact that I don’t have all the players and all the teams but ultimately football is about playing the sport.”

He congratulated the teams that are participating while urging the fans to support the league which he expects to be a competitive one.

In the second match of the evening at half time (which was up to press time) Fruta Conquerors were leading Linden’s Bakewell Top XX 2-0.

20

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016

Stag Beer Grass track finals...

De Nobrega determined to win title

S

Trophy Stall’s Devi Sunich hands over the champion rider trophy to organiser Sheik Yassen

teven De Nobrega is currently tied on third place with 30 points Raj Rajkaran but come November 27 the motor biker will be racing towards a top podium finish when the Stag Beer Grass track finals

GIKMAA hosts successful Open International Martial Arts Championship T

he Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) fourth Open International Martial Arts Championship took place recently at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with Shihan Abdool Nazim Yassim dubbing it a huge success.

Over 60 karatekas, drawn from seven schools, competed in the two-day event, namely, the Tang-Soo-Do International Guyana; Stanleytown Shotokan Karate Dojo; National Martial Arts Association; Black Hawks Rising Sun Dojo; Best of the Best Martial Arts School; t h e Guyana Mixed

conclude at the Ogle Community Centre Ground.

“I'm determined to win and I’m always pressured to do exceptionally well since it's in Georgetown and a lot of my friend and family come out to support so fans can be in for a real show down since I’m fresh off seven victories and I’m coming as hard as I can,” De Nobrega said when he spoke to Guyana Times Sport on Saturday.

Currently Ravin Rajkumar leads the point standings with 65 points while defending champion Andy Wong is in second place on 60 points and De Nobrega was hoping that at this stage he could have already secured the title.

“The races were really suppose to be held countrywide but unfortunately there was only one round held I was really looking to wrap it up in the 3rd or 4th round so I'll try my best to finish on the top step; I just need to pull off good starts and maintain the pace as the race progress”, the 21 year-

that business and private entities should support this form of racing since there has not been racing for two years now and person are losing interest.

The racer says that he’s is hopeful that he is extremely grateful for all the support Harold Hopkinson, Nexa Auto Color, One love taxi service

and Rover world have given him over the years. De Nobrega’s Honda CR125 is currently under repairs but the rider says that it will finished in time for the event.

Meanwhile, Trophy stall has come on board as a list of sponsors by donating the champion rider trophy.

De Nobrega on his Honda CR125 should be one of the riders to challenge for pole position on November 27

old stated.

De Nobrega, who really enjoys the sport says the trill comes from the fact that as the race progresses it becomes more challenging. The racer is also hoping

The successful athletes with Shihan Abdool Nazim Yassim at the conclusion of the successful championship

Martial Arts Karate Association and GIKMAA.

GIKMAA, with 17 students, won 29 medals, inclusive of 14 gold, seven silver, six bronze and two fourth place finishes.

Sensei Kelvin Walcott of the

Enmore Branch of the GIKMAA won two gold and had a fourth place finish, while Sensei Parsuram Arjune from the Wales Branch won three gold and Samuel Fraser two gold.

Zoann Shuman and Brandon Ferreira of St. Cuthbert’s Mission also won two gold medals each.

Other outstanding students were: Tadious Edun (gold, silver and bronze), Umish Parsaram (gold and bronze), Christian Freeman (gold), Leonel Chacon (two silver) and Omesh Lallchand Silver.

Sensei Kelvin Walcott in the heavyweight division (Enmore); Tadious Edun in the middleweight division (Wales);

Umish Parsaram and Omesh Lallchand and Parsuran Arjune (Wales) once again thrilled the audience with the full contact fighting.

Sensei Parsuram Arjune, Tadious Edun and Marcell Lynda Yassim received their ‘Life Membership’ of the GIKMAA, while Garfied Newton of the Black Hawks Martial Arts Management and Roland Eudoxie of the Tang-Soo-do Int’l Guyana received special appreciation Martial Arts Brotherhood Awards for their work with the GIKMAA. The GIKMAA is expressing gratitude to the National Sports Commission, Red Cherry Cafeteria, Right Price Lumber and Grandmaster Abdool Nazim Yassim for sponsorship of the

tournament.

“Special thanks also go to the Judges and Referees, along with the parents and supporters that help to make the tournament a successful one. Maranda Bennett, Grace Harry, Shawn English, Ryan Patterson, and David Critchlow brought the crowd to their feet with live singing. Shihan Nazim is also thankful to Nerissa Vanvield of VOG (Radio) and Max Massiah of Maximum Sports Combat & Strength (T.V) for having us on their programms to promote this tournament,” the GIKMAA said in a release.

Shihan Nazim Yassim and his team will now turn their attention to the Bragging Rights tournament in December.

21

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ith the 17th Annual Diamond Mineral Water 55-mile Road Race signaling the closing of the season, Alanzo Greaves closed off his remarkable comeback by winning in an emphatic fashion on Sunday morning.

The conditions were perfect for what turned out to be one of the more exciting races in the history of the event with six of the top riders taking an early jump, breaking away from the pack within the vicinity of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, when the race rode off from Ocean View, Liliendaal heading east to Mahaicony and back for the finish.

Greaves stopped the clock in a time of two hours, 55 minutes and 51 seconds (2:55:51) to much joy of t h e

amused audience present under the morning sun. Once again it was Greaves being closely followed by Team Cocos’ champion boy, Hamza Eastman, who closed off a very successful season and Jamal John (Team Cocos). Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, a delighted Greaves said “this win was the sweet to a bitter year”, having returned from a one year ban to come back and cap the year off with two wins is nothing short of spectacular.

The Linden Bauxite Flyers pair of Shaquel Agard, who won this year’s National ThreeStage and the penultimate race of the season, Te a m Alanis’ circuit race on Saturday, rode in to finish

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Team Gillette Evolution’s junior rider, Christopher Cornelius took 6th position overall, as well as being 1st in the juniors division followed

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Alanzo Greaves leads the breakaway pack along their journey

Ramdhani finishes fifth in Vancouver Island University Under-23 Badminton Tournament

P

laying his first competition in Canada since commencing his scholarship, Guyana’s Sunburst badminton champion Narayan Ramdhani finished among the top five in the men’s singles draw of sixteen players in the Vancouver Island University under-23 Badminton Tournament in Nanaimo on Saturday.

Representing Shuttlesport Badminton Academy, Narayan only 18 years old and still a Junior Player, reached the quarterfinals in the main draw by defeating Robert Foster of Vancouver Island University 2113, 21-18 but lost to James Ho of University of British Colombia 21-14, 19-21, 21-5 in a thrilling three setter and also stopping him from reaching the semis. James Ho went on to win the Tournament.

In the Placement Draw Narayan, who is studying for a degree in Sports Science defeated Thomas Tran of Simon Fraser University: 21-9, 21-7 and Jack Chen of University of British Colombia: 21-23, 2110, 21-12 to gain the fifth place overall in the Tournament.

Narayan will team up with Zack Fan of Shuttlesport to play in the Men Under-23 Doubles. Results for that will follow in a subsequent report.

Narayan Ramdhani

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016

Cox, Nero T win SA 10K final leg

By Romario Samaroo

rinidad and Tobago’s Curtis Cox romped to the final leg of the South American 10K Classic in Guyana on Sunday afternoon, ahead of the Guyanese contingent.

A smaller turnout of runners than expected when compared to previous years, did not stop the race from attracting a huge crowd from the first whistle which signalled the start of the race along Carifesta Avenue in perfect running conditions.

Cox stopped the clock in a cool 32 minutes 48 seconds (32m48s), well ahead of Guyanese duo, Cleveland Thomas (33m24s) and Winston Missigher (33m48s) who copped second and third respectively. Trinidad’s Matthew Hagley (33m58s) and Guyana’s Omesto Thomas (34m29s) completed the top five in that order.

However, it was not smooth sailing for Cox as he was forced to run with the second breakaway group as the Guyanese top three raced ahead until the halfway mark, which they crossed around the 12th minute mark. Cox would capitalise on a tired trio at the 7K mark and made good of his opportunity to accelerate, taking the lead in emphatic fashion.

Cox led the race from the 7K point, along the Kitty Public Road all the way onto Vlissingen Road and into Thomas Lands before entering the National Park and finishing at the Rights of the Child Monument.

Meanwhile, Tonya Nero, also of Trinidad and Tobago dominated the female category almost seven minutes better than second placed Ashanti Scott of Guyana.

Nero finished the course in a time of 36m14s, while Scott came in at 43m15s.

Canadian distance runner, Caroline MacIsaac completed the podium position with a time of 47m17s comfortably ahead of Guyana’s pair, Alicia Jack (49m10s) and Cassie Kirton (50m38s).

In the Junior female category Delicia Tinnis won first prize while Odwin Tudor won in the male division, ahead of Matthew McKenzie.

Also, Alex Hartog and Tonya Smith won the male and female 1500 meters race respectively, while Kennard Hartog, Joshua Beveney and Brandon Sim finished 1-2-3 in the 3000m males and Alliyah Headley, Brittney Small and Marissa Thomas finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Winners of the Guyana leg of the South American 10K display their silverware (Marceano Narine Photo)

Farfan & Mendes Junior Squash Tournament….

Wiltshire beats Fernandes in straight sets to win final

All smiles! The various prize winners at the tournament along with Karen Gomes (far left), representative of Farfan & Mendes

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ational player Shomari Wiltshire defeated the Caribbean girls’ under-19 runner-up Taylor Fernandes in three straight sets win the final of Categeory A as the curtains came down on the Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with its number one corporate sponsor Digicel’s annual Farfan & Mendes Junior Squash Tournament on Sunday.

Playing at the Georgetown Club squash courts Wiltshire was unbeaten coming into the match but Taylor who held off challenging Alex Cheeks the day before was upbeat about her chances.

Wiltshire won the first game 11 – 6, took the second game 11 – 5 and then won the third game 11 – 6 to win the match by three games to love.

In the other match in this category Alex Cheeks had to work surprisingly hard to overcome the challenge of Anthony Islam. Alex won a close first game 13 – 11, but then easily won the next two games, 11 – 3, 11 – 4.

In category B Rebecca Low was up against Makeda Harding. Coming into the match today Rebecca was unbeaten but Makeda had lost to a much improved Samuel Ince-Carvalhal.

Rebecca won the first game 11 – 5, but then seemed to lose her aggression as Makeda won the second game 11 – 4.

Makeda won the third game 11 – 5 and then closed out the match with an 11 – 7 win in the

fourth game. In the match – up between Gianni Carpenter and Maya Collins, Gianni prevailed in three close games, 12 – 10, 11 – 9, 11 – 8.

In category C Michael Alphonso who was unbeaten coming into his match today against Demetrius De Abreu ensured that he would remain that way as he won the match in four games. Michael won the first game 11 – 5, but lost the second game 9 – 11. He however bounced back to win the third game 11 – 8 and then won the fourth game 11 – 7. In the match between siblings Lucas and Ethan Jonas, younger brother Ethan was victorious winning in three straight games, 11 – 5, 13 – 11, 11 – 9.

In category D where the matches had been extremely close today proved to be no exception. Madison Fernandes was coming up against Kirsten Gomes. This was a virtual final as b o t h girls

had won all of their previous three matches. defeated Jason Gomes 11 – 9, 9 – 11, 11 – 4, Madison won a close first game 12 – 10, but 11 – 6.

Kirsten bounced back to take the second game A total of nine categories were contested 11 – 7. Madison then won the third game 11 – 6, with each of the players being grouped but Kirsten rebounded to take the fourth game according to skill rather than age.

11 – 5. The fifth game was close throughout The tournament served as preparation for with neither of the two players having more some players before they participate in the than a two point advantage.

United States open and the Canadian open next It was two all, then five all, Winners in the respective catthen nine all, then ten all, but then Madison egories were as follows won the next Paige Fernandes – Fourth Category A two points to Shomari Wiltshire – Winner record a well Category F Alex Cheeks – Second deserved Louis Da Silva – Winner Taylor Fernandes – Third victory.

In Mikhail Persaud – Second the other Nicholas Verwey – Third Category B match in this Liam Carpenter – Fourth Makeda Harding – Winner category Samuel InceCarvalhal – Second A l i ya h Category G Rebecca Low – Third Persaud Category C Michael Alphonso – Winner Ethan Jonas – Second Demetrius De Abreu – Third Category D Madison Fernandes – Winner Kirsten Gomes – Second Abosaide Cadogan – Third

Missed it! An outstretched Shomari Wiltshire fails to get his racket on the ball during his intense match with Taylor Fernades

Category E James Mekdeci – Winner Mohyryan Baksh – Second Zachary Persaud – Third

Jahcinta Adams – Winner Teija Edwards – Second Beau Fernandes – Third Category H Elan Rahaman – Winner Rayad Boyce – Second Rayden Persaud – Third Category I Noah Rahaman – Winner Dhiren Persaud – Second Aishani Persaud – Third Malia Maikoo – Fourth

Courts Pee-Wee Football Championships...

Pee-Wee Winners 5-8

― Cato’s goal powers St Angela’s to title repeat

S

t. Angela’s Primary created history as they stormed to an unprecedented two consecutive titles in the fifth annual Courts Pee-Wee Schools Football Championships after edging St. Agnes 1-0 on Sunday at Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground.

Angela’s who have practically played unbeaten in 14 matches over the two years owe to their victory to the championship’s leading goal scorer Seon Cato, who netted his 11th and arguably most important goal of the championship in the 12th minute.

The diminutive Cato capitalised on a deflection inside the penalty area and neatly placed the ball at the back of the net to spark a thunderous celebration by both players and supporters.

Though, St. Agnes seemed deflated after conceding, consistent performers David Xavier and Nikhail Carter attempted to spark various offensive plays to find the equaliser, in fact in the dying minutes Carter skilfully flicked the ball while lurking inside the box but it when straight to the post.

The Thomas Street unit

St Agnes’ David Xavier tried to work his magic to create a chance for his team but compact defending by St Angela’s ensured all of his efforts were kept at bay

Seon Cato receives his highest goal scoring trophy from Banks DIH Non- Alcoholic Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie

held their composure to ensure when the final whistle blew they held the title.

In the third match, Kenneth Gordon scored in the 24th minute to lead the West Ruimveldt to a 1-0 win over St. Pius.

Meanwhile, Courts Finance Manager Neil Boucher was elated over the success of the tournament and the impact it has made in the players lives over the years and also pledged that the company will continue to support the championship.

Banks DIH NonAlcoholic Brand Manger Clayton McKenzie said that his company continues see to the importance of the event and challenged all the young ones to be supreme as their “Malta Supreme”.

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca hailed the tournament a success once again and was pleased about the array of young talented players on show; Mendonca also disclosed that a female version of the tournament will soon begin.

The top four schools were given flat screen televisions along with trophies and medals.

Game-1 Marian Academy-1 vs North Georgetown-1 Marian Academy won 6-5 on sudden death kicks Marian Scorer Nicholas Verwey-28th North Georgetown Scorer Shaquan Walters-7th Game-2 St. Stephens’s-0 vs F.E. Pollard-0 St. Stephens’s won 2-1 on penalty kicks

9-12 Game-1

C

Chances such as these come once in a lifetime for many and Jeremy Garrett says he will be grabbing this one with both hands

led his school to the title at this year’s Digicel School’s Football Championship has been undergoing intense fitness sessions at the Top End Gym in order to fully peak at the try out and Garrett says it is going good.

Now the days for the short stint are drawing closer and chance to catapult into a successful career in football is at stake, the player says that he feels more excited than nervous.

“I won’t use the term nervous but rather excited since I have played at the senior level in club football and also played for my country; being selected would be a great honour for me and my family and it’s just a phenomenal feeling,” the player confidently stated.

The footballer who has donned national colours playing for the under-17 team was called up to be a part of the training camp of the Senior team in their preparations for the Caribbean Cup, says he is extremely grateful for the support of Alex Bunbury and all other persons who helped to make the trip a reality.

Winfer Gardens-4 vs St. Margaret’s-0 Orlando Dickie4th, 10th and 30th Calvin Bowling-23rd Game-2 Stella Maris-1 vs Tucville-0 Fedel Norville-49th 13-16 Game-1 South Ruimveldt-2 vs Redeemer-0 Gordanny George-12th Antonio Leitch-40th Game-2 Mae’s-1 vs St. Gabriel’s-0 Ganesh Persaud-4th

BCB/TENELEC Inc 50 Over 1st Division Cricket

West Berbice register 2 convincing wins

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ollin Powell said “ A dream does not come through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work” and teenager Jeremy Garrett, whose opportunity at a try out at renowned European football club Sporting Lisbon is one which materialised due to his hard work on and off the field.

Garrett is set to leave Guyana this week destined to Portugal where he will train at the club’s youth academy which has seen the likes of world renowned footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani all playing their elementary stages of football at the club.

The audition which came as a reality due to Hall-Of-Famer and Guyana’s International Football Ambassador, Alex Bunbury is seen by the footballer as one which can now inspire other young footballers that dreams can come through in the sport if they just work hard and be patient.

Quizzed on what he feels he can accomplish at the club, the Fruta Conquerors player responded “I think I will accomplish a greater knowledge of the game; my goal is not to only look out for myself since I see this as an opportunity to inspire youngsters that anything is possible, I never dream of this happening.”

The Chase Academic Foundation student who

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016

Niall Smith

est Berbice won against Blairmont CC and Bush Lot (Hemraj's), Port Mourant turned back the challenge of Upper Corentyne, Tucber Park and Young Warriors defeated Edinburgh in the latest matches of the TENELEC Inc. First Division Fifty-Over Cricket Competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board.

At Blairmont Estate Ground, West Berbice won by 32 runs against the host. Batting first, the visitors made 152 all out in 28.4 overs. Arthley Bailey with 37, Rafael Estriado 31, Steffon Adams 25 and Renison Mitchell 21 were the principal scorers.

Shabeer Bask took 4 for 19 off 7 overs and national under 19 player Parmanand Ramdhan 3 for 13. Blairmont in reply, fell for 121 in 32.1 overs. National youth player Javid Karim offered the only resistance with 24.

At Port Mourant Ground, the home team batted first and made 183 all out in 39.5 overs after a poor start.

Former national youth player Arif Chan top scored with 62 and got support from national senior middle order batsman Chanderpaul Hemraj who made 44. Andy Mohan and Veramootoo Senwasane chipped in with 22 and 21 respectively. Bowling for UCCA, Naem Yacoob took 3 for 18 and Lakeram Latchman 2 for 41.

In reply, UCCA tumbled for a disappointing 125 off 30 overs to lose by 68 runs. Only A. Agib with 32 and Jameel Azad 19 offered some fight.

Bowling for the winners, Hemraj took 3 for 20, Chan 3 for 25 and

Linden Austin

Dimitri Cameron 2 for 25.

Over at Bush Lot, West Berbice completed their second win by 9 wickets against Bushlot (Hemraj). Batting first, the host scored a paltry 126 in 33 overs with only skipper Rajbance Hemraj making 34 and Asgar Mathabeer 24. Bowling for West Berbice, Andrew Dutchin took 4 for 13 off 5 overs. Rendell Bobb, former Berbice off spinner Krishendat Ramoo and Mitchell supported with two wickets each. In reply, the visitors raced to 127 for 2 in 16.4 overs. Rafael Estriado topscored with 48.

Former Berbice senior opener Artley Bailey with 28 not out and Dutchin with 24 not out provided support.

At Cumberland ground, Young Warriors beat Edinburgh by 5 wickets. Batting first, Edinburgh made 140 all out in 32 overs with Jamal Andrews 55, D Seepersaud 32 and M Singh 25. Bowling for YWCC, pacer Suresh Dhanai took 4 for 15 and former national youth all rounder Linden Austin 4 for 42. In reply, YWCC made 141 for 5 off 29.4 overs with Essequibo born Royan Fredericks 46, Austin 34 and Berbice youth opener Alex Algoo 24. Andrews took 2 for 27 for Edinburgh.

At Port Mourant, Edinburgh suffered their second loss to Tucber Park by 10 wickets.

Batting first, they were shot out for 63 with former national youth pacer Niall Smith ripping through the batting taking 5 for 30 off 9 overs and Chetram Persaud 3 for 10. In reply, Tucber Park raced to 64 without loss.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016

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

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cox, Nero win SA 10K final leg

Curtis Cox cruises to the finish line without a competitor in sight (Marceano Narine Photo)

Courts Pee-Wee Schools Football Championships...

Sweet Double!

– Cato’s goal powers St Angela’s to title repeat

Champions! St Angela’s showcase their accolades in the presence of sponsors and organisers

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