Binder1

Kitty seawall junction to become roundabout

P12 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3104

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

PRICE

Topco juice contract

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Bid Protest Committee

UK Govt loses Brexit vote appeal P14

Page 3

rules against Govt AG rapped for more attacks against judiciary

Page 2

Toronto-bound Guyanese busted with cocaine P15 GRA commences WW series P9

Govt to move against Page 7 businesses hoarding foreign currency – Jordan

Motorists boycott parking meters citywide

Berbice acid incident

Jealous lover remanded P12

Page 13

Red House hearing next week P11

…as GTU holds vigil against paid parking for teachers Foetus found in city drain

Senior members of the Guyana Teachers’ Union in solidarity with teachers staged a vigil against paid parking in the vicinity of their places of employment. They converged on Main Street in front of the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday evening (Dexter Ceres photo)

MMA/ADA land increases horrendous – Jagdeo Page 7

High-profile rape

File still with DPP Page 9

…can push farmers into bankruptcy …MotP objects to newspaper headline

P2

Guyana passport drops on visafree index P14 − now rated at 103 out of 199 countries

2 news

wednesDAY, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

AG rapped for more attacks against judiciary A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams is once again facing the heat over yet another verbal attack against the judiciary.

Williams, speaking in the capacity as Chairman of the People’s National Congress (PNC) to the party’s General Council over the weekend, conveyed the impression that the judiciary is plotting against the Government.

“For the first time in 23 years, orders have been made by Judges in our courts against the President, Prime Minister and Attorney General, without giving them a hearing,” he is quoted as saying.

But his contention is deemed as another unwarranted assault on the integrity of the judiciary and has already been described as another in a series of attempts to sap the judiciary of its independence and autonomy.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall explained that to his knowledge, no order has been granted against

President David Granger without a hearing and he called upon the Attorney General to produce evidence to support his wild assertions.

Nonetheless, Nandlall pointed out that in any event, it is trite and settled law that though the President is personally immune from suit, his actions are not.

“They are lawfully challengeable by proceedings filed against the Attorney General.

A number of legal challenges have been filed against presidential actions, decisions and conduct through the Attorney General, over the past 23 years,” he stated.

Nandlall further explained that presidential actions and decisions are not exempted and if the justice of the case demands it, then conservatory orders can be issued and have known to be granted, ex-parte, against such actions/decisions.

With regards to the Prime Minister and the Attorney General on the other hand, Nandlall posited that in the eyes of the law, they do not

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

enjoy any special authority.

“They stand before the law on the same footing as every other public officer. In fit and proper cases, ex-parte orders can be made against them,” he explained.

The legal luminary added, “There is only one exception. In private law matters, prohibitory or coercive orders cannot be made against the State, as per the State Liabilities and Proceedings

Act. However, this Act has no applicability in constitutional or public law proceedings. Therefore, it is perfectly proper and lawful for ex-parte orders to be made against the Prime Minister and the Attorney General in appropriate cases in constitutional or public law litigation.”

Nandlall surmised that Williams’ intention was to mislead a substantial political block of persons in this country and to pit them against the judiciary by dishonestly conveying the impression that the judiciary is against them.

He contended that this “ominous and dangerous development” drags the judiciary baselessly into the political realm which can result in an erosion of public confidence in the legal system.

“It is equally clear that the Attorney-General is laying the foundation to cast further blame on and to ascribe more improper motives to the judiciary whenever they do not rule in accordance with his expectations, irrespective of how weak the cases are or, howev-

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

er infantile and misconceived the legal submissions may

be,” Nandlall stated.

He posited that no democratic society governed by the rule of law can afford to stay silent in the face of these atrocities.

“The judiciary must function fearlessly and operate in an atmosphere free from fear.

This constant barrage of attacks and intimidation must end now,” the former Attorney General emphasised. These attacks against the judiciary came after the Chancellor, Justice Carl Singh dismissed a State-sponsored appeal which ultimately quashed the racial incitement charge brought against former President Bharrat Jagdeo by a private citizen.

Foetus found in city drain

The foetus in the drain at Church and Thomas Streets

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olice have launched an investigation after they were called to a scene at Church and Thomas Streets Georgetown on Tuesday, where a foetus, said to have been placed there overnight, was discovered in a drain.

According to officers, a man who was weeding in the vicinity made the discovery.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, Police had already gathered and there were also curious bystanders, including students from the nearby St Agnes and St Angela’s Primary schools, who had to be shunned by officers.

The foetus, still with its umbilical cord attached, was estimated to be between three and four in gestation.

According to Police and onlookers, the foetus appeared to have been in the water for several hours as it was already showing signs of decay.

Up to press time, Police were still carrying out investigations.

This discovery comes some seven months after a similar find was made in a trench in front of Uncle Eddie’s Home, Stevedore Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Last June, curious onlookers pulled a foetus from the trench and Police were questioning residents to as-

G

certain if there were any pregnant women in the area.

That foetus was said to be a fully developed female and might have been disposed of after the mother had given birth. The umbilical cord was still attached and its head seems to be clotted with blood. No one was taken into custody.

Additionally, in 2013, the remains of a decomposing newborn baby was discovered in Victoria Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, after a dog was observed playing with body parts, which it reportedly retrieved from a septic tank.

The woman who made the discovery had reported that a stench had been emanating from somewhere.

Upon further investigation, after seeing the dog, the woman found the remains of the foetus in the septic tank and raised an alarm.

The woman who gave birth to the baby when questioned by Police said the baby was stillborn.

She said while it would have been better to dispose of it in a “better way,” because of the rain, she threw it into the septic tank in her Albouystown yard, but did “not expect it to float up back.” She was subsequently released after the post-mortem examination results were undetermined.

Correction

uyana Times apologises for inadvertently publishing an incorrect photo on the front page of the Tuesday, January 24 edition, with the headline “Baby, 59-year-old killed in EBD fires”. The man pictured was not Thakur Singh, as was reported. This publication apologises for any inconvenience caused.

news

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wednesDAY, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 25 – A night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, January 26 – A night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 25 – 14:50h-16:10h and Thursday, January 26 – 15:20h-16:50.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, while light rain showers with sunny intervals are expected in the afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: : 02:46h and 15:01h reaching maximum heights of 2.31 metres and 2.44 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:35h and 21:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.90 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.

saturday, January 21, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

05

09 13

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25

26

10 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 5 11 12 19

23

LUCKY 3 8 5 9

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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15 18 19

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

Topco juice contract

Bid Protest Committee rules against Govt L

ocal juice company Tropical Orchard Products Company (Topco) has won its appeal to the Bid Protest Committee over the Government’s decision to award its supply contract to another company – from Suriname.

Topco, which is a subsidiary of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), was a long-time supplier of juices to the Guyana Government for its national school feeding programme. That is until the Education Ministry, the procuring entity, deemed its bid for a continuation of the contract unsuitable, based on past performance.

According to the Committee, which is based at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the Education Ministry failed to make known that past performance was a criterion for selection beforehand.

“The non-disclosure of past performance as an evaluation criterion in the solicitation documents prevents and precludes the procuring entity from belatedly relying on such criterion in the evaluation and determination of the bid,” the Committee stated.

It went on to note in its review that “The procuring entity failed, refused and/ or neglected to consider only such evaluation criteria as set forth in the solicitation and tender documents contrary to sections 5 (3), 39 (2) and 39 (4) (c) of the Procurement Act, Cap 73:05.”

As the Committee deemed the Ministry to have breached this law, it went on to order that the Ministry annul its evalu-

Topco has won its bid protest

ation of the tenders. The Committee stated that this was because the Ministry’s evaluation committee “used an unlawful procedure to assess the bid of (Topco)”.

The evaluation committee has a specific remit from which it should not deviate. Firstly, it must only use the evaluation criteria that are in the tender documents to evaluate the bidders. Secondly, using these criteria, it determines the lowest evaluated tender.

“Thirdly, it conveys its recommendation to the procuring entity in a timely manner. No scope is given to the evaluation committee to use any criteria other than what is set out in the tender.”

The Bid Protest Committee went on to rule that “pursuant to section 53 (5) of the Procurement Act, the procuring entity is ordered to compensate the Complainant for the cost of

the preparation of its bid”.

The bidding was done by restricted tendering.

The other six bidders were Caribbean International Distribution Inc, Guyana Beverage Inc, Banks DIH Holdings, Topco, ANSA McAL Trading Ltd and Continental Foods Inc. Topco’s bid, $506.6 million, was the lowest one of all. Citing issues with performance such as expiration dates being breached and spoilage, the Ministry wrote Topco a letter to inform the company that it had been unsuccessful.

Despite Topco responding and asking for its bid to be reviewed in accordance with the criteria set out in the bid documents, Government did not reply.

This stance continued until Topco complained to the Bid Protest Committee, after which the Education Ministry revealed it had felt compelled to invite the juice company.

At the hearing, which

was held on November 29, 2016, Topco requested that the Ministry annul its decision against Topco and re-evaluate the company’s bid according to the bid documents. In addition, a request was made for a full refund of its registration fee. Present at the hearing was the Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Delma Nedd.

After Topco lost its bid last year, Government awarded the contract to supply boxed juices locally to Caribbean International Distribution Inc (CIDI), a subsidiary of Rudisa Beverages Company of Suriname. It is a decision that was criticised as Topco was a local company providing employment to many. Topco sources its raw materials for juice from local farmers.

It was only June of last year that the Bid Protest Committee was set up.

The Topco case is one of its first.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESday, January 25, 2017

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

Regional flags T

he proposed regional flags and emblems were recently presented at the inaugural meeting of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC). The occasion presented an opportunity to discuss how to move forward with the designs of the flags and emblems. It also sought to promote greater communication and collaboration among the local democratic organs, to develop guidelines for finance committees of local democratic organs, and to promote regional development through networking among regional, national and multinational stakeholders.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan explained that the intention was to start displaying the flags and emblems at Government’s buildings across the Regions for public discourse and feedback. He said too that consultations with stakeholders in the Regions about the flags, emblems and renaming of the Regions should be completed within the next four months. The regional emblems, along with the renaming of the ten Administrative Regions, are part of the Government’s efforts to foster regional empowerment and pride; however, like many others of the coalition’s proposed plans and initiatives, this too has been met with much criticism and even outright rejection.

The Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), is of the view that the Golden Arrowhead is the constitutional flag of Guyana and any other flag imposed on the country is contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. The Party contended that the consultations initiated in each Region will inexorably result in the rejection by the overwhelming majority of residents who, instead of flags and name changes to Regions, prefer jobs, enhanced public security, and money in their pockets, better roads, improved potable water supply and efficient garbage collection. In fact, the Party called on the Administration to cease their wasteful spending and focus on improving the economic and social well-being of all Guyanese.

Many others voiced their concerns and provided their feedback on the proposed initiative, including several regional heads. Region One Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley has indicated that his region will not be supporting the idea. Likewise, Region Two Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt also objected to this move.

He acknowledged that such a move would require great consultation, given its complexities. Region Five Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and Region Nine Regional Chairman Brian Allicock also shared the same view. Region Seven Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, although he was in support of the proposed flags, indicated that some persons in the district have not welcomed the idea.

When the Government announced its intention to assign each administration region with its very own flag in 2015, it posited that this was a move which depicted a representation of independence. However, it is believed that this move could be dangerous for Guyana as it could put the country’s sovereignty at risk and reinforce Venezuela’s attempts to win over the Essequibo, through encouraging secessionist tendencies. Without any evidence that this decision will have any positive impact on the administrative efficiency of the regions or will in any way improve the lives of the citizens, this initiative is being foisted on the people of this nation, at least this is the view of the populace.

And again, the citizens are facing the reality that important decisions are being made without their input and without consultation. There have been calls for the Minister to rescind the decision; however, we continue to see the total disregard for citizens’ concerns, opinions and suggestions. What we have seen and heard is the most recent announcement that the contrived consultations, which are expected to conclude in April, have been initiated. It is hoped that moving forward, the subject Minister will indeed welcome the feedback and make his decision accordingly. Noting that the parliamentary Opposition has opposed these efforts, Bulkan said that the Administration will not be deterred.

Owners pose with their roosters during a rooster beauty contest ahead of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year of Rooster in Shunde, Guangdong province, China (Reuters)

Languishing unjustly in jail Dear Editor, Comments like those offered by the Finance Minister in his 2017 Budget with respect to the progress on the reforms in the judicial system has to be rejected on all fronts since it is constructed in an environment of massive mental delusion. The Minister was quoted as saying “the Government continues to place the highest priority on the maintenance of a strong justice system, given its role in upholding our civil liberties and maintaining the rule of law.” Where is this strong justice system that the Minister is alluding to? Thus my use of the word delusional because such a system does not exist in Guyana, has not for a very long time, and the justice system continues to deteriorate under this Granger government with these public measures of witch-hunt and harassment of the top judicial official by the politicians.

We have a strategic problem in the judicial system, it is a third-rate deliverer of justice, especially if you are poor and cannot raise “bail money”. The Finance Minister in his 2017 Budget introduced a $1.6 billion IDB Project that is aiming to provide: 1. Alternative sentencing interventions 2. Strengthening of probation services 3. Design and implementation of restorative justice programme 4. Implementation of case management and court scheduling system 5. Training of judges and magistrates in the use of alternatives to pre-trial detention 6. Law reform My immediate response to this latest act of public squander is - here we go again. Guyana has spent some G$10 billion by way of foreign donor projects on Justice Sector Reforms and Citizen Security Programmes since 2007 and it

has mostly come to naught. Guyana is still a crime invested society that has a judicial system that still has thousands of cases in the backlog piles, unresponsive to the needs of the accused and actively violates the human rights of dozens of innocent men and women in a remand system that is totally malfunctional. There is no social justice for the poor and the working class in Guyana; not under Anil Nandlall and now ten times worst under Basil Williams because of serious legal administrative issues.

Under Anil Nandlall, an Amerindian victim, one Mr Justin John, languished in jail for seven years because the prosecutorial system was unwilling to deliver justice in a timely manner. Today under Basil Williams, it is an even worst situation with dozens more such active cases leading a President to make irrational decisions with a methodology that resembles “ine-mini-minimo” to release prisoners from an overcrowded prison system. Good try, but there is a better way, put the people in front of judges and magistrates. But if the Granger administration is playing petty politics with judicial appointments, then the only option they have is “ine-mini-mine-mo” and this is a classification of how dotish the judicial system has descended these days under David Granger.

It is unfortunate that after all these years, our policy makers do not understand that development is not how much money we spend, but how much of that money actually benefits the intended beneficiary. Where is the change for the poor and the working class that was promised at WHIM in 2015?

It is the time for the DPP to bite the bullet and surrender those cases she has inadequate evidence on. As the Officer in Charge of Prosecution in

Guyana, she has the mandate to bring speedy closure to those cases she has no or weak evidence for. It is not the remandee’s fault that the investigative skill of most of the members of the Police Force is poor.

It is the time that we as a society have the courage of conviction to advocate for justice for all regardless of their social status. The burden of proof is on the prosecution and their slothfulness must not be rewarded by the incarceration of poor people. The Prosecutors are tasked with the responsibility to collect and present enough compelling evidence to convince the Judge of the facts. The DPP and the Police and the leaders in the judicial reform process under this Granger government continue to fail the nation by failing to present evidence beyond the reasonable doubt on these cases fast enough and instead they continue to hide behind the bureaucracy. This is wrong and in cases where the DPP has weak evidence, she must man up and throw in the towel and go for an acquittal, rather than have so many young lives tarnished by a crooked and broken judicial system.

It is up to the Independent Media to ask the tough questions of the DPP, Attorney General and the Public Security Minister and their “Kabaka” himself so that this trend of denying justice to the working class reduces.

This is not how the poor and the powerless must be treated. It is just plain wrong. How many more poor people, who cannot afford to raise bail, will be forced to languish unjustly in jail for years because the DPP, the Police and those tasked with Judicial Reforms in the Granger government are failing to do the job that they are paid to do?

Yours faithfully, Sase Singh

wednesday, January 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Bartica Massacre trial

Another accused claims he was not there − but different dates for alibi provided

A

s the defence continues to call its witnesses, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams has denied that he was in Bartica during the time of the massacre, claiming that he was with his father in Georgetown.

Dennis’ father, Grantley Williams, who testified that his son was with him, had difficulty in remembering the exact dates as the incident was “a long time ago”. Dennis, along with Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie”, and Roger Simon, called “Goat Man”, are the three accused on trial for the February 17, 2008 massacre at Bartica.

Dennis’ denial of being present at the attack follows a similar account of co-accused Mark, who claimed last week that he too was not present at the massacre.

At the High Court in Georgetown on Tuesday, Defence Attorney Shaphier Hussain called his client Dennis to the stand. In his evidence in chief from the witness box, the murder accused stated that on February 17 of 2008, he was in Georgetown at his father’s residence.

Recalling the events that followed his November 2008 arrest, the accused reiterated the defence’s contention that he was beaten, shocked

Mark Royden Williams, Dennis Williams and Roger Simon are the three standing trial for the massacre at Bartica

and tortured by Police ranks.

He also denied ever giving a statement to Police, stressing that he could not read or write. The jury heard that Dennis lived in Globe Yard at 135 Waterloo Street, Georgetown. Dennis denied too that his call name was “Anaconda”. The court also heard that the accused was a “gyaff mate” of self-confessed gang member Clebert “Chichi” Reece, but he denied that they spoke while he lived at Globe Yard.

State Prosecutor Stacey Goodings grilled the witness over his claim that he could not read and write, despite having attended school up to Fourth Form. When questioned about his activities two days before the Bartica incident, Dennis stated that

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he could not remember what happened, but minutes later, denied that he and “Chi-chi” travelled from the Tiger Bay wharf to Bartica on February 15.

“I never went nowhere; I don’t know what you’re talking bout ma’am,” Dennis expressed.

Dennis Williams’ alibi

Meanwhile, Dennis’ father, of Barr Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, testified that his son was with him during the time of the incident while he lived at Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

However, as he continued, a number of discrepancies were discovered in his testimony. According to his recollection, his son was arrested on February 17, 2008 and he

went to the Station but could not see him. The court disallowed Husain on his attempt to provide the witness with specific dates.

Minutes later, the witness, testified that his son came to his home about “10 to 8” with a girlfriend and stayed at his home for three hours drinking with several friends.

Under cross-examination, more discrepancies surfaced as the man stated that on February 15, 2008, his son was with him and on February 16, he was locked up, changing the date from the 17th, to which he testified earlier.

Meanwhile, presiding Judge, Justice Roxane George, SC, cited Defence Counsel Husain for lateness and as such, fined him $10,000. Later in the trial, the lawyer applied to be withdrawn completely from the matter, but Justice George rejected the application on grounds that his client would have to retain counsel at a late stage. The trial continues at the High Court this morning at 09:00h when additional witnesses for the defence are expected to testify.

During that fateful night, 12 persons, including three Policemen, were killed in the massacre at Bartica.

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wednesday, January 25, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

the neurological infrastructure—

and memory.

A second crucial role that parents

underpinning the noncognitive capacities When a child’s executive functions – that educators are now focused on. What this developmental building blocks – do so suggests is that if we not properly developed, school days, want to help children demonstrate these qualwith their complicated directions and ities in school, there two places where constant distractions, can become a are we need to change our never-ending exercise in frustration. approach. One is the classroom, where right now many fundamental practices of modself-defeating in school: fighting, ern American pedagogy ignore this talking back, acting up, and, more science of adversity. The second is subtly, going through each day per- where children’s neurobiological petually wary of connection with identity begins to be formed, long bepeers or teachers. fore they ever set foot in kindergarOn a cognitive level, chronically ten: the home. elevated stress can disrupt the develThe most important environmenopment of what are known as exec- tal factor in children’s early lives, utive functions: higher-order mental researchers have shown, is the way abilities that some researchers com- their parents and other adults interpare to a team of air-traffic control- act with them. Beginning in infancy, lers overseeing the workings of the children rely on responses from their brain. Executive functions, which in- parents to help them make sense of clude working memory, attentional the world. Researchers at Harvard’s control, and cognitive flexibility, are Centre on the Developing Child have exceptionally helpful in navigating labelled these “serve and return” inunfamiliar situations and processing teractions. An infant makes a sound new information, which is exactly or looks at an object – that’s the serve what we ask children to do at school – and her parents return the serve by every day. When a child’s execu- responding to her babbles and cries tive functions aren’t fully developed, with gestures, facial expressions, and school days, with their complicated speech. More than any other experidirections and constant distractions, ences in infancy, these rudimentary can become a never-ending exercise interactions trigger the development and strengthening of connections in frustration.

Executive functions also serve as among the regions of the brain that the developmental building blocks— control emotion, cognition, language,

play early on is as external regulators of their children’s stress. When parents behave harshly or unpredictably – especially at moments when their children are upset – the children are less likely over time to develop the ability to manage strong emotions and respond effectively to stressful situations. By contrast, when a child’s parents respond to her jangled emotions in a sensitive and measured way, she is more likely to learn that she herself has the capacity to cope with her feelings, even intense and unpleasant ones.

But if a home environment can have a positive impact on a child’s development, it can also do the opposite. One of the most influential studies of the long-term effect of a stressful early home life is the ongoing Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, which was launched in the 1990s by Robert F Anda, a physician at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and Vincent J Felitti, the founder of the preventive-medicine department at Kaiser Permanente. Anda and Felitti identified 10 categories of childhood trauma: three categories of abuse, two of neglect, and five related to growing up in a “seriously dysfunctional household”. They found that the number of these traumas a person experiences in childhood (a number that has come to be known as a person’s ace score) correlates in adulthood with health problems ranging from heart disease to cancer.(Excerpt from

n an emotional level, toxic stress can make it difficult for children to moderate their responses to disappointments and provocations. A highly sensitive stress-response system constantly on the lookout for threats can produce patterns of behaviour that are

the Atlantic)

Cooperation and why it makes such a difference

S

omething that has been hammered into our brains for as long as we can remember is that we have to learn to work in teams. We’ve been told that we have to be able to compromise and communicate with each other, but why is this important? Why must we suffer through a seemingly needless barrage of group Ashley Anthony exercises during our school careers?

The answer is rather simple. No one can exist as an island, and while, yes, I’m sure certain tasks can be accomplished singularly; a greater many have been vanquished through joint efforts. Group exercises throughout high school serve to cultivate this type of attitude in students. It hopes to teach students that they cannot accomplish everything by themselves, and that they can even achieve higher standards when working with others.

However, often times you find that students do not take this away from these group projects. They see them as burdensome, irrelevant and just difficult to do on a whole. Yet the skills that are gained from these simple projects are carried on throughout life. For example, after doing many group projects throughout high school, it becomes easy to identify the type of person you can depend upon to do a particular task, and the type of person who will procrastinate, do subpar work, or do nothing at all. And while, some argue that in the future they will be able to choose whom they work with, this skill of being able to discern types of people will become pertinent when selecting partners.

Something that’s important for students to do is to use group projects as an opportunity to get a feel of what it’s like to work at different levels within a group.

Don’t always be the group’s leader. In the future, you will probably have to work under someone (or even a team of people), and you will have to be able to interpret their directions and follow them exactly. You will have to get accustomed to listening and complying with instructions even if you do not believe they’re the best idea, and you will have to learn when and how, (if at all) to air your opinions. Similarly, don’t always be a subordinate. There will be times when you will be placed in charge of a team, and you will have to be able to multitask and check up on everyone. You will have to learn to communicate with those working under you, you will be expected to make major decisions, and you will be held accountable for the actions of the group. If you don’t learn such skills early, in the future, a similar situation could become unnecessarily stressful, because you aren’t accustomed to the responsibility of being in charge.

Lastly, working in groups can actually help you with your individual work. By being around persons you are exposed to their thoughts and ideas, and may even begin to adopt some of their healthy work ethic. This can range from something as simple as always bordering your assignments to becoming more serious about deadlines. The multitasking skills that you develop as a group leader can be applied to your own life, as you try to manage schoolwork, family, friends, voluntary work, club activities, sports and other hobbies. Remember, universities nowadays look for highly rounded students, so it could be very important to learn how to balance all of these areas of life.

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wednesDAY, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt to move against businesses hoarding foreign currency – Jordan F

inance Minister Winston Jordan has warned of attempts to lower the value of domestic currency by exporters, who he said, are hoarding foreign currency. According to Jordan, these practices have the potential to destabilise Guyana’s economy.

Minister Jordan, who made these remarks during the commissioning of the new Citizen’s Bank headquarters last Friday, said some exporters have been withholding sales of foreign currency from the system. He noted the possibility that this was being done to provoke depreciation in domestic currency.

Jordan also noted that some exporters and importers are conducting mutual foreign exchange transactions, outside of the exchange market struc-

ture.

“Some companies have been seeking to pay for export and repatriate profits earlier than required in the business cycle, thus creating a demand for foreign currency.

Aggravating this untenable situation is the action of some net foreign exchange earners, who are demanding foreign currency from the market, while hoarding their foreign currency holdings,” the Minister stated.

“Some companies are even purchasing foreign exchange to facilitate trade for their counterparts outside of Guyana, while a few exporters and importers are conducting foreign exchange transactions bilaterally, outside of the foreign exchange market.”

Jordan went on to assure

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

the public that foreign exchange demands can currently be met with what is in the system. He was adamant that this was the case, despite the reduction in export earnings

from sugar, rice and timber.

According to the Minister, the foreign reserves of commercial banks totalled US$315 million at the end of 2016. This is roughly the same level as in 2015. Jordan noted that in 2016, the Bank of Guyana had sold approximately US$30 million to commercial banks to smooth out spikes during seasonal demand.

“Indeed, for the period November to December 2016, the Central Bank sold some US$12 million to the bank cambios to ensure adequate flows of foreign exchange to the market. The Bank of Guyana will continue its interventions in the market as warranted.”

Jordan also called on those involved in the practice; exporters, importers and cambios, to be responsible and heed the

MMA/ADA land increases horrendous – Jagdeo …can push farmers into bankruptcy

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s the fallout continues over the impending Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) increases for land rental and drainage and irrigation services, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has registered his concern over the threat to livelihoods that the changes may bring.

In this light, he called on Government to rethink its decision on the increases, which in the main amounts to 600 per cent.

“I would urge the Government to reverse the horrendous increases that they have placed on the backs of the farmers and the cattle rearers in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice),” Jagdeo told media operatives at a press conference on Monday.

The Opposition Leader further noted that this move would “decimate” the communities and their livelihoods. He suggested that residents and farmers across the political divide would be affected by the increases. “Agriculture is the lifeblood of that region, mainly rice and cattle rearing. There are communities that support PPP as well as communities that support APNU – this decision will harm all of those people. They are already operating marginally and this can push them into bankruptcy,” the Opposition Leader added.

“If you have 200 acres of rice land, suddenly your yearly fee to MMA will go to $3 million. For cattle farmers who have to find close to $4000 from roughly $700 per acre. People need fairly large amounts of acreage to sustain animals,” Jagdeo stressed.

Last week, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) farmers protested the increases, but Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who updated the media on Cabinet’s discussions claimed that increases were “not exorbitant”.

In fact, he expressed that he was repeating Agriculture Minister Noel Holder’s longheld view that the most recent MMA-ADA fees could not continue to facilitate the financial operations at the Ministry’s

sub-agency.

Trotman had further added that the increases were necessary to fix broken and missing equipment in areas under MMA-ADA’s preview.

Minister Trotman had also justified the cumulative increases based on the monthly price per acre. Among the changes are new drainage and irrigation charges for profit to Rosignol villages moving from $2500 per year to $8000 per year, representing a $5500 increase.

Additionally, farmland that falls in the Mahaicony/ Abary rice development category will see farmers now paying $7000, an increase of $1241 from last year’s fees. The cost per month of the former amounts to $666 per month while the latter accrued $583.

MMA-ADA General Manager Aubrey Charles had told Guyana Times late last week that the cumulative increased fee, which amount to $15,000, would only be paid by farmers who benefit from all of the services offered by MMA. However, a group of irate Region Five rice farmers last Tuesday protested the move on the basis that they cannot afford to pay $15,000 per acre of rice land, noting that they were previously paying $3500 per acre. However, the Agriculture Ministry in re-

sponse had described the protest actions as “unfortunate”.

The Opposition later confirmed that it would be moving to lay a motion in Parliament to review these increases.

Farmers have been receiving reduced earnings for their paddy following the end of the

lucrative Petro-Caribe (ricefor-oil) deal with Venezuela in 2015. Since then, many rice farmers have reiterated calls for Government to implement various subsidies, including on fuel and heavy-duty equipment, to assist them in maintaining their livelihood.

entreaties of the Government.

He also had an ominous warning; failure to do so would result in the Government taking decisive action.

Recently, there have been reports that there is a short-

age of foreign currency in Guyana. The report had cited complaints from those in the business sector. This, however, has consistently been denied

by Jordan and Central Bank Governor Gobind Ganga.

8 news

wednesDAY, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Alternative facts”…

W

…in a Bizarro world hen your Eyewitness was a callow youth, he confesses that he was addicted to comics. If the truth be told, even though he doesn’t flip through the “hard copies” any longer, he cannot miss their iterations on the big screen! (But Batman taking on Superman??!! C’mon now!!) Anyhow, there used to be a character “Bizarro” who lived in a world where everything was opposite to the reality on Earth.

On the first day after President Trump’s swearingin, your Eyewitness thought he’d been transported to the world of Bizarro htraE (“Earth” spelt backwards!).

After the White House announced that Trump’s crowd at his inauguration was BIGGER than Obama’s, the Press contradicted him with what they thought was incontrovertible evidence - pics of the two events.

And suggested the Trump machinery was spreading “falsehoods and lies”. “Not so!!” insisted Trump’s spokesperson, they were just offering “alternative facts”!!

Imagine that!! Reality is whatever you chose to say it is!! We know in this ‘post-modern’ world, there’s no single truth, since this is always socially constructed.

Truth is “relational” and “perspectival” and all that! But your poor Eyewitness thought those only referred to “social truths” - like whether “white is beautiful” and suchlike. But certainly not to the facticity of comparing crowd shots to judge their magnitude!

But on reflection, your Eyewitness should’ve seen this coming… even though it’s a few decades late, Orwell did predict this in his classic, “1984”. In this Brave New World, “War is peace. Freedom is slavery.” And most germanely, “ignorance is strength”!! But on this basis, let the word go forth - Guyana’s ahead of even the US in this new semantical twist of “Double Speak” in the Brave New World.

Weren’t we told, our treasury was too bare for a 10 per cent raise for Government workers, but not for a 50 per cent raise for Cabinet Ministers? The meaning of “bare” has to be parsed from your perspective! More recently we’ve seen the disjunctive “or” - up to now indicating a change or inflection point in what preceded it in a sentence - declared to be a “conjunctive” which simply adds more of the same to what precedes!! One wonders then as to why even use it?? Wouldn’t it have been simpler to simply state that only judges need apply for the GECOM job? But we have to remember we are now in the Brave New World of htraE!! Complex is simple!

So we shouldn’t quibble when Public Security Minister Ramjattan (the twice and future leader of the AFC) declares there’s no spike in crime, or Finance Minister Jordan insists there’s no foreign currency shortage.

They’re just offering “alternative facts”!! …on Women’s March Who woulda thought!! The Women’s protest to Donald Trump’s election turned out to be the BIGGEST ever in the history of the US!! Even the White House didn’t offer some “alternative facts”! All across the US the sea of pink hats made their point. But hold it. What was their point, again?

Well, there was the point made that America doesn’t really need a “Groper in Chief” right now! Or someone who delighted in grabbing women’s privates (we can’t be more graphic like the US and British papers - we’re still Victorian, thank you!) while sticking his tongue down their throats.

But broadly that Trump be used as a lightning rod for highlighting “women’s” issues. But who decides that? We can’t forget while Clinton beat Trump 54 to 42 per cent with women voters, Trump reversed the stats among WHITE women.

And in the three states that decided the election — Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan — that margin was enough to send Trump to the White House.

Yep! Women do have power. But it ain’t monolithic! …on Mexican rice markets We’ll soon be coming on to two years since PM Nagamootoo, promised “massive” Mexican markets that were “keen for our rice”.

With not even a grain contracted, what are the “alternative facts” to “massive” and “keen”?

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

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wednesday, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police hunting 2 suspects in the case of missing EBD woman

High-profile rape

File still with DPP …MotP objects to newspaper headline T T

he Ministry of the Presidency has objected to the Guyana Times headline in Tuesday’s edition which stated that the President was being accused of covering up a high-profile sexual assault case involving top officials in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The article for which the headline was carried had pointed to criticisms made by former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, for the lack of response by the Government and, more particularly, the President for failing to take any action against those culpable or at least under suspicion of being guilty in the matter.

The matter involves a high-ranking female municipal official, who had filed a Police report against a regional official, alleging sexual assault. According to reports, it was during a work trip when the alleged victim was forced to share a room with the suspect that the assault took place. The woman, subsequent to her Police complaint, wrote to President Granger on November 7, 2016 on the matter, but, to date, he has yet to respond to her concerns.

Further, in an effort to seek justice for the young senior official, some 1200 persons signed the petition calling for the removal of the top official, who allegedly committed the act, on sever-

al grounds, one being sexual assault. The petition was forwarded to the President, the then Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally and the Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan. No action was taken.

It was based on these steps but yet no action that the Opposition Leader criticised the President, pointing out that Granger could not “claim lack of knowledge on this matter”.

The PPP General Secretary condemned this apparent protection of an alleged sexual predator, as he expressed his belief that there was an organised attempt to hide the truth.

However, on Tuesday, while the Ministry objected to the headline, it did not say what was “slanderous and libellous” about it, but rather noted that the article on which the headline appeared showed a clear misunderstanding of how Guyana’s criminal justice system works and the presumption of innocence that is a legal right of an accused.

Additionally, the Ministry stated in its public missive that former President Jagdeo was aware that it is unlawful for the Head of State, who is the head of the Executive Branch of Government to intervene (or take action against those culpable) in matters that are before the courts (the Judicial Branch of Government) or criminal matters under active investigation.

Meanwhile, when contacted late Tuesday evening, F Division (Lethem and other Interior Locations) Commander Ravindradat Budhram confirmed that Police were still awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on instituting charges.

Ever since the matter attracted media attention, the accused senior regional official has come out, denying the reports against him.

According to the regional officer’s lawyer, Jerome Khan, the accusations made against his client are false.

he Police are now on the hunt for two suspects who are wanted in connection with the disappearance of Shonette Savory; the Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD) woman who went missing in August 2016.

Patrick Kissoon, called “Pato” and RiteshaRahama n, called “Tesha” are wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to the disappearance.

The 37-year-old woman went missing from her residence at Lot 222 Last Street, Prospect, EBD, and was never heard from since.

According to information, on the day of her disappearance, the woman who lived alone left home with the intention of buying credit for her prepaid meter. She reportedly returned, topped up her meter and then left again.

An unknown man who lives in the area reportedly told Savory’s family members that he spoke to her when she was headed out – he was the last to hear from her. An inspection of her home revealed that the woman did not take any important document or items, which indicated that she intended to return. Numerous attempts were made to contact the mother of one, however her cellphone kept going to voicemail.

In December, during the course of their investiga-

Missing: Shonette Savory

Wanted: Ritesha Rahaman

tions, Police had removed the shack to inspect its concrete flooring after receiving information that the woman was buried there, however they came up empty handed.

The shack belonged to a man who resided at Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and who Savory was last seen with.

The man reportedly went missing after Police revealed that he was wanted for questioning.

However, since then, no other information emerged and Savory’s family members are still in distress as to what happened to her.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of both Kissoon and Rahaman, 26, are asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-1389, 227-2128, 226-7065, 256-411, 225-

2227, 225-0575, 225-6940, 911 or the nearest Police station. The last known address for both suspects is Herstelling Sea Dam, EBD.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, January 25, 2017

News

Jagdeo worried about Guyana suffering “resource curse”

O

pposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo is worried that Guyana may be entering legally binding agreements, which can strip the country of its rights as an oil producing nation.

“We have to be careful about who helps to write our regulations and whose model we use. We always have to keep a little distance to ensure we have independence,” he told media operatives during a news conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown on Monday.

Jagdeo was at the time sharing his thoughts on reports that Guyana is re-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ceiving assistance the United States

from (US)

Department of State in crafting its oil and gas regulations

and profit-sharing agreements – Government has since denied these reports.

“I don’t know much about what’s going on. The Government has kept this as a closely guarded secret and my big worry is that they are making deals and giving up our rights over the long-term because of incompetence or at worse, corrupt practices,” the politician expressed.

Jagdeo was also fearful about Guyana’s possibility of suffering the “resource curse”.

With no technical expertise in offshore oil drilling and no experience handling superpower corporations, Guyana faces the real possibility of suffering the “resource curse,” in which a place with massive resource wealth is pillaged and left for broke by bad management and predatory colonial practices.

According to a Huffington Post article, the programme under the Department of State is currently helping the Guyanese Government write profit-sharing agreements, environmental regulations, and develop a strong rule of law to counterbalance corporate power.

But Government refuted this assertion, noting that the US Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI) has been lending support to Guyana for the past six years in the area of capacity building to manage eventual oil and gas revenues. The Ministry of the Presidency said EGCI will not be playing any part in writing Guyana’s oil governance laws, or any laws for that matter.

It clarified that the Commonwealth Secretariat is the lead agency supporting Guyana in preparing a suite of legislation for the oil and gas industry.

Unfit and Improper?

S

atiricus was puzzled. He knew he wasn’t the brightest bulb in the room - any room! - but he couldn’t understand what the argument was all about on this GE-CON Chairman. As usual, he and his cohorts were fortifying themselves at the Back Street Bar and having been there for some two hours, their tongues had been well lubricated for wagging.

“I thought if there was going to be any argument,” Satiricus offered, “it was going to be over still calling the person ‘ChairMAN’ rather than ‘ChairWOMAN’ or ‘ChairPerson’!”

“Well, this GECOM thing stated before the MILLION WOMAN March, you know!” chuckled Hari. “But maybe that’s why Jagdesh put in that lady on his list?”

“Me jus’ waan somebady fuh tell me wha’ mek only wan judge “fit an’ prapa” fuh count abee vote,” demanded Bungi, whose voice was beginning to slur, just a wee bit.

“It’s not just the counting Bungi,” said Satiricus. “I think they want somebody who can stand the pressure when the votes counting - and the losing side wants to make trouble.”

“So you do know what the fuss is all about,” Hari pointed out. “Well, not really,” answered Satiricus. “I’m not sure why Prezzie think only a Judge can withstand pressure!”

“Damn right!” exploded Bungi. “Yuh know how much pressha me tek when me fetch t’ree ton cane pan me head ev’ry day fuh twenty year??!!”

“You even see those lawyers begging Judges every day to let their clients off?” asked Satiricus. “That’s pressure!”

“It’s called ‘pleading’!” snickered Hari. “But it’s a different kinda pressure when people marching in front your house, because the counting not going their way,” explained Hari.

“A’right me andastan’ dat,” confessed Bungi. “But wha’ mek only wan judge na friken people when dem a march?”

“Bungi’s right, you know Sato,” said Hari looking at Satiricus, who still sported his puzzled look. “The fella who survived GECON for the last ten years is a Vet. THEY never have pressure.”“Budday!” exclaimed Bungi. “Yuh evah cut aff wan Pit Bull nuts?” They clinked their bottles.

“Everybody face pressure and are fit and proper,” said Satiricus.

WEDNESday, January 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Red House hearing next week T

he High Court hearing on the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) controversy – popularly known as Red House – was brought forward by some 17 days and will now be called on February 3.

Incorporated (CJRCI) – the organisation with oversight of the activities of Red House.

The court documents seen by Guyana Times ordered all items, property and artefacts stored at Red House not to be inter-

of Lands and Surveys Doorga Persaud, listed as defendants, were granted leave to file an Affidavit in Answer within 21 days.

Persaud, however, is no longer the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys.

Guyana Times under-

The Red House which houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre

President David Granger’s order to revoke the lease for the CJRC to occupy Red House was on December 30, 2016, challenged by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall on behalf of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre

fered with or removed until further ordered. The ruling was handed down by Chief Justice (Ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and the matter will be heard again on February 20.

Attorney General Basil Williams and Commissioner

stands that to date, the Attorney General has failed to file this Affidavit.

The CJRCI, the Applicant, would have then been required to file an Affidavit in Reply within 14 days.

Among the reliefs sought

in the proceedings are a declaration that the lease to CJRCI is valid, binding and in force; and a declaration that the revocation or threatened revocation of the said lease is unlawful, illegal, contrary to and in breach of CJRCI’s fundamental right not to be deprived of its property that is, its 99year lease hold-interests as guaranteed by Article 142 of the Constitution; damages for breach of contract and breach of constitutional rights.

CJCRI is seeking in ex-

cess of $1 million for breach of Government’s lease agreement.

However, Government is maintaining that the lease is invalid on the basis that there is no evidence that the President of the day had sanctioned it.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has since contended that there is no need for the President’s signature on the lease once it was signed by the Commissioner of the Lands and Survey Commission of the day.

The Research Centre

was established in 1999 to promote research into and publish materials on the life, work and ideas of Dr Jagan.

The prime land on which Red House sits was leased to the CJRCI for 99 years at the cost of $12,000 per year.

Government wants to repossess the land with the intention of transferring the National Trust of Guyana to that building.

The ultimate aim would be to transform Red House into a space to recognise all past Presidents of Guyana.

12 news

wednesDAY, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kitty seawall junction to become a roundabout

A

roundabout will be constructed at the Kitty Sea Wall where the sinkholes occurred to create a smoother flow of traffic.

Coordinator, Works Services Group, Public Infrastructure Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that this will enable drivers to travel to their desired designation with ease and reduce the amount of traffic travelling on the East Coast Highway, Carifesta Avenue or through the Kitty area.

(A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island).

One of the sinkholes on the Kitty Public Road

Vaughn explained that the Public Infrastructure Ministry has already sent out tenders for those works and “we’re in the evaluation stage, the evaluation should have gone over to NPTAB (National Procurement and Tender Administration

Board) yesterday for finalisation, which would then go to Cabinet for its no objection.”

However, works on the sinkhole are expected to begin within the next two weeks after no objection from Cabinet, NPTAB and

the requisite bodies.

Additionally, the Ministry is currently awaiting reviews from consultancies before works begin on the East Coast Demerara Expansion Project. “We’ve already written the consultants, they’re on board already but we have a few conditioning precedents that need to be met by the contractor such as providing us with the bonds and necessary instruments before we have a contract commenced,” Vaughn explained.

The Works Services Group Coordinator noted that to date, preliminary works including the widening of the road and removal of utilities have been completed by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

The contract for the East Coast Demerara Expansion Project was awarded to China Railway First Group Limited November last to complete the project between Better Hope and Belfield on the East Coast of Demerara, works will begin next month. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson in his 2017 Budget presentation said that after considerable delays, the framework agreement with the People’s Republic of China for the US$45.5 million concessional loan for the completion of the widening and improvement of the highway had been signed.

Berbice acid incident

Jealous lover remanded

T

he man who was nabbed by Police in Linden on Saturday after allegedly dousing a woman in New Amsterdam with a corrosive substance was remanded to prison when he appeared in a Corentyne court on Tuesday.

The accused, Alfred De Yonge, also called “Nat A Boy”, of Mackenzie, Linden, was charged with attempt to commit murder when he appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on January 19, 2017, at New Street, New Amsterdam, he attempted to murder Shondell Williamson and in the process, caused her grievous bodily harm. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Leon Robertson told the court that the victim was still a patient at the burns unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The accused was arrested after a motorcycle accident on Saturday morning in Linden. He was nabbed at the hospital after seeking medical attention.

When he appeared in court, the accused had a bandage around his head and another on the side of his face.

It had been reported that Williamson, 26, a bartender at Club Serenity, and the accused, 34, had been in a relationship since 2006 and have two children together.

Alfred De Yonge

On the night in question, the woman saw the accused, who she later recognised, wearing a wig and dressed like a woman approaching her.

It had also been reported that as the man came within two feet of Williamson, he threw the substance he was carrying, dousing her from her head.

Magistrate Marissa Mettelholzer remanded the accused until February 20 when the Police will be expected to present a progress report.

The hearing was held in-camera, and the media and others were asked to leave the courtroom.

The matter has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, after the matter was adjourned, the accused was taken under heavy guard to the New Amsterdam Hospital for medical attention.

news

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wednesDAY, janUARy 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Motorists boycott parking meters citywide − as GTU holds vigil against paid parking for teachers

D

ay one of paid parking in Georgetown has passed, and a tour of the city on Monday signalled that drivers were playing it safe and were avoiding using spaces demarcated for parking meters.

At locations such as Republic Bank and Muneshwers on Water Street, in addition to Hand-in-Hand and the Bank of Guyana on the Avenue of the Republic, the parking meters were standing

evident with another motorist who parked in front of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre on Carmichael Street.

This development can be traced back to the review of the contract which was carried out by the Finance Ministry last year. According to the review, the parking meters may have an adverse effect on businesses as customers may change their spending patterns.

The absence of a feasibility study was a sore point with

The parking meter outside Republic Bank on Tuesday

stately; however, the parking lots of these enterprises were conspicuously empty.

When Guyana Times spoke to one taxi driver plying his trade along the Avenue of the Republic, the man revealed that he had bought a prepaid parking meter card; however, he was uncertain how to use the card or whether the parking meter was even working.

The same uncertainty was

the Finance Ministry team, which reviewed the parking meter contract. In its review, the Ministry pointed out that there was some uncertainty about how aspects such as the fees were arrived at.

“The prices appear outlandish since it is apparent that no feasibility study was done to determine break even and reasonable profit positions. M&CC [The Mayor and

outside of having consultations with various entities?” she queried. “I’m not sure that this was well thought-out.”

City Council] has to provide some justifications of how the parking and other fees were derived,” the review had stated. At present, the price is set at $50, plus Value Added Tax (VAT) for every 15 minutes.

This means that motorists will be charged $200 for every hour spent parked. The least amount of time which can be purchased is 15 minutes.

Fee increases Meanwhile, this newspaper spoke with two young hire car users who, on condition of anonymity, revealed the impact of the parking meters on the pockets of Guyanese in a short period of time. According to one user, the taxi driver she hired asked for more than the usual fare of $500 a trip.

“I went to the bank at Regent Street and me come out to take a taxi to Ruimveldt side. I normally pay $500, and now the driver charge me $700. When I asked him why the increased fee, the man tell me parking meter start today.

I don’t know how I will manage. I don’t even have car and I got to bear the expense of parking meter. So I don’t know how I will make out,” the woman related.

Another taxi commuter related her disheartening experience. The young mother of one related that as it was raining heavily one morning and she was accompanied by her daughter, she decided to take a taxi. She related that the driver demanded $800 to take her

The parking meter outside Hand-in-Hand

from central Georgetown to the Kitty Public Road. Upon her enquiring why, she said that the driver pointed to the fact that the price of gasoline had increased and taxi drivers would soon have to pay for parking.

“I explained to him (that) taxi drivers do not have to pay for parking at designated parks. However, he insisted that they were waiting for some meeting to be held to determine whether taxi drivers will have to pay too. I gave him $600 and told him thanks. I refuse to be exploited by anyone.”

Much to be desired Meanwhile, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) held a meeting with representatives from Smart City Solutions Incorporated (SCSI) on Monday at the Union’s headquarters on Woolford Avenue.

According to GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald,

the meeting, however, left much to be desired.

“Our fear is that while we are dialoguing, teachers have to pay. We would have thought that while we are having consultations, our teachers would not have to pay for parking spaces,” she said.

She related, however, that the company informed her that it would have to confirm such a measure with the M&CC. She said that another meeting was scheduled for next week.

According to the General Secretary, having a vehicle is not a luxury for some, but actually a necessity. Pointing to the fact that even teachers at the nursery school level drove, she stated that this was an unfair situation when teachers’ salaries have remained inadequate and the cost of living in Guyana was already high.

“You are rolling out parking meters in Guyana, what (they) take into consideration

Dialogue will continue Members of the GTU also held a vigil on Tuesday evening, to signal their discontent with the parking meters. That vigil took the crowd to the residence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is currently acting as President.

After a meeting with the protestors’ representatives, the Prime Minister later came out and addressed the crowd. He explained that while he did not have all the answers for them, he would raise the matter with Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

“The answer is not to turn our backs on you (teachers).

You have issues, we have to listen to the issues and if you can’t solve these matters now, work together to find some solution.”

“Parking meters are new and came at a time when all these (economic) difficulties are being experienced. (But) it’s not easy for a government to come down on a municipality.” Nagamootoo said that the Government could not just step in, as it was trying to allow the M&CC autonomy. He said that if the Council could not get money, Central Government would have to “carry it like a baby”.

With this, Nagamootoo promised that dialogue would continue.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, January 25, 2017

News

UK Govt loses Brexit vote appeal P

arliament must vote on whether the Government can start the Brexit process, the Supreme Court has ruled.

The judgement means Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin talks with the European Union (EU) until Members of Parliament (MPs) and peers give their backing – although this is expected to happen in time for the Government's March 31 deadline.

But the court ruled the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland assemblies did not need a say.

Brexit Secretary David Davis promised a parliamentary bill "within days".

Sources have told the BBC the bill – to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and get formal exit negotiations with the EU under way – will be introduced this Thursday, with an expectation that it could pass through the House of Commons in a fortnight.

During the Supreme Court hearing, campaigners argued that denying the UK Parliament a vote was un-

Gina Miller was the lead claimant against the Government in the Supreme Court

democratic and a breach of long-standing constitutional principles.

They said triggering Article 50 would mean overturning existing UK law, so MPs and peers should decide.

But the Government argued that, under the Royal Prerogative (powers handed to Ministers by the Crown), it could make this move without the need to consult Parliament.

And it said that MPs had voted overwhelmingly to put

the issue in the hands of the British people when they backed the calling of last June's referendum in which UK voters backed Brexit by 51.9 per cent to 48.1 per cent.

What the court said

Reading out the judgement, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger said: "By a majority of eight to three, the Supreme Court today rules that the Government cannot trigger Article 50 without an act of Parliament authorising it to

do so."

He added: "Withdrawal effects a fundamental change by cutting off the source of EU law, as well as changing legal rights.

"The UK's constitutional arrangements require such changes to be clearly authorised by Parliament."

The court also rejected, unanimously, arguments that the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly should get to vote on Article 50 before it is triggered.

Lord Neuberger said: "Relations with the EU are a matter for the UK Government."

Outlining plans to bring in a "straightforward" parliamentary bill on Article 50, Davis told MPs he was "determined" Brexit would go ahead as voted for in last June's EU membership referendum.

He added: "It's not about whether the UK should leave the European Union. That decision has already been made by people in the United Kingdom."

"There can be no turn-

ing back," he said. "The point of no return was passed on June 23 last year."

Outside the Supreme Court, Attorney General Jeremy Wright said the Government was "disappointed" but would "comply" and do "all that is necessary" to implement the court's judgement.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The British people voted to leave the EU, and the Government will deliver on their verdict – triggering Article 50, as planned, by the end of March. Today's ruling does nothing to change that."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, a leading Leave campaigner, tweeted: "Supreme Court has spoken. Now Parliament must deliver will of the people – we will trigger A50 by end of March. Forward we go!"

Investment manager Gina Miller, the daughter of former Guyanese Attorney General Doodnauth Singh and one of the campaigners who brought the case against the Government, said Brexit was "the most divisive issue of a generation", but add-

ed that her victory was "not about politics, but process".

"I sincerely hope that going forward that people who stand in positions of power and profile are much quicker in condemning those who cross the lines of common decency and mutual respect," she also said.

Her co-campaigner, hairdresser Deir Tozetti Dos Santos, said: "The court has decided that the rights attaching to our membership of the European Union were given by Parliament and can only be taken away by Parliament.

"This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

We should all welcome it."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "Labour respects the result of the referendum and the will of the British people and will not frustrate the process for invoking Article 50."

But he added that his party would "seek to amend the Article 50 Bill to prevent the Conservatives using Brexit to turn Britain into a bargain basement tax haven off the coast of Europe".(Excerpt

from BBC News)

Guyana passport drops on visa-free index − now rated at 103 out of 199 countries

G

uyana has dropped within a year on the Arton Capital’s Passport Index ranking. The ranking index recently released its updated list, targeting 199 countries. It noted that Guyana’s passport allows its citizens to visit 74 countries without a visa.

According to the latest statistics, Guyana is ranked at 103 out of 199 countries and states from around the world.

This is a step down from 2016, when Guyana was ranked at number 99 out of 199 countries.

Back in 2016, Guyanese citizens did not need a visa when travelling to 73 locations. While Guyana has added one more destination, the country’s drop indicates the rise of other countries who gained even more visa-free travel destinations.

The highest ranked South American nation is Brazil.

Listed at number 40 with 143 destinations, Brazil jumped three places higher than the 2016 list. In comparison to Guyana’s continental neighbours, only two other South American nations are ranked lower. These are Bolivia, at number 116 with 67 destinations; and Suriname, at 109 with 70 destinations.

Barbados is the highest ranked Caribbean state, topping the region at number 50 with 132 destinations. Following closely are The Bahamas at 53 with 129 destinations; Antigua and Barbuda, at 56 with 124 destinations and St Kitts and Nevis, at 57 with 123 desti-

The Guyanese passport is ranked at 103 out of 199 countries

nations. Trinidad and Tobago was ranked at 59, with 121 destinations.

The index noted that German citizens enjoy the most powerful passport in the world, as they are allowed visa-free access to 158 countries.

The United States missed the top 10, with 156 destinations.

The country that beat them and rounded out the top 10 was the United Kingdom, also with 156 destinations.

The lowest ranked passport on the list is the Afghanistan passport, which grants visa-free travel to 23 destinations.

The Passport Index ranks 193 United Nations member countries and six territories. The territories – Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Kosovo, Palestinian Territory and the Vatican – amount to a total of 199 states.

Territories which are annexed to other countries and do not issue their own passports are excluded and not

considered as destinations.

The ranking is exclusively for countries which issue passports, regardless of whether they enforce independent visa policies or not.

Their data is compiled alternatively from proprietary research or from official information provided by Government agencies.

To determine the rank of each passport, a three-tier method is applied; firstly, a Visa-free score (VFS) is used which includes visa-free (VF) and visa on arrival (VOA).

The VF portion of the country’s score is then compared against the VOA. In instances where there is a tie, such as in the instance of the UK and the USA on this year’s index, the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index (UNDP HDI) is used as a tie breaker. This index measures and compares the countries’ perception globally.

wednesday, January 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

Banks DIH records $1.788B after-tax profit for 2016 A

s Banks DIH prepares for its 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 28, 2017, the company has announced that it has recorded a whopping $1.788 billion after-tax profit for the year 2016.

The report, presented by Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis, showed that the profit after tax for the company was some $4.357 billion, compared to $2.569 billion in 2015, an increase of $1.788 billion.

Included in this profit is a gain of $1.409 billion arising from the sale of its holding of ordinary shares in Banks Holdings Limited and Desnoes & Geddes (Jamaica) Ltd, and the dissolution of BCL (Barbados) Ltd, which resulted in a surplus of $29.2 million over the cost of the investment.

According to Reis, the profit after tax from the company's operating activities was some $2.948 billion, compared to $2.569 billion achieved in 2015, an increase of $379.0 million

or 14.7 per cent.

“These improved results were attributed to increases in revenues and physical unit sales, improvement in cost reduction and prudent management of our capital, human and financial resources,” Reis said in his four-page report.

During the year, he said the company operated in a global environment where sluggish economic growth in most advanced economies continued, owing in part to the decline in commodity prices and incremental increases in oil prices. The reduction in export earnings for sugar, bauxite, rice and timber, he said, has negatively affected the domestic environment. This, in combination with reduced public spending, caused consumer uncertainty, which led to reduced demand.

“We rose above these challenges and achieved growth through investment in our quality brands and strategically placing our resources against the biggest growth opportunities.

Necessary steps were tak-

Banks DIH Limited

en to strengthen our company's operating capabilities to drive sustainable growth and value creation for our shareholders, customers and employees,” Reis reported.

Meanwhile, the group's turnover net of taxes was $25.516 billion compared to $24.875 billion in 2015, an increase of $641.0 million or 2.6 per cent. The group's operational profit before tax was $6.528 billion compared to $5.285 billion, an increase of $1.243 billion or 23.5 per cent. The group's

profit after tax attributable to shareholders was $4.468 billion compared to $2.945 billion, an increase of $1.523 billion or 51.7 per cent.

The group's net asset value per share has increased from $28.6 to $31.7 or by 10.8 per cent, and the company has increased its dividend proposal to shareholders to $0.88 per share unit resulting in an overall cost of $880 million. This is in addition to the special dividend of $0.60 per share unit that was paid in

February 2016. Total dividends proposed for the current year equate to $1.480 billion.

In recent years, the company made capital expenditure decisions regarding investments in fixed assets as part of its journey of consolidation. These investments benefited the company's operations by increasing output capabilities, reducing costs and providing quality products to satisfy consumers’ taste and new demand. During the year, a new Krones state-of-the-art filler, along with associated conveyors, a bottle inspection facility and CIP Systems were installed in the Beer Plant.

An on-line blow moulding machine was commissioned in the Water Bottling Plant and the upgrade of the electrical power distribution system continued. The upgrading of Demico Restaurant and Bar facilities and the Fleet Replacement Policy with the acquisition of additional trucks and forklifts continued during the year.

Our ICT Department's ca-

pacity and capability were improved by way of system upgrades.

The company has also shared the reduction of its revenues from Citizens Bank Guyana Inc, a 51 per cent owned subsidiary, which was $3.266 billion compared to $3.708 billion, a reduction of $442.0 million. Profit after tax was $479.0 million compared to $907.0 million in 2015. The total assets increased from $43.1 billion by $7.1 billion or 16.5 per cent to $50.2 billion. Loan assets decreased from $30.7 billion to $29.2 billion and customers' deposits increased from $34.9 billion to $42.1 billion.

Earnings per share is $8.05 and Net Interest Income decreased from $2.65 billion in 2015 to $2.11 billion. Meanwhile, the company also announced that its 61st AGM will be held at Thirst Park on Saturday.

At the AGM, shareholders will receive the financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2016 and the reports of the directors and auditors among other activities.

Accused gets 3 years for Toronto-bound Guyanese busted with cocaine causing death charge

G

reg Stewart, a 41-year-old truck driver who was charged with driving dangerously and causing the death of rugby player Justin Crawford, was on Tuesday sentenced to three years in prison by Magistrate Renita Singh.

The charge stated that in July of 2015, at Mill Public Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), Stewart drove motor lorry GJJ 7168, causing the death of Crawford.

The defendant was also fined $30,000 and would serve an additional two weeks in prison after he was found guilty of failing to stop

tance to the teenager.

On the day of the incident, the accused was driving the lorry with a trailer attached, which struck Crawford. Reports are that the teenager was tossed into the air, before falling to the ground.

The accused, who was unaware of what had occurred, proceeded on his way, and was later identified by eyewitnesses, apprehended and charged for the offence.

Greg Stewart

at the time of the accident, and failing to render assis-

Man on $200,000 bail for robbery F

orty-year-old Deon Griffith of 430 North East La Penitence, Georgetown was on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a charge of robbery.

He denied the allegation which stated that on July 3, 2016, at Kitty, Georgetown, he stole airplane parts worth $16.6 million; the property of Trisha Persaud.

The prosecution objected to bail based on the magnitude of the offence and the fact that the case file is complete, which means they are

not ready to proceed to trial.

Objection was also made due to the fact that the items are yet to be recovered.

However, as there were no antecedents, the defendant was granted $200,000 bail.

He was also ordered to lodge his passport with the Police and to report to the East La Penitence Police Station. Failure to comply will result in his arrest and he will be placed on remand.

Griffith will return to court on February 19.

A

woman is now in the custody of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) after she was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), on Tuesday evening with a large quantity of cocaine in her possession.

According to reports, ranks of the narcotics branch stationed at the Airport arrested the woman who was on a flight headed to Toronto, Canada.

She was found with four

parcels of what was suspected to be cocaine in her suitcase.

The parcels were confiscated and weighed, and amounted to 4178 grams, as such, she was arrested and taken into custody as ranks continue with their investigation.

Meanwhile, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

in Berbice conducted a number of raids in the Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje, where a quantity of suspected cannabis was discovered concealed in a red washing tub.

The drugs were weighed and amounted to 7748 grams. Two suspects are said to be in custody assisting with the investigation.

16 news

wednesDAY, January 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

West Coast Demerara man freed of rape charge Ramsammy’s Ruminations walked out of the High Court in Georgetown.

Budhan was advised by the Judge before being freed to be responsible when conducting himself in the future. He was represented

by Attorney Clyde Forde, while the State’s case was led by Prosecutors Shawnette Austin, Tamica Clarke and Mandell Moore.

Five witnesses testified in the trial.

Wounding accused on $70,000 bail

Mahendra Budhan escorted by relatives moments after he was freed

A

man accused of rape was on Tuesday afternoon freed after a hung jury could not return a verdict.

After nearly three hours of deliberation, the 12-member jury could not determine whether or not Mahendra Budhan, called “Ajay”, was innocent or guilty of the charge of rape of a child under 16 years.

The prosecution contended that the incident occurred between August 1 and 31, 2010, at a West

Coast Demerara village.

The hung jury reflected nine members saying not guilty while three opted for guilty. However, presiding Judge, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow informed the court that a verdict requires at least 10-2. The Judge further noted another jury would have to be empanelled to decide on the matter should the State pursue a fresh trial.

Moments after he was freed, Budhan’s mother was in tears as they

A

Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Tuesday released on $70,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to a charge of unlawful wounding.

Cleon David, 30, is accused of unlawfully wounding Melrose Hernandez with a pair of scissors on January 20, at Araka Landing Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The court was told that David is a dredge owner in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni re-

gion and a father of two.

The court also heard that on the day of the incident, the accused was accosted by two Brazilian men and he grabbed the tool from the Virtual Complainant (VC) for the purpose of defending himself, wounding the woman to the waist in the process. As condition for bail, the Chief Magistrate ordered that the accused stay 50 feet away from the VC until the completion of the trial.

The case will continue on February 10 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

Accelerating closure of sugar – Granger leading the charge

P

resident David Granger, in his crusade to close sugar, this week deemed sugar "a burden on the taxpayers". Yet Granger and the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) are silent on the subsidy of electricity in Linden; a subsidy that has amounted to more than $75 billion Dr Leslie Ramsammy so far, and the $300 billion (at today's value) subsidy GUYMINE received in the 1980s. In the case of sugar, viewed as People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-support base, assistance is too burdensome on taxpayers; in bauxite, an APNU/AFC support base, it is a national and moral obligation. The bottom line here is that APNU/AFC is blatantly discriminatory in how national assets are utilised.

Sugar still has a viable role in the social and economic development of Guyana. The recent difficulties do not represent the first time sugar has encountered a difficult era. It has experienced severe difficulties many times in its gloried history in Guyana. In the 1980s, sugar was on its death bed. Its production fell to below 130,000 tons in 1990.

But recover to 300,000 tons during the 1990s. We know the problems and there are feasible solutions. Abandoning sugar for political recrimination is repugnant.

Sugar is not a mendicant with its hands out begging.

In difficult times, it is asking for repayment. As Agriculture Minister, I insisted that we needed to pay back sugar for the money we extracted over the years from the industry. The levy which Burnham imposed on sugar and which the PPP ended in 1997 ripped off the industry of more than $75 billion (more than $100 billion in today's worth). In addition, the European Union (EU) funding to the national budget since 2010, amounting to more than $25 billion so far, was earned by sugar, as a compensation for the EU arbitrary ending of the 1976 sugar protocol. Thus, while APNU/AFC continues to talk about the "burden to taxpayers", the truth is they are really repaying sugar for what it is owed. This does not even take into consideration the other current contributions of sugar, including, but not limited to, drainage and irrigation in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. What Granger knows and is not telling the people is that when bauxite was GUYMINE, in the 1980s, hundreds of millions of US dollars (at today's value worth more than US$1.5 billion or more than GY$300 billion) were provided as subsidy to prop up bauxite. There was never a bauxite levy and so the assistance to bauxite was a genuine subsidy. The PPP did not oppose the subsidy since we saw it as a national obligation to save a national industry. Cheddi Jagan kept politics out of the decision. The support to sugar is a faction of the past and present subsidy to bauxite and is what Guyana owes sugar.

That bauxite subsidy in the 1980s does not include the present day electricity subsidy in Linden. In 2017, the subsidy will be more than $2.5 billion – the subsidy to Linden is worth more than GY$75 billion from 1994 to now. The PPP had signalled since 2001 that the electricity subsidy would be phased out. After many years, in 2012, we proposed a gradual removal of the electricity subsidy in Linden. At the time, the national average consumption of electricity was about 48 KWH. The consumption in Linden was 150 KWH. It was virtually free in Linden and, therefore, no incentive to safe on consumption. The average cost of electricity nationally was about $64 per KWH. In Linden, they were paying about $5. We proposed in 2012 that pensioners should continue to enjoy the subsidy and that others should pay about $30, less than 50 per cent of what other Guyanese were paying, and that gradually all Guyanese would pay the same. This led to the 2012 violent and deadly protest instigated by APNU/AFC. In their haste to close sugar as a punishment to the PPP and the people who support the PPP, there is no talk of any support to the sugar communities. Will the people in Wales, Rose Hall, Providence also benefit from an electricity subsidy, similar to the one in Linden? There is no discussion about any kind of support to communities for which sugar has been their lives for hundreds of years.

Clearly, there are two dispensations in Guyana. Sugar workers, rice farmers and others who are viewed as supporters of the PPP are not entitled to assistance and any assistance they presently have are "burdens to the taxpayers" to be eliminated as early as possible. The other dispensation is a generous entitlement, a moral responsibility of the taxpayers. Beneficiaries of this entitlement include the Linden electricity subsidy and the hefty salary and perks of the Cabinet, the super salaried sycophants and the generous rewards in the form of contracts to donors and friends. This is reprehensible discrimination and sugar is its poster child.

(Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

news

17

wednesDAY, janUARY 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

man remanded for Lethem miner charged Elderly fraud, narcotics possession for larceny S A

gold miner of Beverly Hills, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday to answer to a charge of larceny.

It is alleged that Devon Joseph, 26, between January 10 and 11, 2017, at Kumu village, Central Rupununi, allegedly broke and entered into the village centre and stole two solar panels and a battery among other items, totalling $361,000.

The prosecution contended that on January 10, the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured the Council’s premises, but the following day received a phone call informing him that a window at the centre was prised opened. He went to the office where he noticed that the aforementioned articles were missing. The matter was then reported to the Lethem Police Station and the investigation led to the arrest of Joseph. The court was told that some of the missing articles were recovered at the defen-

ixty-two-year-old Dennis Jones, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was remanded to prison following charges of forgery and drug trafficking.

Jones appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that between September 1 and 3, 2017, with intent to defraud, he forged one Guyana National Identification (ID) Card in the name of Josiah Jones, purporting to show that it

dant’s home and lodged at the Lethem Police Station.

The defendant, who was unrepresented, told the court that he was working in the Marudi Backdam, Region Nine, on the day of the incident. He further stated that the Lethem Police, who were looking for his cousin, discovered the stolen items at his Kumu residence.

He pleaded guilty to the charge, but Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan changed his plea to not guilty after hearing the de-

fendant’s explanation.

The court was also informed that the 26-year-old man was previously convicted on a narcotic charge and was sentenced to serve community service.

Bail was granted in the sum of $30,000 by the presiding Magistrate on the condition that Jones report to the Lethem Police Station every last Friday of the month until the next court day. The case will continue on March 7 at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Farmer remanded for possession of ammo, unlicensed firearm

A

North Rupununi farmer was remanded to prison on Monday when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, for the possession of ammunition and an unlicensed shotgun.

According to the charges, Randolph Andries, 38, of Toka Village Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), was allegedly found on January 19, 2017 with 120- and 112-gauge spent shells, 120-gauge car-

tridges and a 120-gauge shotgun, without being the holder of a firearm licence.

He pleaded not guilty to all four charges when they were read to him by the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The counsel for the defendant requested reasonable bail on the grounds that Andries was a hardworking father of five and a first-time offender with no previous brushes with the law; hence he was not a flight risk. The prosecution objected to bail and Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded Andries to prison. The matter will continue on March 7, 2017 at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

was issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The second charge stated that on January 18, 2017 at Robb Street, Georgetown, he was found with 10.681 kilograms of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking.

In court on Tuesday, Jones’ lawyer argued that his client had no knowledge of the first allegation and denied it. He also made submissions for reasonable bail, but the prosecution objected on the grounds that there was overwhelming evidence to prove the fraud charge,

pointing out that the ID card was found in the defendant’s home and he had admitted to the Police that he had created it in September.

With regard to the narcotics charge, bail was again objected to by the prosecution. The court was told that the defendant is a repeat offender as he was convicted previously on a similar charge in 2012 and served time at the Camp Street Prison.

As such, Jones was remanded to prison. The case will continue on February 14.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednESDAY, janUARY 25, 2017

ARCHIE

Don’t leave anything to chance. Take care of your re(March 21- sponsibilities and finish what April 19) you start. Living up to what’s expected of you will help you avoid criticism and discord.

ARIES

Taking a short trip or atTAURUS tending a function or trade (April 20- show will be informative.

May 20) Focus on generating ideas that will allow you to use your skills to help yourself as well as others.

dilbert

Keep your distance from GEMINI anyone trying to use or take (May 21June 20) advantage of you. Do the research required to ensure that you aren’t being scammed or signing up for something that offers little in return.

Spend time working out any problems you face with (June 21- personal or business partners.

July 22) Communication will stabilize your situation and encourage a fast success. Personal gains look promising.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take the initiative and learn what you need to know in order to improve your life.

You’ll gain stability and improve your reputation and status if you are forthright, active and goal-oriented.

Getting together with VIRGO (Aug. 23- peers will give you greater inSept. 22) sight and confidence to move forward with your plans. Put your energy behind your ideas instead of working on someone else’s plans.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep an open mind, but LIBRA don’t let anyone pressure you (Sept. 23into something that isn’t in Oct. 23) your best interest. A change in a relationship due to excessive behavior can be expected.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Extra income is attainable SCORPIO if you expand one of your in(Oct. 24terests to create a marketNov. 22) able service. Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got plenty to offer.

Look for a way to reconSAGITTARIUS nect with people you have (Nov. 23- worked or played with in the Dec. 21) past. When in doubt, you are best off relying on tried-andtrue methods.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Delays while traveling CAPRICORN or dealing with institutions (Dec. 22or government agencies can Jan. 19) be expected. Make sure you have all your papers in order.

Romance and personal gains look promising.

You must live up to your AQUARIUS promises. Make an effort to (Jan. 20participate in things. Offer Feb. 19) suggestions, solutions and insight. Step into the spotlight and do your best to make a difference.

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 Mix and mingle. Getting (Feb. 20- involved in functions going on March 20) in your community or reconnecting with people you have worked with in the past will lead to interesting offers.

wednESDAY, january 25, 2017

19

– Johnson takes 3 for 3

M

itchell Johnson has mellowed and is unmoustachioed these days, but the menace remains. That much was clear at the Waca as he blasted Perth Scorchers into their fifth BBL final in the competition’s six seasons.

After claiming an astonishing 3 for 3 in his fourover new-ball spell, there was no way back for Melbourne Stars.

Johnson is no Samson; he awoke on Tuesday morning with facial hair, but lopped it off. “I had a beard thing on this morning but decided it was too gross, it was really bad and so I trimmed it down. Maybe I got through the breeze a bit quicker.”

Johnson cited the absent moustache as a reason he is friendlier these days; of Kevin Pietersen, who arrived at the crease for the second ball of the match, he said: “I was probably too friendly to him.”

He also believes, contrary to what his bowling figures might claim, that a lot of his aura has vanished since the end of his international career. “I get in the moment and enjoy it, but I don’t feel I’m as devastating as I was.” And he simply does not feel as quick either. “It didn’t feel like 146 [kph],” he scoffed, when told what he had clocked on the speed-gun.

“I have moments where I get really excited but I don’t think it will ever be the same as what it was a few years ago,” he said. “I said that at the start of the tournament I won’t be the same Mitchell Johnson that I was three years ago or 10 years ago.

It’s today and this is how I am. I felt a little slower than normal in this game, but that suited the wicket perhaps. I celebrate like I was 20, so that’s a good thing. I cherish the game and love it.”

Today’s performance must have been one of those “moments” that Johnson refers to. Rob Quiney and Luke Wright were dismissed in the first over, a maiden, while KP went in his third.

He did not concede a run off the bat until his 18th ball.

He had looked menacing against Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday too, hurrying out key men Tim Paine and Ben McDermott. Perhaps it is because he is relaxed these days, and a bit more philosophical too.

“I still want to win and

He did, however, come close to signing for the Pakistan Super League and is looking at IPL deals now.

“The fresher I stay the better. There are a few little tournaments later in the year, not so serious, that are around.”Could England’s NatWest T20 Blast be counted about those ‘not-so-serious’? Tim Bresnan and Ian Bell, team-mates at Scorchers, have certainly been in his ear to play next season. “It’s been mentioned and it could be an option,” he said.

And, after that, he will be back with the Scorchers, although not at the Waca, which is making way for a new purpose-built stadium next season. “I will miss playing here,” he reflected. It is a ground indelibly linked to Johnson at his most fearsome; how nice it would be to see him fire there once more time.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Scorecard

Mitchell Johnson celebrates after removing Kevin Pietersen

have that hunger, but I’m probably stressing about the game a little less than I was,” he said. “Coming into this I was laid back, excited but normally I’d be stressing out and thinking about what I need to go, going through all the batters. I haven’t looked at all the batters before this game and the last game. The hunger is still there.

“It doesn’t matter how you get them in this game,” he said of the Quiney wicket, caught at fine leg off the opening delivery of the match. “As bowlers, you go for big sixes and get little inside-edges, so it was nice to have luck go my way first ball of the over. And it really just set the tone. That’s what I have enjoyed about getting the new ball - there is that little extra pressure, I guess, as an opening bowler, you want to get quick wickets up front, but to do it like that was very enjoyable.

“I feel in good rhythm.

My cues and everything I used to think about feel good, and that has taken a couple of games to get there.

Hopefully I can stay at that

pace. If I do, it’s tough to get away, but I’d rather bowl fast than 125 [kph]. I might as well give up if I’m down there. Not many teams would sign me up bowling 125.”One team he will not be playing for again is Australia.

Many wise old heads have been touted for a run against Sri Lanka next month, including Quiney and Michael Klinger, Johnson’s Scorchers team-mate. Johnson, however, will not be joining them. “It would be nice but I don’t think I want to play,” he said. “I don’t think it would be as enjoyable for me. I had my moment in the sun, and these young guys are playing better cricket than I am, I just don’t think it would work.

There’s too much stress at the top level.”

Melbourne Stars innings (20 overs maximum) RJ Quiney c Richardson b Johnson 0 0 LJ Wright c Turner b Johnson KP Pietersen c Klinger b Johnson 5 48 SE Gotch† c Agar b Bresnan MP Stoinis c Marsh b Richardson 5 DJ Hussey* c Bell b Turner 26 EP Gulbis c Marsh b Agar 9 BW Hilfenhaus c Agar b Tye 10 DJ Worrall not out 13 8 SM Boland not out Extras (lb-5, w-7) 12 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 136 Did not bat MA Beer Fall of wickets 1-0 (Quiney, 0.1 ov), 2-0 (Wright, 0.4 ov), 3-21 (Pietersen, 4.1 ov), 4-26 (Stoinis, 5.6 ov), 5-78 (Hussey, 13.2 ov), 6-95 (Gulbis, 15.5 ov), 7-112 (Gotch, 17.2 ov), 8-117 (Hilfenhaus, 18.1 ov) Bowling MG Johnson 4-2-3-3, JA Richardson 4-0-32-1 (w-2), TT Bresnan 4-0-26-1, AC Agar 3-0-25-1 (w-1), AJ Tye 4-0-34-1 (w4), AJ Turner 1-0-11-1 Perth Scorchers innings (target: 137 runs from 20 overs) SM Whiteman† c Gulbis b Stoinis 31 7 M Klinger c Hussey b Worrall SE Marsh not out 56 AC Voges* c Stoinis b Gulbis 13 26 IR Bell not out Extras (lb-4, w-2) 6 Total (3 wickets; 16.5 overs) 139 Did not bat AJ Turner, AC Agar, AJ Tye, TT Bresnan, MG Johnson, JA Richardson Fall of wickets 1-10 (Klinger, 1.3 ov), 2-64 (Whiteman, 8.3 ov), 3-90 (Voges, 11.3 ov) Bowling BW Hilfenhaus 3-0-16-0, DJ Worrall 4-0-40-1, MA Beer 3.5-0-34-0 (w-2), SM Boland 3-0-21-0, MP Stoinis 2-0-15-1, EP Gulbis 1-0-9-1

Damion Jacobs celebrates a wicket with teammates Chadwick Walton, Reynard Leveridge and Damani Sewell

T

he trio of Amir Jangoo, be an interesting chase for Keon Harding and the new look Scorpion unit.

Mark Deyal along with However, they lost early veteran Ryan Hinds made wickets and were eventualthe difference for Combined ly dismissed for 140 with 15 Campuses and Colleges overs still available. Young (CCC) Marooners in their batting sensation, Brandon shock victory over Jamaica King 48 and Miller 25 were Scorpions in their Group B the only batsmen to surpass match as the West Indies 20 in an otherwise miserable Cricket Board Regional Super50 opened in Barbados on Tuesday.

Jangoo’s 64, Harding and Deyal with three wicket apiece and player/ coach, Hinds allround performance, led the Marooners to a comfortable 75 runs win at the 3W’s ground in Cave Hill in their first round clash.

Batting first, Jangoo led his team batting with a solid half century at the top of the order Amir Jangoo gathers on the onside as they posted a challenging 215-8 from their 50 overs. He was supported display to purposeful bowlby Hinds, who hit a cameo of ing. Harding playing his first 39 not out from 32 deliveries List A match and Deyal were while Cassius Burton 32 and the Marooners main bowlers Vikash Mohan 20 chipped while Larry Edward claimed in. Consistent leg-spinner two victims. Hinds bowled Damion Jacobs led with the eight overs for 23 runs to reball for Scorpions picking up strict the flow of runs at the 2-22 from 10 economical overs start of the Scorpions’ inwhile Jerome Taylor, Nikita nings.

Miller and Damani Sewell got Jangoo was awarded the a wicket apiece.

Player of the Match award.

It was always going to

SCOREBOARD CCC Marooners 215-8 (50 overs) Jamaica Scorpions 140 all out (35 overs) Marroners won by 75 runs CCC Marooners innings (50 overs maximum) J Smith*+ lbw b Miller 13 A Jangoo b Jacobs 64 K Corbin c Powell b Sewell 12 V Mohan lbw b Jacobs 20 C Burton run out Blackwood 32 R Hinds not out 39 Mark Deyal lbw b Taylor 5 L Edward run out (Leveridge) 2 Nino Henry run out (Leveridge) 6 Keon Harding not out 2 Extras (lb-3, w-17) 20 Total (For 8 wickets, 50 Overs) 215 DNB-J Levy Fall of wickets- 1-27, 2-59, 3-97, 4-135, 5-164, 6-174, 7-181, 8-209 Bowling- Leveridge-10-0-47-0 (w-11), Taylor 8-0-45-1 (w3), Miller 10-2-36-1 (w-1), Sewell 7-0-38-1, Jacobs 10-1-222 (w-1), Powell 5-0-24-0 (w-1)

Jamaica Scorpions innings (Target 216 from 50 Overs) C Walton+ b Harding 15 J Campbell b Harding 1 J Blackwood c Smith b Harding 19 B King lbw b Edward 48 D Thomas lbw b Deyal 5 R Powell c and b Deyal 2 D Sewell run out (Edward) 10 D Jacob c Levy b Deyal 6 J Taylor c Smith b Edward 3 N Miller* not out 25 R Leveredge run out 0 Extras (lb-1, w-4, nb-1) 6 Total (All out, 35 Overs) 140 Fall of wickets 1-17, 2-22, 3-44, 4-62, 5-64, 6-103, 7-111, 8-112, 9-123, 10-140 Bowling Harding 5-0-30-3 (nb1, w-2), Hinds 8-2-23-0, Levy 3-0-18-0 (w-1), Deyal 9-1-223, Henry 2-0-17-0, Mohan 2-08-0, Edward 6-1-21-2 (w-1)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, january 25, 2017

Russell’s anti-doping GHB President rolls out verdict set for January 31 calendar

2017

of events

Andre Russell

T

he anti-doping tribunal hearing West Indies allrounder Andre Russell’s case is set to deliver its verdict on January 31. The independent tribunal is looking into whether he breached the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) code by being negligent about filing his whereabouts three times between January and July 2015. If found guilty, Russell faces the danger of being banned for two years. According to the WADA code, if an athlete misses three tests in a 12-month period, it amounts to a failed dope test.

The charge was pressed by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) last March. JADCO said Russell had been negligent about

filing his whereabouts despite several reminders over phone, email and through written letters. Still Russell failed to file his whereabouts on January 1, July 1 and July 25, 2015.

In his defence, Russell told the tribunal that he had not been properly trained to file the whereabouts. And considering he was busy fulfilling various cricket commitments he had authorised his agent and travel agent to file his whereabouts on his behalf.

The three-member tribunal comprising Hugh Faulkner, Dr Marjorie Vassell and Dixeth Palmer, a former Jamaica cricketer, was due to deliver the verdict in December. But no reasons were offered by the

tribunal in public behind the delay.

The delayed verdict has kept not just Russell, but also various T20 franchises waiting in anticipation. Although not contracted with the West Indies Cricket Board, Russell is one the most valuable players in the various Twenty20 domestic leagues across the world. Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL), Sydney Thunder (Big Bash League), Islamabad United (PSL), Nottinghamshire Outlaws (NatWest T20 Blast) and Jamaica Tallawahs (Caribbean Premier League) are some of the teams he has represented, and he has been the most valuable player for more than one team and tournament. (ESPNcricinfo)

Guyana is looking to have an impressive showing at the Pan Am games this year

By Romario Samaroo

P

resident of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Philip Fernandes, spoke to Guyana Times Sport and laid out a host of activities that the board will be looking to complete as the year progresses at both the indoor and outdoor levels.

According to Fernandes, the year will begin when the GHB collaborates with Bounty Farm Limited and Antonio’s Grille to host the traditional Bounty/ Antonio’s Grille One Day Outdoor hockey tournament this Sunday at the National Stadium, Providence.

The event which began back in 2009 is now a tradition that is maintained at the start of the hockey season as the GHB President pledged to have more attention placed on outdoor hockey in 2017 having admitted that outdoor hockey did not benefit from the same fortunes as the indoor version in 2016.

In the month of February, the GHB will be venturing into their second division league; again this league will be an outdoor version of the game. Fernandes articulated that this division is integral to the development of the sport as it provides the next generation of players who will be taking over the sport as the years go by. A lot of young prospects will be aiming to make a good showing at this competition in order to catch the eyes of their club selectors and hopefully be drafted to the senior team.

Also in February, the GHB will be introducing the first ever Under 14 four-aside indoor league. This is particularly important for the GHB because this will be the future of the sport and potentially identify the prospects for the next two editions of the Pan American Games. The competition which will be held across various schools auditoriums in the country, according to Fernandes was strategically planned for February as

it fits into the international calendar of events.

In his explanation of the competition, Fernandes said the Under 21 will feature in the Pan American Games, then the Under 18 will move up and it is nice to have a new crop of athletes coming beginning with the Under 14s. This competition will run into March and April.

In March, the action will

renewing their rivalry for the top club in the country.

GCC Pizza Hut women have had the upper hand over the Woodpecker Hikers of recent while the Pepsi Hikers remained undefeated in 2016, GCC Bounty will be aiming to change that this season.

Old Fort, Saints and Phoenix are all ready to take up the challenge and bring the competition to their op-

The hockey season begins on Sunday at Providence with some outdoor action

see the first division league taking shape with the top guns preparing for the competition that will be before them when they clash in two indoor tournaments in May. The ladies league will also be played in March.

In July, the GHB will be hosting a coaching clinic as well as the junior summer camp which will run into August.

October and November will feature the two most anticipated tournaments of the calendar year as the GHB host the GTT indoor tournament and the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival.

Both of these events are expected to take place at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue with the Diamond Mineral Water International Festival featuring teams from the region and North America.

Stern competition will be expected from the various clubs across the country with Hikers and GCC

ponents and hopefully secure a few titles.

A number of young players have already been earmarked to step up and take the game by the collar. Among those expected to light up the year are Jamarj Assanah, Ato Greene, Aroydy Branford and Shane Samueles as well as Robert France for the Pepsi Hikers while the likes of Eric Hing, Devin Hooper, Rahim Oliver, Dwayne Scott and the Fernandes brothers are those who shall be leading their sides.

In the ladies Division, the Xavier sisters, Rebecca and Gabriella, Kerensa Fernandes, Vanessa Pires, Tiffany Soloman, Aliyah Gordon, as well as Dacia and Tricia Woodroffe are the girls who will be spearheading the attack for Pizza Hut GCC as Woodpecker Hikers have Laticia Chung, Nicole Eastman, Kenisha Wills, Maria Munroe and others to take them to more silverware this year.

YELLOW PAGES WEDNesday, january 25, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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21

Shew’s 6 win inaugural Kadir

memorial dominoes title

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Everest Cricket Club President Rajesh Singh (right) hands over the winning trophy to Boodnarine Persaud, who collected on behalf of the victorious team. Skipper Manniram Shew is second from right

M

ohamed “Fah” Kadir was a member of the Everest Cricket Club like none other. He was superb in ground preparation and other duties at the club and in his down time he was the best on the domino table. It was fitting that to mark his first death anniversary, the members of his family and members of Everest CC remember Kadir in the manner in which they did with a three-team dominoes competition last Saturday in the club’s main pavilion.

After a highly competitive afternoon it was Shew’s 6 who emerged winners of the inaugural memorial tournament. In a closely fought encounter, which was decided in the final sitting, Shew’s 6 triumphed with 83 games, four better than Sukhai’s 6 which tallied 79 and Muntaz “Bhaji” Ali’s 6 taking up the cellar position on 75.

The game was competitive from the onset and by

the end of the penultimate sitting, all three teams were still in with a chance of earning the top spot with the scores reading: Shew’s 6 on 69, Sukhai’s 64 and Ali’s 60.

The eventual winners however, prevailed after recording 14 games in the final sitting while Sukhai’s 6 registered 15 and Ali’s 6 also scored 15.

Leading the charge for Shew’s 6 were Intikab “Corbie” Ali and Rishi Das with 17 games each while Asgar “Supercool” Ali and skipper Manniram “Packer” Shew supported with 14 and 12 games respectively.

For Sukhai’s 6, the top markers were Brian “Hard Card” Allen with 17 games, Hilbert “Bumpy” Ali 14, Ramroop “Spoon” Sukhai 13 and Savin Sookram 12.

Chibar “Tracta” Seopaul led the way for Ali’s 6 with 17 games while there were 14 for Ron Callender and 13 for the overseas-based Ali who is on vacation in Guyana.

Apart from the winning and runner-up trophies, which were sponsored by the family of the late Kadir, the top player was also awarded with a trophy. Incredibly, four players – Intikab Ali (Shew’s 6), Rishi Das (Shew’s 6), Brian Allen (Sukhai’s 6) and Chibar Seopaul (Ali’s 6) all ended with 17 games.

In the end, it was Intikab Ali who took the prize, having given away the least amount of games.

The three-team specially organised tournament was held in memory of the late Mohamed “Fah” Kadir who was a member of the Carifesta Avenue club for a number of years.

Other than the representatives of the Kadir family and the teams, the event was well attended by other members of the club including President, Rajesh Singh who assisted with the presentation of prizes at the end of the day’s activity.

Guyanese trio heading to Blind Cricket World Cup

G

anesh Singh, Leroy Phillips and Kevin Douglas have overcome the challenges of acquiring funds to get to the blind cricket world cup in India and will depart tomorrow for the United States of America en route to India in the wee hours of this morning.

About a week ago there were doubts of them making the trip but thanks to the kindness of Corporate Guyana and the National Sports Commission it is now possible for them to get there as experience player Ganesh Singh informed us earlier today.

“At this point time we are somewhat at ease, we will leave today because we have secured most of the funding so far through a number of private sector individual and citizens themselves. I must mention a few, who have made some significant contributionRadesh Rameshwar of Kares Engineering Group, Times Media Group-Dr. “Bobby” Ramroop, the National Sport Commission (NSC) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).”

The Guyana Blind Association did not reach required target but was still able to fund the players’ airfare to get to the event.

Nevertheless, Singh predicts a good showing from the Guyanese players.

“We (the Guyanese players) are consider

senior players and a lot depend on us, so you could expect good performances.”

Singh is also hopeful of West Indies chances at the World Cup. “Although we have limited or no funding to have development programmes or training, we have an abundance of talent and I am sure team is going to do well.”

The West Indies are due to arrive in India on January 28 and will open their campaign against defending champions, India on January 31. The final is set for February 12.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, january 25, 2017

Petra/Limacol Round Robin Knock-out Football…

Cricketers Jacobs, Blyden give back to Stella Maris

S

tella Maris Primary School benefited from two of its past students, Steven Jacobs and Travis Blyden, who presented over two hundred books, crayons and learning charts to the institution.

The pair decided to make the contribution to the school in the form of the aforementioned items because they think it could assist a great deal in the students’ development.

The presentation was done during a simple hand over at the school’s library at Woolford Avenue on Tuesday morning.

Jacobs was absent due to national duties with the Guyana Jaguars, but was represented by Blyden, who found it necessary to make such contribution.

“On behalf of Steven Jacobs and myself we would like to

By Akeem Greene

C

amptown FC Jason Williams scored a stunning goal in the 88th minute to pull his side from the jaws of defeat and salvage a draw against Riddim Squad on the opening night of the second annual Petra Organised Limacol Round Robin Knock-out Football Tournament.

Playing at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) on Monday under the night sky, both sides produced a frenetic first half, failing to string together any complete offensive plays to breach the opposition’s defence.

It was only until the second half that the intensity in the match picked up as was

Blyden….They would have donated these books and we will use them to develop our library and it will also be used in the lower level in the phoenix programme. We are very happy they would have thought of us because they left here quite a while.”

Riddim Squad (red) and Camptown in first half action at the GFC Ground on Monday night (Marceano Narine photo)

goal. With the clock ticking away, it seemed all certain to be the winning goal until Camptown responded with the late strike to take

team while Police responded through goals from Dwayne Charles and Quincy Holder.

The Tournament will continue on Thursday at the

The action picked up in the second half where two goals were scored

evident in the positive passage of play henceforth.

The 82nd minute proved to be the game changer for the Mocha-based Riddim Squad, as the deadlock was broken via a Teon Jones

Steven Jacobs

an equal share of the points.

Similarly, the first match of the night was limited to a draw as Mahaica Determinators and Guyana Police Force FC battled to 2-2 score line. A brace from Eion Abel led the Mahaica

same venue with Georgetown Football Association’s top side Western Tigers battling New Amsterdam United from 18:30h followed by the youthful Santos FC suiting-up against Ann’s Grove United from 20:30h.

The group structure sees Group A comprising of defending champions Milerock, top Linden side, Winners Connection, East Bank Champions, Grove Hi Tech and Northern Rangers.

Group B teams are Western Tigers, Uitvulgt, Eagles United and New Amsterdam United while Group C consists of Santos FC, Pouderoyen, Den Amstel and Ann’s Gove United and Group D teams are Police FC, Riddim Squad, Campton FC and Mahaica Determinators.

The top teams will complete for a $500,000 first place prize while second to third will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.

In addition, the top teams in the groups will be rewarded $100,000, $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000.

Other than title sponsors Limacol, the organisers have also managed to gain the support of Bank DIH under their GT Beer brand, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall.

Travis Blyden (fourth from left in back row) with teachers and students of Stella Maris

make this contribution to Stella Maris because we think it is key that we can help since we know the efforts made by teachers over the years” detailed Blyden.

Usually when athletes give back to their schools is in the form of sport gears or something associated with sport, however, the pair chose a different path because they belief that the learning tools would be able to mole the students’ education.

“We know from primary school there should be a strong base for education and the gear wouldn’t be much need for them at the primary level but the books are essential at this stage.”

Graduate Senior Assistant Mistress, Onika Forde, said they are thankful for the gesture.

“This morning we are very elated to have two former pupils Steven Jacobs and Travis

Meanwhile, Graduate Headmistress acting, Sherron Howard, was also grateful for the contribution. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the young men who took it upon themselves to remember their old school and it is opportunity like this when young people can put an effort to give back is what we appreciate and that is what help us to be good teachers and leaders for our children.”

Over the years the school has produced several players that represented Guyana at the senior level, among them, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Steven Jacobs, Vishaul Singh and Orin Forde. Jacobs was a student of the school from 1994-2000 while Blyden attended from 1995-2001. Jacobs represented the school in cricket in 2000 while Blyden led the school team to top honours in 2001.

RHTY&SC Programme boosted by sponsorship from 3 business entities – Mings Products, Hand-in-Hand and WJ Enterprise on board

A

ctivities at Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S have recently received tangible boosts from three corporate entities.

With the objective of successfully completing 450 programmes/activities for 2017 the sport entity received major contributions from Mings Products and Services Limited, Hand in Hand Group of Insurance Companies and WJ Enterprise.

The club has projected to host 450 programmes/activities under a wide range of sub-headings but would also be working overtime to reach 500 for the first time in its 27 years history. Special emphasis would be placed on a massive internal cricket development programme, host-

ing of numerous cricket and other sporting discipline tournaments, expansion of the Say NO/Say Yes Campaign which targets 60,000 youths in Berbice, celebrating Rose Hall 175th anniversary and expanding the Club’s massive charity programme to assist more single parent and less fortunate households.

Mings Products and Services Limited donated 24 cricket balls to the Cricket Development Programme, while the Hand in Hand Group of Insurance Companies contributed three trophies for the Club’s 27th annual awards ceremony and a financial contribution towards the Club’s 18th annual youth Review Magazine.

Narine, Managing Director of WJ Enterprise lo-

cated in Regent Road, Bourda Georgetown also made a contribution to the 2017 Charity programme for less fortunate families.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed the Club’s delight that corporate Guyana continues to support its outstanding work and noted that 2017 would be a very special one as members would be working to surpass the magical target of 500 programmes/ activities by December 15.

The Club has already successfully completed 35 up to January 20. The Cricket balls donated by Mings Products Service would be used by the Club’s coaching staff during daily practise sessions for junior players.

The trophies would be given to the Club’s Most

Promising Player 2016, Most Discipline Player 2016 and Most Improved Player 2016.

The 48 pages Youth Review Magazine would be published in May/June and would chronicle the Club’s work during 2016, during which it successfully completed 453 programmes/activities.

The Management of the RHTY&SC, M.S would like to express gratitude to Mings’ Products, The Marketing Staff of Hand in Hand Insurance and WJ Enterprise.

Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC, M.S would like to inform the general public that it is opening its cricket membership up to February 26. Cricketers between the ages of 10 to 18 years are invited to join Guyana’s Club of

Mings Products and Services Limited Human Resources staff Yvonne Ramnarine hands over the cricket balls to Mark Papannah, Simon Nahdu and Sohan Harry

the Year awardee 2016 once they are drug-free, attending school, disciplined, attends their religious place of worship on a regular basis and be willing to participate in the Club’s massive Charity/ Social programmes to make

a positive difference in the lives of others. Membership of the RHTY&SC, MS is free.

Interested youths can contact the Club Office on 3374562 for more information, Monday to Sunday from 9:00h to 18:00h daily.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, january 25, 2017

23

Pride take bonus point win against toothless Jaguars – Kraigg Brathwaite hits maiden ton

T

he fireworks that were expected between the powerful hosts, Barbados Pride and seasoned campaigners, Guyana Jaguars never went off as the home team prevailed by a massive 145 runs in a one-sided affair at the Kensington Oval on Tuesday.

It was the opening day of this year’s Super 50 and both teams were looking for the opening victory to set their campaign off with forward momentum and the crowd at the Kensington Oval saw the script before joining in.

The Pride had it all in their favour from the onset when they chose to bat upon winning the toss in perfect conditions on a true Kensington pitch a n d

lush green and lightning fast outfield.

Kraigg Brathwaite hit an attractive maiden Super 50 ton to anchor the Pride innings and allowed the big hitters to cash in at the other end to inconsistent bowling of the Jaguars. Brathwaite brought up his hundred in the 46th over of the innings with the score on 247/4 and by then the Jaguars were already wounded. Brathwaite began with Anthony Alleyne who was first to go and was quickly followed by Shai Hope as the Jaguars were sniffing ahead with the Pride at 70-2. However, a commanding 122-run partnership between Jonathan

Carter (75) and the accumulator Brathwaite stabilized the innings. After offering a few chances Carter was eventually caught off the top edge to make way for the late innings assault.

Captain Jason Holder came and blasted 31 in a quick 45-run stand with Brathwaite who was holding the fort. Holder was dropped then was later taken at long off and was followed almost immediately

by Carols Brathwaite and Kraigg. Their dismissal made way for Ashley Nurse (28) and Roston Chase to Jaguars’ spinners kept the Pride in check for most of the game take 20 balls to was the Pride’s highest List missing out due to stiff neck score 49 A score and their best effort and a shoulder injury reto carry at the Kensington Oval bet- spectively the batting was the score tering their previous best of already depleted. past the Captain Leon Johnson 288. The Jaguars spinners 300-run were in the hunt while the stuck around to score his mark.

Pride batsmen took a liking ninth half century at this It to quicker bowlers. Off spin- level but did ot get the supner Steven Jacobs port at the other end as was econom- Ashley Nurse and Sulieman ical while Benn shared eight wickDevendra and ets from their 16 overs comV e e r a s a m m y bined after Holder took care Permaul that of the top order. Pride took five points for the onslaught got the wickets.

The Jaguars while the Jaguars are yet to run chase start- get off the mark.

The Jaguars have a few ed in the worse possible manner losing days off and will hope for exciting young bats- an improved performance man Shimron Hetmyer in all departments to keep to the third ball of the in- their hopes alive for a place nings and with Shivnarine in the final four in Antigua Chanderpaul and but its early days yet. They Christopher Barnwell next meet the Scorpions, who were beaten by the Leon Johnson Marooners, on Thursday at the same venue in anoth-

er day/ night affair while the Pride will meet the ICC Americas on Saturday at the 3W’s Oval. The next Group B match will be on Thursday as well with Marooners looking for more points when they take on ICC Americas at the Windward Ground. The tournament continues today with two matches in Group A in Antigua. At 09:00h the West Indies U n d e r 19 open a g a i n s t the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground then at 13:30h the Leeward Islands Hurricanes take on Kent Spitfire at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Ashley Nurse

SCOREBOARD Pride Innings (Maximum 50 Overs) K Brathwaite c Johnson b Beaton 101 A Alleyne LBW b Permaul 20 S Hope+ LBW b Permaul 9 J Carter c wkpr Bramble b Reifer 75 J Holder* c Hetmyer b Bishoo 31 C Brathwaite c Hetmyer b Bishoo 7 A Nurse Run Out (Beaton) 28 R Chase Not Out 20 Extras (nb-5, w-4, lb-1, b-1) 11 Total (For 7 wickets, 50 Overs) 302 DNB S Dowrich, M Cummins, S Benn FOW: 1- 2-70, -192, 4-237, 5-249, 6-253, 7-302 Bowling Beaton 9-1-69-1 (nb1, w-1), Reifer 9-0-63-1 (nb-3, w-1), Jacobs 10-0-29-0, Permaul 10-0-56-2 (w-1), Bishoo 9-0-652 (nb-1), Foo 3-0-18-0 (w-1)

Jaguars Innings (Target 303 from 50 Overs) S Hetmyer c Alleyne b Holder 0 A Fudadin b Nurse 18 R Chandrika c Benn b Holder 10 L Johnson* c Nurse b Benn 55 J Foo c C Brathwaite b Nurse 8 A Bramble+ c Nurse b Benn 8 R Reifer c wkpr Hope b Nurse 16 S Jacobs b Benn 11 V Permaul LBW b Benn 16 D Bishoo stp wkpr Hope b Nurse R Beaton Not Out 0 Extras (nb-1, w-5, lb-8) 14 Total (All Out, 32 Overs) 157 Bowling Holder 5-0-15-2 (w2), Cummins 5-0-34-0 (w-2), C Brathwaite 6-0-23-0, Nurse 10-042-4 (nb-1, w-1), Benn 6-0-35-4

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

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