The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 20 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, June 21 - 05:30h-07:00h
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, June 20 – 06:10h-07:40h and Sunday, June 21 – 06:45h-08:15h
FERRY SCHEDULE
WEATHER TODAY
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily. Thundery showers can be expected throughout the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres per second.
High Tide: 06:39h and 19:06h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.44 metres respectively.
Low Tide:00:13h and 12:40h reaching minimum heights of 0.74 metre and 0.66 metre respectively.
Gunmen terrorise Corentyne family, steal millions
Two armed bandits attacked a family from Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and robbed them of several million dollars in cash, jewellery and other items in broad daylight on Thursday.
Vevkasammy Bangari, 42, of Lot 56 Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, was at home with his wife about 13:30h when the two men entered the premises which also housed their shop.
Rooknarine Bangari, 36, related that her husband had just got up from the hammock and gone into the house when the first man came into the shop, posing as a customer. “He said he wanted two Banks beer, so I turn around to get them and he push down the glass case and jump over and come in and give me one knock to my head and told me to lie down.”
According to her, as soon as she was attacked, she screamed, but was told to be quiet. She later apologised to the robber for her outburst, hoping that it would prevent him from further injuring her, by this time bleeding from the forehead.
Ransacked
Meanwhile, her husband said he had only gone inside to remove an electric cord that he had left hanging through the window. “While I wrapping up the cord, I hear ‘blam’ so I come outside and I butt up with a man with a long gun and he tell me to lie on my face.” His wife was dragged by her hair to join her husband and also told to lie face down.
The businessman, who has been op-
erating the grocery and off-licence business he inherited for the past 16 years, said one of the bandits asked him to indicate where the door that led into the house was, which he did. “The one with the short gun go in the house and go upstairs and tumble up and the one with the long gun keep the gun pointing at we and say ‘don’t move and don’t holla’.”
A few minutes later he reappeared with a computer bag, which contained millions of dollars in local and US currency, jewellery and four passports all with US and Canadian Visas, and asked where the rest of the money was.
He was shown the shop and removed the day’s sales along with some cellphone cards. “I ask him to leave the passports
and he could take everything and he say that he leave the passports upstairs,” Rooknarine said; however, it was later discovered that two of the passports were missing. Rooknarine said she and her daughter were expected to leave for the US on July 10, and their passports are gone. Her husband and son are expected to migrate on August 20.
Among the items taken were in excess of $1 million in gold and silver jewellery; Cdn$3000, US$950, and G$190,000.
Bangari said the men also took his wallet which contained two bank cards along with a cellular phone.
As the bandits were about to tie up the couple, someone walked into the shop and started calling for “inside”, forcing the robbers to leave hurriedly but not before stealing two bicycles which they left on. As the men got one block away, with Bangari running behind them hollering “thief, thief”, they discharged one shot in his direction forcing him to stop and seek an alternative way to catch them, but by then it was too late. The Bangaris said the ordeal lasted about five minutes.
One of the bicycles which had a problem with its chain was left two streets away and one of the men made the rest of his escape on foot. The other bicycle was discovered in bushes some distance away.
Police, who arrived on the scene about one hour after, discovered that a gun had been left left in the upper flat of the two-storey building. The gun was described as one which is used to start races. Police are investigating.
3 heads roll at NCN
By Andrew CArmiChAel
The new Government continues to roll heads in state departments, the latest being three senior officials at the National Communications Network (NCN).
Senior Editors Edward Layne and Adele Rampersaud were sacked on Thursday over allegations that they had misappropriated some $68,000, while General Manager of the company’s Berbcie operations, Fazil Jaffarally, was handed his dismissal letter on Friday.
Regarding Lay and Rampersaud’s dismissals, reports were that NCN management became suspicious of some receipts that were presented by the pair during the elections campaign season. Reports are that they were given cash to book hotel rooms for staff for a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally, however the rooms were not booked and the editors allegedly produced fake receipts to cover for expense. NCN management later launched an investigation and it was reportedly revealed that the editors had, in fact, only booked two rooms instead of the seven they claimed to have paid for.
In a joint statement, the editors denied any financial impropriety and instead accused NCN of firing them for their perceived political affiliation. “We wish to categorically reject these claims which bear no truth and are only designed to besmirch our character and integrity.”
The couple who were robbed and terrorised, Vevkasammy and Rooknarine Bangari
Former NCN Berbice Manager, Fazil Jaffarally
Edward Layne (left) and Adele Rampersaud
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
Several recent high-profile murders and traffic accidents have had as their genesis the excessive imbibing of alcohol - from the “best friend murder” where it is alleged the accused was so drunk as to not remember her actions, to the multiple deaths in car crashes related to driving under the influence (DUI), to the seemingly common “disorderly murders” in the interior because of drunkenness.
That alcohol also plays a significant role in violence leading to maiming and murder is a glaringly obvious fact here in Guyana. Despite this, there has been little done to curb these incidences. In fact, to the contrary, more of these establishments where alcohol is served late into the night are opening and thriving.
Few if any have come up with a plan to educate persons and limit public alcohol consumption and distribution, to avoid the widespread accidents and violence that can occur when people over-indulge in their liquor.
The many private organisations and government agencies that consider themselves responsible for the rights and welfare of Guyanese are silent with regard to the alcohol abuse prevalent in the society. It appears that there is much more hullaballoo over other matters, which while important, are no where near as deadly as the imbibing spirit that seems to be prevalent around the entire country.
It is even more taboo to mention that two of the country’s major private companies are makers of the alcoholic beverages easily accessible in the country, and those that most Guyanese abuse, not to mention the many importers and distributors of liquor also plying their trade here.
Something needs to be done by the companies making and distributing alcohol, private groups and the government, to reduce the high incidence of alcohol-related killings and injuries in Guyana.
And more responsibility needs to be demonstrated where the sale of alcohol is concerned, in particular to young people, whether they are of age or not. It is anyone’s guess what comes to the mind of a bar owner when he or she sells liquor to someone who is clearly over the limit and can barely control their movement while even merely standing to complete their transaction.
Domestic abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and sexual abuse are also often a result of alcohol abuse. A youthful and potentially dynamic human resource is destroyed or being destroyed by alcohol abuse, while companies adopt the classic “it’s not our fault persons abuse alcohol” defence.
Although outright prohibition is clearly not the answer, at the critical stage where we are currently, drastic measures must be created to quickly reduce this scourge.
Children are growing up watching their parent or parents become alcoholics, and others die before they can grow up because of alcohol and its related violence.
Meanwhile, companies here promote sporting events with alcohol, offer extravagant prizes with competitions that require the purchase of large quantities of alcohol, and place catchy advertisements on television with little regard for the age of viewers.
Again, there has yet been no media-monitoring unit or advertising standard agency set up to look into this principal marketing strategy, and these companies have an unobstructed access to consumers to sell their alcohol products.
Further consideration should be made of the cost of alcohol related injuries and illness to the country’s health burden, which has never been quantified, but should be. There is little doubt that the financial figures would be enormous.
Despite the few voices calling for a change in traffic laws and Police enforcement, and the few voices calling for public education about the dangers of alcohol and the role and responsibility of liquor distributors, things remain the same on our roads and in homes and communities.
Persons continue to be killed by drunken revellers, drunk drivers and drunken parents and spouses, as well as by their own hand when walking or cycling inebriated along roads. One can only hope Guyana can see a way of correcting this truly tragic situation.
Honouring Fathers
Ram and Goolsarran’s main purpose will be witch-hunting
Dear Editor, It has been stated that Chris Ram and Anand Goolsarran will be the persons selected by the Government to conduct a forensic audit on some state agencies.
One has to be cautious of this approach by the Government to use the cover of an audit in order to specifically target and witch hunt some people of the previous PPP/C government. I am concerned that young professionals who developed under the PPP/C Government will become victims of a bias and subjective “witch hunt”.
We all know that Chris Ram is an open critic of the PPP/C and there were pub-
lic and bitter disagreements between Chris Ram and the former President Bharrat Jagdeo.
I am hard pressed to believe Chris Ram will simply forget his past feelings and suddenly become a saint in this game of politics. I find it amusing in the first place for an owner of an audit firm to be so openly vocal and critical in politics while at the same time being selected to conduct an audit on the people he is critical of.
I am no auditor, but I would assume from my limited knowledge that an auditor should at least at some level demonstrate public professional objectivity, which we know Chris Ram
never did when it comes to the PPP/C Government.
Talking about the “cat watching the milk”, APNU is using their friends to do audits for the sole purpose of “witch hunting” the PPP/C and in an ironic twist, APNU is making sure Ram and Goolsarran get the audit contracts without a public tender process.
Therefore, APNU is using corrupt processes to look for corruption. If they are serious about audits, why not bring in a third party firm that is mutually independent from both parties?
I would like APNU to show me the “moving forward” in their practices of “witch hunting” and not
conducting a public tender for selecting the auditors for their forensic audit.
The last time I checked, they were preaching that sole sourcing and not using the tender process were evil and corrupt, so why are they using it now?
If there is one thing that is worse than corruption, it is hypocrisy, lying to the public and corruption packaged in one and APNU is showing that now.
We have four years and 11 months to go, the ride has just begun so hold on to your seats, because it’s going to get even more bumpy and messy with this reactionary government.
Malcolm Watkins
Hope Canal a prime example of transformative infrastructure
Dear Editor, The Northern Relief Channel at Hope, better known as the Hope Canal, has passed its first test. When I took over as Minister of Agriculture in December 2011, construction was already underway.
It was early days, but there were robust criticism.
Dr Rupert Roopnarine at the time had been vociferous in condemning the PPP/C Government for undertaking the project.
A number of engineers speaking on their own behalf and on behalf of APNU and AFC swore that the Hope Canal will never work. They pointed out with “engineering expertise” that the Hope Canal was badly designed and could not be completed and will never work.
I sided with the young engineers in the NDIA and we carefully nurtured and stewarded the completion. There were delays due to the difficulties that the project inherently had, but we never gave up and we stood resolute.
I personally worked with the various contractors and assisted each one to get over certain difficulties. When they encountered technical problems, I brought the contractors together with their technical staff and the technical staff from the consulting firms, together with the staff from the NDIA and we sorted a way forward.
Everyone against us said we will need to invest more than the $3.6B. But we completed the project and we were relatively within the budget sums.
Today, the initial tests revealed that the Hope Canal works and that it can fulfill the mandate of preventing the dumping of the East Demerara Water Conservancy excess water into the Mahaica/ Mahaicony agriculture lands, leading to floods.
This was one of the biggest projects undertaken in Guyana. It was undoubtedly a difficult project. I am proud of the work our young professionals did in leading the project and I am proud that, in
spite of many difficulties and several delays, we completed the project.
There are still things to be done and over time, these additional works will be done.
But the end result is that we have a transformational project that the new APNU+AFC Government has inherited. They need to manage it properly, but this new canal will be an additional option to control the EDWC excess water.
The availability of a better water management option for the EDWC should ensure that opening up of Maduni and Lama Sluices to empty water from the EDWC will not be necessary unless we have a one in 5,000 year flood event.
Agriculture in the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas has now become safer because of the Hope Canal. The threat of massive floods putting lives at risk along the East Coast Demerara in case of too high water levels breaking the EDWC dams is now dramatically lessened.
For those who said the
PPP/C did nothing, the Hope Canal stands as testimony to the many transformative infrastructures the PPP/C was responsible for.
To those who chastised us that it was not possible to construct the Canal, it stands as testimony to the vision and the talents of the PPP/C Government and the young professionals who were in charge of the project.
Bharat Jagdeo and the PPP/C Government stood strong in the bold effort to develop a better way to control the excess water in the EDWC during heavy rainfall periods. The PPP/C was determined that such periods of heavy rainfall will not necessitate dumping excess water that flooded out the Mahaica/ Mahaicony area.
Today, those who were the fiercest critic of the project now touts it as a success story and forget to acknowledge those who remained resolute to see the project come to fruition.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
In recognition of their hard work and true meaning of dharma, the President (Camille Boodhoo) and Vice President (Gaitree Samlall) of the Shree Krishna Dharmic Mandir in
Parika, East Bank Essequibo honoured these fathers for their pivotal role in society
The PPP/C was cheated and not defeated
Dear Editor,
I support the PPP/C 100 per cent for not participating in any Local Government Elections while the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) remains in his office.
Dr Steve Surujbally should do the honorable thing. He should quickly resign since it appears that he has something to hide,
because he stubbornly refused to recount the ballots cast at the May General and Regional elections, which in my view were massively rigged based on false Statements of Poll (SOP), tampering of results and other electoral malpractices.
The PPP/C is known for its dynamism and political militancy for a just cause and I am appealing to its vi-
Guyana is blessed
Dear Editor,
A lot of Christian preachers are preaching that Guyana is blessed because of the changed government who were elected to make change and to preside… I say nay! Let’s talk scriptures from the holy pages of the Holy Bible. In Malachi chapter three verses eight to 12 says:
“Return unto me and I will return onto you,” said the lord. “You have robbed God, if you don’t pay tithes and offerings to the churches of Jesus Christ”. If not, verse nine says, “You are cursed with a curse for you have robbed me, even the whole nation.”
Continuing, verse ten says, “Bring me all the tithes unto the warehouse of the churches so that the poor will have food, clothing, welfare….” If you do that, the lord said he will open the windows of heaven and bless everyone with a bountiful blessing of agricultural products in abundance. Finally, verse 12 says, “All nations shall call you blessed, your crops will not fail, for ye shall be a delightful land, thus said the lord.” Take a look at Guyana. We have been blessed since beginning to multiply and be fruitful. God has blessed our land with minerals, gold, diamonds, water, oil, etc. No
brant supporters to remain solidly behind our party and to ignore those who are trying to demoralize us in our renewed struggle to bring an end to elections rigging in Guyana.
Further, I have absolutely no confidence GECOM. The PPP/C was cheated and not defeated.
Shawn Marks
mighty disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, tidal waves, and huge floods have befallen us, all because some of us are paying our tithing. Therefore, I am urging everyone, including ministers of the government, to pay their due tithes and offerings to Jesus Christ’s churches and by doing so the entire nation will prosper.
And that’s a promise made by Jehovah God to all. All we have to do is take excellent control of our nation’s wealth and we will be happy forever.
Oswald Gunraj
Supreme irony of pension benefits
Dear Editor
How much more can the Guyanese over indulge in the creation of a controversy even where it may lead to the infliction of pain and tension among themselves!
In opposition, the present Government was consumed with the payment of pension due owing and payable to former Presidents, but in fact, their real focus was to the former three terms of President Bharrat Jagdeo, under legalisation passed in 2009.
The propaganda centered upon the “uncapped” benefits which they gener-
ously calculated amounted to $3 million per month, but never provided any proof.
My legal friends tell me that whatever the sum, it is lawfully due, owing and payable since pension is property under the Constitution.
At the first sitting of the 11th Parliament, President David Granger promised to introduce legislation to amend the 2009 Act to modify those benefits. My legal friends are satisfied that this plan will fall foul of the law.
Lo and behold there is the revival of a demand to confer a pension benefit on
Congratulations to the President
Dear Editor
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (ClOG) wishes to offer our sincere congratulations to the President and Government of Guyana on the convening of the 11th Parliament.
We wish to commend the President and members of the administration for their efforts in ensuring the continuation of the democratic process of Government.
The Parliament and its deliberations will certainly guarantee the Guyanese people the opportunity to be a part of the debates and
have a better understanding of the process of decision making that affects our country.
The ClOG wishes to extend, Sir, our congratulations to the Cabinet and all the ministers that will serve in this 11th Parliament.
We pray that the Almighty will guide our President and his administration in all their efforts and deliberations to serve and improve the lives of our people.
Shahabudeen Ahmad President CIOG
I spent a few days interviewing Balram Singh Rai
Dear Editor
I do not wish to engage in what seems to be evolving into a futile, albeit repetitious correspondence with Frederick Kissoon regarding an issue that is as plain as daylight.
Kissoon is questioning the veracity as to whether I actually interviewed Balram Singh Rai as part of the natural process in completing the study on Rai's biography.
On page xii of the book, it is clearly stated “Rai agreed to meet with me in London”.
I noted that Rai had initially rebuffed the encroachments of several Guyanese writers to meet with him to gather information on his political background.
However, a civil servant, Rampersaud Tiwari,
who edited a draft copy of Cheddi Jagan's “West on Trial” and who was a close friend of Rai, helped open the doors for me to meet with him.
I spent a few days interviewing Rai for the book in his semi-detached house in Ealing (London).
During, and after the personal interviews, Rai continued to provide me with answers to additional questions through correspondence, as well as a treasure trove of documents and pictures which I could not have easily obtained otherwise.
As evidence of the interviews, though not for publication, I am attaching to this letter a copy of a picture taken with Rai and myself in his living room dur-
ing one of the interviews, as well as a letter, dated August 10, 2003 he sent me (he used an old fashioned typewriter to type all of his letters!).
I am now questioning whether Kissoon has actually carefully read the book or is more intent on using his multiple media platforms as a bully pulpit to engage in slash and burn journalism against those with whom he disagrees. Since Kissoon has opposed Rai getting a national award, I was wondering if he would be willing to advocate for Rai to secure his parliamentary pension. This is all that matters right now.
Baytoram Ramharack
Please investigate the Mazaruni Prison
Dear Editor,
I live at Upper Mazaruni River and am a worker at the Mazaruni prison. I have seen a few letters concerning the condition at the Mazaruni Prison and the treatment of inmates.
I thought that some changes would have been made since the release of these letters, but I see no changes.
an emigrant, one Balram Singh Rai, a former PPP Minister, who last set foot in Guyana in 1970 – 45 years ago!
Some of his advocates, by consensus, acknowledge that there is no lawful provision on which their victim could rely, yet they keep beating the drum of victimisation.
These two situations present the kind of supreme irony that is common-place in the enlightened democracy!
Jerio Abimandu
These things reported are true and I see officers and inmates becoming frustrated and hear them complaining to each other. I have witnessed myself, but too much victimization takes place there, so people are afraid to say anything.
I am aware of diesel and greens being sold in Bartica and Skull Point and it’s the same inmates who are used to sell these things. Animals are also sold, and in addition coal is being sold at Bartica, sometimes 300 to 400 bags at one time and a lot more was previously reported.
These officers who are in charge need to be changed.
They have been here at this jail a long time and I have seen other officers come and go, but these officers get away with murder here and authorities don’t know anything, nor is anything being done.
Inmates have been complaining that the monies they work for has been gambled out by the senior officers and if complaints are made they get victimized by additional prison time being added on for no reason at all. I feel that they are being taken advantage of, beaten and tortured.
There is need for a medical team to visit the facility, the prison needs doctors from time to time and nurses, not vets.
Some female officers go about sleeping with inmates and they solicit money from the families of these inmates for different reasons, but they collect the money to give sex and most of them are HIV positive.
Something needs to be done to investigate these of-
ficers. Sometimes prisoners who fight regularly are kept together and they always cause injury to each other. The Mazaruni Prison has become a supplier of greens, diesel and other rations, a rum shop and a whore house. The rations for the jail come from Georgetown, some are sold too. I work here and I see these things and these officers in charge get away with everything. I wish something could happen up there and by sending this letter to the new minister I hope that some investigations begin and people get charged.
Mr Ramjattan, please look into the concerns raised not only by myself but by others who have raised concern too. These things are true, they are happening for real. I do not want to mention my name because I am afraid of victimization myself.
Concerned worker Mazaruni Prison
We are coming to an end to these yoga tips, with just one more day left. To
International Day for Yoga, June 21...
Yoga sensation for the nation
Submitted by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Guyana (Hindus for Selfless Service)
spice things up, we will do one of my favorite poses because not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but it also opens up your shoul-
ders and strengthens your upper back and thighs.
Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Dhanurasana
English Translation: Upward Bow Pose
Also Called: Crab Back Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the ground (heels as close as possible to your booty).
• Bend your elbows
and place your palms flat on the ground above your shoulders, fingertips facing your feet.
• Inhale, press into your palms and lift your head and shoulders off the ground, placing the crown (top) of your head on the mat.
• Check to make sure your hands and feet are parallel. You can stay here, getting used to being upside down, or take a deep inhale as you straighten your arms and lift your head off the ground. Once you're fully in the pose, try to walk your hands and feet a little closer together.
Stay here for five deep breaths and then slowly lower your body down. Eventually you want to do this pose for a total of three times.
Hug your knees into your chest to release your lower back.
Benefits + contraindications
Benefits: Crab posture opens the chest and tones the low back to stimulate the respiratory and endocrine systems. Crab pose also builds arm, leg and core body strength. Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the knees, hips, arms, back or shoulders.
Miners up in arms against Govt
…write Granger on neglect, cancellation of meetings
Disgruntled gold and diamond miners here have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of attention being paid to the industry by the new administration, citing the cancellations of two meetings with the Head of State
“The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is dissatisfied with the attention given to the gold and diamond mining industry by the Government. This industry remains the leading contributor of foreign earnings; a major source of employment; the largest purchaser of machinery, spares, and supplies; and plays an important role in the development of the hinterland and Guyana’s economy,” the group said in a release.
It added that this attitude seems to be held over from the previous administration, where several promises made to miners remain unfulfilled. “To date and after two scheduled meetings (June 4 and June 10) were cancelled; consequently a letter was sent to HE President Granger indicating the need for such a meeting with the subject Minister and representatives of the GGDMA.”
The Association said that the mining industry remained in crisis and listed a number of issues it would like to address with the Government.
President David Granger has not appointed a separate minister to oversee the mining industry, but rather subsumed this sector with the bundle of other respon-
sibilities handed to Minister of State, Joe Harmon.
The GGDMA said it would like to address among other things the completion of the draft Investment Development Agreement (IDA) to include additional items – spares, etc; incentives to the mining industry such as a 50 per cent reduction in rentals for small mining properties; reduction in royalty and maintenance of hinterland roads and airstrips, and the establishment of new roads for greater access to new mining lands.
Challenges Additionally, miners are demanding increased attention to public security within the hinterland, noting the high incidence of crime and are also calling for stricter monitoring by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission especially in the areas of safety and illegal mining activities.
The miners also listed some of the ongoing challenges facing them which include: falling gold prices; improvement in gold recovery technology; high operation and maintenance costs; high fuel costs; high rentals for mineral properties; increasing prices for spares and machinery; limited available lands for serious and genuine miners; disparities in concessions between foreign-based and local miners; increasing violent crime in mining sector; slow processing of work permits for Brazilian miners and largely impassable hinterland roads.
While in Opposition Granger had promised that an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Government would ensure a more level playing field for local miners. He had made the pronouncement while meeting with executives of the GGDMA.
According to a statement, following the meeting, Granger assured the miners’ association of the APNU’s continued support of the industry and the orderly development of the extractive sector; one where local miners could be assured of a level playing field. Granger said then that under an APNU Administration, Bartica, Mahdia, Lethem and Mabaruma would be made municipalities.
The APNU Leader added that the Partnership was aware of the needs of the miners. According to Granger then, “APNU has an agenda for the improvement of security in the hinterland and for the development of the infrastructure (roads, airdromes, bridges etc.).
We (APNU) are committed to protecting the environment and improving the health delivery system in the Barima-Waini, CuyuniMazaruni, Potaro-Siparuni and Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo Regions.
“We cannot afford to ignore any pillar of our economy…the same way rice and sugar has received Government support over the years ….gold and diamond miners must receive similar levels of Government support.”
Gold miner remanded on armed robbery charge
Agold miner was remanded to the Camp Street prison on Friday after he was arraigned with two counts of armed robbery, when he made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Nico Layne of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown was not required to plead to the charges which stated that, on May 6, he robbed Shafeek Mohamed of his cellular phone valued at $39,000 and $26,000 in cash, while in the possession of firearm. In addition,
on June 12, he allegedly robbed Ivelaw Hartman, while being in possession of a pair of scissors, of $19,400 in cash and his cellular phone, valued at $11,000.
Layne was not required to plead to the offence, however once an application for it to be tried at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was made by the Prosecutor, it was allowed. Thus, the accused pleaded not guilty to the offence. In a bid for a bail application he stated that he is 20 years of age and have no
Bills to give financial autonomy to GECOM, DPP Chambers for House
Government will next week table the Constitution Amendment Bill, which seeks to grant financial autonomy to several service commissions as well as the Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The Bill, which will be tabled by Attorney General Basil Williams, seeks to amend the Third Schedule relating to Article 222A of the Constitution to provide financial autonomy to: the Judicial Service Commission; the Public Service Commission; the Police Service Commission; the Teaching Service Commission; the Public Service Appellate Tribunal; the Public Procurement Commission; the Office of the Ombudsman in addition to the aforementioned.
According to the explanatory memorandum, this Bill seeks to amend the Third Schedule to the Constitution to add the named entities with the intention of enhancing the functioning of those entities by guaranteeing and strengthening their administration and control of monies allocated to them to carry out their functions pursuant to the Constitution.
Government will also table the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act to support the constitutional
amendment by the insertion of the following sections as Sections 80B, 80C and 80D-80B. (1) The public officer responsible for managing the affairs of an agency or such other person designated by the appropriate authority for that purpose, shall submit budget proposals to the Clerk of the National A ssembly (copied to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance) who shall ensure that those proposals are submitted as presented and in the case of the Audit Office, the budget shall be submitted to Parliament through the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.
The Minister of Finance shall submit to the National Assembly, the Minister’s comments on the annual budget of a constitution-
al agency, including recommendations in sufficient time to enable consideration by the Assembly and those recommendations shall be limited to the overall request rather than line items. According to the amendment, submission shall be made in accordance with Section 79(1) and prior to the commencement of the fiscal or calendar year, as the case may be, for the approval of the National Assembly.
The format of the annual budget of the constitutional agencies shall be as determined by the head of each agency in consultation with the Minister of Finance. Besides, detailed budgets and appropriations shall be reflected in the Annual Estimates together with detailed estimates of revenues and expenditures of the constitutional agencies. Additionally, notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 5 and consistent with Article 222A of the Constitution, the annual budget appropriation for the constitutional agencies shall be included in the Estimates of the Public Sector as Subventions to Constitutional Agencies (similar to those for Subsidies to Local Organisations) reflecting the following for each agency: programme and agency description, budget for the previous year and budget for the current year.
prior court matters.
However, the Police Prosecutor in the matter, Corporal Shawn Gonzalves, objected to bail as Layne has matters pending against him at the Ruimveldt and Providence Police Stations. Also, he objected due to the nature of the offences Layne is charged with, as weapons are alleged to have been used.
Magistrate Latchman sustained this objection application and denied bail. Layne will make his next court appearance on June 29 for statements.
Attorney General Basil Williams
Flashback: President David Granger who was then Opposition Leader back in January meeting with GGDMA executives
Winston Felix jailed for killing Agricola woman
Winston Felix, the truck driver who fatally struck an Agricola woman while she was on a pedestrian crossing, was on Friday sentenced to three years in prison by Magistrate Ann Mc’Lennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Felix, a 59 year-old man of Windsor Forest Railway Embankment, West Coast Demerara, was found guilty of the charge which read that, on November 28 at the Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove motor vehicle GKK 8663 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Fatima Jamal.
Jamal, 62 of Lot 181 Caesar Street, Agricola, was struck while she was crossing the road to go home after leaving her job at the Alpha Hotel a few blocks away. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and connected to a life support machine in the Intensive Care Unit, where she eventually succumbed.
On Tuesday June 16, when the statements were being given, the defendant’s attorney, Rabindra Rooplall, argued that the defendant was in no way responsible for the woman’s death, but that it was as result of her own negligence.
He stated that, according to the testimonies of the witnesses as well as the statement of his client, the defendant was driving along the northern direction of the road within the speed limit when, all of a sudden, Jamal came in front of his vehicle.
He also revealed that, according to his client’s account of the incident, the woman was looking to the north while crossing on the eastern carriage way. He stated that his client then swerved to avoid a collision, resulting in the right side of his vehicle hitting her.
“There was no evidence of tire impres-
sion. Tire impressions are as a result of speeding and abrupt braking. The absence of such impressions is consistent with the defendant’s story of swerving,” Rooplall stated.
He submitted that the defendant’s statement, that he could not take any other course of action apart from swerving due to the proximity between the deceased and the vehicle, could only be true. Rooplall stated that after the collision occurred, Felix stopped some ten feet away and rendered his assistance.
He said that there were no statements or testimonies that conflicted with the defendant’s account. Rooplall’s final submission was that it could not be found that his client drove recklessly and dangerously causing the woman’s death, as there is no evidence pointing in that direction.
Prosecutor Neville Jeffers had,
earlier in the trial, stated that the deceased was on the pedestrian crossing and that Felix had admitted in a statement to seeing her crossing, as well as looking both north and south before her attempt to do so.
He said the right side of the vehicle’s bumper hit the woman, who fell to the road and later succumbed to the injuries she received. Jeffers stated that the case against the defendant was proven to the requisite standard of proof.
He added that the manner in which the defendant drove on the day of the incident shows that he paid no attention to other road users and applied no safety precautions.
“Drivers should watch out for pedestrians who come out suddenly from behind stationary vehicles or other obstructions, and they should be especially careful when approaching schools, bus stops and pedestrian crossings,” Jeffers stated. “From the evidence, in both the caution statement and the ordinary statement, he (Felix) mentioned that he saw the pedestrian crossing from 25 feet away.”
He stated that the defendant had enough time to stop if he was driving at a normal rate of speed. Jeffers further went on to state that the mere omission of a driver to the safety regulations is dangerous and, as such, he requested that the court find the defendant guilty as charged.
The Magistrate told the defendant that based on the evidence, it is clear that he drove the vehicle in a dangerous manner resulting in the death of the deceased. She stated that the prosecution put up a good case and the evidence provided was consistent. As such she found the defendant guilty as charged and imposed the three-year sentence on him.
Albouystown resident remanded to prison
An Albouystown resident was on Friday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he appeared before her to answer to the charge of narcotics trafficking. Andre Douglas, a 42-year-old Georgetown Abattoir employee of 56 James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which
stated that, on June 15 at Tabatingam, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), he was found to be possession of 19 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, on the day in question, the Police were investigating a matter regarding stolen property and the sale of narcotics at the man’s premises. During a search of the prem-
3 heads roll at NCN...
The editors said that, when they were contacted by the internal security department, they cooperated with the investigators and provided the necessary details as the company launched a probe into an alleged fraud involving $68,000. In addition, Layne is reported in another section of the media as saying that the investigation that was carried out came up inconclusive. “The company took a decision to terminate our services, despite the fact that both Ms Rampersaud and myself requested that there be a professional investigation into the alleged wrongdoing by the Guyana Police Force,” Layne stated.
The sacked Senior Editor added that, although their employment contracts were signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), they were not allowed to have an audience with the CEO before their
dismissals.
“It is noteworthy that, only about two weeks ago, there were calls in the media by known elements of the new Government for my resignation, and now a claim of financial improprieties by Ms Rampersaud and myself, both of whom are perceived to be supporters of the PPP/C... Ms Rampersaud and I remain open and supportive of a criminal investigation into the allegations being levied against us, and call on the management of NCN and the new Government to let their words match their deed. We urge that justice be served and that the new Government live up to its promise of fairness, integrity and good governance,” Layne said.
Meanwhile, Jaffarally a former PPP/C Member of Parliament in the 10th Parliament told the Guyana Times that he received his
ises, the illicit drugs were allegedly found. He was arrested, an investigation was conducted, and he was subsequently charged with the offence.
Attorney-at-law Paul Fung-A-Fat, who represented the defendant, stated that his client was in Lethem as he has a property there and was in the process of constructing a house. He also informed the court that there are several other persons who have access to the
dismissal letter on Friday which cited incompetence as the reason for his dismissal. According to the letter, which was handed to him at the New Amsterdam office of NCN by Human Resource Manager Devin Khan, the position of Berbice Coordinator is subjected to review. The letter stated that the Berbice operations had not reached satisfactory capacity standards and, as a result, Jaffarally’s contract with NCN will end on June 19 (the same day the letter was served).
Jaffarally said he is of the view that his dismissal was part of the new administration’s “witch-hunt”. He explained this by relating a series of events which led up to Friday’s action. “I was called to a meeting in Georgetown last Friday (June12) for an evaluation which was conducted by Raymond Azeez. I received scores of three and
property. Prosecutor Mangru stated that, on the day in question, there was a confrontation between several persons and the Police, during which the defendant was the most vocal and resisted the Police. He was then arrested and these charges were imposed upon him.
After reviewing the facts, the Magistrate remanded the defendant to prison and transferred the matter to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for June 22.
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four out of a possible five. I was called again on Monday for another evaluation and was asked the same questions by Azeez.
I gave the same answers, but received scores of one for all of the answers.” Jaffarally said that when he asked Azeez what was going on, Azeez stated, “I don’t know what to write, but I have to do what I have to do to please those in authority.” Azeez claimed that he had to protect his job. “I told him that he needs to be professional,” Jaffarally further recounted. When this publication sought to get a comment from Azeez, the efforts proved fruitless as calls to his cellular phone went unanswered. Jaffarally says that the new ruling Government should not remove persons from office just because they campaigned for or supported the now Opposition.
Eyew tness
T...for development
his Eyewitness isn’t sure why there’s such a hullabaloo about finding money to bail out the sugar industry...or to pay those rice farmers ...or even give the Public Servants a 39 percent increase.
For years now, the APNU and the AFC’s been telling us that there was so much “waste”, theft and squandermania by the PPPC regime...the moment they get into office, all Guyana will be on easy street.
Milk and honey would be flowing in the streets. Well, all we’ve gotten up to now is raw sewage flowing in the streets of Georgetown every time it drizzles. So where’s all the money that was being stolen?
The new government didn’t just leave the accusations at the level of speculation, innuendos and “throwing talk”: WPA honcho (and therefore exofficio honcho in the APNU government) Clive Thomas “released” some “hard” numbers.
Last we heard he said there was $310 billion sloshing around that would’ve been “siphoned” off if the PPPC had been allowed to continue in office. The government will get $140B savings in public procurement fraud alone!!
Now our Guyanese monopoly money mightn’t be given much respect in international quarters, but no matter how you slice it, dice it, or even purée it - that’s a whole lotta dough.
Works out to US$2.5B doesn’t it? Jeez...with that kinda money...why worry about paying sugar workers’ wages. That’s not even chicken feed...it’s bagasse!!. The government could just decide to scrap the “troubled” Skeldon factory and build a new one.
The partisans of the “stolen loot” theory even supposedly found “proof” for their assertions from the World Bank which made Thomas’ $300 figure annual pilfering claim look like he was covering up for the PPPC.
Evidently the World Bank was able to identify $500 billion being “siphoned” off annually!! Now dear reader, it can’t be coincidence that the World Bank also used the words “siphoned off” to describe the process of getting rid of the loot. It just means that a whole lotta people were “sucking out” the money.
Now since both Prof Thomas (no “doubting Thomas” this) and the World Bank were able to be so precise with identifying these funds (the difference between the $310 and $500 billion? Hey!! When you’re dealing with those kinds of numbers, that’s just a “rounding off” error!) by now the money must just be pouring into our coffers.
After all it can’t be too difficult to identify all those “money suckers” with the sleuths like Lalloo Ram and Ghoulsarran on the job!!! Happy days are here again!!
...to fix up PM
But don’t think the government’s pulling a Scrooge on all that newfound money. It’s just that they’re spending it on really worthwhile projects. Like fixing up the road to PM Nagamootoo’s private residence.
Seems that the PM was a tad miffed some folks implied he was given preference with his re-asphalted road. Not so!! The PM pointed out some other “big ones” were also given preference since they also live on his street!
And he was doing the government a favour by allowing them to spend some of that “found” money. He evidently was so struck by his patriotic altruism that he further helped out by demanding that the official residence be redone. Bids are being taken as we write.
This Eyewitness is struck by the PM’s modesty: the bids for redoing his new home is capped at $500 million. And that doesn’t include the curtains that are necessary for him to work.
The man is a veritable stoic!
...all the President’s men
Even with our Consolidated Funds overflowing, the spirit of stoic martyrdom also seized the President’s men who went to their NY victory parade. No money from the treasury: all from “private” sources, who’ll never demand favours!
Winston Felix
New AML/CFT Bill to be tabled next week – AG
By Vahnu Manikchand
At the second sitting of the 11th Parliament next Thursday, June 25, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government will be tabling the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill, in efforts to meet the requirements set out by the international body – the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Speaking with media operatives on Friday, Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams disclosed that the Bill has been completed and is ready to be tabled in Parliament. “By the next sitting we hope to lay it and you know the procedures after that, its first reading and then go through all the stages. If the Opposition is not in Parliament, it would proceed swiftly. So we are confident that we will be able to put the Bill into the House and pass it through the different stages,” he noted.
According to the AG, the Bill was amended to include whatever proposals APNU and the AFC had recommended during the previous Parliament. “It is our Bill that we had in the Special Select Committee (in the 10th Parliament) and that Bill came up for discussion, so the Opposition understands the nature of that Bill and the provisions of that Bill,” he added.
In addition, he noted that the Amendment Bill also contains recommendations that were made by the Americas Region Reviewing Group (ARRG), which had conducted a targeted review of Guyana’s financial architecture as it relates to its anti-money laundering posture last September.
Williams made these remarks just before his first meeting since his appointment with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States
Ahomeless man was, on Friday, remanded to prison by Magistrate Annet Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he appeared before her charged with damage of property.
The man told the court that he was a 22-year-
Embassy, Bryan Hunt. Hunt expressed his support for the Bill that Government will be tabling, noting the new Government has been very clear that it was a priority to introduce and pass that legislation through Parliament at the earliest time possible.
He underscored the importance of having the legislation passed by the September deadline so that it can be submitted to FATF before its meeting in October. “I’m quite confident that the Government has the ability to meet that deadline,” he declared.
Fully compliant
The US Chargé d’Affaires pointed out that the Bill was fully compliant with the recommendations made by both the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the FATF.
“… if the Bill were to be passed in its current form, Guyana would then be fully compliant with the recommendations that have been put forward,” Hunt posited.
Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall on Thursday urged Government to aggressively pursue the AML/CFT Amendment Bill, highlighting that the apparent lack of information emanating from the Attorney General’s office
in relation to Guyana’s position on the AML/CFT Bill was somewhat worrisome.
According to Nandlall, he is aware that meetings are currently being held at the level of the CFATF and hoped that his successor is attending those meetings.
“At those meetings, he is supposed to update the regional body of where the country is at the moment in relation to its compliance with the regime of obligations and forces of actions to which the country had committed itself.” Among those commitments, he outlined, is the enactment of an amended bill, bringing Guyana up to speed with the rest of the world.
The attempt to do so in the last Parliament, he recalled, was frustrated by the then Opposition. Nandlall said he hoped the Government now would be able to comply with the obligations which were devolved upon Guyana by the FATF and CFATF.
The Bill, as put forward by the then Government, had engendered little support from the then APNU+AFC Opposition, which used their one-seat majority to block its passage. The political impasse surrounding the passage of the AML/CFT Bill saw Guyana being blacklisted by CFATF, and barely averting official blacklisting by FATF.
Wood exporter shot trice, robbed $2M in South Ruimveldt
By BhishaM MohaMed
Amid the steep rise in violence here, a man was on Friday afternoon shot trice and robbed of some $2 million, shortly after he arrived at his South Ruimveldt, Georgetown home.
Police said that around 12:45h, Reginald Manbodh, age 67, had just returned home in his motor vehicle at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, when he was attacked and held at gunpoint by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, and who had ridden up on a motorcycle. Manbodh was shot to his arms and left foot by the armed man who took away an envelope containing $2 million, before making their escape on the motorcycle. Manbodh was rushed to hospital and admitted. Investigations are in progress.
Manbodh, of 464 Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens was shot to his arms and left foot after which he was relieved of the $2 Million that he was carrying in an envelope.
According to information receive, the businessman had just returned home and was in his motor car on his bridge
when he was attacked and held at gunpoint by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.
The gunman reportedly demanded the elderly man to handover the envelope that contained the money but instead he put up a fight. The bandits retaliated by discharging three rounds at the man hitting him to his arms and foot before relieving him of the envelope. The men then made good their escape on a motorcycle. Manbodh has been admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital as police continue their investigations.
Samanthani SinghMcLean, a sister-in-law of the injured man told the Guyana Times that her brother-in-law went to the Bank where he withdrew an undisclosed sum of money to pay his workers. She stated that at about 12:40, they were in the house when they heard an explosion that sounded like a juice box. Singh-McLean went on to say that the place was flooded at the time. As they looked out of the window, she recalled seeing one man sitting on a small CG motorcycle while the other was fighting with her Manbodh.
During the scuffle, she
disclosed that they heard three gunshots and soon after saw the gunman running towards that motor cycle and escaped. It was impossible to look for a registration number since they were rushing to render assistance to her injured brother-in-law who was left in the car after the men left the scene. She also stated that the way the motorcycle was parking; they were unable to see the number plates. Nevertheless, she stated that the man lost a lot of blood and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was looked at in the accident and emergency unit and was rushed to the theatre for an emergency surgery. The police, she noted visited the scene and took statements from family members. Up to the time of the telephone interview, the man was in a stable condition. SinghMc Lean also stated that this was not the first time, the businessman was robbed. She recalled sometime ago, he was relieved of close to $1Million as he stopped to purchase some items on his way home. Manbodh is also the head of the Guyana Shield Forest Resources.
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old bartender while denying the charge which read that, on Monday June 15 at 21-22 East Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged four pipelines, four zinc sheets and other immovable property to a total value of $32000, private property belonging to Anthony
Da’Silva.
Police Prosecutor Aduni Innis objected to bail, stating that the defendant has no fixed place of abode and if released on bail he is unlikely to return.
The Magistrate refused bail and the man was remanded to prison until July 15.
US Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt and Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams
saturday, june 20, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Rupununi Music and Arts Festival billed for September 18
The Rupununi Music and Arts Festival was launched on Friday morning at a small ceremony at the Tourism Ministry, now situated at Colgrain House on Camp Street. The event promises to be the biggest cultural event that Guyana has to offer.
The festival, scheduled for September 18-20, is the first of its kind in Guyana and is fêted in Rock View Lodge, Annai, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). Education and Culture Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine noted that the potential of this festival is enormous and he believes it can become the most popular music event of culture in the Caribbean. He expressed that this festival creates business opportunities, more awareness of products and services offered by Guyanese that can be marketed to the international community; increases travel between Guyana and its South American neighbours; and promotes tourism.
Roopnaraine stated that it has been noticed that Guyana has become a key destination for tourism in the Caribbean, and though the journey has been impres-
sive, it would not have been possible without the tireless efforts to push such events. He stated that an event of this nature remains a challenge by any standards, and the fact that it has succeeded as well as it has so far would not have been possible without the dedication and passion that has been placed into such a cultural experience.
The Culture Minister added that the Government will commit and play its part in making the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival the reason persons would wish to visit the Caribbean, and urged members of the Private Sector to join the movement.
Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, shared the sentiments expressed by Minister Roopnarine. She added that she is an avid fan of music festivals and has watched the growth of music festivals throughout the Caribbean over the last 20 years. Minister Hughes stated that she is happy to say that she is convinced that there is a market within the rest of the Caribbean just waiting to visit Guyana to experience a music festival like no other.
She happily reported
that the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism Ministry last year, extensively supported the first music festival and she is honoured to be part of the second annual event.
She added that the Tourism Ministry is “throwing its weight” behind the promotion of this festival and thinks that this time around, it will be bigger and better than it was last year. She stated this festival will highlight and strengthen a very important branch of Guyana’s tourism industry and that is the ‘Rupununi brand’.
She mentioned that the Rupununi brand is complemented by events such as the Rupununi Rodeo, Wildlife Festival, the South Rupununi Safari, among others, and as Guyanese, we should strive to maintain and strengthen our own country and realise its potential and all it has to offer and not take it for granted.
The purpose of this event, according to Festival’s Director Bob Ramdhanie, is to celebrate and promote Amerindian culture as they complement the weekend with local entertainers and artistes from around the world
Roopnaraine promises radical changes in education system
Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, on Friday morning, told media operatives that he is on a mission to rearrange the education system.
As it relates to the recent exam results, Roopnaraine explains that he wonders if the core subjects, which are the most important to us, are being neglected and that too much attention is being paid to the volume of subjects being written by students rather than the quality of the subjects. He states that he plans to change that system very soon and apply the much needed focus to these core subjects to ensure that after children enter the school systems, they emerge as more civilized, more cultured and more polite human beings, as that is the true aim of education.
The Minister stated that his deepest concerns with the education system are with persons who are not being used to their fullest potential. He stated that
an adjustment needs to be made all around the country from since early childhood, by going into our classrooms and working directly with our teachers.
He mentioned that one of the first meetings he held as Education Minister was to engage the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), as he noted that “teachers need to be on our side”. He added that if new policies to reinvent the education sector are to be drafted, teachers need to be involved in that drafting process at the very beginning.
Roopnaraine said that he is inviting the GTU to come sit with him to work out programmes to help mend the education system over the next several years. He noted that he needs all the help he can get, and there is no better place to get said help from than the persons who interact with the students and are a part of every classroom on a day to day basis. He adds that with new lev-
Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation makes contribution to Nepal earthquake relief work
The Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation has successfully raised over US$5000 from the concert it organised to raise funds to aid victims of the disastrous earthquake in Nepal.
The concert was held on Saturday, June 6, 2015
at Public School #268 in Jamaica, New York.
The organisation said in a release as promised, it has channelled all the proceeds from the concert through Sewa International, a reputable international aid organisation which has been quite active in supporting the
Nepal earthquake disaster relief work. Its reputation is built on a tendency to send most of the proceeds directly for the benefit of victims.
“The Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation Inc wishes to sincerely thank all the talented artistes, sponsors, volunteers and the general public for their tremendous support and selfless service to ensure the success of its “Grand Variety Show” in aid of the victims of the recent Nepal earthquake disaster.
“We are looking forward to the continued support of all the artistes, institutions and businesses for similar causes, and also other humanitarian activities sponsored by the Nirvana Foundation. We also wish to thank the general public for their response in gracing the occasion to lend their support,” the release from the overseas-based not-for-profit organisation concluded.
PPP/C accuses Surujbally of bullying GECOM staff
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said it abhors the stand publicly adopted by Dr Steve Surujbally as regards his role and functions as current Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
In a statement, the party pointed out that contrary to Surujbally’s claim that he is “not involved in the complexities of the operations of the Commission” and that he “simply overlooks and chairs the Board” his protestations are all far cries from the truth. Contrary to his confessions, Surujbally is indeed deeply involved in the operations of GECOM.
els of cooperation and innovation, a radical change can be seen in future CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) and National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results.
The Minister had recently highlighted that there has been a decline in the number of students that are sitting the assessment examination; as such the Education Ministry needs to continue to ensure that all children are afforded the opportunity to attend the full school cycle. A total of 15,225 students across Guyana wrote the NGSA examination on April 1 and 2, in four subject areas: English Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Prior to this, the students had to write the National Grade Two and Four Assessments, back in 2011 and 2013 respectively. The marks from all three assessments were added together to determine the overall performance of each student.
“It is Surujbally and not the CEO who gives the general orders and directions to the Secretariat thus undermining the authority of Lowenfield. Yet, through his smug public pronounce-
ments, he sought to shift his failings onto Lowenfield…”
The PPP/C said it is to be recalled that following the 2011 General and Regional Elections, Surujbally – after coming under tremendous pressure from the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Opposition that had called for his resignation – apparently sealed a deal which resulted in the dismissal of former CEO Gocool Bodhoo and the retention of Surujbally as Chairman of GECOM.
The party said it has been reported that Surujbally, when chairing meetings of the Commission; bullies, browbeats, threatens, and even intimidates the CEO and members of the body. “The PPP wishes to make it clear that whatever the institutional shortcomings at GECOM, the buck stops at the level of the Chairman and the CEO.
The PPP is convinced that Surujbally’s actions cumulatively have compromised the independence of GECOM, its functions and role as an agency to ensure free and fair elections have been emasculated.”
It is against this backdrop that the PPP reiterates its call for the removal and replacement of Surujbally as Chairman of GECOM. “Surujbally has lost the confidence of the PPP at the helm of 49.3 per cent of the Guyanese electorate. He has brought the organisation into disrepute. Consequently, to participate in Local Government elections under his dishonourable and disgraceful watch will be counter-productive and makes no sense. Surujbally can talk until he is blue in the face about not going anywhere, he will go, it is only a matter of time.”
Miner on bail for assaulting Police Officer
Aresident of Prashad Nagar was, on Friday, placed on $20,000 by Magistrate Annet Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he appeared before her charged with assaulting a Police Officer.
Stephon Birkette, a 21-year-old miner of 264 Bessessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that, on March 10 at 3rd Street Alberttown, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Virtual Complainant (VC) Enoch Jacob, Police Officer 2247, while in the execution of his duties. The defendant also pleaded not guilty that charge which read that, on the same occasion, while in a public place in public hear-
Stephon Birkette
ing he behaved in a disorderly manner.
The defendant claimed that he was unaware that he was charged in court as his family had settled the matter at the Police Station on his behalf. He also made
allegations of victimisation, telling the court that he has known the officer in question for a number of years and their dispute stems from a disagreement that occurred while he was in secondary school. He told the court that at every opportunity that presents itself, the complainant stops his vehicle without reason and conducts searches as a means of aggravating him.
After considering all of the facts presented, the Magistrate placed the defendant on $20,000 bail on the charge of unlawful assault and released him on self bail in relation to the charge of disorderly behaviour. The matter will return to Court 11 on July 17 for the commencement of the trial.
(From right) Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes; Education and Culture Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock and Rupununi Music and Arts Festival Director Bob Rhamdhine
Haresh Arthanari (left) of Sewa International receiving a cheque of US$5000 from Dru Misir (right), a Senior Trustee of Nirvana, accompanied by other members of Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation Inc
Chand confident GAWU credit union will survive
Communities Ministers outline vision to engineers
Despite members withdrawing their savings in droves, President of the Guyana Agricultural and Workers Association (GAWU) Komal Chand is upbeat that his union’s credit union will rebound from this present state of bankruptcy occasioned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) owing it millions of dollars.
Up to Friday, sugar workers were still lining up at the union’s Kingston office to clean out their savings account. Chand told Guyana Times that he is certain that the new dispensation at GuySuCo will abide by the agreement to the credit union.
He noted that he had recently met with Errol Hanoman and Paul Bhim, two former Chief Executive Officers of GuySuCo who are back at work at the company. Bhim has assumed his former role as Finance Director, as part of the APNU/AFC Government-initiated Interim Management Committee (IMC).
This committee was established and the two former heads were re-invited to be a part of an committee after Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Raj Singh was sacked by Agriculture Minister Noel
Holder.
Chand stated that the group had examined the finances’ and are seeking ways to repay the owed funds. He stated that by the end of May, the total sum owed to the union by GuySuCo stood at $188,045,825. He noted that since sugar workers began turning up to retrieve their funds from the credit union after the news had broken that GuySuCo had not been paying the sugar workers credit union dues, GAWU had borrowed money from commercial banks so as to not rile up the workers. Though he did not disclose how much money was borrowed, he had mentioned that the interest has added up to a very high amount and would rather the debt be re-
paid sooner rather than later.
A GuySuCo official recently told Guyana Times that the account on the outstanding credit union dues is inaccurate. The official stated that in 2013, GuySuCo begun collecting union dues but it was not remitted in a timely manner.
The Corporation has since been remitting the dues, although there are still some outstanding amounts. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder mentioned that a management team has met with GAWU to sort out differences and find a way forward.
However, some are still skeptical about the matter as GuySuCo was recently identified to be facing threats of closure due to lacking of funding. Recent reports have indicated that GuySuCo will be benefiting from $400 million via a line of credit from the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica. Workers present in the GAWU compound told this publication that they just don’t want to have their earnings vanish without a trace.
If the safety of their wages can be guaranteed, they will cease their worry and let the union handle the services as always, but as the system is somewhat sketchy
Govt rushes aid to flood-affected Mahaicony Creek residents
The Government, on Thursday, rushed food and medical supplies to the Mahaicony Creek area, on the East Coast of Demerara, after residents complained about flooding.
After receiving information about heavy rainfall and flooding in some sections of the Mahaicony Creek, Health Minister Dr George Norton, along with a team of health workers, visited Mora Point, a Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) community, and interacted with the residents, advising them of what precautions they must take in a flood situation.
The Ministry has collaborated with Food For The Poor to provide some form of relief to the residents of the affected areas. Food items
along with clothing and some medication were distributed. Minister Norton noted that in the event of flooding, the first concern is that of people’s health, hence his visit. He urged the residents to be health conscious, safeguard their children, purify all drinking water, and practice good hygiene.
In addition, Minister Norton reiterated that the Health Ministry wishes to have improved health care offered to residents in the area, and pointed out that he will not wait until another flood hits the area to visit the residents, but will do so on a regular basis. Further, the Minister added that Food For The Poor has been on board with the Ministry for a number of years, and that the Ministry looks for-
ward to the continuation of this partnership.
The Health Minister, who was accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud, also visited the Shri Prakash Gossai Heath Centre in Mora Point where he inspected their medical supply and interacted with the Community Health Worker (CHW) Davindra Rupchand. The Minister was updated about the situation at the facility. This centre was opened on August 26, 2009.
The CHW is the key staff at the institution and functions in all capacities, but such a situation is unacceptable, the Minister said, and will be rectified. He added that he was very disappointed that there are so many doctors being introduced to the public health system, but are not being deployed into these remote areas.
Gavin Persaud, the Regional Health Officer who was also a part of the visiting team, committed to have a Medex stationed at the facility in a week’s time after which a one will be stationed and rotated every two months. Further, he committed to having a doctor who will visit and make general rounds and referrals once every month. (GINA)
The expertise and experiences of engineers and other technical specialists would be optimised as the Ministry of Communities strives to build cohesive sustainable communities across Guyana.
This notion was expressed by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan during his address to engineers, technical specialists and project coordinators from the Housing Department, Water Department, Local Government Department, and Regional Development Department at an Engineers’ Workshop.
Ministers within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott and Dawn Hastings-Williams, Permanent Secretary Emil Mc Garrell, and Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Communities on Projects, Charles Ceres, were also in attendance at the interactive workshop held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Friday.
The workshop sought to familiarise and sensitise engineers of projects being undertaken by each department under the new Ministry, since they will be harmonised into one unit to achieve the policy direction of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For
Change Government. In addition, one critical function envisaged under the unit will be to conceptualise projects and derive solutions to solve problems.
According to Minister Bulkan, merging the Ministries of Housing and Water, and Local Government and Regional Development to form a Ministry named “Communities” was strategically done to convey a different wider focus. “… Formerly, the concept of water and housing were limited to the delivery of pure water and house lot or just a house…the thinking of the new Ministry is to create cohesive and sustainable communities focused on human needs and human condition,” Bulkan emphasised.
He said sustainable communities will facilitate citizen satisfaction is derived from the provision of durable roads, proper solid waste management, adequate lighting, security, fire hydrants, playgrounds, recreational facility, schools and health centres. “The vision is to move beyond basic provisions and direct attention towards all the needs for wholesome and dignified living,” he added.
He enlightened that the workshop signalled the commencement of the process of harmonising the functions of each sector to form a collective organised unit, with the main focus being the delivery of infrastructure and efficient services to Guyanese. In regards to the development of hinterland communities, Minister HastingsWilliams alluded to the need of advancing infrastructural development in the hinterland regions to improve the lives of citizens and reduce poverty.
According to Minister Hastings-Williams, for too long the hinterland regions were left lagging behind with little or no infrastructural development and poorly equipped schools and health cottages. She believes that professionals such as engineers would help Government eliminate these challenges.
Minister Scott, who has the responsibility for Housing within the Ministry of Communities, pointed out, “We can no longer afford to work as individual sectors… we must unite and harmonise the sectors to ensure that a collective approach is achieved.” Scott added that this approach will reduce the total cost for infrastructure, meet the needs of the poor, and foster development of new and existing communities and municipalities.
Residents of Mora Point receiving flood relief assistance from Food For The Poor
Komal Chand, GAWU President
saturday, june 20, 2015
Allicock, Lowe in Orealla/Siparuta outreach
The Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, on Thursday, held an outreach in the communities of Orealla and Siparuta in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).
The Ministry’s team was led by Minister Sydney Allicock and the Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido- Lowe. The team included Principal Regional Development Officer, Anil Roberts; Regional Vice Chairman, Bhupaul Jhagroo; designated Legal Advisor to the Minister, David James; and Advisor on Youth, Sport and Cultural Development, Mervyn Williams.
At the meeting in Orealla, Minister Allicock assured the residents that, regardless of their political sentiments, the Government is there to serve all the people. The Ministry is currently in the process of developing a strategy that will see the indigenous population, especially, youths, women and children, reach their full potential. Still in its transition process, Minister
Allicock explained that the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry has developed a team which is assisting in reviewing, discussing and implementing plans.
He stated that new units will be created within the Ministry, with an aim of ensuring that the agency is equipped with capable individuals to carry out their duties, because “for too long we have been having officers who are sitting in their air-conditioned rooms and imagining the needs of the community”. The women in Siparuta have a very thriving organisation, and there are plans to open a food processing factory to utilise the pineapples and papaw that they produce. According to Minister Lowe, similar plans are in store for indigenous women across the country.
Agro-processing, tourism, catering, craft and jewellery making are just a few of the areas that the Ministry will be supporting to ensure women empowerment and given the opportunity
lated districts; however, one of the immediate priorities will be to revitalising the Bina Hill Institute, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where six months to two-year courses can be made available to youths in about eight skill areas.
Scotiabank to host HIV Regional Testing Day
Sto provide for their family. Amerindian foods should be a part of the Guyanese cuisine served at restaurants, and women will be trained in this regard, Minister Lowe said. Indigenous fashion will also be promoted, especially among young women. The
Meanwhile, Williams explained that there is need for a situation analysis, and that is something that will be addressed shortly. In the interim, he said that the Ministry has embarked on a consultative approach with persons who can make a difference, and who have the requisite capability to develop sports in indigenous communities. A concept has been drafted, and the fundamental points crystallised, he said. Among oth-
intention, she said, is to create an environment where Amerindians can explore their talents and, at the same time, help the rest of Guyana to have a greater appreciation of their way of life.
One of the most alarming issues raised by residents was that of youths dropping out of school and engaging in illegal activities. Minister Allicock explained that the Ministry is currently looking at creating programmes that will see youths developing both academically and recreationally. Currently, the Ministry is in the process of reviewing the Community Support Officers Programme under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Project, which Minister Allicock said was badly implemented in that it did not provide the students with a skill certificate.
The Minister noted that the Ministry will be looking at building technical training centres in highly popu-
er sports disciplines, football has been one of the stronger points in indigenous communities. Williams pointed out that the quality of football players in the hinterland is something to be proud of, and the intention is that within three years, a significant number of youths will be on the national football team.
The Ministry is also in consultation with the Guyana Scouts Association to ensure that hinterland youths are given the opportunity to interact with their peers all across the country, in keeping with the President’s vision to create a solid nation. The communities are also asking for a secondary school to be built in their area. They said they encounter difficulties because they have to send their children to Skeldon, which is many miles away. The Minister explained that an inventory will have to be done, before such a decision is taken. (GINA)
cotiabank, through its Bright Future Programme, will be hosting the annual HIV Regional Testing Day exercise in Guyana at the Bank’s branches over the next weekend.
This is the seventh year that Scotiabank in Guyana is participating in this regional initiative under the aegis of the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/ AIDS (CBMP) in collaboration with the Pan Caribbean Partnership on HIV/AIDS (PANCAP) and the Health Ministry.
Persons can visit any one of the testing sites during the day where trained personnel from the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) will conduct confidential screenings and provide counselling on taking precautions to stop the spread of HIV. Clinics will be held at the following Scotiabank branches across Guyana: Robb Street, Carmichael Street, Bartica, and New Amsterdam on Friday, June 26, and at the Parika branch on Sunday, June 28.
Scotiabank branches across the Caribbean will again lead the charge in providing private and confidential locations to facilitate voluntary HIV counselling and testing. Scotiabank recently kicked off a vibrant social media promotion of the initiative through Facebook and Twitter.
The campaign theme is “We all have a status.... what’s yours?”, while the
Twitter campaign hashtags are #ScotiabankHIVRTD #WhatsYourStatus. The social media campaigns are geared towards creating awareness of Regional Testing Day; stimulating discussion and building engagement; and encouraging the public to get tested.
HIV Counselling and Testing is an important entry point into comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment programmes and services. Counselling and Testing programmes provide an opportunity for more persons to know their HIV status; for the negative client to receive risk reduction counselling and support to stay negative; and for the HIV-infected client to be referred early into treatment and care programmes and further counselled and supported.
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada’s most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic programme, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports.
Recognised as a leader for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some US$50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world.
UN agency praises Cuba’s food security programme
United Nations agencies, notably the World Health Organisation (WHO); United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), have praised Cuba for achievements in satisfying its people’s basic needs.
Most recently, the FAO representative in Cuba, Theodor Frederick, testified to the Cuban Government’s success in maintaining food security for all Cubans. He based his remarks, made on May
30 in Havana, on the recently-published FAO document titled “Panorama of Food and Nutritional Insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean- 2015”. Some of the data provided in that publication appeared earlier in the FAO publication “The State of Food Insecurity in the World - 2014,” which offers a wide-ranging survey of hunger in the world – more precisely, under nutrition. It cites a total of 805 million persons who were hungry that year, or nine percent of the world’s population.
From the left, David James, Bhupaul Jhagroo, Junior Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister Sydney Allicock, along with Mervyn Williams in Siparuta
A resident of Siparuta raising a concern during the meeting at the Siparuta Primary School
Business flat, consumer confidence weak
… Dookhoo hopeful of rebound, awaits Govt initiatives
By Gomatie GanGadin
Amid a slowdown in business during the pre and post election period, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is hopeful that business would soon speed up but reasoned that the rate at which this change occurs will depend largely on the new A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government.
Former PSC Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo, speaking to Guyana Times, stated that the slowdown in business activity which developed before, and during the May 11 election period, is yet to end. Dookhoo is the current Trade and Investment Chairman of the PSC. “My own assessment is that there was a down period before and after the election.
As predicted, we are still getting slow business on the commercial side. If you draw the line a little longer and examine the trend, you probably will see it going upwards again commercially,” Dookhoo said.
Prior to the May 11 polls, Dookhoo had made headlines when he said “the Private Sector hates elections. We do no business before elections and we do no business after elections, so we hate elections.” He had said then that the business community was in a “stand and wait” mode as it awaited the completion of the election. The tension just after the closely contested polls had forced several businesses to remain closed as Guyanese waited for the declaration of official results from the Guyana Elections Commission.
Dookhoo is also the President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC). He said there are also concerns among the business community about contracts not being issued by the new Government and remittances not being received. “This is a big issue in the construction sector and the faster the Government looks at that and puts things back in line, the faster we will get back,” he added.
Turning his attention to fears being expressed that the economy was likely to face a contraction, Dookhoo said it was too early to make such a determination. The new Administration has only been in Government for 30 days. To this end, Dookhoo
said it was hard to make an assessment of the new Government’s economic policy, although it was laid out to a large extent in its election manifesto.
While efforts to reach Lance Hinds, President of the GCCI proved futile, in the meantime, former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and proprietor of the German’s Restaurant, Clinton Urling, told Guyana Times that he was in full agreement with the concerns which were raised by the PSC official.
Stagnant Urling said that he is still searching for answers as to why the economy remains stagnant, even with the end to the election period.
“The economy right now is practically at a standstill. The retail sales are moving at a snail’s pace.
I would have thought that given the fact that the elections are over and we have a new Government that consumers’ confidence would have been restored but business, especially for the retail stores is really slow. I don’t understand and I don’t have an explanation as to why,” Urling told this publication.
According to the businessman, while it was expected during the election period, he has not seen such a significant drop in business transactions over the past years. He, however, alluded to the troubled gold industry and the non presentation of Budget 2015 as two reasons why the economy is in the state it is currently in.
“I really haven’t seen anything like this in years but I guess with the gold industry not doing so well right now and the fact that the 2015 Budget has not yet been presented are factors that could have led to this. We will just have to wait and see what will happen in the budget and that will give us a clear indication of what is taking
place and what will happen,” Urling intoned.
He shared that while he will not take a political stance at this point in time and it was too early to comment on the Government’s economic policies, at this point in time, expansionary policies were largely needed as well as the examination of tax reforms.
Range of initiatives
On June 4, the PSC Chairman and Executives of the Private Sector Commission met with President David Granger to discuss a range of issues of interest to the Private Sector.
The discussions covered topics which ranged from legislative matters to infrastructural needs of the country. In a statement, the Commission said it emphasised the need for a reorganisation of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), as well as, for telecoms liberalisation and tax reform. The
urgent need for legislation to address money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the issue of bribery was underlined.
The Commission reiterated its support for a Public Procurement Commission and an Integrity Commission. The President was also presented with a copy of the United Kingdom Anti-Bribery Legislation for his consideration by the Commission.
The business leaders also highlighted the issue of high crime rates in the country, which President Granger has pledged to address. Solid waste management and the need for improvement of tertiary institutions were also on the agenda.
The infrastructural needs of the country were also discussed with the President, in particular the need to expand the main airport and achieve category one status for Guyana, the requirement for capital dredging of the Demerara Channel were re-
viewed.
The Commission endorsed their support for the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project and the completion of the Marriott Hotel. The new Government’s plans to hold the long-awaited Local Government Elections were actively supported.
The Private Sector, consistent with its tradition of collaborating with Government, and the role it played in supporting the Economic Recovery Programme, the National Development Strategy, the
Poverty Reduction Strategy, National Competitiveness Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy pledged its continuing support for the Government’s development agenda.
The Commission explained that, through the Competitiveness Strategy, public-private dialogue bodies had been established, which provided a useful mechanism for guiding Government policy and decision-making, and suggested that these could be reconstituted.
The Commission also indicated that it would be willing to collaborate with the Government to organise an economic forum at which priorities for the economy could be distilled through dialogue.
The President supported this suggestion and mandated the Commission to commence planning a Forum, which would include the views of all stakeholders from civil society, labour and religion.
Clinton Urling
Ramesh Dookhoo
Ex-cop succumbs days after Rose Hall shooting Govt set to repeal Former Presidents Bill
Former Police Constable Ravi Outar, who was shot execution style in front of his business place at Rose Hall, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has succumb to his injuries.
Medical officials at the Georgetown Public Hospital confirmed that the 38-yearold died after the area where a bullet was lodged, close to his heart, became infected.
Outar of 2nd Street, Rose Hall, was shot five times when a lone gunman opened fire on him at approximately 20:30h on June 10, as he was sitting in front of his bar, Outar’s Pool Hall and Bar.
In May 2002, Outar and three other ranks of the Guyana Police Force were shot and injured after they ambushed and came under fire from the 2002 Mash Day prison escapees, Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore, Shawn Brown, Mark Fraser and Troy Dick. At the time, the ranks were investigating the movement of a suspicious vehicle at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara.
Outar, who played a major role as a crime fighter on the East Coast of Demerara during the time when gunmen in Buxton controlled the area, was also linked to a spate of robberies at Whim, Corentyne, during
a wretched period in 2007. He was subsequently transferred to an interior location but resigned from the Guyana Police Force. It had been reported that in 2007, while Outar was on his annual vacation, a series of robberies rocked Rose Hall and neighbouring areas.
Residents staged massive protests, accusing the Police of being involved, personally fingering Outar. This led to the transfer of all the ranks, including Outar, who was stationed
at the Whim Police Station. He had joined the force in 1995. Meanwhile on June 15, A Jamaican national, Ravin Mc Lean, was refused bail on an attempted murder charge. Police claim that Mc Lean transported the gunman to the scene of the shooting that claimed Outar’s life.
Mc Lean is expected to be back in court on June 29, but instead will be facing a murder charge. Outar leaved to mourn a wife and four children.
With a one-seat majority in the House, the new Government has proposed to repeal the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act and replace it with a new bill with significant caps.
The Opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic is on record objecting to the move and characterised it as a vulgar assault on former President Bharrat Jagdeo under whose watch the Bill to be repealed was signed into law.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the purpose of the new Bill is to repeal the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act, Cap. 27:17, Act 12 of 2009, to provide greater specificity, especially if account is taken of the fact that the former President is eligible for a pension which is 7/8s that of the President in office.
Besides, the memorandum states that in keeping with Resolution No 22 passed by the National Assembly on August 2, 2012, this Bill seeks to render the conditions acceptable and predictable and to place a limit on the benefits, including tax-free concessions, to which former Presidents are now entitled. The Bill also specifies some conditions under which the benefits may be enjoyed.
According to the proposed Bill, every person who has held the office of President substantively shall be entitled to the following benefits and facilities: payment in respect of expenses incurred for the provision and use of: water, $25,000 per month; electricity, $25,000 per month and telephone, $25,000 per month at that person’s habitual place of residence in Guyana.
In addition, the former President shall be entitled to services of personal and household staff, including a gardener, provided that the total number of such staff shall not exceed three persons, including any member of the staff who may be on earned vacation or sick leave. Services of clerical and technical staff not exceeding three, if requested, retained for non-political purposes related to the status of former President or to any State related task or assignment to the former President officially and for which no additional remuneration is payable. Additionally, the Bill sets out that subject to a financial limit of $2,000,000 per annum, free medical attention and treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by a former President for himself and his children below the age of 18 years and the spouse of the former President provided that the reimbursement shall not be given where any attention and treatment obtained abroad or at private health facilities in Guyana were available in Guyana at Government institutions.
Security
Regarding security the Bill sets out that full time personal security, not exceeding two persons including the services of the President Guard Service shall be provided at the place of residence of the former President as well as the provision of not more than two motor vehicles owned and maintained by the State. The former President will also
enjoy toll free transportation and an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two first class return airfares provided on the same conditions applicable to judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature. The benefits and facilities granted under shall not be the subject of any tax exemptions, conces-
sions or privileges.
The Bill also specifies that a former President shall cease to be entitled to the benefits and other facilities provided under Section Three, if the former President engages in business, trade or paid employment or is convicted of a criminal offence for which a term of imprisonment is imposed.
Vulgar assault
While in Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) had used their majority to repeal the said Bill and pass their version. At the time the then Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had described the move as an affront to the National Assembly and the people of Guyana, and not just former Presidents. The Minister said that the caps were an insult. He said back then that the wording of several sections of the amended Bill are also a cause for concern, citing the revised benefits as only applying to the naturally-born children of former Presidents. “This automatically discriminates against the possibility of adopted children benefiting, and is an offence to the tremendous work that Government has done over the years to ensure equal rights for all Guyanese,” Dr Singh had said.
He mentioned too that the clause calling for the removal of all benefits from a former President once charged is against the accepted notion of natural justice which presumes that everyone is innocent unless proven guilty. Dr Singh had described the efforts of the then Opposition as “an attempt to stoke a manufactured controversy they started during the 2011 election campaign”. He noted that the formula for setting the former President’s pension dates back to 2004. The Former Presidents’ Facilities and Benefits Act was part of a holistic package encompassing a comprehensive benefits package for the leader of the parliamentary Opposition and for former spouses of the President when it was introduced and passed in 2009 by the PPP/C Government.
Wood exporter shot twice...
Only last week, the Guyana Police Force reported a 10 per cent increase in serious crimes at the end of May, when compared to the same period in 2014. Among the serious crimes monitored by the Force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping. The Police in the recent statistics revealed that a total of 66 murders were recorded at the end of May, in com-
parison to 59 murders at the end of May 2014, which saw a 12 per cent increase. Unto the eleventh day of June, eight murders were recorded compared to six for the same period in June 2014. Also, the Police stated that at the end of May 2015, robbery under arms overall has decreased by eight per cent, in comparison to the same period in 2014. The statistics released by the Police also indicated a decrease of nine per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms;
and a six per cent decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators. Unto the end of May this year, a total of 50 illegal firearms were recovered by the Police, comprising 31 pistols, 10 revolvers, three shotguns, five rifles and one pen-gun. The Police are however urging members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious person(s) who they may observe lurking in their neighbourhood.
Ravi Outar
CGX gets extension to explore for oil
…buoyed by ExxonMobil’s success
By Alexis Rodney
Canadian oil and gas exploration company
CGX Energy Inc on Friday announced that the Government of Guyana has granted an extension for it to continue its work commitments on the Corentyne Block in offshore Guyana.
The extensions have come at a time when the company has seen a boost in its prospects of recovering oil from its 100 per cent owned Corentyne Block, particularly because of the success of its counterpart, the United States-based exploration company ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil recently declared that it had discovered oil in its Stabroek offshore block, a few weeks after it had run into hydrocarbon. The company began drilling in early March.
CGX’s Co-Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine said “The company deeply appreciates the cooperation of the Government of Guyana in granting the spud date extension to CGX Energy.
This will allow us the time to design and plan for the spudding of the next exploration well on the Corentyne Block as we are very encouraged by the recent discovery by ExxonMobil on the Stabroek Block located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana and immediately adjacent to the Corentyne Block”.
He said the company, one of the longstanding operators in the basin, is delighted to affirm its continued commitment to Guyana and to exploration of the Guyana Suriname Basin. “This is an exciting time for Guyana and the Guyanese people,” Narine said.
He added that the Corentyne Block and the area where the company is expected to drill its next well is completely unencumbered and “furthermore CGX Energy envisions no reason which will affect its exploration commitments in all its licenses in Guyana.”
On Thursday, the company resident in Guyana for some 15 years, received approval to extend its spud date deadlines on the Corentyne Block.
The Government of Guyana granted approval of
the extensions effective June 18, for the spud date on the first commitment well from October 31, 2015 to July 31, 2016 and an extension to the spud date deadline on the second commitment well from November 27, 2016 to November 27, 2017. These extensions were granted to allow the company to determine how best to explore the acreage given recent positive developments in the basin related to the discovery of hydrocarbons. The Corentyne Block is 100 per cent owned by the Company.
The reasons for the extension, Narine explained, is to allow the company to take advantage of the learning that has been done within the past year in the basin and apply it to fine-tune the company’s well. He said the Guyana- Suriname Basin, referred to as the “Frontier Basin”, has had just a few wells drilled.
According to Narine, every time the company drills a well off shore Guyana, it is able to calibrate the seismic surveys that are conducted. “Every well allows us to look through a glass a little bit less darkly.”
According to Narine, the recent find by Exxon is of very material event in the basin. Exxon Mobil, according to him, has drilled the same Prospects that CGX had developed over the years. He said it was very “exciting”, to have the USbased oil company prove what CGX has always said was a “giant target”.
According to Nairne, the company felt it was the most responsible thing to do, given the fact that one of the wells could cause an upward of at least $150 million.
The second extension was requested because, according to him, if the company should drill in July of next year, and given the fact that a well takes three to six months to properly drill, it would take the company somewhere up to November of 2016. He said when the company hits, or finds oil, it will require a significant amount of time, as being taken by ExxonMobil, to assess the nature of the commerciality of the find, which will eventually dictate how the next design would be made.
Narine said the company, which expects to spend some US$320 million over the next three years, views its exploratory work in Guyana as a clear partnership with the Government and the people of Guyana.
“We are really quite delighted and really quite on phase with the noise that we are hearing”, he said.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dewi Jones said the extension on the work commitments allows CGX to technically weigh how best to proceed with its drilling campaign. “We are currently investigating joint ventures to drill the next exploration well given the renewed interest in the GuyanaSuriname Basin.
However, in the event we are not successful in attracting a suitable joint venture partner, the company will seek alternative financing structures in order to drill the next well and meet its work commitments in Guyana.”
The company also announced that it does not view border claims from Venezuela to have a material impact on the company’s acreage offshore.
The company had earlier this month said with the recent oil discovery made by ExxonMobil, it will now be moving quickly to determine how best it could develop its acreage given its current financial constraints. It said it was encouraged by ‘significant discovery on the Stabroek Block’ located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana and immediately adjacent to our acreage.” The company’s licences in Guyana covers some 3.3 million acres gross and 3.0 million acres net.
Of all the companies operating in the country, CGX Energy is said to be the most exposed. The company’s entire portfolio is focused on Guyana, in both the onshore and offshore basins. Onshore, the company holds a majority stake in the Berbice Block, through the ON Energy joint venture, owned 62.5 per cent by CGX Energy and 37.5 per cent by local investors. However, exploration results on the block have been disappointing, with three dry holes drilled in 2005. Moving offshore, it has a 100 per cent stake in three offshore blocks, Corentyne, Corentyne Annex and Pomeroon.
In 2012, CGX participated in two offshore wells –the Eagle-1 well was drilled on the Corentyne Licence and the Jaguar-1 well was drilled on the Georgetown Licence. The Eagle-1 well had oil and gas, and the Jaguar-1 well sampled light oil in two zones. Both wells were abandoned. Eagle-1 as a dry hole and Jaguar-1 for safety concerns.
Heavy rains drown city again
Continuous rainfall from Thursday evening to early Friday morning has resulted in drastic floods in several sections of Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown, causing residents of the city to implore the Government for improved drainage systems.
Residents of Charlestown are calling on the Government to provide a proper drainage system to their community as the flooding has caused very dire effects to their daily routine. The residents have complained that while measures were undertaken to improve the drainage in the city, nothing has been done to their community despite several promises by the Government.
Mark Christopher, a resident of Charlestown told Guyana Times that the area is constantly flooded. “This morning I wake up and this is what I see. Every time lil’ rain fall, this is what does happen”, the distressed man revealed. “This thing really affecting us here and we callin’ on President Granger to at least clear up the drains and help out with this situation,” the man implored.
In Albouystown, the residents said that the flooding, which is a regular occurrence, has impeded many persons from going about their daily lives and as such they are pleading with the Government to address their concerns. One resident of the area, who chose to remain
anonymous, stated that while he is unaware of the direct cause of the flooding, he is of the view that more can be done by the Government to improve the situation. “It’s a really bad situation here. We got to get something done about this because what happens here is that, as soon as the rain falls…even a few centimetres, the whole place floods,” he stated.
Meanwhile over at Alexander Village, the residents are complaining that despite the constant flooding,
stantly facing damages due to the floods. “Just last week a set a’ we belongings were destroyed,” the frustrated woman revealed. “Something has to happen; they got to dredge the kokers or dig the drains.”
Some residents stated that the constant flooding can be averted if proper measures are put in place to do just that. One family informed this publication that due to squatters occupying the plot of land which is supposed to be used for the construction of a drainage channel, the area is constantly under water. They also blamed the poor maintenance done on the existing drainage systems.
Desiree Persaud of Alexander Village dubbed the area “Flood Street, Alexander Village” stating that the area is always flooded. “It is because they don’t dig the trenches deep enough; that is why we get flooded. The drains that we got full of grass and built up to the point that the goats in the area walk comfortably
attempts at improving the drainage in the areas have never been made. They stated that they are constantly incurring damages which have become an overbearing burden. “Every time the rain falls we deh under water. I had to build something to put my belongings up higher,” Collin Mc’Garrell stated.
His wife, Sharon Mc’Garrell, revealed that they are con-
across the trench,” the woman revealed. Her son, Mark Persaud, suggested that if certain areas are paid attention to, the constant flooding would cease. “We would really appreciate it if the Government could dig the back trench, ‘cause if they do that it would relieve all of the water from the village when the rain falls,” he stated.
In celebration of the upcoming Father’s Day, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) saluted dads within the organisation and in nearby communities on Friday.
The Company handed out tokens of appreciation, including hampers, to the
employees and three elderly fathers residing within neighbouring villages.
Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June every year to honour fathers and their influence on society, and the BBCI took this opportunity to give back to the community. The Company takes its corporate responsibilities seriously and plays an important role in the development of education and sports. It has also made donations to local charitable and non-charitable organisations.
The appreciative fathers with their tokens and other staffers at the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) Father’s Day Programme 2015
Charlestown on Friday afternoon
A view of the flooded Albouystown area on Friday afternoon
CGX’s Co-Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine
saturday, june 20, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com
Guyanese nabbed in Antigua with cocaine
AGuyanese woman who was nabbed at the VC Bird International Airport, Antigua on Tuesday last with a quantity of cocaine in her luggage was charged and placed in a detention facility.
Forty-nine-year-old Carlin Jocelyn Jackson left Guyana on Monday, June 15, on a Liat Flight via the Ogle International Airport that stopped over at St Lucia where she spent the night before continuing on to Antigua the following day. She arrived in Antigua via a LIAT 310 flight.
Johnson was slapped with charges of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to transfer, importation and being concerned in the supplying of cocaine. According to reports, the woman was seen operating in a suspicious manner which promoted narcotics officers on duty to conduct a search on her luggage.
During the search, the cocaine which weighed 1.2 kilograms was discovered in two false compartments inside her suitcase. The illicit substance, according to reports, is estimated to cost
Carlin Jocelyn Jackson
some EC$40,000. In February, Lloydanna Uleta Morris, 23; and Dennis Allistair France, 37; of Guyana were charged with the possession, intent to supply, trafficking and importation of cocaine when they appeared in a Barbados court.
It was reported that Morris arrived in Barbados on February 3 on a flight from Guyana and was granted entry into Barbados.
The next day, after receiving information, Police executed a search warrant at the room where she was staying at a Christ Church Hotel. While they found no
drugs, the woman reportedly confessed to bringing cocaine into the country days earlier.
She further confessed to handing it over to a man who came to her room to collect it. While Police were still in her room, the man she made reference to turned up and Morris pointed him out to Police. It was France, who also admitted that he took the cocaine home after he got it from Morris. Both were subsequently arrested.
After executing a warrant at France’s home, Police found a haversack with a girdle and four packages of cocaine inside. In court, the woman said she acted as a drug mule because she is a single parent, unable to provide for her child.
The woman further related that the child has reportedly already been taken from her care by a Government agency in Guyana, and a member of staff at the agency told her that if she gets sufficient funds, the child would be returned to her.
Once the two have served their time incarcerated in Barbados, they will be deported to Guyana.
US citizen nabbed at JFK with cocaine in baking powder from Guyana
AUnited States citizen was arrested on June 6 at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport moments after disembarking a Caribbean Airlines flight from Guyana with almost 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine in baking powder packets.
Alizah Zaneshia Henry was nabbed by US Customs and Border Protection Agents as she attempted to smuggle the cocaine through security at the airport. During a search, a large number of Champion baking powder packets were discovered under the clothes in her suitcase.
Based on a previous case whereby a man was arrested with cocaine in Champion Custard Powder Packets, the content of the packets were tested and proved to be cocaine. Henry was told of the offence and
arrested.
According to information received, the “baking powder” was turned over to Homeland Security, and Henry now faces federal smuggling charges. She will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in the US Eastern District Court of New York.
In recent weeks, at least two persons were nabbed at the JFK Airport as they attempted to smuggle cocaine into the country by means of Champion Brand products. One man was charged after he was found with some 8.1kg (18 pounds) of cocaine in custard powder bags and a woman was also caught with some 5.8kg (13 pounds).
Only last week, a national footballer, Manasseh Primo, was arrested in New York for trying to smuggle drugs into the United States.
Primo, also a striker with local club Alpha United, was nabbed at the JFK International Airport last Thursday after confessing that he swallowed cocaine pellets.
He has since excreted approximately 51 pellets, which amounted to some 740 grams of the illegal narcotic.
Upon his entry into the US, Primo told immigration officials at the JFK that he was there to participate in a football tournament as well as visit relatives.
However, the agents apparently did not believe Primo’s story and proceeded to interrogate him until he admitted to ingesting cocaine pellets. The Guyanese striker has since appeared in court and is currently being held at the Brooklyn Metro Detention Centre.
Meadow Brook shooting Police acquire CCTV footage
As Police continue their investigations into the shooting to death of Rubi Account Executive, Jason Cort, they have acquired surveillance footage that is presently being reviewed.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the Guyana Times that the CCTV footage was taken from nearby houses and will be thoroughly reviewed with the aim of getting an image of the perpetrator. He noted that once an image is detected, they will search their database for possible identification. As of now, Blanhum stated that no arrest have been made in connection with the murder.
Jason Cort, 27 of Lot 262 Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook Gardens, Greater Georgetown, was on Wednesday evening gunned down moments after returning to his Meadow Brook Gardens home. Based on reports, he was shot once to the chest by a lone gunman who escaped on foot. According to information reaching Guyana this publication, Cort was in the lower flat of the house while his girlfriend, Shauna Garraway,
was in the upper flat when he was reportedly confronted by a lone gunman. The unidentified gunman was reportedly later seen scaling the fence. Cort was also robbed of his licensed firearm, a sum of cash and a cellular phone.
Based on previous reports, the now dead man and the mother of his child were out earlier in the night. They returned home to check up on his aunt and drop off some coconut water they had earlier purchased. As they reached their place of abode, opened the door and went inside,
Garraway hurried to the upper flat to collect a coat, as they had intentions of watching a movie at Princess Theatres on the East Bank, while Cort continued to the lower flat to place the coconut water in the freezer.
As she was on the upper flat of the house, Garraway reportedly heard an explosion, followed by a male voice inquiring about money. She rushed back into the room, where she hid and called 911, as well as, several family members and friends. A close friend of the family then arrived at the scene, checked the area and informed the young lady that the coast was clear to come out.
It was then that she saw the father of her child lying unconscious on the lower flat of the house. Upon checking, the distraught girlfriend and friend discovered a bullet wound to Cort’s chest. He was rushed to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As the Police arrived on the scene, they dusted the area for finger prints and collected the spent 9mm shell that was left behind.
US, Guyana discuss constitutional reforms for judicial sector
Newly appointed Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Basil Williams, and Chargé d’ Affaires of the United States (US) Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt, on Friday had a meeting in which several key matters were discussed including constitutional reforms.
During its election campaigning activities, Executive Members of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change coalition had promised massive reforms to various titles within the Constitution of Guyana. To make true to its promise, the newly elected Government will be tabling the Constitution Amendment Bill at the second sitting of the 11th Parliament next Thursday, to provide financial autonomy to certain agencies. This was indicated by Williams to the US Chargé d’ Affaires during the meeting held at his Carmichael Street office, Georgetown.
Following the discussions, Hunt told media operatives that the primary thrust of
their discussion was for him to get an idea of the reforms that the new Government wishes to institute, in order to ensure the independence of the judiciary and due process within the country. “The Government has a number of, I think, very forward thinking ideas and we discussed the perimeters under which the United States may be able to assist them in cooperative in order to achieve those objectives,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General underscored the importance of meaningful reforms, noting that it requires a certain majority in Parliament so that it can be passed. “If we were to get that kind of majority, we will have to have the Opposition in Parliament. That’s not a problem for us; reaching out to the Opposition because it’s our main platform – to have a National Unity Government and to be inclusive,” Williams noted.
He went onto say that in order to enhance judicial independence in Guyana, his
Government intends to reform the Constitution.
The Legal Affairs Minister outlined that the Constitution Amendment Bill to be tabled next week will seek to restore independence of several Constitutional bodies that were eroded by legislations that made them budget agencies.
The Constitution Amendment Bill will be tabled by Minister Williams. The proposed entities to receive financial independence includes Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers; Judicial, Public, Teaching and Police Service Commissions; Public Service Appellate Tribunal; Public Procurement Commission; the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Guyana Elections Commission.
In addition, the Legal Affairs Minister outlined that there is an imminent bill expected on the independence of Parliament. This will not be tabled on Thursday, but will be done sometime in the near future. The bill will be titled “Clerk of Parliament”.
US church massacre suspect charged with murder
Dylann Roof, the 21-yearold man accused of shooting dead nine people in a rampage at a historic black South Carolina church, has been charged with nine counts of murder and one count of possession of a firearm, Charleston Police said on Friday.
The charge comes hours after he confessed to carrying out the attack, as the State Governor called on prosecutors to pursue the death sentence. Roof sat with church-
goers inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church for about an hour on Wednesday before opening fire. United States (US) officials are investigating Roof's attack, in which four Ministers were killed including a Democratic State Senator, as a hate crime. It comes in a year of turmoil in the United States, where police killings of several unarmed black men has provoked angry national debates about race relations, policing and the crim-
inal justice system. Roof had intended to set off new racial confrontations with his attack, this publication reported, citing a law enforcement source.
The report could not be immediately confirmed. A man, who identified himself as Roof's uncle stated that Roof's father had recently given him a .45-caliber handgun as a birthday present and that he had seemed adrift ever since.
Meanwhile, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley stated
that she would prefer to see Roof tried on state charges and that she believed state prosecutors should pursue a death sentence.
President Barack Obama has called the tragedy yet another example of damage caused by guns in America.
Charleston officials announced a prayer vigil for Friday evening. The city's Mayor described the shooting at the church as an act of "pure, pure concentrated evil."
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Jason Cort
Dylann Roof
Ruqayyah Boyer set to launch official PROVOTIQUE brand on Monday
Reigning Miss Guyana International 2014 Ruqayyah Boyer, who is also the former Miss Guyana Universe 2012, World 2013 is scheduled to launch the official PROVOTIQUE brand on Monday, June 22.
PROVOTIQUE is a new, innovative and dynamic trademark that will play host to several small businesses to be introduced in Guyana and the Diaspora throughout the upcoming months.
June 22 is set as the grand launch for PROVOTIQUE’s first installment which will be introduced virtually on it is official Facebook page as PROVOTIQUE Image and Beauty Pageant Consultancy.
PROVOTIQUE Image and Beauty Pageant Consultancy includes two sections of services; the first being the Image Consultancy that will be offering professional services and advice to the likes of Managers, Politicians, Diplomats, Entertainers, Working Professionals, Brand Ambassadors, Models, Television Personnel or any individual needing advice and assistance in developing and improving
their public image.
The second aspect will cater to providing professional advice and services to anyone wishing to compete in a beauty pageant or modelling competition. In this regard, Boyer is quite the expert as she would have gained much needed experience while representing Guyana at three of the world’s highest ranking pageants and been a part of the modelling circuit, both locally and internationally.
The beauty queen stated that in addition to the usual consultancy that
will be offered, as an extra introductory treat there will be an additional offer of pre-pageant coaching packages available to engage one-on-one or groups interested in such competitions locally and international.
In an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment, Boyer explained that while PROVOTIQUE will be introducing a brand of small businesses that cover a cross section of fields, it is not the end goal for her professional career. She further stated that pageantry has played a great role in her public image and her personal growth and since her last competition in Japan, she has been approached by several individuals locally and international for assistance in the field of pageantry and image development.
It is Boyer’s belief that image is very important for anyone to be successful in life, and as such, she decided to use her experiences and knowledge to help influence and navigate a pathway for others who are seeking such insight. She hinted that work is already being undertaken for the second instalment of PROVOTIQUE to be launched in early August.
West Demerara Secondary reunion on today
The Westside will definitely come alive on Saturday evening as the West Demerara Secondary School Old Students Association hosts its third Annual West Demerara Reunion and Old School Party. The grand party is slated for the school’s hall, Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
The first and second was off the hook and the third is expected to be much more exciting with several surprises. Among the activities at the event will be the free distribution of Tequila to the first 100 ladies among other specials. Tickets are going like hot cakes so make sure you have yours.
There will be bottle specials on all drinks throughout the evening. The par-
ty will be hyped by Slingerz Family along with Deejay Smallz. Advance tickets for the event cost $1000 and $1500 at the gate while vehicular passes are also available for $1000, which will allow for secure parking on the premises.
These tickets are available at Westsiderz Entertainment, Vreed-enHoop; West Demerara Secondary School, Versailles; Sunil’s DVD Club, Wales; and Avon DVD Club, Utivlugt.
The event is powered by Stag Beer, Westsiderz Entertainment, Bowsie Taxi Service and HD Signs and Designs. The third Annual West Demerara Reunion and Old School Party is one that you don’t wanna miss…
“Nothing to Laugh About 8”
– A Father’s Day treat
The theatrical spectacular “Nothing to Laugh About 8” is definitely a Father’s Day treat for all fathers this Sunday at the National Cultural Centre. Due to the overwhelming support, the show is back by popular demand and will have fathers holding onto the edge of their seats.
Directors thought that purchasing a ticket for the show is a perfect Father’s Day gift that will keep the patriarch’s stresses away for at least two hours. Tickets are already going like hot cakes and are available at several locations, including the box office of the National Cultural Centre, Giftland Office Max, Nigel’s Supermarket, Gizmos and Gadgets and Payless Variety Store.
The show is of high quality with a powerful cast of
seasoned comedians who are all set to thrill the audience from the beginning through the entire show.
The cast includes Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Henry Rodney, Michael Ignatius, Kirwyn Mars, Chris Gopaul, Clemencio Goddette, Leza “Radika” Singh, Mark “Chiney Man” Kazim,
The show’s stage manager is the ever-efficient Sonia
Tickets for the show cost $1000, $1500 and $2000.
Vocal power reigns supreme at “Princess 2015 Karaoke Star” auditions
The Princess International Hotel came alive last Saturday evening as 30 very talented amateur singers battled for supremacy and a chance to represent Guyana vocally in Trinidad. The was the first audition inside Club Next as singers from around Guyana battled fiercely to receive the judges nods to take them to the first leg of the “Princess Star Karaoke 2015 Showdown” which will take place at the same venue on Saturday, June 20. At last Saturday’s auditions,
the battle was fierce as each singer fused vocal power with catchy moves to gain the judges attention. At the end of the event, three lucky singers were ecstatic when they realised they had won three hefty hampers containing all the products of the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO).
It was quite evident that each singer was doing all they could to bring their ‘A’ Game to the stage as they presented for the audience and judges. The panel consisted
of Karaoke Queen “DJ Madonna”, Ruff Kut Studio’s “DJ Cody”, top fashion designer and singer Jason Shurland, overseas-based Musician and Author Jamall Adams, and certified Guyanese musician Devon Browne. Tears were shed as a few were told by the judges, ‘to come again next year’ after their lackluster performances. But among the 25 who made it to the first round, three performers literally brought the judges and audience to their feet in thunderous applause.
Those performers were Lashaun Charles and Junior Corbin of Georgetown, and Michael Spencer of Victoria, East Coast Demerara.
The event has attracted entrants from Linden, Berbice, Bartica, and Georgetown, and the West Demerara district.
The 25 lucky contestants short listed will face off at the first round of competition inside Princess Hotel’s Club Next on Saturday, June 30. Admission to this event has been set at $500. Making it to the first round
Others who were successful are Michael Spencer, Damion Apple, Silyne Griffith, Oconell Morgan, Brian Gonsalves, Shawn Williams, Kevin Scott, Gino Fullington, Qusa Pollard, runway diva “Maria”, Sharon Martin, Amanda Khani, Elizabeth Leung, and Sharon Jacobs.
are Oquela Jones, DJ Mambo, Sandra King, La shaun Charles, Petal Bailey, Crystal Moore, Iodele Gilbert, Petal France, Winifred Mason, Junior Corbin, and Lisa Walcott.
Reigning Miss Guyana International 2014 Ruqayyah Boyer
Lashaun Charles
Dameon Apple
Oqela Jones
Lisa Walcott
Leslyn Bobb-Semple, Gerard Gilkes, Simone Persaud, Alana Craigen, Leon Cummings, Johann David, and Brian Goodman.
Yarde.
Miss World Guyana 2015 to be revealed on June 26 Mr Guyana International to represent Guyana in The Bahamas
After weeks of interviews and screening, the Miss World Guyana Committee has selected a delegate to represent Guyana in Sanjay, China in December at the international pageant. The delegate will be revealed at a coronation ceremony on Friday, June 26 at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.
Guyana Times Entertainment understands that the lucky young lady has outshone 14 other con-
testants and is deemed the most suitable delegate to represent Guyana at the international pageant despite having no pageant experience.
The new queen will be crowned by reigning Miss World Guyana Rafieya Husain at a lavish ceremony.
Husain’s platform as the 2014 Miss World Guyana Queen has made an indelible mark on the lives of victims of domestic violence particularly teenagers. She
has used her “Beauty with a Purpose” platform to engage thousands of young people in Guyana, the Caribbean and further afield with messages of hope, love, and respect.
Having had one year to campaign for young people in violent relationships, Husain has to pass the baton to the new Miss World Guyana Queen, who was selected by the Directors of the Miss World Guyana Franchise.
Apart from the crowning, the much-anticipated event will see performances by popular radio host Nuriyyih Gerrard and talented poet Randolph Critchlow.
The coronation ceremony will be hosted by former beauty queens Ruqayyah Boyer, Miss World Guyana 2013 and Husain. All donations received will go towards the Miss World Guyana Beauty with a Purpose humanitarian fund.
The 2015 Miss World Guyana Coronation Ceremony is sponsored by the Marriott Hotel and Caribbean Airlines.
Mr. Guyana International 2014, Paul Charles will be representing Guyana in The Bahamas for the Music, Model, Talent Search (MMTS) 2015 International Conference slated for July 13-18.
Submissions for the conference were accepted from May 5 through May 25 using Instagram, Soundcloud and YouTube because those are the social media platforms where international scouts, agents, record labels and talent managers are discovering raw talent.
It took a panel of international judges much lon ger than expected to narrow down all of the entrees to only 12 finalists. The panel of judges selected a mu sic, model and talent winner, and each won an all-ex pense paid scholarship to attend the top Caribbean mu sic, model and talent search in the Region.
Each of the 12 finalists selected had the opportuni ty to share their submissions with their friends, fans and followers to garner votes for the People’s Choice. The inaugural Virtual Auditions Competition yield ed great support, as nearly 2500 votes came in from across the Caribbean in support of delegates from throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean be tween June 9 and June 12.
Each of the 12 finalists chosen also had the op portunity to share their submissions with their friends, fans and followers to garner votes for the People’s Choice Award. The finalist who earned the top number of online votes won “People’s Choice” and the fourth scholarship spot.
At the end of the selection, Guyana’s Paul Charles was selected as a model among the other three –
Vincent and The Grenadines); Talent: Trevis Belle (St Kitts and Nevis) and People’s Choice: Kazia Aurelien (Saint Lucia).
Nevertheless, all the finalists are officially invited to attend Island MMTS, which is an invite-only music, model and talent conference. The week-long event offers the opportunity to network closely with entertainment industry executives, agents, talent managers, record labels, modelling agencies, music producers, songwriters and international media.
Personalityprofile Fiano Spencer
Twenty-six-year-old Fiano Spencer, also called “Fifi” by her friends, is a professional dancer attached to the Classique Dance Company for the past six years. She is also a dance aerobics instructor at Body Maxx Gym and Fitness Paradise Gym.
This talented young woman was born to Margaret and Ovid Spencer. She has four brothers and four sisters. Her parents moved to Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown when she was 12 years old and she has been living there ever since.
She can vividly remember playing on the train line and in that time, there was no electricity in the village. She said the village did however have the most important things – family and good friends.
She attended the Bel Air Primary School and completed her secondary education at Central High school. Spencer then furthered her studies at the Georgetown School
of Nursing. She sees education as an important tool in her family since two of her elder sisters are trained teachers.
She has always been an active child, being involved in sports and dancing while in school. Dancing is not a hobby but a passion of hers, even though she had no technical training. She would perform at every single school concert which definitely paid off in the long run.
“It’s a blessing to have a talent that you can use to inspire and comfort others and it has been truly good so far even though in Guyana, dance is not given as much attention as it should be given… we still push on”, the professional dancer stated.
Her goal is to get on the international stage and represent Guyana through dance. Trinidadian soca sensation, Machel Montano is her inspiration and hopes one day to be one of his dancers.
She is currently a senior company member with the Classique Dance Company but recalled when she started six years ago; she spent three weeks in the intermediate class and six months in the advance class before she was promoted.
“It wasn’t a bed of roses, I had to work very hard to even keep up with the likes of Paul Charles, Meleesa Payne, Leslyn Lashley and others who are all amazing dancers, but it was worth it because it has provided so many opportunities for me”.
Director of the Dance Company, Clive Prowell gave her the hope of becoming a great dancer the moment he accepted her
into the school.
Since then, she has choreographed for the Feel the Beat Dance Competition, Digicel 2013 CPL cheerleaders, performed for various artistes at the Soca Monarch competition and she even had the opportunity perform in New York City for folk festival.
She joined the Heatwave Band as a choreographer and she now dances, as well as travels with the band to perform in countries adroad.
Apart from dance, she com peted in a fitness competition a year ago and won the prize for Best Legs, Miss Bikini and Mixed Pair Posing. She was ad judged the Best Overall.
She also participated in Flex Night 2014 where she placed 2nd in the Best Legs and Bikini segments. She is also a model and placed third in Sonia Noel’s Model Search in 2010.
“My advice to anyone who wants to be a part of dance or make it a career, is if that’s what u love and u really want to then go for it but it shouldn’t be a hobby…. It should be a passion and be prepared to
Music: Alyssa Bullock Sterling (St
work extremely hard because it’s not going to be easy but it’ll be worth it and always, always remain humble because humility can take you a far way”.
In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her friends
vourite colour is yellow and yes guys, she is
Ruqayyah Boyer
Paul Charles
Rafieya Husain
Halep shocked by Kristina Mladenovic
Woods’ struggles continue at US Open
Top seed Simona Halep is out of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham after losing 2-6 6-0 7-6 (7-4) to Kristina Mladenovic in the quarter-finals.
The Romanian, bidding for a fourth singles title of the year, was overpowered by the world number 43.
Halep, 23, reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon
last year, while France’s Mladenovic has never been past the first round in three appearances.
Fourth seed Angelique Kerber is now the top-seeded player left in the draw.
The German beat Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic 6-2 6-4.
Mladenovic will face sixth seed Karolina Pliskova in the
semi-finals after she followed up her win over Britain’s Johanna Konta with an impressive 6-2 6-2 victory over third seed Carla Suarez Navarro.
Kerber will take on compatriot Sabine Lisicki, who beat Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova 7-6 (7-2) 6-2. (BBC Sport)
Murray reaches final 4 of Queen’s
Three-time champion
Andy Murray overcame a fine grass-court display by Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller to reach the semi-finals at Queen’s Club.
The top seed came through 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 at the Aegon Championships.
Muller, ranked 48th, played clinically until the second set tie-break, when Murray stepped up a gear.
The British number one goes on to play the winner of Friday’s remaining quarterfinal between John Isner and Viktor Troicki.
Saturday’s other semifinal will see South African Kevin Anderson take on France’s Gilles Simon.
Murray, 28, eventually found his sharpest footwork, and with it a way past the big-serving Muller, after struggling to make much impression for the first 70 minutes.
“I started to read the serve a bit better at the end of the tie-break and that was when the match changed,” the Scot told BBC Sport.
“It’s always tough when
you’re behind and I wasn’t getting many chances, but at the end I started to return better and relaxed a bit more, and I played some good tennis.
“Hopefully I can take that form into the semi-finals.”
Muller is coached by Briton Jamie Delgado, Murray’s friend and former Davis Cup team-mate, and for the best part of two sets the outsiders looked to have devised a winning strategy.
The 32-year-old grabbed his chance to break for a 3-1 lead and held on under pressure in the next game with some calm serving.
Muller moved smoothly towards the finish line for the next hour or so, seeing out the first set in 32 minutes and denying Murray another break point as the second progressed.
Murray was lambasting his own movement and, urged on by coach Jonas Bjorkman on the sidelines, the Scot finally made his move in the tie-break.
A running forehand pass had Murray’s supporters on
their feet and he then attacked a second serve for the double break, taking the tiebreak for the loss of just two points.
Muller’s cool exterior finally cracked and a first-serve percentage hovering around 30 per cent left him vulnerable early in the decider.
Murray was now bouncing around the baseline, eager to attack the Muller serve, and a thumping forehand down the line brought him what proved to be the decisive break.
For all Muller’s early excellence he had been unable to get anywhere near the 37 aces of his first-round match, and by the end had managed just eight to Murray’s 13.
A beautiful Murray forehand lob and more winning drop shots saw Muller pulled in every direction, and the Briton sealed victory after one hour and 56 minutes.
In the earlier quarter-finals, Anderson beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-6 (9-7) 7-5, and Simon converted his fifth match point to edge out Milos Raonic 4-6 6-3 7-5.
Tiger Woods’ struggles continued as he carded a 10-over-par 80 in the first round of the US Open at Chambers Bay.
The 14-time major winner had a triple bogey seven and is 15 shots behind Dustin Johnson of America and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson who lead on five under.
Johnson’s compatriot Patrick Reed is second on four under.
Scotland’s Marc Warren is the leading Briton on two under, while world number one Rory McIlroy and 2013
champion Justin Rose finished two over.
The former world number one set the pattern for what would turn out to be his worst round at the US Open with a bogey-bogey start. Wild drives, short-iron failures and missed putts followed in a disastrous opening 80.
One hack out of the rough led to him losing grip on his club and watching as it disappeared over his left shoulder and 30 feet behind him. He had to check it carefully to make sure it had not been bent in the process.
Woods also missed the 13th fairway, the widest on the course at a touch over 100 yards, despite ditching his driver and using a threewood for accuracy. It was the par-four holes that proved most problematic with eight bogeys and a triple-bogey seven. And to cap off an awful day for the 39-year-old American, he topped a threewood on the last which scuttled into the deepest bunker on the course as he finished with a bogey.
Any highlights? He managed a birdie on the 16th.
Fifa president backs integrity checks
Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter is backing a proposal for the world governing body’s top officials to pass integrity checks.
Fifa’s executive committee will discuss the proposal in Zurich on 20 July, when it will also set the date of the new presidential election.
Blatter said “decisions on extensive changes to the Fifa structure” will also be taken then.
He added the test had previously been blocked by European federation Uefa.
The idea has been put forward again by Fifa executive committee member Wolfgang Niersbach of Germany.
Blatter, who passed an
integrity test in February, said: “Confederations are meant to screen officials but a new system would likely see Fifa’s ethics chairmen assessing them more rigorously.”
On 2 June - only four days after being elected for a fifth, four-year presidential term - Blatter announced plans to step down amid investigations into alleged corruption involving some Fifa officials.
There have been suggestions he might seek to stand again, but Fifa said he stands by that statement of intent to step down.
“The future of Fifa has begun,” Blatter added. “The key is to strengthen democracy within the Fifa govern-
ment.”
Highlighting how Asia was the only regional body with an independent ethics body like Fifa, Blatter said other confederations “are lacking” and must “acknowledge their responsibility in matters of ethics”.
Blatter, 79, added: “German Football Association president Niersbach has broached a subject that has so far been blocked by Uefa, of all associations.
“The message he has thereby sent out must apply to everyone: Only together can we continue to drive the process of reform forward. That is something I will stand for until my final day in office.” (BBC Sport)
Kristina Mladenovic
Andy Murray
Tiger Woods
Sepp Blatter
Dhoni, Mustafizur fined for collision
India’s ODI captain MS Dhoni and the debutant Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman have been fined for their collision during the first ODI in Mirpur. Dhoni has been docked 75% of his match fee, and the Man of the Match Mustafizur lost 50% of his.
The incident occurred in the 25th over of India’s innings when Dhoni set off on a single after playing the ball to mid-off. Mustafizur, a left-arm bowler operating from over the wicket, appeared to have glanced at the batsman and then moved towards the path Dhoni was running. Dhoni ran into Mustafizur during the run, and appeared to shove him out of his way with his forearm. Mustafizur left the field for a bit before returning to complete a five-for on debut.
Earlier in the innings Mustafizur was involved in a similar incident with India opener Rohit Sharma, but that collision was softer though Rohit
was later seen pointing his finger at the bowler. ESPNcricinfo has learnt that that only Dhoni had been charged initially, but India decided to contest the charge. Dhoni claimed that he tried his best to avoid the collision, shifting the bat to his right hand while he had been holding it in both hands earlier, and moving his head away as he approached Mustafizur. However, he couldn’t avoid the contact with his left arm.
the non-striker, running close, and they also brought up the Rohit incident in their defence. Replays were seen repeatedly in the hearing.
India also claimed that there was no space on the right with Suresh Raina,
Mustafizur was eventually called up, but he too pleaded not guilty to
the charge, but the ICC eventually found them both to be in breach of Article 2.2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play during an international match”.
In the eventual ruling by match referee Andy Pycroft,
Dhoni’s experience went against him. “In the hearing, Dhoni defended the charge on the basis that the bowler was on the wrong line and realising that he couldn’t avoid the col-
lision, he used his hand and arm to push him away as he went through to ‘minimise the impact,’” Pycroft said. “However, my assessment was that Dhoni deliberately pushed and shouldered Mustafizur, which was inappropriate.
“Even if there was a narrow gap between the runner [Raina] and the bowler, an experienced Dhoni should have tried to avoid the collision as cricket is a non-contact sport and the players are expected to avoid physical contact at all times. On this basis, I fined Dhoni 75% of his match fee”.
Mustafizur admitted his guilt when faced with video evidence of the incident. “Mustafizur was fined 50% of his match fee after he admitted that his actions in not getting out of the batsman’s way were inappropriate and he should have done more to avoid the contact,” Pycroft said. (Cricinfo)
Silva, Prasad put Sri Lanka in charge
Sri Lanka took control of the Galle Test, reducing Pakistan to 118 for 5 at stumps on the third day and leaving them facing a steep climb on a pitch with plenty of help for the spinners. When rain brought play to a close eight overs early, Pakistan were 182 runs adrift of Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 300. That total was made possible by a dogged 125 from Kaushal Silva, who held the innings together in the morning even as wickets kept falling at the other end.
When Sri Lanka lost their last wicket halfway into the post-lunch session, the match appeared in the balance. It only took Dhammika Prasad ten balls to swing the advantage firmly the home side’s way. Last ball of his first over, Mohammad Hafeez chased a full outswinger and nicked to third slip; fourth ball of his second, Ahmed Shehzad
played back to a length ball and fell over as it nipped back and pinged him on the front pad, in front of middle stump. Shehzad chose not to review, wisely, as ball-tracking showed umpire Richard Illingworth’s decision would stand with the ball appearing to clip the outside half of leg stump.
Rangana Herath has had the wood over Azhar Ali, and had dismissed him six times in Tests before he came in to bat today. Azhar was ill at ease against his flight and dip throughout his stay at the crease, and it was no surprise when he shuffled indecisively across his crease to an arm ball that beat his inside edge and smacked his pad right in front.
Post-tea, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq staged a brief recovery and showed positive intent during a fourth-wicket partnership of
51, with Younis in particular looking to use his feet against the spinners and put pressure back on them. He got to 47 with a number of punchy blows - including a muscular six off Dilruwan Perera that smacked into the top of the sightscreenbefore perishing by the same methods that had brought him his runs. Dilruwan switched angle to around the wicket, and straightened an offbreak past Younis’ inside edge when he came down the track and looked to drive inside-out with an angled bat; 86 for 4.
Pakistan had added only 10 to their total when Nuwan Pradeep sucked Misbah into driving at a fullish ball in the corridor that shaped away ever so slightly. Pushing in front of his body with a minimal front-foot stride, he could only edge thickly to the left of Kumar Sangakkara, who took a terrific catch diving to his left from first slip.
At that point Pakistan were tottering, still 55 short of the follow-on mark. Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed batted through to stumps and minimised the chances of falling short of that target, but Pakistan were still in ample danger of conceding a big enough lead for Sri Lanka to win despite all the time lost to rain.
In that light, Silva’s efforts in the morning were priceless. He only added 45 to his overnight score despite batting through the first session and close to ten overs of the second. His solid presence at one end meant Pakistan were only able to chip away at the middle and lower order rather than blast their way through.
Pakistan’s bowling was persistent and incisive right through. The morning began with Yasir Shah ripping his legbreaks from a dangerous length and Wahab Riaz hustling in with pace and menace from the other. Wahab made the first breakthrough of the morning when he bowled Angelo Mathews from around the wicket. He found the perfect length, full but not quite drive-able, to exploit Mathews’ short, almost non-existent frontfoot stride and resultant angled bat, and kiss his inside edge onto the stumps.
Sri Lanka’s score inched along, with the bowlers maintaining constricting lines, and Silva had only made three runs in 27 balls before he put Yasir away for two fours in one over, driving him with the turn through the covers and against it through midwicket. Dinesh Chandimal, similarly becalmed till then, struck three fours in two overs from Zulfiqar Babar.
Just when Sri Lanka seemed to have grabbed some of the momentum, the second
new ball pegged them back. Pakistan took it as soon as it was due, but continued with Babar’s left-arm spin, contending that the shine would add extra skid to his arm ball. Babar struck Silva on the front pad with one such ball, with height possibly saving the batsman, and produced another lbw shout against Chandimal in his next over, before bowling him when he unwisely tried to make room and cut.
Junaid Khan, keeping it tight without quite showing the incision of his fellow leftarm seamer Wahab, nearly got on the scorecard when he found the edge of Kithuruwan Vithanage’s flashing, crooked bat outside off, but the ball flew too quickly for the airborne Younis Khan to grab it at second slip.
Pakistan didn’t have to wait too long for Vithanage’s wicket, though, and like Lahiru Thirimanne on the second day, he too fell to a soft dismissal, and he too fell to that scourge of left-handed batsmen, Hafeez. The ball that got him was an innocuous low full-toss, which he popped straight back to the bowler. It was Hafeez’s 51st Test wicket, and his 35th of a left-handed batsman.
Yasir had looked the most threatening Pakistan bowler but his first wicket only came when he had Dilruwan caught behind with a spitting legbreak two balls into the post-lunch session. The end didn’t take too long coming, in terms of runs, though Prasad made Pakistan wait a little longer than they would have liked with a 23-ball duck, before Silva was ninth out, gloving an attempted sweep to the keeper. (Cricinfo)
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Neymar banned for remainder of Copa America
Brazil striker Neymar will miss the rest of the Copa America after being suspended for four games.
The 23-year-old Barcelona forward was shown a red card for clashing with Colombia players following Brazil’s 1-0 defeat in their most recent group game.
He was initially banned for one game, ruling him out of the final group match with Venezuela on Sunday.
But the South American Football Confederation has now reviewed the case and increased the punishment.
Neymar was shown the red card after kicking a ball at Colombia’s Pablo Armero in frustration after the final whistle before appearing to head butt another player who confronted him.
Colombia’s Carlos Bacca, who was also sent off for a retaliatory shove, has been given a two-game ban.
Both players have the
right to appeal. Neymar had already been shown a yellow card earlier in the Colombia game that would have kept him from playing against Venezuela.
In the 2014 World Cup Neymar was forced out of the tournament with a broken bone in his spine after he was kneed in the back by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga in a challenge that went unpunished. (BBC Sport)
Mo Farah claims to have never doped
Great Britain’s Mo Farah says he has never taken performance enhancing drugs, after doping allegations were made against his coach Alberto Salazar.
been the toughest of my life - with rumours and speculation about me that are completely false - and the impact this has had on my family and friends has left me angry, frustrated and upset.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fans, family, friends and team-mates for all the great support they have provided over the last few days.
Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca
A BBC investigation alleged that Salazar had practised doping techniques with US athlete Galen Rupp.
Olympic champion Farah said Salazar had reassured him the claims were false and “he will soon be providing evidence”.
“I’ve never taken performance-enhancing drugs in my life and I never will,” added Farah on Friday.
Farah missed two drugs tests before he went on to become a gold medallist in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 Olympics.
“Over the course of my career I have taken hundreds of drugs tests and every single one has been negative,” said Farah in a statement on his Facebook page.
“I’ve fully explained the only two tests in my career that I have ever missed, which the authorities understood, and there was never any suggestion that these were anything more than simple mistakes.
“The last two weeks have
“In particular, the media pressure on my young family and my wife, who is five months pregnant, is extremely painful, especially as I’m away training for some important races. “
An “emotionally and physically drained” Farah withdrew from a Diamond League meeting in Birmingham in June.
The 32-year-old said he wanted “to go back to the US and seek answers” after a “stressful week” when the investigation was broadcast.
Middle-distance runner Farah is training to compete in Monaco on 17 July in what will be his first race since doping allegations were made against Salazar.
“As I made clear, I went to Portland to speak to Alberto Salazar and demand answers,” added Farah.
“He reassured me that the claims are false and that he will soon be providing evidence to make that clear.
“Until then I will not be commenting further on the allegations.
“I hope that I will now be allowed to focus on my training and winning medals for my country.”
Farah’s first missed test was in early 2010, months before he joined Salazar’s Nike Oregon Project, the Mail said.
It reported the second one came at Farah’s home in February 2011, when he claimed not to have heard the doorbell.
Salazar is accused of doping Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Rupp in 2002, but denies the claims.
Allegations Salazar practised doping techniques on Rupp were made in a BBC documentary called ‘Catch Me If You Can’, produced by Panorama and US investigative journalism specialists ProPublica.
Rupp has denied allegations in the programme that he was given the banned anabolic steroid testosterone by Salazar as a 16-year-old. The documentary made no suggestion that Farah had been involved in doping.
(BBC Sport)
Neymar
Mo Farah
National U-23 team visits Director of Sport ahead of Olympic qualifiers – team to
be announced today
The Guyana national Under-23 football squad on Friday paid a courtesy call on the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones on Friday ahead of their participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) 2016 Olympic Qualifier in Antigua and Barbuda.
Headed by Coach Jamaal Shabazz, the delegation featured Daniel Wilson, Daniel Whyte, Trayon Bobb, William Europe and Joshua Brown along with Guyana Football Federation (GFF) General Secretary Richard Groden.
“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I would like to wish you guys all the best and know that the entire Guyana is fully behind you,” said the Director of Sport while addressing the players at his National Sports Commission (NSC) Office.
Guyana is scheduled to
depart on Monday where they will play on June 24, 26 and 28 against Antigua, Cuba and Aruba respectively in their bid to represent the “Land of Many Waters” in Rio, Brazil next year.
Jones emphasised to the contingent the importance of being good Ambassadors of Guyana during their qualifiers.
Further, Jones was highly optimistic of the team’s success under Shabazz whom he called a true patriot though Trinidadian.
“I can tell you that as Director of Sport, I will try my best to ensure that you guys are afforded with the necessary facilities needed to excel in the sport and even off the field. We will work together to also ensure that you can focus on the game and not what happens outside of it, but I want to thank you for visiting me today (yesterday),” Jones said.
Shabazz was grateful for Jones’ confidence in the team and noted that for the first time, Guyana has a youthful leader in the sports fraternity, who understands what is needed to help youth develop in their respective areas.
The National U-23 team Head Coach presented Jones with Golden Jaguars memorabilia as a token of the team’s appreciation for his support.
“You’re now officially a Golden Jaguar,” Shabazz told the Director of Sport, adding “I want to welcome you to our team and hope that you would continue showing good leadership and truly help sports to grow in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, the team will be officially announced today, with Shabazz aiming for his players to be the lone team that comes out of their group.
National Junior Championships set for today – AAG should use FAT system
By TreisTon Joseph
The
Smalta
National Youth and Junior Championships will be held today at the National Track and Field Centre and a lot of intense action is expected to occur at the competition.
Hopefully, unlike the National Senior Championships no athlete decides to be aggressive except in their racing.
An interesting rivalry will be that of Andrea Foster against Cassey George, one that spilled out of control at the National Senior Championships.
Whether George can
bounce back from her defeats at the National Senior Championships is left to be seen but one expects Foster to continue with her dominant form.
Compton Caesar is expected to dominate the sprints, while the track and field enthusiasts hope to see an in-form Jason Yaw who is also expected to return at the championships.
Meanwhile, an aspect of the meet that will be interesting to see is whether the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) can respond to the letter of national sprinter Elton Bollers who blast-
ed the Association for being unequipped to use the Fully Automotive Time (FAT) system that the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) acquired two years ago.
It is imperative that the AAG utilises the FAT system to quell the noise of technical deficiencies as shown at the National Senior Championships in accordance with the non-use of the system.
All the top clubs and athletes are expected to participate at the event that is sure to provide answers as to whom the best juniors and youths of the nation are.
Players throw support behind golf day for retired Windies cricketers
Several players are expressing excitement as preparation continue for the first West Indies Retired Player Foundation Golf Day, slated for Sunday, June 21 at the prestigious Sandy Lane Country Club.
“This is a great event and I believe it will be a tremendous success. It is for a very worthy cause and I am looking forward to participating,” said Jason Holder, West Indies ODI captain.
“As a young cricketers, I know it is part of my responsibility to make a contribution to West Indies cricket in anyway I can and I am eager-
ly looking forward to Sunday as we hit the greens to support the ‘Retired Players drive’.”
The event, hosted by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and West Indies Players Association (WIPA), is supported by Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Digicel.
It has attracted a number of the region’s best players as well as several past and present West Indies cricketers.
“I’m not a big golfer, but I’m sure happy to offer my support to the efforts of the West Indies Retired Players Foundation as they embark on this drive to do something meaningful and tangible for many of those who paved the way for West Indies cricket,” said Darren Sammy, West Indies T20 captain.
“I see this as the start of something special, which will grow.”
Several senior officials of the International Cricket Council as well as participants in the CPL tourna-
Digicel
ment are also scheduled to tee off.
The West Indies Retired Players Foundation was formed last year and part of its mandate is development of programmes and assisting with the welfare, where applicable of former players who represented the Caribbean team at the international level.
“As a former West Indies cricketer is vitally important for me to support the efforts of the West Indies Retired Players Foundation, as they look to do something position and meaningful for the many players who have represented the West Indies team,” said Sir Richie Richardson, former West Indies captain and Team Manager.
“I had no hesitation in signing on for the ‘Retired Players drive’ and Sunday’s tournament promises to be exciting as we meet old friends and make new friends all for a very worthy cause.” (CMC)
Anumber of games had to be postponed on Friday in the current Digicel national School Football Tournament being played throughout the country.
Games in Georgetown, Berbice and even Linden were postponed due to the
inclement weather that prevailed from late Thursday evening through Friday. However, today, one game is scheduled: Kwakwani Secondary taking on Harmony Secondary at the Wisburg Ground from 15:30h.
Cassey George
Compton Caesar
Andrea Foster
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz makes a presentation to Director of Sport, Christopher Jones during the National U-23 team’s courtesy call Friday
Olympic Day cycling at National Park today
The world will celebrate Olympic Day on June 23, and Guyana will join in the observances with several events planned by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).
One such activity will be coordinated by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, who has been entrusted with running off the
cycling aspect of the observances today.
The inner circuit of the National Park will serve as the venue for the cycling event, with action pedalling off at 09:00h. Five races are carded for the day with the BMX riders taking centre stage.
There will be rivalry in the BMX Boys Open (3 laps);
BMX Boys 12-14 (3 laps); BMX Boys 9-12 (3 laps); and the BMX Boys 6-9 (2 laps).
An addition to this year’s activity is a special 10-lap race featuring 12-14, Juvenile and Junior riders.
Representatives of the GOA will be on hand to witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.
Republic Bank in support of Caricom Championship
Corporate support continues to roll in for the Berbice Cricket Board’s highly-anticipated Caricom Championship, set for July 5 at the Albion Ground.
Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Berbice branches have joined forces with the BCB to stage the tournament, confirming their alliance during a simple ceremony recently.
Imran Saccoor, Branch Manager of the D’Edward location of Republic Bank, said that his company was always aware of its corporate responsibilities and gave back to the communities in which it operates.
He added that the Bank would continue to make a difference in the lives of many through charities and charitable organisations and it was once again happy to be part of an event put together by the BCB.
Speaking on behalf of the BCB was Angela Haniff, who thanked the largest commercial bank in Guyana for its generous contribution and promised that the company will receive good mileage for its money.
HERO CPL bowls off today...
The
teams:
Barbados Tridents
Last year: Champions
Coach: Robin Singh
Ambassador: Desmond Haynes
Captain: Kieron Pollard
Key players: Dwayne Smith, Shoaib Malik, Ravi Rampaul, Jason Holder, Jeevan Mendis.
Unibet odds: 5.5
The defending champions are sticking with their winning formula. The Tridents have retained the core of their successful team from last year, and the side boasts a wealth of experience at crucial positions, with Smith and Malik at the top of the order, Pollard and Holder providing big hits and crucial wickets, and Rampaul as the strike bowler. This team has a knack of performing well under pressure, and with four home games to start with at a packed Kensington Oval, the Tridents will hope to get on a roll from day one.
Beaten finalists in the first two CPL tournaments, the Amazon Warriors will be desperate to go one better this year. The side welcomes a new coach in West Indies legend, Carl Hooper, and the team is likely to be built around the eve-consistent Simmons at the top of the or-
der, and wicket-taking spin bowling from Narine, Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul. The Warriors have been hit by international call-ups, with Tillakaratne Dilshan and Thisara Perera both leaving mid-tournament, but with Umar Akmal and David Wiese waiting in the wings, the side has lined up excellent replacements.
Jamaica Tallawahs
Last year: Semi final
Coach: Junior Bennett
Assistants: Mark O’Donnell, Courtney Walsh
Captain: Chris Gayle
Key players: Andre Russell, Mahela Jayawardena, Daniel Vettori, Jerome Taylor, Krishmar Santokie. Unibet Odds: 3.0
Winners of the inaugural CPL, the Tallawahs are favourites again this year after strengthening their side in the draft. Jayawardena and Chris Lynn provide experience in the middle order, and the addition of the CPL’s leading wicket taker, Santokie, could be a masterstroke. Vettori and Nikita Miller are a canny spinbowling duo, but the real X-Factor comes in the shape of captain Gayle and IPL MVP, Russell, who are both capable of winning games single-handedly.
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
Last year: N/A
Coach: Eric Simons
Captain: Marlon Samuels
Key players: Shahid Afridi, Martin Guptill, Sohail Tanvir, Sheldon Cottrell, Carlos Brathwaite. Unibet Odds: 10.0
The CPL new boys caused a stir at the draft, se-
lecting ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi with the first pick, and snapping up a host of top performers from other franchises, with Guptill, Tanvir and Evin Lewis all joining the Patriots having impressed in 2014. The exciting Patriots squad, led by Samuels, will no doubt provide excitement for the St Kitts & Nevis fans, who will be out in force to support the team in its maiden campaign.
St Lucia Zouks
Last year: 5th
Coach: Stuart Williams
Ambassador: Sir Andy Roberts
Captain: Darren Sammy
Key players: Kevin Pietersen, Ross Taylor, Andre Fletcher, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel. Unibet odds: 6.25
2015 could be the year of the Zouks. After two disappointing campaigns, the side has strengthened in all departments, and will hope to make the most of passionate home support in their first four matches. Scoring runs shouldn’t be a problem, with Pietersen and Taylor joined by Fletcher, Sammy, Henry Davids and Johnson Charles, while the bowling resources look very strong, with three West Indies quick bowlers and quality international spinners in the squad.
Trinidad & Tobago
Red Steel
Last year: Semi finals
Coach: Simon Helmot
Captain: Dwayne Bravo
Key players: Jacques Kallis, Darren Bravo, Samuel Badree, Kevon Cooper, Kamran Akmal. Unibet odds: 5.5
She added that the tournament will be professionally run with transparency and accountability being top priority. Haniff said that this was another activity of the Board that the Bank was part of and thanked the financial entity for its confidence in the work of the Board.
The BCB is also calling on other sponsors to come on board. Proceeds from the event will be used mainly to organise three-day cricket competitions in Berbice.
The Caricom Championship will see the top eight T20 First-Division teams in Berbice competing
in a 10-over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and a trophy. The runner-up will receive $40,000 and a trophy, with the losing semi-finalists getting $15,000 each.
The participating teams are: Upper Corentyne/ Skeldon, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Albion, Young Warriors/Edinburgh/Rose Hall Centre, Police/Bermine, Blairmont/West Berbice and Bush Lot/D’Edward. Admission is $300 per person and action will bowl off at 10:00h.
from page 24
The Red Steel come into 2015 with a well-balanced side packed with experience. Legendary South African, Jacques Kallis, is a massive signing for the franchise, while Dwayne
Bravo, leading wicket taker in this year’s IPL, will lead from the front again. Spin bowling is a strength, with Badree and Sulieman Benn joined by Johan Botha, while Darren Bravo, Akmal and
Cameron Delport will hope to contribute runs. With the semifinals and final held at Queen’s Park Oval, the Red Steel will fancy their chances of winning CPL 2015 on home soil. (CPL Release)
The country’s young riders will be in action today at the National Park
BCB representative Angela Haniff receives the Bank’s contribution in the presence of the entity’s staff, including Branch Manager of the D’Edward location, Imran Saccoor (extreme right)
HERO CPL bowls off today
– Amazon Warriors to face Tridents in opening match
The third installment of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) labeled as the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ promises to be the most explosive and competitive edition to date, with some of the biggest names in world cricket joining the Caribbean’s own world class players, as well as exciting upand-coming local talent.
The competition starts on Saturday night at the Kensington Oval with a repeat of last year’s final, defending champi-
The Tridents open the tournament with three more home games, squaring off against Jamaica Tallawahs (June 23), Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel (June 25) and CPL new boys, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (June 27).
The other team enjoying home advantage in Week One will be the St Lucia Zouks, and Beausejour Stadium will be rocking as they host the Red Steel (June 21), Patriots
(June 24), Amazon Warriors (June 26) and Tallawahs (June 28).
With 30 of the 33 matches taking place under lights, 2015 will mark a return to the night-time matches that made the CPL such a breakout success in the first season. The floodlit matches will help create the unrivalled atmosphere that has seen the CPL earn the name The Biggest Party in Sport, as the most passionate and knowledgeable fans in the world enjoy the action on and off
the pitch.
Fans have been given an even greater reason to be at the games this year with the CPL’s recently announced ‘Catch a Million’ competition, the biggest ever sports promotion in the Caribbean. The first fan at every match who catches a six, one-handed, will earn US $1000 on the spot, as well as the chance to go to Trinidad for the final. If they catch another six, one-handed, in the final, they will be presented with US$1 million!
GFF writes FIFA on SVG’s player violation
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has engaged the attention of football’s world governing body, FIFA, following revelations of a St Vincent and the Grenadines player not having the proper documentation during the recentlyconcluded World Cup qualifier.
The GFF has confirmed that the St Vincent player was not the holder of a passport from the island.
The Golden Jaguars and the “Vincy Heat” played to a 4-4 draw in the return fixture of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers at the National Stadium last Sunday, but the islanders have progressed to the next round, based on the ‘away goals’ rule.
The first game at the Arnos Vale Playfield in Kingstown finished 2-2 a week earlier. St Vincent’s qualification for the next round means that the Golden Jaguars have been booted from the competition, albeit temporarily, pending the outcome of the GFF’s protest.
This publication understands that Englandbased striker Garvin James, who played in the game
last Sunday, was not the holder of a Vincentian passport, which is a clear violation of FIFA’s laws that govern a player’s eligibility to represent his country.
GFF Marketing and Communications Director Rawle Toney has confirmed that the local federation has written FIFA, stating its findings and protesting the result. According to Toney, the GFF believes it has a strong case, given the fact that four of the Golden Jaguars players had to sit out of the game at Arnos Vale since they did not have a Guyanese passport.
Those players, all born in England, were Matthew Briggs, Neil Danns, Sam Cox and Marcel Barrington.
If FIFA finds the St Vincent player to be in contravention of the rules, it is understood that the result will be reversed, a fine will be imposed on the St Vincent Football Association and the Golden Jaguars will be awarded the victory with a 3-0 scoreline, thereby securing their passage to the next round of qualification.
From left: Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo.
Golden Jaguars’ England-based player Neil Danns controls the ball in the match against St Vincent and the Grenadines last Sunday
