Binder1

Miners reject Govt’s belowmarket

Drug mule nabbed with cocaine in stomach at CJIA

proposal

Overseasbased Guyanese presents school hampers to Mashabo Primary students

Days of handpicking judges over – AG Williams

Speeding car slams into Airy Hall shop – female driver in custody Govt “preoccupied” with budget preparations, will engage GPSU soon – Trotman

The 22nd Session of the

Winston Jordan,

Erik Solheim and President David Granger

BRIDGE OPENINGS

– 09:00h-10:30h.

WEATHER TODAY

Ramjattan says Joint Services operation to ensure “safe Christmas” –

but Trotman says no need to deploy army

Last weekend’s launch of a Joint Services operation between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was to boost security in the country as the Christmas season approaches.

This is according to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who, when prompted for an update on the joint operation, told reporters on Thursday that there was a need for the Joint Services operation, but opted not to go into details, saying that the matter was confidential.

Nevertheless, the Minister explained that with the current crime situation, Government wanted to ensure that Guyanese were kept safe during the upcoming holiday season.

“I don’t have to go telling you the details as to why we did what we did, but you all know that there is a situation and we want to ensure that the Christmas period is very much safe and so we did what we had to do,” Ramjattan told reporters as he refused follow-up enquiries.

On Friday last,

Government said it had received “credible information related to a potential domestic security threat”, and ordered the Joint Services operation, targeting specific areas.

According to the release from the Ministry of the Presidency, this decision to institute security measures was influenced by the “potential threat” coupled with increased criminal activities within the country.

Furthermore, it was advised that during the exercise, which commenced on

Saturday, citizens were expected to see helicopters providing aerial coverage and an increased number of Police Officers, along with GDF ranks, on the ground in certain areas.

However, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Thursday at the post-Cabinet briefing told media operatives that there was no national security threat currently facing the country that warranted the deployment of the army.

“… we don’t believe that there’s any threat to the State that should see the deployment of the military. We did have, of course, a situation last weekend where the prison was concerned and we know that that could pose, if not handled properly, a national security threat and the GDF was rightly and properly deployed for that operation and again rightly and properly returned to barracks (afterwards),” he stated, contradicting both the statement issued by the Ministry of the Presidency and Minister Ramjattan.

The prison operation he referred to was the raids conducted on Saturday last, at the Georgetown and New

Amsterdam Prisons by the Joint Services, which resulted in a number of contraband items being found. Among these items were improvised weapons, knives, cellphones and even a quantity of homemade wine.

Nevertheless, Trotman, who was at the time responding to questions on where the army would be deployed to help arrest the country’s crime situation, explained that only if the State was under threat as a result of criminal or other violent activities should the army be deployed.

In fact, the Government spokesperson posited that while the trend might show higher incidents involving firearms, he did not believe that it posed such a threat that it warranted the use of the military.

Moreover, on Saturday last, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in an interview with Guyana Times, pointed out that the military should have been deployed much sooner as he blasted the coalition Government for not being able to reduce the country’s crime rate, noting that this was a failure of logic and commonsense.

WBD woman accidentally shot by husband

A26-year-old housewife is now nursing a gunshot wound at the Woodland's Hospital in Georgetown after she was reportedly shot while her husband was cleaning his firearm.

According to 'D' Division (West Demerara) Commander, Leslie James, the incident occurred sometime around midday on Thursday at the couple's home in Schoonard, West Bank Demerara.

Further reports reaching Guyana Times indicate that the young lady,

Ovita Jagmohan, was lying on the bed in the couple's room while her husband, Deonarine Jagmohan, who is a licensed firearm holder, was allegedly cleaning his gun.

It was reported that the gun accidently went off in the woman's direction, hitting her to the left jaw bone. She was rushed to the hospital where she is a patient.

Her husband has since been apprehended and is assisting the police with investigations. (By Ramona Luthi)

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Editorial

Deporting US “criminal” immigrants

One of the policies articulated by Donald Trump in his remarkable march to the White House was his promise to deport the estimated 11 million “illegal immigrants” present in the US. In his very first interview - on the CBS network programme “60 Minutes” - Trump elaborated that he would begin by focusing on “criminal illegals”:

“What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million, it could be even three million, we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate. But we’re getting them out of our country,” he vowed. This policy had already raised concerns in countries such as Guyana from where many illegals originated because even in execution of present US enforcement of its immigration laws, the deportation of criminals by the US had strained the capacity of our criminal justice system.

Presently, even if immigrants were legally in the US, but did not naturalise their status into citizenship and are convicted of a crime, they are subject to a deportation order on the completion of their sentence. Individuals who literally grew up in the US, and graduated from prison as hardened criminals could be thrown into Guyana. Now that Trump has signalled he will up the ante and articulated a target on deportees he will be shooting for, it is clear Guyana will be forced to deal with a deluge rather than the steady stream of criminals.

Even before the 60 Minutes interview, President David Granger had been asked about the Trump doctrine on “criminal illegals”. He pointed out that all countries have a right to control their immigration policies but conceded that Guyana is ill equipped to deal with an upsurge of criminal deportees. He said he would expect that the US should give advance warning of the number of criminal deportees so that Guyana can begin to improve its absorption programme.

But this answer only suggests that the President is putting off making a decision that will have to be made sooner rather than later. Trump’s figure of two million criminal illegal immigrants was most likely pulled from estimates that the Department of Homeland Security proposed for its 2013 budget. The money was already allocated and all the new Trump administration has to do is to step on the gas and insist that targets be met. We can expect a slackening of review standards under the new dispensation for those targets to be met, especially in the beginning of the term. Guyana has to proceed on the assumption that beginning in 2017 there will be an upsurge in criminal Guyanese illegals whose numbers will keep going skywards.

Earlier this year, the US Ambassador had released figures on their deportees between the years 20082013 and these suggested that the numbers had been decreasing from around 200 annually to half of that. Most of the deportations were for violating their visa stipulations but there were also, in fact some “criminal illegals” or those “legal” now deemed “illegals” because of their criminal record. The US had also unforced a modest programme back in 2009 to assist in reintegrating these deportees back into peaceful Guyanese civilian life.

If a President Trump’s administration will demand Mexico pay for a wall to keep out immigrants to the US, it is very unlikely they will pay us to receive “our illegals”. We suggest that the administration immediately convene a task force from both sides of the political divide to craft a plan to confront this imminent threat.

For instance, it is quite likely we may have to introduce legislation to modify our criminal laws and institute a “parole” system where “criminal” deportees are required to check in to their nearest police stations weekly to ensure they are keeping on the “straight and narrow.”

Our home-grown criminals do not need Americansourced tutelage.

We must work to remove the fear, mistrust, hate

Dear Editor,

Our Country’s multiethnicity has been for a long time a cause of political and social upheavals. Indeed, many have used this ethnic diversity for their own political and other gains; and in the process, the end results have been bad for us all.

History records that it was our colonial masters who were the first to use this diversity for their own political and other gains. History records also that the historical circumstances under which our forefathers came to this Country were not of our doing and this bit of our history we cannot change, and so also our ethnic diversity we cannot change. And so, if we are serious about working to achieve unity of this diversity; it is incumbent on us to seek to remove the feeling of fear, mistrust, vindictiveness and envy that permeate our society.

An examination of the political events of the 2015 postelection period would reveal, inter alia, the wanton dismissals and termination of the services of thousands of workers including 1,972 Amerindian Community Service Officers

and envy (Part 1)

and scores of contracted workers including Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, staff of One Laptop Per Family, etc by the APNU+AFC Government for reasons that can only be described as ‘politically wicked’. And this course of action taken without any consideration of the nature of the work these workers did; the effects of the loss of experienced and skilled labour to the Institutions, Agencies and Communities for whom they provided services and without any thought of the possible social and economic difficulties the loss of their jobs presented the dismissed workers and their dependents.

The replacement of these dismissed staff could only be viewed as a fulfilment of a commitment by the Government to its own political loyalists; which is to be delivered no matter the cost or result. And so, issues with respect to the rights, financial needs and commitments, and trampling on the rights of the dismissed workers seem not to be of any concern or consideration to the government which, during its election campaign and in its Political Manifesto

and even in its 2015 Budget Presentation spoke of “a fresh approach to the good life and to good governance” for all Guyanese.

It was the late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa who said: “No man is born hating another because of the colour of his skin: it is learned behaviour and we must therefore teach our people to love”.

As little kids we play, we sing, we eat and we sometimes even sleep together. But as we grow older, the people and the institutions that influence our thinking and behaviour and redefine values and behaviour begin to take over…the parents in the home, the teachers in the school, the neighbour next door, the older workers at our workplaces, the trade unionists, the politician and yes, the pastor and the priest in the Church; some of whom do not stand out as the paragon of good and exemplary behaviour which they seek to represent to us.

And sadly enough, many of us who have been living in harmony begin to develop a fear and mistrust of each other based on a factor we had

no control over: the fact of our ethnicity, our religious beliefs, our political persuasions, and based on the hate teachings of some in our society to whom I alluded above.

The contribution of the Ministry of Social Cohesion as part of our efforts to alleviate these socioeconomic and political challenges remain pegged at zero.

My friends, we need to stop listening to hate preachers or we will all suffer. We need to get rid of the stereotype thinking that racists have engendered in us and its halo effects which cause blacks to believe that (i) East Indians are responsible for their economic deprivation when often it is the choices we make (ii) blacks are responsible for every crime committed and that blacks are extravagant while all Indians are stingy.

We may never have a society free of ethnic tensions and suspicions, but we must make an effort to achieve such a society which is wholesome for all of us.

To be continued …

Respectfully,

Norman Whittaker

Harassment at the DHB by La Grange Traffic Officer

Dear Editor,

It is with great disappointment and disrespect which I encountered at the Demerara Harbour Bridge junction, West Bank of Demerara, on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 07:30h that I write this letter to report a specific Traffic Police Officer.

This Officer, who as every citizen of Guyana is aware, is there to serve and protect, unless I am ignorant of the Laws of Guyana. I along with other commuters traverse this bridge and have to deal with the chaotic traffic on a daily basis; both in the morning and afternoon hours. One would like to think that these officers are facilitating the smooth

flow of traffic and would direct the traffic in a professional manner.

This however, is not so! This particular morning, I was coming from the West Bank Demerara traffic where vehicles were still being allowed to join the line before the bridge. There was a 30-seater bus in front and two private cars behind mine. The Officer allowed the bus in front of me to pass and then pulled the steal barricade blocking me from passing. He further directed me to join the Schoonard line of traffic then pulling the steel barricade again, allowing the other two private cars who were behind me to proceed and join the line just before approach-

ing the bridge. Is this not being disrespectful to me??? I am appalled at the sickening behaviour by this Officer.

In addition to his behaviour, his other colleagues (Traffic Officers) standing less than a stone’s throw away from him had nothing to say concerning the issue. I asked him why he is being so disrespectful to me. He stated in a loud and disgusted tone that I should take a picture of him. I would have done so; however, I was given a pass by a public spirited citizen (another driver) to join the line from Schoonard. I am requesting that this said Police Officer stationed at the La Grange Police station be given a stern

warning as to how to conduct himself when he is on duty. It is utmost disrespectful, especially to female drivers when male drivers are allowed to proceed and female drivers are blocked from passing through the same traffic. Ongoing training needs to be done for the Guyana Police Force to comprehend what gender equality is. I felt insulted, disrespected, and embarrassed to have been in the line and literally got thrown out to struggle to join another line whilst other vehicles were allowed to pass.

Sincerely, A disgusted female driver

The sun sinks behind the Pakaraima mountains, Karasabai Village (Michael Lam Collection)

COTED

43rd confab

Chairperson calls for unity to crush economic, developmental woes

The numerous challenges facing the Caribbean Community (Caricom) could be addressed, if only countries would come together as a unit; strengthening relationships and achieving economic growth.

This was the sentiment expressed by Chair of Caricom’s Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and Minister of Trade and Industry of Suriname, Sieglien Burleson, as she delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the organisation’s 43rd Meeting, held Thursday at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Guyana.

The opening saw a gathering of Caribbean ministers with responsibility for trade.

Burleson said the Caribbean region continues to face many challenges, and as such, it needs to enhance productivity and sustainable growth since these challenges raise many questions regarding the Region’s ability

to transform its economic base.

“The time has come for us as a council responsible for trade and economic development, to really bring trade and economic development to the region through strong institutions and partnering with the private sector”, Burleson said.

According to the COTED Chair, since the establishment of the CSME, the goal has been to achieve regional integration and economic growth within the community.

“It is my opinion that now is the time for us as a community to work together to strengthen our relationships and achieve economic growth for everyone in the region. We cannot afford to have issues like refusal of market taxes, burdensome administrative procedures in place between each other. Let us work together to achieve the bigger goal.”

She pointed to other important issues on the table which will support growth and development and urged that decisions must be taken to determine the way forward.

Issues affecting Caricom

She said the world’s economy is experiencing difficulties- issues that are also affecting Caricom.

“The Caricom is also affected by those developments, new regional developments that are on the agenda for deliberation that definitely will have a big impact on what we are doing. To face this, the time is now, more than ever, that our institutions

are strengthened; as well as we work together to tackle this. We have a lot of hard work ahead, while we strive to deliver in these two days,” the Chair said.

Also addressing the confab was Joseph Cox, Caricom’s Assistant Secretary General for Trade and Economic Development.

Cox cautioned that the agenda before them was huge. He said although most of the items would not be new, they all require intense consideration, given that they are all matters that are crucial to the effective functioning of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“The matters before you are wide-ranging in both content and scope, and your discourse will inform the CSME review that was mandated by our Heads of Government and which will be tabled at their intercessional meeting in February”, he informed the COTED confab.

Speaking on the external trade front, Cox said trade agreements with Cuba and the Dominican Republic, as well as responses to the decision by the United Kingdom to exit the European Union, require the full attention of the attendees.

“The COTED will also be asked to approve

ly short time-frame, there has been a significant shift in attitudes to trade. He said there has been a marked tendency among some political forces in other parts of the world to point the finger of blame at the free interchange of goods, services and persons for any number of economic or social ills that may affect their societies.

a range of quality standards for goods and service providers. A roadmap for a Caribbean Regulatory System for Medicines, and intersectoral action against non-communicable diseases, are two health matters that we must consider at this meeting”.

He continued: “Honourable Ministers, each item on the agenda of this meeting is of profound importance to our Community. Our people are anxious for us to succeed and have therefore been clamouring for faster decision-making and implementation of our commitments.”

Cox said that in a fair-

“I say this because we — as the longest-standing integration movement among developing countries — should not consider ourselves immune to such tendencies. So, our work is cut out for us, and our task is to ensure that all our actions are pragmatic and strategic, and all the structures that we create are economically prudent and responsive to the wishes of the people of the Community. We must continue to build a robust trade and economic environment in which innovation is encouraged, and where benefits are distributed equitably. If we can do this, we will have created a durable vehicle for our growth and development”, Cox said.

The meeting will come to an end today.

Participants at COTED’s 43rd confab

Chair of Caricom’s Council of Trade and Economic Development Sieglien Burleson delivering remarks

Page Foundation

BY ROBERT MYERS, PHD

Have you ever thought about your child’s future and said something like, “I don’t mind if they’re never rich and famous so long as they’re happy”? Some parents want their children to feel good about themselves first; some adults will teach their children that self-worth comes from reaching goals. In fact, a good sense of self-esteem is an essential component of motivation; unhappy children are unlikely to want success or even believe they can be successful. Psychologists suggest that, rather than a healthy sense of self-esteem coming from motivation and achievement – it’s the other way around.

Much current research into motivation is based on self-determination theory (selfdeterminationtheory. org/), which assumes that human beings are naturally motivated to explore and develop, but that this natural drive can be enhanced or diminished by external factors such as family, society, and culture.

Self-determination theory suggests that motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. In other words, people can be motivated to learn and develop, either because of the pleasure or sense of achievement they get from the activity itself (intrinsic) or because of rewards or consequences that are separate from the activity (extrinsic). Picking up a book in a store because it looks interesting is an example of intrinsic motivation. Buying a book in order to study and

pass an exam is an extrinsically motivated action. Neither of these is “better,” but parents and teachers understand that people who are more intrinsically motivated will need less prompting or encouragement to learn.

Three factors affect an individual’s level of motivation: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Each of these is a basic need for human beings, and whether they are met or frustrated will affect that person’s motivation. Competence is the drive to feel able and successful. Autonomy means having control of your own life, being able to “be yourself.” Relatedness is the human need to interact with others and form relationships.

Parents build up their children’s self-esteem and self-worth by appropriate praise, giving suitable levels of responsibility for the child’s age and developmental stage, and by showing unconditional love and regard. Each of these is closely related to the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

When a child is praised for having done well, their need for competence is met. It’s important not to over-praise or to say a child has done well when it’s clear they haven’t. A child who is unsure whether praise is genuine will find it more difficult to satisfy the need for competence in later life. You need to be clear that you’re praising the child, not the action. If a child brings you a drawing, telling them “You’re very good at drawing” builds esteem and meets the need for competence in a way that “It’s a very good drawing” does not.

Children need to be given appropriate levels of responsibility. This can vary from asking a toddler to “help” with putting away the groceries or allowing an older child to walk home with friends, to letting your teenage son choose his own colour scheme for his bedroom. Giving children a chance to feel in control will build esteem and meet their need for autonomy.

Children need to feel they are loved for who they are, not for what they do. Parents can show this in hundreds of ways: listening to them chatter, spending time together, asking their opinion, forgiving wrongs, giving advice. A child who feels loved develops a strong sense of self-worth and meets their need for relatedness.

Motivation to achieve seems to come from selfesteem, rather than selfesteem coming from achievement. Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, two of the leading figures in selfdetermination theory, looked at whether reaching goals builds up a sense of self-worth. If this were the case, then the most successful individuals should also be the happiest. In fact, Deci and Ryan found that self-esteem based on achievements tends to be more fragile. People who base their sense of self-worth on what they have achieved need more reassurance and compare themselves more with others.

Children who learn that their

done, rather than who they are, will be more likely to develop into insecure adults.

Sometimes children need to be told what to do. This is extrinsic motivation, but it can become internalised. Every parent has responded at some time to a child’s question “Why do I have to do this?” with “Because I said so!” But a child who cleans his room because he is told to do so may find that he enjoys having a tidy space, and can develop a sense of accomplishment for finishing the task. Over time, he may see himself as a tidy person, meeting his need for autonomy (being himself) by cleaning up after himself. This is still an extrinsic motivation; few children will clean their room for the love of the activity, but the more it is internalized, the more the child can meet those basic needs and develop genuine self-worth.

Every healthy parent wants their child to be happy and to try their best. Selfdetermination theory shows that children who meet their needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness will feel good about themselves, and will thus gain motivation to develop, grow, and succeed.

(childdevelopmentinfo.com)

BY EUGENE RUBIN MD, PHD

In recent years, various research studies have shown that early life experiences can influence brain development in children. Early-life influences on brain growth and behaviour were further clarified in two recently published studies.

In an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (PNAS), Joan Luby and colleagues reported that increased maternal support during the preschool years is associated with more rapid growth of the hippocampal region of the brain, as measured by neuroimaging. Those children with high maternal support had a two-fold increase in the rate of growth of this region when compared to children with lower levels of mater nal

tion, which, in turn, are associated with specific patterns of behaviours.

sup port.

The re search team also demonstrated that higher rates of hippocampal growth were correlated with better emotional development.

In a separate study, published in Biological Psychiatry, Scott Mackey and colleagues studied the relationships between childhood adversity, impulsivity, patterns of brain growth, and the development of antisocial behaviours. They found that higher levels of impulsivity were associated with decreased growth in specific regions of the neocortex and increased growth in specific subcortical brain regions. Childhood adversity influenced the growth patterns in regions of the brain thought to contribute to impulsivity, and these growth patterns were associated with the development of antisocial behaviours.

These two studies strongly suggest that environmental influences on young children have direct effects on patterns of brain matura-

The approaches used by these investigators will increasingly be employed by others to determine the roles of psychosocial influences on regional brain development in children and adolescents. Such data will enhance our understanding of the relationship between neurodevelopment, the environment, brain structures, and specific behaviours, including psychiatric illnesses. Elucidation of structural changes associated with environmental challenges and improved methods for quantifying environmental variables may also provide measurable markers that would aid in determining the effectiveness of early interventions. For instance, would the degree of hippocampal growth in response to therapies aimed at improving maternal support be associated with better emotional development in adolescents and young adults? Would the degree of normalisation of the growth patterns in cortical and subcortical regions by specific therapies targeting impulsive behaviours minimize the development of antisocial behaviours? Neuroimaging methods are providing increasingly sophisticated tools that are critical in advancing our understanding of normal and abnormal brain development. In addition, these methods may prove useful in predicting risks for the development of various clinical disorders and in determining the impact of intervention programs in children at high risk for psychiatric illnesses. Many psychiatric disorders are associated with abnormal brain development. The more that we learn about the specific causes of abnormal brain development, the greater the likelihood that better treatments will be developed. (psychologytoday.com)

Days of handpicking judges over – AG Williams

The days of handpicking and secret overtures to fill vacancies in the office of Judges are over and Head of State David Granger would be remiss in his duty to the Guyanese people if he were to robotically appoint Judges recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) without first ascertaining the qualifications, suitability, experience, expertise, integrity and absence of nepotism among other considerations.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minster Basil Williams on Thursday espoused this position in reaction to criticisms by sections of the political Opposition in relation to the hiatus in the appointment of judges ever since the current Administration took office.

General Secretary of the

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Clement Rohee, in recent days had suggested that the pending recommendations of the JSC to the President for the appointment of certain Judges after the new Government came to office, must be accepted and swiftly acted upon by him.

Williams contends however, “the Constitution does not impose a time line on the President to treat with any such recommendation by the JSC and for good reason.”

The Legal Affairs Minister has since opined that the President must have a higher and perpetual retainer, in ensuring that the Judges he appoints are fit and proper, and were selected and recommended after a transparent process.

Speaking directly to the pending recommendations,

Attorney General Basil Williams

the Legal Affairs Minister has since sought to point out that they were not triggered by any public advertisement of vacancies in the office of Judges and inviting applications for

Govt “preoccupied” with budget preparations, will engage GPSU soon – Trotman

Government may find it difficult to fulfil the Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU) request for a return to the bargaining table by monthend since it is currently preoccupied with preparations for the presentation of Budget 2017.

Having already rejected the Government’s proposed ‘interim’ payout of salary increases for 2016 at a differentiated rate of one to 10 per cent, the GPSU called on the Administration to resume wage negotiations by monthend.

But Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who chaired post-cabinet press briefing on Thursday, indicated that government has no interest in disregarding the union but it may be challenging to engage in talks before the end of the month:

“We have no hesitation in speaking to the GPSU or any other union in that matter…if at all, I know that the Ministry of Finance officials have been consumed over the last few weeks with readying Budget for a nearly presentation at

the end of this month which is going to be history-setting in a sense. If at all, what some may see as sloth may actually be explainable as preoccupation of other matters of State.”

Nonetheless, he assured the union that government will engage them soon:

“Government’s predisposition is always going to be for talking. We believe that talking is the way forward to resolving differences and conflicts.”

Budget 2017 will be presented in the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan on November 28.

Government and the GPSU reached a deadlock in wage negotiations this year, prompting the administration to offer an interim payout to public servants.

The GPSU had expected an early return to the bargaining table and expressed disappointment and concern over government’s lack of haste in the matter.

The union said the posture of the government sends a message that might even

raise questions about the extent to which any serious value is placed on the contribution that public servants make to Guyana.

The GPSU is adamant that it is in Government’s interest and the interest of all Guyanese that the issue of emoluments of the nation’s public servants be treated with the level of urgency and importance which it deserves.

“There is, even at this time, manifest evidence that demands are being made of Public Servants and the Public Service that are inconsistent with the rewards that they are being offered,” the GPSU stated.

The union said it had been its expectation that negotiations between itself and the Government would have, by now, realised much more than an ‘unreasonable and unacceptable’ wages and salaries offer and that, “we would have at least arrived at a point where the talks would have resulted in some measure of seasonal satisfaction… That, regrettably, has not been the case.”

appointments.

Accusing the previous Administration of simply shedding crocodile tears on the issue, Williams said “the alleged shortage of Judges was not occasioned under the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change) Government which inherited excessive delays in both the civil and criminal jurisdictions and the crippling backlog of cases in all courts.”

According to Williams, “the question therefore is why didn’t the PPP/C Government make those appointments while in Office?”

He is adamant the courts are functioning now as they were under the PPP/C a year and a half ago when the APNU/AFC took up the helm of Government.

Williams blamess the PPP/C Administration for the

state of affairs in the judiciary with regards the shortage of judges. He is of the view that the Judiciary was never a high priority of the PPP/C Government “except for the seeking to control it.”

Williams posits the Judiciary was not independent because it had no financial independence, but this changed when the APNU/ AFC Government came to office and passed legislation to remedy the situation.

“In particular, the PPP/C Government inflicted a mortal blow on the independence of the Judiciary when it passed legislation to remove the powers hitherto inhering in office of Chief Justice and reposing them in the office of the Chancellor.”

He surmised that this resulted “wittingly or unwittingly in the PPP/C seeking to

place their champion in the office of the Chancellor at every meeting of the President and Leader of the Opposition to agree on the appointment of a Chief Justice and Chancellor there being no power in the office of the Chief Justice.”

According to Williams, having removed all the checks and balances necessary to guarantee an independent and effective judiciary, the way was paved for secret, appointments to the bench by the JSC and a PPP/C President who created the distortion in the Judiciary in the first place.

Williams maintains “The alleged shortage of Judges was not occasioned under the APNU/AFC Government which inherited excessive delays in both the civil and criminal jurisdictions and the crippling backlog of cases in all courts.”

THE COURTS

Acontractor of Lot 197

South Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, who had pleaded not guilty to a charge earlier this year for making an untrue declaration on a customs declaration form, today changed his plea to guilty and was fined $250,000.

Clairmont Reid, 37, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was represented by attorney Dexter Todd.

It was alleged that on June 6, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Reid made the untrue decla-

ration which stated that he was not carrying more than US$10,000, when in fact he had TT$139,135 in his possession – the equivalent of US$21,000.

Reid’s attorney told the court that his client’s act of not indicating that he had the said amount of cash on him, was a mere act of habit that he usually practices when rushing through airports. The attorney pleaded with the Magistrate for mercy to be bestowed upon his client, since he was not fully knowledgeable of the depth of the term declaration.

The attorney in his lengthy closing argument

stated that his client was excited by the recent concluded Local Government Election and the numerous invitations for persons to return to Guyana. Todd said his client resided in Trinidad and Tobago for more than 15 years and wanted to return home to help develop his country.

Todd pointed out that his client’s seized finances were processed by Special

Organised Crime Unit, and no activity relating to money laundering or any criminal activity was found.

Along with the fine, the Chief Magistrate told the defendant that, according to the law, he has forfeited the excess money, and only US$10,000 will be given back to him.

Should he fail to pay the fine a six-month sentence will be implemented. Contractor fined $250,000 … after failing to declare more than US$10,000

Security guard charged for threatening behaviour …accused of pointing gun at a woman

Asecurity guard of Lot

18 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was granted bail in the sum of $70,000 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after allegedly pointing his gun at a woman.

Ronatha Gamel, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was represented by attorney Stanley Moore.

It is alleged that on November 11, 2016, at 11 Miles, Mahdia, he made use of threatening behaviour towards Annecar Penny.

Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that the defendant is licensed to carry a firearm due to the nature of his occupation. Jeffers further stated that he has no objections to bail, however he asked that condition be attached to the bail.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the defendant to stay away from the virtual complainant and cautioned him against being in possession of a firearm, pending the outcome of the matter.

The matter will continue on January 17, 2017.

It’s only (your)

money...

...for (Good?) and Green

After holding their breath for months and nearly asphyxiating themselves, the PPP Opposition finally will get its day in Parliament – next Monday – to raise matters they think are important for the national welfare. Or so they thought! Turns out that even though the “Private Members’s Day” is on the cards – the Government snuck in a bill that is sure to overshadow everything the PPP would’ve wanted to say.

The Government’s introducing a special Bill of its own – “Prime Minister Hamilton Green Pension Bill”! Yep... you heard that right. Hamilton Green – the fella who was Mayor of Georgetown between 1994 and 2016 – is going to get a SPECIAL pension for being Prime Minister between 1985 and 1992. Now Green, as we all knew, lived high off the hog while he was Mayor...quite like the jet setters we read about in the magazines. The man practically lived in foreign five-star hotels after he sipped champagne on his first-class flights.

In Georgetown, his mayoral security detail and transport vehicles rivalled any Banana Republic’s head. And all the while...he did in fact collect a pension for his stint as Prime Minister! So what gives now? It appears that he complained to the PNC-led APNU/AFC Administration that his present pensions don’t allow him to “live in the style he’s used to”! So the special Bill will now allow the Government to compute his pension at the rate of the incumbent PM, Moses Nagamootoo, who just had a $2 million top up to bring his salary to $20 million/annually. And we know they compute pensions at 7/8 of the salary. So Green will be hauling in a cool $17.5 million annually or $1.46 million/monthly!! A raise of over 1500 per cent!!!

And not only the money...but the “benefits” – meaning DUTY-free cars, guards, gardeners, chauffeurs, etc, etc. But your Eyewitness has a question for the Government. Maybe it’s OK not to compare the former PM with the public servants who are RIGHT NOW pleading to get the “significant” raise they were promised by this same Government. But if Green, with all his benefits provided by the City Council didn’t allow him to live in dignity, how about the old, retired Ministers and parliamentarians who are also collecting pensions at the old rate? Don’t they deserve to live with some sort of dignity?

But this latest action is intended to rub salt into the wounds of the PPP and the Guyanese people. The economy has tanked, there’s no plan to get it going...but all this Government can do is spend scarce dollars on its old faithful.

Why not? It’s only your money!

...for our green City

Well, for one brief, shining moment we did have a glimpse of “the way we were” in Georgetown, didn’t we? Parapets weeded, drains draining, trees pruned, vendors summarily evicted....Now we all knew it wouldn’t last...but did it have to end so quickly? Well to be brutally frank, yes. It HAD to end that quickly if for no other reason than from the very beginning, the whole “sprucing up” business was not to change the character of the management of Georgetown – but just to impress some visitors for Jubilee.

As Einstein said, you can’t repeat same action and expect a different result – unless, of course, you’re stark, raving bonkers! So you can’t stick with the same team that ran Georgetown into the gutter for the last two decades and expect them to do things differently, can you?

So we’re back to a city drowning in garbage and the Gang of Four’s asking the Government for $600 million to “clean up”. Why not? It’s only your money!

...Mexicans!

Did you ever stop to think Trump isn’t just demanding Mexico pays for the Wall he plans to build to keep out Mexicans – but from land the US seized from them back in the 19th century??!!

But they’re only Mexicans, aren’t they?

Govt sets stage to end sugar in Guyana

... APNU/AFC making good on its 2014 threat – Dr Ramsammy

The coalition A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration is currently setting the stage to end the centuries old sugar industry in Guyana, with confirmation coming by way of its recent salvos against the Skeldon Sugar Factory, in favour of its disposal.

This is the supposition of former Minister of Government with responsibility for the sugar industry, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who is among the most recent to join the groundswell of warnings against the “nefarious plans” on the part of the Government and its Administration for the industry.

The cautionary alarm by Dr Ramsammy comes days after the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) warned of a possible ‘sweetheart deal’ involving the Skeldon Sugar Factory and private interests.

Dr Ramsammy on Thursday, called out Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Professor Clive Thomas, who had recently suggested that the US$200 million factory is in fact falling apart and is derelict, while at the same time suggesting that it could be privatised.

According to the former Agriculture Minister, it was the same Professor Thomas who had ‘effusively praised’

the Skeldon Sugar Factory after an outstanding 2015 performance.

Dr Ramsammy has since questioned what the Administration has done over the past year to cause such rapid deterioration at the sugar factory, and reminded Professor Thomas that, “the President himself, his Ministers of Finance and Agriculture and others have been aggressively pushing a doomsday scenario for sugar.”

Stinking betrayal

Ramsammy has since expressed the adamant position that the GuySuCo

Chairman’s salvo against the factory is no accident; “it is another element in a deliberate strategy to end sugar, starting with privatisation of some assets.”

According to Ramsammy, the assault by Professor Thomas “adds to the stage setting to end sugar… Meanwhile (Moses) Nagamootoo and (Khemraj) Ramjattan (of the AFC) are silent in their stinking betrayal of the sugar workers.”

Dr Ramsammy recalled that the Skeldon Sugar Factory did in fact have its best year in 2015, since being commissioned almost a decade ago.

The former Agriculture Minister said the APNU/ AFC Administration has been actively taking credit

for the excellent 2015 production performance but has consistently failed to acknowledge that the improved production started in 2013, when production was 25,380 tonnes and continued in 2014 when production was 35,890 tonnes.

“Overall, factory efficiency increased throughout 2014 and 2015 reaching an all-time high of almost 76 per cent in 2015… Co-generation led to an increased generation of power to the national grid.”

Booker Tate

Dr Ramsammy is adamant the improving production at the Skeldon Sugar Factory “resulted from a determined effort by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and GuySuCo to correct design flaws.”

He, like former President Bharrat Jagdeo, continues to lay blame for the problems plaguing the factory over the years squarely at the feet of UK based Booker Tate, which was responsible for the supervision of its construction and subsequent management.

According to Dr Ramsammy, while many including APNU/AFC held the Chinese responsible, the Chinese had constructed a factory to design.

He reminded that the PPP/C Administration had argued that the design was flawed and, in fact, sued Booker Tate which was re-

sponsible for the design of the factory under its management contract.

“That legal action has not been pursued by APNU/ AFC which appointed Errol Hanoman as the CEO of GuySuCo who previously represented Booker Tate as its representative on the GuySuCo Board, an obvious conflict of interest,” according to Dr Ramsammy.

Responding to the recent criticism levelled against the factory by the industry’s Chairman, Dr Ramsammy posits that having taken credit for the outstanding 2015 performance at the factory, disregarding the remedial actions taken by the PPP

Government through 2014 and the first crop of 2015, Professor Thomas is now trying to find an excuse for the anticipated dismal 2016 performance in the industry as a whole, its worse since 1990.

According to the former Agriculture Minister, the Skeldon Sugar Factory has now become the convenient excuse for poor management of the industry and to set the platform for ending sugar in Guyana.

“There is no uncertainty APNU/AFC is carrying out its 2014 threat to close sugar,” according to Dr Ramsammy.

He used the occasion to recall too that after more than 18 months in Government, the promised 20 per cent annual pay increase has morphed into zero pay increase and the earned incentive payments (API) have been disavowed for the first time since 1976.

Wales and La Bonne Intention estates are due to be completely closed by the end of 2016, according to Dr Ramsammy, who further charges “more closures and even privatisation are being promised.”

He maintains in his public missive against the latest developments that Professor Thomas’s cry that the Skeldon Factory is falling apart is merely preparing the ground to end sugar in Guyana or to hand over the factory to one of APNU/AFC’s donor in a sweetheart deal, like the public health medical warehouse.

The sugar workers have been betrayed, according to the former Agriculture Minister, who has since surmised that Guyana will suffer in the end and that the problem is not the factory but rather “it is that APNU/AFC wants to end surgar sooner than later.”

Drug mule nabbed with cocaine in stomach at CJIA

A46-year-old man of West Coast Demerara (WCD) was nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday after it was found that he had ingested over 90 cocaine pellets.

Police reports revealed the man has since excreted some 61 of the 91 pellets which he swallowed. The cocaine retrieved thus far has been weighed and amounts to 444 grams. The cocaine mule remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, under guard.

The man who has been under Police radar for quite some time was about to board a flight to the United States. He was arrested at

about 14:00h on Wednesday, during the check-in process. He was observed by ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch acting in a suspicious manner and pulled out of the line for questioning.

He first denied carrying anything illegal but during interrogation, he started to perspire and it was then that he was asked to visit the X-ray room where the pellets were detected.

A 35-year-old taxi driver who was with him at the time was also arrested and was being questioned.

GuySuCo CEO Errol Hanoman

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

GuySuCo Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Woman charged for Rohee robbery

The woman who was arrested in connection with the robbery committed at the home of former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, was on Thursday arraigned with two counts of armed robbery.

Corlette Parks, 49, of Lot 4692 Postal Housing Scheme, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Lambert at the Providence Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

She was remanded to prison and will return to court on January 11.

On November 9, three gunmen executed a daring robbery on the Eccles, East Bank Demerara, house owned by the former Minister and current General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party.

The robbery reportedly occurred just about 12:00h, after the gunmen gained en-

try via an open door on the lower flat and tied up the two maids.

The men ransacked the house and carted off an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of jewellery in a waiting car.

The maids subsequently managed to untie themselves and raised an alarm.

Speaking with the media following the incident, Rohee explained that he was not at home at the time of the robbery but his two domestic helpers were, and left the backdoor ajar through which the men gained entry. They were carrying guns and a knife.

After confronting the two women, the bandits held them at gunpoint and ordered them into the upper flat of the building, where they were gagged and bound with duct tape.

The men, Rohee had stated, ransacked the home and found a quantity of jewellery

Defendant Corlette Parks

belonging to himself and his wife and an undisclosed sum of money, before escaping in a waiting car.

Hours after the robbery, that vehicle was found abandoned. Further investigations by police led to Parks, who is the owner. She reportedly rented the car to the three men who committed the robbery.

Meanwhile, police are still looking for the bandits.

3 injured in Grove, EBD accident

Three persons including two children are now nursing bodily injuries after they were allegedly struck by a speeding car on Tuesday evening at Grove, East Bank Demerara. The injured are Kevin Persaud, Samuel Persaud, 3, and Shania Millington, 9, all of Brickery Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Based on reports the accident occurred at about 18:45h as the driver of car HC 7037 attempted to swerve from hitting another vehicle which was in the process of making a u-turn in the middle of the roadway.

Persaud was struck and flung onto the roadway while his son was flung under a parked vehicle and Millington into a nearby vehicle. They were picked up by the errant driver and dropped off at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where they were admitted.

Persaud told Guyana Times that on the day in question he was heading home and decided to stop at the Community Pharmacy.

Sniffer dog leads Police to illegal gun, ammo

The Guyana Police Force has expanded its investigative methods, this time using a sniffer dog to recover an illegal weapon and ammunition that were concealed in a taxi driver’s car door.

According to Police reports, based on intensive intelligence gathering, ranks conducted a search on a taxi

driver of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and his vehicle at the Brickdam Police Station on Wednesday.

In the initial search, the ranks came up empty handed but, determined, decided to utilise one of its sniffer dogs which is trained in the detection of firearms and explosive devices.

The Canine named

“ACE”, under the guidance of its handler, led ranks to the left front door panel. Upon further inspection by opening same, the ranks found an unlicensed .38 Smith and Wesson revolver along with five live matching rounds.

The taxi driver was arrested and is expected to be charged shortly.

He explained that he parked his car and crossed the public road in front of the pharmacy.

“I had Shania in one hand and Samuel in the other and as we crossed, I heard a screeching sound and as I looked up, I barely had time to react… the car slammed into me and the two children”. He added that he attempted to get up from the roadway but he had to be assisted by persons who had run to scene. “At that time, I looked for my son and Shania and it was then I saw them… both of them were bleeding…” he noted.

Persaud who is grateful that nothing serious happened to the children noted that the driver who caused the accident collected them with the intention of taking them to the Diamond Hospital.

“As we drove, I barely saw him passing the hospital and stopped him… as he stopped, I collected the two children and rushed into the hospital but it was time I saw the driver… he drove away”.

He recalled collecting the broken number plates of the car registered to Sherriff Taxi Service at the scene and handed over same to the police but it was his relatives who found the owner of the vehicle and ultimately, the driver.

Guyana Times understands that on the day of the accident, the driver celebrated his birthday at a creek and was heading home when the accident occurred.

He was arrested on Wednesday and is expected to make a court appearance shortly.

The police are continuing their investigations.

The Guyana Police Force’s sniffer dog “Ace”

Injured, Samuel Persaud

Miners reject Govt’s below-market prices proposal

…say move is to subsidise failed Gold Board which lost $10B in 2 years

In addition to removing a range of concessions afforded to the mining industry and increased taxation and regulation that will certainly kill the already struggling local mining industry, the Government is now mulling giving miners below-world-market prices for their declared gold.

The move has since seen the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) coming together in swift condemnation and calling on the Government to imme diately remove “from con sideration the idiotic proposal to force local gold miners to ac cept three per cent less than the world market price for gold produced”.

The bodies in a joint communiqué issued publicly on Thursday said, “No miner, under any circumstance, will support this proposal…Our two associations are united in this position.”

for gold has been ongoing for many years”, but “no decisions have been taken on this as the matter is before the Cabinet”.

The GGDMA and the GWMO lamented that the move was in fact geared at ensuring that the Guyana Gold Board stayed afloat.

“We, the miners, see this as another move designed to cripple local small- and medium-scale miners in a continued move by the current Administration to miniaturise the local sector.”

It was ob-

licensed dealers, it should cease operations immediately.

The GGDMA and the GWMO used the opportunity to recall that Government has already proposed to remove all assistance to the industry, including VAT relief, fuel relief, duty-free vehicle concessions and tax relief on spares and mining equipment.

They said, “This, along with potential hikes in rentals, more stringent regulations and additional taxation will certainly kill the already struggling local mining industry.”

proposed pricing arrangement foreign companies that mainly export their gold would have won, since they would be exempt.

The GGDMA and the GWMO in their joint missive sounded the alarm, saying they wish to “inform all miners that the Government of Guyana is seriously considering a scheme, which would force small- and medium-scale gold miners to sell their gold for three per cent less than the world market price to the Guyana Gold Board.

According to the stakeholders, at current market prices, miners will lose $8000 for every ounce of gold sold.

The Natural Resources Ministry has since responded, making it clear that “the discussion on asking gold miners to pay a percentage below the London Fix price

“It is a fact that the Gold Board, due to mismanagement, lost over 10 billion of taxpayer dollars during the period of 2012 to 2014 and now the Government want miners to subsidise this failing institution,” the missive to stakeholders said.

According to the miners’ representatives, “buying gold from local miners at the fixed world market prices has been the norm for the Guyana Gold Board and gold dealers in Guyana for over 20 years.”

The two bodies have since suggested that if the Guyana Gold Board—which has been plagued by corruption allegations in recent years—cannot run its operations and be profitable, in contrast to the privately

No consultations

It was deduced that this new burden will see miners now paying out almost 10 per cent or $25,700 for every ounce of the gold they produce to the Government of Guyana.

The proposal, according to the two mining representative bodies, has been tabled without any consultation with miners or the mining associations.

“The GGDMA and the GWMO are deeply concerned with these developments from an Administration, who, thus far, has made only empty promises and has made life harder for the small and medium-scale miners.”

It was pointed out too that despite all the rhetoric about consultations, “this proposal was secretly developed”.

The two entities have since adopted a position of suspicion regarding all previous consultations and asked the Government, “Can we now trust your word?”

The GGDMA and the GWMO in their statement has since demanded an immediate end to the proposal and “a commitment from

the Government of Guyana that they are serious about meaningful consultations”.

The GGDMA and the GWMO said they would be meeting with miners across Guyana to inform them about the impending changes and to discuss how they would affect their livelihood, with an outreach programme planned for the coming week.

Reiterating their position, the GGDMA and the GWMO said: “We are fully opposed to this proposal, which is under active consideration at the Cabinet level and we urge the Government of Guyana not to take this foolish measure.”

The representative bodies added that the measure

would not create jobs and would, in fact, kill employment and spending.

“It will plunge the already stagnant economy further down the spiral. Mining is the leading economic driver of the Guyanese economy and this proposal will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”

The mining representatives used the occasion to observe that no other Private Sector industry currently provides more employment than mining, adding that “crime is tied to unemployment, and in an already slow economic situation, killing off the mining sector will not solve the current problems Guyana faces, but it will magnify them”.

They lamented that the

Government, through the Guyana Gold Board, is planning to squeeze blood out of the miners.

It was also recalled that the Ministry of the Presidency has indicated that it would be applying more stringent measures to the industry and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon is on record saying they will put measures in place to ensure the survival of the Guyana Gold Board.

According to the GGDMA and the GWMO, “we did not anticipate that miners would be robbed of an additional three per cent to maintain the Guyana Gold Board's incompetence…We will not be burdened with the bill for the Guyana Gold Board.”

friDay, november 18, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Greenidge to meet incoming UN Secretary General on border controversy

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge will meet with the incoming United Nations Secretary General António Guterres next week to continue to push for a resolution on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

Outgoing Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had pledged to make an assessment on the border issue by November, ahead of his retirement from office on December 31.

Government spokesperson, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman told media operatives during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday that the meeting would be another part of the process to get the global intergovernmental organisation to pronounce definitively on the matter.

“The meeting between the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the incoming Secretary General would be a part of the process to secure that recommendation,” he stated.

The Minister will be accompanied by Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Audrey Jardine-Waddell.

For decades, Venezuela has laid claim to nearly twothirds of Guyana’s landmass – the Essequibo.

In fact, the border controversy, which was not on Venezuela’s front burner for several years after being first officially mooted in 1962, was reignited by the latter country, when US oil giant ExxonMobil began exploratory works in the Stabroek

Block offshore the Essequibo.

With Guyana on the verge of becoming a lucrative oil-producing nation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a decree purporting to claim the majority of Guyana’s waters.

The decree was seen as a flagrant violation of international law and was inconsistent with the principle that all states should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states.

In an effort to defend its sovereignty, Guyana made it clear to the Venezuelan

Government that the Essequibo and its offshore waters belong to Guyana, and strengthened its push for judicial settlement of the issue, as the Good Officer process had yielded little result. The border between the countries was set by an international tribunal in 1899, in an award the parties, including Venezuela, had agreed would be the final settlement. Since the belligerence from Venezuela, moves have been made by the international community, including the UN Secretary General, to push for a peaceful resolution of the issue.

Guyanese Head of State David Granger and President Maduro had met with the outgoing UN Secretary General for the first time in September last year to discuss the controversy.

The meeting was dubbed fruitful as both Heads of Government pledged to mend the bilateral relationship while attempts are being made to resolve the border controversy.

The end of sugar: the tragedy

It would appear we are witnessing the beginning of the end of sugar in Guyana. But the government seems determined to prove Marx right when he said, “history repeats itself –first as tragedy and second as farce.” The “farce” not being the repeated actions, but our refusal to learn from history: “Fool me once, shame on you – fool me twice, shame on me.”

Back in 1838, one “ending” of sugar was predicted at the abolition of African chattel slavery when the owners of the industry saw themselves “ruined”. Even though they received £20 million pounds compensation (equivalent to £17 BILLION today) from the British government for the “loss of their property”, which is what “chattel” is. Many planters took the money and ran.

The freed Africans, not surprisingly, insisted they be now paid “fair” compensation for their labour. Economists like Adam Smith, in the half century preceding the abolition of slavery had insisted “free labour” would be cheaper than slave labour. In fact this was one of the reasons Britain abolished slavery. Another was wanting to dismantle the then dominant “mercantilist” system of trade that mandated trade be kept “in the imperial family”.

As Britain’s industrial revolution – built on profits from its imperial exploitation – spewed out manufactured goods, it made “economic sense” to move on to “free trade” and sell its goods to a wider market. But this meant buying goods from these countries - including cheaper sugar. So we should forget about the “humanitarian” impulses the British narrative insists made them realise the error of their ways to “freed the slaves”. It was all about what was best for Britain.

If those “humanitarian” impulses were central in the new dispensation, then the slaves should have been compensated, for being treated as “chattel goods”. Payment to the planters merely reinforced the “rightness” of the chattel premise.

Additionally, the Guyanese planters knew the freed Africans had the option of leaving the plantations and squatting on Crown Lands or abandoned plantations even before the end of the “apprenticeship period” (in which the freed Africans were supposed to be “socialised” into “free labour”). But they were facilitated by the government to import indentured Portuguese from Madeira as early as 1835 to undercut the bargaining power of the supposedly “free labour”. Interestingly they also secured freed Africans from the smaller islands especially Barbados, where wages remained depressed because the “free labour” had no options but to remain on the plantations.

The planters would argue that under the new “free market” basis of free trade, their preferential tariffs in Britain would be soon equalised and they needed cheap labour to compete with more competitive producers such as Mauritius. They would also have to make capital investments in factory equipment such as vacuum pans and new field implements and fertilisers. The Africans were successful in securing increased wages after their strike of 1842 but the planters countered by turning to India and China for a more secured supply of cheap bodies that could be disciplined into the plantation regimen.

By 1848 when the Africans struck again for higher wages, more than half of them (41,000) had moved from the plantations to live in towns, settle in their new villages or prospecting in the interior. This strike was unsuccessful because by then15,747 Portuguese, 12,897 Africans from the WI; 6,957 Africans from Africa and 8,692 Indian indentureds – 44,293 total – had replaced them.

In this way, sugar survived, and production even tripled from the days of slavery by the end of the 19th century. But only because the indentured labour was willing to work for ever DECREASING wages since the system kept bringing more from India to undercut the bargaining power of those who had completed their Indentureship.

The “farce” that is unfolding, of course, is as Guyana faces the almost identical conditions of the post emancipation period – loss of markets, high costs of production, loss of low wage labour, and inappropriate manufacturing technology – the new planter class in the government seems oblivious to the plight of the human element that should be at the centre of all economics. (Next week...The farce)

Ravi Dev

Incoming UN Secretary General António Guterres

Overseas-based Guyanese presents school hampers to Mashabo Primary students

Many school children from the Amerindian community of Mashabo in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were the beneficiaries of school hampers, compliments of a Guyanese living in Canada.

The donation of two barrels of goodies and stationary hampers were handed over to teachers of the school on Wednesday, by relatives of the donors. At a handing-over ceremony held on the community’s wharf, one of the donor’s sisters, Seerie Prashad, said the barrels were sent to Guyana under her sister, Deka Dhaness Children’s Christmas Project. Prashad handed over the barrels to a teacher, Ovid Phillips.

The donor, Deka Dhaness, she said she was very hap-

py to provide for the children in that community. She made this disclosure during an interview with the media. Dhaness said the project started in 2011 with the aim of helping children go to school as well as spreading cheer to them during the festive season of Christmas. Each child received a bag, pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, toothbrush, toothpaste, face rags, hair acces-

sories, candy and toys.

When asked why she chose that particular Amerindian community for the donation, Dhaness said that her heart goes out to the children, as often children in that far-flung community are “forgotten” because of their geographical locations.

She said too that she grew up in the neighbouring community of Huist Diren and recalled her brother spend-

ing vacations in Mashabo, among the children there.

Meanwhile at the presentation, the headmaster expressed gratitude towards Dhaness and the project. He said the parents of the children are grateful for the timely help. Mashabo is an Amerindian community located in the Iturbsi lake in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) whose Toshoa is Sylvin Rapheal.

Banks DIH donates computer, printer to Bamia Nursery/Primary School

Banks DIH made a donation of a desktop computer and printer to Bamia Nursery/Primary School on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, following a request from the school.

According to Headteacher Denise Piggott the school was forced to prepare all its printing material in the mining town of Mackenzie, approximately 15 miles from the village because there was no electricity.

Piggott said that Bamia recently acquired electrici-

ty for the first time and this prompted the school to seek assistance of a computer and printer and Banks DIH was approached and responded positively.

“The computer system will help us tremendously and will reduce cost because we will no longer have to travel all the way to Mackenzie to have our paperwork done. We are very grateful to Banks DIH Limited for their support,” she added.

Troy Peters,

Communications Manager of Banks DIH said the company responded almost immediately to the request after hearing about the challenges of the school.

“This presentation forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme (CSRP) as we continue to foster closer relationships in the communities in which we operate,” he added.

Bamia School has a population of 48 pupils and five teachers.

Seerie Prashad, Deka Dhaness’ sister, handing over the barrel of goodies

The journey to Mashabo

Linden Branch Manager Shondell Easton makes the presentation to Denise Piggott, Headteacher of Bamia Primary School in the presence of Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters, teachers and pupils

Edghill calls for immediate investigation into GPL power outages

ember of Parliament

MBishop Juan Edgill is calling on the Public Utilities Commission to launch an immediate investigation into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) lengthy power outage in Berbice, Bartica, Georgetown and Essequibo.

He stated that over the past few months, there have been increasing concerns about the inefficient and unreliable services offered by the GPL to residents in Berbice, Bartica, Georgetown and Essequibo.

He noted that the situation has further deteriorated in the recent past with the increasing amounts and durations of unscheduled and scheduled power outages and load-shedding, which have affected the livelihoods of ordinary tax-paying citizens who have lost valuable household appliances the most. Similarly, he said there has been an understandable outcry by commercial and resi-

dential customers about the atrocious quality of service offered by GTT as far as continuous and reliable internet and mobile data services and connectivity are concerned:

“In both the case of GTT and GPL, customers have lobbied the government to do more to ensure that these companies improve the quality of the services that they are offering. Their pleas and cries have seemingly been met with indifference by those responsible for holding these public utilities accountable.”

“It has also led to the loss

gotiated by government with respect to wind-farm project to provide additional electricity to the grid; and the rationale behind GPL’s failure to reduce service rates despite the continued downward trajectory of fuel prices on the world market.

“Such an investigation is necessary in light of the PUC’s obligations to the people of this country as outlined in the Public Utilities Act of 1997,” he said, pointing out that the act mandates the PUC according to Chapters 25:01 subsection 22 (a) through (f) to ensure that

of millions of dollars for private sector businesses who have had to suffice with the loss of valuable equipment and income as a result of the poor service offered by GPL,” he said, adding that the investigation should look into the reasons for these lengthy and costly power outages across the country; what immediate and long-term plans GPL has for remedying the situation which is reaching crisis levels in light of the secret deal ne-

it investigates and regulates the overall quality of service provided by public utilities with the objective of ensuring that the highest standards are met.

He stated that it is also necessary for those responsible at the level of the Executive to demand that these companies adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in their licences agreement or face possible sanctions as prescribed by law.

Beepats relaunches flagship store

After 60 years of operations, the Beepats and Sons flagship store on Regent Street, Georgetown has been relaunched, now boasting modernised facilities to improve the experience of shoppers. Joint Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Jonathan Beepat and Christopher Beepat explained that with the extension of the store and installation of air conditioning, the facility now offers a more convenient shopping for customers. Jonathan Beepat explained that aisles have been set up in the store, which caters for everyday food-related brands.

“Beepats has been in business for over 60-plus years and we represent some of the major brands for Guyana. We distribute across the country, we

handle marketing for Nestlé, Ozon, Orchaird, Suppligen, Maggi’s, Brunswick Tuna, and number of other products,” he noted. Beepats is one of the leading distributors in the country, with a distribution network which stretches across Guyana, from the smallest corner shops in the country areas to modern, large-scale supermarkets in other areas. The business was founded by Madho Beepat, who started his one-man operation in the La Penitence Market in November 1953. As his business outgrew that location, he moved to rented premises at 95 Regent Street, Georgetown which he later purchased.

The modernised Beepats Store on Regent Street, Georgetown

MP, Bishop Juan Edghill

Govt, Jagdeo clash on 100% renewable energy by 2025 commitment

Government is certain Guyana will achieve its commitment to get 100 per cent renewable power by 2025, however the parliamentary Opposition believes that the Administration is chasing a pipe dream.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo could not comprehend why President David Granger made such an impracticable pledge when he signed onto the Paris Climate Change Agreement on April 22.

Jagdeo, a former President and renowned Champion of the Earth awardee, explained that converting to 100 per cent renewables involves much more than just electricity and noted that Government has not even outlined a comprehensive plan towards attaining full renewable energy within the next decade.

“We’re in 2016 and 2017 soon. How do we get to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 when we’re not going to build the (Amaila Falls) hydro which would have given us 94-95 per cent of our renewable electricity demand? They’re going to do some small wind farm and that would not meet our requirements. But there is nothing else on the horizon, no other plan,” he asserted as he expressed bafflement over why the current Government would sign the country up for failure.

He noted too that on a broader perspective, transforming to 100 per cent renewable would entail switching to vehicles that utilise renewable energy instead of fossil fuel, which would mean the service stations countrywide would need to be adjusted.

Jagdeo also pointed out that Guyana needs to develop the appropriate infrastruc-

ture that would support a fully charged renewable energy nation.

All of this, he assessed, cannot be completed by 2025.

The Opposition Leader also criticised the Government for pushing the agenda of an undefined green economy.

“We’ve seen the President speak about the green economy but, we’re yet to get a single document which tells us what the green economy is. He criticised the LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy) of being too narrow but at least we have a few hundred pages of a definition of our approach to a green economy,” he opined.

President Granger had told media operatives that the LCDS was too narrow and that his Administration would be seeking to broaden the scope of the green economy initiative.

Moreover, Jagdeo was critical of the Government for squandering the LCDS monies. He lamented that the 6000 solar panels which were purchased with LCDS funds for distribution to the hinterland areas are now being given away to Government Ministers.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the solar panels were installed at State House and the President’s official residence in order to make that complex fully green.

On the other hand, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman believes Guyana is well on the journey to achieving its commitment by 2025.

When asked by Guyana Times, Trotman said steps are already being taken to realise this goal.

“Guyana’s pathway is conditional of us getting support... And we expect that the international community and friends of Guyana will be supportive,” he opined.

The Minister disclosed that last week, Government and other officials held a meeting to discuss the Arco Notre Project as a means of achieving the 100 per cent renewable power pledge.

The project seeks to determine the feasibility, alternatives, risks and mitigation measures of creating an energy and data transmission interconnection arc (the Northern Arc), with the purpose of interconnecting Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil and Suriname.

He noted too that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson’s participation in the upcoming 46th Meeting of the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE) will also place Guyana well on the path to becoming a 100 per cent powered renewable State.

The Natural Resources Minister assured, “We believe that it is achievable in the decade… we are well placed on the road to success.”

7-year-old

struck down on Adventure Public Road

Padmini Padram, 7, of Adventure Truck Line dam on the Essequibo Coast was Thursday evening struck by a pick-up as she crossed the Adventure Public Road. The accident occurred around 15:00h.

She was rushed by the driver of the pick-up to the Suddie Hospital. Padram was immediately transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention.

The driver is in police custody assisting with investigations.

According to information reaching Guyana Times the accident involving the pick-

car then stopped to

passengers, when

ran across the

child was thrown several feet away. Police are continuing investigations.

up GNN 3818 is owned and was driven by Vijay Nadu, 45, of Lot 103 Dryshore, Essequibo Coast. It was further revealed that the pedestrian and her eight-year-old brother Anesh Padram, were passengers in a car which was proceeding south along the eastern

Guyana rolls out National Emergency Medical Services

project to merge fire, ambulance services

The Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Public Security Ministry, has rolled out Phase One of its National Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which will see the merging of ambulance and the fire services.

For this project, more than 100 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have been trained and will be working closely with the

Guyana Fire Service to provide aid to citizens. Phase One of the National EMS project will see ambulances based at the Central Fire Station at Stabroek, Alberttown, Diamond and Mon Repos Fire Stations along with EMTs available on a 24-hour basis.

Speaking at the launching ceremony on Thursday, EMS Medical Director, Dr Zulfikar Bux, recalled what a strenuous task it was to bring this project to its current stage. Dr Bux, an emergency response specialist himself, has been working tirelessly over the years to make an emergency medical service in Guyana a reality, presenting robust proposals to two different Administrations before one was finally accepted and approved by the current Cabinet.

GRPA moves from being lowest NGO performer to best in the Region

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) has moved from being known as the lowest performing NGO in the Caribbean to being the highest performer in 2015, Executive Director Patricia SheerattanBisnauth said.

SheerattanBisnauth stated that the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has labelled the GRPA as the top performer

for 2015 in the Caribbean for the western hemisphere.

The IPPF had stated that the GRPA continues to be much in the public eye and has developed a reputation as a rights-based organisation on the cutting edge of sexual and reproductive healthcare.

The GRPA head indicated that the organisation has also moved from being a high-risk company to a medium risk company, having turned out its financial sit-

– GRPA Head

uation. She stated that the company’s revenue in 2015 by 69 per cent, the first time in the company’s history to generate such a surplus.

She also stated that the organisation has increased its service and have provided over 88,000 services to different persons, mostly victims of gender based violence.

Presently, the organisation is in its fourth phase of accreditation by the IPPF.

“The GRPA rises… we

have risen from being lowest performers in the region to becoming the highest performer for the whole Caribbean last year,” she said, adding that they provided 29 per cent of the service volume for the entire Caribbean of the western hemisphere. “We have managed to clear our deficit and generate a surplus.

She stated that the organisation has gained positive response from its “Still I rise” campaign where they

focused on supporting pregnant, parenting and at risk adolescent girls. She stated that their volunteer service grew tremendously and was fortified by the cooperation.

Sheerattan-Bisnauth further noted that since they have increased their medical services, they have earned the reputation of being the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services in the country.

Nevertheless, she stat-

ed that organisation has focused on their clients, particularly women and children who are at risk for violence. The GRPA is currently advocating for the Government to implement the (Caribbean Community) Caricom framework to reduce teenage pregnancy which they signed in 2014 and also to develop a policy to reintegrate the pregnant or parenting girl child into school.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Fire Chief Marlon Gentle and EMS Medical Director, Dr Zulfikar Bux along with the EMTs at the launching of the National Emergency Medical Services

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

side of the road. The

offload

Padmini

road. The

Dochfour pool game murder trial

As the trial into the murder of Suresh Goberdhan over a pool game continues at the Demerara High Court, former Police Constable Reuel Paddy on Thursday testified.

Paddy said he witnessed the post-mortem on Goberdhan’s body (which was found at Dochfour, East Coast Demerara, on January 16, 2014 with multiple head injuries).

The former Police Constable told the 12-member jury that the murdered man was dressed in a red jersey and black three-quarter pants at the time of his demise. The court also heard that Goberdhan’s father, Lakeram Goberdhan, and uncle, Balram Goberdhan, identified the body on January 20 of that year. It was explained that the two family members also witnessed the post-mortem performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh. The murdered man was buried the next day, on January 21.

Paddy also told the court that on February 20 that

year, he went to Dr Singh’s office where he uplifted the post-mortem report, after which he lodged it at the Cove and John Police Station. The said report was later tendered as evidence in preliminary hearings at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court. On Thursday, Paddy was shown the report and he identified his signature and that of Dr Singh.

According to the prosecution’s case, after the murder accused Davendra Rooplall lost two games of pool, following heavy alcohol consumption, he, Goberdhan and another young man, Khemraj Persaud, headed to another rum shop on two bicycles. The eyewitness, Persaud, was on one bicycle, while Goberdhan and Rooplall were on the other.

The prosecution contends that on the way to Dochfour, the murder accused dismounted the bike and reportedly said: “I gan kill this (expletive) man, cause he win out me money.” At this point, it was related that the two other men laughed because they [supposedly] felt that Rooplall was joking.

It was in the midst of this laughter that the State believes the murder accused picked up a piece of steel, said to be three feet in length, and “lashed” Goberdhan to his head. The prosecution further contends that the accused then dragged Goberdhan to ‘Sea Dam’ and “lashed him more to his face”.

It is further believed that on the dam, Rooplall ran through Goberdhan’s pockets and stole his money and

Speeding car slams into Airy Hall shop

Police witness testifies 2 confess to killing carpenter

mobile phone, while Persaud shouted several times for the murder accused to “stop”.

At this point, a man who lived across the road, Orin Calendar, who also witnessed the ordeal, explained that he saw the incident from his verandah. Some time after, when threats were made to call the Police, Rooplall reportedly jumped onto his bicycle and fled the scene, while Persaud rode through Sea Dam. Calendar was said to have reported the matter to the Cove and John Police Station.

Rooplall, who has pleaded not guilty to the capital offence, is being represented by Attorney Sandhill Kissoon while the State Prosecutors are Siand Dhurjon and Shawnette Austin.

The trial continues next week Tuesday when the State’s final witness, Dr Nehaul Singh will be called to take the stand to testify to the injuries which Goberdhan suffered.

Guyana rolls out National...

He explained that he had recognised the need for emergency medical services in Guyana and so a few years ago, he partnered with the Fire Service to train specialists in this area under a pilot programme and from 2014 to date, those EMTs have responded to over 500 calls and even made three deliveries en route to the hospitals.

“The EMS system has been proven in all areas of medicine that it is helping to save people and bringing them faster to the hospital so that we can take care of them,” he stated.

Dr Bux went on to say that while the project would be initially rolled out in Georgetown and its outskirts along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, it would be countrywide within the next five years.

“Unfortunately, we only have three ambulances and so we are doing a phased implementation and over the next five years, we expect to cover the entire system. But we are asking the members of the public to cooperate with us and understand

that we will not be able meet the needs of the system. It’s in a phase, where we are trying to ensure that we get everything right so when we do become a full national system, we won’t have to go back to the planning table and say this is where we went wrong,” the EMS Medical Director explained.

Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle expressed his satisfaction that the ambulance service has returned to the realm of the Guyana Fire Service. He pointed out that the Fire Service already has the platform to launch emergency services, which is handling and dispatching. To this end, he noted that it was efficient to amalgamate the fire and ambulance services into one platform, where persons can call one number with any kind of emergency and have assistance in the form of both medical and firefighting services.

Gentle added that the Fire Service was currently having its systems upgraded with modern facilities and software to assist in critical dispatch as well as to record

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

calls.

Furthermore, the Fire Chief urged the EMTs to ensure that they adopt utmost professionalism in executing their duties as they would be interacting directly with the public.

“If we are to roll out a service with the expectations of the public, we need to do it only one way – the right way and we need to do it professionally and therefore quality assurance, quality control and all the tenets of running this service have to be observed,” he stated.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan both acknowledged the importance of emergency medical services and pledged to support the project going forward as it expands throughout the country. In fact, Dr Norton disclosed that two more ambulances are being procured for the project, while Minister Ramjattan assured that the necessary equipment would be provided to the Fire Service for the National EMS to be a success.

– female driver in custody

Ashop owner of Lot 11 Airy Hall, on the Essequibo Coast, was given a rude awakening early Thursday morning, after a car slammed into her snackette, forcing her out of business. The incident reportedly occurred around 06:30h.

A female driver, who, according to eyewitnesses was speeding, approached the upcoming turn at a fast rate and lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into the snackette. The woman was driving a white Toyota

Allion, bearing registration plates PRR 4663 at the time of the incident.

According to the owner of the business, Latchmi Seeram, she was alerted to what had happened after hearing her mother-in-law’s screams. Upon enquiring, she discovered that her shop was badly damaged and a car which was neatly parked

in her premises. Seeram then hurriedly checked to see if anyone sustained injuries.

The owner estimated her loss at approximately $1 million.

According to the businesswoman, she usually operates the shop at her residence and at the Suddie Market in an effort to earn

Corentyne ‘body on the road’

Two Corentyne men on Thursday confessed to being involved in the killing of Corentyne carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt, whose body was found on the Number 70 Public Road on November 1, at a scene which appeared to be that of a hit-and run accident.

The men have implicated an overseasbased Guyanese as being the mastermind behind the killing.

On Tuesday last, members of the Police Force’s Major Crime Unit took over the investigation after there seemed to be reluctance by Police on the Corentyne to probe deeper into the matter.

During the operation on Tuesday, seven persons were arrested based on a flyer which relatives of the deceased had circulated, reportedly detailing what transpired the night of Narinedatt’s death. Following the arrests, the seven suspects were taken to Georgetown where investigators questioned them. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said two of them have since confessed.

Blanhum told the media that Narinedatt was beaten unconscious by the men, then placed in the trunk of a car and taken to the public road where he was run over by a car to stage the killing as a road accident and not a homicide.

According to the Crime Chief, the businessman in question allegedly attempted to fondle Narinedatt, who was intoxicated at the time. However, the young man reportedly rejected the businessman and out of embarrassment, he allegedly instructed two villagers to beat the carpenter and to “take care of it”.

On November 1, when this publication visited the area, villagers were tight-lipped; one family member of the now dead man had related that most villagers are afraid of the

a livelihood. Due to the accident, the vendor will be forced out of business until her shop can be repaired.

Meanwhile, Deowattie Seeram, the businesswoman’s mother-in-law, witnessed the entire ordeal.

The elder Seeram is counting her blessings and thanking God for her survival. Still shaken, she said she was in front of the yard when she saw the car approaching. Seeram said she screamed and stood still while the accident unfolded. The woman believes that she narrowly escaped injury because she did not run.

The family is hoping that their business can be rebuilt so that they can carry on with their livelihood. Meanwhile, the Police are investigating the accident. No one was hurt during the accident and the driver is said to be in Police custody.

overseas-based Guyanese. Narinedatt’s body was discovered about 03:45h on the Number 70 Village Public Road. The dead man’s family had maintained the accident was staged and he was not killed at the spot where the body was found.

Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted by Pathologist Dr Nehal Singh revealed that the young man suffered a fractured skull and spinal injuries, among others. Dr Singh’s findings also revealed that the father of two was not hit while in a standing position.

Now with the arrest and subsequent confession, Narinedatt’s grieving mother, Bibi Aziz told Guyana Times that while she was satisfied with the progress, she wanted all of the suspects, including the overseas-based Guyanese to be tried.

Suresh Goberdhan’s body was found in January 2014

Davendra Rooplall is accused of murdering Suresh Goberdhan

The mangled Toyota Allion which ended up in the Seerams’ yard

Some of the damaged items from the snackette

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

guyanatimesgy.com

friday,november 18, 2016

Twenty-seven-year-old Jalessa Mar-Chell Peterkin, who stands five feet, nine inches tall, is Guyana’s representative to the Miss Supranational Pageant to be held in Krynica-Zdroj, Poland, on December 2.

The Guyanese beauty is no newcomer to the world of pageantry. Making her pageant debut at the tender age of 17, this pageant queen has competed in pageant sessions including National American Miss, the Miss America Organisation, the Miss Universe Organisation and Miss Earth. She has also competed at local and international levels.

Growing up in New York City, Perterkin has always had a love for fashion. She is a former model and has even had the chance to grace the runway of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. She studied Journalism at Hofstra University and hopes to one day become the Editor-in-Chief of a world

renowned high fashion magazine.

One of her favourite hobbies is travelling. She feels blessed that she has been able to experience this luxury and enjoys being able to fully immerse herself in new cultures.

Travelling not only enhanced her cultural competency, but it also sparked an interest in knowing her own genealogy. She invested time tracing her roots to create her family tree, but not knowing her grandmother and that of her maternal side of the family left a void.

That void did not sit well with the beauty ambassador and she made it her mission to locate her estranged grandmother and develop a relationship. It was just this past year that she was finally able to meet her grandmother and learn about that part of her family. During this time, she learned about her Guyanese heritage and of her

grandmother’s life before she left Guyana.

Having fallen in love with Guyanese culture and getting to visit Guyana two summers ago, this was a pleasant discovery for her.

Proud of her multi-Caribbean heritage, Peterkin is ecstatic to have been asked to be the very first Guyanese representative at Miss Supranational beauty pageant.

Determined to make a name for Guyana at this prestigious event, she is sure that her passion, drive, and prior pageant experience will give her a fair chance at the coveted Miss Supranational crown.

This Caribbean-American beauty was born in Brooklyn, New York and currently resides in Staten Island with her dog Honey.

The beauty ambassador can be followed on the official Miss Supranational Guyana page on Facebook.

Come Saturday, November 19, twelve deejays from around Guyana will battle for supremacy and a title as the Best Deejay on the West Side at the parking lot of the Leonora Stadium. The event is called the Westside 45 DJ Kick Out Deejay competition.

Those competing for the grand prize are Deejays Spotlight, Links, Smallzz, Jahalla, Selector Keston, Turf, D Dangles, D Boss, Kevin, Sixx, Unruly and Famous. The winner will walk away with one Apple laptop computer, one Beats headphone, $200,000 in cash and the champion’s trophy.

Prizes will also be given to the best dressed deejay, most hyped deejay, and most popular deejay.

The competition is made up of five rounds, with the first being the “God bless round”. In the second round, the deejays can only play Guyanese music which is referred to as the “Guyanese music round”. Round three is referred to as the “Party round”, while round four is titled “I am a special DJ” – in this round, the contestants cannot play reggae, dancehall, rap, hip hop or R&B. Any other genre of music can be played.

Meanwhile, round five will be the last man stand-

The remaining two standing deejays will have to impress their fans in another “tune for tune” with five songs apiece. The crowd will be the judge and will select the winner of the competition.

The competition starts at 20:00h sharp and admission costs only $1000. Tickets will be available at the venue. The event is sponsored by Two Brothers Pure Ice; Gulf Motor Oil and Mackenson.

After a splendid performance at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall last weekend, for one of the most hyped gospel shows, the anointing continues this evening with the most anticipated, “Lift Every Praise” concert at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) featuring some of the best in Guyana.

All focus however, will be placed on Guyanese born, Eddie Neblett who has returned for the United Stated to perform at the event. He is no stranger to Guyana and to gospel music since he actually started his gospel musical career here.

His mother raised him in the church and put him in the choir at the age of seven and later urged him to enter and sing in various shows. As he grew in experience, he recorded his first song “We can make it” followed by his breakthrough hit “Love N’ Unity”

concert for tonight at MSC

with its infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and his now famous trademark, rapid-rap style.

Neblett teamed up with his band Second Coming, to produce what is his favourite song, “Anointed”. He has performed at shows in Brazil with Second Coming and also in Barbados, Suriname, St Lucia, St Vincent and Trinidad. He was featured with the top gospel reggae band, Christafari, while they performed in Georgetown. However, this evening, he will be joined by several other gospel artistes including Candy Duke, Rene Winter, Redeemers Band, Malika Boyd, Samuel Medas and many others.

Tickets for this anointed night cost $1000 and are available at the Muslim Top Up Shop. The event is promoted by Tag Productionz and Devine Entertainment.

The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex AA, Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) and Indus Voices Musical Group will host a special concert titled, “Confluence” at the Latifan Civic Centre, Anna Catherina Islamic Complex, West Coast Demerara. The event is billed for Saturday, November 19.

The programme is organised specifically to be a part of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary and seeks to entertain education and highlight the integration and involvement of the Indian culture into the Guyanese society.

The event will feature Amar Ramessar and the Indus Voices Musical Group backed by vocals from Seema Boodram, Sookranie Boodhoo, Loveina Deepan and several others. Tickets for the concert cost $300 and will be available at the gate.

There will also be food and drinks on sale at the event. The concert gets underway at 18:30h and the public is invited to attend.

ix young ladies will are ready to take the stage on Saturday, November 26, as they compete for the title of Miss Soesdyke Secondary School. The delegates are presently being trained

– mentally, physically and emotionally – for pageant night. Come November 26, the six delegates will be competing in casual wear, traditional wear, evening wear, talent and more importantly, intelligence.

The pageant is being organised by the school’s PTA to raised funds. Tickets are available at

Oset for December 3

nce again, Lake Mainstay Resort will come alive on December 3 for its annual Vehicle Sound Clash, and it is expected to be exciting.

The Clash will see vehicles being judged in 14 categories, including cleanest sound and most powerful sound.

Registration forms can be uplifted from Gutty’s Variety Stall, Charity; G&P Jaigobin, Henrietta; Cellular Plus Store, Anna Regina; Anil Cell Phone Store, Anna Regina Market; Derick Photocopy Shop, Anna Regina Post Office and Universal Pharmacy, Suddie.

However, after the Sound Clash, the party will commence with the best DJs and sound

system on the Essequibo Coast. “DJ Chiney” out of Pream’s Mega Sounds will definitely heat up the dance floor with some of the best vibes.

In addition, there will be a children fun park, including merry go-round, trampoline and bouncy castle among other activities for the kids. Admission to the event will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children.

The Annual Lake Mainstay Vehicle Sound Clash is sponsored by Banks Beer, Stag Beer, Valvoline Oil, Ramchan’s Auto Spares, Guyoil Gas and Castrol Lubricants, Transpacific Auto Sales and Spares.

For those who wish to travel up to the event, there will be special rates on accommodations and meals.

Plans are moving apace for the hosting of Chutney Fete which is billed for the parking lot of the Leonora Stadium, West Coast Demerara, on November 26. Organisers are making final preparation to ensure that the show is epic. Tickets are going like hot cakes and the momentum is building with only one week to go.

Presently, persons who purchase three tickets at $1500 each get the fourth absolutely free. In addition, advance tickets cost $1500 but $2000 at the gate, hence those desirous of attending the show are urged to get their tickets at the earliest opportunity.

The event will feature reigning International Chutney Monarch Kris

Persad, also called “KI”; Nishard M; and Master Saleem and Sally Sagram from Trinidad and Tobago. The Guyanese line-up includes Steven Ramphal and Pooran Seeraj of the Shakti Sting Orchestra, as well as Aamir Khan and the Dax New Generation Band. There will be several dance troupes that will be performing on the evening of

the show which will definitely add some flavour to the event.

Television and radio personality, WR Reaz is expected to be the emcee of the evening. Meanwhile, the Trinidadian artistes are expected to arrive in Guyana on Friday next – one day before the show. Tickets are available at several locations in all three counties.

Annalisa Shelia Jacobs

Alliyah Michell Homes

Keneisha Tosheica

Notwithstanding a trio of breakthroughs for England's returning attack leader, James Anderson, who was playing in his first competitive fixture since August, it was also a day dominated by numbers three and four - specifically Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli, who compiled a masterful pair of hundreds in a 226run stand for India's third wicket that has, for the first time in this series, given their side unequivocal control of the contest.

England, emulating their wholehearted efforts in the drawn first match at Rajkot, started the day with a flourish and finished it with a grind, digging deep on all fronts - with seam and spin, new ball and old - to demand that India had to work hard for their runs. But by the close, with Kohli still in situ on 151 not out, his 14th century in his 50th Test appearance, the task awaiting them was already looking formidable.

Kohli, Pujara tons put England on back foot

et that neither captain expects to last five days, will be a critical aspect of this contest, and Alastair Cook had cut an almost condemned figure after missing out on the chance to have first use. "Now we've got nothing to lose," he admitted after calling incorrectly. He might wish to revise that assessment now.

progress, rather than the inevitability.

India's overnight scoreline of 317 for 4 was everything that Kohli could have wished for after winning a vital toss. First-innings runs, on a wick-

Ominously for England, there had been glimmers of the assistance that the pitch is likely to offer at every juncture of India's day, including signs of turn and uneven bounce for the spinners and indications of reverse swing in the evening session. Anderson, in particular, tried desperately to exploit that aspect in a wholehearted five-over spell that yielded the vital scalp of Pujara for 119. And then, with two overs of the day remaining, he struck with his third delivery with the second new ball to unseat a tentative Ajinkya Rahane for 23.

But up until those late intercessions, such was the quality of India's third-wicket stand that England had little option but to cling onto the batsmen's coat-tails and seek to manage the speed of their

England certainly started their day's work with a flourish. Stuart Broad struck with his fifth ball of the match as KL Rahul, Gautam Gambhir's replacement at the top of the order, fenced outside off to poke a sharp catch to third slip, before Anderson, fit again after three months out with a fractured shoulder blade, suckered Murali Vijay with a bouncer to leave India perilously placed on 22 for 2 after five overs.

But Pujara, fresh from his first-innings century at Rajkot, and Kohli, whose masterful 49 not out had averted calamity on the final afternoon of that match, were precisely the right pair to set aside the scoreline and play the conditions as placidly as they were - at this stage - proving to be.

Chances to unsettle their progress were few and far between, as is often the way in the subcontinent, and England were left ruing two fleeting moments in particular: first, a crazy over from Adil Rashid midway through the morning session, when Pujara might have run himself out twice in

three deliveries - his belated response to Kohli's clip to midwicket was especially close to curtains.

As Cook fumbled for his options, Moeen Ali, England's senior spinner, was curiously overlooked until the 40th over of the innings - an inexplicable delay, notwithstanding the early control that Rashid in particular had been able to exert. Instead, armed with a flat ball, he encountered Kohli in full exhibition mode and his seventh over was banished for three fours through cover, third man and mid-on respectively.

It was the left-arm spin of Ansari to whom Cook first turned, in the 11th over of the innings, but despite his tendency in his first two Tests to create chances, today his 12 overs were milked for 45 runs. Both Pujara and Kohli had surged into the nineties when the afternoon session was brought to a close four balls early, when a local mutt chose to lead the groundstaff on such a merry dance that the umpires pointed the players to the pavilion. Kohli followed suit three overs later, with a punch through the covers to

welcome Anderson back for his third spell, and before the close he had marched past 150 for the fourth time in Tests, with scarcely a shot out of place. He had one last moment of good fortune on the stroke of 80 overs, when he missed a reverse-sweep against Moeen that was shown, on review, to have been clipping leg. England took the second opinion in the knowledge that they would be getting their topups one delivery later. It was a shot to nothing, and nothing was the upshot. By the close, England's

worries weren't limited to the scoreline, or the state of the wicket, which was already showing significant rough in the bowlers' footmarks. The fitness of Broad was also a significant concern. His morning spell had been prematurely - and inconveniently - halted after three overs when he reopened a cut on his right wrist while diving in the outfield, and though he did front up to bowl a solitary new-ball over before the close, he appeared to be hobbling badly and had already left the field for a change of boots. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Novak Djokovic kept up the pressure in the race for the yearend number one ranking with victory over Belgian David Goffin at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Djokovic had already qualified for the semi-finals, and completed the group stage with a 6-1 6-2 win.

The Serb, 29, needs to better Andy Murray's results in London to overtake the Briton in the rankings.

Murray won his first two group matches and plays Stan Wawrinka on Friday.

Milos Raonic plays Dominic Thiem in Thursday's evening session at 20:00, with the winner qualifying for the semi-finals behind Djokovic in the Ivan Lendl Group.

Five-time champion

Djokovic beats Goffin to keep pressure on Murray

Djokovic took his record at the O2 Arena to 21 wins in 22 matches with a straightforward dismissal of Goffin.

The Belgian, 25, was in London as the alternate, and making his tournament debut after Gael Monfils withdrew with a rib injury.

With £144,000 and 200 ranking points on offer for every group match victory, there was plenty to play for, but Goffin was outclassed by the champion.

Djokovic broke serve at the second attempt and the most significant drama came when he argued with umpire Fergus Murphy and tournament supervisor Tom Barnes over a time violation.

"One time!" the Serb said repeatedly, unhappy that he had not been given a warn-

ing he was getting close to breaking the 25-second rule.

It did nothing to interrupt the momentum on court as Djokovic eased to victory in just 69 minutes.

"Undoubtedly, I felt the most comfortable today from all three matches I've played this week," said Djokovic.

"I felt like I increased the level and the quality of tennis, so that's a good sign."

Djokovic now has a rest day before he plays Murray, Wawrinka or Kei Nishikori in Saturday's semi-final.

"No stress at all," he added. "Why stress? We come here to play, to enjoy.

"This is one of the biggest tournaments in the world. I'm just having fun on the court."

(BBC Sport)

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Roberts happy to return to DMW International Hockey Festival

Canadian national hockey player, Jonathan Roberts is happy to once again return to the largest indoor tournament in the Caribbean, the Diamond Mineral Water International Hockey Festival.

With more than 50 international matches for Canada, including World Cup matches, Roberts is expected to return to the helm of regional indoor hockey, which he has dominated during his stint in the annual Festival.

“It is nice to be returning to Guyana to defend the title. This is the first time since the tournament started that we are returning back to back years.” Roberts said.

Last year, the 6ix men’s team emerged successful in the men’s division by reversing their pool round loss against Bounty GCC with a stellar 5-1 victory in the final.

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While the 6ix not returning, a number of their players will now be representing the Toronto Lions this year.

“This year should be very good as the prize money will definitely attract a lot of top teams” Roberts said, in support of what President of the Guyana Hockey Board, Philip Fernandes related the increased in cash payout is expected to do.

This year, the stakes have been tripled with a cash payout of US$3000 for the winners of the male and female divisions and US$500 for the Veterans.

With three divisions in the festival, male, female and veterans, a total of 17 teams, including locals and internationals, have been confirmed to participate with time and space

Top sponsors recommitting to Futsal Tourney

−registration closes today

Popular merit awarding company, Trophy Stall and leading Insurance Company, National Fire Insurance Company (NAFICO) Limited are the latest sponsors to jump on board for the 3rd edition of the Cell Smart Mohamed’s Enterprise’s Futsal Tournament as it draws closer to kick off.

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The presentations were done at both respective companies’ head offices. This year marks the second year that both companies are with the tournament.

According to Co-Director of the organizers of the event, New Era Entertainment, Aubrey Major Jnr, it is a privilege to have these companies on board with us and it is a big plus for the contenders to actually vie for these beautiful trophies. NAFICO donated the 1st place trophy in the female category while Trophy Stall contributed the top prize for the male division. The tournament will commence on November 25 with action set for the Mackenzie Hard Court in Linden and will run for nine nights with the finals set for December 26. The event is open to all Futsal teams and attracts an entry fee of $5,000 per team. Forms and the fees should be submitted by today which is the closing date for registration. Game nights are set for November 25 with the opening ceremony, followed by action on November 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 17 and 23. The grand finale is on December 26. Prior to the first game there will be a team briefing on November 19. The first prize is $400,000 along with trophies and replicas, up by $100,000 from last year. The second placed team will claim $150,000 and trophy, third $75,000 and trophy and fourth place will collect a trophy. Other prizes

are on offer for the MVP, Best goalkeeper and Best young player.

The organisers have the females involved in this year’s event, while several exhibition games will be part of the attraction. Among those exhibition contests are the Promoters versus the Referees, Taxi Drivers against Mini Bus drivers and a specially arranged Media contest. Noel indicated that next year they are endeavoring to have school players involved to aid with the development of the game at the junior level. This year some 20 teams will be competing in the New Era Futsal tourney, up from the 14 that played in the previous edition. The organisers are promising an exciting and entertaining tournament with lots of side attractions. Patrons are encouraged to go and support the tournament as the teams put on their best show to claim the prize money on offer.

Canadian national hockey player Jonathan Roberts is excited to return to the Diamond Mineral Water International Hockey Festival

Bryan Breeze of Trophy Stall hands over the trophy to New Era’s Director Aubrey Major Jr

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day

Tournament

Jaguars hunting points on the road

−Red Force host Pride, Scorpions & Volcanoes look for redemption

The second round of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament bowls off today with three more matches across the region.

leaders

crushed the Volcanoes, but a severely depleted Pride struggled to find their rhythm against the Hurricanes.

This contest could be the litmus test

will be down to which side handles the pressure from the other best.

In Basseterre, St. Kitts: Jaguars will be hoping to impose themselves and blow the the Hurricanes off

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and two-time defending champions Guyana Jaguars will be looking

Devon

Squads:

Hurricanes vs Jaguars at Warner Park, St Kitts

HURRICANES (from): Kieran Powell (captain), Quinton Boatswain, Nkrumah Bonner, Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chesney Hughes, Jeremiah Louis, Akeem Saunders, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge, Hayden Walsh Jr Squad unchanged

to forge further ahead with more clinical performances.

Red Force will renew a fierce regional sports rivalry when they host Barbados Pride at Queen’s Park Oval in a key match of the round. The

about the strength of both sides with the home team losing more experience with long-standing batsman Jason Mohammed chosen for the West Indies side now playing in a three-nation One-day

Jaguars romped to a comfortable victory in the opening round and the Hurricanes, strugglers for the last few seasons, regained a bit of their self-confidence with a superior performance over the Pride in a drawn match.

Current form and recent history strongly favour the visitors, as the Jaguars have won three of their previous four matches against this opponent.

Another strong performance from the Hurricanes will be the right tonic for a side trying to redeem itself with its supporters following a number of seasons languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Jamaica Scorpions vs Windward Islands Volcanoes, Sabina Park, Jamaica Scorpions (from): Nikita Miller (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Derval Green, Trevon Griffith, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Reynard Leveridge, Andre McCarthy, Marquino Mindley, Devon Thomas, Shacaya Thomas, Chadwick Walton IN-Leveridge, OUT-Jason Dawes Volcanoes (from): Liam Sebastien (captain), Sunil Ambris, Roland Cato, Larry Edwards, Kavem Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Mervin Matthew, Kenroy Peters, Jerlani Robinson, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile IN-Cato, Edwards, OUTNarsingh Deonarine, Tarryck Gabriel Umpires: Verdayne Smith, Leslie Reifer Jr (Barbados)

Match Referee: Denovan Hayles Reserve Umpire: Christopher Wright

JAGUARS (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Shimron Hetmyer, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh IN-Shepherd, OUT-Eon Hooper Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite (Barbados), Patrick Gustard (Jamaica)

Match Referee: Stewart Rawlins Reserve Umpire: Carl Tuckett

RED FORCE (from): Yannick Ottley (captain), Yannic Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell, Jyd Goolie, Kyle Hope, JonRuss Jagessar, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Isaiah Rajah, Marlon Richards, Jeremy Solozano IN-Rajah, OUTJason Mohammed PRIDE (from): Kevin Stoute (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Nikolai Charles, Justin Greaves, Aaron Jones, Kevin McClean, Omar Phillips, Mario Rampersaud, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Kenroy Williams Squad unchanged Umpires: Peter Nero, Deighton Butler (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) Match Referee: Hayden Bruce Reserve Umpire: Kellman Kowlessar

Jaguars howev er, will be on the road, when they face Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Warner Park in another crucial match, while Jamaica Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes face off at Sabina Park, looking to get their season into gear.

International tournament in Zimbabwe.

Recent history favours the Pride. They have won seven of the last nine matches be-

In Port of Spain, Trinidad: The Red Force jumped out to an early lead in the Tournament, narrowly ahead of the Jags, when they

tween the two sides, including two of the last three at this venue, but the loss of many of their regulars to West Indies duty means there is a chance for the Red Force to redress the setbacks of the last few seasons.

Both sides appear well balanced, vulnerable a bit on the batting side, but solid on the bowling, and the outcome

In Kingston, Jamaica: Both the Scorpions and the Volcanoes promised much before the start of the season, but they have been left are reeling following depressing defeats. Both sides are strong in the bowling, but the fragility of the batting of the two sides were cruelly exposed in the defeats and this they will be looking to address during this match. The Scorpions won both matches the two sides played last season and the Volcanoes will have to trace back to two seasons ago for the last timevailed at this venue. Both teams need all the points they could acquire to stay in the title race, so a keen affair is expected. The Scorpions have brought little-known West Indies “A” Team fast bowler Reynard Leveridge into their squad, and the Volcanoes have sought to boost their side with the inclusion of former West Indies Under-19 pair of batsman Roland Cato and left-arm spinner Larry Edwards.

Digicel partners with Special Olympics for 5k walk, wheel and run race

Telecommunications giants, Digicel have continued their support for persons with disabilities by partnering with the Special Olympics Association to host a 5k walk, wheel and run race on the inner circuit of the National Park on December 4.

The event which is the first of its kind is expected to cater for 60 persons was launched on Thursday at Digicel’s headquarters in Kingston and Special Olympic Association member Wilton Spencer stated that it will be used as stepping stone to further develop Paralympics in Guyana and that they are extremely appreciative of the support the company has given them. Spencer added that “over the years it was observed that most of the athletes compete in 100m to 400m but then there is a step decline in the 800m upwards events and we want to encourage athletes to participate in the longer events”.

Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Louiana Abrams stated that this kind gesture

will certain is

(NSC) to encour ticipation of wom abled persons involved is not only government but private and corporate thanked Digicel for their continued involvement.

The event coincides with World Disability day which be held on December 3 will see Guyana having one week to commiserate the occasion, with this activity being one.

Athletes are expected from Regions two, four, five, six and ten and will compete in categories such as amputees with crotches, blind (B1 and B2), wheel chair users and persons with intellectual disabilities. All of the categories with the exception of amputees with crotches will be for males and females

First place winners in each category will receive $10,000 and a trophy while second to third will be rewarded a trophy and eight to five thousand dollars respectively. Race time is 14:00 hrs and persons interested are asked to arrive at the Park’s Albert Street entrance by 13:15 hrs.

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Barbados Pride at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad

Red Force will look to use home advantage once again

Jaguars spinner Gudakesh Motie supported Veerasammy Permaul wonderfully at Providence

Smith was among the runs against the Red Force

Caribbean Rugby 7s champions seeking more international exposure

TTucber Park CC congratulates Shepherd on Jaguars selection

fter an outstanding performance in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League where he ended as the leading fast bowler, Romario Shepherd was rewarded with a place in the Guyana Jaguars squad for their second and third game of the Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament.

he National Rugby team, the Green Machine over the past weekend won their eighth Caribbean Men’s seven’s title but though it certainly it was a moment for all the team to celebrate they were concerned faces as they looked ahead to the future stating they need more international exposure if they will become a more dominant force in world rugby.

President of the Guyana Football Rugby Union (GRFU) Peter Green at a press conference on Thursday made the suggestion as he compared the fact that Canada scored 175 points while on five were scored against them in the entire championship.

Green stated that “in my opinion Guyana rugby will not benefit unless you play more in the international circuit; we cannot improve by beating the same teams every year in the Caribbean”.

Playing in Trinidad and Tobago over the last weekend, the men powered their way to final where they fell to Canada by a 52-5 margin. However, by virtue of the being the highest placed Caribbean team, they won the championships and along with Jamaica qualified for the next year’s Hong Kong sevens.

The GRFU head expressed also alluded to the need for more highly level as despite the local coaches are doing a highly commendable job, the country needs to have experienced foreign coaches to gear the players for what is to come on the international stage.

In that sense Green said he is currently lobbying for support from the Argentines who had recently loaned Guyana a scrum specialist for more support.

In the interim, it was disclosed that head coach of the men’s seven team Kenneth Grant- Stuart could be headed to New Zealand for a coaching course but that will be dependent on whether the union acquires the necessary sponsorship.

Manager Robin Roberts shared similar sentiments as Green as he stated that “We are the number one team in the Caribbean but the when you look at the score line against Canada we clearly see we need more international experience.”

Roberts added, “ the guys played well, it was a bit disappointing in the score line against Canada but maybe the team was a bit tired because the game against Trinidad which went into overtime.”

Meanwhile, the head coach Grant-Stuart felt that the team needs to start developing the younger generation of players if they are seeking long term success since the older players will not be around forever.

In that regard, the coach that these players be exposed on the international circuit as much as possible and the union could explore playing in South American tournaments.

Notably, Grant-Stuart made the comparison that the teams Guyana continue to dominate have superior facilities for training and far more funding and if the same emphasis could be placed on Guyana t their performances would only improve tremendously.

On the other hand the female team which finished fifth overall in the championships and fourth in the Caribbean after winning the “bowl final” against Bermuda is seen as one which can challenge for title next year.

This is the contention of their head coach Theodore Henry who stated that “I was happy with the performance since it was not where you started but where you finish; wining four out of six matches, only losing to the number one and two seeded teams, I feel we will challenge for title next year”.

Marlin Patternella Assistant Brand Manager at Edward B. Beharry, was also present to give their appreciation of the team stating that the company’s pleased to be associated with the team and urged both teams to look at the positives as they improve their performances.

In closing Green thanked the entity for their support along with that of GTT and the Government of Guyana which gave the team tax waivers.

The GRFU head then pleaded for more support from the corporate community since they have the results to show their success and the players are in dire need of the support.

The next planned assignments for the team will be the Commonwealth Games in November after which they go to the Hong Kong Sevens in late March or early April.

Voges concussed after blow in Sheffield Shield

Amedical attention before being helped from the pitch and retiring hurt on 16.

Australia's Phillip Hughes died aged 25 in 2014, two days after being hit on the top of the neck in a Shield game. Voges will play no further part in the four-day match at the Waca, which started on Thursday.

While playing for Middlesex in May, he was taken to hospital and diagnosed with concussion after being struck on the head by a throw from the boundary from team-mate Ollie Rayner.

Voges is among several Australia players featuring in the current round of state matches between the second and third Test of the series against South Africa. He scored only 30 runs in four innings as Australia lost the first two Tests.

The final Test in Adelaide starts on 24 November (BBC Sport)

The gigantic fast bowler, who collected 34 wickets in the Jaguars Franchise League was selected to replace fellow Berbician Eon Hooper for the two away games in St. Kitts and Nevis followed by St. Lucia. However, on his ascendance to the Jaguars squad the executives of his club would like to congratulate him. The following is the message that was received by this publication.

The executives and members of Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) congratulates Romario Shepherd on his call up for the WICB PCL four day tournament. He was selected to replace Eon Hooper in the Guyana Jaguars squad to play against Leeward Island and Windward Island in the second and third round of the PCL.

Shepherd, who represented Guyana at the Under 15 and Under 19 level became the second player (Anthony D’Andrade represented UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI against the Touring Zimbabwe team in 2010) from TPCC to play List ‘A’ when he made debut earlier this year against Leeward Islands. He was named man of the match in his only limited overs game claiming 3/37. Shepherd now has the chance to become the second player from TPCC to play First Class cricket after former national pacer Jeremy Gordon played in 2006/07.

Once again TPCC would like to congratulate Shepherd and wish him all the best as he continues to make his family, the club, Berbice and Guyana proud.

Self-sponsored Guyana team to play Tri-nation b/ball in Jamaica

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will be participating in the Jamaica Basketball Association hosted Tri-Nation Basketball Invitational from Friday, November 25 to Monday, November 28 at the Jamaica National Indoor Sports Centre

According to a release by the GABF, “Due to monies owed to local creditors following the hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Federation U16 championships in Guyana by the GABF and the $7.78 Million owed by the National Sports Commission to the GABF; the executives of the GABF are self-financing the travel costs for the Guyana team to participate in Jamaican hosted Tri-Nation Basketball Invitational.”

Guyana National team will have a mix of junior and senior players as part of the developmental thrust of the GABF, consistent with Guyana's hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Federation U16 Championships in July 2016 and Guyana's U15 participation in the Central American Caribbean Basketball Championship in Puerto Rico in August 2016; the other teams in the Tri-Nation Basketball Invitational are American Basketball Association’s

(ABA) semi pro outfit – the Libertyville Vipers, Jamaica Senior team and Jamaica Under Twenty-One teams

The Jamaica Invitational is expected to be staged annually and will feature six exciting games showcasing young and upcoming players during four days of high quality basketball. The two top teams will compete for the Championship Trophy. The Guyana touring team will include the 13 players; Jermaine Slater, Nathan Saul, Dominique Vincente, Nikkolio Smith, Terron Welch, Michael Turner, Travis Belgrave, Stanton Rose, Roger John, Jason Squires, Curt English and Akeem Kanhai, Head Coach and Mark Agard. The Assistant Coaches are Abdul Hamid and Junior Hercules while Troy Green is the Manager.

Proud moment! (L-R) Men’s Head Coach, Kenneth Grant-Stuart; Women’s Manager Petal Adams; Captain Collette Hope; Manager Robin Roberts; PRO Daniel Anderson; Assistant Brand Manager at Edward B Beharry, Marlin Patternella; Theodore Henry and GRFU President Peter Green showcase the championship trophy

Stanton Rose

ustralia batsman Adam Voges was concussed after being hit on the back of the helmet by the ball while playing for Western Australia in Perth. Voges, 37, was struck as he turned away from a Cameron Stevenson bouncer in the Sheffield Shield match with Tasmania. He dropped to his knees and received

Adam Voges will play no further part in the match after being diagnosed with a concussion