Binder1

Linden diabetes awareness outreach a success P17 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3102

Monday, January 23, 2017

PRICE

APNU/AFC targets Chancellor with unprecedented savagery – Ramkarran

WHAT'S INSIDE:

3 arrested after AK-47, pistol found in Campbellville house P10

Page 3

GPSU seeks clarity on issue of GPHC P9 Matron

...says blatant intimidation signals to judiciary “toe the line”

Timehri man killed as car crashes into utility pole

1 dead, another injured in explosion at Houston ice plant Page 2

Page 12

$80 vat included

– blasts “biased” CoI

Horse thief P13 evades arrest …injures pedestrian, cyclists in process

City not ready for parking meters – Deputy Mayor

Page 7

Indian High Commission makes book donation P13

Region 2 in urgent need of functioning street lights – RDC disappointed at Public Infrastructure Ministry’s slow response A street dweller checking out the operations of the recently installed parking meters on one of the city’s streets

…motorists to start paying from today

TIGI wants Access to Information law scrapped Page 11

…legislation designed to conceal, provides no guarantees – Dr Troy Thomas

P12

PNC General Council Meeting

Leaders emphasise on employment for Page 10 youths ‒ deny persons were requested to attend event

Mother of 9 charged with assault P16

2 news

monDAY, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

1 dead, another injured in explosion at Houston ice plant O

ne man is now dead and another critical following a late morning explosion at an ice plant located at the Houston Wharf, Greater Georgetown.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:30h at BM Enterprise, in Houston, which sells ice to fishermen.

The dead man has been identified as Carlton Meghan. He is said to be the brother of the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Geer Meghan. The now dead man, said to be in his 50s, reportedly sustained a gash to his throat, which almost severed his head, as well as broken limbs. Parts of his body were also burnt from the blast.

Meanwhile, the man in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital— an employee – reportedly suffered severe burns about his body.

According to reports reaching<Guyana Times, the two men were in the upper flat of a three-storey structure, conducting repairs on the ice plant compressor when the explosion occurred.

Dead: Carlton Meghan

This newspaper was told that during the repairs, the men turned on the com-

pressor to test it, when it exploded, blowing out the zinc walls on the second floor of the structure and throwing Meghan through the zinc wall on the top-storey onto the wharf.

Divisional Officer of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Compton Sparman explained to reporters at the scene that there was gas in the atmosphere and so when the men started welding, it caused the explosion.

“They were doing welding … and apparently the gas was in the atmosphere with the heat and there was an explosion and the

person who actually was doing the job fell and broke his neck and he got some minor burns,” he pointed.

At the scene, Meghan’s body was covered and remained there until Police investigators arrived.

When the covering was removing, the gaping wound to his throat and burn marks about his body were revealed.

In the meantime, family and friends of the now dead man rushed to the scene and were inconsolable upon learning of his tragic death.

His distraught wife was also at the scene and had to be comforted by relatives.

The building from which the now dead man fell

The wife of Carlton Meghan being consoled by relatives

One of the nephews related that he was at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) when he received the dreaded call and rushed to the Houston ice plant, where he saw Meghan’s lifeless body lying there.

He noted that it appeared as though during the blast, a propeller from one of the equipment broke and slashed Meghan’s throat, almost severing it. This gash, he believes, caused

his uncle to fall through the zinc wall; hence, sustaining broken limbs.

“Watching the area, it looked like the propeller piece cut his neck… and when it hit him, he fall through,” the nephew noted.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the body of Meghan today. The investigation into the incident continues.

news

3

monDAY, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, January 23 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, January 24 – 03:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, January 23 – 13:35h-15:05h and Tuesday, January 24 –14:15h-15:45h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected in the morning hours with heavy to light rain showers in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 13:20h reaching a maximum height of 2.25 metres.

Low Tide: 06:49h and 19:25h reaching minimum heights of 1.06 metres and 0.94 metre respectively.

APNU/AFC targets Chancellor with unprecedented savagery – Ramkarran …says blatant intimidation signals to judiciary “toe the line”

T

he State-owned Guyana Chronicle has over the past few months been waging an obscene and libellous, if not dishonest, campaign against the acting Chancellor of the judiciary, Carl Singh, as a matter of official Government policy –a situation if left unchecked will only get worse and is no doubt also intended to intimidate the future Chancellor and Chief Justice, soon to be appointed by Head of State David Granger, “to toe the line”.

Senior Counsel (SC) and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran drew that ominous conclusion over the weekend in his conversationtree.org blog and called out the judiciary, Bar Association and general public over their silence on the recent attacks, saying “if not arrested now, they will only get worse”.

Savagery

saturday, January 21, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

05

09 13

14

25

26

10 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 08 12 16 19

22

LUCKY 3 3 6 3

4

Afternoon Draw

5

9

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 06

10 12

15 17 18

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

The alarming developments cannot be ignored and are in fact unprecedented in their savagery, according to Ramkarran.

“Even in the 1980s, when the judiciary was under severe pressure, Chancellor Victor Crane could announce that socialist principles would guide him in his decision-making, in the sure knowledge that even if criticised, he would not be subjected to the demeaning insults, as made against Chancellor Carl Singh.”

According to Ramkarran, “This open, blatant and shameless intimidation is not meant only for this Chancellor (Carl Singh)…

It is a message to the next Chancellor and Chief Justice who will be appointed shortly, and for the entire Judiciary, to toe the line.”

In his weekly writings, the former Speaker of the National Assembly under the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration posits, “The Chronicle’s obscene calumny against Chancellor of the

Senior Counsel and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

the bandwagon and threatened that Cabinet will ‘note’ the Chancellor’s decisions”.

According to Ramkarran, “Minister Trotman twisted the intimidatory knife in an already suppurating wound and to what end, send the message home? Make sure that the Chancellor is officially humiliated by a Government official? Let him know that the Cabinet will be noting his behaviour?

Well, the entire British Government is aggrieved by the court’s decision that a parliamentary decision is required to trigger Brexit.

It appealed, as the Guyana Government should, when

Judiciary, Carl Singh, over several months and getting worse, its contempt of court and the Government’s intimidation of the judiciary have become deeply troubling.”

He recalled that the Chancellor was publicly warned to go on pre-retirement leave and not to hear any ‘political’ cases and that suspicion was expressed that he would start a case and postpone it beyond his retirement date so as to seek to extend his term of office.

Disgraceful campaign

Ramkarran has since chided his long-time colleague saying, “What is worse is that a lawyer, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has responsibility for information and the power to stop the Guyana Chronicle since it started its disgraceful campaign several weeks ago, has allowed it to continue… The only conclusion is that the Guyana Chronicle’s rampage against the Chancellor, and subversion of the Judiciary, is official Government policy.”

Ramkarran observed too that his successor as Speaker of the National Assembly in 2011 in the person of now Natural Resources and Environment Minister Raphael Trotman — an Attorney-at-Law “who also should know better, abandoned principle, joined

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

it loses. It is more dignified than whining and insulting.”

Bharrat Jagdeo

Pointing to recent articles appearing in the Guyana Chronicle, Ramkarran recalled that the State-owned newspaper’s headline last Thursday screamed, “SINGH STRIKES,” appearing with sub-headlines, which according to the Senior Counsel, “summarise the Chronicle’s complaints against the Chancellor’s decisions”.

The sub-headlines appearing together with the ‘SINGH STRIKES’ were quoted as “…throws out Jagdeo’s race baiting case… nixes out-of-time appeal in DIPCON judgment… AG signals move to CCJ, ques-

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh

tions motive.”

The local legal luminary has since observed too that from the report in the Guyana Chronicle, “it appears that the first matter, which was a private criminal charge against Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, relating to alleged racial incitement, was thrown out by a High Court Judge.”

The Attorney General (AG), who had appeared as Counsel, “erroneously made himself the Appellant in the appeal. At an earlier hearing, the Deputy Solicitor General, Ms Prithima Kissoon, when questioned by the Court of Appeal, conceded that it was wrong for the Attorney General to be a party,” according to Ramkarran.

Vain attempt

The Guyana Chronicle related that the AG believed that the ‘move’ by the Deputy Solicitor General and the Chancellor was “a vain attempt to free Jagdeo of those cases.”

Ramkarran has since pointed out that “if this is not a contempt of court, I don’t know what is”.

He said the Chancellor, apparently acting with restraint and dignity, has not summonsed the Guyana Chronicle and the Attorney General before the Court of Appeal to answer charges of contempt, as he ought to have done. turn to page 9

4

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, January 23, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Which financial model?

S

peaking at the opening of Citizens Bank’s new headquarters, Finance Minister Winston Jordan was forced to respond to persistent claims there was a shortage of foreign currency in the local financial system, and this was depressing economic activity. As he had done before, after denying the shortage, he pointed out our financial system has been “liberalised” and blamed “manufactured” media reports as creating “a climate of speculation and hysteria”. Throwing out statistics on movement of foreign currencies through the Bank of Guyana, he reminded many in the audience of his colleague Minister of Public Security, who had denied there was a spike in crime, by throwing out Police statistics. In both instances, the audience was unmoved and unconvinced.

The problem with Mr Jordan’s approach is he obdurately refuses to connect the two parts of his response – denial of foreign currency shortages and the liberalised environment – and perhaps concede there might be a linkage that needs to be monitored and managed. As one who was there before, as he pointed out in a letter defending his credentials, Mr Jordan would know the “liberalised” financial system did not just drop like manna from heaven, but was imposed as a new integrated economic model that completely swept out the older one including its ideological roots and institutional branches.

Unless he factors in the impact of the new institutions that operate within the new ideological premises, his efforts to deal with adverse effects, as with the present currency challenges, will be stymied, to the nation’s cost.

The new “neo-liberal” model created a growing “demand gap” by gradually undermining the income and demand generation process. The role of finance was to fill that gap.

Within the US, deregulation, financial innovation, and speculation enabled finance to fill the demand gap by lending to consumers and spurring asset price inflation. US consumers in turn filled the global demand gap. While this has not become fully developed in the Caribbean because of our outlier status, the new openness of our financial architecture because of the new paradigm will inevitably precipitate challenges, which have the potential of bringing the entire economy to its knees – as the Eastern Tigers discovered in the 1997 crises.

For Mr Jordan to complain about businesses speeding up their cycles of payment for imports and repatriation of profits, creating spikes in demand for foreign currency, or some exporters hedging to provoke a local depreciation of the Guyana dollar, or exporters and importers bypassing the official foreign exchange market, is to simply ignore these are rational decisions within our liberalised, globalised, financial system. Apple parking its billions in Ireland is an example of the same reaction at a much larger scale. The challenge for Mr Jordan, like Mr Donald Trump, is what is he going to do about it, “for the good” of our economy?

Mr Jordan has to be very careful as to what his policy response will be. He could deepen his Government’s reflexive strong neoliberal position and further deregulate financial and labour markets; deepen Central Bank independence and the commitment to low inflation; and further limit Government via fiscal austerity. A less orthodox response might be to tighten financial regulation, but continue with all other aspects of the existing neoliberal policy paradigm. That means continued support for banking and the bigger businesses mega profits, labour market flexibility, low inflation targeting, and fiscal austerity.

A more radical approach would be to abandon the neoliberal paradigm and replace it with a “structural Keynesian” paradigm that repacks the policy box and restores the link between wage and productivity growth. The goal would be to ensure that corporations and financial markets are regulated so that they are made to serve the broader public interest. That requires replacing corporate globalisation with managed globalisation, such as capital controls; restoring commitment to full employment; replacing the neoliberal anti-government agenda with a social democratic government agenda; and replacing the neoliberal labour market flexibility with a solidarity-based labour market agenda.

People gather for the Women’s March in Washington. A sea of peaceful protesters wore pink as crowds poured into the streets of downtown DC, easily outnumbering those attending the inauguration on Friday. One million people marched in the historic Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, according to initial estimates, in a stunning show of protest on the first full day of the Trump administration (Reuters)

Has Wartsila management company been nationalised?

Dear Editor, One of the dailies today (Sunday) suggested that Power Producers and Distribution Inc (PPDI) is a State-owned entity. PS Balram is on the board. Has Government nationalised the Wartsila entity by replacing them with a Stateowned entity?

Here are a few questions: * Whose decision was it to nationalise Wartsila (Guyana)? * What was the role of Cabinet, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the GPL Board, the management, and the Public Utilities Commission? * What contracts have been signed with the PPDI and GPL? How do these

compare to the Wartsila O&M contracts? * Was a feasibility study done? * Has there been a public communication of the decision and the rationale?

Just a few years ago, Wartsila celebrated 20 years in Guyana. They spoke of Guyana having the oldest O&M contract with Wartsila in the world. Wartsila had a vested interest in ensuring the performance of its engines continued to do well.

This was the oldest O&M arrangement that Wartsila had in the world. Wartsila could boast that engine availability over its history in Guyana exceeded 90 per cent. Quite good when one considers that 44MW of the

Wartsila engines commissioned by President Cheddi Jagan, is now over 20 years old. Most companies would have written-off the engines in this period. Yet Wartsila’s performance continues to be almost like a new engine.

Someone should do a casestudy and document the history of Wartsila in Guyana.

Under an O&M contract with Wartsila, considerable benefits in the form of price discounts on parts, guarantees for engine availability and overall efficiencies, and the benefit of a corporate Wartsila systems and structures, all were in place.

Indeed the local employees were an asset and did well.

But as bauxite and sugar has shown, skills alone do

not suggest success under local management or under nationalisation.

So if Wartsila (Guyana) has been nationalised by Government, Minister Patterson should provide a full explanation to the nation. Does this mean that GPL’s management will direct and appoint the Board of PPDI? GPL does not seem to be aware of the details of the arrangement. But all of the power generators are owned by GPL. One has to wish the new company well but question the wisdom of terminating the oldest O&M contract that Wartsila had in the world.

Sincerely, Michael Semple

Constant blackouts in Region 5 unbearable, unacceptable Dear Editor, It was 03:23h in the morning of Saturday, January 21, and I could not sleep.

I arrived home in Cotton Tree, Berbice from a trip to Georgetown at 21:00h on Friday night to a house in total darkness. Blackout again! Thankfully I had enough battery life on my MacBook Pro for me to start this letter.

I have no idea how long ago it started, but I do know that the areas affected were extensive. Soon after crossing the Abary River, we drove many miles in blackout before reaching home and I know it extended all the way to Rosignol. Trying to sleep was a nightmare. I have an almost brand new air-conditioning (AC) unit sitting in storage as the house is usually breezy.

But with electricity now attracting a whopping 14 per cent VAT increase, I’m trying to conserve on my use of electricity to keep my GPL bill below the $10,000 limit. My dilemma is choosing between the breeze and the mosquitoes that relentlessly invade homes in this community at nights. So to avoid the risk of getting Chikungunya, Zika or malaria, I kept the doors and windows closed to keep out the mosquitoes. But without electricity, the fans I bought to replace the AC are completely useless now.

The place is so hot, I am thinking of how rapidly the quality of life is deteriorating under this APNU government.

And although a popular columnist has repeatedly written about the adverse effects these constant black-

outs are having on the population, it appears that the Government is not listening. Many now believe we’re heading back to the dark days when “load-shedding” became a household name under the PNC. What bothers me is GPL’s lack of respect for consumers. Why can’t the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) send out text messages warning consumers of scheduled power outages a day or two before? And even if an emergency occurs to cause an unscheduled blackout, GPL should still send a text message to consumers in the affected areas to give them the assurance that they are aware of the problem and working to restore electricity ASAP. But this is not being done, consumers are taken for granted, and we get no apology from this

monopoly. Does GPL understand the importance of customer service? Do they even have a PR department? If so, it doesn’t seem to be functioning.

All day Saturday, January 20, I’ve waited for the power to return. My entire day was wasted and yet not even a courtesy text message from GPL to explain the reason for the blackout.

Electricity was finally been restored to large sections of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) at about 19:00h, more than 20 hours later.

This is unbearable, unacceptable, and we, the people of Region Five, demand better service from GPL. This is not the “good life” we were promised.

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP (PPP/C)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, January 23, 2017

5

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

NIS needs to get its act together Dear Editor, Numerous residents of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are frustrated and disappointed with the performance of the NIS in the Region. After working for decades, during which they contributed to the scheme, they are disillusioned and grieving due to the fact that they are not being paid a due pension

by NIS, as expected.

NIS is a mandatory insurance scheme for employees that collect contributions until a worker is qualified to receive benefits, usually after 60.

However, while some get their due benefits, others experience a nightmare through no fault of theirs. In most cases, it is due to bungling and improper/ inaccurate record keeping by NIS. Many retired persons are being taken advantage of and are helpless when it comes to getting redress. Officers at NIS know this and they just give these people a run around—form regional NIS office to Georgetown headquarters, and back over and over.

Some think that they will die before any justice is served.

Many complaints have been received from short-changed retirees who cannot afford a lawyer to represent them. A few will suffice here as examples: A widow from Anna Regina

(name and documents supplied) worked continuously for 21 years as a security guard and made over 926 NIS contributions. However, she was given a grant of $106,868 for only 386 contributions in March 2011. This was because 540 contributions were not located

by NIS. Subsequently, when NIS discovered the 540 additional contributions she was offered another grant.

This procedure was wrong and should be redressed. One cannot be given two separate grants for over 750 contributions because NIS could not find a part of the contributions.

Instead of two separate grants the contributions of 386 and 540 (926 in total) should be combined and she should be given a monthly pension by NIS. NIS refused to combine the contributions and the matter is in the hands of a top lawyer.

Another person worked for over 20 years at Guyana Rice Board (GRB), all the time contributing to NIS, and has been given a pittance, a one-time grant of $398. He was told by an NIS inspector to get two persons who can testify that he worked for that time. This is hearsay evidence that NIS wants, but ignores Records of Service from past employers, saying that they have to further investigate.

There are others who receive grants of $4000 and similar amounts, people who have worked over 15 years and contributed to the scheme. When they object, they are told to take the grant, which tantamount to acceptance, then appeal.

In my own case they have contributions for before I started to work, when I was in high school and after I stopped contributing in 2015. In between the contributions fluctuate drastically, even though I taught full-time over the years.

The NIS needs to be better equipped. At the Anna Regina Branch, people are sent back to make copies of documents because they do not have a photocopier which costs less than $10,000.

So, one wonders, where are the contributions going?

NIS also needs to be revamped and upgraded with new transformational leaders with best practices. This nightmare does not exist in other countries where employees contribute to Social Security.

People need to be better served

by NIS and received what is due to them, without hassle, in their golden years when they deserve a good quality of life and peace of mind.

Regards, Karan Chand

Granting scholarships misuse of public funds

Dear Editor, President David Granger is reported on in the State Media as saying “there is nothing corrupt about the granting of scholarships to Ministers Annette Ferguson and Nicolette Henry.” Along the same vein, I also have the Brooklyn Bridge to sell.

First of all, the President and his Cabinet have violated the general principles of granting scholarships in the public services by not acting impartially to all groups, persons, and organisations when these scholarships were distributed. This 2016 scholarship-gate was a giveaway fest for party members. Even the professionals in the Public Service Ministry Training Division expressed private disgust at the level of political interference to one of my friends and they all voted for the Coalition. The line between professionalism and unprofessionalism continues to be crossed every day by this Government; it is like they cannot help themselves and act professionally and within the rules for once.

Secondly, the President is being absolutely dishonest with the public with this statement because he is fully aware once these Ministers commence their programme of studies, they will not be able to give an honest effort in delivering service to the public. They cannot be “sucking cane and blowing the whistle” at the same time. They are either Ministers or students during this period, but undoubtedly they cannot be both since a Minister is a full-time effort.

Thirdly, this act of doling out these funds to these Ministers evidently represents a failure to protect and spend public funds in the best interest of the nation. This act of having the Minister with

one foot in and one foot out is nothing but public fraud, public waste and misappropriation of public funds by the Granger government. Any high school child will know that this act by the Administration is public corruption.

The duty of a minister is to fulfil their mandate in good faith and with a full obligation to the citizens of Guyana. How can a Minister who is busy doing an assignment for a school project be able to offer the Guyanese people top service in the middle of a seawall breakaway?

That Minister will never be 100 per cent on the job and what is the most important role of a Minister - making decisions.

So we can expect many clumsy and illthought decisions by these Ministers in the ensuing period.

In conclusion, this scholarship situation is nothing but a wanton abuse of the rules and the misuse of public office for private gains for selected persons.

This is an immoral commitment of State funds for Government officials that bind the taxpayers in a relationship that has very little value for money for them and all the benefits for a select few. The mere fact that these scholarships were offered to sitting Ministers illustrates that they are gaining financially from a transaction that comes into direct conflict with their responsibilities to the Government and people of Guyana. So this last minute whitewash statement to justify the act cannot and will not erase the black mark concerning this unethical abuse of the Treasury. We must reject and combat these immoral acts of abuse by the Granger administration on all fronts.

Sincerely, Surujdai Lilmohan

6

monday, January 23, 2017

Page

Foundation

(Continued from Sunday)

BY LAURA MARKHAM, PHD

B

ut what if your child is stuck in a counter-productive pattern and really does need to change?

Your own emotional self-regulation is still the key to helping her change.

Here’s why:

Children learn emotional regulation from us

Children won’t always do what we say, but they will always, eventually, do what we do. If parents indulge in throwing things, slamming doors, and yelling, so will they. If we can stay calm, they learn that it’s not actually an emergency when they get upset, and they learn to calm themselves.

w h i c h is what allows those big feelings to evaporate.

Children learn that feelings are just part of being human, and they don’t have to fear them -- OR act on them.

When children respect us and feel understood by us, they want to follow our lead

They learn that they don’t always get what they want, but

The emotional safety we create for our children is exactly what allows them to heal, grow and thrive

Like us, children WANT to feel happy and connected, but sometimes their fear or anger overwhelms them.

Our calm gives them a path back to loving connection. When they feel better, they do better.

When we provide a calm “holding environment” for our children, they feel safe enough to experience their emotions

guyanatimesgy.com

they get something better – a parent who understands, even when they say no. So the child becomes more open to our guidance, more likely to follow our rules.

Children are sensitive barometers of our moods and tensions

If we have an unresolved issue, we can count on them to subconsciously

pick up on it and act out. So very often, when we work on our own issues, we find that our child’s behaviour changes – even without our directly addressing it!

When we respond differently, so does our child

Remember, it’s always your child’s action + your response that = the outcome. When we get triggered and react without thinking, we escalate the storm.

When we respond more mindfully and connect with our child, we settle the storm.

Less drama, more love.

The good news is, even if our children have learned some counter-productive habits, it’s never too late for them to learn to manage themselves emotionally. The key is our role-modelling.

Learning to regulate emotions is a lifelong journey. For today, just start by noticing your own moods and feelings. When you get upset, resist acting until you’re calm. Just breathe, and hold yourself with compassion, so you can calm down before you act.

Hard? YES! But every time you do this, you’re actually rewiring your brain...and strengthening your ability to stay calmer in the future.

I guarantee you’ll see your child change, too. (Psychologytoday.com)

“Y

ou’re picking your nose again.” “Watch where you’re going.” “Late again!” “Can’t you do anything right?” Persistent negative comments like these, called nattering, are poor ways to shape children’s behaviour because they nip away at a child’s self-worth. Studies show that nattering does not improve behaviour; it actually worsens it. Nattering is especially defeating in children with a poor self-image.

Nattering and repeating commands make children nervous. Some children exhibit more than their fair share of negative behaviour, but constantly reminding them produces more negative behaviour. It is better to purposely pick out some redeeming qualities and concentrate on the positives (“I like the way you stepped aside for your sister”). You will see the negatives melt away.

Continuing to talk, or repeating advice that you’ve previously given, tells the child that you don’t trust her to carry out a simple request, such as “Put a load of laundry in, please.” If you add a string of qualifiers, you’re teaching her you don’t trust her to do it right (your way). If you can’t stop “advising,” start writing notes.

Holding a family meeting

Family meetings are good times to set house rules.

You are relaxed and the children are more receptive.

Spur-of-the-moment rules (“You’re grounded!”) made when you are angry are likely to be unfair and unfollowed. Getting together to sort out discipline problems is a valuable way for parents and children to express their concerns. Discipline problems that involve one child should be handled privately, but there are times when all the children get a bit lax in the self-control department and the whole family needs a reminder.

Suppose your house is continually a mess. Call a fami-

ly meeting and invite suggestions from the children on how to keep the house tidy. Use a chalkboard to make it more businesslike. Write down the problem and propose solutions. Put together a “kids want/parents want” list in order to set goals. To avoid chore wars, we assign each child a room to tidy. Then we know who is responsible and who to compliment. Formulate house rules for happier living. Arriving at a general consensus is better than voting, which has winners and losers. Try a suggestion box and have the children write their suggestions on little cards. You’ll learn a lot about your living habits that way. I got a suggestion from my teenage daughter: “Daddy, please ask me to help instead of giving orders.” You can use family councils to help a child solve a problem. Develop a share-and-care atmosphere. Make the meeting fun. Besides your living room, try other meeting places, such as a family picnic at the park. Meetings shape family behaviour and are a forum in which to foster family communication and shape children’s behaviour in a positive way.(Excerpt from askdrsears.com)

news

7

monDAY, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

AFC leaders divided over Georgetown not ready for parking meters – Deputy Mayor Ramjattan’s 3rd term …motorists to start paying from today

T

he grace period is up and today, motorists in Georgetown will have to pay in order to park around the city or face penalties. But concerns have been raised about what benefits, if any, the project would actually bring to the city, in the absence of a publicly released feasibility study.

In an interview on Sunday, Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan questioned why the study which Smart City Solutions Incorporated (SCSI) is said to have carried out has not been released to the public.

“It would definitely give more insight into the why the parking meters are being laid out in a certain way. If the city is congested, it could tell us by what percentage the parking meters will reduce this,” he said.

He noted that the study would also give the public some insight into some of the stakeholders who were consulted by the company and what their contributions were.

“The recommendations of such a study could be useful in allowing the public to understand what options were on the table,” he posited.

Last year, Chairman of the National Parking Systems (NPS), Ifa Cush had alluded to studies his company had done. He had stated that based on those studies and on experiences in Mexico, Peru and Panama, implementation of the parking meters would be the best option to control the flow of traffic.

The absence of a feasibility study was a sore point with the Finance Ministry team which reviewed the parking meter contract. In its review, the Ministry team pointed out that there was some uncertainty about how aspects of the contract, such as the fees, were arrived at.

“The prices appear out-

priate (time) that Guyana allows.”

How it works

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan

landish, since it is apparent that no feasibility study was done to determine break even and reasonable profit positions. M&CC [The Mayor and City Council] has to provide some justifications of how the parking and other fees were derived,” the review had stated.

At present, the price is set at $50, plus Value Added Tax (VAT), for 15 minutes.

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

On Sunday, in response to queries from Guyana Times about the feasibility study, SCSI Public Relations Consultant Kit Nascimento emphasised that the feasibility study was in the possession of the M&CC. He acknowledged, however, that it has never been made public.

Other concerns

Meanwhile, Duncan raised other concerns about the project, such as the visit to Panama by Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green, Town Clerk Royston King and Councillors Junior Garrett and Oscar Clark.

This visit, which took place months after the contract was signed, was reportedly to perform due diligence

SCSI Public Relations Consultant Kit Nascimento

checks on the meters already installed in the country.

The Deputy Mayor also pointed out that the machines installed were seventh generation Estrada machines, noting that they were not as state-of-the-art as the Parkeon’s 2016 model.

“Why are we settling for outdated technology if we must have meters?” the Deputy Mayor queried in his statement. “Everything I have heard, read, researched, and know of this project says we are on the wrong side of history to implement it. More so because of the economic impact, to say nothing of the roll-out, Georgetown is not ready for parking meters.”

Nascimento acknowledged that an upgrade was necessary, but stated that the technology being installed were the best compatible with Guyana. He also noted that they were in use in many other countries.

“Given the Internet and how it functions in this country, we’re using the most modern technology we can at this point of time. And the technology we’re using now happens to be in use in a very large number of other countries. We will upgrade the technology at the appro-

The meters work by the user inputting the number of their parking space, the time they need and then a prepaid card which they would have purchased, to a card reader on the meters.

Metered hours are Monday to Saturday, 07:00h to 19:00h (7am to 7pm).

Any vehicle which has neither paid for parking or has exceeded the paid time would have a wheel incapacitated by a tyre booting device. This can be done whether the vehicle owner is present or not.

If the owner is not there, she or he will be greeted by the sight of the incapacitated vehicle and a sticker on the driver’s window upon their return. In cases whereby the parked vehicle may obstruct the flow of traffic, they may return to an empty space as the vehicle would be immediately towed.

A fine of $8000 plus VAT will have to be paid in order to unlock the vehicle. If the fine is not paid within two hours, the vehicle will be towed to an impound lot. The fine would then be $12,000 plus any VAT applicable.

Already, parking meters have been installed around Georgetown, including in front of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Bishops High School.

This has attracted much criticism from the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the National Disability Commission.

SCSI has since agreed to meet with representatives from the group.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

T

op officials in the Alliance For Change (AFC) are split over the question of whether incumbent leader Khemraj Ramjattan can accept a third term in office, given the fact that the party’s constitution states that party leaders cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.

According to AFC co- founder and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the AFC leadership should indeed be rotated and limited to facilitate movement within the party. He noted that when he helped draft the constitution, this was the intention.

Trotman, who made this statement in other sections of the media, stated his belief that this should be adhered to unless there was an extraordinary situation.

“The delegates will, of course, have a right to choose.

But I believe that we should try to adhere to the constitution unless the delegates feel otherwise…I believe that it is something the delegates would have to make a decision on.”

“So definitely, it does not say ‘shall’ like the Constitution (of Guyana), but

AFC co-founder Trotman

Raphael

I believe the intention of the framers of the AFC constitution – and I was certainly one of them – was to ensure that there was movement. And we should do our best to ensure that we honour the spirit of the (AFC) constitution…I believe that this is something the delegates would have to ponder and make a decision on,” he had gone on to say.

Trotman had acknowledged that the AFC’s constitution did not make it “absolute” that the seat of leadership be rotated. However, he reiterated that “the spirit and intent” of the phrase ‘ought to rotate’ was to ensure there was “a constant flow”.

When contacted on Sunday, both Trotman and Ramjattan declined to comment further on the matter. Previously, however, Ramjattan had affirmed that the provisions in Article 19 (1) were not exclusionary.

Article 19 (1) of the party’s constitution states that no leader would be allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, in the interest of “a broader activism in leadership positions by the membership”. turn to page 12

8 news

monDAY, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Who rules…

T

…on AFC’s third term

he AFC’s National Executive Conference this Saturday offers Guyanese the opportunity to dissect an issue that’s also in front of the judiciary at the highest level - the infamous “Third term case”.

But with the AFC’s case being at a forum where we don’t have to get into all the tiresome “whereas” and citations that are dragged into courts, we can look directly at the arguments and “pick sense from nonsense”.

The issue, brought up by a member of the AFC in the court of public opinion via a letter to the press, points out the intent of the AFC constitution was to open up participation in its executive by limiting the number of terms executives may consecutively serve to two. So he objected to Khemraj Ramjattan putting his hand up for a “third term” since he’d just completed two terms consecutively.

Now, we’re not even talking about breaching the gentleman’s agreement on rotating the top spot between African and Indian incumbents - to signal to the electorate the party’s “multiracial” cred. With the AFC snogging seven Ministries and all sorts of goodies by providing “Indian” camouflage to the PNC, one can understand them not pressing “multiracial” pretentions.

A bird in the hand and all that!

But in the case of Ramjattan’s “third term” bid, he and Trotman - being lawyers, but more pertinently not trusting each other - were careful to have a written stipulation in their constitution. To wit: “The various senior positions of the AFC, including those in the National Executive, Regions and Groups ought to be rotated as far as is possible so that no member is allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, so as to ensure a broader activism in leadership positions by the membership.”

So, guess what’s Ramjattan’s riposte? (Hey! …no prizes for answering this no-brainer!!) The prohibition isn’t “mandatory”!! And this brings us to the same issue-writ-large being decided in the Appellate Court.

Ramjattan, like those who’re contesting Justice Ian Chang’s ruling, is taking the old, procrustean descriptive approach to the interpretation of constitutions. If the Article says, “as far as possible”, the semantic ambiguity gives Ramjattan wriggle room to justify his third term.

But what Chang - following modern Jurisprudential and sociological developments - did was to ask a simple question: who ultimately have the power to interpret, amend or even change foundational concepts in a constitution? And Chang ruled, only the people (here members of the AFC) who’re sovereign.

Not their representatives - like MP’s or leaders, like ambitious Ramjattan. If changes are necessary, let there be a referendum! Power to the people! No dictator!

…on Ministers’ scholarships

Your Eyewitness sees the same disingenuous disjuncture between substance and mechanistic procedures in the awarding of scholarships to sitting ministers of the Government. Can anyone in their wildest dreams (sitting ministers excluded!) think when policies were written for the awarding of scholarships, sitting ministers were eligible?

Right off the bat, aren’t ministers effectively CEO’s of massive departments? Whatever time they take off - on or off the job - is time they should be spending on the people’s business. And if they don’t take massive timeoffs to earn PhD’s, then all they are getting are fake certificates from “paper mill” schools. And we shouldn’t be paying $3.3 million annually for “cock” degrees.

Then, candidates for scholarships are generally eligible because of financial need or outstanding performance. After that 50 per cent salary increase in salaries, plus housing, electricity and all sorts of allowances, we can strike “need”.

Outstanding performance? Could we see those who applied but didn’t do as well?

…on national progress?

Old people say, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” From its actions since coming into Office, the PNC-led Government has abandoned its “unity government spiel” and decided to go it alone.

Unfortunately, they aren’t even “going fast” - except getting corrupted!

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

news

9

monday, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPSU seeks clarity on issue of GPHC Matron – blasts “biased” CoI

T

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said it was still seeking out the truth in a matter involving Matron of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Colleen Hicks, as it believed that the inquiry set up to probe the allegations against her was biased.

Hicks was sent on leave last year as the GPHC Board moved to carry out a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into her “mismanagement” of the institution.

She had come under fire by some staff members, including doctors and nurses,

who said she had become difficult to work with. A petition, signed by over 150 staffers to have the matron removed, is believed to have been the reason behind the inquiry.

GPSU President Patrick Yarde, when asked about the report of the investigation, which was carried out in October last year, said that neither he nor the GPSU have seen it, “nor will we dignify it by examining it”.

He said the Union understood the situation and had agreed to the inquiry; however, things did not go the way they were supposed

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

to.

“It was a body of protest and we feel where there is

APNU/AFC targets Chancellor...

The other case referred to by the Guyana Chronicle – in its public castigation of the soon-to-be-retired Chancellor – is the Court of Appeal’s refusal to allow an out-of-time appeal against a $446 million judgment that was granted in favour of DIPCON Engineering Services Limited against the Government of Guyana.

“I know nothing about the case. But this I do know.

An appeal to the Court of Appeal has to be filed within six weeks of the decision

of the High Court. Leave can be granted by the Court of Appeal within four weeks thereafter to file a notice of appeal out of time if ‘bona fide’ grounds are shown.

Thereafter, ‘exceptional circumstances’ must be proved.”

Third term

The Senior Counsel posits that more often than not, an application within the four weeks is granted, and “more often than not, an application thereafter is re-

fused”.

According to Ramkarran, neither the Government nor anyone else has an automatic right to appeal a decision outside the legally prescribed time.

He has since suggested that the reporting by the Guyana Chronicle suggested that the Government did have such a right and the Court of Appeal was duty-bound to facilitate the Government, regardless of the circumstances.

“The Chronicle is upset

that level of displeasure being concerned, it needs to be looked into and we agreed for an inquiry into the matter and we nominated someone on that panel and gave advice as to the regularity of having such an inquiry,” he told reporters on Friday.

According to Yarde, the advice given by the Union was completely ignored. “…our position is that the panel was biased and we wrote even before we were told what was going on that we would not recognise it unless they correct it. The Chairman seemed to be adamant in proceeding in that manner. We said it

from page 3

that the Court is hearing the ‘third term’ case. (Hint! Hint!

It believes the Chancellor will rule in favour of Jagdeo, and ignore the merits of the case). What’s the problem?

If the Government feels that it has a good case and loses, the CCJ will reverse the decision.”

According to Ramkarran, while the Chancellor and Judiciary are subject to public scrutiny and criticism, “these attacks are unprecedented in their savagery”.

Embattled GPHC Matron Colleen Hicks

should be a three-man panel and we should agree to the Chairman who should be impartial.”

Yarde argued that if an inquiry was being set up to investigate an allegation brought against someone, the panel should listen to everyone who appears before it. He said that this did not occur. To compound matters, he said, when they invited Hicks to testify, the GPSU had sent an officer to accompany her; howev-

er, that officer was refused entry into the room; something that was unheard of.

“We would like to get to the truth of the situation; we have no objection to the inquiry, but it must be done in a proper way, not the way it was done. Let us get to the bottom of it.”

The GPSU President said the situation was not necessarily about the matron but national healthcare, which was far more important than her.

“Healthcare institutions must work efficiently in this country and the people in such institutions much be conscious of their role and ought not to be putting anything to obstruct that.”

He said the Union had written to the previous Health Minister, Dr George Norton expressing this concern. While there was no response from him, the Union has also written to the new Health Minister Volda Lawrence on the matter.

Hicks remains off the job.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, January 23, 2017

News

PNC General Council Meeting

Leaders emphasise on employment for youths – deny persons were requested to attend event

A

t their first General Council Meeting for the year 2017, leaders of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) placed much emphasis on the need to develop employment opportunities for young people.

Addressing the gathering at the meeting held at the party’s headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Saturday under the theme “PNCR - Vanguard of a Green Economy”, PNCR Leader, President David Granger underscored the importance of providing employment for the young people of Guyana.

“Despite the challenges, we have to find employment for the young people of Guyana. We have to develop the village economies; we have to start producing things at the village level,” Granger asserted, as he called on village leaders to take rebuilding of the village economy seriously. The Head of State committed Government’s support for such initiatives.

Noting that it was imperative that employment be found for the young people of Guyana, the President said also that Regions must focus on education.

During his feature address, the Party’s Leader also placed focus on the family, noting that society was founded on the family and the

family was sacrosanct while urging party members to protect and preserve the family.

Moreover, President Granger assured the Council that the PNCR was committed to the coalition Government. “The PNCR is committed to coalition politics; we are better together.”

Speaking on the Diaspora, he added that “the Diaspora is vital to the PNC; it is a vital component. I trust the Diaspora and I believe in the Diaspora.”

On the other hand, Party Chairman Basil Williams, SC, highlighted the developments that the Granger-led Administration has undertaken to date and the path ahead for further development. He also called on citizens to be cognisant and take advantage of opportunities that were being made available.

“We must take up the many opportunities for employment that our pursuit of a ‘Green Economy’ together with the imminent ‘on-boarding’ of our oil and gas industries will bring,” Williams pointed out.

Following the formal opening, plenary sessions examined the Party Leader’s address, the General Secretary’s Report and plans for the party’s 60th anniversary. A motion giving full support to the Government in the action that was taken

PNC General Secretary Oscar Clarke

to repossess the Red House, a National Heritage building, was presented to the General Council by the Vice Chairperson of the National Congress of Women (NCW), Carol Smith-Joseph.

Meanwhile, the following day, the PNCR sought to refute claims that senior public servants were “requested” to attend its General Council Meeting.

In a statement on Sunday, the party responded to an article published in the Sunday, January 22, 2017 edition of the Guyana Times under the caption: “PNC General Council Meeting: Granger assures commitment to coalition Govt …as senior public servants express displeasure

at being requested to attend.”

According to the PNCR, the General Council of the PNCR is an institution of the party that comprises only members of the PNCR. To this end, the statement outlined that “No Senior Public Servants were or are ‘requested’ to attend.”

Furthermore, the party went on to highlight Article 16(1) of the PNCR’s constitution, which states that: the General Council shall comprise: (a) All members of the Central Executive Committee; (b) the Representatives of the Regional and Sub-Divisional Committees; (c) All PNCR Regional Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen; (d) all eligible persons who were candidates on the party’s list at the last General Election; (e) three representatives of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM); (f) three representatives of the National Congress of Women (NCW); and (g) all Chairmen, Vice Chairmen of Local Democratic Organs, Mayors and Deputy Mayors who were elected to office on the party’s list of candidates.

Guyana Times on Sunday reported that as the PNCR held its first General Council Meeting for the year 2017 under the theme “PNCR – Vanguard of a Green Economy”, the event was reminiscent of the 1970s confabs as it was insisted upon that senior public servants attend the event.

However, this publication recieved numerous complaints from persons who were asked to attend the event.

According to an upset senior Government official, the event was déjà vu to the

Forbes Burnham era when public servants, despite their displeasure, were forced to attend the PNC’s General Council meetings.

The General Council is the second highest decision-making forum of the PNCR.

3 arrested after AK47, pistol found in Campbellville house

A

Police raid on Sunday evening resulted in the arrest of three males after investigators unearthed two high-powered firearms along with matching ammunition at a John Street, Campbellville, house.

The operation was led

by Deputy Commander of A Division (Georgetown), Calvin Brutus, and commenced sometime around 18:00h. The search, however, lasted for about two hours during which one AK47 assault rifle and a 9mm pistol along with matching ammunition for both weapons were discovered.

In addition, the Police found two heavily tinted vehicles at the property. These along with the weapons were confiscated.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the owner of the house resides overseas and left the prop-

erty in the hands of a real estate firm, which rented it to a couple. However, this newspaper understands that the couple was rarely seen at the house; instead, various suspicious characters were seen coming and going from the property.

This prompted residents in the area to alert the Guyana Police Force, which carried out the successful operation on Sunday evening. The investigating team took the Force’s ‘sniffer dog’ to aid in its operation.

It was also reported to that the three suspects taken into custody are known characters to the police.

In fact, they had previous brushes with law for serious matters.

Meanwhile, the guns are to be sent for ballistic tests to determine whether they were used in the commission of any crimes.

news

11

monday, january 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

TIGI wants Access to Information law scrapped …legislation designed to conceal, provides no guarantees—Dr Troy Thomas

T

r a n s p a r e n c y International Guyana Institute (TIGI) has called on Government to immediately scrap, or at the very least, amend the Access to Information law, saying the legislation in its current construct is designed to stymie access to information, at the level of the Office of the Commissioner of Information.

This was divulged by Dr Troy Thomas of TIGI, who on Sunday, appeared with eminent Chartered Accountant and anti-corruption advocate, Christopher Ram, on the weekly televised programme “Plain Talk”.

The men were at the time discussing the sore issue of transparency, accountability and corruption in Guyana, when Dr Thomas used the occasion to lament the state of affairs with regard to the Access to Information legislation on the books in Guyana.

According to Dr Thomas, the current law not only allows for the Commissioner of Information to unilaterally deny access to information on the grounds of a lack of resources within that entity, but to downright conceal requested information.

This matter of the lack of resources has since seen the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Senior taking Government to court seeking compensation for the use of his personal facilities to undertake his obligations under that office.

Ram, in response to the lamentations of the TIGI representative, recalled that during the initial passage of the Access to Information legislation, that entity had in fact put forward a number of recommendations to the then People’s Progressive Party/

TIGI President, Thomas

Dr

Troy

Civic (PPP/C) Administration to no avail and questioned whether it would not be useful to again submit the proposal to the current coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Dr Thomas was quick to point out that the depth of flaws in the current legislation would warrant the complete scrapping of the existing law.

Flawed law

He suggested that in its current construct the legislation was more geared towards concealing information rather than making the requested information public.

“What we have is so flawed… Where do you start amending that?” questioned Dr Thomas.

He suggested that looking to access information utilising the legislation would see persons jumping through hoops from the time a request is made.

Dr Thomas has in fact suggested that the only guarantee under the existing legislation was the right to apply to access the information, but there was not even a guarantee of an ac-

knowledgment of receipt of the request. “There is no guarantee of a response.”

Citing an example, Dr Thomas noted that TIGI had in fact applied to the Office of the Commissioner of Information to obtain a copy of the parking meter contract that has generated significant public rancour and debate, but to no avail, since, not even an acknowledgement was forthcoming from Commissioner Ramson.

According to Dr Thomas, when receiving an application for access to any bit of information, the Office of the Commissioner of Information would first need to assess whether the information can in fact be provided and whether that body would have the resources available to accommodate the request.

Media

Citing another instance where the legislation stymied access to critical information, Dr Thomas pointed to the fact that the legislation required where the requested information could disrupt the functioning of an organisation, access could be denied or the organisation would have a chance to categorise what could be released.

Dr Thomas opined that in such a scenario, the information would in fact be useless since it would be heavily redacted.

Asked about a recourse to the courts to remedy the situation, Dr Thomas noted that while the existing legislation did make provisions for persons to approach the Supreme Court, how many persons would want to jump though the additional hoops associated with this recourse.

Ram – himself a longstanding anti-corruption advocate

and vocal activist on matters related to transparency and accountability – used the opportunity to chastise not only TIGI for not taking up the mantle and approaching the courts if only to set precedence, but the local media corps, since they would have been at the forefront clamouring for the Access to Information legislation.

“I think the media should take it to court,” Ram said, while in the same breath not absolving TIGI. He reminded the TIGI representative that it was a civil society representative body that has been accredited to monitor and act in such matters and for that body to not

act would be tantamount to shirking its responsibilities.

Depressing

According to Ram, TIGI is sitting on a number of recommendations and proposals with regard to amending the Access to Information law and the option was available to approach Government or the political Opposition in order to see the amendments being tabled in Parliament for possible approval.Commenting on the recent public spat between the Commissioner of Information and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Ram called the entire sordid affair “pretty depressing”.

Lamenting the state of af-

fairs, the duo said, on one hand, it would be expected that the Commissioner of Information would be provided with basic resources and he should not have to resort to suing the Government; at the same time, they questioned how it was after 20 months, Prime Minister Nagamootoo was clueless as to what obtained at the Office of the Commissioner of Information and its occupant.

It was pointed out that the legislation provides for the Commissioner of Information to refuse access to requested information on the grounds of a lack of resources and the very outfit is presently being starved of resources.

12 news

monDAY, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Timehri man killed Horse thief evades arrest as car crashes into …injures pedestrian, cyclists in process utility pole A

A

father of one was in the wee hours of Sunday killed after he reportedly lost control of his car and crashed into a utility pole at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Dead is 32-year-old Sankar Seenauth, also called "Chiney", of Lot 151 GAC Old

horse thief managed to evade arrest after Police gave chase in Tucville, Greater Georgetown, with a horse he had stolen some two weeks ago from a Better Hope, East Coast Demerara man.

According to a friend of the horse’s owner, he was in the Tucville area around 11:30h on Sunday when he saw a man riding the stolen horse.

He immediately alerted a Police mobile patrol passing at the same time.

However, when the bandit observed the Police, he attempted to escape with the horse, colliding with a pedestrian and cyclists in the pro-

01:00h, but did not tell them where he was heading.

She explained that one of his brothers informed them that "Chiney" was involved in an accident and without hesitation, she, along with his parents and other relatives, rushed to the scene.

As they arrived, the injured

The friend of the horse’s owner taking the animal to the Police Station (Carl Croker photos)

cess.

This collision resulted in an elderly man suffering injuries to his head and damage to the rear wheel of the cycle.

Dead: Sankar Seenauth also called “Chiney”

The wreckage of Seenauth’s motor car

Road, Timehri , EBD. Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the man overtook another vehicle and soon after lost control of his motor car, slamming into the utility pole.

He was reportedly trapped in the driver's seat of the mangled car and had to be pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens, who were awakened by the impact of the crash.

According to information, Seenauth might have sustained a broken neck and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

A sister- in- law of the dead man, when contacted, told this publication that they received news of the accident about 1:15h. She explained that the young man left home about

man was lying on the ground, motionless. He was bleeding from the head. The now dead man operated a sandpit on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Attempts to speak with the parents of the dead man proved futile.

Meanwhile, one eyewitness claimed that Seenauth was speeding. "He passed me like a jet, but as he attempted to get back into his lane, like he misaveraged and went too close to the parapet and is then he collided with the pole," the man related.

After crashing into the pole, the car was propelled into the air before landing on its four wheels, the eyewitness recounted to Guyana Times.

"People rushed out their homes to assist... he was pinned and we had to wrench out the driver's side door,

but when we realise he was trapped we went to the passenger’s side and pulled him out from there."

Seenauth was already dead, the witness said.

The wrecked car was taken to the Madewini Police Station and a probe was launched.

Seenauth leaves to mourn his parents, son, four siblings and other relatives.

AFC leaders divided over Ramjattan’s ...

Since Ramjattan had announced that he would be open to a third term, his stance has drawn criticism from different sections of society. Political activist, Dr David Hinds has noted that this has opened Ramjattan up to criticism about double standards.

Ramjattan was elected as AFC Leader in 2012, his stint lasting for four years, or the equivalent of two terms.

According to Article 7 of the party’s constitution, “A national convention shall be held

Region 2 in urgent need of functioning street lights – RDC disappointed at Public Infrastructure Ministry’s slow response

T

he Regional Democratic Council in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is calling on the Public Infrastructure Ministry to urgently rectify the lights along the main public road between the Bush Lot and Land of Plenty.

The lights are reportedly out of order and despite several reports made to the Ministry by residents and the RDC, the situation remains the same. The communities are located within the township of Anna Regina and are pitch black at night, making it unsafe for drivers and other road users.

According to Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, the matter was brought to the Ministry’s attention; however, there has been no response to date. Ramdatt, who is the

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

head of the RDC, said he was disappointed that these streetlights were out of operation since December 2016.

He said that the RDC would engage the Public Infrastructure Ministry in

Public-spirited citizens assisting the injured pedestrian to the waiting Police patrol vehicle

The bandit then dismounted the horse and made good his escape by scaling a nearby fence, and plunging into a canal.

The Police were forced to abandon the chase as they transported the injured pedestrian to a medical facility.

The owner of the horse, Rohan (only name given) of Better Hope, made a report to the Sparendaam Police Station about two weeks ago.

It is alleged that the perpetrator is a known felon called “Gunzie”, who was wanted for other criminal activity.

The horse was taken to the East La Penitence Police Station.

discussions about future plans to install adequate lights along the main public road within the Region.

Residents living in the areas recently protested the delay by Government in addressing the issue.

During the protest action, many pointed out that they could not understand why officials from the Ministry were delaying the process of putting the lights back in operation.

“What’s the use of having lights? It’s like white elephants, it’s there but not serving its purpose,” one protestor said.

Residents within Region Two are very concerned about public safety and security; as such, the RDC has reiterated its call for the Ministry to engage the Region’s leadership and residents on developmental plans for the Region.

every two years at a place and time decided by the National Executive Committee.”

It is here that elections for the positions of party Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary and 12 National Executive Members will be held.

Although Ramjattan will be looking to be re-elected to

serve in the leadership capacity, he is expected to face stiff competition for the post at the upcoming elections, which will be held at the party’s National Executive Conference (NEC) later this month.

In addition to Ramjattan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Public Telecommunications Minister

from page 7

Cathy Hughes are seen as contenders for the post.

The AFC’s NEC will be hosted on January 28 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) – the party’s first NEC outside of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

news

13

monDAY, janUARy 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Granger to push single economy at upcoming inter-sessional meeting … as Caricom Chair

F

ollowing his assumption of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairmanship at the beginning of 2017, President David Granger will be push-

President David Granger

lighted the importance of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), noting that once they get the single economy right, the success of other forms of regional cooperation would follow.

President Granger continued that with the existing challenges in the Caribbean –Trinidad having faced some challenges because of the collapse of oil prices, Barbados under some stress and similarly Suriname – many of these countries have turned to Guyana as a place for investment.

“There’re nearly 20 Surinamese companies operating in Guyana; the Barbadian company is in the Rupununi; Trinidad has a lot of experience in petroleum, and so my thrust will be in the economy and I’d like to move more quickly towards building that Caribbean Single Market and Economy – it’s all about the economy,” the Guyanese Leader posited.

In preparation of the Inter-sessional Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government, President Granger earlier this month

ing to further enhance the ‘single economy’ within the Region.

The Guyanese Leader assumed the chairmanship as per the Rotation Schedule met with Secretary General of the body, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and a delegation from the Secretariat, which included Advisor to the Secretary General, Neville Bissember and Executive Director, Human Resource Management at the Caricom Secretariat, Charmaine AtkinsonJordan.

Also at that meeting were Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Head of the Caricom Unit in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Charlene Phoenix.

In his New Year’s message to the Community, the Guyanese Head of State placed people at the centre of the integration movement, and pointed to the actions that were being taken to ensure they were secure and safe, and equipped for the 21st Century economy and society.

“2017 holds great promise for us to advance our integration process, which can only be possible through the involvement and participation of all. Let us resolve to play our part in strengthening our Caribbean Community and to making regional unity a living, breathing experience,” he outlined.

The President went on to note that the Five-Year Strategic Plan for the period 2015-2019 was a foundational element in the Community’s reform process. That process, he stressed, is geared towards ensuring that the Caribbean people feel the impact of the integration movement in their daily lives.

“Integration is not merely about systems and institutions. It is mostly about people,” he said in the message.

Indian High Commission makes book donation

The books on display

T

he High Commission of India in Georgetown donated 160 books – a total of 63 titles with multiple copies to the Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabha, Enmore, East Coast Demerara on Friday, January 20, 2017.

The books were on various subjects such as Learning Hindi, Hindi Dictionaries, Philosophy, History, Religion, Politics, Science,

stories on Hindu Gods, Temples of India, etc.

High Commissioner of India, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, handed over the books to Beni Singh, Secretary of Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabha. The High Commissioner urged that the books be used to propagate Hindi and enrich knowledge of Indian culture.

for the Chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government, and his first task as Chair would be hosting the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting of Caricom Heads

of Government, slated for February 16 and 17.

At that meeting, Granger said he would be building on the work of the founders of the movement and his pre-

decessor, Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit.

“I’m not a lone wolf; I’m not going to bring about some miraculous change. I would like to continue their

work to build the economy of the Caribbean,” the President told reporters on “The Public Interest” programme aired on Thursday.

On this note, he high-

14

guyanatimesgy.com

Monday, January 23, 2017

Regional

Chile forest fires: Troops join fight Jamaicans paid over J$5B for US visas against worst fires in decades S ome 1200 troops and 500 firefighters have joined the effort to control Chile’s worst forest fires in decades.

A state of emergency has been declared in a vast area south of the capital, Santiago.

The blazes began over a week ago and spread quickly in the dry and particularly hot summer that many South American countries are experiencing.

President Michelle Bachelet said she had asked for help from countries with experience of forest fires.

“The firefighters are doing all that is humanly possible,” she said.

But Chile has “practically exhausted its capacity to fight the blazes”, Bachelet added.

She asked for help from her French counterpart, Francois Hollande, who is visiting Chile.

The authorities also re-

The US Embassy in Jamaica was processing an “unprecedented number of non-immigrant visas”

J

The blazes destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of native forest

quested planes and helicopters from the United States, Canada and Mexico and neighbouring Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Peru, EFE news agency reported.

There were more than 100 uncontrolled fires in central and southern Chile until a few days ago.

The latest report from Chile’s Forestry Agency (Conaf) says most of them have now been controlled.

There are now 39 fires, affecting mainly the O’Higgins and Maule regions.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes.

At least three people – three brigadiers of the Chilean National Forest Corporation – have died trying to tackle the fires.

The blazes destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of native forest. (BBC News)

T&T witness tampering probe heightens

P

olice have contacted several former Peoples’ Partnership Ministers for interviews up to last Wednesday, and also met with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in their probe of witness -tampering allegations made against former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan by Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Director David West.

These developments were confirmed by PP officials last week.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Harold Phillip, who heads the probe, Saturday confirmed other movements

Former T&T Attorney General Anand Ramlogan

on the matter including meetings with the DPP last week.

The “witness-tamper-

ing” investigation, now apparently heightening, was instituted by Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams in January 2015.

This, after West’s allegation, made at the time, against Ramlogan of an “attempt to pervert the course of justice”.

West alleged Ramlogan “asked” him to withdraw as a witness in a matter involving then Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. Ramlogan has strongly denied this.

Less than a week after the issue broke in 2015, former PP Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar re-

voked the appointments of Ramlogan as well as then National Security Minister Gary Griffith. Griffith gave a statement supporting West’s claim. It was alleged Griffith on Ramlogan’s advice telephoned West to query whether West had withdrawn his statement.

Since the 2015 probe started, at least six former PP Ministers were contacted by police, including over the past month and up to last week.

Some former Ministers and other people have been interviewed more than once.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Western Union admits to anti-money laundering, consumer fraud violations

W

estern Union, one of the leading money transfer agencies across the Caribbean, has admitted to anti-money laundering and consumer fraud violations.

As a result, the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) said The Western Union Company (Western Union), headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, has agreed to forfeit US$586 million.

The DOJ said the money transfer agency has also agreed and enter into agreements with the Justice Department,

the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the US Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of Florida.

“As this case shows, wiring money can be the fastest way to send it – directly into the pockets of criminals and scam artists,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General David Bitkower of the DoJ’s Criminal Division.

“Western Union is now

paying the price for placing profits ahead of its own customers. Together with our colleagues, the Criminal Division will both hold to account those who facilitate fraud and abuse of vulnerable populations, and also work to recoup losses and compensate victims,” he added.

FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said Western Union owes a responsibility to consumers to guard against fraud, “but instead the company looked the other way, and its system facilitated scammers and rip-offs”.

She said the agreements “will ensure Western Union changes the way it conducts its business and provides more than a half billion dollars for refunds to consumers who were harmed by the company’s unlawful behaviour.”

In its agreement with the Justice Department, Western Union admits to criminal violations, including wilfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) programme and aiding and abetting wire fraud, the DoJ said. (Excerpt from CMC)

amaicans paid over J$5 billion in non-immigrant visa fees to the United States Government last year, based upon a calculation of data provided by the US Embassy there.

This comes at a time when newly sworn-in US President Donald J Trump has said that he will review immigration laws in that North American country with a view to clamping down on illegal immigrants, many of whom gain entry by using non-immigrant visas and then overstay their time.

Last year, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy Joshua Polacheck told the Jamaica Observer that the Embassy had been swamped with an excessive number of applications for non-immigrant visas that was putting a strain on its system.

The US diplomat revealed that the Embassy was processing an “unprecedented number of non-immigrant visas”, and was han-

dling up to 1000 a day in some instances.

The cost that goes with a non-immigrant visa application is US$160 (about J$20,480), meaning that if 1000 such visas are processed per day, it would amount to J$20.5 million daily.

For a week at the same rate, the overall cost would be nearly J$102.4 million.

Based upon what Polacheck described as the rapid growth in demand for US visas, which he said had zipped from 85,000 applications in the fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) of 2013, to 185,000 up to the middle of last year, the annual overall spend on trying to procure US non-immigrant visas would jump significantly.

Over 52 weeks, the total cost would be J$5.3 billion.

That sum does not include fees for student visas, crew members, or temporary workers.

It would represent around one per cent of Jamaica’s annual budget.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Tobago election may be open to legal challenges

T

he Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election is on.

However, it may be open to legal challenges, legal minds in the Senate warned Saturday.

With a vote of 28 for and one against, the Senate Saturday cleared the way for the THA elections to be held today.

An extraordinary sitting of the Senate was held to debate the Tobago House of Assembly Election (Validation) Bill 2017 after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Bill with a vote of 37 for and none against on Friday.

The bill came about because of a miscalculation between the nomination day and the Election Day for the THA. However, while the Upper House Saturday voted for the election to proceed, Senators on both the Opposition and Independent benches warned of possible legal action to occur as a result of the bill being passed.

During his contribution Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen said the Opposition

will support the bill because they “care about the people of Tobago” but warned that there could be legal challenges.

“I do not believe that what we are enacting here is going to cure the illegality that has been perpetrated,” Ramdeen said.

“Coming here today to validate the writs will not cure the legal consequences that will flow from what transpired thus far and therefore while this might cure the issue with respect to the EBC (Elections and Boundaries Commission) and with respect to His Excellency (President Anthony Carmona) issuing those writs this document and what we are asked to pass here today by the Attorney General (Faris Al-Rawi) will open itself up to challenge in the courts and I am of the view that if we come here to try and cure something that we all accept has been wrong we should try and do it the right way,” Ramdeen said.

Ramdeen suggested that a clause be inserted in the Validation Bill to “insulate” the process from legal challenge. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

MONday, January 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Trump team in fresh war Israel approves hundreds of of words with US media settlement homes in East Jerusalem

I

K

ey figures in Donald Trump’s Administration have become embroiled in a fresh war of words with the media.

On Saturday, the President had condemned media reporting of the number of people attending his inauguration.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said there was “an obsession... to de-legitimise this president. We’re not going to sit around and take it.”

But photos show more people attended the inauguration of Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama in 2009.

Priebus said on Fox News Sunday that the “media from day one has been talking about de-legitimising the election”. He said Trump’s presidency would fight such cover-

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (right) said there was an attempt to “de-legitimise this president”

age “tooth and nail every day”.

The latest row was mainly sparked by the inauguration figures.

There were no official estimates. Trump said during a visit to the CIA on Saturday

that it “looked like a million and a half people”, but provided no evidence. He called reporters “among the most dishonest human beings on Earth” for saying it was far lower. (Excerpt from BBC News)

srael approved building permits on Sunday for hundreds of homes in three East Jerusalem settlements in expectation that US President Donald Trump will row back on the previous Administration’s criticism of such projects.

The housing projects, on land that the Palestinians seek as part of a future state, had been taken off the Jerusalem municipality’s agenda in December at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid further censure from the Administration of Barack Obama.

However, Israel’s right wing believes that Trump’s attitude towards settlements built in the West

Bank and East Jerusalem – areas Israel captured in a 1967 war – to be far more supportive than that of his predecessor.

Netanyahu on Sunday held his first conversation with Trump since he took office. “Many matters face us. The Israeli-Palestinian issue, the situation in Syria, the Iranian threat,” Netanyahu said in broadcast remarks at the start of his weekly Cabinet meeting.

Senior ministers later voted unanimously to post-

elling between Jagdalpur, in Chhattisgarh state, and Bhuvanesawar, in Orissa.

“Thirty-six people have been killed so far and 19 bodies have been identified,” said JP Mishra, a spokesman for East Coast Railway, adding that the toll could rise further as many people were still trapped.

Officials were investigating whether Maoist rebels had tampered with the track, after eight coaches and the engine of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar express were derailed at around 23:00h (1730 GMT) on Saturday.

Anil Kumar Saxena, a national railway spokesman, said investigators were considering possible sabotage of the tracks by Maoist rebels, who he said were active in the area. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Investigators were considering possible sabotage of the tracks by Maoist rebels, who he said were active in the area

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US storms: At least 15 dead in Georgia and Mississippi

S Dozens killed after train derails in southern India A t least 36 people have been killed and 50 injured after an overnight passenger train derailed in southern India, according to railway officials, in the latest accident to hit the country’s gigantic but poorly maintained rail network.

Seven coaches of the Hirakhand Express were thrown off the tracks late on Saturday, with some landing on a goods train that was on a parallel track, Chandralekha Mukherji, divisional railway manager, told the Associated Press news agency.

Rescue workers were trying to cut open the mangled coaches on Sunday morning near the Kuneru railway station, in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh state. The train was trav-

pone discussion on a bill proposing the annexation of the West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim, home to 40,000 Israelis near Jerusalem. A statement said the proposal would be put on hold until after Netanyahu meets Trump.

Jerusalem’s City Hall approved the building permits for more than 560 units in the urban settlements of Pisgat Zeev, Ramat Shlomo and Ramot, areas annexed to Jerusalem in a move unrecognised internationally.

evere weather has killed 11 people and injured 23 in the US state of Georgia, emergency officials say.

A state of emergency has been declared in seven counties in south-central Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal said.

More storms and a “tornado outbreak” are expected in northern Florida and southern Georgia, the National Weather Service says.

Four people were killed by tornadoes in Mississippi on Saturday.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency said the 11 victims were in the southern Cook, Brooks and Berrien counties.

Seven of those killed were at a mobile home park in Cook County apparent-

ly struck by a tornado overnight. Cook County coroner Tim Purvis said numerous mobile homes had been “levelled” before dawn on Sunday in the park near the city of Adel. He said emergency teams were still searching for survivors.

Purvis estimated that the park has about 40 mobile homes in total, and roughly half were destroyed.

“These storms have devastated communities and homes in South Central Georgia, and the state is making all resources available to the impacted areas,” Governor Deal said in a statement. US President Donald Trump said he had spoken to Governor Deal and expressed his condolences for the loss of life.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

MONDAY, January 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

Government implementing bicycle lanes on the city’s roads Stephen Wong “I do not agree with the idea at all. I think that it is a complete waste of time.

The reason for my answer is because there are so much more important things to be done yet in Guyana and they are worrying about bicycle lanes. When the rain falls, we all know how easily the capital city floods, the lanes will all be flooded as well. Fix the flooding problem first and then look after that.”

Tandita Archer

“Yes, I do think it’s necessary for the safety of the cyclists, especially now that they have much more motor vehicles on the roads and the competition for the roadways are at an increase.

Additionally, creating bicycle lanes will decrease some of the congestion and improve safety for the cyclists. But now the question should be: does Guyana have enough material resources to make that come to pass? Perhaps, consulting with foreign engineers is a good idea for diverse and modern ideas, but we also have capable Guyanese engineers who were trained abroad.”

Shaoib Halim “I think that it sounds like a very good idea. Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit tremendously by that move if it is realised. I think that it will reduce accidents as the cyclists will have their own lanes rather than what we see now, them traversing between motor vehicles.”

Wallace Trotman “I think it’s a good idea because from what I see, most times, people driving motor vehicles do not pay any mind to those that are riding and, as such, a lot of accidents are caused. This will reduce accidents no doubt between motor vehicles and bicycles. “

Stephon Dookhan “Bicycle lanes are not a bad idea, but it’s the implementation logistics I am thinking about. Georgetown is already packed with many vehicles and narrow roads. I don’t see where they can put bicycle lanes.”

“I personally think it is a great idea; convenient and affordable for the working man.

While I support this idea, I do have a few concerns; considering our already narrow roads, won’t that take away from the pedestrian pavement? All in all, our pot-hole infested roadways should be addressed before such a project can be considered.”

Michael Mc Garrell

“Implementing bicycle lanes can be a good thing, in that it can encourage persons to use bicycles to get about their business in the city. Considering the parking meters which I personally think was not well-thought through, bicycles will be a very good option for movement around the city. Implementing cycle lanes will need to be done with proper consultation and education. We still have a problem with errant road users who still feel that they can do what they want and when they want to.”

Seon Budhan “I do not think that it is a bad idea at all. I am a cyclist and I know the dangers of having to traverse through traffic, so I endorse the idea completely. Thinking about it, the idea sounds like – if it bears fruit that is – it is going to prove to be much safer for all cyclists.”

Gerrade McKenzie

Isanella Patoir

Mother of 9 charged with assault

“I think that the idea makes no sense to me at all. Because and this is the way things usually go in this country, the cyclists will ride out of the lane.

Secondly, when the sideways are crowded, I am sure that pedestrians will choose to walk in that lane. So the idea needs to be thought out.”

Accomplice in NY shooting of Guyanese charged

T

he second suspect in the robbery/murder of 31-year-old Guyanese Ricky Kalisaran in New York earlier this month has been charged and imprisoned.

The New York Daily News reported on Saturday that officials have confirmed that the 22-year-old man captured in Pennsylvania and accused of being an accom-

plice in New York City’s first murder of 2017 has been charged and jailed in Queens.

Dreshaun Smith was ordered held without bail following a brief arraignment hearing Friday night in Queens Criminal Court, officials said.

Prosecutors charged him with murder, robbery and assault for his role in the shooting death

of 31-year-old Ricky Kalisaran.

Smith and Shakim Allen, 23, were trying to rob Kalisaran and his brother on 124th St. in South Richmond Hill about 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 2 when Allen shot them both, according to police.

The brother, 24-yearold Sunny Kalisaran, was blasted in the back but survived. He was wearing a

flashy gold chain believed to have caught the shooter’s eye, officials said.

Allen was arrested in Queens on Jan. 11 and is being held without bail on Rikers Island on murder charges.

Members of the Pocono Mountain Regional Police picked up Smith in Monroe County — about 110 miles from Queens — on Jan. 12, officials said.

Narco trafficker gets 3 years, fined $30,000

A

Stabroek Market vendor was before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to a charge of unlawfully wounding another.

Iyana Roberts pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge against the 38-year-old stated that she, on December 28 at Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown, unlawfully assaulted Yvonne Austin so as to cause actual bodily harm.

The defendant, who hails from Charlestown, Georgetown, and the Virtual Complainant (VC) are reportedly known to each other.

It was reported that the two were currently before the courts for a previous matter, where the VC is charged with assaulting the defendant.

The matter was adjourned for January 31, and the defendant was placed on a bond to be on good behaviour. She was granted self -bail.

A

North Ruimveldt man was brought before Magistrate Annette Singh on Friday and sentenced to spend the next three years of his life in prison.

Alex Bourne appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking when it was read to him.

The charge against the 30-year-old stated that on October 20, 2016, at Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown,

he had in his possession 15 grams of cannabis.

Police Prosecutor Jillian Simmons led her witnesses

in the matter who all testified to what transpired on the day in question.

The court heard that the

defendant was intercepted at a shopping mall when Police, who were carrying out a raid, noticed that he was behaving in a suspicious manner.

He was searched and cannabis was found in his right pocket; as such, he was arrested and charged with the offence.

In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Singh said that the evidence presented was sufficient and she believed the prosecution’s witnesses.

The defendant was also fined $30,000.

news

17

monDAY, janUARY 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden diabetes awareness outreach a success – over 50% of participants tested positive

M

ore than 100 persons from the Linden community in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) came out to be tested for diabetes on Friday during a diabetes awareness outreach titled “Eyes on diabetes, test to prevent”, organised by the Guyana Diabetic Association, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

The event, which was part of an awareness programme, was conducted at the Wisroc/Amelia’s Ward bus sheds, Mackenzie, and saw over 50 per cent of the participants testing positive for high blood sugar, the primary cause of diabetes.

Representatives from Young Leaders in Diabetes, an arm of the Guyana Diabetic Association, Type 1 Association and Specialist Dr Jacqueline Ricardo, an Endocrinologist, also participated in the event.

Guyana Diabetic Association President Glynis Beaton noted that the response from Lindeners was very good, but expressed concern over the high percentage of attendees who tested positive

for diabetes.

“The response was very good, except you have a sugar factory in Linden.

Once the machine reads high, it’s over 600. Read from high to as low as 79, but we have patience that we just checked with 555, 464, 350; that’s the ranges we’re reading. Over 50 per cent (of those who tested) have high blood sugar right now,” Beaton stated.

Following testing, participants were referred to Dr Ricardo for consultations and insulin prescriptions, as needed.

Those who participated in the outreach also benefited from free insulin, blood sugar strips and testing machine donations as well as services provided by a free eye clinic.

Beaton indicated that the eye clinic received enormous support, but stressed that unfortunately participants were unable to access services offered by the Guyana Care project in the area of diabetic eye retinopathy, owing to the absence of the required machine.

“I really wanted that machine up here, but I’m going to fight to bring it back, because they need the opportunity,” Beaton said, as she also stressed that di-

Man remanded for allegedly killing miner

A

man who allegedly killed a miner was on Friday sent back to prison after he made his appearance before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Simon James, of the North West District (NWD),

The accused, Simon James

The deceased, Robert “Bobby” Ferreira

was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him.

That charge stated that the accused on January 15, 2017 at Kamaka, Moruca Village, NWD, murdered Robert Ferreira called “Bobby”.

James, who appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts without legal rep-

resentation, will make his next appearance on January 23, this time before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

On the day of Ferreira’s demise, he, along with friends, was visiting Moruca Village, for a party.

However while there, an argument erupted between the now deceased, his friends and another group.

After the argument escalated, one of the men broke a bottle and stabbed Ferreira to his leg.

The man was rushed to the hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.

James was identified as the alleged stabber and was later arrested and charged.

abetic foot care was also absent from the activity.

Nevertheless, she praised the products and services offered by local companies NEW GPC and ANSA McAL, which were actively involved in providing products for participants.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Young Leaders in Diabetes President Keziah Nestor said there was a really good turnout and great interest.

She explained that it was the Association’s first

More than 100 persons from the Linden community benefited from the diabetes testing outreach held on Friday

outreach for 2017, and pointed to more such activities in the future.

“Basically what they’re receiving is education and treatment on how to deal with diabetes. We’re creating awareness of diabetes.

We’re also collecting names of Type 1s (those with Type 1 diabetes) so that they can join the support group.”

Nestor encouraged all to take control of their health, noting that diabetes was a serious issue in Guyana.

She stressed that if awareness was not continuously spread, many lives may be lost to the disease.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, janUARY 23, 2017

ARCHIE

Participating in an activity or offering your services, skills (March 21- and experience will pay off.

April 19) Gestures of friendliness will lead to personal and financial gains. Self-improvement projects are favored.

ARIES

Follow through with your TAURUS plans. If you just talk about (April 20- what you want to do instead of May 20) doing it, you won’t make progress. Protect your assets and your emotional and physical well-being.

dilbert

Before you leap into acGEMINI tion, consider your audience.

(May 21June 20) Not everyone will favor your actions, and some may even use your words to make you look bad.

Communication is your best option. Sharing your (June 21- ideas and listening to what July 22) others have to offer will help you determine what to do next. Romance will improve your life.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

If you want something, you must do your part and go after it. Get involved, ask questions and be a part of whatever is going on around you in order to excel.

Don’t take anything or anyVIRGO (Aug. 23- one for granted. An emotional Sept. 22) incident can put a wedge between you and someone you care about. Communicate and clear up any misconception before it festers.

Calvin and Hobbes

It’s a good day to deal with LIBRA friends, siblings and matters (Sept. 23in your neighborhood that Oct. 23) concern you. Be willing to do the work in order to get the results you want. Take care of your responsibilities.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Your mysterious nature SCORPIO will attract interest. Try some(Oct. 24thing new and form friendNov. 22) ships with people who can offer you something unusual.

Challenges will result in personal growth.

You’ll face discord if you SAGITTARIUS haven’t been honest about (Nov. 23- your feelings. Don’t make a Dec. 21) premature change just to allay anxiety. Tell it like it is and make your move.

SATURDAY’S WORD

solution for Last Published Puzzle

As long as you are modCAPRICORN erate and have good inten(Dec. 22tions, everything will fall into Jan. 19) place. Don’t let the actions of others cause you to be uncertain. Trust in your skills and intelligence.

Step into action and lend a AQUARIUS helping hand whenever possi(Jan. 20ble. Your no-nonsense way of Feb. 19) getting things done will impress onlookers and make you feel terrific.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Make a point to finish (Feb. 20- what you start. Don’t give March 20) anyone a chance to interfere or meddle in your affairs. Do what needs to be done and don’t look back.

monDAY, january 23, 2017

19

ICC Board all set to

approve policy changes M

UMBAI: For the first time since 1997, when the late Jagmohan Dalmiya became the president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and spent three years at the helm, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will see itself cornered at the board meeting of the game’s world governing body when it meets on February 4.

The ICC board is all set to go ahead and implement the new governance structure and revenue model alongside a flurry of other policy changes - regardless of who represents the BCCI there next month.

TOI has reliably learned that “The ICC board will approve changes” regardless of the stand India takes at the meeting because in India’s absence at the last few ICC meetings, the voting majority has now undergone a giant shift.

The Pakistan Cricket

Sharad Pawar

Board (PCB), which until recently was a vociferous supporter of India’s stand, too has left the table.

Once the ICC board approves the changes, the onus will then be on a final ratification of those changes at the annual conference of the ICC when it is held later in June. After former

BCCI president Shashank Manohar took charge as the first independent chairman of the ICC, the board had directed that the governing body’s constitution be reviewed in its entirety with a view `to establishing governance, finance, corporate and cricketing structures that are appropriate and ef-

fective for the strategic role and function of the ICC and all of its members’.

From a financial perspective, what it effectively means is that member boards now find wisdom in pooling of overseas television rights revenue and restructuring of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) going forward. This comes after Manohar’s earlier plan of doing away with the BigThree financial structure that allowed India, England and Australia to feed on 80% of the game’s global revenue by virtue of what they brought to the table.

Kapil Sibal, the senior counsel who represented BCCI’s two state associations in the Supreme Court on Friday , argued that Indian cricket could stand to lose out massively on revenue from the ICC should the latter introduce policy changes and should India fail to send an ‘experienced’ hand to the ICC. In doing

Shashank Manohar

so, Sibal questioned the wisdom in BCCI not being able to send a senior administrator to back its claim despite the possibility of a financial setback.

Technically, former ICC, BCCI and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Sharad Pawar is eligible to represent India at the ICC. In its last Annual General Meeting (AGM), the BCCI had appointed Shashank Manohar as India’s representative to the ICC and Pa war as the alternative director to attend in Manohar’s absence.

With Manohar quitting BCCI to head to the ICC, Pawar is the eligible representative considering there’s no Supreme Court rule yet that states BCCI cannot nominate an individ-

ual above 70 years of age at ICC meetings nor has the court said that an individual whose tenure is over cannot be sent.

Further, after Friday’s hearing, there are questions being asked on whether the FAQs listed by the Lodha Committee are still applicable.

Regardless of whether Pawar goes or BCCI sends another office-bearer or CEO Rahul Johri, sources say “the water has already flown under the bridge”.

Apropos of the February 4 meeting of the ICC, the question that needs to be answered now is: will the BCCI manage to put its own house in order by June when the above mentioned policy changes come up for a final ratification? (Times of India)

400-run No CPL for AB de Villiers

Gayle wants score before leaving Test cricket

S W

est Indies star batsman Chris Gayle still has hope of returning to Test cricket and has targeted making 400 runs as one of the objectives to be met before retiring from the sport.

Gayle has not featured in the longest format of the game for the regional team since 2014 against Bangladesh.

The absence is in part due to a dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the player has instead, opted for the shorter formats of the game. The 37-year-old, however, insists he is not quite finished with Test cricket.

“I will play again,” Gayle said.

“I want to score 400 runs in a Test match. I’ve done two

Chris Gayle

triples, I think I can push it to four [hundred].

“A lot of people want to see me back in test cricket, a lot of people. That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t announced I’ve retired because wherever I go, people want to see me play Test cricket, to give it one more shout, that’s why I’m holding out.”

Over the last few years the big left hander has become far more recognizable for his heroics in Twenty20 cricket, but remains one of the world’s most accomplished in all white gear.

In 103 Tests matches Gayle has scored an impressive 7214 runs at an average of 42.18, having blasted 15 hundreds, including the pair of triple centuries. (Sportsmax)

outh African batting star AB de Villiers has ruled out playing in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.

De Villiers wore the banner of the Barbados Tridents last year, scoring 234 runs in six innings at an average of 58, but the feat won’t be repeated this season.

The very adaptable batsman has ruled out almost all cricket this season, saying his priorities had changed and indicating that he was suffering from some burnout because of the volume of international cricket he has to be playing.

De Villiers has, so far, only committed to playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), ruling himself out of a Test series in March against New Zealand, one against England in the summer or a group of games against Bangladesh after that.

“It (IPL) has almost become part of the ICC schedule, but I won’t commit

to any of the other twenty20 tournaments like the Caribbean Premier League or the Big Bash,” said de Villiers.

De Villiers is not hanging up his international gloves though, saying he still wants to turn out for South Africa.

“You won’t see me at Big Bash, you won’t see me in any County game or any other T20 tournament around the world, except for playing South Africa and the IPL. I would like to say I am still very committed to South Africa,” said de Villiers.

De Villiers playing in the CPL comes with a lot of value as the dimunitive batsman is undoubtedly one of the world’s best with 8,074 runs in Test cricket from 106 games at an average of 50, and 8,742 runs from 206 games in One-Day International Cricket at an average of 53.

Those statistics put him at number one in ODIs and number 10 in Test cricket.

(SportsMax)

AB de Villiers

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

MONDAY, january 23, 2017

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who in the Guyana Jaguars squad West Indies Cricket Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Super50 2017

Leon Johnson (Captain) Role: Batsman Matches: 41 Runs: 1013 Highest score: 67 Average: 25.32 Fifties: 8

Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-Captain) Role: Left-arm spinner Matches: 58 Runs: 352 Highest score: 39* Average: 16.00 Wickets: 87 Average: 21:02 Best: 5-26

Christopher Barnwell Role: All-rounder Matches: 29 Runs: 544 Highest score: 66 Average: 19.42 Fifties: 3 Wickets: 21 Average: 35.42 Best: 4-31

Ronsford Beaton Role: Fast bowler Matches: 18 Runs: 39 Highest score: 15 Average: 6.50 Wickets: 25 Average: 27.12 Best: 3-26

Anthony Bramble Role: Wicketkeeper/ Batsman Matches: 21 Runs: 309 Highest score: 51 Average: 23.76 Fifties: 1

Shivnarine Chanderpaul Role: Batsman Matches: 408 Runs: 13,031 Highest score: 150 Average: 42.03 Hundreds: 12 Fifties: 96

Rajendra Chandrika Role: Opening Batsman Matches: 21 Runs: 384 Highest score: 52 Average: 18.28 Fifties: 3

Jonathan Foo Role: All-rounder Matches: 3 Runs: 25 Highest score: 16 Average: 8.33

Assad Fudadin Role: Batsman Matches: 49 Runs: 1033 Highest score: 103* Average: 26.48 Hundreds: 1 Fifties: 7

Shimron Hetmyer Role: Opening Batsman Matches: 3 Runs: 74 Highest score: 50 Average: 24.66 Fifties: 1

Steven Jacobs Role: All-rounder Matches: 30 Runs: 332 Highest score: 54* Average: 15.09 Fifties: 1 Wickets: 33 Average 22.39 Best: 4-21

Raymon Reifer Role: All-rounder Matches: 22 Runs: 418 Highest score: 84* Average: 26.12 Fifties: 2 Wickets: 23 Average: 20.56 Best: 5-19

Paul Wintz Role: Medium-pacer Matches: 19 Runs: 81 Highest score: 38* Average: 16.20 Wickets: 32 Average: 19.00 Best: 3-15

Esuan Crandon (Head Coach)

Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach/ Manager)

Ernesto Gonzalez (Physiotherapist)

Devendra Bishoo Role: Leg-spinner Matches: 39 Runs: 150 Highest score: 52* Average: 12.50 Fifties: 1 Wickets: 70 Average: 18.92 Best: 6-36

YELLOW PAGES monday, january 23, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

optician

“Conferences & Retreats – Full Service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264 2946 Alex Wayne”

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

“Weddings & Anniversaries: Rental or Full Service: Banquet Hall & Catering.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264 2946 Alex Wayne” “Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbor Bridge) – All Modern Amenities – Rates from $25. Phone 264 2946-8”

Business Opportunity Businessman interested in restarting a profitable venture. Need approximately $10 Million for 2 years, Lucrative Returns Safe. Email: businessopportunity12@yahoo.com or businessopportunity@yahoo.com.

Mobile: 641-7074

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 MondaysSaturdays 9am-3pm. Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

Need a car to rent? Then call 6111018 for the best cars at great prices.

FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY: Natural Choice Chai (Tea) & Moringa Powder, keep yourself healthy and beautiful from the inside out! Add Natural Choice products to your health foods today! Ask for it at your local supermarket. Now available at Flambouyant Supermarkets in Diamond and Eccles, all DSL Cash & Carry branches, The Guyana Shop (GMC) at Robb & Alexander Sts, Bourda, Medi Care Pharmacy in South Ruimveldt, (Royal Castle Building), Ram’s Supermarket at Vreed-En-Hoop and Sangeeta Supermarket in Linden.

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

LAND for sale

Complete package, key cutting machine plus 1000 blank keys:.Price: $450,000. Vers Realty: To Rent Office Space & Store Front, 17 Brickdam & Smyth Street, Stabroek, Georgetown Guyana. Tel: 223-1217 Or 600-5759

CAR RENTALS

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

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

EDUCATION REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 2251151/ 657-8404 Learn to Play Music at Foundation7 : Call NOW: 225-1151/6578404

FOR SALE Powerline Battery Water/wholesale.

1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 680-3863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

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

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

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

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

Land for sale. 1.5 Acres WBD. Close to Plantation Walk, Vreed-En-Hoop. Call: 658-0115 Plot of land used to cultivate RICE, Plantation Better Hope, Essequibo Coast. Size 33.14 Acres. Tel: 625-1514

prIVATE INVESTIGATION SERVICES: polygraph testing, cheating spouse, background checks, criminal investigations, private investigations, security survey – risk analysis, due diligence, bodyguard service, security consultancy, any other worldwide services. Contact Central Advisory Service – email: internationallpi1@ yahoo.com. Tel : 592-630-4041

property for sale ONE 2-STOREY, RECENTLY, RENOVATED PROPERTY – CONCRETE AND WOODEN STRUCTURE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. BACK, SUB – LOT KITTY. EACH LEVEL HAS 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM, KITCHEN, DINING / LIVING ROOM. $28M NEGOTIABLE. CONTACT. TEL # 693-0003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS) PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ENTERPRISE SCHEME. 1 LARGE FAMILY HOME, 4 BEDROOM, FULLY GRILLED, 2-CAR GARAGE, RESERVOIR, OVERHEAD TANKS AND WATER FILTRATION, ETC. CALL/WHATSAPP NAVIN: 1-347-517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30. Contact Tel: 6247341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg. Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 6735546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

SALON / SPA “COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927”

services PRIVATE CUSTOMS BROKERAGE. CERTIFICATE TRAINING COURSE IN JANUARY 2017. REGISTER NOW AND GET 50% DISCOUNTFOR CHRISTMAS UP TO 31ST DECEMBER. CALL: 6948322 OR 671-9603 House plans & estimates, weeding of grass & spraying done within 48hrs.

Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 6875653 Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 3373070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

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

SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGE , VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

TO LET UNFURNISHED BOTTOM FLAT – 2 BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, KITCHENETTE, DINING/LIVING ROOM, PRE-PAID METER. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD – KITTY. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS OR SINGLE WORKING PERSONS. $55,000 PER MONTH. 2 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. RENT CONTRACT FOR 6 – 12 MONTHS. CONTACT 693-0003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS)

VACANCY HOUSEKEEPER – 624-0033 CUSTOMER/SALES ASSISTANT – 624- 0033 PUMP ATTENDANT – 680-3863 DRIVER/COMPANY – 680-3863

sports

Petra/Limacol football tournament kicks off tonight at GFC T

he highly anticipated 2nd annual Petra organised Limacol Round Robin/Knock-out football tournament will kick-off tonight at the Georgetown Football Club, (GFC), Bourda with two exciting matches.

The first of the double header will occur at 18:30 hrs as Police Force FC will seek to arrest Mahaica Determinators after which at 20:30 hrs, Riddim Squad will clash with Camptown FC. According to organisers the tournament which is

aimed at giving clubs which are not in the Elite League a chance to showcase their talents will be exhilarating.

The group of death seems to be Group A which comprises of defending champions Milerock, top Linden side, Winners Connection, East Bank Champions, Grove Hi Tech and Northern Rangers.

Group B comprises of : Western Tigers, Uitvulgt, Eagles United and New Amsterdam United; Group C: Santos FC, Pouderoyen, Den Amstel and Ann’s Gove United and Group D: Police

Force FC, Riddim Squad, Campton FC and Mahaica Determinators The top teams will complete for a $500,000 first place prize while second to third will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.

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

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

Round One Fixtures Date 23-Jan-2017

26-Jan-2017

27-Jan-2017 28-Jan-2017

FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED

21

Time

Match

Ground

18:30hrs

Police Force FC v Mahaica Determinators

Georgetown Football Club (GFC)

20:30 hrs

Riddim Squad v Camptown FC

GFC

18:30 hrs

Western Tigers v New Amsterdam

GFC

20:30 hrs

Santos FC v Ann’s Grove

GFC

18:30 hrs

Uitvlugt v Eagles United

Leonora Stadium

20:30 hrs

Pouderoyen v Den Amstel

Leonora

18:30 hrs

Milerock v Northern Rangers

McKenzie Sports Club (MSC)

20:30 hrs

Winners Connection v Grove Hi Tec

MSC

Britton, Franklin overcome Duffs’ challenge

CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223-1034

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST TOYOTA COASTER BUS EXCELLENT CONDITION PRICE: $1.95 MILLION CONTACT: 266-3173-6

WANTED SALES GIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL, BRASSONIC Bldg.

(MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST, GEORGETOWN. 231-7101

Shemar Britton (left) and Christopher Franklin in practice mode

T

he duo of National players Shemar Britton and Christopher Franklin held some spirited competition by the father-son combination of Donal Duff and Jamal Duff at Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Doubles, Novices and Fundamental Challenge competition over the weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Competing in the senior doubles, Britton and Franklin lost the first set 6-11 but rebounded to win the other ties 11-8,11-7 and 11-7.

The combination of Terrance Lowe and Joel

Allyene had to settle for third ahead of Nigel Bryan and Elishaba Johnson.

In the pre-cadet which had eleven enrties, Kaysan Ninvalle and Isaiah Layne got the better of Jonathan Van-lange and Dahanesh Persaud 11-7,11-9 and 11-6 while Christopher Barrow and Curtis McRae placed third; Kristan Sahadeo and Colin Wong got third.

For the Novices, which had 24 entries, Karl Nedd won the male final against DeAndre Crandon 11-4,112 and 13-11 while set wins of 11-4-11-9 and 11-9 helped Tirishatha Semple defeat

Nkechi McRae. Meanwhile in the Precadet Fundamental challenge, Vanlange defeated Layne in a three minute rally scoring 111 points while in the juniors Johnson scored 142 points to defeat Pricilla Greaves.

The tournament was geared to kick start the GTTA activities with a more softer competition as a lead to the more intense and bigger competitions.

It emphasised on orienting players to the critical importance of the fundamental aspects of the game in a competitive and fun manner

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, january 23, 2017

WICB Regional Super50…

W

By Akeem Greene

ith his confidence at the highest, Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Christopher Barnwell can be one of the most destructive batsmen in regional cricket with his powerful stroke-play.

However, over the last few seasons, he has a had lean run of form, but the player is planning to rectify the situation by playing the needed matching innings for his country’s franchise in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport prior to departure on Saturday for the tournament which will be held in Barbados and Antigua from January 24 to February 18, the cricketer is most positive about returning to form and leading his team to the championship glory.

“I’m pretty confident, after playing in the practice matches and getting a few runs; the way I’m hitting the ball is good heading into the tournament,” the 30-year-old stated.

He added, “It has been a while since we won this tournament, we have been getting to a few finals and we didn’t pull it off, it is very important for me as an all-rounder to play match winning innings and hopefully we cross the final hurdle and win the tournament this year.”

Barnwell, who made his List A debut in 2008, has played 29 matches to date, scoring three half-centuries at an average of 19.42, while with

ball in hand, has taken 21 wickets with a best of 4-31.

Considering the player’s talent, the aforementioned stats would not make a good read, but the former National Captain explained that he is putting his shortcomings behind and is buoyed by his scores of 44 and 56 in the two practice matches and more so the dedication in preparation.

“2016 has passed and it happens as a sportsman when you don’t perform and it is just to put it behind me; the way I started in the practice matches and the way I prepared for this tournament has given me confidence and it’s just for me to go out and perform”, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) player disclosed.

Jaguars, who are based in Barbados for their group matches, are grouped alongside Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, ICC Americas and Combined Colleges and Campuses Marooners, are scheduled to play eight preliminary matches in order to qualify for the semi-finals.

Some of the opposing teams have some imposing international and seasoned regional players which could make the fight for the top two spots intriguing.

Considering the stakes at hand, the West Indies T20 player plans to have a positive flare to his innings, stating “I always try to back my-

self whenever a certain situation arise but it is a game where you have to play accordingly and this year I’m just going to play positively and back myself in any situation.”

The right-handed batsman, who was captain in the 2015 final loss to Trinidad and Tobago, and vice-Captain when they lost to the same team in the semi-final last year, knows the importance of the team returning with the title, having not lifted it since 2005.

“We got to play as a team, the batters have been letting us down in the last two seasons where we lost in the final and semi-final, so it is important for us as batters to put our hands up and get big scores,” he explained.

Barnwell will certainly have an important role to play with both bat and ball in the tournament and will get his first chance to showcase his ability when the Jaguars play the hosts at the Kensington Oval on Tuesday from 13:30h.

The powerful batsman will need to aim for consistency if he plans to help Guyana win the title

“Longest trip in the world begins with one step” – Ambassador Holloway T

By Delvon McEwan

he Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) officially served off their 2017 season in an unorthodox fashion with an exhibition Mixed-Doubles match rather than the usual competition. The first of its kind curtain-raiser took place at the tennis court at the official residence

Holloway urged Goodluck to keep making efforts like he did to spread the game and keep the focus on tennis to take the sport in the right direction. He generally praised Goodluck for the steps taken to date. “The little I’ve seen, Jamal is doing a good job of trying to push the

disciplines like athletics and basketball.

He also encouraged the Government of Guyana to do their best to develop the sport because it is a very healthy sport, both mentally and physically.

The Ambassador said he is happy to host the event and judging from the

2016 female tennis player of the year, Cristi Campbell presents US Ambassador Perry Holloway with a plaque in the presence of his wife, Rosaura Holloway

US Ambassador Perry Holloway and his wife Rosaura Holloway (centre) pose with Afruica Gentle and Gavin Lewis (left) and Rebecca Mitchell and Anthony Downes (right) after the match

of the United States Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway on Saturday with top local tennis players Anthony Downes and Rebecca Mitchell teaming up against Gavin Lewis and young female tennis prodigy Afruica Gentle.

After the contest, His Excellency Holloway offered the tennis association, through their young President Jamal Goodluck, some advice and words of encouragement. “The longest trip in the world begins with one step,” Holloway told Goodluck as the tennis season gets underway.

sport. I think he has reached out to the Government in trying to make connection which is a good thing; he’s reaching out to civil society and other governments like he did with us to do something like this…

They started out this year on a good note and hopefully the rest of the year will be good for them as well.”

According to Holloway there are no plans for a USA-Guyana formal exchange programme, however, he would not rule out the possibility of having an expert come in to do some clinics since it has happened in the past in other sport

experience, “It is a high-level but you need more quantity, you need more people playing to draw from a larger pool so there will be more competition.”

The exhibition match was one of experience and tactic as Downes and Mitchell showed their dexterity against the young Gentle and Lewis combination.

It was a slow start to the match for Lewis/ Gentle, but Downes/Mitchell were settled and expanded their range of play from the strike of first serve. The match was officiated by Dr Steve Surujbally who kept a watchful eye and strong chair presence.

The first set went to the team of Downes/Mitchell who won 6-2 over team Gentle/Lewis.

However, a more settled and determined team Gentle/ Lewis stepped onto the court for second set looking to stay alive and press for the come from behind win. They were able to take a 3-1 lead and drew the excited crowd into the match. The lengthy rallies, crisp volleys and sharp angles created buzz. They were able to edge one game further to a 4-3 lead, but were unable to keep the pressure on.

Downes/Mitchell fortified their defences and were able to counterattack taking two consecutive games and posting a 5-4 lead.

It came down to Gentle’s serve to keep her team in the match. This hope was dashed

with the solid play of Downes/ Mitchell. The match ended 6-2, 6-4 in favour of Downes/ Mitchell.

Goodluck said it was an excellent opportunity to mark such an occasion playing at the Ambassador’s residence and it was excitement for the tennis community because of the big spectatorship.

He said it is a highlight for 2017 and it’s a way in which the sport can grow - building support through fans and he is hopeful it serves as an initial step for better things to come.

The four players, the umpire and ambassador were given plaques as tokens for their participation in the event.

Next week the GLTA will have its first challenge as they seek to continue with the expansion of the sport in 2017.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, january 23, 2017

23

GAPLF begins year with Novice Competition

re-elected as AAG President – excited to work with new committee

By Romario Samaroo

A

ubrey Hutson will continue to lead the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) for the next four years after he was re-elected as President when the Association held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue on Sunday.

With nine clubs eligible to vote, Hutson won six votes, while the other contender for the position, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major Shen Fung, got a positive nod from the other three candidates.

Speaking to the media after the elections, Hutson reached out to the other three clubs that did not vote for him in order to have a mutual understanding and take the sport to Elected AAG President Aubrey Hutson the next level.

“It was an honour to get re-elected and a pleasure to serve as President. I process, it is not a one brush paint all there am heartened by the show of support I got from most of the clubs and I think is no one way to raise an athlete so we have any president would be elated by winning to constantly work with them. Our plan yes the elections in that manner. To the three we want to get medals at the Olympics, we members who did not vote for me, I want to want to get medals at the world championreach out to them and ask them to please ships later this year, but based on what we come on board as it would require all of us, have we have to work with it and move our not just a few of us, but all of us; so let us sport forward,” Hutson stated.

In the position for vice president, sit together and put together framework and policies to get our athletes into the Lyndon Wilson and Mark Scott opted realm we all would be proud of,” the AAG out of the race as Amanda Hermonstine won six votes and Colin Ming received five votes to take the two spots. Godfrey Washington, Colin Boyce and Hector Edwards also ran for the post, winning three, one and three votes respectively.

Nial Stanton was elected as the Treasurer with five votes, while Kwabina Griffith received three and one vote spoilt. Meanwhile, in the Assistant Treasure post, Elton Bollers was the lone candidate after the other contenders were eliminated for various reasons.

Completing the committee were the five elected committee members, comprising of Lyndon Wilson (six votes), Campbell (seven After numerous nominations, Colin Ming has taken up the post Keith as Vice President votes), Silus Brummell (five votes), Yvonne October (six votes), and while Buster Wright and Carla President stated.

When questioned on his plans for ath- Rodney both received four votes, fighting letics over the next four years, Hutson re- for the last spot on the council, Rodney vealed that while there is a plan, it will be withdrew her candidacy, allowing Wright ‘tweaked’ based on what is there to work to take the spot.

During the last elected council, a numwith and how the plan goes.

“Our plan will have to constantly be ber of members opted out of their positions tweaked based on the personnel we would for a number of reasons, forcing the counhave to work with, we have to understand cil to run without their full quota. With the that athletes are very dynamic, for exam- full committee now elected, Hutson anticiple we have Jason Yaw and Cassie George pated quick progress with those elected.

“I worked so many years with no vice pictures that adorn the front of our stadium [Leonora Track and Field Facility] but president, literally not having a treasurright now they aren’t necessary our hope- er, our secretary lives in Linden; it has reful in terms of athletics, unless we can do ally put a strain on me personally and on something and turn them around, so we will the association, but we were able to serve constantly work with them again, develop- our athletes to the best of our capacity, now ment, development, development; it has to that we have full capacity, in terms of Colin do with the coaches, with the athletes, with Ming who has been nominated numerous us; so we have to charter the course so they times, Amanda Hermonstine who has been can run to success, best times and jump the elevated from assistant treasurer to Vice distances that we can say yes will bring us President, I think we are going to move and medals at the Olympics so it’s a constant move very quickly,” Hutson said.

Romario Gonsalves

T

he Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will get their 2017 calendar season underway with their Novice/Junior Championships, slated for the Thirst Park Ground on February 5.

As the GAPLF recently held their elections, the new administration intends to keep to deadlines set, specifically for this event with the registration closing today and late registration attracting a fee of $500 until January 30, with no registration accepted after.

To make the competition more accessible to Berbice lifters, the Federation will be in the ancient county at the Hardcore Barbell

Club on January 30 to collect forms.

Weigh-in for the first lift is billed for 07:00h-08:30h and the action beginning at 09:00h.

Young, up and coming powerlifting star, Romario Gonsalves, has already begun hitting the gym, pushing his body to the limit in a bid to cop the title and start the year off positively.

Gonsalves, who was battling the flu coming down to the end of 2016, said he has fully recovered and has been managing his studies as well, but has been training hard over the last few weeks for this competition.

CARIFTA time trial

Authorities at odds over schedule of 1st time trial

T

he first swimming event for the year suffered a setback as there was a relatively low turnout when the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) hosted the first of two time trials for the CARIFTA Games on Saturday at the National Aquatic Centre.

This prompted speculations that there have been some issues for concern on the swimming authority’s behalf.

The event saw participation from only 15 swimmers - five females and 10 males.

According to Stephanie Fraser, Coach of Dorado Swimming Club, the low turnout was due to the early scheduling of the event.

“First of all, I think this trial came too early because the pool was closed over the Christmas season, the kids were not training for three weeks. So far they are doing some good timings from the few races I’ve seen, but this time trial is way too early and this is just not for my club.”

Silver Sharks trainer, Paul Mahaica, shared similar sentiments as Fraser. He said the event should have been scheduled for February

Action in Saturday’s time trial

so the swimmers could have been better prepared.

Meanwhile, GASA Vice President Dave Ramnarine said the reason for the early trial was to give clubs an opportunity to see the form of their swimmers. “In terms of the time trial being early as I said before this is one of two time trials and this first one is like a warm-up so you can establish where your swimmers are and where they need to be for the qualifying times. So I wouldn’t say it’s too early.”

Silver Shark Club swimmer, Leon Seaton was relentless on day one of the trial. He impressed in his 50m dash freestyle in winning

and qualifying time yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre. His time of 27.97 seconds beat the 28.89secs qualification time.

However, he was the lone success on a day that saw a poor turnout of only 15 swimmers. Seaton also miss out on qualification in the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle.

Lian Winter and Rackwon Noel in the 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke respectively narrowly missed out.

These swimmers are expected to redeem themselves, among them the George Sisters at the next time trial In February.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol football tournament kicks off tonight at GFC Pg 21

WICB Regional Super50…

“Important for me to play match-winning innings” – Barnwell Pg 22

Some exciting football action is expected yet again in the marquee tournament for some first division teams

Christopher Barnwell was hard at work in the team’s training sessions at the National Stadium, Providence in an effort to be in top shape for the tournament (Marceano Narine Photo)

Hutson re-elected as AAG President

Pg 23

– excited to work with new committee Front row from left: Amanda Hermonstine, Aubrey Hutson, Colin Ming. Back row fom left: Silus Brummell, Buster Wright, Yvonne October, Keith Campbell, Lyndon Wilson, Elton Bollers and Nial Stanton

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