Binder1

Tourism Department P13 launches Best Village competition Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3162

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, March 24, 2017

PRICE

Foreign currency shortage

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt policies driving market into panic – Jagdeo

Communities Minister P14 revokes Linden Town Clerk’s appointment

See stories on pages 3&9

…Harmon says GMSA exchange rate statement “inaccurate” …BoG contends rate quoted is not uniform transaction rate Carvil Duncan tribunal challenge

Judge walks off after threats from AG Williams Page 14

Private schools stand against 14% VAT on private education Page 11

Family of P14 dead 4-yearold demands justice

Trio denied bail for CJIA cocaine bust

P13

Work to P16 commence on Ogle/Diamond bypass road Parking meter burden

The protest against Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education was given new life as demonstrators picketed the Finance Ministry early Thursday afternoon, calling for the removal of the burdensome tax. The demonstration against the inclusion of VAT on private education was led by parents of Guyana’s Private Schools United

Doctors, contract workers have gratuity benefits yanked Page 9

– Opposition flays Govt for unilaterally switching workers to pension

Page 15

Pharmagen denies giving IPA permission to import narcotics

Govt has no plans after contract suspension expires …project will be revived after dust settles – PPP P12

2

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

3

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 24 – a night retraction at 02:30h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, March 25 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, March 24 – 13:55h-15:25h and Saturday, April 25 – 14:45h-16:15h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning sunshine is expected to give way to light rain showers that will last throughout most of the day, while sunny weather is expected to return in the late afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees to 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly and Northeasterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 01:53h and 14:13h reaching maximum heights of 2.25 metres and 2.36 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:46h and 20:14h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metres and 0.79 metres respectively.

wednesDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

05

09 15

22

23

25

02 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

LUCKY 3 7 6 9

2

3

Evening Draw

Afternoon Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03

05 07

G

uyana has been hit with a foreign currency crisis where supply is progressively shrinking and there is a growing demand to hoard because of the expectation that the rates will slide, according to former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, said Government’s lack of economic policies was to be blamed for driving the foreign currency market into panic.

“What is picking up is the demand to hold foreign currency because of the expectation that the rate is sliding. If not of transactional purposes, it is because of the expectations in people’s mind that the rate is going to slide and they want to hedge,” he reasoned.

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) reported that the exchange rate stood at G$230 to US$1, but the Central Bank has refuted these reports.

The Opposition Leader, one of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) leading point men on the economy, said Government’s anti-business policies and burdensome tax regimes were most likely the root causes for the high level of uncertainty, which ignited the hoarding of foreign currency.

Jagdeo warned that the current state of affairs, if allowed to progress, would harm the future of all Guyanese as it would spark a major spike in prices of commodities with import content

T

26 9

Govt policies driving market into panic – Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

and “the little increases the Government boasted about” would be wiped out in real terms.

There will be increases in a wide range of goods, from household products like food and clothes to commercial items such as equipment and machinery.

“Someone who works at a pharmacy explained to me that the exchange rate moved by five per cent and the cost of (imported) drugs to drugstore went up to about five per cent; when you add the VAT, they would have to now charge people for drugs at least 20 per cent more than they were paying,” he explained.

The cost of local flights has already escalated as a result of the unstable foreign currency rate, which is compounded by the 14 per cent VAT. Jagdeo highlighted that expensive domestic air travel went against President David Granger’s dream to connect

the hinterland and the coastal regions.

“I can only urge the Government to drop the VAT on interior flights, but then I have been calling on them to drop the taxes on everything else, which is counterproductive to their own stated objectives and the calls are not falling on receptive ears,” Jagdeo stated.

Reports are that the Chief Executive Officer of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerry Gouveia has already instructed that tickets for his flights must be sold in US currency instead of Guyana dollars.

Jagdeo emphasised that

the view of Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, that the black market was already in operation with cambios conducting underground deals by selling to preferred customers at rates above the market value.

“The cambios themselves will, maybe in some cases, post one rate on the receipt and people have been doing this already. So you are my preferred customer, you pay me G$225 or 230, but I will put G$215 on the receipt for the central bank purpose,” Jagdeo said, noting that this move would cause the Government to lose taxes.

Jagdeo also said he has

Government, which he labelled as either unconcerned or incompetent, needed to shift its focus from burdening the citizens with taxes and start implementing policies which encourage production, especially in areas which generate foreign revenue like mining, forestry and agriculture.

Failure to do so, Jagdeo predicted, will result in an underground foreign currency market. In fact, he shared

received information that officials of Government’s “finance apparatus” have been going around to non-bank cambios, instructing them that the US dollar must not be sold for more than G$215.

“They are saying if you sell beyond G$215, it will affect your licence,” Jagdeo said.

One local cambio confirmed to Guyana Times that Government officials had indeed passed that order.

West Demerara man dies suddenly

Thursday, March 23, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 07 14 19 22

Foreign currency shortage

11 18 20

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

wenty-nine-year-old Elvis Johnnie of Lot 93 De Kendren, West Coast Demerara (WCD), a cleaner at the Professional Learning College (PLC) at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), died suddenly while attending to his duties at his place of work on Tuesday at about 09:00hrs.

It was disclosed to the Guyana Times that Jonnie suffered from epilepsy and had a drinking problem.

His cause of death has not

yet been determined.

His father said Johnnie’s employer called the family to informed them about what had transpired, and when they arrived at the scene, his son’s body lay stiff on the ground.

“When me and my wife reach there he was still lying on the ground; and when we touch him, he was stiff,” the father explained.

As the man appeared to be already dead, the family called the police to the scene;

and after examining the body, the police ordered that he rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, Johnnie was officially pronounced dead on arrival.

The man’s father explained that his son’s employer told him that Johnnie had appeared to be in good health, but that he just fell, and when they inspected him, he was lying straight on the ground.

A post mortem examination to determine the man’s cause of dead is fixed for

Dead: Elvis Johnnie Friday. An investigation is ongoing.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, march 24, 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

Unite to end TB

W

orld TB Day, falling on March 24 each year, is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries.

It commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus.

At the time of Koch’s announcement in Berlin, TB was raging through Europe and the Americas, causing the death of one out of every seven people. Koch’s discovery opened the way towards diagnosing and curing TB. The occasion is used as an opportunity to raise awareness about the burden of TB worldwide and the status of TB prevention and care efforts. It is also an opportunity to mobilise political and social commitment for further progress in efforts to end TB. This year’s theme is “Unite to End TB: Leave no one behind”, and 2017 is the second year of a two-year “Unite to End TB” campaign for World TB Day. This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will place a special focus on uniting efforts to “Leave No One Behind”, including actions to address stigma, discrimination, marginalisation and overcome barriers to access care.

The Sustainable Development Agenda embraces the principle of ensuring no one is left behind in an effort to transform the world and improve people’s lives for the better. Addressing the health needs of the disadvantaged, the marginalised, and those out of the reach of the health system will mean improving access to health services for everyone. This is essential in order to reach the target of ending TB by 2030 as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO End TB Strategy.

Last year, the WHO reported that 10.4 million people fell ill with TB and there were 1.8 million TB deaths in 2015, making it the top infectious killer worldwide. This disease is deeply rooted in populations where human rights and dignity are limited. While anyone can contract TB, the disease thrives among people living in poverty, communities and groups that are marginalised, and other vulnerable populations.

According to the Public Health Ministry, tuberculosis is identified as a priority health concern in Guyana, and through its DOTS programme, the Ministry has been able to expand TB services to the 10 Regions of Guyana.

The increase of DOTS coverage reflects the strong commitment of the Public Health Ministry to lay the basis for a sound and sustainable fight against tuberculosis all over the country. In observance of the occasion, the Ministry, in collaboration with PAHO, will be hosting a multi-stakeholder meeting to launch the WHO END TB Strategy in Guyana.

This is a forum for affected persons and communities, civil society organisations, health-care providers, collaborating partners and others to discuss and plan further interventions to fulfil the promise of reaching all people with quality TB prevention and care services, as well as enabling TB prevention through multi-sectoral development efforts. According to information released from the Ministry, over the past four years, the TB epidemic has shown some form of stability, while it has been acknowledged that the fight against the disease in Guyana has been a long and difficult battle.

TB control in Guyana still has some major challenges of which the most critical is the HIV epidemic within the population. This has been identified as one of the biggest concerns and the most important causes underlying the increase in both TB morbidity and mortality. Other challenges include the high prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and the access of isolated hinterland communities. The Public Health Ministry has partnered with key agencies over the years to expand TB services across the country, from one TB site in 2000 to 18 TB sites currently. In her message released on the occasion, subject Minister Volda Lawrence pointed to the fact that it was more important than ever to join forces against TB to successfully reach the goal of ending TB by 2030. It is also imperative for persons to get educated about the disease and to share that knowledge on how TB is transmitted, diagnosed and treated.

Tired of being caught up in rush-hour traffic, motorists in China have found an ingenious way of beating the traffic jams. They are turning to the two-man operated ferry which ferries one car at a time across the river in Hebei province (The Guardian)

Granger revokes the Constitution by executive order – it’s presidential malfeasance Dear Editor, President David Granger has now formally declared in writing that he is abrogating the constitutional provision (Article 161) that the chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must be appointed by the President, from a list of persons who meet one of three qualifications: a person who is or was a Judge, a person qualified to be a Judge or a person who is considered because of other qualifications to be fit and proper to serve as the GECOM chair. In effect, by his letter to the Leader of the Opposition, Granger has signed an Executive Order suspending a part of the Constitution. For me, this is executive lawlessness and Presidential Malfeasance.

In addition to effectively suspending Article 161, Granger has also essentially re-inserted a provision previously deleted more than 20 years ago in 1995 by a unanimous vote of Parliament.

The deleted provision in the 1980 Constitution provided that the only person qualified to be the chair of the Elections Commission was a person who is or was a Judge or a person eligible to be a Judge. In his letter to the Leader of the Opposition this past week, President Granger essentially imposed this deleted provision of the Constitution; in effect, declaring he is disavowing the 1995 constitutional amendment of Article 161.

Under an agreement in

1991 brokered by former US President Jimmy Carter, it was agreed to extend the pool of persons who could be considered qualified by the addition of a third category of qualifications. This was formalised by a constitutional amendment in 1995 by a parliamentary vote in which every member voted in favour. Desmond Hoyte voted to make this change.

While Granger was not a parliamentarian at the time, Moses Nagamootoo, his Prime Minister now; and Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, his Education Minister; were, and they voted for this change.

Since 1991, using this constitutional provision, more than 90 per cent of the persons nominated to serve as the chair of GECOM have been persons who satisfied the third category of qualifications. David Granger himself was twice nominated in this category. Moreover, ALL of the appointed chair of GECOM since 1991 have come from this category.

Until now, no one ever asserted the asinine idea that the Constitution prefers only a Judge.

No law or any amendment of the Constitution can be made by the President by himself and in his own deliberate judgment. Only Parliament can make laws.

The Constitution cannot be changed, except by Parliament or by a National Referendum. David Granger is acting recklessly and unlawfully when he decides

that he prefers a disavowed law to the actual law. He is committing presidential malfeasance. He is effectively discarding the Constitution approved by the Parliament for one created by an Executive Order.

I am encouraged that a private citizen, who happens to be the brother of Granger's son-in-law, an A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Minister, has decided to challenge in court this irresponsible behaviour of the President. The Leader of the Opposition had previously recommended to the President that the Government and the Opposition jointly approach the Caribbean Court of Justice to provide guidance on the constitutional requirement for persons eligible to be the GECOM chair.

One wonders why Granger and APNU/AFC are afraid to accept this recommendation.

For Granger, presumably on the advice of Basil Williams, his Attorney General, to insist that the GECOM chair must be a Judge is offensive. If this is what the stakeholders meant or intended, then why did they agree to a new formula which was implemented in 1990 and which was statutorised in the Constitution by a unanimous vote in 1995? I was present at the meeting with Jimmy Carter when the intention was agreed to.

Cheddi Jagan, Gail Teixeira

and Rupert Roopnaraine were there too. There was no ambiguity. It was never intended then or in any way suggested that a Judge or someone who could be a Judge was a preferred person. For anyone to read the 1995 constitutional requirement as a preference for a Judge only is absolute hypocrisy and sheer stupidity and wilful abrogation of the Constitution.

The truth is APNU/AFC has already decided who they want to be the chair of GECOM. It is part of a broad strategy to rig the 2020 elections. This obfuscation is setting the stage to reject the second list from Bharrat Jagdeo. Even if the Leader of the Opposition nominates six Judges, they all will be rejected and Granger will appoint the chair in his own deliberate judgment. But in so doing, he will be acting as a dictator, in total contravention of the Constitution. By insisting that the nominees must be a Judge or someone who could be a Judge, Granger is imposing his own law. He is guilty of presidential malfeasance.

When anyone disrespects and disobeys the Constitution, a nation's democracy is threatened.

When that someone is the President, the country is doomed. We must as a people resist this confounded nonsense.

Yours truly, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, march 24, 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

Safer fogging Central Govt usurps for mosquitoes local govt power Dear Editor, Recently, the Public Health Ministry fogged the area in which I lived for mosquitoes. It is good to see evidence of the Ministry's efforts to eradicate vector-borne diseases caused by mosquitoes.

I would like to suggest two things to the Health Ministry to bolster their efforts in this fight and in the fight to improve health over all.

The first is the announcement of its fogging schedule via the Sunday newspapers, social media, mobile phone, television, or radio to give homeowners some advance time to prepare for these exercises by covering utensils and indoor water bodies and by cooking and eating earlier. As the Ministry is undoubtedly aware and has already considered when planning these exercises, some inorganic pesticides have the potential to remain within the air, water, soil and on other surface for a long period of time without breaking down or may break down into substances that are potentially more toxic. These substances accumulate within the fatty cells of living organisms such as human beings and over time can build up to toxic levels that can lead to long-term illnesses.

Giving persons time to cover those utensils or materials that will directly enter their bodies will at least allow some measure of protection against direct ingestion of these pesticides.

Secondly is the use of organic alternatives to the chemical synthetic pesticides that are used in order to control the mosquito vector. Inorganic pesticides, though highly effective in the eradication of pests are all too effective in the eradication of other living organisms also. These pesticides are known to accumulate within the fatty tissues of animals, eg humans, building up to toxic levels over time, leading to long-term illnesses. They also kill insects that are equally beneficial, such as ladybugs which control pests such as aphids and butterflies and bees which are agents of pollination.

The residues from these pesticides are also washed out of the air into the soil where they affect the multitude of soil organisms that are essential to a healthy and beneficial soil.

I was recently made aware of the existence of an organic pesticide developed

by The Evergreen Nature Club that may be used. Has the Ministry considered using this instead? Have they

considered developing one of their own, either through collaboration with the IAST or the University of Guyana using extracts from trees, herbs and grasses that are known to naturally repel mosquitoes, such as neem, crab oil, cloves, lemon grass, thyme and garlic? I have had some success in repelling mosquitoes, though only for a short time, using thyme soaked in coconut oil and garlic and cloves chopped up and burnt in a candle. I have also read of purely garlic-based organic pesticides that have been just as effective as DDT, the common ingredient in inorganic pesticides.

These suggestions may help the Ministry see a reduction in mosquito-borne disease without an increase in other diseases caused by the introduction or accumulation of pesticides into the human body. Persons should also be encouraged to try these alternatives themselves in their efforts to combat these diseases.

Sincerely, A concerned citizen

Dear Editor, With reference to your several news items on the Cabinet and Minister Bulkan suspending the parking meter By-laws and the clamping of vehicles, the Central Government is usurping the power of the local government Georgetown City Council. And in so doing, Central Government has set a precedent to emaciate (render powerless) all locally elected bodies. Powers must be decentralised with the local units having unrestrained powers.

Local bodies should have autonomous powers to exercise control over all local issues, including transportation and parking, the topic of controversy involving the City Council. While I am against the Parking Meter Project, I am equally against Central Government intervening in the affairs of local government. Let the local organs exercise unrestrained powers over local matters with its own policies and regulations. But the local bodies must follow legal procedures and manage the affairs of their organs with integrity and transparency; dictatorship must not

be tolerated like what happened in the City Council over the parking meter matter. People are very unhappy with the parking meter project. It should have been suspended given that legal tenets were not followed.

The City Council should have suspended the parking regulations without Central Government’s intervention since implementation of parking meters has been opined (by legal luminaries) to be illegal. The City Council entered into an agreement with the foreign company for parking meters without following the required procedure. The City Councilfailed to put the parking meter to tendering as required by law.

It appears there was corruption in the awarding of the contract. Rights of motorists were violated. The entire city and those shoppers, workers and visitors who patronise the city (using personal vehicles) were/

are disrespected. With the city having failed to adhere to legal procedures, and having been given countless opportunities to suspend implementation of the parking meters, as well as to start over the entire process in line with the law, Central Government must have felt it had no other option but to take the extraordinary step of ordering the suspension of the controversial city parking meter programme.

The City Council could have avoided this problem of the Central Government defanging it of an essential power over local affairs. In not acting according with the wishes of the city dwellers as well as those who patronise it, the City Council has allowed the Central Government to set a precedent of taking actions curtailing the powers of local governments.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

6

fridAY, march 24, 2017

Page

By KIMBERLEE SHAW

I

am the firstborn child of three. My sister is 17 months younger than me, my brother six years younger. Whether you believe the whole birth order theory or not, it certainly holds true in my case. Good, bad or indifferent, a lot of traits attributed to firstborns apply to me: structured, cautious, controlling, confident, perfectionist.

(My husband would probably add stubborn and dominant, though I prefer to use the adjective “assertive” instead.)

When I was almost 30, I gave birth to our first child, a little bundle that was half an ounce shy of six pounds, 19 inches long, and possessed a head of dark hair and the longest eyelashes I’d ever seen on a baby. It was a difficult labour, but thankfully there were no longterm health effects from the birth.

Within the first day, my tiny newborn was showing her personality. I was trying to breastfeed her, but she’d just take one or two sucks, and if she didn’t get a mouthful of milk, she immediately screamed. Can you say impatient?

As she grew, she revealed more of her traits. I still think back to her first birthday party, which we held at our home. We invited family and friends. There were lots of children there, from babies to teens. For most of the afternoon, my daughter quietly observed the festivities,

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation scanning the room, taking it all in. The loud children, many of whom she didn’t know, didn’t faze or scare her. She watched them with a keen interest. Reserved, observant, taking in all the sights and sounds. She’s still like that today.

I found it fairly easy to deal with my daughter’s personality. Sure, she could be challenging at times.

But I understood her, I got her – it was like parenting a little version of myself. I knew what motivated her and why, which approaches would work with her and which would backfire. Even now, as a high school junior, she is very driven, very much a perfectionist, confident and conscientious. We can relate to each other.

A few months after my daughter turned two, my son was born. From the very start, it was a completely different ball game. My water broke on a Thursday night just as I sat down to watch Friends. We went to the hospital, and after about two hours and a couple of pushes, my beautiful black-haired boy entered the world. They placed him on my chest, and he immediately began to breastfeed.

My son. My baby boy.

This child is so different from my daughter in almost every way. Ever since he was a baby, so many people have used the same words and phrases to describe him: an old soul, a wise old man in a baby’s body, kind, caring, thoughtful. His First Grade teacher told me at

the parent-teacher conference that he was like the absent-minded professor.

Now, at 14 years old, he is still a laid-back, go-with-theflow kind of guy. He holds doors open for people when we enter a store. Without a second thought, he’ll help an elderly lady put her grocery bags in her car. When I cry in church because they’re singing a hymn my mother loved, he holds my hand. He is not fazed in the least by what people think of him: His sister tells him not to wear his silver pocket watch to school for fear that others will make fun of him, but he brushes her off, saying, “I don’t care, I like it. If other people don’t, that’s their problem.”

While his sister is driven, my son is the opposite. I don’t want to use the word unmotivated, because I think that has a negative connotation.

He’s not a slacker, but he is less competitive. When he got an honourable mention at this year’s Science fair for the solar oven he built, he was happy with it: He enjoyed the process of researching and building the oven, and that satisfaction was his reward. He doesn’t need outward recognition or the social approval others to feel comfortable in his own skin.

So he’s a fantastic child, and everyone he meets is drawn to him. But here’s the thing: My personality and his personality are very different. With my daughter, I knew how to parent her.

With my son, all bets were

off. I had no idea how to motivate him. I couldn’t figure out what made him tick.

Techniques that came so easily to me when parenting my daughter were rendered useless when it came to my son. It was (and still is) easy to light a fire under her butt and get her to do what she needs to do. My boy, not so much.

I expect perfection from myself. I like everything in its place. I need to feel in control to feel calm, and there’s a part of me that seeks validation from those around me. My son is happy to float through life, “accidental-like on a breeze,” as Forrest Gump said.

Perfection isn’t a priority, whether it’s schoolwork or sports or cleaning his room.

No plan, no control? No problem.

But as I’ve watched him grow these 14 years, I’ve learned a few things from my son. Thanks to the challenge of parenting this child who is so different from me, I’ve gradually mellowed in some of my own firstborn traits, and I’ve realized that I don’t want to change him one bit.

Sometimes I’m baffled at the way he handles a situation, but I remind myself that he is not me. He is his own per-

son, and I embrace our differences. By his example, he’s helped me realize a few important things in life: * If something happens to alter the carefully planned schedule I have in place, it’s not the end of the world. Adapt. * Perfection isn’t always attainable, and it isn’t always neces-

sary. * Don’t overthink things.

There’s a time and place for caution, but sometimes you just need to run with it and trust your gut. * Confidence can be helpful in certain situations. But to be vulnerable, to be yourself, and to not worry about what others might think can actually be empowering.

By David M Allen, MD

T

his post is about the phenomenon of parents who are themselves angry about the way they were raised by their own parents who, in

response, make such an extreme effort to be and act nothing like their parents that they go to the opposite extreme. With a surprising result.

For example, parents who were abused may overindulge and over-protect their children to the point where the children feel smothered. When they do this, they end up creating almost the exact same problem for their child that they had! Certain patterns of behaviour, and what seem to be patterns at the complete opposite extreme, end up creating a nearly identical problem.

Here’s is why the compulsiveness by which the parents engage in various polarized or extreme behaviours creates such a situation: Children read their parents behaviour as indicating that the parents have a desire or need to continue to do whatever it is they are doing. To continue with the above example, smothered children are induced to refuse to grow up and become independent, because they believe that their parents have a pathological need to control, manipulate, and/or take care of

* Slow down. Stare at the clouds. Wonder at nature. * Have fun. Find humour in daily life. Make others laugh. * Be kind. Listen. An unexpected hug, squeeze of the hand or smile can make someone’s day. * Look beyond yourself.

In our rush to accomplish all we need to do in any given day, take time to stop and notice others around you. Their joy, their pain, their hurt, their accomplishments.

I pray and thank God every day for the gift of my children. As they grow and mature, the tables begin to turn, and I find myself learning from them. While parenting my second-born started out as a challenge, I’ve grown as a person by being his mother. I wouldn’t trade that – or him – for anything in the world. (www.scarymommy.com)

them. They may appear to be incapable of doing many things for themselves which they are, in point of fact, quite capable of doing. They just will not act competently for the reason I just quoted. It is a lot easier to fake incompetence than it is to fake competence.

Of course, these parents do not want to make their child unhappy, but it is a HUGE parenting mistake to try to protect one’s child from all sadness. Doing this will lead children to act as if they are grossly impaired in their ability to tolerate any adversity. They will have great difficulty with autonomy, up to the point where they may become completely crippled.

On the other hand, when a child is abused, they often grow up with a poor self-image.

Even though they may know intellectually that t h e

abuse was not their fault, t h e y think that somehow they must have done something to deserve it. Kids who instead grow up feeling smothered, even if they know intellectually that they can be capable of a great many things, end up with a poor self-image because they convince themselves that the parents need to have no confidence in them. Also, abusing children may impair a child’s ability to function independently - but so can overprotecting them. Opposite parental behaviours, but the same results. (www.psychologytoday.com) TO BE CONTINUED

news

7

friDAY, march 24, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

$605M ANSA McAL "emergency" contract

GPHC cannot investigate itself – Jagdeo ... no reason for inquiry into Minister Lawrence’s involvement – Harmon

G

eneral Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Bharrat Jagdeo has rubbished recent announcements of a probe to be launched by the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) into the controversial $605 million contract which was awarded to ANSA McAL for the procurement of “emergency drugs” for the medical institution.

Following weeks of criticisms from stakeholders, Minister Lawrence on Monday revealed that she has written a letter to the newly installed GPHC Board, ordering an investigation into the matter in light of the storm created on the issue by the media.

The investigation will seek to determine if/how the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board was involved in the process, how the shortlisted companies were evaluated, if all the drugs were supplied

by ANSA McAL on time, among others.

However, at a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo pointed out that the GPHC Board cannot do an impartial investigation for the main reason that it falls under the Public Health Ministry.

“How could the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Board of that Hospital which is appointed by the Minister do an impartial investigation of the

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

Minister; that’s an attempt to sidetrack the issue. So when Volda Lawrence said that, it was to create the impression that they are trying to get to the truth of the matter and she had no involvement in this matter because they will come up with fake investigation and fake report. The Board cannot impartially investigate,” the Opposition Leader posited.

He went on to point to the previous probe into the Sussex Street Drug Bond issue, noting that a ‘wishywashy’ investigation was done – led by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who found that nothing was wrong with the deal.

Against this backdrop, Jagdeo noted that in order to prevent Government from sweeping this matter under the carpet as well and the

only way to ensure impartiality is to have the investigation done by the Auditor General and the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

“The Auditor General should investigate this whole deal and not just this particular purchase because I gather at Georgetown Hospital itself, in last year of the nearly $2 billion spent only about 200 million went to public tender. So you have close to $1.8 billion that was spent last year through direct purchasing,” the General Secretary stated.

To this end, the Opposition Leader said that his party will be putting questions to Government in Parliament, asking from January 1, 2016 to February this year, who the contractors were that got contracts from the Georgetown Public Hospital, what form of tender they went through, what was the price of the contract and whether they have delivered, etc.

“We intend to ask this question in the Parliament but I suspect, like with everything else, we’re not gonna get many answers,” he noted.

On the other hand, Jagdeo sought to respond to comments made by Minister Harmon at the Post Cabinet press briefing on Thursday where he said that there is no need to investigate Minister Lawrence following the controversial contract.

“He is saying the Minister

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

cannot be investigated…

She has the right to basically do whatever she wants.

The procurement laws of the country don’t give the Ministers a special role outside of their functions of the Cabinet. Even that role has been diminished because the Public Procurement Commission has now been put in place so the role of Cabinet, that no objection role – that limited role – should have been removed.

So if a Minister intervenes in the egregious way, in the blatantly partisan way that Volda Lawrence did – instruct this staff to go ahead and make the purchase – then that is illegal,” Jagdeo asserted.

No investigation

At the post-Cabinet briefing, Harmon told reporters that there is absolutely no need for the Minister to be investigated, as she is

the subject Minister and has oversight of everything that occurs within the sector.

“As far as I am aware, there is nothing to inquire as to Minister Lawrence’s personal involvement in the matter. Minister Lawrence is the Minister of Public Health and therefore has overall responsibility for everything that happens within that sector. So as far as I am aware, there is nothing in respect to Minister Lawrence’s personal involvement that requires an investigation”, Harmon told journalists on Thursday.

Lawrence is still under fire, and although she requested that the Board of the Georgetown Hospital

Corporation carry out its own investigation to determine the legality of the procurement, calls have been made for proof to be shown who really gave the go ahead for the contract to be signed.

The PPP early this week accused Lawrence of ministerial interference, stressing that if there is a functioning Board at the institution, then the Minister would have gone past her boundary to give such an order.

“This cannot be right; everybody has cried out against it,” Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill had told a news conference on Monday. turn to page 16

8 news

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Vendor faces 60 months for cannabis trafficking

A

La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara vendor was slapped with a 60-month jail term when Magistrate Judy Latchman found him guilty of trafficking cannabis, on Thursday morning.

Moraino Wilson, 23, was earlier this year remanded to prison by

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after he pleaded not guilty to a charge which alleged that between January 6 and January 7, 2017, at Sussex Street Wharf, Georgetown, he had 4.624 kilograms of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Defence Attorney Madan Singh had

initially requested bail for his client, attesting that the package containing the illicit drug was not found on Wilson’s person, rather arguing that the accused acted upon a call instructing him to pick up a package at the said location, being unaware of its contents.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers had strongly objected to bail contending that Wilson had confessed to ownership of the drugs upon his arrest, reportedly saying “Is a small hustle I trying to do.”

According to reports, on the day of the incident, ranks attached to the Police Narcotics Branch acting on information intercepted two boxes containing cannabis at the said wharf waiting to be shipped to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Magistrate Latchman also ordered the accused to pay a fine of $6,900,000.

Pakistanis fined $100,000 each for presenting forged documents

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan fined two Pakistani men $100,000 each on Thursday morning for uttering false documents to a Fly Jamaica Airline representative at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Arshad Mehood Munghal pleaded guilty to the charge

that he on March 21, 2017, at the CJIA, with intent to defraud, presented one passport in his name bearing his photograph purporting that same was issued by the Government of Italy, knowing same to be forged.

The other defendant, Ashan Riaz Munghal admitted to a similar charge that

he on the same day at the said location, with intent to defraud, presented one passport bearing his name and photograph purporting that same was issued by the Government of Spain.

The duo begged the court’s forgiveness, sincerely apologising for their actions and requested to be sent

Ashan Riaz Munghal

back to Brazil.

The court heard that the men left their home country for Brazil in hopes of securing a better life. The Munghal relatives reportedly entered the jurisdiction via Lethem, sometime in late February and were granted one month stay in the country.

It was when the Munghals attempted to leave Guyanese soil on a Canada-bound flight that their passports were discovered to be fake. Checks made with Italy and Spain revealed that both travel documents were reported to have been stolen or lost.

The Magistrate ordered both men to pay a fine and be escorted to the nearest port of exit after paying same or serving a default sentence of eight weeks in prison.

The centre cannot hold…

A

…and the country is in freefall

fter refusing to accept word from the business community that the exchange rate of the Guyana dollar was in freefall -- after the banks couldn’t handle demand for foreign currency, primarily the US dollar -- Guyanese woke up to discover that the Gy $205 to US$1 that had prevailed up to the beginning of the year had been increased to $230 to US$1!! With the Government still burying its head in its nether orifice, most stakeholders expect this freefall to continue.

The question is: What does this mean for the Guyanese people? The answer is actually very simple: It’ll be simply disastrous for the ordinary citizen. With us having to import practically everything valueadded, and now paying more Guyana dollars for the US we have to buy to pay for the imports, the importer will have to pass on the increase -- now at 15% -- to customers. And it’s not just the direct importers. Even in things we produce, like rice, there is a significant amount of imported inputs -- like pesticides, fertilisers, diesel, packaging etc.

Those customers -- in case we need to be reminded -- have just been hit with a 14% VAT on everything, including the kitchen sink. And this is not to mention all the other taxes that have been introduced. When you consider that 20,000 Government workers at various levels have gotten minimal raises; 17,000 sugar workers not only didn’t get a raise, but 8,000 of their jobs are on the line; and the cascading effects of this economic collapse are affecting even the middle class, you may get a glimmer of what’s ahead for us as a nation. And it ain’t pretty!

So what can be done? Right off the bat, the Government -- in the form of Minister of Finance Winston Jordan -- must free its head from this enveloping dark chamber and smell the coffee in the real economy. In matters economic, we now know -- to our cost after the 2008 economic crash -- that all the economic formulae ain’t worth a bucket of warm spit; and it all has to do with the psychological mood of the players -- which at this time is the business community from the supply side, and the people from the demand side.

The Government must also know that the exchange rate is not a speculator-driven indicator, as in some of the financially developed economies. Here it is pushed by real supply and demand for real goods emanating in the real economy. This Government has to get off its antagonistic high horse towards the business community, start stimulating the economy, and quit counting the profits the businesses will make.

This is how the cookie crumbles in a privateenterprise economy. And Jordan: take a salary cut!

…AND THE MINIONS ARE THUMBING THEIR NOSES

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan asked Town Clerk Royston King to “do the honourable thing” and resign for the atrocities he’s committed in City Governance.

Duncan didn’t actually say “atrocities”, because he’s obviously too naïve, since he thinks King even KNOWS what “the honourable thing” is; which he would not know even if it crept up and bit him on his rather expansive posterior!

What would King know about honour when he doled out so many contracts to his family members and friends over the past two years? Think Merriman’s Mall; or coaching the newbie PNC City Councillor on how to stymie the requested suspension of the SCS parking meter contract.

Thing is, King doesn’t even have the honour that we were told exists among thieves. This is an official who’s looking out for number one with such fierce intensity he’ll walk over his mother’s grave - and probably has already done so with gay abandon!

Think how he treated the vendors!

…AND RICE GOT BOILED

Mountain Moses strained, and produced a mouse with the 15,000 tonne Mexican paddy contract we were just allowed to BID for!!

Don’t even ask the price - since we had to drop our pants after the 9% tariff!!

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

news

9

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Doctors, contract workers have Govt says GMSA exchange rate gratuity benefits yanked statement “inaccurate”

– Opposition flays Govt for unilaterally switching workers to pension should give the doctors a choice.”

“My fear is they will drive a lot of the doctors out of the system. And many of those who may want to renew their contracts; they have already completed their five years (as stipulated) from their scholarship. They will just leave,” Jagdeo said.

Calls to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister of State Joseph

sic salary, calculated on the basis of three months.

However, at one time, doctors could choose to receive their gratuity at six-month intervals.

It is common for such categories of workers to have a personal preference for gratuity than pension. Guyana Times understands that the move has left some doctors disillusioned and frustrated, as many began their train-

Conditions in the doctors’ quarters

I

n a move some fear will precipitate a brain drain, public service professionals such as doctors have had their gratuity benefits yanked from under them. In exchange, Government will be forcing them under a pension system.

According to the documents seen by Guyana Times, the changes will apply to temporary workers and contract workers with a GS: 3 to GS: 14 salary scale. It is being done under the authority of the Public Service Commission.

Workers in these categories have until March 24, 2017, before it goes into effect. According to reports, there have been no public consultations with the affected doctors before the implementation of this policy.

During a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo flayed the Government for its clandestine move. He

stated that by forcing doctors to accept the unpopular pension scheme, doctors who joined with expectations of gratuity will exit the public service as soon as their contract comes up for renewal.

The former President noted that if this happens, a health sector already suffering from drug shortages will be hit even further by a shortage of personnel, including doctors and nurses.

“We made an effort to move the country to where we would have adequate numbers of doctors in the health system. Many of them are coming back (from training) and are on fiveyear contracts with certain elements of the contract including gratuity.”

“This Government, as though it couldn’t find anything else to target, has now gone after the doctors. And they want all of them to become part of the pensionable establishment. Many of them don’t want to. They

A gaping opening in the roof

Harmon, went unanswered on Thursday.

While a pension is a contributory arrangement, gratuity is a sum of money paid at the end of a stipulated tenure of service or upon retirement. In most cases there is a prescribed formula for calculating gratuity, thus removing the onus of determining payments from the employer.

It is understood that doctors are eligible, upon satisfactory service being provided, for gratuity at a rate of 22.5 per cent of their ba-

ing with gratuity enshrined in their contracts.

As if the yanking of the contractual benefits doctors enjoyed was not enough, this publication was able to view the condition of residential quarters used by doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

This publication was able to observe that the quarters where doctors who are on call have to sometimes sleep, have gaping holes in the ceiling. In addition, there are overhead fans with the blades exposed.

… BoG contends rate quoted is not uniform transaction rate

G

overnment on Wednesday reacted to the statement released by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Wednesday which suggested that there has been a significant fall in Guyana’s local currency.

While Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the statement was far from reality, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) noted that the release will do nothing more than add fuel to the rising “speculative and destabilising activities in the foreign exchange market”, all of which, it said, could be harmful to the economy.

“The statement by the GMSA is inaccurate, since the $230 to $1 represent a very small representation of the financial market and had to do with the operation of debit and credit cards”. Harmon explained that the bulk of the financial market still has a weighted average of $215 to $1. “That is to say that the buying rate is $216 and the selling rate is $214,” Harmon told media operatives on Thursday.

But his pronouncement was before the Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga sent out an official release condemning the GMSA statement.

According to the BoG,

Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

the rate quoted by GMSA is not a uniform transaction rate; rather, it is the online rate charged by one of the largest commercial banks in Guyana for its credit and debit card transactions, which represents a very small share of the cambio market transactions.

It reported that for the week ending March 14-17, 2017, the weighted average buying rate was G$214 while the weighted average selling rate was G$218.

The turnover for the week, it said was US$40.0 million.

The bank said total purchases and sales at the bank cambios were US$19.6 million and US$20.4 million respectively. turn to page 16

10 news

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wales severance fallout

GAWU says transfer of remaining Wales workers “forced labour”

T

he transfer of some 374 workers currently attached to the now closed Wales Sugar Estate to Uitvlugt Sugar Estate has been likened to “forced labour” by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

GAWU made the characterisation in response to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Senior Communication Officer Audreyanna Thomas, who in a letter published Tuesday, contended that the entity could not be compelled to pay workers their severance.

GAWU, through an official statement on Thursday, noted that the letter was just “another sad attempt to justify the company’s wrong decision to deny some 300 workers from Wales Estate their rightful severance entitlement”.

Thomas had argued that cane harvesters and cane transport operators could become entitled to the payment of severance or redundancy allowance “only if their contracts were terminated in accordance with sections 12 and 21 (1) of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA)”, suggesting that redundancy must be determined specifically by the employer.

But GAWU retorted that the Corporation has forgotten that the decision to end sugar production at Wales in effect made the workforce redundant. “All hell will break loose across Guyana if the employer has to decide about their entitlement that is why work-

ers over the years have fought for their rights with trade unions,” GAWU President Komal Chand recently told Guyana Times.

The Union on Thursday further disagreed with the Corporation’s interpretation of TESPA, noting that a worker was entitled to severance if he/she was sent to a location more than 10 miles away from his/her base location.

“On this we wish to point

allowance for their journey to Uitvlugt, in keeping with the 2004 Collective Labour Agreement (CLA). However, GAWU has clarified that GuySuCo omitted that the very CLA does not speak to any permanency of the allowance.

“Having regard to the need to move field and factory workers between and among estates, from time to time…” quoted GAWU from a section of the agreement.

Workers attached to the Wales Estate fled from a meeting with several Government officials, including Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

out that Uitvlugt Estate, not taking into account the journey into the cultivation areas, is some 22 miles away from Wales. Clearly, the section of the Act referred to by GuySuCo must be taken account of and it supports the workers’ cause. We see the Corporation’s assertions as mere semantics intended to divert and distract from the truth of the matter,” GAWU pointed out.

GuySuCo further contended that the Wales workers would be paid a disturbance

“In this regard, GuySuCo, by its ill-thought-out attempt, may be guilty of yet another disrespect of the CLA,” GAWU noted.

GAWU further stressed that GuySuCo was operating “contrary” to local laws by allowing conditions that were unsuitable for work and by the denial of severance.

“It is disheartening to register, at this time, when our nation is observing the centennial anniversary of the end of indentureship in our country, that the Corporation

is engaging in schemes that promote forced labour and is paying pay no, or little, or selective recognition of the laws, the CLA, and customs and practices which seek to promote and protect workers and which have been won due to their arduous and self-sacrificing struggles,” GAWU strongly expressed.

It was on Tuesday that the GAWU President condemned the Sugar Corporation’s disclosure that for the requisite categories, it was under no legal obligation to pay the workers severance.

The workers attached to Wales Estate had gathered on Monday outside the factory gates where they had reiterated calls for their outstanding severance benefits. At the Wales Community Centre on Friday last, workers bolted from a meeting with several Government Ministers when Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had disclosed that GuySuCo could not afford to pay workers severance benefits.

Government ended sugar operations at Wales Estate as a result of billions of dollars it accrued in losses over the years. However, the closure has affected hundreds of workers, their families and the surrounding communities. Many workers told Guyana Times of the difficulties they have encountered finding employment, while many women who traditionally were housewives have sought out jobs to support their families. It was at high-level sugar consultations last year with GuySuCo, the Union and the Opposition that Government disclosed that only three estates across the country would be kept.

Civil service

S

atiricus and the fellas were having a grand old time at the back of the Back Street Bar – and the forest of beer bottles on their table attested to the fact their spirits were well fortified by the copious amount of spirituous brew they’d imbibed. They’d covered most of the goings on transfixing the populace and had arrived at the longevity of the grand old man in the civil service.

“How can you have a man serving as head of the Civil Service Union for over 30 years?” said Satiricus in wonder. “That’s some dedication, isn’t it?”

Both Hari and Bungi looked at Satiricus carefully.

Finally, Bungi offered, “A which worl’ yuh a live in, Sato?”

“Dedication?” Hari snorted so strongly, some of the beer he’d just gulped almost came through his nose.

“That man Yardie has been milking the system for most of those 30 years!”

“That’s the problem with you fellas,” said Satiricus, “you never see the glass half full!”

“De rail problem, Sato,” observed Bungi, “Yaadie mek sure HE glass always full full!!”

“Yes, Sato…how come people who pay Yardie salary have to retire when they reach 55?” complained Hari.

“But he still there in his seventies?”

“Experience, bai…experience,” Satiricus smirked.

“The man get re-elected every time, you know!”

“E prappa gat nuff experience,” agreed Bungi, as Satiricus nodded. “Experience fuh rig de election!”

“Sato, lemme ask you something,” Hari said after signalling for another round. “You and your KFC party want term limits for Jagdesh and the presidency. Why not for Yardie?”

“Well, you see,” Satiricus started out as his friends peered at him suspiciously, “Nobody but Yardie can lead the civil service.”

“Really?” exclaimed Bungi incredulously. “Wha’ mek he suh special?”

“You ever hear Yardie talk?” Satiricus polished off his beer as he answered with a beery slur. “Civil, boy!

Civil! The man talk so civil, he was made for the civil service!”

news

S RAIGHT T

11

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Private schools stand against 14% VAT on private education

WHY ARE SMALL BUSINESSES NOT BORROWING ANYMORE?

W

hen it comes to the Guyanese economy, small is gorgeous. It has always been this way, because we are a small economy with a vibrant entrepreneurial class that is prepared to incubate small ideas, take all the risks, but reap all of the rewards. This is how it has always been, even during the years when the policy makers imprudently tried to make the public sector into the commanding heights of the economy.

Any policymaker who understands how this economy works, and has taken the time to read the January 2017 Statistical Abstract (Bank of Guyana), ought to be increasingly worried about the state of the small business sector. Do they have adequate access to new credit? Are they borrowing enough to fuel the required jobs’ growth? How many of them are increasingly having serious trouble repaying their debt?

How many of them are closer to bankruptcy compared to 12 months ago?

As I examine these questions and the latest Statistical Abstract and downloaded primary information from some small businessmen, it is clear to me that the players in the industry are not feeling good about the investment climate.

Even the official private sector body is now saying its members are losing confidence in the manner in which the economy is being managed. Any sensible politician with any modicum of common sense would have done something about the state of the small business sector by now. How can they not understand the adverse effect this situation is having on the pockets of people who are voters in the near future?

Small businesses employ more than half of the Guyanese workforce. With the induced meltdown being promoted in GuySuCo by Team Granger, small businesses are expected to play a growing role in the dwindling economy. I therefore welcome Minister Harmon’s commitment of G$50 million for small business development.

But the actual need is much bigger, and with the private banks “right fitting” their loan portfolio continuously, the small business will feel the squeeze the most. If one is to observe the non-performing (bad) loan portfolio of the banks, all of the indicators are showing that size of the bad loans’ portfolio increased over the last 12 months. The banks had little choice but to tighten up their lending criteria to protect their capital, but such a strategy has affected the small business sector the most.

As the table below shows, all the banks, save and except for Scotia, are expecting a deterioration in their non-performing loans to their total loans over 2016. The banks with the biggest unfavourable hit were GBTI and Demerara, two of the key

trendsetters in the small business sector.

With this evidence, it is clear that access to new loans is drying up. Such a situation would be very bad for the 2017 economy. This is not surprising, but what has the Minister of Finance done about this “yorker”? He has basically just jammed his bat down and is hoping for the best, but that cannot be a strategy. Any skilful financial strategist would have made adjustments for this kind of ball, knowing fully well that in such conditions, the bowler would have bowled such a delivery because of the state of the 2016 economy.

Without new jobs we cannot stimulate greater private consumer spending. The 2017 Budget tags private consumption as a percentage of gross domestic expenditure at 56%, compared to 74% in 2013. More evidence that the nation is in a hot economic mess today. But what is really the biggest national tragedy is that no sensible strategy to turn around the economy is being crafted by the players in the Office of the Minister of Finance.

Again, I welcome the promise to boost small business procurement by the Granger Administration, but we are now heading into April and it has not even been implemented as yet. There is also no State Development Bank to help leverage the difficult-to-construct deals. But worst of all, the small business sector is faced with a tax regime that is extremely hostile to them.

In conclusion, such a situation in Main Street is bad for consumer spending, bad for recovery, and bad for the economy. There is an urgent need for a stimulus package to kick-start the economy, but that is a big idea, and big ideas seem to be a challenge for Winston Jordan.

Please feel free to share your comments at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

he protest against VAT on private education was, early on Thursday afternoon, given new life when demonstrators -- parents of Guyana’s Private Schools United -- picketed the Finance Ministry, demanding that Finance Minister Winston Jordan remove the burdensome tax on private education, implemented in February 2017, because it is penalising those who opt for private education.

“What you (the Finance Minister) are effectively doing is causing your society to depreciate in terms of the level and quality of individuals that you have,” one parent stressed. That parent also noted that he has had to take on additional employment to pay the increase in fees charged by private schools.

Attorney-at-Law Nadia Sagar, another parent, highlighted that the public school system would not be able to accommodate an influx of private school students, which is estimated to be well over 10,000.

“If you had to place those children in public schools, where would they go?” she asked,” adding, “So, rather than penalizing private schools, you really ought to be looking for ways to

The protest against VAT on private education was revived on Thursday

help them”.

Sixth Form School of the Nations students have complained of the challenges they are facing with the inclusion of VAT on their education. “If we can’t afford our education, how are we going to live?” questioned a first year sixth form student of that institution, who indicated that the protest would last for as long as it takes to reverse the imposition of VAT on private education.

“Some parents don’t even have

like one child, they have like five children, and they just want the best for their children,” second year student Nandanie Deokarran highlighted.

School of the Nations Academic Director told the media that the group would protest until Government responds. It has been disclosed that more than 14,000 students had signed the petition against the imposition of VAT on private education. turn to page 13

12 news

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter burden

Govt has no plans after contract suspension expires

... project will be revived after dust settles – PPP

H

aving suspended for three months the by-laws governing the parking meter contract between Smart City Solutions (SCS) and City Hall, Government does not, at this time, have a clear plan regarding what to expect after that time has expired.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, earlier this week informed the City Council that Government had suspended the by-laws of the contract and suggested that a three-month period be allowed for further negotiation and consultation. That suspension came just a few days after the Council had failed to even consider Cabinet’s recommendation to suspend the original contract.

But as the three-month negotiation period proceeds, Minister Harmon has said there are currently no plans to address the issue when that time has expired.

“Government wishes to give full support to a process of negotiation and consulta-

tion which will result in a favourable outcome. That is to say, (between) the Council and Smart City Solutions (SCS), along with stakeholders and citizens, (as) are all “ad idem” to the contract and the project”.

Harmon said that while Government has not taken a position on what happens after the three months’ suspension have expired, it is hoped that good sense will prevail and that there will be a favourable outcome.

Asked about the legality of suspending the bylaws, Harmon told the media that the Minister of Communities acted on the advice of the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. He said Government was satisfied that the law provides for the suspension of the by-laws, as against suspending the council. However, he could not show where in the constitution provides for this right, and he suggested that the Minister of Legal Affairs be

contacted for further clarification and answers in this regard.

“But I am satisfied that the Minister acted within the purview of the law, and that (the) advice of the Attorney General was correct”, Harmon told reporters.

At his media briefing on Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said it was not known what will happen tomorrow, because of the incompetence and ineptitude of this Government. “The reason given by this Government is that we did not have enough information, and so Cabinet now has decided to suspend the parking meter project for three months because we did not have enough information”, Jagdeo said at his media brief on Thursday.

He said the “vital information is basically the absence of public tendering,” since the parking meter was negotiated between the Council and SCS. According to Jagdeo, the issue was in the public domain for over ten months,

and he finds it strange that Government was unaware of this.

“Secondly, did they know about the terms of the contract? Yes, they did; because they took the original contract and sent it to the Ministry of Finance… So they knew it was a contract that did not go through public tendering (because they had the original contract eight months ago, when they sent it to the Ministry of Finance for review).

According to Jagdeo, Government is projecting itself as now intervening to bring relief to citizens, when in fact Government was a part of the problem from the inception. “They are just reversing for a short while, and then, once the protest dies away, this contract will reemerge in a different way; but people will still have to pay,” Jagdeo posited.

He said that once again Guyanese have been caught with the “lies and incompetence of the Government.”

Of Narratives and History

T

his is an adapted piece from a few years ago, being featured to reinforce a point I have been stressing recently: we need to consciously construct a “national narrative” that would give each group in our country their just desserts.

Narratives are stories, and it seems that their structure happens to be wired into our brains. An event occurs, and we are driven to explain how or why it did. What happened first…what followed? Who were the persons involved?

What did each person do? And what were their choices? What were the background circumstances – social or physical – that Ravi Dev might have brought the event about? We want to know about causation.

And we create narratives. Since very few of us are in a position, or have the inclination, to conduct rigorous enquiries from ground zero, we reflexively also resort to narratives that others might have constructed around similar events. In a word, we fall back on “history” – whether at the micro or macro level. Narratives, then, are not only constructed; they are constitutive as far as they “explain” our experiences.

In assuming there must be some material historical truth “out there”, we should appreciate we have to be careful to filter out, as best as we can, the inherent subjectivities of all narratives -- especially when they concern history “writ large”. Reality may be created by events and processes, but our “experience” of that reality is the “remembrance” of it – that is “his-story”. History is the human narration of that reality as seen by historians; it is therefore inevitably subject to the limitations of our human mind.

Yesterday, I was on a panel with former PM Sam Hinds and former Chairman of the PNC, Vincent Alexander, to discuss Dr Cheddi Jagan’s role in the history of Guyana. The host wanted to interrogate the question as to whether Dr Jagan was the “father of the nation”. Next week, the same panel will look at Mr Forbes Burnham. I was afraid the panel would descend into a clichéd descriptive frenzy as to whether it was Dr Jagan or Mr Burnham who led us out of bondage of British colonialism; but thankfully, that was avoided.

The Jamaican Anthropologist Dr. David Scott dubbed this type of telling as “the narrative of revolutionary romance”, and offers its contours: “It typically begins with a dark age of oppression and domination. This is followed by the emergence of the great struggle against that oppression and domination, and the gradual building of that struggle as it goes through ups and downs, temporary breakthroughs and set-backs, but moving steadily and assuredly toward the final overcoming, the final emancipation.”

Today, we and all those who would examine our history have the advantage of hindsight and access to a wider array of accounts (for eg. the US declassified files) than those who lived through the events. In attacking the possible “illusions of retrospective determinism”, we should connect the past with the present in a broader narrative, one that is healing rather than destructive. We cannot change the past, but we can certainly change the future.

A few years back, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine poignantly evoked John Paul Lederach’s definition of “constructive social change”: the pursuit of moving relationships from those defined by fear, mutual recrimination, and violence toward those characterized by love, mutual respect, and proactive engagement. As suggested by Dr. Roopnaraine, we should invoke the narrative of our traditional ancestral values of “sharing, solidarity and togetherness”, and reintegrate them back into our national psyche.

Lederach has advised that, “Transcending violence is forged by the capacity to generate, mobilize and build the moral imagination.” We must recognize the complexity of relationships, and not fall prey to an “us vs. them” mentality.

There can be no “dualistic polarity”, as advocated by our revisionists. Moral imagination is a matter of creating links between memory and vision, and is to a large extent the vocation of communities.

By shifting the meaning of the past through a differential emphasis on particular events, we can transform how we act in the present. The past may literally not exist -- not any more than the future does -- but it lives on in its consequences, which are a vital part of it. Our past was not all hate or division.

news

13

friDAY, march 24, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Tourism Department launches Best Village competition

T

he Department of Tourism of the Business Ministry announced the participating villages in the first ever Best Kept Village Competition to wrap up later this year. This initiative is a part of the calendar of activities in store for commemoration of Tourism Week to be observed in November.

The competition is the brainchild of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, which will see the restoration and enhancement of villages within the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, as they vie for the top prizes in each category. It is aimed at nurturing a passion for a clean, healthy and welcoming village while at the same time, restoring and enhancing pride through collaborative efforts to improve the environment.

Villages within the regions will be vying in the large, medium and small categories with the size of the population being the defining factor. The small village category is contested by areas with a population

Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair and a team from the Department of Tourism presenting the logistics of the Best Kept Village Competition

of fewer than 1000 persons, whereas the medium category welcomes villages with a population 1000 to 5000 and with the large comprising of over 5000 residents.

The responsibility to execute efforts of restoration, enhancement and beautification within the villages will lie in the hands of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in each region, as well as the residents through self-help and partnership. Business entities and stakeholders are also invited to make their contributions to ensure that the

projects undertaken by the respective villages will receive adequate support and sponsorship to offset their initiatives.

During a press briefing on Thursday, the Department of Tourism highlighted the logistics behind this inaugural nationwide competition.

Donald Sinclair, the Director of Tourism, pointed out the judging criteria which will be used to determine the top runners. The criteria includes the absences of litter; the state of trenches, drains and canals; condition of public and private spaces and

Trio denied bail for CJIA cocaine bust

Police Officer Louie Dublin, Delvon Bunbury, and Gavin Harris

T

hree men who were busted with 558 grams of cocaine on March 17, 2017 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were on Thursday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a joint charge for the offence.

The accused are Louie Dublin, an officer attached to the Guyana Police Force, and Delvon Bunbury, Manager of Ivor Bunbury Furniture,

along with his assistant, Gavin Harris.

The prosecution told the court that a sting operation was set up and successfully executed leading to Dublin’s arrest.

The accused rank reportedly provided a statement under caution, relating that persons (who he positively identified as Bunbury and Harris) gave him the bag containing the cocaine, add-

Private schools... from page 11

“We’re willing to hold it up as long as it takes to get a response from the Government.

At first it was Nations behind the petition, but now we’ve joined with all the private schools,” she disclosed.

Bishop Juan Edghill, who has a child enrolled in a private learning institution, spoke against Government’s decision to charge VAT on private education: “I stand in solidarity with all the other Guyanese parents and families who are feeling this hardship. Whether it’s at University, an upscale private school or regular private school, this imposition will have an adverse effect on all

families,” the former Junior Finance Minister explained.

The arrogance that is being displayed -- the insensitivity and the lack of care by the Granger Administration -- must be highlighted,” he lamented.

Many of Thursday’s protestors have also supported the 8-week-long anti-parking meter protest. Another protest against the VAT measure is scheduled for next Wednesday. Earlier this month, businessman Roshan Khan had led a smaller protest that also called for the removal of the 14 percent tax on private education.

ing that he was sorry for his involvement.

Magistrate Daly rejected Dublin’s lawyer Adrian Thompson’s argument of special circumstances in attempting to secure bail for his client, stating that he (Thompson) could not uphold an argument of “no knowledge”, since his client had apologised for possession in a caution statement.

The two other accused were represented by Attorney Leslie Benjamin and both entering into a not guilty plea. In addition, the court heard that Benjamin was 27 years old and hailed from Plaisance Village, East Coast Demerara, while Harris, 25, shared Bunbury’s address at the furniture store.

The trio were denied bail, and Dublin was expected to return to court on April 8, while Bunbury and Harris were scheduled to reappear on April 10, 2017 when the matter will proceed to trial.

buildings, public conveniences as well as on going initiatives and efforts to improve and promote a visitor-friendly environment, among others.

Also disclosure at the press conference is the list of villages which will be contesting in the Best Kept Village Competition. The presented list indicated the participation of each of the 10 regions, some more enthusiastic with their entries than others.

Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) recorded the highest entries with a total of 17 and 10 villages contest-

ing respectively. However, Regions Four (DemeraraMahaica) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) projected poor participation of only four villages altogether. In Region Four, Annandale, Beterverwagting/Triumph and Mocha are the contesting villages, all in the medium category; while in Linden, the lone contender is River’s View in the small village category. None the less, these two regions are confident in their few entries.

Thus far, 32 villages have entered the small village category, 22 in the medium and four in the large, giving rise to a total of 58 villag-

es contending the Best Kept Village Competition.

Preparations for the competition within the regions are expected to be commence.

The judging of the villages will commence in September and last through October, with the presentation of prizes to be done in November, Tourism Month. Monetary prizes will be awarded to winners in each of the categories to be invested in the further development of their region. This initiative will promote infrastructural and social improvement with the aim of expanding the tourism potential to each of the corners of Guyana.

14 News

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Carvil Duncan tribunal challenge

Judge walks off after threats from AG Williams

Attorney General Basil Williams

T

here was high drama in the High Court on Thursday as Justice Franklin Holder walked off the bench, leaving an uncertain outcome in the substantive legal case in front of him, following a fiery exchange and alleged implicit death threats from the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams.

The imbroglio was prompted by a cross-examination regarding the conflicting stories submitted in affidavits by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and trade unionist Carvil Duncan about

the tribunal which was es- Service and Judicial Service held in London, England later that year. tablished to determine his re- Commissions.

But a conflict of facts In order to resolve this moval from several constitutional posts. has arisen in the various af- conflict in the affidavits, As the cross-examina- fidavits filed as the Prime Justice Holder ordered the tion was coming to an end, a Minister contends that his persons who swore the affidafrustrated Williams accused office served Duncan with a vits be cross-examined.

Commenting on the the Judge of not accurately letter dated March 29, 2016, recording the evidence, and which was received at the Attorney General’s outbursts, Justice Holder took umbrage Public Service Commission his predecessor, Attorney to the accusation. on April 14, 2016, calling Anil Nandlall asserted that An angry Williams in a upon Duncan to show cause such a conduct in the face of the court loud tone of voice repeated the acis contumacious cusation, and the “the last Magistrate who did that to me was later contempt Judge again admonished him found dead… and I am saying so… that the last and must be conabout the accusaMagistrate who did this to me was found dead”. demned tion and about his tone of voice. in the strongest But Williams then blurted out loudly, “the within 14 days why he should possible fashion. He said comlast Magistrate who did that not be removed from the ing from the Head of the Bar, to me was later found dead… aforesaid positions. it compounds the travesty.

Duncan and his “Such exhibitions of crass and I am saying so… that the last Magistrate who did this Confidential Secretary in disrespect for members of the to me was found dead”. their affidavits swore that Judiciary by the Attorney Williams’ remarks no such letter was ever re- General, unfortunately, are prompted the Judge to walk ceived at the Public Service not isolated incidents, but are off the bench, without ad- Commission. They both con- becoming a pattern. No Judge tend that indeed a letter should be subject to this type journing the matter.

The legal challenge filed from the Prime Minister’s of assault. It is a fundamenby Duncan against the at- office was received on April tal principle of justice that tempt to remove him as 14, 2016, but that letter, ad- Judges must be permitted to Chairman of the Public dressed to Duncan, informed function in an environment Service Commission, and him of a Public Service that is free from intimidation, as a member of the Police Conference which was to be abuse and threats,” Nandlall

stated.

Justice Holder, in October 2016, suspended the work of the presidential tribunal following an injunction, which was filed by Nandlall. At that time, Nandlall had argued that the tribunal was an unlawful and unconstitutional course of action, since Duncan at the time was not found guilty of the charges.

However, President David Granger had suspended Duncan from several constitutional posts, which included being a member of the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

Subsequently, city Magistrate Leron Daly dismissed one of the charges against Duncan. Duncan was facing a charge which stated that on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown, he stole $984,900, property of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Duncan still faces a conspiracy charge which stated that between May 7 and

Carvil Duncan

May 8, 2015, he conspired with then Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of GPL, Aeshwar Deonarine to steal $27,757,547, property of the power company.

Duncan had also alleged that he was offered money by both the President and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to vacate his offices, a claim which the Government had denied.

Owing to the circumstances, it is unclear when the High Court case will continue.

Family of dead 4-yearCommunities Minister revokes Linden Town Clerk’s appointment old demands justice

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

C

ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan has taken a decision to revoke the appointment of embattled Linden Town Clerk Jonellor Bowen, effective March 23, 2017.

A letter from the Communities Ministry on Thursday stated that the Minister in his deliberative judgment had taken a decision to revoke Bowen’s appointment, effective immediately.

No reason was stated in the letter. “Bowen was served with a letter of revocation which cites Sections 118 (1) and 326 (4) of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.”

She was appointed on June 28, 2012 by former Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Norman Whittaker.

Her employment became effective on July 3, 2012.

The Communities Ministry wishes to “thank Ms Bowen for her service and wish her the best in her future endeavours”, the brief letter stated.

When contacted by this publication on Thursday, Bowen would only say that she would be seeking advice on the way forward.

A copy of the letter which was served to Bowen by the Ministry was seen by this publication. Apart from the revocation order, it stated that

Bowen was further informed to make arrangements for an orderly and accurate handover of all assets, keys and documents pertaining to the administration and the Council to the Deputy Town Clerk of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

Following months of being on administrative leave, Bowen had resumed duties within the municipality on March 1. Councillors of the municipality had passed a no-confidence motion against her on July 27, 2016 and she was sent on administrative leave in October, following a Commission of Inquiry into alleged wrongdoings within the Council. Through her lawyer, Bowen had challenged Mayor Carwyn Holland’s authority to send her on administrative leave.

The Commission of Inquiry, which later released its findings, had found that the motion brought against the Town Clerk was "in contravention with the procedures set out in Section 8 of Chapter 28:01 of the Municipal and District Councils Act of the Laws of Guyana and was also in contravention of the Standing Order rules under Section 9.

Permanent Secretary (PS) within the Ministry of Communities Emil McGarrell had written to the Council in a letter dated January 26, 2017 advising that Bowen be reinstated. McGarrell noted in the letter that arising from the findings of the Inquiry, the Ministry was not in a position to endorse the no-confidence motion as it currently stood, owing to its procedural irregularities.

Resumption of duties He further advised that Bowen should be called upon to resume her functions as Town Clerk forthwith, and

As a professional though, I do not agree with some statements and conclusions of the findings; however, I will not participate in any political spin doctoring or grandstanding. My integrity speaks for itself… I intend to fulfil my duties as Town Clerk without fear, favour, ill will or malice and will be guided by the law and my job description,” Bowen stated in the release.

Linden Town Clerk Jonellor Bowen

should the Council find that there is a continued lack of confidence in the Town Clerk’s performance thereafter, that it should take the necessary steps to familiarise itself with the proper procedure to be followed for making a no-confidence motion and proceed accordingly.

This newspaper understands that the decision to reinstate Bowen did not find favour with some Councillors of the municipality. Nevertheless, the Council made a decision that she would resume duties on March 1 to facilitate a smooth transition. Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian had accused the PS of creating confusion in the Region with regard to the decision, and had indicated that he would write to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon regarding the issue.

Bowen had released a press statement in relation to the entire ordeal, mere hours before her revocation, in which she stated, among other things, that there were procedural irregularities with reference to the “No Confidence Motion”.

“The majority of the allegations put forward by the Mayor and Councillors were not even addressed in the findings…

Reasons Meanwhile, in a comment on Thursday, Minister Bulkan described Bowen as an “equivalent of a Carol Sooba”, who was “sent” by former Minister Whittaker and “her time has run out”. He said he went against the recommendations of the investigative Committee to transfer Bowen, since he did not have the option of transferring her, owing to the fact that she was only employed at the Linden location. The Minister said he gave Bowen an opportunity to redeem herself by reinstating her, but she did not justify the faith which he placed in her to seek to rehabilitate herself.

Instead, the Minister noted that Bowen sought to intensify her actions and her uncooperative conduct.

“I’ve been able to satisfy myself that Miss Bowen’s actions were disruptive, divisive and disrespectful to the Mayor and to the Council. In addition, she lacks an understanding of her role…based on a letter that she herself wrote to me…about two weeks ago, complaining or seeking to complain about the actions of the Mayor, it establishes to me that she sees herself as an equal to the Council. So, I am satisfied that she lacks a fundamental misunderstanding of her role, which is to basically be a servant of the Council,” the Minister said.

A

large crowd on Wednesday afternoon turned out at Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo calling for justice for four-year-old Ramkarran Mohan, who was killed by a female driver, who was yet to be prosecuted.

The grieving family members staged a protest since the female driver who struck down the lad was subsequently released on $20,000 station bail and was yet to make an appearance before a Magistrate.

The woman is said to be the daughter of a high-ranking official in the justice system. As such, she reportedly

pathise with my family. She is even saying that her father works under the president and she is untouchable so we all calling for justice here,” Khan alleged.

The mother of the now dead child is also calling out for justice for her son.

“I need justice; I don’t want any money, she dragged my baby like a dog and if that boy did not run in front of her car, she would’ve never stopped! I just need justice for my son…I need justice!” the mother cried.

The lad, of Lot 1088 Tuschen New Housing Scheme, was returning home in the company of his brother

The large crowd that gathered to protest for justice for the child

claims that she is untouchable. Family members are also claiming that the investigating officer is giving them the royal runaround whenever they attempt to enquire about the case.

As such, the dead child’s mother, father, grandmother and other relatives and friends are calling for justice to be served and vowed to keep on protesting until such time.

Mohan’s grandmother, Bibi Nazoom Khan again sounded her plea for justice, stating that her family has been met with injustice.

“I am calling for justice because this female driver hit my grandson and drag him and she paid no attention or is paying no interest; they did not even come and sym-

and uncle when he met his demise on Tuesday last.

Reports are that the child and others went to purchase a ball around 11:00h when the accident occurred. After the child was struck, the woman driver, who was allegedly unlicensed, was reportedly unaware that she had hit the lad and stopped several feet away after the child’s uncle ran in front of the vehicle.

The injured child was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Meanwhile, when contacted, D Division (West Demerara) Commander Leslie James related that the case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

friDAY, march 24, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

Pharmagen denies giving IPA permission to import narcotics

P

h a r m a g e n International Inc has denied giving permission to the International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) to import narcotic drugs on its behalf.

Pharmagen told Guyana Times that it has held and maintained the licence to import narcotics in Guyana for the last 26 years.

“We are fully stocked and have the ability to supply any quantity that is required by Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) or any other licensed customer,” the company explained.

Pharmagen noted that it has built a reputation as a reliable and ethical supplier to hospitals, doctors and pharmacies, and has earned the privilege of being allowed to uphold and maintain its licence with the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) to import narcotics in Guyana.

“Under no circumstance was IPA given the permission to import under a Pharmagen International licence. Further, we have

no intention of giving permission to IPA or any other distributor to import under our established licence,” the company said.

IPA insiders had told Guyana Times that the company was not registered to import those categories of drugs and was, therefore, denied a licence by the Food and Drug Department on that basis.

This newspaper understands that an overseas supplier that is registered to market its products in Guyana had sourced IPA to sell the narcotic drugs locally through a market authorisation certificate.

However, IPA was denied the licence to import the narcotic drug nonetheless.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has revealed that in 2016 and 2017, several firms were awarded contracts to supply pharmaceuticals to the health sector but failed to deliver. This resulted in shortages that led to her authorising an “emergency’ contract for $650 million to ANSA McAL.

IPA was one of those companies that failed to supply all of the drugs it was awarded because it was not qualified to import some specialised pharmaceuticals.

In January 2016, IPA, which is owned by Alliance For Change (AFC) funder Lloyd Singh, was awarded two contracts to supply the Georgetown Public Hospital with pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. On one of the contracts for $36.5 million, the company only delivered 80 per cent of the pharmaceuticals, because it was not qualified to supply the remainder.

The remaining 20 per cent consisted of narcotics, including morphine, which required special certification for importation.

After being denied the licence, IPA had to inform the authorities of its inability to supply the remainder of the drugs and settle the difference, which amounted to some $5.5 million. This was an object lesson as to why the prequalification of suppliers based on objective criteria estab-

lished by the World Health Organisation-World Bank had been established by the previous Administration.

This was jettisoned by the A Partnership for National Unity/AFC coalition Government.

Minister Lawrence has complained of practices where contracts were being awarded to suppliers unable to supply the drugs, thus re-

Government will ensure that it does not water the hard-earned taxpayers’ dollars on enriching the pockets of the undeserving.”

The Public Health Ministry claimed to have received support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a new standard for “an open, competitive bidding system”. A

sulting in drug shortage crises across the country.

During the budget debate in February 2016, Dr Karen Cummings, the Government’s point-person on health, alluded to the cancellation of the prequalification-based contract with the NEW GPC in October 2015, and said, “Mr Speaker, open, competitive bidding is on the horizon… This APNU/AFC

bidding document to this effect has been approved by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, following which a pre-bid meeting with all potential bidders was held on December 16, 2015.

However, the $700 million which was allocated the following January appeared to have been given to selected suppliers, who did not deliv-

er and who the Minister refuses to identify.

Both Lawrence and her predecessor, Dr George Norton, had admitted that the shortage of drugs across the country was as a result of the changes implemented

by Government to the drug procurement system.

“Some of these pharmaceuticals were overdue by as much as six months, which exacerbated the drug shortage at the hospital. These are the same suppliers who, before May 2015, were given the opportunity under the Granger Administration to become suppliers of pharmaceuticals to the public healthcare sector,” she said.

But the prequalification system which was scrapped by this Government had guaranteed that reputable contractors were supplying the nation’s health sector with the requisite quantity and quality of drugs. When the prequalification system was in place, the health sector was not prone to constant shortages of drugs, which put the lives of patients at risk.

GECOM Chairmanship

Jagdeo to proceed with second list despite legal action

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo will proceed to submit his second list of nominees for the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) although a local businessman has moved to the courts to challenge the constitutionality of President David Granger’s rejection of the first batch of candidates.

Jagdeo told reporters during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday that he welcomed the legal proceedings and hoped they were treated as expeditiously as other court matters which Government had proclaimed were of national interest.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been deeply concerned about Government’s influence on the judiciary to fasttrack certain cases which it claimed were of national importance.

“I hope that the courts will treat this issue as expeditiously as they treated other matters when the Government claimed national interest was at stake,” Jagdeo, the PPP General Secretary, stated.

Businessman Marcel Gaskin, the brother of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, who is the sonin-law of the President, wants the court to determine whether Jagdeo’s list of nominees was indeed not “fit and proper” as declared

by Granger.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo remarked that had anyone else filed the legal proceedings, persons would have cried that the move was politically motivated.

“I suspect if the person was someone else, they would say PPP put him up to it,” he stated.

The Opposition Leader has long supported moving to the courts to seek an interpretation of the Constitution of Guyana in light of the difference of opinions regarding the appointment of a GECOM Chairman.

Granger has maintained that the list of nominees must include a judge, a retired judge or a person qualified to be a judge. But Jagdeo has argued that the nominees do not have to be judge-type persons, as the Constitution makes provi-

sion for another group of persons under the category of “fit and proper”.

Former GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally is not a judge-type person and neither were most of the past chairpersons.

Granger, who is a longstanding member of the People’s National Congress, had accepted the nomination to serve as GECOM Chairman several years ago.

Jagdeo had nominated Attorney Christopher Ram, conflict resolution specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh, retired Major General Norman Mc Lean, business executive Ramesh Dookhoo, Indian rights activist Rhyaan Shah and History Professor James Rose.

The search for a new GECOM Chairman has been a rollercoaster ride given the

different interpretations of the Opposition Leader and the President on the relevant section of the Constitution of Guyana which outlines the selection process.

Following weeks of impasse, Jagdeo finally agreed to return to the drawing board and submit a new list of nominees. However, the civil society groups which he has consulted with for recommendations for the post are finding it difficult to identify suitable persons in accordance to the President’s criteria.

His conditions disqualify any type of activists and persons affiliated with political parties to be nominated for the post. “The President would have failed based on the criteria, because he was a member of the PNC when he was nominated,” Jagdeo observed.

The Opposition Leader said he has since raised these concerns with the Head of State via correspondence dispatched on March 22. Nonetheless, the political leader said he was committed to submitting a fresh list of nominees.

Jagdeo said he hoped President Granger did not reject the second list of nominees as the pool of suitable persons would get smaller and it would become more difficult to identify individuals for the post.

Moreover, Jagdeo maintained that if the President moved to unilaterally appoint a GECOM Chairman,

then such action would be illegal and could be challenged in the courts.

Meanwhile, the case filed

by Gaskin comes up before

acting Chief Justice Roxane George next week. The respondents are Attorney General Basil Williams and the Opposition Leader.

Govt says GMSA...

“The aggregate working balance at the bank cambios was US$13.7 million at the end of business on the 17th March, 2017. One bank accounted for 32.8 per cent or US$4.5 million of the total working balance,” the BoG said in a statement.

Further, the bank stated that demand at the end of the week was some US$8.0 million, with two banks accounting for the bulk of that demand. With this in mind, the BoG advised businesses against depending solely on one bank, but to rather pursue other banks to meet their demands for foreign currency at a competitive rate.

Meanwhile, the BoG also reported that there has been hoarding of foreign currency by exporters, as evidenced by the large foreign currency balances that are being held in their exporters’ retention accounts. It said instead of using these balances to complete their transactions, they have been sourcing foreign currency in the market.

“This has added further pressure on the demand for foreign currency and reduced the supply to the market.

Both of these factors have contributed to the instability and depreciation of the rate,”

from page 9

the bank stated.

The bank reiterated that there is sufficient foreign currency in the market to meet legitimate demand, continuing that the patience and cooperation of stakeholders are needed, to ensure that there is no undue speculation and further deterioration in the rate.

The GMSA in a public statement on Wednesday estimated that the real exchange rate when available being used for the purchase of foreign exchange is $230 for the replacement of imported inputs into the sectors. It said it considered the issues affecting the manufacturing sector, including the reported deteriorating rate of the Guyana dollar and dire impacts it will have on business and employment.

As a result, the GMSA is encouraging all of the sectors to implement cost cutting exercises and have noted that some entities have started to rationalise employment.

The GMSA has also called on Finance Minister Winston Jordan to urgently hold Broad consultations on the matter and warned that failure to arrest the situation will result in devastating consequences.

16 News

friDAY, march 24, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Work to commence John Fernandes Ltd on Ogle/Diamond hosts port security drill bypass road ... once project consultant appointed – Indian High Commissioner

Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam

W

ork on the US$50M bypass road from Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara is expected to get underway once the services of a Project Monitoring Consultant (PMC) have been procured.

Indian High Commissioner, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, during a press conference held at his office on Thursday, made this disclosure.

Export-Import Bank of India, which is providing the loan, had made provision for a consultant in its loan agreement. “We have signed an LoC (Letter of Credit) with Guyana for the $50M road project between Ogle and Diamond. We are in the process of identifying the project monitoring consultancy agency; and then, once that is done, there will be a probing of tender and then the road will be built,” the High Commissioner explained.

“The timeframe to appoint a PMC should be in a few months. Companies from India have already applied,” the High Commissioner said.

Mahalingam noted there had been optimism that work would get underway before

the end of 2017.

It is understood that the loan agreement stipulates that the contractor must come from India. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had previously provided assurances that the agreement would allow for the creation of local jobs. He had stated that it would also see services being provided by locals in areas ranging from sub-contracting for the building of the road to providing labour.

At present, there is only one major thoroughfare connecting the East Bank Demerara to Georgetown. During peak periods, commuters find themselves in massive traffic congestion on the East Bank Demerara road.

The new roadway would also complement communities on the East Bank of Demerara, including Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, Peter’s Hall and the North/South Ruimveldt communities. It is also expected that the bypass, conventionalized under the previous Administration, would provide an ease in the city, as commuters can use the bypass to navigate the outer limits of the city, reducing travel time and avoiding the traffic jams.

Pumps

Mahalingam has also spoken of a US$4M agreement administered under the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Agency (NDIA) to provide mobile pumps. “In February, Guyana and India signed an agreement for US$4M to buy mobile pumps. And companies have already (displayed interest) in participating in this tender. Once they do that, it will be the same (process of putting out) the tender, and the process will take some time. Once the tender process is completed, and depending on who’s selected, the company will supply the pumps,” he said.

Ocean-going ferry

He noted that there is also collaboration between the two governments for the provision of an ocean-going ferry. “The LOC has been signed. That is for US$18M -- US$10M for the LoC and US$8M as a grant. Exim bank is looking at it,” Mahalingam explained.

GPHC cannot investigate...

from page 7

“If there is a crisis at the GPHC, it is not for the Minister to intervene, it is the Board.

So if this is not an act of corruption, I call on the Chairman of the Board to make available the minutes of the meeting where this was disclosed to them and what was disclosed to them to act in remedying the emergency situation.”

That same day, Minister Lawrence meeting with the media during a live press conference, reported that an investigation had been launched into the awarding of the contract to ANSA McAL. She however shied away from answering some of the pertinent questions in relation to the controversial matter by claiming that the information would be provided in the report following the investigation.

In defending herself, the Minister said she wrote a letter to the newly-installed Board of the Georgetown Hospital ordering an investigation into the matter in light of the storm created on the issue by the media.

The investigation will seek to determine if or how the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) was involved in the process, how the shortlisted companies were evaluated, if all the drugs were supplied by ANSA McAL on time, among other aspects.

Although ANSA McAL was awarded the contract in order to fast-track the supply of

drugs, the Minister confirmed that not all of the drugs were delivered.

When asked, she disclosed that only a “large quantity” was delivered.

Meanwhile, other investigations have been launched into instances of delinquent suppliers.

Earlier this month, the media broke the story about the management of the Georgetown Public Hospital deliberating creating an emergency situation in order to sole-source drugs from its preferred supplier. Within the last four months, the Public Hospital has cancelled or delayed four of its five public tenders, thereby creating a situation wherein there was a massive shortage of pharmaceuticals. In a letter dated February 28, 2017, GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Johnson thanked the Public Health Minister for authorising the procurement of medical supplies from ANSA McAL to the tune of $605,962,200, even though local firms could have supplied the same quantity and quality of drugs at better prices.

Questions are now being raised regarding why local firms which could have supplied the pharmaceuticals at cheaper prices had been sidelined. It raises the issue of motive and possible corruption, which is reminiscent of the earlier decision to rent an at the time non-existent pharma warehouse.

Police ranks preparing to transport the captured bandits during the staged exercise at the John Fernandes Ltd Wharf on Thursday morning

I

n efforts to boost security capacity, John Fernandes Limited on Thursday morning held its annual port security exercise with a staged robbery and hostage situation.

The live exercise “Snapper 3 – 2017” was designed to test the company’s port security staff, officers of the Joint Services (Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Fire Service), the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Customs, the Public Health Ministry and MMC Security Services in port facility emergency response.

The exercise commenced sometime around 09:05h, when four men armed with AK 47 rifles landed on the northern end of the John Fernandes Limited Wharf Complex via the Demerara River and held the guard along with several labourers hostage.

They then proceeded to open a sealed container and removed several bags containing over $6 million in cash.

Information of the crime was passed via radio from the wharf’s northern gate to the main security hut

and the alarm system went off, causing employees to evacuate the buildings as per protocol.

In the meantime, Police arrived on scene and after strategising for about 15 minutes, they stormed onto the wharf and confronted the bandits who were holding the employees hostage in an empty container.

During the staged exercise, the Police were able to free the hostages and detain the four gunmen along with two accomplices; one of whom was an employee acting as the “sweeper” and was armed with a .38 Special Revolver. They also managed to retrieve the stolen money.

The Police ranks who participated in the drill exercise were from the Impact Alpha.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Head of Security at John Fernandes Limited, Philip Fernandes, in brief remarks explained that the exercise is being held to identify areas of weakness and improve of them. He believes that with continuous practice, then persons would know how to properly act in cases of emergencies.

“The idea of talking about emergencies and

talking about contingency plans as oppose to going through a physical example like today and doing it is chopping the cheese. So what we did today, I think, was very effective, very important and no doubt will serve us all very well in the future,” the Fernandes.

Following the exercise, a de-briefing session was held where the security officials and law enforcement highlighted deficiencies in the operation and discuss ways improve on them.

During the discussions, concerns were raised of the lack of Police directions to staff during the crimes.

Persons also spoke about response of the Police Force, noting that when the rank arrived most of them were not adequately attired in the proper security gears.

Moreover, while the evacuation process was lauded, an officer from the Guyana Fire Service observed that workers were using the main entrance as opposed to emergency exit.

He also raised concerns of public security since persons were seen gathering around to witness and not being keep at a safe distance in the event of rounds being discharged.

“Biggy” denies rape, robbery allegations

C

Rape and robbery accused: Carlos Wesley Payne, called “Biggy”

arlos Wesley Payne, called “Biggy”, took the stand on Thursday where he denied that he carried out a rape while executing a robbery at the Wismar Hospital, Linden on September 11, 2008. The accused was unrepresented when he took the stand before a 12-member jury and presiding Judge, Justice Navindra Singh.

According to the prosecution’s case, Payne snuck and forced his way into the Hospital in the wee hours of the morning, ordering three nurses to hand over jewellery, cellphones and other belongings. The State also contends that Payne then took the nurses to the back of the hospital to lie down before he reportedly raped

one of the nurses.

In the moments prior to his case being heard on Wednesday at the Demerara High Court, Payne had ordered Police ranks outside his holding cell to give him a bottle of Mackeson; a milk stout alcoholic beverage. The rape and robbery accused was heard telling ranks that he needed to cool his head.

He had also complained of the amount of time he has spent behind bars. Payne was charged some six days after allegedly committing the acts in 2008.

In the coming days, the trial Judge will sum up the case before the jury can deliberate on whether or not the accused is innocent or guilty.

guyanatimesgy.com

C

friday, march 24, 2017

anticipated ‘Inspire You’ event, in the Savannah Suite at 17:00h.

‘Inspire You’ invokes an atmosphere of enlightenment and motivational lectures from very successful and inspiring women who have dedicated their life’s work to helping other women achieve and realise their dreams.

Speakers include Anna McCoy, Executive Coach; Dr Linda Wallace, Empowerment Specialist; and Sherry Ann Dixon, Journalist and Lecturer. Social Protection Minister Amna Alli will give the feature address at the official opening and ribbon cutting of the weekend’s activities.

ome this weekend, the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development will host the second annual Women in Business Expo, at the Pegasus Hotel. The event is slated for Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 commencing at 10:00h on both days and will run until 20:00h.

Over 50 small-scale and seasoned businesswomen will gather to showcase their products, services and skills in what is slated to be the largest trade expo for Women in Guyana’s history.

Exhibitors from all walks of life, ranging from real estate brokerage, cleaning services and event planners to fashion designers will be on showcase.

These exhibitors hail from Georgetown, Berbice, Linden, Bartica and even as far as the hinterland region, and are committed to offering the very best of what they produce.

As part of the observances for International Women’s Day 2017, the Expo was extended to include three separate forums – technology, business and health.

These forums were designed to assist these exhibitors and other interested young and small businesswomen to learn and develop their skills in an effort to grow and improve their businesses.

Included in the weekend activities is the hugely

– the stage show set for May 3 @ Sports Hall

G

EMS Theatre Productions in collaboration with The National School of Theatre Arts and Drama will be presenting one of Shakespeare’s most outstanding plays, “Julius Caesar” for secondary school children, especially those writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

Written in 1599 but not published until after he died in 1616, Julius Caesar is considered to be his greatest tragedy when compared to King Lear, Othello and Macbeth. The play is very relevant today. It is being studied in the classroom for English Literature for the final term.

The Education Ministry, through the Allied Arts Department, has giv-

en its approval for this presentation. This stage production will serve as a refresher for those students before their final exams on May 12.

Fourth and Fifth Form students are also encouraged to attend the show, if they are studying Literature or Theatre Arts.

Attending a Shakespearean production will be a memorable experience for students.

The young and energetic Director, Subraj Singh, is handling the Arena-style setting for the play with great skill, employing theatre in the round techniques with no blackouts during scene changes.

The action moves from one setting to the other, with much efficiency, utilising the large space available at the Sports Hall. The theatrical presentation will be staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on May 3, commencing at 10:00h. Admission is $500.

However, the public is welcome to attend at a cost of $1000. The show will feature some of the best in the theatrical business such as Mark LukeEdwards, Nickose Layne, Clinton Duncan, Nurriyyih Gerrard, Nirmala Narine, Jamohl Alexander, Paul Budnah and Randolph Critchlow among others.

For tickets, persons are asked to contact the organisers on 226-0240, 225-3557, 617-0244 and 629-9895, or check with the National Cultural Centre’s box office.

18

T

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, march 24, 2017

o commemorate the centenary of the abolition of the Indian indentureship programme, the Arts Forum and Guyana Indian Indentureship Abolition Association (GIIAA) will host an exhibition of the work of several Indian Guyanese artists at the National Library, Georgetown, commencing

on Tuesday, March 28, and will culminate on Saturday, April 1.

The exhibition which is titled “Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey”, will see exhibits from participants including nationally and regionally acclaimed artist Bernadette Persaud along with well-known national artists Philbert Gajadhar and Michael Khan.

Another recognised artist, Betsy Karim, will present among other pieces, installation costumes that pay tribute to the Hindu gods Ganesha, Shiva and Durga.

These will be presented by models at the formal opening on March 28 at 17:00h. Emerging artist Darshani Kistama will also be showcasing fabric art

F

or some, Sari draping can be an are spent on doing so, the draping find the draping challenging, some readymade wrapped saris to ease the However, after taking into sari, a two-day event is planned to assist The two-day affair is billed for March Demonstration and Exhibition. The event in light of the 100th anniversary of the The two-day affair will be held at Lamaha Street, Georgetown. Apart from pieces on sale. Whether for a wedding, a of Indian garment can be found at the The sari draping demo starts at 15:00h 11:00h and ends at 20:00h. Admission to

W

Philbert Gajadhar

in a Rajput sari along with more traditional canvas pieces done in acrylic and water colour.

Two other newcomers – Brian Tamkund and Ramroop Mahase – will be exhibiting some of their pieces for the first time in a national

Bernadette Persaud

art exhibition. Petamber Persaud will also showcase a display of books written by and about Indian Guyanese.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge. Schools that wish to bring study groups to the

Michael Khan

exhibition can call 220-3337 to make arrangements.

Meanwhile, the exhibition will continue at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House, from April 11 until May 6.

exhausting job and although several hours is not done to perfection. To help those who Indian garment stores have begun importing confusion of the draping. consideration the challenges in draping a persons in overcoming this challenge.

25-26 and is referred to as a Sari Draping is organised by the India High Commission abolition of Indian indentureship.

Kalyan Centre and Shopping Plaza, Lot 162 the demonstration, there will be several Hindu function or a gala event, the ideal piece exhibition. on both days but the exhibition starts at the event is absolutely free.

Tassa Group taking drumming to another level

hat is known in today’s world as Tassa drumming is widespread in India, but got its origins in Trinidad and Tobago. A uniquely Indo-Trinidadian form, Tassa drumming invites exploration of how the distinctive nature of the Indian Diaspora and its relationship to its ancestral homeland influenced Indo-Caribbean music culture. It represents survivals, departures, or innovative elaborations of transplanted music forms.

I n Guyana, Tassa drumming is primarily associated with Indian weddings and political rallies and is mostly enjoyed by the older folks.

Over the years, Tassa drumming has evolved from the traditional tempo to a more contemporary style of drumming. Guyana has several of these groups, particularly in rural areas, with just a few in urban areas. To be a member of one of these groups, one has to be committed, dedicated and at the same time, versatile in their presentation.

One such group that portrays the aforementioned characteristics is the “Feel The Beat” Tassa Group out of Stewartville Housing Scheme, on the West Coast of Demerara.

The group comprises five members, namely Ravin Baleshar, Hamesh Baleshar, Daniel Deonarine, Adrain John and Arvinda Roopram. It was formed five years ago and has been creating quite a buzz on the West Coast of Demerara. The members started to play the drums at their respective Mandirs after developing a liking for the rhythm, and decided to form the Tassa group, which presents a totally different form of drumming as opposed to what is normally played in places of worship. It took them quite some time to be ready to participate in outdoor events – this meant practicing for more than five hours on a daily basis. As the group realised their potential to master the art form, they spread their wings and are now dubbed one of the best young groups in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara). The group has performed at weddings, Mandirs, cultural shows and national events at the Guyana National Stadium, and well as programmes organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic

Sabah and the recently organsied Phagwah Mela by Inspired Inc. Its members feel a sense of pride as they keep their Indian culture alive by playing the drums.

The group’s aspiration one day is to become one of the best in Guyana. The group has already been making inroads in achieving this goal. The “Feel The Beat” Tassa Group participated in the last Tassa drumming competition that was held at the Buddy’s Night Club where they were adjudged the second best.

In addition, the group is optimistic in offering classes to the younger generation in the near future while at the same time, taking their individual potential to another level.

The members of the group are ready to travel out of their comfort zone to make new friends and meet new people in various villages.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

I

t is this time of the year once again when GEM, Guyana’s premier lifestyle magazine and the baby diaper brand ‘Pampers’ will embark on a journey to find Guyana’s cutest baby for 2017.

The annual Cutest Baby Photo Contest which is in its fourth year has become one of the most anticipated events for parents, relatives and friends of babies 18 months of age or younger.

The contest which commenced in 2014, has grown tremendously, since the requirements

to participate are minimal and the Facebook phase garners much attention.

To be eligible, the child must be a resident of Guyana and be present if they are among the top 10 finalists collecting prizes. This year is a little different since two picture submissions are required.

The first prize is a cover appearance on GEM Magazine, including a six-month supply of Pampers diapers. All 10 finalists

will be featured in the magazine and receive a beautiful hamper full of goodies, compliments of Pampers.

Interested parents or guardians should submit two high quality photos (one for the competition and one with the baby posing with any Pampers product) along with the following information: baby’s full name, nickname, birth date, gender, birth weight, favourite toy, favourite baby food, parents’ names, Godparents’ names, and contact information, to baby@gemmagonline.com.

Finalists will be chosen based on poise, quality of pict u r e , c o m pleteness of the required information and the most ‘LIKES’ from the Facebook phase of the contest. Each child will be judged by a closed panel of judges comprising representatives from the sponsors.

The submission deadline is midnight on Friday, April 7, 2017. For more information on the contest rules, terms and conditions, please send an enquiry email to baby@gemmagonline.com and keep checking the media and Facebook for updates.

be o t s e s i m o r p y t r a ept p

19

epic

conc

C

ome Saturday evening, the South View Tavern in South Ruimveldt is the place to be for the first-ever “We Are Going Live” concept party. All preparations are in place for one epic party that will run into the morning.

The party is about promoting people to take their “selfies” and “go live” and not be afraid or be ashamed to post them on social media. This will be the opportune time also for those who have never taken a selfie since the atmosphere will be right.

In addition, for those who have never been to the venue, this proves to be the best opportunity since they can explore and party at the same time. Drinks specials will be the order of the night and the promoters Quest International alongside SVT will make sure drinks are sold at a reasonable price.

However, making sure that those who turn up at the event have a grand time, DJ Denzil and Selector Dribbler will be in the house to run the right vibes so that the dance floor will at all times be packed.

Admission will cost $1000 and from all indications, the tickets are going like hotcakes. The action starts at 18:00h with several surprises during the evening.

There should be no reason to miss this event.

RAMKELLAWAN

A O

n Saturday evening, the 704 Lounge will yet again be buzzing with activities as one of the hottest parties is ready to invade the premises. The event is titled “Soca/ Dancehall Colour Party” and will reveal the status of the patrons. Those who categorise themselves as “wotless with secrets” are urged to wear pink; those who are “taken” can wear yellow; if you are “independent and stress free”, patrons are asked to wear red; those who are “single” are

encouraged to dress in black and finally if you are “looking out”, wear white.

The event is promoted by Team Unstoppable in collaboration with Ex-Entertainment. Music will be provided by Unity Family, Deejay Shizzle, Royalti Vybez, Mix Master Tony and G-Rich. Ladies will be admitted free before 23:00h.

Admission however, is $2000. Doors open at 21:00h and the action will commence later.

ll roads will lead to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, and the Rose Hall Canje Ground, Berbice, for the return of “Music of the World” this weekend. The first of the two shows will be held on Saturday and the second on Sunday evening.

The artistes have begun to arrive and all plans are moving apace to hold the two mega events that are expected to be explosive. The event is promoted by Fire Fest Productions after a threeyear hiatus.

The star-studded line-up for the concert will feature Indian comedian Johnny Lever; young Bollywood singing sensation Kumar Nihar; DelE-Nadan’s Rennie Ramnarine; Trinidad’s chutney

star Avinash Maharaj; “De Showstopper”, Raymond Ramnarine; Bollywood playback singer Satnarine Ragoo; Trinidad’s melody queen Savita Singh and Guyana’s own Mahendra Ramkellawan.

In addition to the cast, the Fire Fest Band, Shakti Strings Orchestra, Asha G and Fire Fest Dancers and Del-E-nadan are expected to create quite a stir. WR Reaz and Deejay Sheriff out of Trinidad and Tobago are expected to emcee the concert.

Tickets for the event cost $1500 for general admission and $5000 for those who wish to experience the VIP treatment.

20

friDAY, march 24, 2017

Blairmont Cricket Club receives 13 overseas-based support from corporate society players in Jaguars’ squad for Martinique clashh T

T

he Guyana Football Federation has called up 30 players to the provisional Guyana Senior Men’s National Squad ahead of the international friendly match against Martinique on Tuesday, 28th March in Linden. The squad features 13 players from clubs outside of Guyana, including U.S. Major League Soccer midfielder Warren Creavalle of Philadelphia Union and United Soccer League midfielder Brandon Beresford of Rochester Rhinos.

One player from the Guyana under-17 squad that performed with distinction at this month’s Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique also features in the provisional squad – 16-yearold Milerock goalkeeper Jonathan Copeland.

Wayne Dover has been promoted from Assistant Coach to Interim Head Coach, former national captain Charles Pollard will come on board as Assistant Coach, with Eon DeVeira as Goalkeeper Coach.

“This is a strong, diverse national squad, with a rich mix of home and overseas-based players, and some promising young players,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“We are all looking forward to Tuesday’s clash in Linden, and will be well prepared and ready for the challenge ahead. It is going to be a great opportunity to measure our progress against what is likely to be an impressive Martinique side. We are urging the whole country to get behind the Golden Jaguars.”

The Golden Jaguars will face one of the toughest teams in the Caribbean on 28th March, taking on a Martinique side that is funded and supported by the French Football Federation, preparing for its fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup appearance, and features players that have played in top European leagues.

The Guyana provisional national squad will train in camp to prepare for the fixture before the management team selects a match day squad. The match, scheduled for kick off at 8 p.m. at the MacKenzie Sports Club Ground, brings international football back to Linden for the first time since 2011. Fans are being encouraged to wear yellow to show their support for the Golden Jaguars.

Name 1

Akel Clarke

Position Goalkeeper

Club Central FC

Country Trinidad & Tobago

2

Andrew Durant

Goalkeeper

San Juan Jabloteh FC

Trinidad & Tobago

3

Jonathon Copeland

Goalkeeper

Milerock FC

Guyana

4

Adrian Butters

Defender

York Region Shooters

Canada

5

Christopher Bourne

Defender

Islington Admiral United FC

England

6

Kester Jacobs

Defender Den Amstel FC

Guyana

7

Quincy Adams

Defender

S.V. Nishan 42

Suriname

8

Samuel Cox

Defender

Wealdstone FC

England

9

Solomon Austin

Defender

Fruta Conquerors FC

Guyana

10

Delroy Ferdinand

Defender

Guyana Defence Force FC

Guyana

11

Travis Henry

Defender

Guyana Defence Force FC

Guyana

12

Shamar Smith

Defender

Fruta Conquerors FC

Guyana

13

Brandon Beresford

Midfielder

Rochester Rhinos FC

USA

14

Clive Nobrega

Midfielder

Eagles United FC

Guyana

15

Daniel Wilson

Midfielder

S.V. Nishan 42

Suriname

16

Eusi Phillips

Midfielder

Guyana Defence Force FC

Guyana

17

Kelsey Benjamin

Midfielder

Caledonia AIA FC

Trinidad & Tobago

18

Trayon Bobb

Midfielder

Uitvlugt FC

Guyana

19

Vurlon Mills

Midfielder

San Juan Jabloteh FC

Trinidad & Tobago

20

Warren Creavalle

Midfielder

Philadelphia Union

USA

21

Curtis Kellman

Midfielder

Georgetown FC

Guyana

22

Job Ceasar

Midfielder

Santos FC

Guyana

23

Ryan Hackett

Midfielder Fruta

Conquerors FC

Guyana

24

Shaquille Agard

Forward

Durham United FC

Canada

25

Pernell Schultz

Forward

Fruta Conquerors FC

Guyana

26

Marcel Barrington

Forward

Hendon FC

England

27

Olvis Mitchell

Forward

Guyana Defence Force FC

Guyana

28

Ralph Parris

Forward

Georgetown FC

Guyana

29

Delon Lanferman

Forward

Den Amstel FC

Guyana

30

Eon Alleyne

Forward

Fruta Conquerors FC

Guyana

he Blairmont Cricket Club has received a substantial contribution from Baksh Travel Service, Hand in Hand Insurance Company, and New Building Society.

In the beginning of 2017, executives of this club had name this year “The Year of the Youths”, and had set the first initiative to be ensuring that all youth teams’ players are attired in proper uniform when playing cricket.

Baksh Travel Service has donated 15 sets of uniforms to the Blairmont Under-15 Team, while Bel Air Farm Equipment and Machinery Supplies has donated 15 sets to the Blairmont Under-17 Team, and the Hand in Hand Insurance Company has done

Hand-in-Hand Insurance is also on board with the club

Blairmont CC President Shabeer Baksh collects the NBS sponsorship

similarly for the Under-19 Team.

The New Building Society has, moreover, presented the club with a monetary donation of undisclosed value.

The club president has thanked all sponsors for their investment in the club, and assures that the contribution of every single

donor is beneficial to the youths.

The club will continue to engage its members this year in activities during Easter and summer, and there will be Christmas camps, sporting and educational field trips.

Although the club’s main focus is on maintaining and developing sports, the youths are also educated on topics relevant to society and their roles; for example suicide, peer pressure and behavioural patterns, etc.

There are 52 youngsters under the age of 17 currently in the club.

The club will be hosting its an annual awards ceremony on May 19, 2017. Besides members being awarded for their contributions to the club, outstanding members of society would also be awarded as well.

Conscious of its social responsibility, the club had in former times rendered assistance in the form of health care to schools and unfortunate individuals. The club encourages youths to go to school and partake in plans and events to help in their meaningful occupation, and at the same time benefit the community and country at large.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ football returns to Berbice

- kick-off tonight at New Amsterdam Stelling tarmac

T

he Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Football tournament will make a return to Berbice with matches slated for tonight at the New Amsterdam Stelling tarmac.

This is according to Banks DIH Public Relations Officer Troy Peters, in speaking to this publication on Thursday.

He said 26 teams have registered, but only 16 will make it through to the group stages, after being engaged in the play-off rounds on Thursday night.

Having completed legs in Georgetown and West Demerara/East Bank Zone, the exciting tournament is expected to be featured on the East Coast of Demerara, and Linden after this zone. The Bartica Zone is still in the pipeline, the PRO explained, since, on previous occasions, the organizing body would coordinate the stated teams that play in the National Championships.

The teams will be vying for a first place prize of $400,000 while second to fourth place teams would receive $150,000, $100,000 and $75000 respectively.

The tournament will continue on Saturday, and the grand finals are slated for Sunday.

YELLOW PAGES

sports

fridAY, March 24, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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

Aracari Resort WBD – 264 2946 Alex Wayne Weddings & Anniversaries: Rental or Full Service: Banquet Hall & Catering. Aracari Resort WBD – 264 2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbour Bridge) – All Modern Amenities – Rates from $25. Phone 264 2946-8

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

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

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: 227-3869, 644-7052, 659-3381

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

FOR SALE CLAY ROOF TILES 2500 SQ FT. NO REASONABLE OFFER WILL BE REFUSED. TELEPHONE: 686-7120 MX 2000, 1500, 1000 AMP, 4 BASS, 4 MID, 4 HORNS, 4 TWEETERS, MIXER, JUGGLER CABLES AND 1 JACCUZZI; ALL FOR SALE. CONTACT:253-3070OR654-2732 WATER PUMP TO PUMP WATER INTO RICE FIELDS WITH DRIVE SHAFT AND TWENTY FOOT CANVAS TO CONVEY WATER; CAGE WHEEL FOR JOHN DEERE TRACTOR 5090; STEERING RACK FOR TUNDRA 2000 SERIES; FUEL PUMP FOR TOYOTA HILUX 1 KD – FTV ENGINE; SET OF 6 INJECTORS FOR DAF 6-CYLINDER DIESEL ENGINE. CONTACT: 220-1630, 638-1829.

Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 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.

optician 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.

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com 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.

LAND for sale Plot of land used to cultivate RICE, Plantation Better Hope, Essequibo Coast. Size 33.14 Acres. Tel: 625-1514

property for sale Two storey building. Four bedrooms upstairs, Three downstairs.

Transported property. 27 Austin St. Campbellville. Call: 624-4668 Subryanville Property for Sale.

44 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown. $45m or best offer.

Contact - Mortimer: 625-7669 or Richard: 624-1154 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: 1-347517-7432

back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 652-4444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc.

Call 223-6834/600-7719.

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

FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223-103

VEHICLES FOR SALE

services

FOR SALE! 1 TOYOTA AVENSIS, PRR 825. $2.2M NEGOTIABLE. CALL TROY: 619-2975

TFA Video Production. Video recording of weddings, birthdays, conferences, advertisements, digital photography. Call: 684-2999/624-4668

1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003

Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35

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)

GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

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

Crandon backs West Indies for T20 series against Pakistan

By Ravi Madholall

THREE STOREY 75 FT’X 30 FT BUILDING/BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCESS ST, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654, 225-0605

ONE ACCOUNTS CLERK, EMAIL CV TO info@digitaltechnology.gy or deliver to: Lot 20 Diamond Public Road, E.B.D addressed to ‘The Operations Manager’ - Able to prepare VAT returns, NIS and PAYE submissions (An Asset) - Proficient in the use of QuickBooks and Excel.

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

Kieron Pollard

TO LET

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

Technician – specializes in repairing and servicing to washing machines, pressure pumps, refridgerators, exercising machines, treadmills, stove/ ranges, dryers, ovens, pressure washers, solar systems, water heaters. Tel: 673-9283

Applications are invited for One Evening Tutor for Grade 9 Student.

• Must be a CPCE Graduate or currently attending University of Guyana. • Experienced in Science Subjects. • Two recent references required. Interested persons are advised to send applications to: jobrecruiter7860@gmail.com

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

VACANCY

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

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

WANTED

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30. Contact Tel: 6247341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg.

SALON / SPA

1 - Toyota Vitz. $1 Million Neg. Call: 611-8066

21

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

I

nternational Cricket Council World Cup T20 victor West Indies will square off with Pakistan in the first of four allotted T20 matches to be staged on Sunday at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, and former Guyana and West Indies all-rounder Royston Crandon is expecting the local boys to dish out some big victories.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, the Berbician said he feels that once the Caribbean lads play to their true potential, they should be able to manufacture four victories, particularly on home soil.

“I [am] backing the West Indies Team 100 percent, because I know their capability in this version. The side looks strong and, no doubt, they will be anxious to beat the visitors in all four matches,” the right-handed off-spinner revealed.

According to Crandon, who recently appeared in a solitary One-Day International against hosts South Africa, West Indies should really and truly maximize on home advantage, and not be too complacent against the Pakistanis, who are considered very ferocious in the game’s shortest format. “Obviously, the guys are all pumped up to clash (with opponents of this calibre) at home. Based on what I have seen in T20 cricket, we have got some T20 specialists, and that has given me the confidence of them beating the visitors once we can make full use of home advantage,” Crandon, the younger brother of Guyana Jaguars head coach and ex-Guyana fast-bowler Esaun Crandon, related.

Despite being defeated by hosts Pakistan in the T20 series in Dubai last year, West Indies might start as firm favourites, having sat higher than their opponents on the Rankings. West Indies are ranked number four, while Pakistan is ranked at number 6.

Crandon is convinced that this ranking could be a good morale-booster for the boys in maroon colours.

“We are the T20 World champions, and that should inspire us to do well against Pakistan. They are a good team though, and as I said, once we can execute our plans right and play passionate cricket, then we would cheer at the end of the series,” Crandon, still with the distinction of scoring a List A century on his debut for Guyana against Windward Islands in 2007, mentioned.

Pakistan’s tour of the Caribbean will continue after the completion of the T20 series at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago on April 2.They will be heading to Guyana for the commencement of three One-Day encounters, all slated for the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara on 7th, 9th and 11th April.

Subsequently, the two teams will engage in a threematch Test series, with the first match starting on April 22 at the Sabina Park facility in Jamaica.

Crandon opined that the One-Day and Test series should also be very intriguing because both sides will have some talented players for the longer versions of the game. With pugnacious middle-order batsman Kieron Pollard returning to the set-up after a fallout with Cricket West Indies, Crandon says it will be a tremendous boost for the side, because Pollard is fantastic T20 cricketer.

Russell appeals one-year ban

W

est Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has appealed for the dismissal of a one-year ban issued earlier this year for a doping whereabouts violation.

The 28-year-old T20 star has at the same time called for a Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO) appeal, which seeks to extend his current one-year ban to the maximum two years, to be dismissed. According to reports the cricketer submitted the appeals in two separate filings on March 20 and called for the JADCO appeal against him to be dismissed

as there was no basis for it.

Russell was hit with a oneyear ban in February of this year after being found guilty of negligence in submitting his whereabouts for anti-doping tests on three separate occasions within a 12-month period in 2015.

The cricketer's ban is set to expire on January 30 of next year, but Russell could be out of the game for an additional year if the appeal is successful. The appeal brought against Russell by JADCO is set to be heard by an AntiDoping Appeal Tribunal on the 8th of May.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, march 24, 2017

Banks DIH recommits sponsorship to Petra futsal championship

B

anks DIH, under their GT Beer brand, have recommitted to sponsorship, for the second year, of the Petra-organization Futsal Championship, which is being held at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown.

Already in the group stage format, the championship has thus far seen a massive turnout at all of the playing days, and Co-Director of the Petra Organization, Troy Cadogan, has expressed immense gratitude for the support the company has thus far received and continues to receive over the years.

“Petra organization once again wants to express happiness to have Banks DIH on board with another one of our programmes. We know the relationship (between) our organization and this company goes back years; and even in these trying times, (it is so good to have) Banks DIH on board; (thus this company) must be applauded”, Mendonca stated.

He added that the renewed sponsorship shows that Banks DIH acknowledges its commitment towards society, and discharges its social responsibility to in this respect. Mendonca also contended that the tournament features ward teams and involves persons from the community, and the organization and behaviour of teams reflect

such good manners that Banks DIH is happy to be associated with the tournament.

The Co-Director also applauded the professionalism of the playing teams, as year after year they manage to be part of the tournament, although there is not a structured body to organize them.

Banks DIH Public Relations Officer Troy Peters said the company would continue to diversify its commitment to sports, since it is its way of giving youths an opportunity to engage in positive activities.

He further stated, “(This compa-

ny is) extremely pleased to be teaming up with Petra, because we know the players want something to do positively and we see it fit to support such ventures; and (we) look forward to continued collaboration with Petra organisation.” The winner of the tournament is set to pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively and the correspondingly accolade.

The event will continue at the same venue on Saturday with six more group matches, beginning at 19:30 hrs.

The tournament has been nothing short of exciting action since commencement

Star Party Rentals’ cycling on this Saturday T

Jamaul John

he Annual Star Party Rentals’ 11-race cycling programme will be staged this Saturday at the inner circuit of the National Park at Thomas Lands, Georgetown –a venue that is set to be transformed into the cyclists’ playground.

Now in its fourth staging, this event, organized by National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohammed, is billed to see action from as early as 09:00h.

The familiar categories of races are expected to begin early in the day, w i t h the BMX boys and girls taking centre stage. This would be followed by the Veterans’ Over-50 and Over-60 doing battle, before the feature race, the School boys and Invitational 35-lap Special, is staged. This event is again anticipated to have some thrills.

The last time cycling was held in the National Park, PSL rider Romello Crawford outsprinted the competition to take the crown. This time, a number of promising riders would all be eager to win the coveted title, including Team Coco’s triplet of Hamzah Eastman, Stephano “Sunny” Husbands and Jamaul John; Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega; We Stand United’s Raphael Leung and Andrew Hicks; and Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Shaquel Agard and Silvio Innis.

Linden’s Orville Hinds is the defending champion of the main race, having won last year’s showdown in a time of one hour, 16 minutes, 31.71 seconds.

Leung was the top rider in the Junior/Juvenile category, while Junior Niles took top honours in the Veterans Under-50. Keon Thomas and Jerome Stephens won the Mountain Bikes and 12-14 Boys and Girls categories respectively.

Spectators, fans and representatives from the sponsoring company, including its Managing Director Lennox Cush, a former national cricketer, will be there to witness the action and present the prizes.

Shawn Massiah

D

TSC reaping hardball success using tapeball

edicated Transport Sports Club (TSC) member, player and Coach Shawn Massiah, says it is a work in progress for his side to be among the top competitors in Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) first division competitions.

Presently the club’s second division team is slated to contest two finals; the Noble House Seafood Two Day final which is slated for this weekend against Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda and the New Building Society 40 overs final against Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) set for the following weekend.

In contrast the Thomas Land side have not been as competitive in first division cricket as compared to the standard set in second division cricket over the last five years.

Nevertheless, the coach is aiming to bring his team up to that level whereby it will be a force to reckon with at all levels of cricket in the City. ”We know we are struggling in first division cricket, but becoming more competitive is a work in progress,” said Massiah.

He plans to streamline initiatives to encourage experience and emerging talents to join the club to achieve this goal. “We have talent but I would like to add at least a hostile fast bowler and two experience batsmen as well as some fresh talent to our squad to balance our team composition to make it a more efficient one at the first division level.”

Apart from their outstanding performances in second division cricket, TSC have also seen some success at youth competitions within the last five years, winning the GCA U-15 and U-13 tournament in 2014. Emerging from that period Colin Barlow elevated to play for Guyana U-15 and West Indies U-16 teams while fast bowler Keon Morris represented Guyana Under-19. However, they are presently without the service of Morris, who is in Trinidad playing professional cricket.

Meanwhile, Sunil Singh a productive second division player was rewarded with a place in the Georgetown team for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise League Three Day Competition where he scored two half centuries and ended among the top run getters for his side.

For years the TSC ground have been unsuitable for practice and hosting of matches, so the members mostly practice with tape balls on a tennis court and play all their matches away from home. Nevertheless the club managed three titles across three levels within the last five years and that number could grow by Monday if they win against GNIC this weekend.

Subsequent to the two finals, TSC will play GNIC, University of Guyana and DCC in their remaining Carib T20 matches. Massiah is optimistic that his unit could win against GNIC and UG but it would take an extraordinary effort to beat powerhouse DCC, who are also the reigning champions in the tournament.

Endurance Rental Cup returns tonight G

o-kart enthusiasts will have a chance to witness what is expected to be riveting action this evening, when the monthly Endurance Rental Cup speeds-off from 19:00 hrs at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club ground at Albert Street and Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The event was originally fixed for Wednesday, March 22, but according to the organising body, GT Motorsports, heavy rainfall in the city affected minor rehabilitation works on the track. Once again, each team will comprise three members competing in two categories - the 500lb and 600lb Classes. In both categories, the teams have a maximum of one hour to drive (each driver will compete for 20 minutes), at the end of which the team with the most number of laps recorded will be declared champion.

Team Gizmos and Gadgets/iRide has been ruling the roost in the 500lb Class, winning both monthly events so far this year.

The team of Steven Nobrega, Matthew Phang and John Phang will look to continue its dominance, but would be wary of the challenge of its competitors, who have constantly been looking at ways to improve on their performances.

At the last event in February, the above-named team sped to 87 laps, finishing ahead of Team iCool, which comprises Matthew Vieira, Elliott Vieira and Marcel Proffit; and Team Deryck Auto Spares, which has the likes of Shane Haly, Michael Whitehead and Sachin Ramotar. Team Monster Energy, boasting the likes of Carlos Rodrigues, Kian Jabour and Antonio DaSilva, copped the 600lb Class title at the February race meet, recording a total of 85 laps.

Secure Innovations and Concepts, Auto Fashion, Monster Energy Drink, and Karcher have continued their sponsorship of this event. Admission to the venue is free.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

23

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-day…

Brathwaite, Hope lead Pride’s dominance

T

est batsman Kraigg Brathwaite carved out his 18th first class hundred to surpass 7 000 first class runs as Barbados Pride dominated leaders Guyana Jaguars on the opening day (Thursday) of their eighth-round match of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel Regional 4-day in Barbados.

He was joined by West Indies teammate, Shai Hope, who gathered his fifth First-class hundred as Pride, choosing to bat first at Kensington Oval, ended the day on 293 for two.

Brathwaite struck 143 while Hope entertained with an unbeaten 118, the pair putting on 205 for the second wicket in a partnership that pulled the hosts around from 45 for one after left-hander Anthony Alleyne perished cheaply for eight in the first session.

Playing only his second game of this sea-

Leon Johnson misses a catch off the bat of Kraigg Brathwaite

son’s Regional four-day championship, the 24-yearold Brathwaite immediately made his presence felt.

All told, he struck 17 fours in an innings lasting 236 balls and just over 4-3/4 hour, passing the 7 000-run landmark when he reached 36.

Hope, meanwhile, extended his rich vein of recent form, counting 15 fours and two sixes in a

knock spanning 257 deliveries and just under five hours at the crease.

For Hope, it was his third hundred in seven games, following his back-to-back efforts in the semi-final and final of the Regional Super50 last month.

Brathwaite combined with Alleyne to add 45 for the first wicket and safely navigate the first hour for

Gonsalves upbeat about Green Machine’s chances at Hong Kong 7s

R

Ryan Gonsalves

yan Gonsalves, Captain of the National Rugby team commonly called the Green Machine, is of the view that the team’s chances are good ahead of their participation in the April 7-9 IRB Hong Kong Sevens.

The experienced player insists that it would be tough, since Guyana are in Pool G along with Spain, Papua New Guinea and Uruguay, but he said they are remaining positive and he hopes that the five-day camp in New York would allow the team to get practice against top teams. “(It) will be tough, but we have to try and get practice games with those teams, to get up to speed; but our chances are good, we are not going as underdogs, we are staying posi-

tive”, the captain stated.

He also imparted the need for the team to adapt to situations, since it is a fast-paced game that can easily change. As such, focus, composure, along with speed will be key elements to success.

Head Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart shared sentiments similar as those expressed by Gonsalves. He said the team “is up to 85% readiness, because I have now gotten the full complement of locally based players”.

Grant-Stuart disclosed that the players are working at a pleasing pace, and he has been in contact with the overseas-based players, and will be looking at the camp in the “Big Apple” as a way of ensuring the team is well-oiled ahead of the tournament.

He added: “The structure we have is built similar to those top teams, and our chances are high.

We have fast players, and it means we have a pretty

The Green Machine are hopeful for an improved showing at one of the biggest International Rugby Sevens tournaments worldwide

good chance”.

Arguably the fastest player on the team, winger Patrick King is ready to play his role in leading the sprightly assaults. King contended that at the highest level speed is a major asset, and that he is not the only one on the team who has quick feet, but, he said, there are others in the team, which means they can match teams on the wing or the forward.

Meanwhile, usually captain Richard Staglon, who is currently serving a three-month suspension by the Rugby America North (RAN), which ends on March 30 will still be a part of the squad, but will not be allowed to captain the team for the next 12 months.

The Trinidad and Tobago-based Staglon has been suspended as a result of having a dispute with referees at the last years Caribbean Championships, which Guyana won for an eighth time in his adopted homeland. Guyana’s squad reads: Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Rupert Giles, Vallon Adams, Richard Staglon, Rondell McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Peabo Hamilton, Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Avery Corbin, Ronald Mayers, Dwayne Schroeder and Blaise Bailey.

The officials are Grant-Stuart (Coach), Robin Roberts (Manager) and Physiotherapist, Barrington Browne.

the hosts.

However, Alleyne seemingly lost concentration following the drinks break and fell to the second delivery, wafting at a short ball from left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer and nicking a catch behind to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich.

Any hopes Jaguars had of slicing through Pride’s top order were then dashed, however, as Brathwaite and Hope combined to keep the visitors wicket-less for the remainder of the session and the entirety of the post-lunch period.

At lunch, Pride were 75 for one with Brathwaite on 43 and Hope, 16, and the pair added a further 88 in the second session to push the hosts up to 163 without further loss at tea.

Brathwaite raised his half-century off 108 balls with his fifth four — a punch to the cover boundary off left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and achieved triple figures

45

in the fifth over after tea off 177 deliveries with 11 fours.

Hope, meanwhile, brought up his half-century in style by clearing long on with the ineffective West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo to move to 49 before driving Reifer square in the next over.

Unbeaten on 55 at tea, Hope reached three figures in the final hour of the day when he hoisted Bishoo to

the mid-wicket boundary to move to 99 before taking a single.

Brathwaite eventually perished with 150 beckoning, playing back to fast bowler Romario Shepherd and going lbw.

Hope and Shamarh Brooks, unbeaten on 14, then steered Pride safely to the close in an unbroken third wicket stand so far worth 43. (CMC)

SCOREBOARD Barbados Pride 1st innings *K Brathwaite lbw b Shepherd 143 A Alleyne c wkp Bramble b Reifer 8 S Hope not out 118 S Brooks not out 14 Extras (lb4, w1, nb5) 10 TOTAL (2 wkts 94 overs) 293 To bat: K Stoute, +S Dowrich, R Chase, K Harding, A Nurse, J Warrican, M Cummins

Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-250.

Bowling: Reifer 19-4-511 (nb4), Pestano 16-2-56-0 (nb1), Shepherd 17-4-651 (w1), Motie 20-3-55-0, Bishoo 22-4-62-0.

Guyana Jaguars XI: S Hetmyer, R Chandrika *L. Johnson, V SIngh, S Chanderpaul, R Reifer, +A Bramble, C Pestano, D Bishoo, R Shepherd, G Motie

-event UG sports on today

The Leonora Track and Field Facility will, for the first time, host a UG sporting activity

T

he recently rescheduled University of Guyana (UG) Sports 2017 is finally here, and will take place at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on the West Coast of Demerara. The final points tally after all 45 events have been held will decide which faculty takes the championship.

The faculties are: Agriculture & Forestry; Education & Humanities; Earth & Environmental Sciences; Health Sciences; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; Technology; University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC); and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).

The defending champion, Faculty of Social Sciences, will be challenged to retain its title, since the Faculty of Education & Humanities has thrown down the gauntlet, especially at the international venue, and not at the Turkeyen Campus, which hosted the previous University games.

The event is scheduled to commence at 09:00h, but the March Past will occur at approximately 11:30h. Each Faculty will compete for one of three prizes up for grabs in the March Past event, i.e. Largest Contingent on parade, Uniformity of the Contingent, and Best Banner. The Guyana Defence Force Drum Corps will provide the drum accompaniment during this March Past event.

The first sporting event of the day will be the male 5000m race; and it will be followed by the shot put, 100m, high jump, 400m, discuss, 1500m and Long Jump events, which

will alternate between the female and male divisions.

Afterwards, the action would feature the lecturers, who will compete in the 80m finals, before the 40+ students’ battle in the 80m dash.

Then the action will return to the 200m, 60m staff and the 4 x 100 school mix invitational, as well as the novelty game needle and thread.

After the intermission, the athletes will compete in the 100m, 3000m, 400m, Javelin, 4 x 400m school Mix invitational, 200m, three-legged race and the 800m, before the relay races are staged.

The relays will begin with the 4 x 100m, 4 x 400, then 1500m (100m, 200m, 400m and 800 legs) and close with the 2600m Medley (200m, 400m, 800m and 1200m).

Transportation will be arranged centrally for athletes and spectators where same is needed. A subsequent email would detail the assembly point(s) and times for those who wish to utilise this service.

Students are asked to note that the Demerara Harbour Bridge closure to road traffic schedule for the day is as follows: 07:00h to 07:30h -- Closure to all westbound traffic to facilitate double-lane crossing for vehicles headed east. 14:30h - Closure to ALL road traffic. This closure may last up to 90 minutes.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to road traffic from 13:55h to 15:25h.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-day…

Brathwaite, Hope lead Pride’s dominance Test batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope both struck centuries to lead Barbados Pride to 293-2 at stumps at the Kensington Oval (Randy Brooks Photos)

Clinton Pestano made his First-class debut but it was A frustrating day for most of the Jaguars’ bowlers

Banks DIH recommits sponsorship to Petra futsal championship All smiles! Petra Organisation’s Mark Alleyne collects the sponsorship cheque from Banks DIH Public Relations Officer Troy Peters, as Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca watches on at the presentation ceremony on Thursday at Thirst Park

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