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Caricom, UN Women sign MoU on gender equality, empowerment Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3090

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

PRICE

Red House fiasco

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt’s approach could have been different – new Social Cohesion Minister

Page 7

Several injured in popular night club shootout

Constable chopped by irate vendor

Page 9

Page 10

$80 vat included

Region 2 flooding

Pomeroon farmland under water

13kg ganja P11 unearthed in boxes destined for Port Kaituma

Stabroek Market Square

Vendors cry foul over proposed day/night shift P12 system

GDF to get P13 another Chiefof-Staff today

Page 2

Parents protest deplorable conditions at Ituni Primary School P9

Woman P11 nabbed after ganja bust Farmers using sand bags to stop breaches as large acreages of farmland in the Pomeroon River area, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are currently inundated with floodwater caused by excessive rainfall and poor drainage

GECOM Chairmanship

Granger requests 2nd list of nominees from Opposition Leader

Page 3

New GRA system could reduce P17 paperwork time

GWI training engineers on wastewater management strategies P16

2 news

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 flooding

Pomeroon farmland under water L arge acreages of farmland located in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are currently inundated with six to eight inches of floodwater caused by excessive rainfall and poor drainage.

Many farmers who spoke with this publication related that their lands were currently submerged and the floodwaters were not receding.

erbank.

According to Rose Benn from Marlborough, Lower Pomeroon, her land has been under water for some time now and she has lost a large quantity of cash crops such as cucumbers, watermelons, bora and pumpkins. When asked what may be the main contributing factor to the flooding, Benn said excessive rainfall coupled with poor drainage.

Farmers using sand bags to stop minor breaches

Suckers under water in the Pomeroon River

Farmers living in both lower and upper Pomeroon are affected and are counting their losses.

Currently, cash crops such as pepper, pumpkin, plantain, lettuce, and cucumber are underwater. As such, farmers are forced daily to fill sand bags in an effort to prevent minor breaches along the riv-

“The high tide did not affect us much this year; however, the continuous rainfall did – water kept accumulating on the lands and those who have poor empolders are facing problems,” Benn related.

The farmer further added that many residents in the Marlborough area were forced to stay indoors

during the holidays on account of the flooding. She reported the lower flat of her home was inundated given the intermittent rainfall.

Another large-scale farmer, Vilma Da Silva also reported farmers’ lands were under water.

She said many of her colleagues remained under water and their livelihoods were affected.

Cash crop farmers in the Friendship, Hacney, Martindale,

Farmers walking through floodwaters

Lettuce under water

and Grant Pomeroon areas are also affected. Most persons living in riverine areas survive on farming.

Farmers related that the trenches, canals and River are swollen. They reported that because of poor drainage water continued to flow into their lands.

This publication understands that pumping is presently ongoing at the Dawa Pump Station.

Meanwhile, on the Essequibo coastland, water is receding at a

slow pace.

Rice lands are currently under stress given the high accumulation of water. Eight pumps are currently in operation along the coast.

The pump at Charity remains inoperable. Almost every village in Region Two was flooded owing to the excessive rainfall and overtopping. Many persons, especially poultry farmers, have lost thousands of dollars in stock.

(Indrawattie Natram)

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tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, January 10 – 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, January 11 – 04:00 (early morning retraction) and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, January 10 – 14:25h-15:55h and Wednesday, January 11 – 15:00h-16:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny conditions will dominate throughout the day, while clear to lightly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 14:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.67 metres.

Low Tide: 08:28h and 21:01h reaching minimum heights of 0.70 metre and 0.51 metre respectively.

saturday, January 7, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

09 10 13 15 21 23 20

GECOM Chairmanship

Granger requests 2nd list of nominees from Opposition Leader O

ne day after publicly rejecting the first list of nominees for the Chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), President David Granger formally indicated to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo his dissatisfaction with the first batch and requested that a new list of persons be submitted.

In his correspondence to the Office of the Opposition Leader on Monday, the Head of State contended that the six nominees were “unacceptable within the meaning of the Constitution”.

The President told media operatives during the

President David Granger

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Professor James Rose

Lawrence Latchmansingh

Rhyaan Shah

Norman Mc Lean

Annual Media Brunch on Sunday morning that the nominees, in accordance with the Constitution of

Guyana, ought to be a judge or possess qualifications which would make them eligible to become one.

He contended that the

nominees submitted by Jagdeo do not meet those requirements and were, therefore, unacceptable – an assertion that was wholly dismissed by concerned stakeholders.

Granger has rejected this list of nominees on the grounds that the individuals lack a legal background even though in 1997, he ac-

Lawrence Latchmansingh.

Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana indeed outlines that the nominees must be a judge or have the qualifications of a judge, but it also states that the nominee can be any person deemed “fit and proper”.

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cepted the nomination to be GECOM Chairman by then Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte despite lacking the qualifications he is now seeking in a new Chairperson.

The nominees submitted by Jagdeo are: Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookhoo; former PSC Chairman and Army Chief Norman Mc Lean; Chartered Accountant and former Head of the Bar Association, Christopher Ram; writer Rhyaan Shah; Professor James Rose and human rights and conflict resolution consultant

Ramesh Dookhoo

Christopher Ram

TURN TO PAGE 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, January 10, 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

Editorial

Cheddi Jagan and history O

ne of the most unpleasant things to begin the new year was the generation of a dispute over the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC). No other new year within living memory was allowed to begin with such an acerbic theme, certainly not in the days of Cheddi Jagan and LFS Burnham.

When one reads the newspapers’ coverage of the happenings over the CJRC, one is appalled at the very manner in which some persons conducted themselves, for example, when people were sent to tear down a signboard at the building.

Cheddi Jagan was one of the most important figures at a most important period of modern Guyanese history. For many decades, Guyanese history seemed to rotate about him and one could not understand Guyana’s story between the 1940s to the beginning of the new millennium except one studied Dr Jagan and the social and political milieu in which he operated.

Now, the best way of understanding and preserving Guyanese history of this important period is by the preservation of the records of the time, including the preservation of Dr and Mrs Jagan’s personal records. Such would be used by future generations of students and researchers and would be absolutely important in building and strengthening Guyanese nationality.

The CJRC had started this important work of the preservation of records of this most important period of Guyanese history and was making them available to University of Guyana and other students who were researching this period.

Those persons who had decided to spend their time and energy in accumulating this important archival material and making them available were doing an invaluable national service. They also had to spend much time in asserting, documenting and preserving those records for the benefit of thousands of students and future generations to come.

Whoever were the persons who visualised and started the CJRC, without realising it, were doing the same thing which the American Presidential Libraries do. Their work was even more important than the American Presidential Libraries since our Guyanese sense of history and of the importance of archival records is not as advanced as the US’s One was thus horrified when one heard that all that valuable archival material had to be moved out in one day in the heart of the holiday season without any proper prepared place to store them. With such rapid movement of archives and without a prepared receiving accommodation, there is much possibility of loss of material. This, of course, would be to our own disadvantage.

This present situation is developing in unexpected ways and certainly would be eventually damaging to all the actors concerned. There are many solutions being mooted to restore some kind of normalcy and to ensure the views of all stakeholders are taken on board, including the State taking over ownership, restructuring CJRC’s management board with State representation and treating it how the National Library is governed.

Certainly, any solution at this time, to be successful and nationally acceptable, will have to involve discussions with all stakeholders. But whatever solution is arrived at, a sense of realism would be salutary for those involved to grasp.

The reality is that all the political parties will eventually pass away and the present little victories and vendettas will also disappear into oblivion, and the present actors will, for a short time, be remembered with respect or contempt and in a shorter time will also disappear into oblivion.

But Guyanese history and this important period of Dr Jagan and his times will keep growing in value to the public and researchers for generations to come.

Felix Guirola, 52, rides a homemade bike with an advertising banner in Havana, Cuba. The handyman, who loves heights, provides advertising space for companies on homemade bikes that tower up to 7.5 meters (24.61 ft). He rides them around Havana in an ingenious way of getting around strict marketing regulations in the Communist-ruled island (Reuters)

Leadership that failed to bring common sense to market conditions Dear Editor, The major factor contributing to the loss in the sugar industry remains leadership that failed to bring common sense to the changing global market conditions. All this loose talk of workers and weather is just that, idle talk. Jock Campbell and the Bookers Boys in the 1960’s and 1970’s also had major weather and workers’ challenges but yet their production was generally over 300,000 tonnes of sugar.

GuySuCo’s senior leadership failed to handle two fundamental issues over the last decade – the aftermath of the 2005 floods that brought havoc to the fields and fix that albatross around the neck of the industry – the Skeldon Sugar Factory. If stability was brought to these two issues very early during the Raj Singh ear, GuySuCo would have had much more time and resources to climb up the value chain into the sugar derivatives market, which is where it ought to be (ethanol, refined sugar, alcohol, sugar tourism, agro-energy and so on).

Let me be absolutely clear - raw unrefined cane sugar production is dead in Guyana. But yet since 2016, all team Hanoman has done at GuySuCo is complain; continued producing raw, unrefined cane sugar; failed to complete the reposition of the sugar industry up the value chain; and is now wasting billions on a doomed agriculture adventure – producing rice on sugar cane lands. Utter insanity! In the normal world, people like Hanoman would have been shipped off to the farthest island away from civilization with no fuel on the boat for the return journey.

This Granger administration, which has access to more enlighten strategies, refuses to move away from this doomed strategy, which is taking the sugar belt to the point of self-implosion.

Do not take my word for it, look at the productivity and production in the industry in 2016 compared to all the years since 1990; the lowest and the worst in 26 years (see graph below).

If one looks at the graph above, one can find that the

record under the PNC government has been pathetic and it is for a clear reason, they failed to engage the workers union in all major decisions. A house divided will never succeed and today Guyana is on the road to total and absolute failure if this pig-headedness continues under an aloft and arrogant Noel Holder who remains clueless strategically on what needs to be done to the sugar industry.

But I must commend the Granger administration for one green shoot of success on the sugar belt, what happened at the end of 2016.

Under the instructions of President Granger, Minister Ramjattan was asked to lead a delegation to engage stakeholders on the solutions for the sugar belt; 500 days too late, but better late than never. I celebrate this initiative and want to commend the Granger administration for taking this vital step into bringing common sense decision to bear on the challenges in the industry.

Under Errol Hanoman, GuySuCo continues to suffer from a defective transfor-

mational leadership that has failed catastrophically on many levels from getting a grip of the systemic challenges in the field to bring stability at Skeldon Sugar Factory to moving the industry up the value chain. Divestment is a fool’s strategy; it will just end up as ghost towns on the sugar belt which is no good for Guyana socially and economically.

I am again calling on President Granger to engage competent talent in the industry and seek skilful analysis of critical performance data to drive a stabilization strategy in the industry. Since the intellectually bankrupt Raj Singh has left the industry, the condition of the industry has gotten even worst, which mean that the current leadership at GuySuCo is even more intellectually bankrupt at stabilising the sugar industry.

When will they bring real talent into the industry and stop playing politics with the lives of 15,000 families in rural Guyana?

Sincerely, Sase Singh

Plaisance Market chaotic Dear Editor, By this letter, I am hoping that Commissioner of Police and the Traffic Chief will be provoked to look into the matter herein.

I had an occasion to be driving through Plaisance on the Embankment Road at about 22:00h on January 5, 2017.

The area by the Plaisance Market was chaotic.

Vehicles were in the mid-

dle of the road and on the bridge itself, revellers were sitting on chairs on the thoroughfare, the smell of marijuana was thick in the air.

Vehicles passing through had to stop and ask drivers who were virtually “parked” on the roadway to pull a bit to the corner. It took six minutes for me to pass the market area. Other drivers going both ways were similarly affected. Were some off-duty

Police Officers among the revellers?

That was a Thursday night. What is it like on weekends?

I would prefer to entertain doubt that neither the Commissioner, nor the Traffic Chief has been briefed about the state of affairs as described above.

They couldn’t and still have the lawlessness prevailing.

My recollection is that a

similar situation raised its head about five years ago at Buxton, Haslington Public Road and Plaisance, which necessitated regular Police interventions. The ugliness is rearing its head again. I am hopeful that this matter will be addressed by the relevant authorities sooner than later.

Sincerely, Taajnauth Jadunauth

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

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

Environmental levy bill: another poor decision Dear Editor, Please permit me a place to carefully analyse the Environmental levy Bill tabled by the coalition Government on the January 5, 2017 in Parliament. The Finance Minister argued that the rationale of the Bill is to prevent future debacles that stemmed from the ruling, demanding the Government to pay Rudisa Beverages and Juices $1.2 billion dollars. Editor, the Minister further went on to state that the Bill would enable “imposition of broadbased, non-discriminatory environmental tax” that will prevent any reoccurrences.

These are motions I strongly agree with, but the absences of infrastructure and a tested system that is required to enable the consumer to not directly feel the impacts of this Bill is glaring.

I strongly believe the Minister, presumably acting under the advice of his many highly paid fellow Ministers or contracted advisors, failed to carefully look at the bigger picture. Yes, I understand that the Coalition has a vision to progress Guyana, but we cannot model our society on what is being done in North America and Europe, when we lack the basis infrastructural amenities necessary to safe guard the common man’s best interest. Editor, the environmental levy of $10 per unit will be instantly transferred to the consumer. The reason for this is because Guyana lacks any recycling facilities for metal, plastics or glass-based materials. As a result, I do not understand how levying a cost on these materials will “promote the green economy”, when in fact all they are doing is im-

posing a higher cost on the consumers.

Secondly, Editor, waste disposal in Guyana does not have an established sorting environmental policy or enforcement task force. Take for example; in Canada, waste and waste diversion are impacted by regulations from three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal). In fact, there are specific laws and regulations governing the proper disposal of recyclable and landfill based waste (Refer to https://www. rco.on.ca/how_waste_is_regulated). Editor, these policies are enforceable because there are established regulations, systems, checks and balances, and infrastructure.

In conclusion, while I agree an environmental levy may be the answer to halt the environmental eye

sore and promote better consumer practices, more could have been done to establish a system before this decision was made. The Government should have consulted interested stakeholders to fully/ partly fund a large scale recycling facility and establish a tested system for recycling. These are plans that will take time, but levying a Bill on the importers will only increase the cost on the common man, leaving you to wonder whether the raise in threshold or disposal income would make any differences to those on the bottom line.

Let’s not forget, these local manufacturers will be paying VAT on electricity and water in 2017, making one to wonder how the prices of some basis commodities will fluctuate in the near future.

Regards, Dr Michael George

Tapping into organic food industry Dear Editor, In alignment with the ecotourism and green energy strategy, a focus on organic farming and the rearing of organic livestock are not only complementary to this strategy, but also a key potential driver of economic growth.

Currently the organic food industry is experiencing higher growth than the traditional fertiliser and chemical-heavy produced food industry. Also the organic food industry is over US$60 billion in annual sales with the USA representing close to US$40 billion of those sales,

according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

The profit margin of these organic products is higher than those of traditionally produced goods.

As there is currently a premium placed on the health benefits of consuming goods that are naturally produced free of chemical fertilisers.

Guyana has the advantage of having virgin land that could be dedicated to such production and quickly prepared to enter into such a market venture. In addition, the recent closure of the Wales Sugar Estate and interest in the diversifica-

tion of the revenue streams of GuySuCo, offers an opportunity to enter into organic food production. Some estimates have identified a three-year waiting period for the land to rid itself of the chemicals from previous crops in order for the new chemical free crops to be certified organic by the USA. Large grocery outlets and specialised grocery stores are key access points for establishing lucrative contracts prior to full scale investment. The current trend for organic produce in these stores is present, and the development and transi-

tion of their product offering supports this trend.

Participation in the organic food industry will not only add increased profit margins and growth to the agriculture sector, but it will also allow ecotourists to have a full immersion nature experience, while enjoying the additional health benefits, such a green and sustainable economy. This will also help ensure the continuation of the healthy lifestyle of the Guyanese people.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Too much, too quickly (Part One) Dear Editor, I wish to state from the onset that I find the budget to be unacceptable and unrealistic in our current economic situation in the country. I think that the budget is too harsh and will only bring chaos to the nation and the people. In my opinion, it is very unfair for the Government to pursue raising revenue solely through taxation. I have felt the pulse and mood of the people as I travelled through the streets, market places and the various regions in Guyana only to discover that they are in a state of bewilderment and confusion. Most people right now are particularly interested in cursing down the Government of the day.

I, Roshan Khan, am not anti-Government; as a patriot and a principled individual in this country I like to see Guyana progress irrespective of who leads it. My system of voting is for principles, for offerings of opportunity to youth and for development policies.

I must be fair to the Government; I do not believe that they truly wish to provide confusion, pain and depression to the people. I think they cannot see the error by producing such a budget which will only cause destruction in our country as I see it. I was always an active listener to the Radio Demerara and the Voice of Guyana news.

I was always hungry for the newspaper as I grew up.

The Guyana graphic, the Ratoon, the Mirror and oth-

ers were favourites of mine.

I was always in touch with the politics of the nation as I still am, but I never got myself entangled in the political profession. That love comes from my desire to see Guyana advance to a level ahead of our expectations.

I recall later during the period of high school, the late Prime Minister, LFS Burnham had asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to exit the country and refused to further negotiate. He said: “The IMF prescription for further loans was a recipe for riots.” He then went on to say that the only thing the organisation didn’t want to tax was air. With that he went about preparing the people to grow all kinds of foods on their parapets and on their open lands, everyone was encouraged to become tillers. In the not too distant future, flour was banned. Today I think there was more to the banning of flour than what we know.

It would appear that the Government of the day has accepted the IMF prescription to tax everything in the country that provides joy and happiness to our people. And who knows, maybe they will soon charge us for the air that we breathe.

To my opinion as laymen and political child, the Government has overdone it, the words used by some Ministers in Parliament are vexatious and shows inexperience.

Yours sincerely, Roshan Khan

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Page D

on’t you wish you had a crystal ball that told you what your child’s teacher felt was important for you to know?

I sure do. In more than 13 years as a teacher, administrator, parent and coach working with thousands of students in New Jersey, I have dealt with almost every teacher/ parent/student issue imaginable — and even I am still learning about what parents need and want from teachers. As the new school term starts, I’d like to share what I have discovered and share wisdom from some of the most innovative educators across the country.

Together, let’s make this the best year yet for our students.

Coaches, advisers play valuable roles, too

I am sure you know by now how important it is to attend parent-teacher conferences. These meetings are used to review course expectations, explain grading policies, distribute important documents, share contact information and discuss your child’s progress.

But did you know this is also a good time to address potential problems at home that may interfere with your child’s success at school, such as family illness, divorce or economic struggles?

Though it may feel like oversharing, these details can help a teacher better communicate with your child. And don’t just rely on teachers — get to know coaches and extracurricular advisers.

These adults are role models and confidants to your child, and they are in a unique position to fill parents and guardians in on academic, social and emotional problems that arise. They could be your most valuable link to your child’s personal life.

Change is hard but essential

Josh Stumpenhorst, a sixthgrade English and history teacher, wishes parents knew how hard it is to change traditional thinking about learning. Too often teachers are held back from doing what they know is best for kids because of a district, state, or federal mandate.

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation – award-winning principal Eric Sheninger shares his secrets on how to make this year the best school year yet

At his school, Stumpenhorst has made significant changes. He has helped redesign the grading scale, banned homework and even challenged the traditional roles of school administrators. “Most teachers are not willing to change because they are under so much pressure to uphold tradition and frankly they fear for their jobs,” he says. The lesson: Don’t be quick to judge a teacher if he/she is not teaching the way you were taught; new techniques will better prepare students for success in today’s society.

We are all on the same team

The key to student success is the ability and willingness of parents to be

valuable only if parents check it frequently. (And we can see if you have logged on to the site.)

At-home projects are important. Really

What is one thing that parents routinely complain about? For Amanda Dykes, a middle-school science teacher, it is at-home projects. Contrary to popular belief, teachers such as Dykes do not assign these to torture parents. “I assign projects a few weeks ahead of time, but students often forget about them until the weekend before,” Dykes says. To make the process easier (on everyone), she advises this: When y o u s e e t h e

for the teacher. The teacher gets it from both ends – from the administration and from the parents,” she says.

Getting some parents to support the teacher is often an arduous task. PS 3 fifth grade teacher James Laieta speaks with candour and sincerity when he says:, “I would like to tell my parents that trust and respect go hand in hand. If they trust and respect their child’s teacher, their child will reflect on this like a mirrored image!” The teacher is another caretaker in a child’s life.

“We provide emotional support and positive relationships that give children resilience to face new challenges,” says Wilson. When students see that their parents trust us and respect us, the student will follow. “We are not the enemy, notes Laieta. “We are very often the super heroes in their child’s life!”

Your words can foster a love for learning

partners in education with teachers. When problems arise, parents should not be so quick to defend students before hearing both sides.

Following the chain of command by not going over a teacher’s head to an administrator goes a long way in establishing this partnership. Remember: Decisions are often made for the good of all of the students in a class, not just a particular child.

Teachers also need parents to support learning through a regular review of assigned work, due dates and grades. No, we don’t need you to teach your children yourself, but we do need you to stay on top of their progress and remind them to study. This is especially important when it comes to online grades.

Access to grades in real time is

p r o j e c t assigned, set up a timetable for your child’s completion. First, if there is a choice of projects, let your child decide, even if it is not the choice you’d make. Contact the teacher with any questions. The next week, gather materials; if it is an online project, play around with the website. Use the remainder of the time for your child to complete the project. As the due date approaches, resist the urge to step in and finish the project yourself. Though it may seem like “helping,” it cheats the child out of the learning experience.

Respect goes both ways.

Principal Judith Wilson, of PS 3 in Staten Island, NY, knows the pressures of a new school year very well. “The expectations of a new school year are high for the students but even higher

Research suggests that one of the best things parents can do to support a child is to help him/ her develop a motivation to learn.

Larry Ferlazzo has identified three key ways to do this, supported by studies from the National Research Council and the Center on Education Policy: • Praise effort and specific work instead of native intelligence.

Try saying: “Boy, those two hours you spent working on the essay last night really paid off. I loved how you described the characters in the novel” instead of “Wow, you are a natural-born writer.”

• Connect what children are studying to what is happening in their life and in the world.

If he is learning about the Middle East, discuss a newspaper article about issues in that region.

• Avoid using rewards and punishments for academic work. If you give your child a dollar for every book he reads, it’s less likely he will want to read books for pleasure after you stop paying him. (USAToday)

Techniques to shape children’s behaviour (Part 2)

Praise genuinely Praise loses its punch if you shower acclaim on usual and expected behaviour; yet when the child who habitually strikes out finally hits the ball, that’s praiseworthy.

Simply acknowledge expected behaviour, rather than gushing praise.

Acknowledgment is dispassionate praise that shapes a child to please himself rather than perform for approval. Don’t make up fake kudos. The child will see through them and begin to question even genuine praise. For example, before you praise, try to read your child’s body language to see whether the child feels the job is praiseworthy: “Daddy, look at my drawing I did at school.

I got an ‘A’.” If she approaches you eagerly, displaying her picture for all to see, this child deserves praise that shares her excitement. If she pulls the paper out of her schoolbag and tosses it on the kitchen table, praise may not be in order.

Use the art of complimenting Teach your child to be comfortable giving and receiving compliments. Tell your child, “What a handsome boy you are” or “How pretty you look in that dress!” Eye and body contact during your delivery reinforces the sincerity of your acknowledgment.

Make sure you’re sincere.

When you hear your children complimenting one another, compliment yourself for your modelling.

Children with weak selfworth have difficulty giving and receiving compliments. They are so hung up on how they imagine the receiver will take their tribute, that they clam up; they feel so unworthy of any compliment that they shrug off the compliment and put off the complimenter.

If you are like that as a person, learn to give and take a compliment yourself so that you can model this to your child.

Compliment yourself,

“I feel good about the sale I made today!” Acknowledge your child’s praise, “You’re the best mommy.” “Thank you, honey, I like to hear that.”

Some mothers (and fathers) hear these words often, yet deny the truth of their child’s words by the outward response they give (sighing, gulping, frowning, shrugging or grimacing) and by their internal guilt trip.

Avoid praises with a hidden agenda I had been on our teenager’s case about dressing more modestly. One day I said, “I like your new wardrobe.”

She saw right through this, and took it as a put-down of her old wardrobe. She interpreted my comment as trying to manipulate what she wears.

A better approach would have been more specific and more centred on her: “That longer shirt really makes you look graceful” or “Classy jacket – you look ready for college.”

Problems with praise While appropriately-used praise can shape behaviour, it’s not the only way to reinforce good behaviour. In some ways it’s superficial.

Praise is an external motivator.

The ultimate goal of discipline is self-discipline – inner motivation.

Excessive praise will give children the message that obedience and good behaviour are optional. It’s better to give your child the message that he is doing exactly what you expect, not something out of the ordinary. Children are programmed to meet your expectations. Sometimes all that is needed for you to break a negative cycle is to expect good behaviour. Treat them as if they really are going to choose right. When parents don’t expect obedience, they generally don’t get it. (Except from askdrsears.com)

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tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Red House fiasco

Govt’s approach could have been different – new Social Cohesion Minister

A

fter less than two days in the capacity of Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton has said Government’s approach to the Red House matter should have been less aggressive, in the interest of fostering national unity.

The new minister in charge of promoting social cohesion, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Monday, weighed in on the controversy which is believed to have intensified the tension in our multiracial nation.

He explained that the actions taken by the Government were too extreme.

“Things can be handled differently. Probably our approach should have been different. There have been some actions that might not be in the best interest of people coming together (unity),” the Minister expressed.

In this regard, Dr Norton underscored the importance of the Social Cohesion Ministry, whose work he was fairly unfamiliar with, in bridging the divides which exist among the people of Guyana.

Workers of the Ministry of the Presidency had invaded the property and hammered down the hallmark sign of the Red House.

This occurred even though Government had given the occupants up to the following day to vacate the property.

Then, in the evening, former Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence led a picketing exercise to disrupt a peaceful vigil, which was held by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) outside Red House.

Matters escalated when a physical altercation en-

New Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

sued between Shondell Hope from the People’s National Congress (PNC) and PPP’s Jason Abdulla.

In a video that went viral on social media, Hope was seen aggravating Abdulla and attempting to hit away his phone. She had invaded his personal space in an attempt to slam Abdulla’s phone out of his hands when he pushed her out of his way.

Abdulla then attempted to walk away, but was attacked by the group of PNC protesters, including Minister Lawrence, who reportedly threw a glass bottle in his direction.

Dr Norton was recently transferred from the Public Health Ministry as the substantive minister following a series of controversies which erupted in that sector.

He said although he was unacquainted with the nature of his new ministry, he was willing to learn and work in the best interest of the Guyanese people.

The tug-of-war continues between the coalition Government and the PPP over the rightful ownership and use of the Red House,

which houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI).

Red House was leased to the CJRCI at $1000 per month for 99 years in order to use the building, the former home of Dr Cheddi Jagan, to promote research into his life, work and ideas.

Two weeks ago, President David Granger ordered the revocation of the lease of the Red House, based on advice from his Attorney General, Basil Williams, that the agreement was invalid. Williams had argued in a detailed statement the day before that the lease held by the CJRCI was invalid on several grounds, including that there was no evidence that the President of the day had sanctioned it.

However, quick ac-

The Red House sign that was ripped down by Government officers

tion by the PPP-backed Management Committee of the CJRCI saw legal action taken to reverse the

President’s decision, with the court ordering that the property of the CJRCI “not be interfered with or re-

moved until further ordered”.

The matter will be heard again on February 20.

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tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Single mother slapped with fraud charge

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single parent was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in tears on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was made to answer for her alleged actions.

Paulie Kendal, 57, of Lot 714 South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge that between September 1, 2016 and January 5, 2017 at Georgetown and while being solely entrusted by Vanketsanny Samaroo with household items valued a total of $223,817 to sell same and return proceeds, she fraudulently converted the items to her own use and benefit.

According to the prosecution, the Virtual Complainant (VC) and defendant are known to each other.

On the day in question, the VC gave the defendant a quantity of household articles to sell for her and to re-

turn the proceeds.

However, after no contact was made with her by the defendant for a lengthy period, the VC, who is a business owner, reported the matter to the Police.

The defendant was apprehended by Police at her home where the articles were also found.

The defendant’s version of events differed from the VC’s.

She told the court that this was not the first time that she and the VC have done business together.

“I took goods from her before and I paid her all the

money that I owed for it. I made a call to the VC and I told her that I would make contact with her after the holiday season,” the woman lamented.

She added that the VC agreed to this and when she made contact, she explained to the VC that she was having problems selling off the items. “I told her that things are different from before and it was very difficult for me to sell the items this time around and I asked for additional time which she agreed to.” Kendal told the court that she was surprised when she received a call telling her

that she had to report to the Brickdam Police Station.

She related that when she arrived there, she was told that she was being charged with the offence of fraud.

When questioned by the Chief Magistrate as to why she did not follow through on her promise to give the defendant additional time, the VC said that she gave the defendant since August of last year to acquire the money.

As such, Chief Magistrate McLennan ordered Kendal to pay a sum of no less than $50,000 on her next court hearing.

The defendant, however, expressed that it would not be possible for her to gather the money as she has already sold her house. The Chief Magistrate then told the defendant to sell the contents of the house to come up with the money and the woman agreed. She was released on $5000 bail and ordered to reappear in court on January 30.

Sophia thief jailed for 12 months A Sophia, Greater Georgetown man was on Monday jailed after he admitted to a break and enter and larceny charge.

Damien Austin, 39, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He admitted that between January 4 and 5, 2017, he broke and entered the dwelling of Tony Farnum and stole items with a total value of $1.1 million.

The prosecution contended that the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured his premises and went to conduct business. However,

upon his return, he found that a door was open and upon further examination, discovered that the articles were missing.

The crime was reported to the Police, who investigated and later arrested Austin, who was found with a number of the stolen items.

He was later charged for the offence.

However, according to the defendant, he did not act alone, but was accompanied by two others, who were yet to be arrested. He claimed that the two other persons have the remaining items.

Courts, charged with escaping from lawful custody and well as break and enter and larceny.

He admitted that on October 13, 2016 at Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Philbert Steels and stole items worth $290,310. Also, he admitted that on the

same day at the same location, he escaped from Police custody. The prosecution contended that the defendant had been arrested by Police for questioning on the break and enter charge when he was told to sit on a bench at the Police Station.

However, Police Officers later realised that the man

had escaped.

As such, a search was launched for him and he was later recaptured while in hiding. He was charged with both offences.

Magistrate Azore fined the man $25,000 for both charges. Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving a six-month sentence.

Escapee recaptured, fined $25,000

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fter escaping from lawful custody, Reyon Jonas was late last week recaptured and was made to answer for his actions before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Monday.

The 19-year-old, of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Crying wolf…

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…on Russia? fter Donald Trump was briefed by his intelligence agencies about their claims that the Russians had influenced the US elections through hacking and other nefarious methods, the President-elect was underwhelmed.

As you’d be too if you were to read the report that was made available to the public and is circulating on the web. It reminded many US commentators, they confessed ruefully, about the same agencies providing “intel” to justify President Bush’s claim there were “Weapons of Mass Destruction” in Iraq – and that the country should be invaded as General Colin Powell argued to the world.

But Trump then, perhaps like the kid who pointed out the Emperor had no clothes, asked a very interesting question – as usual on Twitter! – “Why is having a good relationship with Russia a bad thing? Only ‘stupid’ people, or fools, would think it is bad! We have enough problems around the world without yet another one.” Now mull over that a while, will you Dear Reader? “Why is having a good relationship a bad thing?”

Well, the US intelligence agencies, for one, may say, they have intelligence the dastardly Russians are up to no good as far as the US is concerned and you can’t trust them. But if the US intelligence community’s reports are any guide of the kind of proof they collect, Trump is bang on to refuse retaliatory strikes. They’re in the same category as the “forensic audits” conducted in Guyana that are yet to lead to a single indictment, much less any conviction!

Imagine a huge chunk of the report has to do with the broadcasts of the Russian Show “Russia Today”, which showed a huge preference for Trump, rather than Clinton being the next President! The question Trump must’ve answered was “How in the world can a show broadcast inside of Russia influence the US elections??”

In the end, the agencies said, “Putin publicly indicated a preference for President-elect Trump’s stated policy to work with Russia, and pro-Kremlin figures spoke highly about what they saw as his Russia-friendly positions on Syria and Ukraine.

Putin publicly contrasted the President-elect’s approach to Russia with Secretary Clinton’s ‘aggressive rhetoric’.”

So, what’s wrong with this? But the question must be asked is why are these intelligence agencies making these claims? Some cynics insist that they are simply trying to justify their mega secret budgets. Is it because the Russians are the successors of the big, bad USSR? But the US relationship with China show that countries can change their stripes, doesn’t it?

This Eyewitness may have some deep issues with Trump’s stance on race, but to tell the truth, he gets full marks for pushing peace with Russia. …on GECOM nominees Yesterday, your Eyewitness expanded on one gambit the PNC’s making to ensure Bharrat Jagdeo doesn’t get back into the Office of the Presidency. That ploy had to do with loading the judicial dice to prevent him from running for a third term.

Your Eyewitness predicted the effort would be a sustained one – but even his jaded mind didn’t figure the next move would come so fast. Prezzie rejected ALL SIX nominees submitted

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for him to pick the next Chairman of GECOM. Imagine that! Your Eyewitness kinda figured Prezzie was headed in that direction when he requested “résumés” – an unprecedented request! But he went out on a limb when he offered his rationale: “none of the candidates was a former judge or someone eligible to be appointed as a judge.”

Now this is but one criteria for making the choice; the other being they just should be “fit and proper”.

Shouldn’t Prezzie also say why the six were “unfit and improper??? …on underground economy For the longest while Clive Thomas has been preaching about an “underground economy” here. But it’s only yesterday he decided to take an inventory of “tall buildings” as proof. So he was guessing up to now?

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

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tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parents protest deplorable conditions at Ituni Primary School − reopening delayed

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arents of students attending Ituni Primary School in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) staged a protest at the school on Monday morning, citing the deplorable conditions within the learning institution.

Armed with their placards, parents and students protested outside the school's compound, highlighting their concerns. Given the situation, the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) decided not to have the school reopened until the issues were resolved. A parent and member of the school's PTA, Kim Edwards, told this publication that the issues were not new to the school and ranged from malfunctioning and limited washroom facilities to lack of potable water and faulty infrastructure.

"This is not today, but it's (been ongoing since) about three years ago.

We've been asking for a sanitary block, for them to look after our sanitary block. One toilet is in use.

The children, both male and female, using one toilet. Our corridors – all the wood falling off. The steps: we have to choose where to walk. Only one step is functioning. The other one, they have to choose where to walk," Edwards stated.

She added that although officials from the Education Ministry and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) were aware of the situation, the issues remained unaddressed.

The PTA member said too that concerned residents had spoken to regional officials regarding the situation, but received no assistance. Edwards added that officials visited

Sections of the school building are falling apart making it unsafe for students

the school once and had advised them to block off the school's problematic steps,

which had been done; however, she noted that the pressure remained on the

other steps.

"Nobody came. We need somebody to come and see what is happening. It's not a word of mouth thing.

They have to see. The toilet is filled to the top with filth (as a result of the lack of water)," she lamented.

Edwards pointed out that students who have to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations would be affected by the situation.

"It's in a terrible state.

Real terrible state. Then we have children who have to write the National Grade Six examination.

You know they will just bring the contracts and engineers and they will just assess the building and then that's it. They gone, and they leave us like that," the parent noted.

Recently, Councillors had highlighted the deplorable conditions which were un-

earthed during a visit to several schools in riverine areas in the Region.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian, during a RDC meeting last week, presented a document titled “Year of Results-based Management” which includes plans for the Region’s education sector, among other areas, for 2017. The document outlined plans to be facilitated in collaboration with the Education Department for the upgrading of schools and compounds, the establishing of a working relationship with schools’ PTAs and the monitoring of education delivery in the Region.

"We've talked a lot in 2016 and I don't want a talk shop… this has been a sore point for us. We want to see school compounds look better," Morian had stated during the meeting.

Constable chopped by irate vendor A

Constable attached to the City Constabulary was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, nursing a wound to his head after he was chopped by an irate vendor along Water Street, Georgetown.

Injured is 38-year-old Satish Boodhoo.

Based on reports received, the vendor reportedly stepped on Boodhoo’s feet and the Constable demanded an apology, but the vendor became abusive.

The vendor continued to verbally abuse the Constable, who cautioned that if he continued, he could be arrested and charged. By this time, other vendors flocked the Constable and a heated argument ensued as they attempted to defend their colleague.

However, the argument continued and as Boodhoo attempted to arrest the vendor, he whipped out a sharp object and dealt him one blow to the head. The Constable fell unconscious to the roadway.

His colleagues, also on foot patrol, rushed to his assistance and arrived just in time as the irate vendor was attempting to disarm him.

Upon their arrival, the suspect fled the scene. The injured Constable was picked up and taken to the Hospital where he was admitted.

Guyana Times understands that the now injured Constable and three of his colleagues were on patrol in the area. The other Constables were reportedly a short dis-

tance away when Boodhoo was attacked and injured, and upon hearing the commo-

tion, they turned around and responded before the matter could have gotten worse. The

incident was reported to the Police and an investigation has been launched.

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TUESDAY, january 10, 2017

News

Several injured in popular night club shootout

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ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has ordered a full investigation into the alleged shootout at a Main Street, Georgetown nightclub in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The shooting reportedly left several persons hospitalised, but unfortunately the incident was not reported to the Police.

Guyana Times understands that after the shootout, the management of the facility allegedly rushed the injured people to a private city hospital where a few of them were treated and sent away, but at least two remained patients at the medical facility.

However, the staff at the night spot were reportedly ordered to collect the spent shells and more so, wipe the floor clean of the bloodstains with the intention of leaving no trace of the shooting incident. The matter was brought to light after one of the injured men contacted Police on Sunday afternoon.

I

He reportedly told the Police that persons were in the nightclub when the sound of gunshots was heard. Several persons were grazed as the bullets went by, but luckily no one was seriously injured, he told ranks. He said that at least two people received gunshot injuries to their feet.

After receiving the re-

port, Police went to the location but found neither any spent shells nor bloodstains.

However, they came across bullet holes in the walls, which were enough evidence to prove that there was a shooting. The manager and other staff were taken into Police custody as they continue their investigations.

Meanwhile, Minister

Ramjattan told media operatives that the shooting incident happened and the entity could have its licence revoked with immediate effect. Up to late Monday afternoon, the building was still cordoned off, as Police continued their investigations. Attempts to contact Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum proved futile.

Granger requests 2nd list of nominees...

The extract reads, “The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper

I am having a nightmare and please do not wake me

person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”

Previous Chairmen

The majority of previous Chairmen

the of

FROM PAGE 3

GECOM lacked legal qualifications and, therefore, would have all qualified under the “fit and proper” requirement.

In fact, of all the persons who were appointed as Chairman of GECOM, only the late Doodnauth Singh, former Attorney General and Senior Counsel, satisfied the category of being a judge or having the requisite qualifications to be one.

All the other persons – Rudy Collins, Edward Hopkinson, Joseph Singh and Dr Steve Surujbally – lacked legal qualifications.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall believes that the President’s announcement is a signal of the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s intention to rig the next General and Regional Elections in 2020.

“The President is playing a dangerous game…

I believe these machinations will continue until the President conjures up an interpretation of the Constitution which permits him to unilaterally appoint a Chairman of GECOM,” he expressed.

Former Government Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said the President’s rejection was an attempt to seize power through a coup.

Additionally, Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) General Secretary Lincoln Lewis disagreed with President Granger’s assertion, highlighting that the Constitution indeed provides for suitable persons outside the realm of judges or those qualified to be judges to be appointed as GECOM Chairman.

The Opposition Leader will be responding to the President’s request today.

was having this dream that authoritarianism was about to be resurrected in my dear land of Guyana and I suddenly woke up. I am upset because I have to imagine what the full dream would have been, as opposed to just relying on memory.

I am also upset because the leadership of the Coalition regime has penetrated my consciousness even when I am resting. But I have drawn solace from this dream because most of Guyana is suffering from a national nightmare analogous to what I have dreamt. This sort of experience should occur in a nosocomial environment and not during the day at home.

I do not mean to start the New Year this way, but what the Guyanese public has experienced for the past year has been a nightmare of nightmares Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine which arguably will be repeated this year. I say this because ever since this regime stumbled into power, there have been pantheons of pathological problems which have taxed the very will of even the toughest Guyanese to survive. While some sections of the population have applied a wait and watch approach to this regime, other sections have not been so sympathetic and have used labels like corruption, cronyism, mismanagement, criminality, highhandedness, incompetence and witch-hunting to describe the APNU/AFC coalition. These labels have become so common to many households that satirically speaking, the national motto has now been transformed from one nation, one destiny to omnia paratus – you jump, I jump. What a way to live!

Like so many, I was sceptical when the regime assumed power about 20 months ago and argued in the letter columns of the dailies that its actions were inglorious, lacking substance and reminded the public not to expect much then. I repeat, do not expect much this year either.

My declaration emerged from the assessment of the 100 days manifesto and the appointed Government Ministers. I argued that if the Coalition delivered 20 per cent of what was promised in the manifesto then Guyanese would be floored. I also declared that most Government Ministers lacked political métier and those with experience – the old heads, their nicknames in Guyana – have shown little acumen and determination that they would deliver, other than grabbing the State coffers for themselves.

Guyana’s national treasury has become a political feeding trough.

How else can one describe Government Ministers grabbing State scholarships for themselves and their families? How else can one describe the handing out of Government’s contracts to favourites with a limited transparent tendering process?

Am I way off to say that the regime has dished out so much rhetoric to the Guyanese public that the nation has reached a tipping point to which the regime refuses to admit? I do not think so, and if you disagree I point to the extremists, propagandists, the die-hard supporters, spokespersons, the activists, the mouthpieces of this regime to support my viewpoints in so far as they are now reeling every day from disappointments with the regime’s failure to deliver. These individuals and outlets have taken an about turn chastising this regime for failed promises. I understand their position. I say welcome abroad and I do hope your reality is not as traumatised as my nightmare.

I am not going to belabour the obvious, but ask readers to just take a cursory look at the many available sources on the performance of this regime and they will see nothing majorly impressive but incompetence and irreversible corruption, such as sole-sourcing in the inner inviolable sanctum of the Government.

There is, too, this fear that the Government is moving with supersonic speed to bring back or rebuild the images of the former Forbes Burnham-led PNC. The regime seems unshackled by old loyalties. Fair minded individuals, Indians and nonIndians, communists and non-communists, and friends and foes in and out of Guyana, I argue, they will find it difficult to distance themselves from the thought that the Red House fiasco is an attempt to physically destroy and desensitise the legacy of Cheddi Jagan?

If this action is a misjudgement from the regime, I say give the regime a second chance to redeem itself by using Guyana’s system of law and order to resolve what it believes to be a national dishonesty from the PPP to house Jagan’s history at Red House, a State-owned property. I will be proud of this action. If the regime remains stoic to its action, I think we are embarking on a journey that would lead to more ethnic divisiveness and distrust that would eventually dissipate the lip service of any lingering hope of social cohesion in an already ethnically divided nation. I do hope I am wrong. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums. edu)

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

13kg ganja unearthed in boxes destined for Port Kaituma Only on Saturday, Police ranks in E Division (LindenKwakwani) arrested a 59-year-old shoemaker after three kilograms of mari-

The marijuana that was found in the boxes at a Sussex Street wharf

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ne man has been arrested following the discovery of 13 kilograms of cannabis in boxes at a Sussex Street wharf in Georgetown on Saturday.

Reports are members of

the Police Narcotics Branch received information that two boxes at the location were suspected to contain illegal items. The boxes were destined for Port Kaituma, North West District.

As such, a search was conducted on the boxes and the illegal substance was unearthed. A man suspected to be the sender was arrested. He is assisting with investigations.

Woman nabbed after ganja bust

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23-year-old Broad Street, Charlestown woman was on Monday afternoon taken into Police custody along with several others following the discovery of a large quantity of marijuana buried in her yard.

Guyana Times understands that ranks of the Police Narcotics Unit acting on information went to a house at Broad Street, Charlestown and requested to carry out a search on the premises.

The search which was conducted in the house proved futile, but as the ranks searched the yard they saw a freshly dug area and as such, decided to dig.

As they dug, they came

The 10.238kg of marijuana which was found in the Charlestown yard

up with several packages containing seeds, leaves and stems. A closer inspection revealed that they were the illegal substance.

All the packets were removed and weighed in the presence of the occupants

of the house – totalling 10.238 kilograms. Several men and the woman were immediately taken into Police custody. They are assisting with the investigations.

juana and a quantity of stolen items were found on his premises.

The marijuana was found in one of the rooms of

the two-storey building, as well as the suspected stolen items. The shoemaker is expected to be charged soon.

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tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stabroek Market Square

Vendors cry foul over proposed day/night shift system S

everal Stabroek Market Square vendors who over the weekend vacated Parliament View Mall are crying foul over a proposed day/night shift system of selling in the new area.

And it would appear that placing vendors on the respective shifts will be determined by the ‘luck of the draw’.

According to the vendors, ranks from the City Constabulary on Monday informed them of this pending shift policy. One vendor, who identified himself only as Ken, noted that they were told they would have to draw names from a bag in order to decide who would sell during the day and who would vend in the night.

“From the time Parliament View closed down, up to now they ain’t found a permanent spot for (us),” he said. “Now I come out here to get a daily bread, they telling you that you have to push your hand in a bag, (to determine) who will work night or who will work day.”

Some of the vendors whose livelihoods are on the line due to the proposed move

The man stated that he spent nine months in the Parliament View lot.

This was until all vendors vacated the spot following the expiration of the agreement between the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the lot owner, Hareshnarine “Chiney” Sugrim.

“But when we do come out, we ain’t getting to sell comfortably,” the visibly frustrated man expressed.

According to the man, he has grandchildren who are orphans, and a wife, who all depend on his vending activities for sustenance. He also listed oth-

er responsibilities such as rent and taxes.

“They took us off; they are supposed to find somewhere that we can sell and earn,” he lamented. “I can’t earn anything with (this system). And if they come and say that you have to pay revenue, you have to pay it. I believe that this is unfair.”

Winton Bollers, another vendor, expressed confusion over this policy. He was particularly upset over the lack of consultations.

“They want to get us on shift work. Eight of us used to be selling. I thought they would put back the eight

(vendors) and the fresh people, find a place for them. It’s not happening that way. They trying to mix us up now and (I) don’t really understand what’s going on,” he said.

It is during the day that potential customers are drawn to the vendors and their stands, he noted.

Bollers added that there was little to no business during the night, so the proposed shift system was not feasible. Both Bollers and Ken were adamant that in the years they have been vending, they’ve never heard of such a system.

Meanwhile, another vendor who identified himself only as Colin said that they were told to go back to where they had sold previously. However, he stated that since then it has been a “fight down”. “(Me) and my wife go through the bank to build a house and it’s very hard. How my standards were before, it gone real

down. I am a 50-year-old man, It very hard.”

The man issued a plea to officials at City Hall, including the Mayor and Town Clerk, to not implement any such system as a spot to house the vendors has not even been formalised.

“We comply all the time, we clean up, then they move us; we go in (Parliament View) and try, we ain’t making it there, we come out here and start pushing until now. We need a little help from this Government that promise us a good life.”

The imbroglio between the M&CC and the vendors who once dominated

One of the vendors as he lamented the state of affairs

Square to Parliament View Mall, a plot of land so named as it was opposite the Parliament Building.

Sugrim, the plot own-

More vendors whose livelihoods are on the line

Stabroek Square started last year as Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary approached. A massive clean-up campaign was initiated and vendors were moved from the Stabroek

er, granted the vendors an extension on their stay in August, until December 31, 2016. Efforts to garner a comment from the M&CC’s Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis, were futile

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tuesDAY, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 months later

Caricom,UN Women sign GDF to get another MoU on gender equality Chief-of-Staff today and empowerment

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he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is scheduled to have a new Chief-of-Staff sworn in today, only three months after Brigadier George Lewis took over the army’s top job.

Colonel Patrick West, who is the former Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM), will be sworn in at 07:30h at Camp Ayanganna, before President and Commanderin-Chief David Granger. It is expected that there will be a Change of Command parade afterwards.

His succession of Lewis is reportedly due to Lewis having almost reached the age of retirement, 55 years.

Lewis himself succeeded Brigadier Mark Phillips on October 3.

Before his latest promotion, West had served briefly as the Deputy Chief-of-Staff of the GDF. He is the holder of Master’s Degrees in military arts and administration.

Final days as Chief-of-Staff

With his retirement fast approaching, Brigadier Lewis was involved in a series of visits over the past few days to Base Camp Stephenson at Timehri and to the Guyana People's Militia Headquarters at Base Seweyo.

On Monday, he bid farewell to his officers and troops at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Describing his career as a good and satisfying one; he

T

Brigadier George Lewis as he toured Base Seweyo on January 6

thanked the officers for their support.

The Brigadier also encouraged the troops to stay focused and to continue delivering their best performance.

He said, "Do not allow the uncertainty that accompanies change of command to affect your work.

Continue to perform your tasks in keeping with the orders and instructions given and you will be all right."

Reminding the troops of their duty to leave GDF better than they found it when they first enlisted, he told them to embrace the Force's education programme.

“Wear your uniform with pride,” the outgoing Chief-ofStaff said. “Be proud of who you are and what you are doing here in the GDF. Do not allow anyone to break your spirit. Follow the rules and

regulations and you won't attract negative criticism.”

Brigadier Lewis also urged the officers and ranks to continue building on what they have achieved. He then introduced Colonel West as the Chief-of-Staff-designate.

In his brief remarks, Colonel West noted that the GPM would continue to be developed, so that it would be properly established throughout the Regions. To this end, he alluded to enhanced training for reserve officers and reservists in general.

The officers and ranks of the GPM then proceeded to present Brigadier Lewis with a token of appreciation and wished him well in his future endeavours.

As one of his final acts, Brigadier Lewis elevated Sergeant Sithole George to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y ( C a r i c o m ) Secretariat on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nations Women to support the Community's work on gender and regional statistics.

The MoU on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women includes collaboration in the provision of Caribbeanwide data, statistics and analysis on the implementation of the gender dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action, known as the SAMOA Pathway.

In his remarks, Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque thanked the UN system for its continuing role in assisting member states' development and in advancing the work of the Secretariat.

The Secretary General said that some of the work would focus on developing model legislation and Region-specific tools to address behaviour change to

L-R (sitting): UN Women representative Tonni Brodber, Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, and Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Chair of the Community Council, Carl Greenidge.

L-R (standing) Neville Bissember and Barbara Vandyke, Office of the Secretary General

tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and to ensure strong evidencebased advocacy.

The UN Women representative, Tonni Ann Brodber, in her remarks, drew attention to the financial and health costs of gender-based violence, one of the most egregious forms of gender inequality, which she said countries could not afford.

Thirty to 50 per cent of all murders are inti-

mate partner violence related and it is not just gender-based violence, but the fact that we are not tapping into the potential of our young boys and young women, she emphasised.

Brodber commended Caricom for its leadership on the issue and reiterated the support of UN Women.

The signing took place during the official opening of the 39th Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

Regional

Venezuela minimum wage to rise Brazil jail riots: Amazonas Governor asks for help by 50% “to combat inflation”

V

e n e z u e l a ’ s Government has announced a 50 per cent increase in the minimum wage and pensions amid runaway inflation.

President Nicolás Maduro says the move will protect jobs and incomes.

Critics say it may worsen the crisis.

The Opposition accuses Maduro of mismanaging oilrich Venezuela’s crumbling economy. But he says he faces an economic war by political foes and hostile businessmen.

The International Monetary Fund says inflation will reach 1600 per cent this year.

Maduro said he was raising the monthly minimum wage to 40,000 bolivars, about US$60 at the highest official exchange rate, or US$12 on the black market.

It is the fifth increase in one year. The measure would benefit public work-

T

President Nicolás Maduro announced the measure on his weekly TV programme

ers, the armed forces and pensioners, he said.

“In times of economic war and mafia attacks... we must protect employment and workers’ income,” he said on his weekly television and radio programme.

The country has faced shortages of many goods, and people have had to queue at supermarkets.

Venezuela’s inflation rate, the highest in the world, has gutted the value

of the bolivar.

The country has been hit by low oil prices, its key export. It has also faced severe shortages of food, medicine and basic goods.

Opponents say the President’s incompetence and 17 years of failed socialist policies are behind the crisis. They call for the removal of Maduro, who was elected in 2013 for a six-year term after his predecessor Hugo Chávez’s death. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

he Governor of Amazonas, the state in northern Brazil where at least 64 inmates have been killed in prison riots since January 1, has asked the federal government for help.

Governor Jose Melo said Amazonas Police were “at their physical and psychological limit” and federal troops should be sent as reinforcements.

State Police struggled to contain the violence as rival gangs clashed.

Many jails in Brazil are overcrowded and underfunded.

Last week, Governor Melo asked the federal government for electronic tags, body scanners and devices to block mobile phone signals within the state’s prisons.

But following Sunday’s deadly clash in a prison in the city of Manaus, Governor Melo said he needed federal forces.

He said that Police in Amazonas had worked flat out not just to secure the prisons where the riots had taken place, but also to try to capture scores of inmates who had escaped during the riots.

Since the start of the year: • 56 inmates were killed at the Anisio Jobim prison in Manaus in clashes between rival gangs • During the riot, 112 prisoners escaped from Anisio Jobim jail • 72 inmates escaped from neighbouring Antonio Trindade jail • Four prisoners were killed in gang warfare in the Puraquequara Penitentiary Unit in Manaus • Four inmates were killed in a riot in Raimundo Vidal Pessoa jail in Manaus The rioting also spread to neighbouring Roraima

Amazonas Governor Jose Melo

state, where 33 prisoners were killed in the Monte Cristo rural penitentiary.

Officials say the spike in violence is due to the breakdown of a truce between two of Brazil’s most powerful criminal gangs, First Capital Command (PCC) and Red Command (CV).

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Petrotrin strike may be off Cuba, US sign deal on

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midst unconfirmed reports that the strike at Petrotrin has been called off, the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) has advised workers that the walk-out scheduled had been pushed back by one hour.

At that time, a Union official informed workers that discussions were ongoing and that further instructions would be given at noon.

This as the Union and the company continue their conciliation meeting under the Labour and Enterprise Development

Reports indicate that the three per cent offer Petrotrin placed on the table for the period 2011 to 2014/15, has now moved up to five per cent

Minister Jennifer Baptiste Primus at the Ministry’s office at Port of Spain.

Reports indicate that

the three per cent offer Petrotrin placed on the table for the period 2011 to 2014/15, has now moved

20 dead in Haiti crash after bus collides with truck

H

aitian officials say 20 people were killed when an overloaded bus carrying passengers and merchandise collided with a truck in the country’s remote northwest.

The National Ambulance Centre of Haiti says 11 people died at the scene of

Sunday’s accident outside of the north-western town of Port-de-Paix. Another nine people were declared dead after being transported to hospitals in Gros Morne and Gonaives.

Fatal road crashes are frequent in impoverished Haiti, where Police seldom

enforce traffic laws and vehicles are routinely overloaded with passengers and goods.

The cause of Sunday’s deadly crash is being investigated. It was not immediately clear if the drivers of the two vehicles survived.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica: Security Minister supports defendants giving information for reward

J

amaican National Security Minister Robert Montague says he supports offering some kind of reward to defendants in exchange for them giving credible information to the Police that will lead to the arrest of hardened criminals.

Addressing Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) personnel at the Half Moon Hotel in St James, on

January 5, Montague said it was clear that for accused people to cooperate with the Police, there must be something on the table from which they will benefit.

“It must be something for something if we want to get credible and valuable information. I want the world to know that the Police will not oppose bail if we can get the accused to give us information that can help in going after dangerous criminals,”

the minister noted.

“We have to look at all available options. Granting bail is a constitutional right, but there are times when the Police can oppose it based on the circumstances. We are saying that if the accused can help us deal with a problem that will save lives or get criminals off the streets, we will not oppose the granting of bail. This is what I mean by something for something,” he added. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

up to five per cent.

The Union is asking for 10 per cent for the same period.

In a statement issued earlier Monday, Petrotrin said with respect to the three-year agreements covering the period 20142017/2018, the Union offered to withdraw strike action served for this period on the premise that a settlement for the previous period is achieved.

The company also said its contingency plan for the impending strike has been activated and was expected to take effect from Monday morning. (Excerpt from

Trinidad Guardian)

oil-spill prevention

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uba and the United States have signed an accord on preventing and cleaning up oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits.

Monday’s agreement is another step in the Obama Administration’s efforts to solidify its legacy of normalisation with Cuba before a Republican Administration takes over.

The agreement calls on both countries to establish a bilateral operations plan in the event of a spill or oth-

er pollution in waters they share.

The Cuban and the US Coast Guard already cooperate over migration and drug enforcement in the Caribbean, coordinating interdiction and control efforts and sharing information over activity in the waters of the Florida Straits.

Both sides say the coordination is crucial to minimising the effects of potential pollution in the Caribbean to both countries.

(Jamaica Observer)

Antiguan Minister to be airlifted for medical attention

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orks and Housing Minister Eustace “Teco” Lake will continue his medical treatment overseas, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams disclosed during delivery of the Throne Speech.

“My government regrets that Minister Eustace Teco Lake cannot be seated in this chamber today.

“The director of the Mount St John’s Medical Centre reports that he is recovering and that the most talented medical personnel are applying their training to his care. Nevertheless… my government has already put plans in place to fly him to another hospital.

“We all pray for his speedy and total recovery, “Governor General Sir Rodney Williams reported to the joint sitting.

Just on Sunday, Prime

Works and Housing Minister Eustace “Teco” Lake

com)

Minister Gaston Browne told Observer media that Lake had been taken off the respirator and his blood pressure is under control, adding that the MP’s condition was improving as expected.

Lake has been hospitalised since Wednesday, with kidney complications.

(Source: antiguafocus.

Lionel “Max” Hurst, Government’s Chief of Staff, has said that the Director of Public Works and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Housing will take on Lake’s responsibilities.

They will report directly to the Prime Minister until further notice. (Antigua Observer)

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

al-Assad: Russia “tired” of US President Everything on table hacking “witch-hunt” in Astana talks S R ussia says US allegations that it ran a hacking campaign to influence the American presidential elections are "reminiscent of a witchhunt".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Moscow was tired of the accusations.

He said a report released

by US intelligence agencies detailing the allegations was groundless.

It is the first official reaction from Russia since President-elect Donald Trump received the report on Friday.

The unclassified report contains allegations that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the hack-

The report said Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the hack

ing of Democratic Party emails to damage Donald Trump's Democrat rival,

Chinese State tabloid warns Trump: end one China policy and China will take revenge

US President-elect Donald Trump talks to reporters as he and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a New Year's Eve celebration

S

tate-run Chinese tabloid Global Times warned US Presidentelect Donald Trump that China would "take revenge" if he reneged on the oneChina policy, only hours after Taiwan's President made a controversial stopover in Houston.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met senior US Republican lawmakers during her stopover in Houston on Sunday en route to Central America, where she will visit Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. Tsai will stop in San Francisco on January

13, her way back to Taiwan.

China had asked the United States not to allow Tsai to enter or have formal government meetings under the one China policy.

Beijing considers selfgoverning Taiwan a renegade province ineligible for state-to-state relations. The subject is a sensitive one for China.

A photograph tweeted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott shows him meeting Tsai, with a small table between them adorned with the US, Texas and Taiwanese flags.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Indian Supreme deciding on constitutionality of instant divorce

A

ritual that allows Muslim men to divorce their wives in an instant is facing fierce opposition in India.

"Triple talaq" – divorcing by saying the word talaq three times – is legal for Muslims in India, but

controversial. It is banned across much of the Islamic world.

India’s Supreme Court is deciding whether triple talaq is unconstitutional, a move that could help thousands of women. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Hillary Clinton, and influence the election.

In his comments on

Monday, Peskov said Russia "categorically denied that Moscow had been involved in any hacking attacks".

"Groundless accusations which are not supported by anything are being rehearsed in an amateurish, unprofessional way. We don't know what information they are actually relying on."

The claims amounted to a "witch-hunt", he added.

Trump used the same "witch-hunt" term last week in a New York Times interview to disparage the hacking claims, which he has repeatedly rejected since winning the presidential election in November. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

yrian President Bashar al-Assad has declared that his Government is ready to negotiate "on everything" during upcoming talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, brokered by Russia and Turkey.

In an interview with French journalists published by State media on Monday, Assad said there were still questions surrounding the talks, including "who will be there from the other side".

"We don't know yet," he said.

Turkey has suggested the Astana talks could be convened around the last week of January.

One of the French politicians, Thierry Mariani, who is visiting Syria said Assad also declared himself will-

ing to negotiate with rebel groups fighting against his Government, excluding "jihadist" organisations.

Assad said he was "optimistic" and "ready for reconciliation with them on the condition that they lay down their arms", Mariani said.

And he said the Syrian leader dismissed accusations of war crimes by his forces by saying that no wars were clean.

"There were probably mistakes on the part of the Government" that Assad said he would "condemn" and "regret", Mariani said.

Meanwhile, the Syrian leader blamed "terrorists" for occupying the main water source in the capital Damascus, and has vowed that the military will take it back. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Tunisia beach attack: Famous drive-through ‘Mastermind’ named tree felled by storm

A

BBC investigation has identified the man accused of organising the terror attack on a beach that killed 38 people in Tunisia.

Chamseddine al-Sandi is described as the "mastermind" behind the attack in documents obtained by Panorama.

He is named in confessions from suspects who were arrested in connection with the shootings.

Rezgui Seifeddine opened fire on the beach and in the Imperial Hotel near Sousse in June 2015.

Rezgui was killed at the scene, but the documents obtained by Panorama say

that he was recruited and directed by al-Sandi.

The confessions say alSandi ran a militant cell responsible for both the Sousse shootings and the attack three months earlier at the Bardo National Museum in which 22 people died. Both attacks were claimed by the socalled Islamic State.

The documents show how closely Rezgui worked with the Bardo gang – describing how he met with them in cafes and mosques in Tunis and how he trained alongside one of the Bardo gunmen in an IS camp in Libya. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The giant sequoia, which was carved into a living tunnel over a century ago, has fallen

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torms in California have toppled one of America's most famous trees – the Pioneer

Actors use Golden Globe stage to criticise Trump

U

S actors turned the 2017 Golden Globe Awards into a scathing attack on Donald Trump, with several of the evening's winners using their acceptance speech to deride the President-elect.

The Golden Globes, organised by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, were handed out on Sunday in Beverly Hills, honouring the best of film and television.

Meryl Streep, who received a lifetime achievement award, said she had been heartbroken by Trump's imitation of a disabled reporter during his campaign.

"There was one performance this year that stunned me," Streep, 67, said.

"It sank its hooks in my

Meryl Streep, who received a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes, during her acceptance speech

heart. Not because it was good. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter."

The three-time Oscar winner was referring to a 2015 incident at a South Carolina rally when Trump

flailed his arms and slurred in his speech in an apparent mocking of New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski, who has a physical disability.

Trump in a series of tweets on Monday repeated his denial that he ever imitated the reporter. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Cabin Tree.

The giant sequoia was known for having a hole cut through its trunk – big enough for a car to drive through.

The tree, estimated to be more than one thousand years old, was felled by the strongest storm to have hit the area in more than a decade.

California and Nevada have been hit by unusually high rainfall levels, leading to flooding and falling trees.

The Calaveras Big Trees Association first reported that the drive-through Pioneer Cabin Tree – carved 137 years ago – was no more.

The storm was "just too much for it", the group wrote in a Facebook post that has drawn nearly 2000 comments.

"Many memories were created under this tree," one read. "They will remain good memories."

Others pointed out that the tree might have survived for longer if a tunnel had not been carved into it.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Drivers strike over state of Gang member’s cross- Coomacka access road, bridges examination continues – will not work until situation is rectified Bartica Massacre trial

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elbert Reece, the selfconfessed member of the infamous gang that carried out the 2008 Bartica Massacre, continued to be cross-examined at the High Court in Demerara.

Taking the stand on Monday morning, he faced Defence Counsel Saphier Hussain, who is representing co-accused Dennis Williams, whom Reece identified as being part of the criminal gang that executed the attack which saw the slaughter of three Policemen and nine civilians on February 17, 2008.

At Monday’s hearing, Reece stated that he was never convicted of any crime prior to the Bartica incident.

Grilled by Attorney Hussain, the State witness reiterated that he had not been armed at the time of the attack, further adding that he also told Police rank “Reid” that he did not kill anyone.

The defence counsel then suggested that Reece “had no reason” to plead guilty and made the jarring accusation that his pleading guilty was a “concoction” to give evidence in the case.

Under the direction of presiding Judge Roxane George, SC, the State witness clarified that he decided to plead guilty following a discussion with his attorney.

Murder accused Celbert Reece was sentenced to 420 years in November 2016

“I told my lawyer I wanted to plead guilty,” the selfconfessed gang member told the 12-member jury.

Although Reece’s response was determined to be clear, Hussain made several attempts to ascertain if there was any plea deal with the State, but the court overruled his line of questioning on the basis of irrelevance. He was also warned against making “improper suggestions” against State Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar.

Meanwhile, as the Attorney moved on with his cross-examination, he asked the witness how long he had known the gang leader Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins.

“I get to know him when

I picked him up at East Coast,” Reece noted, adding that “Fineman” had contacted his cousin, fellow convict Michael Caesar. Reece also stressed that in his presence, there was no meeting, discussion or plan prior to the Bartica Massacre.

Reece further clarified that “Fineman”, who used a “45 hand gun”, was the only person who shot the men at the Bartica Stelling.

The matter was adjourned until this morning at the High Court where Attorney Hussain will conclude his cross-examination of the witness.

Reece was sentenced to 420 years total imprisonment, while his cousin, Michael Caesar was handed a 1080-year cumulative sentence. The men, along with co-accused Mark Royden Williams, Dennis Williams and Roger Simon, were allegedly part of the “Fineman” gang which attacked the town and fatally shot 12 persons. Among those killed were Police Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne. Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas and Baldeo Singh were the civilians killed.

D

A minibus navigates the almost impassable road

rivers operating in several mining areas across Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Monday morning staged a strike to highlight the deplorable condition of the Coomacka access road.

They were joined by schoolchildren and residents from areas including Coomacka, Three Friends, Nottinghamshire, Old England and Yaribo, at Coomacka where their issues were brought to the fore.

Residents also voiced their concerns with regard to the dilapidated state of the road and bridges (one at Coomacka and two at Three Friends). They alleged that they were being neglected by Government,

GWI training engineers on wastewater management strategies

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overnment engineers are being trained to enhance Guyana’s minimal waste management strategies and treatment through a fiveday training workshop in wastewater management strategies.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Institute for Water Education of UNESCO collaborated to host the workshop, which is funded by the Caribbean Regional Fund for wastewater management (CReW).

The workshop, which opened on Monday at the Millennium Manor Hotel, Hadfield Street, will benefit workers from GWI; Guyana Energy Agency (GEA); Central Planning and Housing Authority (CH&PA) and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), according to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Wastewater is water that has waste materials and includes industrial liquid waste and sewage waste. The Minister with responsibility for water, Dawn Hastings-Williams, who delivered brief remarks, said for too long Guyana has been struggling with its water resource.

The Minister urged the participants to join the fight

GWI’s Director of Operations Dwayne Shako addressing the gathering

in establishing water security measures to safeguard the water and “to see how best we can utilise it and how best we can treat it in order for Guyanese to have a good supply of quality water”.

Minister HastingsWilliams urged the gathering to put systems in place to last for decades and meet the needs of future generations and weather conditions, especially climate change. She also encouraged participants to be interactive and use the training as an opportunity to better the water sector for all Guyanese, the release added.

GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Richard Van West-Charles told the gathering that the training was critical since Guyana has a “big” problem with wastewater management.

The CEO explained that the main contributing factor to this was the lack of properly designed septic tanks.

He added that another challenge was implementing measures to deal with wastewater management in the new towns including Mahdia, Mabaruma, Rose Hall, Corriverton and Anna Regina.

Currently, GWI is in discussions with the CH&PA to install wastewater treatment plants in new housing schemes and to replace the old distribution system in Georgetown for more effective management of waste.

GWI Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako noted that Guyana has zero treatment of wastewater; therefore, this workshop was necessary since it would establish cost-effective systems for waste water.

Shako deemed the workshop as timely and the first step towards acquiring knowledge of waste management strategies and treatment. “The knowledge part is very important, since many times we do not need

to look at high-income systems that would cost us billions of dollars. The solution is right here, with minimum investment with low-cost systems we can use to help us with wastewater management,” Shako explained.

The GWI Operations Director urged the participants to use the knowledge gained and apply it practically in their respective community, town or village to better tackle the wastewater situation.

The facilitator of the workshop is UNESCO-IHE representative from Mexico, Dr Carlos Lopez Vasquez.

Dr Vasquez said there was no perfect technology, but if there was an area where the land was discoursed and one wanted to treat the water for reuse, there were low-cost available technologies to do so.

He told the participants that technologies had their advantages and disadvantages, and “we only need to know what is the most applicable one for our specific needs in a specific location”.

The course will address the basic conditions to understand what’s in the water, how to remove the contaminants and how quantity and quality would define the strategy to deal with wastewater. The training will conclude on Friday.

as their concerns have been raised in the media and raised by a Councillor at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and despite this, the situation remained unchanged.

They also spoke about the school bus that was gifted to the community under the President’s 5Bs initiative, which has not been operable since it was handed over a few months ago.

Many are also casting blame on the RDC, as they claim representatives inspected the road a few times and nothing tangible resulted. One driver, David Adams explained that it was very costly to conduct repairs to his vehicle, given the state of the roadway. He opined that since the road has been neglected by Government and regional authorities, monies for rehab work should be handed over to members of the community to conduct repairs.

"If the Government

community. And I know it have other private owners that are suffering same way like I do. I know this is one of the things that the Government is going to want to bring up – that we have issues with land and everything else. But that doesn't mean that a road coming from Linden directly to Coomacka where we have the first Coomacka School, we can have it up to there [cannot be done], as well as going to Yaribo, Three Friends because those are the areas that we have to go to," Adams continued.

Minibus operator Robert Gentle also expressed frustration over the state of the road.

"The reason for this action here this morning is as a direct result of the road.

One hundred years of bauxite mining in this country since last year. Now after one hundred years of bauxite mining, persons who are affected by the extraction of this miner-

Bus drivers and residents protesting

don't want to do it, then give us the money and we will elect a body to look after our road. We are getting the short end of the development...," Adams stated.

Many persons pointed to the high cost for repairs and vowed not to use the road until the RDC or Government rectified the situation.

"As the owner of a private vehicle it cost me $120,000 just to fix my bottom end last week, and this is ridiculous. It is forcing people to move out of the

al have no modern convenience. Our road is so terrible that it takes an hour and odd minutes to meet to Linden," he noted.

Speaking with this publication, one resident explained that some of the affected schoolchildren are preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, while some have School Based Assessments (SBAs) to submit this week.

Drivers plan to continue with the strike action today.

17

news

tuesday, january 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

39th Meeting of Community New GRA system could Council of Ministers reduce paperwork time ... Crucial time for reform – Secretary General

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rucial time for reform - Secretary General C a r i b b e a n Community Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said the year 2017 would be a crucial time for the reform of the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

The Ambassador called for a rigid approach to the examination and addressing of issues as the 39th Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers got underway at the Caricom Secretariat on Monday.

The Caricom Council, the second highest organ of the 15-member grouping, saw the attendance of Ministers responsible for Caricom Affairs. The Council has as its responsibility, the development of Community strategic planning and coordination in the areas of economic integration, functional cooperation and external relations in accordance with the policy directions established by the Caricom leaders.

According to LaRocque, as work commences in 2017, it is fitting that the Council with the primary responsibility for development strategic planning and coordination is first off the mark.

He said, “The items on the agenda provide ample opportunity for those gathered to do so as it discharges its responsibilities under the revised treaty. In that regard, consideration of the key issues to engage the attention of our Heads of Government at the intersessional meeting here next month is a key component of deliberations.”

Those recommendations, LaRocque stressed, should be the focus areas for the Community in 2017.

Undoubtedly, one of those areas would be the CSME. “Last July, Heads of Government mandated that a review of the status of CSME be completed for con-

Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

sideration of the intersessional meeting. That review is being undertaken, as well as how we can recalibrate the CSME to make it more responsive to address issues of growth and competitiveness.”

The Secretary General said too that 2017 was a crucial year for the reform process in the Caribbean Community as it moved ahead at the midpoint of the five-year strategic plan for the period 2015-2019, a foundational element of that process.

He said the operational plan for achieving the goals has been designed, identifying the specific roles for each of the implementing partners, the member states, regional institutions and the Secretariat.

The two-day meeting will see a presentation on the Caricom ResultsBased Management System, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Caricom Secretariat and UN Women.

Meanwhile, Caricom has reported that a sensitisation session on the CSME Regime for Free Movement of People is one of two workshops to be held in Suriname this week.

More than 30 participants will attend the oneday sensitisation training workshop today, in the

Dutch-speaking Caricom Member State. The intervention will help to address the critical importance of stakeholder engagement, including with employers, the Private Sector and labour, to the successful operation of the CSME and regional integration in general.

The second workshop on Wednesday provides training for Immigration and Border Control Officers on current arrangements under the CSME. The focus will be on matters relating to the CSME arrangements for facilitation of travel and the free movement of skilled Caricom nationals. This targeted training, to be provided by officers of the Caricom Secretariat, is expected to provide a clear understanding of the principles of Free Movement and the impact of how Immigration Officers interpret their function as frontline officials.

The two workshops are being funded under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) and will be held at the Krasnapolsky Hotel.

The Suriname workshops are among several national-level interventions by the Caricom Secretariat CSME Unit, aimed at strengthening capacity among personnel in key ministries and agencies who are tasked with advancing the implementation of the CSME.

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he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated a study that will lead to the adoption of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the study, which began on Monday, commenced with a presentation to wharf owners, shipping agents and customs brokers. It was held at the GRA’s Headquarters on Camp Street, Georgetown.

Delivering opening remarks, the Head of Customs and Trade Administration, Lancelot Wills informed participants that the new system would eventually

mer St Lucian Customs Comptroller, informed of the benefits such as better risk management particularly of high-risk cargo, systems to target the ‘bad guys despite them being the minority’ and better efficiency.

He also made reference to the need for the GRA to follow its international counterparts by working smarter and not necessarily harder.

He cited one example where it takes about seven days to process and clear a shipping container. Leonard said that in many cases that time was reduced to one day. For customers, e-payments could also be used and documents processed

tries including the Finance, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Ministries, and entities such as the Bank of Guyana and the Bureau of Statistics and any other which is deemed necessary to access information from the GRA. The AYSCUDA system was created and launched in 1981 to assist countries by strengthening customs administrations. Implemented in three countries initially, the system is now used by many Caribbean, Central and South American, North American, Asian, European and Middle Eastern countries. Grenada was the last country to implement it in the Caribbean islands.

Stakeholders at the launch of the feasibility study to implement the system

result in enhanced trade, a paperless environment, implementation of international best practices and increased efficiency.

Wills explained that as the last English-speaking country in the Region to adopt the system, Guyana would be able to build on the experiences of others.

The new system would be tailored to local needs and shorten the time taken to expedite goods, he added.

The presentation was conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNTAD) Consultant, Terrence Leonard and Information Technology Specialist Fabian Joseph.

Leonard, a for-

immediately, once verified.

UNTAD IT Specialist Fabian Joseph, during his presentation, outlined how the ASYCUDA system would enable key sections of the GRA to be linked in real time, leading to better information sharing and better efficiency for processing documents.

Joseph said that linking the systems would result in a single platform thereby enabling better border management, capacity building, better management of Government finances as remitted from the GRA and, overall faster processing of imported and exported goods and services.

The GRA will also be linked with relevant minis-

The United Nationsfunded initiative is being facilitated at a minimal cost since only the purchasing of software and training of technical staff is needed.

The feasibility study, which is being funded by the UN, will garner information and feedback from the Private Sector Commission, the Information Technology and legal staff of the GRA over the next week. It will conclude on January 19 with a presentation to the GRA’s top officials on a proposal to move forward with its implementation.

UNTAD was launched in 1964 to promote sustainable development and greater integration of developing economies.

Taxi driver remanded for Christmas Eve cutlass attack − severed his ex-girlfriend’s hand

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he accused in the Number 70 Village Christmas Eve chopping incident made an appearance at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and was refused bail.

Shamar Mohamed Ali, also known as “Crab Man”, 44, a taxi driver of Number 70 Village and also of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, was slapped with two counts of attempted murder and one assault charge.

It is alleged that on December 24, at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, he attempted to murder Bhartie Udho, 23. It is also alleged that on the same day the accused attempted to murder her mother, Amika Udho, 42.

Ali was not required to plead to the charges.

A third charge stated that on Christmas Eve, he assaulted Alexis Udho. He pleaded not guilty to that charge.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bernard Browne told the court that the accused was on the run since committing the act, and as such should not be granted bail. Browne told the court that Ali escaped when the Police went to arrest him.

The man’s Attorney, Chandra Sohan, argued that Ali did not know the Police were after him, and he went to work in the Canje River and was not in hiding.

Asked whether he saw news releases which indicat-

Accused: Shamar Mohamed Ali

ed that the Police were on the hunt for him, Ali said he did

not know how to read and did not watch television. When

asked about notices on social media, he told the court that he did not have a cellular phone.

Browne refuted Sohan’s claims that both victims were out of hospital, and pointed to information which indicated that the victims were not yet out of danger.

M a g i s t r a t e Rabindranauth Singh refused bail and instructed that Ali returned to court on January 26 when the Police were expected to present a report on their readiness to commence the trial.

On Christmas Eve night, Bhartie Udho, and her mother Amika, along with three other family members, had left home to go to Corriverton for a Christmas Eve walk

when the accused attacked the two, houses away from their home with a cutlass.

Bhartie and the accused allegedly shared a relationship.

The accused’s wife, Nalline Devi Paresar, 39, told Guyana Times that she broke up with Ali because of his extramarital affair.

The woman said after three months, she returned to Guyana and reunited with her husband, hoping that things would have changed.

She said her two children were her main focus and she was still trying to have a relationship with her husband Paresar broke down when Ali emerged from the Police vehicle to be taken to court.

(Andrew Carmichael)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

ARCHIE

You need to put greater emphasis on a relationship (March 21- with a loved one, close friend, April 19) relative or colleague. The nature of your interactions will make a difference to the way you move forward.

ARIES

Your financial plan will TAURUS need to be revised if you have (April 20- been making unnecessary purMay 20) chases. Concentrate on taking better care of your health and bank account.

dilbert

Look at the big picture GEMINI and consider what’s best for (May 21June 20) everyone before you make a decision. It’s important to incorporate discipline and practicality into everything you choose to do.

Go the extra mile to show off your skill and experience.

(June 21- Your peers may be jealous, July 22) but don’t let that turn into your problem. Do your own thing and avoid emotional confrontations.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Get to the bottom of any request for money. Donations can be made, but only if they don’t jeopardize your standard of living.

Do your best to take part VIRGO and make a difference. You (Aug. 23Sept. 22) will encounter interesting people who face problems similar to yours if you participate in events geared toward your concerns.

Calvin and Hobbes

Step up and make things hapLIBRA pen.

Procrastination will lead to (Sept. 23criticism and regret. An imporOct. 23)

tant partnership will improve your disposition, bring your goals into focus and boost your standard of living. Don’t fear change.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Emotional distress, anSCORPIO ger or overly focusing on legal, (Oct. 24contractual or financial enNov. 22) deavors will be costly. Be disciplined and stay focused on creativity, peace, love and personal improvements.

You’ll have the discipline SAGITTARIUS to make changes that will im(Nov. 23prove your life. Assess your Dec. 21) relationships with others and carefully choose with whom you plan to associate.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Avoid temptation, call the CAPRICORN shots and finish what you (Dec. 22start.

Refuse to let the acJan. 19) tions of others influence you.

Follow your intuition and stay within budget in order to avoid unnecessary stress.

Think outside the box and AQUARIUS turn your ideas into solutions.

(Jan. 20Your suggestions will put you Feb. 19) in a good position for advancement. Speak your mind and make a difference.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Partnerships will play a PISCES (Feb. 20- heavy role in the personal March 20) or professional changes you make. Base your decisions on reality and practicality. Be willing to listen and respond without malice.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

West Indies Women Behardien to lead in T20 kick off World Cup as SA ring changes preparation with F English camp

West Indies and England Women last played each other in the Caribbean in October with the visitors taking the series 3-2 in Jamaica

W

est Indies Women’s team will have a two-week camp in England as part of their preparation for the International Cricket Council’s Women’s World Cup later this year.

The Windies are the most improved team in women’s cricket and will look to add the 50over title to the ICC World T20 title they won at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in April, 2016.

They were runners-up when the 50-over World Cup was played in Mumbai, India four years ago.

West Indies secured one of four automatic qualification spots for the eight-team tournament, which starts on June 26 and runs until July 23, with the final at Lord’s.

Bristol and Derby will host the semi-finals while Leicester and Taunton are the other venues.

The other automatic qualifiers for the World Cup are: Australia, England and New Zealand. The final four teams will be decided after the ICC Qualifiers tournament in February in Sri Lanka.

Josina Luke, the WICB’s Project Officer, Women’s cricket, outlined the details behind the camp and the team’s preparation for the World Cup. “We made arrangements for the team to assemble in England in early June for their camp ahead of the World Cup. We want to offer them all the support we can as we look to add the 50-over title to the T20 title,” Luke said.

"This should provide them with ideal preparation as they get acclimatized to the conditions and look to win another major international title.

“The team has improved a lot since the last World Cup in India, when they reached their first international final. We are good contenders to win this time around.” (Windiescricket)

arhaan Behardien will captain a new-look South African T20 outfit in their series against Sri Lanka later this month, which includes six new caps. The 13man squad for the first two matches has only four members - Behardien, David Miller, Imran Tahir, Aaron Phangiso who were part of South Africa's last T20 matches at the World T20 in March 2016.

Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw and David Wiese were not considered because both have recently signed Kolpak deals to play in county cricket, thereby ending their international careers.

The radical changes to the South Africa squad - including resting regular skipper Faf du Plessis and several senior players such as Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada - come as a result of a packed fixture list which has seen scant breaks since last November. South Africa had three weeks between their Tests in Australia to the home series against Sri Lanka and will only have four days between the end of that and their trip to New Zealand.

They have identified the shortest format, which does not have a major tournament coming up until at least 2018, as the area they can afford to experiment in.

"We have decided to rest some of our key senior players for this series," Linda Zondi, convener of selector said. "This is the last chance we have to do this as the ODI series that follows is an important part of our build-up to the Champions Trophy tournament in England in the middle of the year.

"Those senior players who are involved in the Indian Premier League will be playing non-stop from now until the end of August with the tours coming up to New Zealand and England in addition to the ICC event.”

There are two veterans who may return for the final fixture, though. AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel, neither of whom have played since the CPL in June because of elbow and back injuries respectively, are both due to play a List A game for Northerns on January 22, three days before the final T20 in Cape Town.

Should they come through that match unscathed, they will be considered for the last match and South Africa's tour to New Zealand. Some of the new inclusions will also be eyeing that trip. Although South Africa play just one T20 in Auckland, they will know there are places up for grabs in the ODI squad, especially with the new ball.

Andile Phehlukwayo, who was South Africa's highest wickettaker in the recent ODI series against Australia and is likely to make his T20 debut against Sri Lanka, could be in contention for that role.

Dane Paterson, the Cobras quick, will also fancy his chances. Paterson took just six wickets from nine matches at 39.00 in this season's T20 competition but was in the top ten in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 editions. Titans bowler Lungi Ngidi, 20, who played a pivotal role in their victory in the domestic T20 final with 2 for 27 in four overs, is the other new face in the bowling department.

Among the batsmen, some

Wiese joins Proteas Kolpak exodus S

19

Farhaan Behardien

established players have been rewarded for seasons of consistency. Jon-Jon Smuts from the Warriors, who topped the T20 competition run charts with 371 runs at 41.22, is among them. Heino Kuhn was seventh on the list and has the chance to add to his five T20 caps while Reeza Hendricks, who has played the same number of T20 internationals but did not perform particularly well for the Lions, was also included. Theunis de Bruyn, who is the reserve batsmen in the Test squad and only played half this season's T20 matches but scored 195 runs at 48.75, has also been included.

In the absence of de Kock and de Villiers, Mangaliso Mosehle is set to take the wicketkeeping gloves. Mosehle is also a handy middle-order batsman and finished eighth on the run list in the T20 tournament. Among those overlooked were Rassie van der Dussen, who was fourth on the batting charts, Andrew Birch, who finished as the second highest wicket-taker, and Sisanda Magala, who was third. Chris Morris could not be considered because he has yet to make a comeback from a knee injury that has sidelined him for the last three months. Morris was due to play for the Titans in a first-class match last week but the fixture was rained out.

South Africa T20 squad: Farhaan Behardien (capt), Theunis de Bruyn, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heino Kuhn, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle, Lungi Ngidi, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jon-Jon Smuts (Cricinfo)

ussex have confirmed the signing of South Africa allrounder David Wiese on a three-year Kolpak deal as he becomes the latest player to end his international career.

Wiese, whose move follows the recent high-profile signings by Hampshire of Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw, will join the county in June, which leaves him a window to play in the IPL should he secure another deal having been released by Royal Challengers Bangalore. He previously played for Sussex in 2016 when he took six wickets in four T20 Blast matches - albeit with an economy above 10 an over - made one Royal London Cup appearance and claimed 19 wickets at 24.00 in six Championship outings.

When Cricket South Africa named their T20 squad to face Sri Lanka later on Monday, they confirmed Wiese had been an original selection but was withdrawn after confirming his Kolpak move.

"I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for giving me the opportunity of fulfilling my lifelong dream of representing my country in the sport I love," Wiese said. "I am very excited to be joining Sussex on a long-term deal. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint with the club last year and it made my decision so much easier when offered to return. Sussex is an extremely ambitious club and I look forward to being part of their future."

Wiese made 26 limited-overs appearances for South Africa - he has a career-best of 5 for 23 in T20Is - without ever being seen as a regular. He has played at the IPL and CPL and remains an important part of the Titans' team but, at 31, and with the amount of young talent coming through, an international future was unlikely. He will join batsman Stiaan van Zyl, who signed for Sussex in November, at Hove.

"We are thrilled to have David joining us at Sussex," Mark Davis, the head coach, said. "He is an extremely accomplished all-round cricketer who is effective in all formats and will bring great experience and skill to our group.

"He will add significantly to our white-ball team with his bowling and powerful batting at the death and has already shown his potential last season in the longer format. His experience will be invaluable to our young developing team."

Vernon Philander will also have a spell with the club as an overseas player before South Africa's tour of England. (ESPNcricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

Sixers pull off dramatic last-over chase

…Narine fails as Renegades opener

UWI T20 Tournament...

Savory, Singh blast DCC to quarter-finals

K

A

Brad Haddin looks on as Callum Ferguson attempts a sweep

mid a confusing conclusion, Sydney Sixers pulled off the highest successful BBL chase at the SCG - hauling down Melbourne Renegades’ 170 with three balls to spare - to move a step closer to finals qualifications.

Aaron Finch spoke after Renegades’ defeat to Stars on Saturday about how he was frustrated to keep falling in the 20s and 30s. So, having won the toss and chosen to bat (just the third time that has happened this BBL) he will have been pleased to make 57, his second - and Renegades’ third - half-century of the season. Only problem is, he was starved of the strike when at his most dangerous - in the Powerplay. He faced just eight balls for 12 runs in the first six overs as Sunil Narine, and then Cameron White, were dismissed without making a huge impact.

Finch grew into his innings, but with the field spread and the boundaries fairly long, he was unable to accelerate as he would have hoped. Indeed Renegades’ efforts to clear the ropes were not limited to their captain - they hit more twos - 18 than they did fours and sixes - 17. Much has been made of the fact that Australia used four No. 6 batsmen in their six Tests this summer.

Well, two of them were on show - and looking in good touch - here. The forgotten man, Callum Ferguson, was perhaps lucky to be retained in the Renegades team ahead of Marcus Harris, but after a slow start he anchored the rest of the innings well. Renegades had gone ten overs without taking ten from an over, but Ferguson - know for his classical strokeplay - smote the first two balls of the 20th over from Sean Abbott into the Bill O’Reilly Stand, with the first travelling 108m, the second longest six of the tournament.

Opening batsman, captain, death bowler. Now, wicketkeeper. Finch has done the lot this season.

Rainfall had made the ground wet and Peter Nevill

was hit on the forehead by a skidding throw from the deep and - after a lengthy delay - was asked by the doctor to leave the field for a concussion test. Much to the enjoyment of his teammates, Finch strapped on the gauntlets. Just an over later, Nevill was cleared to return, but the trick worked - Sixers had been cruising to their target before the incident, but a ball after Finch padded up, Michael Lumb sent Thisara Perera straight to Narine at short third man!

Sixers’ chase went to the final over because the weight was spread and none of the top four capitalised on impressive starts.

Openers Daniel Hughes and Michael Lumb set things up with a stand of 72. Then Nic Maddinson and Moises Henriques both got themselves in and got themselves out, with the former stumped off Narine and the latter picking out the man on the fence off the excellent Perera, whose variations and defensive bowling were outstanding in his first game for the Renegades.

And so came the confusing final over, from which Sixers required nine. With Brad Haddin set - but not

striking the ball well James Pattinson found a dot ball. Haddin threw his hands at a shortand wide ball, and got four through point, then - with the umpire’s arm outstretched for a no-ball - scrambled two into the legside. Sixers needed two from three, and from the resultant free-hit, Haddin was brilliantly caught on the fence at long-on by Cooper, but they sprinted through for two. As the umpire incorrectly signalled six, and Finch called for him to check Cooper’s foot, neither team appeared to know the game was over. But after the game, Haddin explained the ingenious strategy he and Jordan Silk used, and made it clear they knew what was happening.

“It wasn’t confusing for us!” said Haddin. “Silky just said to get it as high as I can off the free hit and we will run two, which would win us the game. I actually thought that Tom Cooper trod on the fence, but we knew exactly what we needed.”

The Renegades were a bit more confused, however. Captain Finch said after the game, “I thought they needed three when Jimmy [Pattinson] bowled that last ball!” (ESPNcricinfo)

emol Savory and Gajanand Singh produced man-ofthe match performances on Sunday to power the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to two convincing victories on the first day of the fourth annual University of West Indies (UWI) National T20 Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

Playing at the UWI’s Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC), DCC defeated DuncanBuggy Haynes (DBH) United by six wickets then Moosai Sports by seven wickets.

In the first match, DBH batted first and scored 1588 in their 20 overs with William Perkins top scoring with 56 and received support from Yannick Ottley (31).

Medium pacer Sherfene Rutherford took 2-19 in four overs while off-spinner Coen Ismond and Keemo Paul had figures of 2-29 and 2-31 respectively.

In response DCC raced

Gajanand Singh

SCOREBOARD Melbourne Renegades innings SP Narine c & b Bird 4 AJ Finch* c Bird b Botha 57 CL White c Bird b Dwarshuis 19 TLW Cooper c †Haddin b Dwarshuis 39 CJ Ferguson c Maddinson b Abbott 39 NLTC Perera c Maddinson b Dwarshuis 6 MW Short not out 5 Extras (lb-1) 1 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 170 Did not bat: JL Pattinson, CP Tremain, PM Nevill†, GB Hogg Fall of wickets 1-6 (Narine, 0.5 ov), 2-27 (White, 3.2 ov), 3-99 (Cooper, 11.4 ov), 4-135 (Finch, 16.2 ov), 5-142 (Perera, 17.3 ov), 6-170 (Ferguson, 19.6 ov) Bowling: JM Bird 4-0-39-1, BJ Dwarshuis 4-0-35-3, SA Abbott 4-0-34-1, NM Lyon 3-0-24-0, NJ Maddinson 1-0-9-0, J Botha 4-0-28-1

Sydney Sixers innings DP Hughes c Perera b Narine 41 MJ Lumb c Narine b Perera 31 NJ Maddinson st †Nevill b Narine 26 MC Henriques* c Ferguson b Perera 30 BJ Haddin† not out 31 JC Silk not out 6 Extras (lb-2, w-3, nb-1) 6 Total (4 wickets; 19.3 overs) 171 Did not bat: J Botha, SA Abbott, BJ Dwarshuis, JM Bird, NM Lyon Fall of wickets 1-72 (Hughes, 7.4 ov), 2-82 (Lumb, 9.4 ov), 3-119 (Maddinson, 13.2 ov), 4-147 (Henriques, 16.4 ov) Bowling: TLW Cooper 1-0-1-0, JL Pattinson 2.3-0-36-0 (nb-1, w-2), SP Narine 4-0-30-2 (w1), CP Tremain 3-0-38-0, GB Hogg 4-0-32-0, NLTC Perera 4-0-26-2, MW Short 1-0-6-0

Kemol Savory

to 162-4 in 16.5 overs on the back of a blazing 64 not out off 44 balls by Singh and a scintillating 27-ball 58 by Savory.

Singh thumped eights

fours and one six while Savory, a former Guyana Under-19 player, cleared the ropes on four occasions and hit six fours in his high tempo innings.

Against Moosai, the

combination of Paul (318), Kellon Carmichael (222) and Rutherford (2-26) helped bowl out the home team for 101 in 18 overs.

Johann Leezma top scored with 41 from 34 balls inclusive of four sixes and received support from Alden Daniel (14).

In pursuit of the meagre total, Singh a former National player was among the runs again hitting stroke-filled 55 from 32 balls.

The left-handed batsman hit 10 fours and got some support from young Sachin Singh with 16 from 14 balls; Adrian Geeban took 2-21 from four overs.

DCC will now play Trinidad and Tobago Police Force in the quarter-finals today at 18:00h.

Speaking after the victories Captain Derwin Christian was most pleased with the performance of his troops considering they only came off a plane a few hours before the first match at 14:00h. Christian, a former national wicketkeeper batsman is hoping that the team can continue in their winnings ways and cop the championship trophy.

The UNICOM sponsored event sees the teams competing for $70,000 worth of prize money, with the winning team receiving at least $35,000 in cash and a champion’s trophy. Prizes will also be given to the Man of the Match and the player who hits the Biggest Six.

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Johnny Grave

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has appointed Johnny Grave as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous recruitment process led

by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Barbados.

Johnny joins the organisation with a wealth of experience from both the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) in the UK, where he has been the Commercial Director for the past 9 years and Surrey County Cricket Club, where he held several senior leadership roles. During his time at the PCA, Johnny has significantly grown commercial revenue streams, as well as building excellent relationships and partnerships between the play-

$5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

started by former CEO, Michael Muirhead. The top priorities for the new CEO will be the management and oversight of the WICB’s US$40 million budget, the creation of new commercial opportunities, helping to drive revenue into the whole game, along with an increased focus on player relations and improved performances on and off the field.

President of the WICB, Dave Cameron welcomes

t h e n e w CEO to the t e a m commenting, “Johnny has a proven track record of success in his career to date and a huge amount of relevant experience and will add exceptional value to the organisation.

Johnny was the unanimous choice of the interview panel and clearly shares our vision for the future of West Indies Cricket.”

Johnny commented, “I am delighted to have been given the honour of becoming the new CEO of the WICB. I am genuinely excited by the opportunity of improving cricket at all levels within the region and am looking forward to working with the many stakeholders who are committed to the long-term development of West Indies Cricket.”

Johnny holds an Executive MBA from the Cass Business School in London and is a graduate from the University of Leeds.

He will be fulfilling his contractual responsibilities at the PCA and is unavailable for further media comment until he officially begins his role with the WICB in February.

He will be based in Antigua at the WICB headquarters.

continued from page 23

Best Men’s Coach

From 5,000-1 outsiders to Premier League champions.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, who has also led his side to the last 16 of the Champions League this season, won the award ahead of Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane, who lifted the Champions League in his first season in charge, and Portugal’s Fernando Santos, who led his team to an unexpected success at Euro 2016.

Claudio Ranieri had never previously won a league title

Best Women’s Coach

Puskas award (best goal)

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sports

The best goal of 2016 was, officially, scored by Penang’s Mohd Faiz Subri.

It came in the Malaysia Super League, the forward converting a superb, swirling free-kick from 35 yards which started out head-

ing towards the top left corner but ended up in the top right.

the semi-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

The fan award went to supporters of Liverpool and German club Borussia Dortmund, who together sang a moving rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ an anthem adopted by both teams - before their Europa League quarter-final in April. The match came the day before the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans died.

Liverpool went on to produce a stirring display, coming from behind to win the match 4-3 and advance to

Colombian side Atletico Nacional were given the fair play award for their part in the aftermath of the plane crash which killed 19 players and staff of Brazilian side Chapecoense.

Chapecoense were en route to play the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana final when the plane crashed, killing 71 people.

Atletico Nacional said the title should be awarded to Chapecoense. Fifa recognised their “spirit of peace, understanding and fair play”. (BBC Sport)

Fan award

Fair Play Award

22

WICB/Regional Super50...

"I would love to be the top runscorer" ― Fudadin

Assad Fudadin

By Akeem Greene

G

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

uyana Jaguars top-order batsman Assad Fudadin has set his eyes on an illustrious goal in the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 tournament.

The elegant batsman, who once gets going usually plays an array of shots pleasing to the eye is donning the idea of being able to achieve the feat of leading run-scorer at the end of the tournament which runs from January 24 to February 18 in Barbados and Antigua.

Last year, the Guyanese was the second leading batsman in the entire tournament with 259 runs from seven matches at an average of 51.80 with a high score of 103 not out against the Combined Colleges and Campuses Marooners and was instrumental in Guyana reaching the semi-finals against host Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Now, the batsman who played three Tests for West Indies is seeking to go one better and lead the charts but is expected to undergo the process match by match.

“I will try to take it game by game, I don’t want to set myself too many goals but I would love to be top run scorer in the Caribbean at the end of the tournament, I will try to take it game by game and do well for the team and then worry about personal performance,” the former West Indies under-19 player stated.

He added, “Cricket is something you can’t take for granted, I was the top run scorer for Guyana last year, I did well but this year is a new year and I have to come with the same mentality and be even more positive so I can do better.”

Fudadin, who toured with the West Indies A team to Sri Lanka in October 2016 played three One-day matches and garnered 71 runs, including a high score of 57, is still looking to resurrect his international playing career considering the amount of activity the regional side has this year both at home and away.

“I would say West Indies cricket have not being doing their best and some spots are up for grabs but when you do well for your country that process will take care of itself” he revealed.

The Port Mourant born has been around senior regional cricket since 2003, where he made his List A debut playing for the West Indies Under-19s, is now one of the most experienced players in the team and plans to do what is required of himself to bring success to the side.

The 31 year-old explained, “I see myself as one of the experience players in the team and 50 overs is allot of balls, so whatever is the team plan I will do it, so if it is to bat through the innings, give more positive starts, I will do my best for the team for team.”

He further explained that “generally I will be looking to be positive but positive does not mean you play reckless, you can look for quick singles to keep the strike rotating but doing well means the team will benefit.”

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club player was part of the last Guyana side to win a 50-over title when they defeated Barbados in a rain-affected match at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda in fading light.

Cognisant of the title jinx, Fudadin says his himself and teammates are well aware of what is at stake this year.

“I was apart of the team when we won the KFC Cup in 2005 and since then no titles but we had a meeting and everyone knows the length of time we have not won this tournament and we will be striving to achieve that in this year,” the player disclosed.

With Guyana being based in Barbados for their preliminary matches against teams such as Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, CCC Marooners and ICC Americas, Fudadin will have an opportunity to add to his lone century and seven fifties at this level on pitches which should aid in more positive stroke-play.

Caption: Hard at work! Fudadin bats in the nets during a practice session on Monday at the National Stadium, Providence (Marceano Narine Photo)

Rambaran is new Chairman as Cavaliers host AGM

O

n Saturday evening Anil Rambaran was elected unopposed to the post of Chairman of the G. Square Cavaliers Sports Club, when the entity held its Annual General Meeting in Wakenaam.

Rambaran and the entire executive body were elected to the various positions unopposed. The following persons make up the rest of the club’s hierarchy, Vice Chairman Bhesham Bhagpatti, Secretary / Treasurer Tameshwar Persaud ( was re-elected for three consecutive years) and committee members Heramant Heeraman, Jagarnauth Manbodh,

Chandrika Ragnauth and Lokram Narine. The four committee members were elected from a total of six persons who seek the position.

The executive committee is expected to meet this week to set up sub committees and discuss plans for 2017.

The club is in exis-

tence for three years and it is located on the island of Wakenaam, in the village of Belle Plaine. The executives at the club do not only focus on sports but every year they carry out a community project. The last project they did was an extension to the Wakenaam cottage hospital emergency room. ?Membership stands just over 50 at the entity and this year it is expected to grow with some new initiatives expected to be implemented.

The club also strive to promote a family relationship among members and to have the best discipline team.

GTTA seeking Pan Am Juniors qualification members of the junior team in an effort to reinforce the fundamentals of the players and increase their technical and tactical awareness.

According to the GTTA all the top countries in the region are expected to descend on Georgetown since the qualification event is compulsory.

The junior boys team boasts a formidable line up with the likes of Miguel Wong, Elishaba Johnson, Kyle Edghill, Sheldon Atherley, Nicholas Romain, Tyriq Saunders, Jamaal Nicholas, Terrence Rausche, Yeudister Persuad, Kaysan Ninvalle, Brandon Jaikarran, Navindra Persaud, Jeremey Singh Isaiah Layne, Nryron Bissu, Khalil Ninvalle, Jonathan Van Lange and Ty Dixon.

Priscilla Greaves is expected to

Kaysan Ninvalle

T

he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will host the Caribbean Junior and Cadet table tennis Championships from April 14-19 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue Georgetown and that competition will be used as the qualification event for the second Pan American Junior and cadet table tennis Championships to be held in the United States of America in September.

The top four teams from the Caribbean will join the top four teams from Central and South America to compete at the Pan Am event.

“The GTTA will be gauging the players progress over the coming months to arrive at the best possible team to compete at the championships,” stated a release from the association.

According to the GTTA release, in an effort to enhance the training of the junior and cadet players, the GTTA will have the senior players train with

Priscilla Greaves

The Caribbean tournament will provide opportunities for 32 of Guyana’s top junior athletes to compete against the region’s best for regional honours.

Last year the Guyana junior boys team secured silver medal in a three way tie between host and eventual winners the Dominican Republic whom Guyana defeated by a 3-2 margin in Trinidad and Tobago.

This year the locals will look to use the home advantage to go one better and win the regional tournament which will qualify them for the prestigious Junior Pan American Championships.

Elishaba Johnson

lead the female challenge, with support from Neveah Clarkston, Selenas Jackman, Abigale Martin, Onieka Philips, Davona Bess, Thuraia Thomas and Kristie Lopes.

The categories to be contested are boys singles and doubles, girls singles and doubles and the mixed doubles events.

Root available for 1st ODI after birth of son E

ngland batsman Joe Root will be available for Sunday’s first one-day international against India in Pune following the birth of his son.

The 26-year-old remained in the United Kingdom when the rest of the squad departed last Thursday.

His fiancee Carrie gave birth to their first child on Saturday.

The Yorkshire play-

er will now join up with the England team this Thursday ahead of the first of three ODIs, which are followed by three Twenty20 games.

Before that first match in Pune, England will play India A in two warmup matches at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday and Thursday. (BBC

Sport)

Joe Root has scored 3528 runs in 78 One-Day Internationals

23

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 10, 2017

Messingher stands alone Azib Ali Hanif backs Guyana in Linden cross-country Jaguars for Super50 title F

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto

And they are off! The Under-20 runners face the trail head on in a wonderful turnout of athletes

T

he Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) second cross country race was dominated by ace distance runner, Winston Messingher who made good of his promise before the start of the race to defend his title at Bay Rock, Linden on Sunday.

The annual event was well supported with participants totaling over 100 in numbers. Linden boy, Messingher was the first to complete the 7K challenge in a time of 18 minutes and 44 seconds (18m, 44sec.), ultimately winning his category of Boys Open.

Messingher finished ahead of Nathaniel Giddings and Marlon Nicholson who finished second and third respectively in that category.

Messingher, after the race said “It was a nice way to start the year,” noting that he was expected to go to Suriname and participate but opted to defend the title he won last year in the presence of his family and friends adding that “this is a title he will be looking to defend in the years to come” as overall he sets his sights on bettering his time and winning more consistently in 2017.

Meanwhile, in the Girls Open category, Ashanti Scott, as expected took the top spot, followed by Assata Eastman and Cassie Kirton who completed the top three spots in that order.

Mathew McKenzie won the Boys Under-20 category but was closely followed

by Ricky Williams who had won the first Georgetown leg of the cross country and Anfernee Headliner in third.

On the other hand, Kezra Murray made light work of the pack in the Girls Under-20 division by cruising to the finish line without being seriously challenged.

Collia Rowe finished second and Delicia Tinnitus third.

In the Boys Under-16, Murphy Nash copped the top spoils while Nicholas Daw and Mark Soloman completed the race in second and third respectively.

Also, Johonna Archer did not disappoint in the Girls Under-16, running away from the pack as Kissanna Glen in second and Shaquka Tyrell in third trailed.

Joel Williams was the best runner in the Boys Under-14, followed by Benel Ogle in second and Joshua Bennett in third.

Similarly, in the Girls Under-14, Aaliyah Headley

Winston successfully Linden title

Messingher defended his

was the champion runner, shadowed by Kellannie Glen and Attoya Harvey in second and third respectively.

The athletes endured off road terrain including grass, loose sand including a sand pit where they had to climb out to et back on course covering a distance of 7km.

This event was done through the kind sponsorship of National Sports Commission and Banks DIH under their Rain Forest Water and PowerAde brands.

ormer Guyana wicketkeeper/batsman Azib Alli Hanif is confident the Guyana Jaguars will be triumphant in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board Regional Super50 tournament which bowls off later this month in co-host countries Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda.

Hanif, who currently resides in Canada, explained that the Guyanese team is loaded with talented players and who also have great temperament for the abbreviated version.

The righthanded cricketer stated that with the inclusion of veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the side should have a greater level of psychology over its opponents.

He further mentioned that the team looks balanced and once they execute their plans in every facet of their game, winning the elusive one-day trophy should not be difficult.

“Well, the team is blended with lots of senior guys who have been playing a while now and alongside Shiv which will help them to encounter with his experience in many ways.

Definitely, they need to execute in all departments on the field and not to take any team lightly and with shiv in the team it’s a big plus for the Guyana squad especially with the wealth of his experience,” Hanif, who featured in 11 first-class matches for

his native country related.

He singled out his fellow Berbician Jonathan Foo as a great asset for the team referring to his aggressive style and flamboyance.

He strongly believes Foo has shown the ability to hit the ball well and is suited for the limited-over game and very optimistic the right-handed Foo can make an impression.

Guyana, who last won a regional 50over title in 2005, will begin their quest for supremacy against a r c h r i v a l s Barbados P r i d e at the Kensington Oval in a Group B fixture.

The other teams that make up the Group are: Jamaican Scorpions, Combined Campuses and Colleges

Marooners and International Cricket Council Americas.

Quizzed on Guyana’s chances, Hanif pointed out that there are a lot of teams that will be anxious to win the trophy but the Guyana Jaguars must be in ‘ravenous mood’ for success.

“I think once the Guyanese boys play committed and hard cricket and

Azib Ali Hanif

show the eagerness to be successful, they can come out as the champion side; obviously the other competitors would want to do well so we have got to be consistent with our performances,” Hanif who lives in Ontario Province, commented.

The Guyana contingent will have four-day victorious captain and West Indies batsman Leon Johnson as the leader while several other players with international exposure are in the lineup. Hanif believes that the selection is excellent having these senior campaigners on show and they can do exceedingly well to make the Jaguars roar to the top.

When Guyana emerged winner in their last championship tournament Chanderpaul was the captain. Since the inauguration of oneday cricket in 1972/73, Guyana only captured eight titles.

Notably, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are the reigning champion and placed in Group A alongside Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes, West Indies Under-19s and English County side Kent Spitfires.

Ronaldo beats Messi to win FIFA best player award C ristiano Ronaldo was named the world’s best player at the inaugural Best Fifa Football Awards in Zurich.

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Ronaldo, 31, beat Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann to the prize.

Ronaldo also won the Ballon d’Or in December, with both honours recognition for success in the Champions League with Real and Euro 2016 with Portugal.

Carli Lloyd of the United States was named the world’s best female player.

Leicester’s Claudio Ranieri was named best men’s coach, ex-Germany boss Silvia Neid won the female coach award, while Penang’s Mohd Faiz Subri received the Puskas award for the best goal of 2016.

For the past six years, the world’s best player has

received the Fifa Ballon d’Or award.

A version of that prize has been awarded by France Football magazine since 1956, but last year world football’s governing body ended its association with that honour.

Instead, it introduced the Best Fifa Football Awards, with Ronaldo the first recipient of its main prize.

Voting for the player and coach categories was by national team captains and managers, selected journalists and, for the first time, an online poll of fans.

Each counted for 25% of the points.

2016 was quite a year for Ronaldo.

As well as scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout to win the Champions League, rescuing Real with a hat-trick in the final of the Club World Cup, captaining Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and being recognised

Fifpro World XI

Atletico Nacional fans held tributes in support of Chapecoense

with a fourth Ballon d’Or, he now has something Messi does not - the honour of being named best Fifa men’s player.

The former Manchester United forward had been the favourite for the award, following a year in which

he continued to deliver remarkable statistics. These include: • 44 games, 42 goals, 14 assists.

• The third best minutes-per-goal rate (83.68) of anyone scoring a minimum of 10 goals across Europe’s

top five leagues during 2016, behind Luis Suarez (82.57) and Radamel Falcao (59.6).

• Finishing top scorer in the Champions League in 2015-16 with 16 goals, seven more than second-placed Robert Lewandowski.

Despite being on the shortlist for best individual player, Griezmann did not make the best XI. The line-up features five players from Real Madrid, four from Barcelona, one from Juventus (Dani Alves, who was at Barca for the first half of 2016) and one, Manuel Neuer, from Bayern Munich.

That means no Premier League players were included.

Despite the United States failing to finish on an Olympic podium for the first time, co-captain Carli Lloyd has continued her exceptional form both for her club, Houston Dash, and country.

The 34-year-old saw off competition from Germany’s Olympic gold medallist Melanie Behringer and fivetime winner Marta of Brazil.

continued on page 21

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Messingher stands alone in Linden cross-country

Pg 23

Ronaldo beats Messi to win FIFA best player award

Pg 23

More than 100 took to the starting line for the Linden Cross Country 7k on Sunday

Cristiano Ronaldo capped a memorable 2016 by winning the Club World Cup with Real Madrid

WICB Regional Super50....

Pg 22

“I would love to be the top run-scorer” ― Fudadin Hard at work! Assad Fudadin bats in the nets during a practice session on Monday at the National Stadium, Providence (Marceano Narine photo)

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