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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3179

Monday, April 10, 2017

Diamond drug bond plagued by unstable electricity

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Masked P17 bandits terrorise couple during home invasion

– at Onderneeming

Page 3

– poses health risk to patients GuySuCo’s downsizing

Sugar workers to protest closures, violations today

Page 7

$80 vat included

Fugitive ‘wife killer’ caught

Guyana’s upper middle income status brings new challenges – Greenidge P16

Page 8

APNU/AFC seems to have lost P16 interest in constitutional reform – Ramkarran

Hundreds of Amerindians attend PPP’s Mabaruma conference Page 5 GGMC allowed other miners access to Parish Peak area – Syndicate P17

– pass motion to reject Govt’s ploy to set up land CoI People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and a team interacted with more than 800 Amerindians, from more than 13 villages, on Sunday during the PPP’s SubRegion District Conference at Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini)

Bulkan's directive to Chronicle

Ministers can dictate to State media – President

Page 11

Child rights P14 activist calls for child sexual abuse cases to be expedited

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, April 10 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, April 11 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 10 – 16:00h-17:30h and Tuesday, April 11 – 16:35h-18:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine can be expected throughout the day, with clear skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North north-easterly to East northeasterly between 4.02 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 04:00h and 16:20h reaching a maximum height of 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:55h and 22:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.57 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, April 8, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

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13 15

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27 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 01 03 07 08

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LUCKY 3 0 1 1

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

Diamond drug bond plagued by unstable electricity – poses health risk to patients

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he improper storage of pharmaceuticals at the Diamond drug bond could not only lead to millions of dollars in losses owing to spoilage but a major health risk to patients.

It was recently revealed by the warehouse manager, Silhouette Craig, that the East Bank Demerara facility currently had a malfunctioning refrigerator and was faced with frequent bouts of unstable electricity.

Back in 2016, the Government opted to rent what was basically a house on Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown owned by a party affiliate to store the country’s pharmaceuticals at an exorbitant rate of $12.5 million per month.

While the facility is less than 10,000 square feet, the NEW GPC INC drug storage bond, which was used prior to the new rental, was 70,000 square feet and provided cold storage free of cost using its walk-in cold room to the Public Health Ministry.

The primary electricity supply for the NEW GPC is a generator, since the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc is unreliable and there is a second backup generator, providing redundancy, in the event the primary fails.

Craig told sections of the media that the Diamond walk-in fridge was not filled because there was always a constant need to relocate drugs between the Diamond bond and the Sussex Street bond.

It has been recognised that once an item has gone off the cold chain for a certain amount of time, it should be rejected on account of the detrimental health risks it poses to patients.

With the current issues facing the Diamond bond,

Government Ministers undertaking a tour of the Diamond drug bond along with senior members of the Public Health Ministry

the Government AnalystFood and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has the authority to reject or seize all items that have been exposed to higher than prescribed temperatures immediately and prevent them from entering the health system.

Some may argue that there is no point in sending such items for testing since it is a difficult and expensive scientific endeavour.

However, the risk to patients in using a cold chain item which was improperly stored is enormous, as it can cause serious injuries or even death.

All of this could have been avoided if the Public Health Ministry had continued to utilise NEW GPC’s cold room facilities.

The use of fridges, like in the case of Diamond, is not ideal, since they are still subjected to blackouts and each would have to be monitored and logged separately

to ensure the cold chain remains intact.

In December 2016, the GA-FDD had seized thousands of kidney drugs, after it was found that the drugs were being stored at temperatures between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius and not the 2 to 8 degrees Celsius recommended by the manufacturers.

The cold chain begins with the manufacturer and ends with the patient.

Products that have not been handled according to the conditions set by the manufacturer are considered to be unsafe for use as quality and effectiveness may have been compromised.

Safe temperature and humidity ranges for products vary according to the conditions required to ensure their continued quality.

All temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and biologic products are at risk of damage if handled improperly.

The conditions for the transportation and storage of drug products by wholesalers are set by the GA-FDD.

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Views Palm Sunday at Brickdam Cathedral 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

Rudderless economy

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he recent IMF report on the Guyanese economy is an object lesson on why the expression “lies, damned lies and statistics” is used so ruefully but with increasing frequency in economics. Economics has, for the longest while, marketed itself as the “queen of the social sciences” because of its use of statistical data that was supposed to undergird its “scientific” approach. But, as has been exposed in so many instances, the manner in which the data is presented can lead to assertions that are far removed from the lives of people. What does it mean, for instance, to tell Guyanese that the economy is “growing”?

But, rather inadvertently, even statistics can reveal the underlying reality that their presentations sometimes seek to mask -- as was the case with the IMF report, which echoed the claims that the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition government had been trumpeting. An interesting picture is formed if one places the performance of gold -- which is doing so spectacularly on the backs of two foreign producers -- in the centre of a graph that has the performances of the other contributors to the economy (say, President Granger’s ‘six sisters’) on either side of it.

The gold statistic looks like the centre-post of a carnival tent that has collapsed around it. The question that is graphically posed is whether a tent is a tent when only the centre-post is left standing.

And this is the question the Government is dodging as it insists on contradicting the Guyanese people in general and the business community in particular – those who are experiencing the effects of the collapsed “economic tent”. By the Government’s insistent refusal to accept the collapse of the economy, there is exposed its cluelessness on policies it should actually be proposing and implementing to secure a more balanced and robust performance in sectors other than gold.

But what makes the Government’s lassitude and inertia in the economic field even more bewildering is that officials in change of this area are closing their eyes to the efforts other countries have made to confront analogous collapses in what, after all, has been a global problem since 2008. What they would discover is that the tenets of the neoliberal order that we bought hook, line and sinker in 1989 are, at the barest minimum, being questioned and, in many instances, being replaced. The assumption, of course, is that if one keeps repeating the actions that brought about the collapse, one is simply guaranteeing the continuation of that collapse.

What were those tenets that must be questioned and possibly jettisoned? The first one, of course, was “market fundamentalism”: that the market should be allowed to make decisions on the allocation and distribution of resources in a country. The corollary was the demand that the state become a “night watchman” who simply sits around to ostensibly “protect” the economy. If the state were to intervene in any way -- through production of goods or regulation of the private sector in any way -it would introduce “distortions” in the smooth running of the economy.

Another tenet was that individuals and firms operated on the basis of what was called “rational expectations”.

These tendencies are particularly noticeable in finance.

It was not that the neoliberals did not think crises, which appeared to be inherent in the economy, would disappear, but they assumed that the market and rational expectations’ approach would successfully deal with them. In the decade since the 2008 crash, they have not, in most of the developed economies that were hardest hit. But yet, Guyana was able to buck the trend until this PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition government took office.

What happened?

If we examine the programmes of the PPP governments -- especially those under Bharrat Jagdeo -- we would see that the state played a much more interventionist role, just as even the US did when it pumped billions into private enterprise firms such as General Motors. Whether those roles were “Neo-Keynesian” or pragmatic can be interrogated, but it does not excuse the “don’t intervene” attitude of the Guyana Government.

Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ into Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. Palm Sunday is known as such because palms were scattered before Jesus and waved as he entered Jerusalem. The faithful will often receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the reenactment of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem. During Palm Sunday Mass, palms are distributed to parishioners who carry them in a ritual procession into church. The palms are blessed and many people will fashion them into small crosses or other items of personal devotion. In this Carl Croker photo, worshippers are seen observing Palm Sunday at the Brickdam Cathedral in Georgetown

Roll back VAT on private education, health Dear Editor, If Guyana is to experience economic growth and real development, and relative equity in income distribution among the various classes, the State has to stop penalising the productive sectors of the economy. It can begin to do so by ending VAT taxation on critically important sectors like education, manufacturing and health care, and it has to give untrammelled freedom to the Private Sector to perform.

As Dr Ramesh Ganpat correctly critiqued, why is the State penalising two of the strongest pillars of growth (private education and health care) both of which provide essential services and jobs for so many? Without the role of the Private Sector, these two essential services would have been overburdened in the public sector. Health care would have deteriorated, not that it is good in the public realm. VAT will drive people away from private education and health, burdening the State with these basic needs, and reducing employment in the Private Sector.

The VAT policy just does not make sense. Taxing private education and health care is a bad move. Contrary

to what Government claims, many recipients of these basic services cannot afford the VAT. The rich makes up only a small percentage of those who seek private health and educational services. The overwhelming majority are from the middle class and even some among the poor. So Government is taxing those who cannot afford to pay it and will drive them to public health and educational facilities.

Taxing usage of water, electricity and other utilities can be a good tax if the goal is to reduce consumption in the face of shortage or scarcity – water is a scarce natural resource and conservation should be encouraged. But on education, youngsters must be encouraged to get an education to join the productive sectors of the economy. People should not be punished for seeking the best health care.

The Government does not have the time or resources to provide education and health care for the entire population.

The Private Sector is providing relief to the Government in both areas and providing better services in both, when compared to the Public Sector. In addition, a lot of jobs are created by business-

es in the education and health sectors – another relief for the Government in finding jobs for the large pool of unemployed. And besides providing relief to the Government, the Private Sector has been found to be more efficient in delivering education and health service.

As been experienced in Guyana, the Private Sector is more efficient than the State Sector in virtually every economic endeavour. This has been proven repeatedly during the PNC tenure in office between 1965 and 1992.

During that period, over 85 per cent of the economy was under State control and the economy quickly became bankrupt. The Private Sector came to its rescue in 1990 turning around the economy to achieve positive growth after decades of negative growth and/or underperformance.

The Private Sector reduces inefficiencies and excess flab, and creates productive jobs that lead to growth. It also brings in critical foreign currency, which is heading in shortage direction as reported by the central bank.

To become prosperous and wealthy, the country has to become efficient. And to achieve those objectives, the State

has to get rid of the deadwood holding back the economy. VAT is a deadwood on the productive and service delivery sector; the consumption sector VAT can be excused to reduce extravagant spending, but not the educational training and health sectors; spending on health and education should be encouraged as the nation benefits from them in the long run. The country has to train people to put the economy on a strong growth path.

Those without skills must be trained. Government cannot tax them out of education and skills. In so doing, they are being denied the necessary skills to improve job prospects. And as they study, work and age, their health must be attended to. Putting a VAT on their visits to the medical services is a bad idea; it will discourage them to visit the doctor to monitor their health. Worse, it will cause many to abandon private care givers and go to the Government health centres, overburden the public facilities and everyone loses. It is in the national interest to remove the VAT on education and health care.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

M&CC’s greed and incompetence becoming more evident

Dear Editor, The greed, the incompetence and the graft of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown are becoming more evident and more unbearable with each passing day.

On the heels of the egregious parking meter scam, the ‘Fantastic Four’ has now come up with a new and

equally devious racket; this time, it is the introduction of an additional fee to businesses for the collection and disposal of their garbage.

It is quite interesting to note that it is this very Private Sector group that effectively protested against the parking meter project that is being targeted by the Council for the imposition of

another hardship measure.

This would not only be double taxation and illegal, but would be spiteful and unscrupulous.

Business owners ought to remind the Council that since 1998, they were made to pay a whopping 250 per cent rate of the assessed value of their properties while residential property owners were made

to pay 40 per cent. The justification given at the time for this steep increase was that it was necessary to cover the cost of collecting and disposing of commercial waste.

How then can they come now again and say that they need another fee to collect the same waste, that the 250 per cent tax on business was crecontinues ated for? on page 5

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Hundreds of Amerindians attend PPP’s Mabaruma conference – pass motion to reject Govt’s ploy to set up land CoI

M

ore than 800 Amerindians, from more than 13 villages, on Sunday unanimously passed a motion at the Mabaruma SubRegion District Conference of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) condemning the establishment of

South Central Peoples Development Association, and the National Amerindian Development Foundation in condemning the coalition Government’s ploy to set up the land CoI. The delegates and observers at Sunday’s conference view the estab-

ognised long before independence and which successive PPP Governments committed billions of dollars towards ensuring that land titles were issued to the Amerindians for these lands,” the PPP said in a statement.

“This Commission, the

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo greeted by one of the supporters at the conference

rescind it immediately.

“They made it clear that Amerindian entitlements to traditional land must not be, and cannot be, confused with the rights of any oth-

A section of the gathering at the Mabaruma Sub-Region District Conference

a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) by President David Granger, “to examine all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling”.

The Amerindians joined with the PPP; the National Toshaos Council (NTC); the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA); the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples; the Amerindian Action Movement; the

lishment of this CoI as “an expression of gross disrespect to the Amerindian People of Guyana and indeed, Indigenous people everywhere”.

“They view this initiative as a vulgar and divisive device to distort our history, deny Amerindians their rightful place as the first people of this land and to deprive them of their ancestral legal entitlements to traditional lands rec-

M&CC’s greed and...

It means that businesses will have to pay twice to have their refuse collected.

The Council cannot be allowed to eat their cake and still have it.

To make it even worse just at the beginning of this year, the City Council nonchalantly hiked property rates by 10 per cent along with receiving the container tax. This is an anti-business municipality.

The remedy to this purported cash crunch that is affecting the way the Council manages solid

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waste is very simple and could be figured out by any kindergarten child, and that is to go back to what it did most effectively in the past and what many other cities do, and that is to provide the refuse collection and disposal service themselves rather than contract it out. Doing it themselves would cost a fraction, and would remove the conditions for backhanders and grease.

Sincerely, Anu Bihari

delegates and observers feel, was established without any consultations whatsoever to further polarise our people along racial lines in a failing economy, which the Government is plainly incompetent to revitalise,” the Party added.

It said the delegates and observers unanimously resolved not to recognise this Commission and are calling upon the President and the Government of Guyana to

er ethnic groups. They are separate issues and must remain so,” the PPP stated.

In attendance at the Mabaruma Sub-Region District Conference were

Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo; and PPP Members of Parliament Anil Nandlall, Pauline Sukhai and Colin Croal.

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Foundation

– a neurologist shares ideas for beating stress before and during test time

By Judy Willis MD

W

e live in a stressful world, and the stress is heightened for students and educators when it’s time to prepare for high-stakes tests. When test scores are tied to students’ future placement, the consequences of these stressors can be far-reaching.

From a neurological perspective, high stress disrupts the brain’s learning circuits and diminishes memory construction, storage, and retrieval.

Neuroimaging research shows us that, when stresses are high, brains do not work optimally, resulting in decreased understanding and memory.

In addition, stress reduces efficient retrieval of knowledge from the memory storage networks, so when under pressure students find it harder to access information previously studied and learned.

Students (and their parents) often interpret suboptimal standardised test scores as a measure of the students’ limitations in intelligence and potential.

The consequence is a loss of confidence, further activating their brains’ stress response, making it more difficult for them to employ their cognitive resources

and knowledge during the tests themselves.

Deeper learning is the best test prep

When the goal of learning is only test preparation, students will not be prepared to apply their learning to novel questions or problems. But engaging students in authentic performance tasks and proj-

their intrinsic motivation strengthens long-term, durable memory networks.

These are far more accessible for test retrieval (and longer term access) than rote memory.

Here are some examples of personally relevant learning experiences that can help students with test preparation:

with your concerns and revisions regarding his exploits in the New World.”

“To limit the devastation of the Black Death, what interventions from modern science would you take back to the 14th century?”

It’s the personal relevance that enables the brain to effective-

the pressure off by giving students some perspective.

Before the test, share frequently made errors from previous years’ top students (not by name, but by descriptions of the mistake). This will not only help them keep an eye out for potential mistakes but also boost their confidence.

You can also share the subsequent academic or professional stories of these former “mistake makers” to show that these tests aren’t the be-all and end-all of their lives.

Another way to help them develop a strong test-taking mindset is to guide them to look for patterns of their most frequent types of errors and keep these on a reminder list.

Finally, you can calm their anxiety and build self-efficacy by increasing their understanding of the limitations of any

single test while building their awareness of their knowledge. Here are some discussion topics to build students’ positive test mindsets: “No single test can demonstrate how much you know. You will know more than any specific test measures. A single test only measures how much you remember about the specific questions chosen for the test.”

“Let’s consider all the things you’ve done – homework, reports, group projects, quizzes, and notes – that demonstrate what you do know during this unit.”

“Your brain does not do its best when you’re very stressed about the test you’re taking. Let’s talk about times when you felt very nervous about a test and made careless mistakes or couldn’t remember things you had studied well.”

Test day tips ect-based learning helps deepen their understanding on both the factual and conceptual levels. In addition, when students experience their learning as personally meaningful,

“Design your own food pyramid based on your likes and a body’s nutritional needs.”

“You are Queen Isabella, and you get daily text updates from Christopher Columbus. Respond to him

ly store these memories and make them more retrievable.

Build students’ positive mindset

During test prep time, you can help take some of

Practise relaxing rituals with students (eg, mindfulness strategies, calming breathing, stress-busting visualisations) so these will be readily available for them to activate immediately before or during tests when they are feeling stressed.

Tell a joke or personal anecdote about your own exam experiences. Humour releases dopamine, a brain chemical that reduces stress and increases memory and motivated effort.

Remind students to recall their common mistakes and how they correct them, so they don’t intrude during the test. Such errors might include: prematurely selecting an answer without reviewing all the options, not looking carefully at what is asked, not using estimation to see if a math answer is reasonable, and forgetting to check that the number where they’re marking their answer corresponds to the question number.

Encourage students to create a “mental suitcase” on scrap paper. Students will reduce stress and increase memory retrieval if they begin the test by writing on scrap paper the most im-

portant points, formulas, anagrams, procedures, or other information they think they’ll need for the test. Their retrieval efficiency increases when they’re not trying to hold that important information in working memory throughout the test.

Visualise their own successful performance. Just as visualising a tennis swing or soccer kick activates critical motor brain networks, their visualisations will increase confidence, reduce stress, and preheat the memory circuits they’ll want to access.

Reinforce test-taking tips you’ve previously shared with them.

For example, tell students that if they don’t know an answer, they should go on to the next question – they may find information that triggers related memories in other questions.

When you guide students with strategies to reduce test stress, you also help them build emotional resilience, learn more efficiently, and activate their highest levels of cognition, while promoting their success in activating their brain’s best resources during tests. (Edutopia.com)

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GuySuCo’s downsizing

Sugar workers to protest closures, violations today S ugar workers have planned for today a huge protest against the closure of the Enmore Sugar Estate, the last of the East Demerara estates of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

They are scheduled to gather at the Enmore Estate factory from 7:00h today, and march through the community.

Closure of this estate has not as yet been officially announced by Government, but President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, says that workers of the Enmore Estate will be protesting for two reasons: “They will be protesting for those who are not getting work now -- the planters, they are denied of their usual work; and they are also protesting against the closure,” Chand told Guyana Times on Saturday.

GAWU, the workers’ union, strongly believes that Government and the management of GuySuCo are gearing to shut down yet another estate. In a statement

GAWU President Komal Chand

issued on March 20, GAWU said it has been informed that the Corporation has put an end to cane planting exercises at the estate.

GAWU said it has met with members of the GuySuCo Industrial Relations Department and the Estate Management, and from that engagement it has learnt that cane planters would be offered “alternative work”, which include rat baiting, infield weeding and canal cleaning.

GAWU says some of the workers had called for severance payment as their

traditional tasks are no longer required.

Guyana Times was told that, as per norm, 20 per cent of each plot is planted with new canes and the remainder of the plot is left for old canes to grow back.

However, since cane planting had come to an end at the estate, GAWU feels this is a signal that GuySuCo is gearing to close down operations at the entity.

A Cabinet source told a media house last month that Government intends to keep only three sugar estates operational. In an article published by that media house, it was outlined that the Enmore Estate and the Rose Hall Estate would be closed by the end of 2018.

Reports are that Government plans to keep and develop the estates at Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion.

Talks are ongoing with several investors in relation to the possible buyout of the Skeldon estate. Government has, in fact, already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with

Enmore Estate

a Trinidad firm in this regard, while an Indian company which has been recommended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s sonin-law has written the Government to express interest in buying out that estate.

The Opposition People Progressive Party (PPP), whose support lies heavily

in the sugar belt, has strongly opposed Government’s plans in regard to closing down the various estates.

“Government’s callous decisions, which have already seen the closure of Wales Estate and the devastation of more than seventeen hundred families directly and thousands of other families indirectly, does not

have our support,” the PPP had expressed in one of its missives on the matter.

The closure of the Wales Estate is not yet settled, as some workers are still protesting Government’s withholding of their severance pay.

Last year, the operations of the LBI Estate were amalgamated with those of the Enmore Estate in order to make both estates more efficient, according to GuySuCo. GAWU has noted that thousands of persons stand to be affected by the closure of this East Demerara Estate, which employs some 2,200 persons in the field, factory, security, administrative and managerial sections. “They and their families, among many others, stand to be affected by the harsh closure decision,” GAWU has stated.

(Devina Samaroo)

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Fugitive ‘wife killer’ caught G

anesh Dhanraj, wanted by police in connection with the strangulation of his reputed wife on Wednesday, was on Sunday morning shot by police in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and is presently in custody, assisting with investigations.

Police reportedly caught up with the 28-year-old Dhanraj, also known as “Andre”, at about 02:00hrs on Sunday, but had to open fire on the fugitive in order to effect his arrest. Having sustained gunshot injury to his right arm, he was subsequently taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was treated before being released into po-

Nabbed: Ganesh Dhanraj

lice custody.

This newspaper had previously reported that Dhanraj had allegedly strangled 29-year-old Dhanwattie Ram, his reputed wife, with a bed

sheet on Wednesday morning.

The mother of three was said to have suffered abuse at the hands of Dhanraj for approximately 12 years.

Determined to end the reported verbal and physical abuse at the hands of the man she had trusted to protect her, Ram had left Dhanraj’s home with her three children four days prior to her death, and had gone to live with her relatives in Parika. However, on Tuesday evening, the accused visited the home where Ram was staying and demanded that she return home with him. She reportedly refused, and this angered him to the

point where he allegedly physically assaulted her before leaving the premises.

On Wednesday morning, the woman was on her way to report the assault to the police station when the suspect reportedly intercepted and forced her into his vehicle, taking her to his home. Neighbours heard her screams as the man assaulted her in his house, but upon entering the yard, they saw him running towards the Parika backdam.

Ram’s lifeless body was subsequently found in a sitting position on a chair, with a sheet knotted around her neck.

The big question is: “Why?”

T

here used to be this fella, MFK, who hosted a TV talk show called “The Big Question is why”.

Some used to snicker at the fella’s homespun approach, but your Eyewitness thought it was a bold and brave attempt to answer that most important question: “Why?” Some may ask: “Why was MFK’s own life snuffed out so tragically?” We still don’t know; and his has become a “cold case”. Why? As we go through life, we encounter all sorts of baffling situations. Shouldn’t we be asking “Why?” more often?

Take this tragic death of a ten-year-old child after she was kicked in the stomach by another kid in school.

It seems it wasn’t a one-off instance - the child had been bullied on other occasions by the same “kicker,” and the parents had even gone into the school to complain to the authorities. Why didn’t the Head Teacher take some kind of action? There’s a great awareness programme about stopping violence on kids, but it’s all against adults inflicting the violence. Why aren’t we also trying to prevent kid-on-kid violence? From your Eyewitness’s own (bitter) experience, this is just as prevalent as the adult-on-kid violence.

Then the parents of the kicked child did the right thing and took her to the GHPC - a tertiary hospital with the highest level of care in the country. Now, your Eyewitness is no doctor, but he’d like to know why the serious effects of the kick weren’t picked up by the medical staff, seeing they have the best diagnostic equipment in Guyana at their disposal?

Why’s the autopsy only saying “cause of death” is “blood poisoning”? Why didn’t the ultrasound pick up whether there was any rupture of the stomach?

Wouldn’t a blood test show there were elevated white blood cells in her blood, indicating the child was fighting off bacteria?

Why weren’t the parents told to return? Why isn’t there an SOP for these sorts of things at GPHC? Why does a child of ten have to die like this? Your Eyewitness has seen protests over dogs being mistreated by some upstanding citizens. Why don’t some of these citizens protest over the death of this child? It wasn’t as if this was the first such death of a child. Just a year ago, another child died in identical circumstances. How many more children must die like this before we take action?

Why is it that some of you, dear readers, are mentally muttering about: Why is it your Eyewitness is going on and on about “just one child”? Well, if we don’t care about “one child”, how can we care about children?

The big question is: “Why?”

…on why submit a new GECOM list?

The Opposition Leader announced he’ll be submitting a new list for the new GECOM Chairman.

After backing off his initial rejection of the first list, since the nominees weren’t judges or ex-judges, Pressie then announced: “The individual must not be an activist of any form -- gender, racial, religious, etc; (or have) any political affiliation; and…should have the general characteristics of honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and diligence.”

Talk about giving basket to fetch water!! But hold it!! Doesn’t that first-list fella Lawrence Latchmansingh fit those criteria? He’s no activist, and with his lifelong commitment to the “do-gooder” causes of the UNDP etc., he hasn’t blotted his copy book; has he? But there’s hope for a settlement. In Guyana, the award of house lots -- and now the award of $50B worth of houses -- isn’t much less contentious than counting votes. Yet the Govt just appointed a pastor from Albouystown to be its head.

So Jagdeo can submit priests? What about pandits and moulvis? Do they have integrity?

…on Sugar workers Minister Trotman says Govt will build a US$500M “oil support” facility on Crab Island for the incipient mega oil industry.

Can he commit that “redundant” sugar workers from nearby Rose Hall will have first dibs on the jobs?

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

news

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GEN to sensitise public on emergence of digital currency

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he demand for digital currency is on the rise with the digital wave sweeping the world, and the Guyana Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) plans to work with stakeholders to sensitise the public about the opportunities and risks involved in investing in crypto-currency.

GEN, in partnership with WeOwnSpace, hosted Guyana’s first public forum on digital currency on April 6. The most prominent of its kind, called Bitcoin, was particularly featured at this forum.

Bitcoin, and by extension all crypto-currencies, evolved out of the need for a decentralisation of financial tools. Internationally,

suits. Digital products and services have been commercially traded for decades, yet they have to be paid for with traditional currency, using electronic methods that are subject to aged regulatory guidelines.

The digital age demands a new digital currency.

Bitcoin is a new currency that was created in 2009 by an unknown person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto.

Transactions involving Bitcoin are made with no middle men, meaning no banks or financial agencies.

Bitcoin can be used to buy merchandise anonymously. In addition, international payments are easy and cheap, because Bitcoin is not tied to any country, or

One Bitcoin currently costs in excess of Gy$200,000

as obtains here in Guyana, the slow response of the financial sector to changing demands in the way businesses wish to respond to opportunities slows business and entrepreneurial pur-

subject to regulation. Small businesses may like Bitcoin because there are no credit card fees attached to its use. Some people just buy Bitcoin as an investment, hoping that its value would

A section of the gathering at the forum

appreciate (go up in value).

One Bitcoin currently costs in excess of Gy$200,000.

The forum hosted by GEN and WeOwnSpace explored the far and wide-reaching applications of Bitcoin and other digital currencies in Guyana. One of the most widely publicised benefits of Bitcoin is that governments, banks and other financial intermediaries have no way to interrupt user transactions or place freezes on Bitcoin accounts.

The system is purely peer-to-peer; users experience a greater degree of freedom than obtains with national currencies.

Additionally, transactions are virtually instantaneous, with very low transaction fees. Like with many online payment systems, Bitcoin users can pay for their

coins anywhere they have Internet access. This means that purchasers never have to travel to a bank or a store to buy a product. It reduces lag time and overall friction, so that merchants (entrepreneurs) can get paid quickly and easily.

The forum was chaired by Duane De Lima of Centurion Data Services and Lyndell Danzie-Black of Cerulean Inc, members of the Guyana Entrepreneurship Network.

The speakers explored the applications, opportunities, and challenges for Bitcoin and other digital currencies in Guyana.

The speakers included Aggrey Marsh, Project Leader & Event Organizer; Rosh Khan, President of the Guyana Entrepreneurship Network; Gabriel Abed, Founder of Bitt; Robert Williams, the Associate

Information Officer of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean; and Shiva Bissessar, Founder of Pinaka Technology Solutions.

Also in attendance was Astell Collins, Special Envoy Representative; Eldon Marks, Co-Founder of Version75; and Lance Hinds, Special Advisor to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

Aggrey Marsh, the Project Leader on the Introduction of Cryptocurrencies to Guyana, said: “Financial inclusion is on the UN 2030 goals, and with a large percentage of Guyanese being unbanked, we have some work to do.

One of my areas of focus is the indigenous communities, (which) have been underserved over the years.

One of the challenges we currently face is the withdrawal of corresponding banks who represented those banks in Guyana and the Caribbean.

That being said, electronic payments are possible in Guyana already. GTT Mobile Money, which has been working for some time now, can be used to pay local merchant for goods and services. However, based on the GEN e-commerce Study, Guyana is demanding more international payment processing. Thankfully, there is still hope, with the creation of innovative companies like Bitt, (which have) developed alternative solutions for central banks to help move the Caribbean forward.”

GEN’s President, Rosh Khan, further underscored the need to sensitise the public about this revolution.

“The immediate next steps include sensitising the public on how to leverage the opportunities associated with digital currencies. We will also be creating more avenues for broader discussions on the digital economy, and (would be) working in tandem with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications to ensure all the regulatory frameworks are in place for payment processors in Guyana. We have long struggled with payments in Guyana, and if we aim to be truly competitive as a country, this is a problem we need to solve now together.”

(Devina Samaroo)

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monDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bulkan's directive to Chronicle

Ministers can dictate to State media – President P

resident David Granger has said there is nothing wrong with a government minister dictating where articles should be placed in the state newspaper.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan recently came under fire for penning an acerbic letter to the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, in which he attempted to dictate what the newspaper should have published as its lead or page one story. In that letter to the editor, published in the state newspaper on April 3, Bulkan condemned the newspaper for not giving enough prominence to the article on the swearing-in of mayors and deputy mayors.

“Your front page is dominated by the headline: “More Oil” and was followed by a full-page story on page three. I wish to suggest that your emphasis and message are totally misplaced,” the minister penned in his missive.

Bulkan had also expressed concern that the article on mayors was “relegated” to page eight, while the oil story was featured on page three. “I suggest, therefore, that your public

President David Granger

duty would have been better served by switching the aforementioned articles,” Bulkan stated.

Asked to comment on this minister’s actions, President Granger said he does not view it as interference in the work of the media, but as the minister giving his opinion on the matter, just as every citizen has a right to do. He also said the Guyana Press Association’s (GPA) condemnation of the minister’s action is not justifiable.

The GPA had accused the minister of attempting to drive fear into operatives of the state media.

“His missive, which appeared only in the Guyana Chronicle, can only be in-

terpreted as an attempt to drive fear into the editors and reporters of that newspaper with the sole aim of securing censorship and self-censorship,” the GPA said in a statement.

The Press Association had also suggested that Minister Bulkan would do well to be accessible to the media and account for the Communities Ministry’s programmes and policies, rather than “resort to a cloak-and-dagger approach” to drive fear into the state media operatives in regard to his story preferences.

President Granger has long maintained that his government would not meddle in the affairs of the media. “The Government of Guyana is committed to the promotion of a high degree of media professionalism.

The administration will not undermine the professionalism of state media workers by subjecting them to political direction or interference in their work,” the President said in April last at a workshop to train local journalists and other media practitioners.

But even Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had come under fire for his at-

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

tempts to influence the state media via reportedly scolding a journalist and insisting that his office review all headlines before publication.

Nagamootoo had reprimanded a reporter attached to the Guyana Chronicle for publishing in that newspaper an article which he thought was unfavourable to the Government.

The offending article was published on August 25, 2015 under the headline “Govt blunders on Budget Estimates … violates laws assented to by President Granger”. Following that contentious front page headline, the Office of the Prime Minister had de-

clared that it would be vetting all headlines before their publication.

The Prime Minister was, in 2016, also criticised by the US State Department over his 2015 attempt to suppress freedom of the press, particularly in the state media. “In August (2015), the Prime Minister issued a directive that all headlines in the state-owned print media be first scrutinised and approved by his office before they are published.

The directive was a response to a headline criticising the Government. The Prime Minister also serves as Minister of Information,” the U.S. State Department’s report had noted.

However, in response to a <<Guyana Times>> article on the report, the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the Office of the Prime Minister, while not making direct reference to the report, had said Government was repudiating “in the strongest terms, irresponsible allegations repeated in the media, alleging censorship in state media.”

But the Guyana Press Association (GPA) had also noted with concern the re-

ports of Nagamootoo’s interaction with the reporter attached to the Guyana Chronicle. According to the GPA, the incident can be viewed as a method of intimidation, which may have a dampening effect on press freedom.

The GPA has most recently condemned the continued role of the Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited –publishers of the Guyana Chronicle.

The Association also disclosed -- with worry -that a senior Government Minister continues to dictate coverage of his office to the Editor-in-Chief, and often has stories sent for his approval once they have to do with his office or the People’s National Congress (PNC), the main party in the governing coalition.

Additionally, the GPA has condemned the weekly meetings of the Prime Minister with senior executives of the state media, noting that those meetings are being used as a tool to dictate the editorial content of the paper and silence or trivialise Opposition views.

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guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, april 10, 2017

News

Child rights activist calls Japan fills gap with US$80M for child sexual abuse cases to be expedited US IDB pull-out

investment – Jordan

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he Donald Trump Administration is moving to cease financing the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) investment fund, but Guyana has nothing to lose, as the Japanese Government has filled the gap with a whopping US$80 million investment, and there have been increased contributions by Central and Latin American countries.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan, explaining last Friday that the US Government pulling out at this time does not necessarily mean that the fund has altogether dried up, said this does not “affect or contaminate” the main fund of the IDB. According to the Finance Minister, there are MIFs 1, 2 and 3. Currently the IDB is in the 3rd MIF. However, the US has indicated that it will not be contributing to this part of the fund, as it is looking to concentrate on itself at this time.

“So they said they could not contribute to this cycle of the MIF. It does not mean that they have disappeared. They are in MIF 1 and 2, but they do not have resources for this cycle.

It does not mean that the fund has died,” Jordan told journalists.

He explained that when

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

he was in Paraguay last week, he was informed that the fund is completely sub-

scribed. “Thanks to Japan, which came in with filling the gap of over $80 million that was left by (the) US, and also increased contribution by Central and Latin American countries.

So the fund is completely subscribed. It has nothing

to do with the substantial funding of the IDB itself”, he assured.

The United States has, for years, been the largest contributor to the Multilateral International Fund (MIF), a small part of the IDB that has been initiated by former US President George H.W. Bush, and which gave support to the development of microfinance and the provision of technical assistance to small projects aimed at providing economic opportunities to the poor.

The Multilateral Investment Fund of the IDB Group is the leading provider of technical assistance for the private sector in Latin America and

the Caribbean. The MIF, or FOMIN, as the fund is known in Spanish, is also one of the region’s biggest investors in microfinance and venture capital funds for small businesses. Projects to be financed should increase access to finance, markets, and capa-

bilities and basic services.

The MIF works with local, mostly private, partners to help fund and execute projects. It provides grants, loans, guarantees, equity and quasi-equity; as well as advisory services to business associations, non-governmental organisations, foundations, public sector agencies and financial institutions; and, in some cases, private sector firms -- to support projects that benefit the poor: their businesses, their farms, and their households throughout the 26 Latin American and Caribbean borrowing member countries of the IDB Group. The MIF does not directly finance micro and small enterprises.

Financing and/or technical cooperation is also provided through its Social Entrepreneurship Programme, which focuses on pilot initiatives with a business approach -- to increase financing and market access to marginalised rural communities, and improve access to basic services.

Most of the MIF financing takes the form of grants, which can reach up to $2 million per project.

The MIF also offers longterm loans of up to $1 million and equity investments that can reach up to $5 million.

Nicole Cole, Commissioner on the Child Rights Commission

C

ommissioner on the Child Rights Commission, Nicole Cole wants to see child abuse cases move expeditiously through the justice system.

Cole told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday that cases concerning a child complainant in sexual abuse matters particularly, should be heard within a reasonable time.

“When these cases are delayed, often for years, those children are re-victimised by not being able to put the matter behind them, and by having to rehash the facts many years later,” she insisted.

Cole pointed out that there were cases where young children were sexually abused by adults and after subsequent adjournments and years passing, these mi-

nors were unable to give the necessary details, or agree not to give evidence, which often times resulted in these matters being dismissed.

Cole pointed to a recent case involving a pastor, who was convicted in April 2017 for raping a six-year-old girl.

The incident took place between June 1 and June 30, 2007.

That matter took almost 10 years before a verdict was reached.

The child rights activist said too that many cases involving children who die as a result of sexual abuse have been dismissed for various reasons and this was chiefly because of lack of education and resources.

Cole pointed specifically to another case where a teen was found not guilty of sodomising and murdering his two-year-old niece nearly three years ago at Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

The then 15-year-old had been arrested by the Police after it was established that the dead toddler had been in his sole care for about an hour before her death.

According to a post-mortem examination, the child died as a result of haemorrhage and shock from multiple abdominal injuries and was subjected to anal penetration. continued on page 17

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guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Hijacked ship’s Emergency in Egypt after Palm Sunday bombings of Coptic churches crew rescued from

pirates near Somalia

A

t least 44 people were killed in Egypt in bomb attacks at the cathedral of the Coptic Pope and another church on Palm Sunday, prompting anger and fear among Christians and leading to troop deployments and the declaration of a threemonth state of emergency.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, which also injured more than 100 people and occurred a week before Easter, with Pope Francis scheduled to visit Egypt later this month.

The assault is the latest on a religious minority increasingly targeted

by Islamist militants, and a challenge to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has pledged to protect them as part of his campaign against extremism.

The first bombing, in Tanta, a Nile Delta city about 100 kilometres (60

N

ineteen crew members have been freed from a ship captured

by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

Maritime officials received an alert on Saturday that pirates had boarded the timber-carrying ship about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the coast of Yemen.

Ships from three countries diverted to its path. A Chinese team boarded the vessel early on Sunday.

The first hijacking by Somali pirates in five years occurred last month, but

A relative of a victim reacts inside the Coptic church that was bombed on Sunday in Tanta, Egypt, April 9, 2017

miles) north of Cairo, tore through the inside of St George Church during its Palm Sunday service, killing at least 27 people and injuring at least 78, the Health Ministry said.

The second, a few hours later in Alexandria, hit Saint Mark’s Cathedral, the historic seat of the Coptic Pope, killing 17 people, including three Police Officers, and injuring 48,

the Ministry added.

Coptic Pope Tawadros had been leading the mass at Saint Mark’s Cathedral at the time of the explosion but was not injured, the Interior Ministry said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Assad allies say US attack on Syria air base crosses ‘red lines’

A

joint command centre made up of the forces of Russia, Iran and militias supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the US strike on a Syrian air base on Friday crossed “red lines” and it would respond to any new aggression and increase its support for its ally.

The United States fired dozens of cruise missiles at

a Syrian air base on Friday from which it said a deadly chemical weapons attack had been launched earlier in the week, escalating the US role in Syria and drawing criticism from Assad’s allies including Russia and Iran.

“What America waged in an aggression on Syria is a crossing of red lines.

From now on, we will respond with force to any ag-

gressor or any breach of red lines from whoever it is and America knows our ability to respond well,” said the statement published by the group on media outlet Ilam al Harbi (War Media).

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, meanwhile, blamed Russian inaction for helping fuel the chemical weapons attack it had reacted to, saying Moscow

had failed to carry out a 2013 agreement to secure and destroy chemical weapons in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Hassan Rouhani said in a phone call that aggressive US actions against Syria were not permissible and violated international law, the Kremlin said on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

this is the second raid since then.

A spokesman for UK Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) in Dubai, who coordinates safe passage for merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, said all on board the hijacked ship were safe and heading to an unnamed destination under escort.

The UKMTO said the crew was from Syria, but a statement by India’s Defence Ministry said they were from the Philippines.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Police search for parents of ‘Mowgli’ girl

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olice in northern India are searching lists of missing children to try to identify a girl believed to have been living with monkeys.

The little girl, aged between eight and 10, was found a few weeks ago in a forest in Uttar Pradesh.

Doctors said she could not communicate and displayed “monkey-like” traits.

A senior Police official told BBC Hindi she had been playing with a pack of monkeys and imitating their behaviour when Police went to rescue her.

The little girl was spotted by villagers in the Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, on the Indian border with Nepal.

The Police official, Suresh Yadav, said the monkeys attacked his squad when they

arrived to take her away.

Doctors said she was malnourished when she was brought in, with long hair and nails, and wounds on her body.

She was also unable to communicate, but would screech and initially walked on all fours.

Her condition is said to be much better now, however; and in the long term, she is expected to be handed over to child welfare agencies and other medical specialists to slowly reintroduce her to the world.

Many in India are comparing the little girl to Mowgli, the character from Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book” who was raised by wolves. It is not clear, however, how long the little girl has been living in the forest.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuela Opposition march World Bank: Caribbean over Henrique Capriles ban should spend

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housands of Venezuelans have marched in protest against the banning from politics of Opposition Leader Henrique Capriles for 15 years.

In Caracas, Police used tear gas to prevent demonstrators reaching the offices of the national ombudsman.

Saturday’s protest came after a week of anti-Government demonstrations.

They were initially sparked by a Supreme Court ruling to curb the powers of the National Assembly, a move which was later overturned.

“No more repression” reads the sign at the Opposition rally in Caracas Security Police fired tear gas on one major avenue in Caracas while in the city of San Cristobal they shot rubber bullets towards protesters.

better, not more

A

The protests on Saturday were the fourth last week to bring Caracas to a standstill

Many people carried signs reading “No to dictatorship!” and “Capriles for President”.

In the Caracas protest, there was a moment of silence in memory of a

young man shot dead on Thursday by Police during demonstrations.

Capriles has been at the forefront of demands for a recall referendum on President Nicolás Maduro.

A former presidential candidate who has run twice, he is seen as the Opposition’s best hope of defeating Maduro in elections scheduled for next year. (Excerpt from BBC News)

mid concerns about high spending by some Caribbean Governments, the World Bank says there’s nothing wrong with spending. But rather than spend more, they need to spend better.

It says Latin America and the Caribbean can dramatically improve its infrastructure by better assessing priorities and improving spending efficiency.

In an April 7 report titled “Rethinking Infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean – Spending Better to Achieve More”, the World Bank argues that although the Region trails others in infrastructure investment, it should focus on spending better before thinking of spending more.

While Latin America and the Caribbean spend three per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on average – compared to 7.7 per cent in East Asia and Pacific for instance – many countries spend more than four per cent.

“Infrastructure investment can be a powerful engine for growth in Latin America and the Caribbean as the Region emerges from six years of slowdown, including two of recession,” said Jorge Familiar, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean. “In today’s tight fiscal context, it is essential that investments are as efficient as possible, and that the full potential of the Private Sector be tapped.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

16 News

monDAY, april 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU/AFC seems to have lost interest in constitutional reform – Ramkarran

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lose to two years after making a “bold” proposal for a political solution through constitutional reform, the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government seems to have lost that zeal, according to former House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran.

He said the APNU/AFC in its 2015 Manifesto made the “boldest proposals” for a political solution ever to have been introduced onto Guyana’s political agenda since 1950 through its promised constitutional reform.

In the agreement, the coalition committed to the establishment of a Constitution Reform Committee with a mandate to complete consultations, draft amendments and present same to the National Assembly for approval within nine months.

According to Ramkarran, as it sought to fulfil its mandate, Government appointed a committee headed by Attorney and former AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes to examine the process for constitutional reform. While the committee presented its report to Government almost a year ago, no movement has been seen.

“The report is still before the Cabinet and the process appears to have been

stalled. This has led to speculation that the Government has lost interest in constitutional reform, even though it allocated $80 million to constitution reform and appointed Prime Minister (Moses) Nagamootoo to lead the process,” Ramkarran said in his weekly “Conversation Tree” column.

According to him, if the speculation of disinterest is not justified, the Government can demonstrate its bona fides by tabling a motion in the National Assembly seeking support for its Manifesto proposals and the Hughes report. He said such a move would be met with overwhelming support from the Guyanese people.

Ramkarran said the struggle for constitutional reform as a means to attain a political solution to Guyana’s sharp ethno-political divisions remained a burning necessity, which was broadly supported by the Guyanese people.

“It is this yearning that keeps alive the periodic courtship for political unity between the main political parties. Constitutional reform is now even more important at this crucial time when Guyana’s coming oil wealth will increase challenges to transparen-

reforms were adopted in the 1999-2000 constitution reform process, the failure to find a political solution left many feeling unfulfilled.

And this, he said, continues to drive the clamour today.

The agreement made in the Cummingsburg Accord regarding constitutional reform read that: the President should be elected by a majority of electors; there should be separate elections for the presidency and National

Assembly; executive powers should be shared between the President, Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

The Cabinet should comprise members of the parties which have achieved at least 15 per cent of the vote at the national elections; the supreme organs of democratic power should be the President and the National Assembly; and the Prime Minister shall be the person who secures the second

highest votes in the presidential elections.

It promised too that the executive powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister should be increased to include some executive powers and responsibility over the Cabinet; the members of the Cabinet would be subject to the approval of, and removal by, the National Assembly and the immunities of the President would be reduced.

17th Heads of Missions Conference Former House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran

cy and good governance”, Ramkarran posited.

He said an agreed political structure that allowed for participation of both parties in governance, while maintaining political competition and their separate identities, would create political legitimacy, end discrimination, reduce corruption, introduce more transparency, facilitate an agreed economic policy, establish equitable distribution of economic resources, tackle disadvantages or perceived disadvantages of groups, protect the environment and provide for a green economy.

He said although major

Guyana’s upper middle income status brings new challenges – Greenidge

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge sits with the Heads of Mission during the press conference

A

s the 17th Heads of Missions Conference at Pegasus Hotel concluded, the efforts of Guyana’s Foreign Service to advance export and trade on the international market formed an integral part of the discussions.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, the challenges which Guyana faces within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework were a hot topic of discussion. He revealed that Guyana’s change in status from a lower to an upper middle income country has brought with it challenges on the international frontier.

During a press conference on Friday, both Greenidge and Guyana’s Ambassador to Belgium, David Hales, revealed that there was a fight for countries with improved classifications in economic indexes. They noted that the fight was to retain concessionary terms available in international trade markets.

“We had some examination of the challenges of living within WTO rules, which recognise that we are now a middle income country. And, therefore, we don’t enjoy the privileges of the least developed countries and we, therefore, need to pay more

attention to the opportunities available to the different frameworks.”

International markets

According to the Minister, Guyana’s size and ability to compete on the international market with its production were also a consideration. He related that issues associated with expanding and taking advantage of the European Union relationship were discussed. Guyana has signed an economic partnership agreement with the EU, which will see it accessing more lucrative markets for export.

“So, there was discussion on those challenges: how they might be tackled, what can be done in terms of involving the Private Sector, how can we move from traditional export into these markets, how can we go about dealing with the more knowledge-intensive services, the need to focus on those areas given that our size and given the types of firms we have and can make it a little difficult to sell the traditional things in markets that are highly competitive,’ Minister Greenidge explained.

Individual markets such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Canada were also discussed by the gath-

ering.

The Minister also referenced discussions about the activities of Canadian forms operating in Guyana.

Currently, Canadian firm Guyana Goldfields Inc has a large-scale operation in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). It achieved its first gold pour in 2015 and now averaged over 180,000 ounces of gold per year.

Guyana’s re-classification by the World Bank came in July 2016 following the oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block. While it was agreed that the upgrade was a positive indicator, concerns had also been expressed that Guyana would lose some of the concessionary terms and agreements it enjoys internationally.

It is important that Guyana secures markets for its exports. Sugar and rice, two of the country’s greatest foreign currency earners, have fallen on hard times. Guyana’s rice exports have suffered from the loss of a lucrative agreement it had with Venezuela. On the other hand, the EU will be removing the quota system it had for sugar exports from African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States. Both systems had allowed for Guyana to sell its rice and sugar above the normal world market price.

17 news

monDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GGMC allowed other miners access Masked bandits terrorise to Parish Peak area – Syndicate couple during home invasion …despite Ministry’s announcement that area is off limits for mining

I

n an apparent face-off, the National Mining Syndicate and the Natural Resources Ministry have drawn sharp lines of division over the Parish Peak, Upper Berbice mining area.

According to the Syndicate, the Ministry’s statements that the area is restricted are untrue.

In a statement from Renwick Solomon, head of the 14 mile Issano Syndicate, he noted that the area actually had more than 90 mining operations that were allowed to work with Ministry oversight. Since miners from the Syndicate just want an equal chance to mine, he noted that it was disheartening for the Ministry to say that the area was off limits when it was aware of the other operators.

“The past five years, perhaps longer, has seen active and unrestricted mining in the Parish Peak area. The National Mining Syndicate has a deep appreciation for the efforts being made by the Administration to preserve the country’s biodiversity.

“In fact, there are over 90 active mining properties operating in the Parish Peak area and moreover, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have full oversight of these operations.”

However, the Syndicate noted that it believed that a principled and fair decision must be taken to ensure that anyone seeking mining opportunities was treated equally. It stated that while the Ministry

Head of the 14 Mile Issano Syndicate, Renwick Solomon

was reasoning that the area was designated as a GGMC reservation, officials still allowed miners to acquire land there.

“We find it unfair that the Ministry would use the reasoning that the area is a GGMC Reserved Area, one that was held by Goldstone Resources Limited in 1999 and is important for biodiversity given that the Upper Berbice River comprises pristine lowland forests containing diverse and abundant wildlife, but yet allow persons to acquire land to mine in the area.”

In its statement last week, the Ministry had noted the concerns being raised by the Berbice mining syndicate about a lack of access to the area.

The Ministry recalled that at a meeting with various syndicates on March 29, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had informed the Syndicate that the area was off limits.

According to the Ministry, this is because of environmental and forest certification considerations, which have to be assessed before miners can be allowed to mine in the area. It stated that the area in question was a GGMC Reserved Area.

“A Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) Survey in 2014 had determined that the area is important for biodiversity. The Report has recommended stringent monitoring by the relevant regulatory agencies including the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), EPA [Environmental Protection Agency], and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).”

The Ministry added that a collaborative effort with local residents and relevant communities to ensure compliance with Guyana’s regulations and laws was also recommended.

This, it stated, is to prevent overharvesting and the removal of protected/prohibited species.

“It has also been recommended that local stakeholders must be incorporated in decision-making, management and monitoring of the area since they have the best local knowledge, and that the use of the main access road must be monitored.” “Measures must also be taken to prohibit unauthorised activities and regulate wildlife harvesting according to the 2013 Guyana Wildlife Management and Conservation regulations.”

Efforts to contact the Natural Resources Minister were futile.

– at Onderneeming

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25-year-old unemployed man from Reliance village on the Essequibo Coast is presently in Police custody assisting with investigations of an alleged armed robbery, which took place early Sunday morning at Onderneeming Sandpit in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

According to information received, the alleged robbery occurred around 3:30h on April 9. Information

reaching Guyana Times revealed that a 37-yearold security guard and his wife were terrorised and robbed at gunpoint by three masked men.

Simman Rodrigues was robbed of $3000 cash, one tablet valued $18,000 and four cellular phones valued $103,000.

Rodrigues said he and his wife retired to bed around 20:00h on Saturday, but were rudely awakened by a loud sound

coming from one of their rooms. They were then confronted by two masked men, one of whom placed a handgun to Rodrigues’ head and demanded gold and cash. The other bandit used a knife to threaten Rodrigues’ wife. A third bandit was said to be waiting in the yard.

The incident was reported to the Suddie Police Station. A suspect has been arrested as investigations continue.

Child rights activist calls for child...

The abdominal trauma was a result of the anal penetration, which caused massive internal injuries to the spleen, liver and anus.

“I am calling for a Kimani Law, which will see the expedition of child sexual abuse cases….case of child sexual abuse is taking too long in the system. These are children, who are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, and they have to wait five to 10 years,” she lamented.

While explaining that the Social Protection Ministry has moved to establish a Sexual and Domestic Violence Unit, and reconstituted the Sexual Violence Task Force, Cole said one

of the bugbears in the fight against child sexual abuse remained the lack of resources.

She told this publication that the Police must also make optimum use of the forensic laboratory and all hospitals should keep a stock of rape kits at all times.

“There is a massive need to have education across the board. And this is not just education whereby you have PowerPoint and a screen.

Educating children also to tell when they are touched inappropriately, so that steps could be taken to prevent sexual abuse.”

Under the previous sexual offences legislation, a preliminary inquiry would

from page 14

be held in the magistrates’ court, followed by a trial by judge and jury in the High Court if the Magistrate found that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. This process took one to five years and was one of the compelling reasons for enactment of a new legislation in 2010.

Several years later, many sexual assault victims are still waiting to have their preliminary inquiries completed. In some cases, preliminary inquiries that were almost completed had to be re-started as presiding Magistrates were transferred to another court, resigned or otherwise left the bench.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, April 10, 2017

ARCHIE

It’s your actions that will count today. Don’t let anyone (March 21- slow you down or force you April 19) into a senseless argument.

Stay focused on what’s important in order to succeed.

ARIES

Learn from your mistakes TAURUS to avoid an awkward situa(April 20- tion. If you compromise, othMay 20) ers will meet you halfway.

Don’t make a fuss when you can make a difference.

dilbert

Broadmindedness will GEMINI help you bring about change.

(May 21Engage in events that will June 20) unite you with a loved one. A youngster will offer you an incentive to make positive personal change.

Stick

to

what

works.

CANCER Implementing an impulsive deci(June 21- sion will result in discord. Aim to July 22) get along with friends, peers and

Peanuts

partners. An unusual solution will turn out to be less invasive than a more standard method.

Cultivate opportunities by LEO doing what comes naturally.

(July 23Use your skills and experience Aug. 22) to make improvements and bring about change that will help you excel. Think big, but use common sense.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t act impulsively just VIRGO because someone is pressur(Aug. 23Sept. 22) ing you. A persistent, steady pace will help you reach your destination without interference. Forward motion is all that’s required.

You’ll be inclined to blow LIBRA situations out of proportion.

(Sept. 23Before making an impulsive Oct. 23) move or statement, you should consider what the ramifications might entail. Offer good will, not bedlam.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Pay close attention to what SCORPIO others are doing. Speak up if (Oct. 24you feel someone is contradicNov. 22) tory. Holding others accountable will help you stick to your goals and remain true to your beliefs.

Network with your peers SAGITTARIUS to connect with someone who (Nov. 23- can offer insight into your Dec. 21) professional opportunities.

Take the information and do your own research to make the best decision.

SATURDAY’S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Keep one eye on the comCAPRICORN petition as you move forward.

(Dec. 22Don’t feel the need to get inJan. 19) volved in a debate or make impulsive decisions just because someone else does.

Look for new ways to make AQUARIUS your money grow. Put restric(Jan. 20tions on your spending and Feb. 19) refuse to let anyone else handle your financial matters and negotiations. Make changes responsibly.

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

Look for reasons to help PISCES (Feb. 20- and make a difference, inMarch 20) stead of looking for excuses to sit on the sidelines. Your contribution will be rewarded in an unusual and fortuitous manner.

monDAY, aPRIL 10, 2017

GT Beer/ Star Party Rentals/NAMILCO Futsal…

19

12th YBG National Youth Basketball Festival….

Back Circle boot Bent Street in thriller

Marian Academy shine, St Rose’s impress

— Sparta Boss also advance to final

By Romario Samaroo

M

arian Academy dominated three of the four matches played at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue last Friday, while St. Rose’s High School cashed in on a victory when action in the 12th staging of the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) National Youth Basketball Festival commenced.

In the Girls’ Development category, Marian Academy brushed aside President’s College 15-9. Jada Mohan was on the forefront, scoring eight points with eight rebounds and two steals, while Jahrier Young supported well with seven points and five rebounds.

Led by Analis Barclay with six points and six steals, President’s College fought valiantly, Barclay getting support from Lydia Roberts with three points and Overjoyed! Jermaine Beckles is swamped by teammates after netting the critical equaliser much to three rebounds. the delight of the packed National Gymnasium

T

he semi-finals of the GT Beer Sponsored , Petra Futsal Championships had the National Gymnasium in a frenzy on Saturday evening as Back Circle booted the formidable defending champions Bent Street from the competition to set up a clash with Sparta Boss in the final.

Bent Street lost to Back Circle 3-1 but the champs happened to be the early aggressor in the match with Konata Manning finding the back of the net in the third minute with a shot from close range that simply could not be stopped.

Jermaine Beckles equalizer in the13th minute sparked Back Circle and they were instantly ignited with more energy especially with the massive crowd in full support.

The next goal came from Selwyn William in the 27th minute that sparked jubilation by the crowd as it was clear which team was the favourite to win by the fan support.

With Bent Street desperately trying to equalize to save their chances of appearing in the final, their eagerness resulted in a brilliant counter by Back Circle that resulted in an Akeemo Anthony goal just two minutes before full time (38th) that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Meanwhile Sparta Boss had probably their best showing of the tournament so far with a 4-1 win

against an underwhelming Sophia squad.

Sparta Boss came across as highly dominant scoring 10 seconds into the game with a strike from Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson that left the Sophia team stunned.

Even Sparta Boss’s only

The final of the tournament which is also sponsored by NAMILCO and Star Party rentals will be played on April 15 where the winner of the tournament is set to pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth

In the Boys’ Under-14 division, Marian Academy once again got the better of a President’s College side with a 26-17 win. Jether Harris led from the front with 17 points, 14 rebounds and three steals, while Duard Lewis was equally effective with six points and six rebounds.

President’s College were kept in the match up to the latter stages, with Gabriel Lin scoring five points and 10 rebounds, while Joshua Butts totalled seven points on the night.

Also in the Boys’ Under-14 category, The Bishops’ High School secured a walkover against Queen’s College.

Meanwhile, in the Under-19 Boys’ division, St. Rose’s High schooled The Bishops’ High School, winning their match by a seven-point margin. Anthony Yansen with 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals, Mark July’s five points, six rebounds,

and Kwesi Baker’s five points were enough to see St. Roses reach 34 points; while Royden Glasgow (eight points), Stephon Greaves (seven points) and Shamal Beaton (12 points) could only muster 27 points in a losing effort.

Also, Marian Academy disposed of President’s College in the third encounter of these two schools clashing for the night (in three divisions).

Timothy Thompson, scoring 19 points and 17 rebounds, led the Carifesta Avenue- based team to a 42-point game. He was supported by Jether Harris and Joshua Daniels with seven points each, to see their team reach 42 points at the final buzzer.

President’s College could only manage 26 points, 14 of which were scored by Akeem Crandon, who also scored eight rebounds and four blocks. Anton Fileen secured 11 points.

GHB/Farfan & Mendes/Woodpecker Products 1st Division Outdoor Hockey League…

Woodpecker Hikers, Bounty GCC brush aside opponents

Kenisha Wills (12) tears through the defence of GCC Spartan

By Romario Samaroo

T

Sparta Boss’s Gregory Richardson gave his team the early lead with the fastest goal in the tournament

blunder by scoring an own goal in the third minute of the match to level the score a 1-1 was simply not enough to derail the popular street football team from making their way into the final.

Eusi Phillips and Cleon Forester would go onto score goals in the 12th and 39th minutes respectively while Richardson notched a double in the 21st minute of the match.

place finishers will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively and the correspondingly accolade.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the championship will pocket $50,000 and a trophy, while the Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper will walkway with $25,000 each and the respective accolades.

he First Division Outdoor Hockey League organised by the Guyana Hockey Board and sponsored by Farfan & Mendes and Woodpecker Products continued at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda with Woodpecker Hikers winning the female match and Bounty GCC winning the male clash against Saints.

In the Woodpecker Women’s First Division clash between home team GCC Spartans and Woodpecker Hikers, the visitors got the better of a fairly young and inexperienced side. Even though Hikers won 2-0, the Spartans showed their fighting spirit in limiting the damage, which could have been even more.

Before a goal could be scored, Spartan’s young star Sarah Klautky was unfortunately

injured when she was struck in the mouth, causing her to lose a tooth; but she managed to hold her composure and fight the pain until she was given medical attention.

Soon after, Hikers suffered an injury of their own with Annalisa Singh being struck in her face with the ball, forcing her to sit out the rest of the game.

With these setbacks, Kenisha Wills managed to score in the 13th minute before an eventful first quarter was completed.

In the next 15 minutes of play, the Spartan girls composed themselves well to fend off an attacking Hikers, who were coming with everything they had, but the half way mark ended with the score 1-0.

Play in the third quarter was no different. This time it was Spartans who were on the attack, spending most of their time in the Hikers’ side of the 91-metre field.

It took the last quarter for Maria Munroe to score the second goal for Hikers, one which they had to work hard for.

After the match, Captain of the winning team, Marisha Fernandes, said, “We played a very young team. Our girls have more experience than GCC, but we didn’t underestimate them.

They practised a lot and brought good competition, while we tried to do what the coach said.”

Meanwhile, in the men’s match, Bounty GCC made light work of Saints, winning 5-0. Kevin Spencer and Mark Sergeant were the prime destroyers as they each scored doubles, while Philip Fernandes chipped in with a goal of his own.

The action continues today with one match at the GCC Ground -- a club clash, as GCC Pizza Hut take on GCC Spartans from 16:30h.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

MONDAY, april 10, 2017

VIVO IPL 2017

Teenage Afghan spinner Rashid torments Lions

— Warner leads Sunrisers home

R

ashid Khan was named man of the match after a sublime spinning display before David Warner led the champions to another IPL victory.

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan bamboozled Gujarat Lions with a magnificent exhibition of legspin bowling and David Warner scored a rapid unbeaten half-century as Sunrisers Hyderabad eased to a nine-wicket Indian Premier League victory.

Rashid took two wickets when the champions beat Royal Challengers Bangalore on his IPL debut this week and finished with figures of 3-19 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.

Dwayne Smith top scored with 37 for a Lions side that also lost their opening game of the tournament against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday and could only post 135-7 two days later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 2-21.

Captain Warner (76 not out off 45 balls) put on a show with support from his in-form Australia teammate Moises Henriques (52 from 39 deliveries) to get

the champions home with 27 balls to spare.

Man-of-the-match Rashid struck in his first over to remove the dangerous Brendon McCullum, who was trapped in front for just five when h e

tra-confident 18-year-old.

Dinesh Karthik (30 from 32) and West Indian all-rounder Smith, who faced just 27 balls in an entertaining knock, put on 56 for the fifth wicket, but the Lions’ total was never likely to be enough.

Skipper Warner led

from the front, clearing the ropes four times with some brutal blows, and Henriques scored a fifth consecutive half-century as the Lions were blown away.

Shikhar Dhawan fell in the third over, but Warner and Henriques were in no mood to hang around, getting Sunrisers home at a canter. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Rashid Khan

failed to read the teenage tweaker’s wrong’un.

The Sunrisers bowlers were giving nothing away and the Lions were 57-4 after Rashid left Aaron Finch and Suresh Raina perplexed, the experienced duo both unable to read the ul-

Gujarat Lions innings (20 overs maximum) JJ Roy c Dhawan b Kumar 31 BB McCullum lbw b Rashid Khan 5 SK Raina* lbw b Rashid Khan 5 AJ Finch lbw b Rashid Khan 3 KD Karthik† c †Ojha b Nehra 30 DR Smith c sub (V Shankar) b Kumar 37 DS Kulkarni run out (Rashid 1 Khan) P Kumar not out 7 B Thampi not out 13 Extras (b 1, lb 2) 3 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 135 Did not bat: Tejas Baroka, S Kaushik Fall of wickets 1-35 (McCullum, 4.5 ov), 2-37 (Roy, 5.2 ov), 3-42 (Finch, 6.2 ov), 4-57 (Raina, 8.6 ov), 5-113 (Smith, 16.4 ov), 6-114 (Karthik, 17.2 ov), 7-115 (Kulkarni, 17.4 ov)

Bowling: Bipul Sharma 4-0-24-0, B Kumar 4-0-21-2, A Nehra 4-0-27-1, Rashid Khan 4-0-19-3, BCJ Cutting 3-0-290, MC Henriques 1-0-12-0 Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (target: 136 runs from 20 overs) DA Warner* not out 76 S Dhawan c McCullum b Kumar 9 MC Henriques not out 52 Extras (w 3) 3 Total (1 wicket; 15.3 overs) 140 Did not bat: Yuvraj Singh, DJ Hooda, BCJ Cutting, NV Ojha†, Bipul Sharma, B Kumar, A Nehra, Rashid Khan Fall of wickets 1-32 (Dhawan, 3.1 ov) Bowling-SK Raina 2-0-24-0, P Kumar 2-0-16-1, Tejas Baroka 3.3-0-33-0, DS Kulkarni 2-017-0, S Kaushik 4-0-29-0 (1w), Basil Thampi 2-0-21-0 (2w)

A West Indies win brings happiness, but their inconsistencies stand out

T

he West Indies’ record-chasing victory over Pakistan in the first Q Mobile One Day International (ODI) at Providence has reminded fans of how much happiness a victory from the Caribbean side could bring them.

That defeat shattered the Pakistanis’ hope of winning a fourth successive ODI match against the regional side in the past seven months. However, the West Indies’ performance in the second ODI is also a reminder of how inconsistent they have been over the years.

In the latter part of the first ODI, operations in most sectors of the working environment -- whether education, security, economic, social or otherwise -- were halted; and most, if not all, operations were stalled to witness one of the best ODI innings played in Guyana.

Unexpectedly, the win was engineered by Jason Mohammed, a former West Indies U-19 player, whose career had been in the shadows for some time, before he impressed in his debut for the Guyana Amazon Warriors during the 2016 staging of the Hero Caribbean Premier League. And even after an effective run for the Warriors was followed by an outstanding stint with the West Indies ‘A’ Team against its Sri Lanka ‘A’ counterparts in Sri Lanka, the Amazonian was still overlooked by the West Indies selectors for the TriNation Series in Zimbabwe. That was, fortunately, until there were Delvon Mc Ewan some withdrawals due to injuries and personal reasons, which afforded the right-hander a place in the team. Nevertheless, he still was not given a chance to play in that series.

However, with the West Indies’ continuous decline in ODI rankings, and with a mere hope in the ability of Evin Lewis as a potential top batsman or world-beater among the many talented but underperforming players in the West Indies unit, Mohammed is seemingly ready to rewrite the script that has made him famous.

In his last five ODI outings, he has returned three half-centuries, including his best to date in Friday’s match -- a blistering 91 runs from 54 deliveries, including 11 fours and three sixes that propelled West Indies to 309-6 from 49 overs, and to victory in chasing the 308-5 made by Pakistan in their innings. And this even while most of his colleagues continue to struggle at this level, being particularly unable to construct innings after quality starts.

Apart from Jason’s contribution in the first match, Ashley Nurse was superb with bat and ball, while Kieran Powell and Evin Lewis played key knocks at the top of the innings.

Their bowling was not to the best, or anywhere near that, but it was consistent in terms of line and length. Their fielding was good, and they batted spectacularly. The running between the wickets was of high quality, and the number of twos they picked up was inconceivable for a team that is known for mostly power hitting.

Because of this approach, West Indies were, for the first time in 32 attempts, able to successfully chase down a score that was over 300, and a lot of West Indian fans went to bed happy and satisfied at an unimaginable victory for a unit that has shown promise for close to two decades but has never reached its full potential.

It is now obvious that today’s match will be blooming with colours, flags, drums, steel pans, loud sounds from the sound system and fans (an almost sold out crowd) that I am sure would be optimistic of another win for the West Indies side.

As obvious as the increase in attendance on Sunday is due to the result on Friday, the result should be no surprise. The inconsistencies of a West Indies performance are inevitable. And by the 15th over in the second ODI, they were badly placed at 56-5. Unlike in the first match, there was no significant partnerships at either the top or the middle order. None of the top six batsmen consolidated his innings to play a formidable knock, and the target of 283 to accomplish victory and seal another fairytale win seemed impossible -- until a courageous 58 run seventh-wicket stance between skipper Jason Holder and the improving Ashley Nurse gave the fans a glimmer of hope, before the latter was removed by Pakistan’s best bowler on the day, Hasan Ali, for 44. Holder went on to hit a top score of 68 before he was last man out, as Pakistan completed a comfortable victory by 74 runs.

At that stage, the fans had to be satisfied with the margin of defeat, which was much better than seeing their team fold for less than 100 two days after completing their highest run chase in ODI history. But, it spoiled what could have been a happy weekend for Guyanese and West Indians; one that could have sprung celebrations in Guyana and across the Caribbean because of a rare series win.

West Indies’ fans will now have to wait until Tuesday’s match to see the outcome of this series, because the only consistency of their team is its dogged inconsistency.

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RHTY&SC, MS, Executive Member Sohan Harry hands over trophies to Kendall’s Union President Albert Budhoo

“T

o give is the best feeling in the world, especially if it inspires people to better themselves and make a positive difference in the lives of others”. Those were the words of Hilbert Foster, Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S, during a presentation ceremony at the Club’s Area ‘H’ Ground to assist New Amsterdam Secondary School CAPE Student Olucho Haynes to successfully complete the

long-serving Secretary/CEO committed to assisting every student who walks into the Club’s Office.

He expressed disappointment that other major cricket clubs and sporting organisations have not followed in the footsteps of the RHTY&SC, and urged them to do so, as it is very important for our youths to “Say NO to Drugs, Crime, Alcohol and Yes to Life, Education and Sports”.

The cricket teams also assisted the Kendall Union

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RHTY&SC Junior Cricketer Jonathan Rampersaud hands over trophies and medals to NASS student Olucho Haynes

requirements for CAPE Physical Education Unit 2 Syllabus.

The eight cricket teams of the Club contributed four trophies and a collection of medals towards the hosting of a volleyball tournament featuring school teams from the Tutorial Academy Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Berbice High School, Vryman’s Erven Secondary, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Berbice Educational Institute and Canje Secondary.

Foster wished the student the best in organising the event, and said she was just one of the dozens of students that the RHTY&SC, M.S., and its cricket teams have assisted in 2017, so that they can be successful at their upcoming CAPE and CSEC exams.

Stressing that the Club strongly believes in assisting youths to fulfil their full potential in education and sports, the

Cricket Club of No.19 Village with five trophies towards their first-ever awards ceremony, while the All-Rounder Sports Club of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara received three trophies, medals and equipment to assist them to promote the game. Over the last two months, a total of eleven cricket clubs has received donations of cricket gear and equipment from the Club’s cricket teams. Those clubs include Tamarind Root and Fyrish Cricket clubs, while students of the Manchester High School also received assistance to successfully complete the practical aspect of their Physical Education programme.

RHTY&SC has also assisted a total of 18 individuals, religious and sporting organisations with trophies and other items. Among those are the Flying Ace Cycling Club

22

mondAY, april 10, 2017

Scenes from the second ODI

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Photos by Marceano Narine

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, april 10, 2017

23

West Indies vs Pakistan, Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile ODI Series…

Déjà vu!

A

– Azam, Ali star as West Indies slump to 74-run loss

masterful Babar Azam century followed by a typical batting collapse

by West Indies meant Pakistan levelled the three-match series via a comprehensive 74-run victory at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday.

Azam returned to his favoured number three position to compile a career-best unbeaten 125 leading his side to 282-3, which was followed by a clinical bowling performance led by medium pacer Hasan Ali, who took 5 for 38.

The batting performance by the men in maroon mirrored that of numerous matches in the past as the sensational win on Friday was a bit of false hope as they slipped to 75-6 in the 18th over before being bundled out for 208 in 44.5 overs.

Jason Holder (68) and Ashley Nurse (44) gave the crowd – a large, expectant audience – something to cheer for with a breezy 58-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

West Indies wilted early despite beginning the chase with attacking intent. That purposefulness came at the cost of early wickets, with both openers back in the pavilion by the fifth over.

Chadwick Walton (10) and Shai Hope (15) both gave simple catches after poor shot selection, while Evin Lewis (13), Kieran Powell (11) and Jonathan Carter (12) were all trapped in front.

Captain Holder displayed his competitive spirit with a fighting half-century, his combination of sweet timing and incredible power making batting look a lot easier than it had seemed when those higher up the order had been in the middle.

He gave Shadab Khan the respect he has indisputably earned with his performances over the last fortnight, but was at times disdainful of Pakistan’s storied pace bowling attack, never more so than when he dispatched Mohammad Amir for

Babar Azam’s 125 was simply a touch of class and determination (Marceano Narine photo)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan innings (50 overs maximum) Ahmed Shehzad c †Hope b Gabriel 5 Kamran Akmal c †Hope b Joseph 21 Babar Azam not out 125 Mohammad Hafeez st †Hope b Nurse 32 Shoaib Malikc †Hope b Bishoo 9 Sarfraz Ahmed*† c Walton b Gabriel 26 Imad Wasim not out 43 Extras (b 1, lb 9, w 9, nb 2)21 Total (5 wickets; 50 overs) 282 Did not bat: Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Ahmed Shehzad, 4.5 ov), 2-44 (Kamran Akmal, 8.6 ov), 3-113 (Mohammad Hafeez, 25.0 ov), 4-128 (Shoaib Malik, 28.5 ov), 5-183 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 38.4 ov) Bowling: Gabriel 10-150-2 (1nb, 2w), Holder 9-0-48-0 (1w), Joseph 9-0-69-1 (1nb, 3w), Bishoo 10-0-40-1, Nurse 10-0-42-1 (3w), Carter 2-0-23-0

West Indies innings (target: 283 runs from 50 overs) E Lewis lbw b Mohammad 13 Amir

C Walton c Hasan Ali b Junaid Khan 10 S Hope† c Shadab Khan b Hasan Ali 15 K Powell lbw b Hasan Ali 11 J Carter lbw b Mohammad Hafeez 12 J Mohammed c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Hafeez 1 J Holder* c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 68 A Nurse lbw b Hasan Al 44 D Bishoo lbw b Shadab Khan 16 A Joseph c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 15 S Gabriel not out 0 Extras (lb 1, w 2)

3 Total (all out; 44.5 overs) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Walton, 3.1 ov), 2-27 (Lewis, 4.2 ov), 3-46 (Hope, 8.2 ov), 4-51 (Powell, 10.1 ov), 5-56 (Mohammed, 13.5 ov), 6-75 (Carter, 17.4 ov), 7-133 (Nurse, 28.6 ov), 8-156 (Bishoo, 33.6 ov), 9-208 (Joseph, 44.1 ov), 10-208 (Holder, 44.5 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 7-1 36-1, Junaid Khan 6-0-411 (1w), Hasan Ali 8.5-1-38-5, Mohammad Hafeez 6-0-23-2, Imad Wasim 7-0-29-0 (1w), Shadab Khan 10-1-40-1

Hasan Ali kisses the pitch as he took the final wicket of the match to end with career-best figures of 5 for 38 (Marceano Narine photo)

16 in an over, smashing one six and two fours.

Alzarri Joseph (15) and Holder gave some fans hope

of another miraculous victory with a counter-attaching 52-run ninth-wicket partnership, but that wilted when Joseph lofted a catch to Azam at mid-on.

Earlier, openers Kamran Akaml (21) and Ahemd Shezad (5) lacked the fluency of the previous match as new ball bowlers Shannon Gabriel (2-50) and Holder bowled with greater consistency.

Mohammed Hafeez, who made a 92-ball 88 two days ago, laboured at the crease for 32 from 50 balls.

However, Azam, who stroked seven fours and three sixes, held the innings together when it threatened to disintegrate, and provided the late fireworks when

it looked like it might stagnate.

The total had seemed well out of Pakistan’s reach until the last seven overs – in which 84 runs were scored via smart batting by Azam, along with Imad Wasim, who made a 35ball 43 (2x4s;2x6s), and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed with a run-a-ball 26 (3x4s) .

It was telling that West Indies’ worst spell of bowling came about just as Azam and Wasim finally began to swing freely which saw five of Pakistan’s six sixes come off the last three overs – two off the hapless medium pace of Jonathon Carter in a 50th over that cost 19 runs.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Déjà vu!

West Indies vs Pakistan, Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile ODI Series…

– Azam, Ali star as West Indies slump to 74-run loss Babar Azam

Pg 23 Hasan Ali

The three-match series is now tied which leaves Tuesday’s match all to play for by both teams (Marceano Narine photos)

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