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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2873

Thursday, June 2, 2016

PRICE

Plunging economy

Jagdeo sounds wake-up call to Govt … says poor people will suffer

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: UG Loan Agency audit

Govt provided over $9.4B from 1994P11 2015

Page 3

US-based Guyanese killed Page 2

– manhunt launched for boyfriend

Police unearth gun, ammo at Matthews Ridge

Retired British soldier’s robbery

“Quarters” arrested

P2

Page 2

Deadly prison riot

Threat to IDB official PPP wants P9

“solid explanation” from Dharamlall – Jagdeo ... file still with DPP

CoI report handed over to President

Page 7

Corentyne piracy attack

President David Granger receives a copy of the CoI report from Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice James Patterson on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency

Cuyuni shooting

Govt to approach UN on Venezuela’s “provocative, dangerous” actions Page 9 – Foreign Ministry

…but President says may be an error by Venezuelan military

Vegetable prices skyrocket Page 7

− farmers blame rainy weather

3 fishermen still missing 5 days later

P10

2 news

thursDAY, june 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Retired British soldier’s robbery

US-based Guyanese killed

“Quarters” − manhunt launched for boyfriend arrested A 16-year-old girl was shot dead by her boyfriend while babysitting her cousin at their Brooklyn, New York apartment on Tuesday evening.

Dead is Shemel Mercurius who moved to the United States four years ago and stayed at the family’s East Flatbush apartment.

The teen was watching over her three-year-old cousin when gunfire rang out, hitting her several times.

Persons who heard the gunshots rushed to the scene only to find the teenager in a semi-conscious state. She was picked up and rushed to the Kings County Hospital

A

man known to authorities as “Quarters” of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, who was implicated with the brazen daylight robbery committed on retired British soldier Edward Constant was positively identified by the ex-soldier during an Identification Parade at the Brickdam Police Station on Wednesday.

He was accused of relieving Constant of his jewellery and cash on Monday in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market Square. According to reports received, the man was arrested and placed on an ID parade where he was picked out by the soldier who congratulated the Guyana Police Force for their proactive work.

Constant returned to Guyana after 50 years to be a part of Guyana independence anniversary celebrations. Constant was a part of the British Army when Guyana gained its independence status and had promised to return when Guyana turned 50.

Although he would have received VIP treatment during the celebration, his vacation turned bitter when he decided to visit the Stabroek Market Square. While there, he was attached and robbed

British soldier Edward Constant

by an armed man, who took away the gold chain and a diamond ring he was wearing at the time.

It was reported that the retired soldier was attacked from behind. The Police were summoned and an investigation was launched.

Based on Police intelligence, the attacker was later identified as “Quarters” of West Riumveldt Housing Scheme.

However, Police visited the home of the wanted man but came up empty handed. Nevertheless, they continued to search and based on information received, he was finally arrested on Wednesday morning.

where she died while receiving medical attention.

The three-year-old was unharmed, Police stated.

Police also confirmed that the teenager was shot by her 19-year-old boyfriend to the back and leg. The Police have since launched a manhunt for the teenage boyfriend.

However, new information revealed that a man armed with an assault rifle was seen barging into the Brooklyn apartment building where the teenager was killed.

Further, reports stated that the now dead teenager tried to keep the gun-

Dead: Shemel Mercurius

toting man and a female companion from entering the apartment where she was babysitting her todder cousin.

Surveillance footage confirmed that the armed man was trying to force his way into the apartment around 18:00h on Tuesday. Based on camera footage, Mercurius opened the door and let him and the woman in.

However, the pair was seen on video fleeing the sixth-floor apartment after Mercurius was fatally wounded. Police stated that dead girl’s boyfriend was “a person of interest” in the shooting.

Taxi driver jailed on causing death charge

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axi Driver Seon Greene was sentenced to four years, six months imprisonment by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the final hearing of his case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

Magistrate Latchman before making her ruling took into consideration the fact that a life was lost, the need to preserve human re-

sources, the need to prevent other offenders and the promotion of road safety.

Greene’s Attorney Peter Hugh is however seeking to have his client’s conviction appealed and has since submitted an oral notice of appeal to the court.

Magistrate Latchman placed weight on evidence given by now deceased Police Constable Kelvin Lafluear.

She believed the defen-

dant was inattentive and collided with the deceased, Mohamed Khan, while also failing to show cognisance of the five Cs of road safety – caution, care, common sense, courtesy and consideration – while using the roadways.

Greene in his defence had told the court during his trial that Khan’s bicycle was unfit for road use, since it had no lights at the time

of the accident. He had also said that it was the deceased who hit his vehicle and not the other way around.

Greene pleaded not guilty to the charge which had alleged that on May 21, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he drove his car in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Mohamed Khan. He was placed on $2 million bail for the offence.

Police unearth gun, ammo at Matthews Ridge

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man has been arrested following the discovery of a gun and several rounds of ammunition at Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, Region One

(Barima-Waini).

According to reports received, Police acted on information and went to a house and conducted a raid where one of the occupants

had a snub nose .38 revolver along with three matching rounds of ammunition.

He is expected to be charged shortly.

news

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thursDAY, june 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 2 – 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, June 3 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 2 – 14:25h-15:55h and Friday, June 3 – 15:15h-16:45.

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers can be expected throughout the morning and mid afternoon while sunny intervals are expected to dominate in the afternoon. Light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres per second and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 01:58h and 14:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.60 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:00h and 20:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.60 metre respectively.

Wednesday, May 31, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS L 02 11 17 18 21 22 14 Bonus Ball

Daily Millions

05 08 15 22 24 LUCKY 3 1

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1

Draw De Line 04 06 08 10 11

Jagdeo sounds wake-up call to Govt

… says poor people will suffer

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

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Plunging economy

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O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has warned the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government that Guyana’s economy could soon hit rock bottom – a situation that would affect every citizen – and that a well planned out approach is urgently needed to keep this from happening.

He made this pronouncement on Wednesday, even as he called on the Administration to “wake up” and acknowledge the problem so that a remedy could be derived.

Jagdeo was at the time addressing journalists at the Party’s head office on Robb Street.

According to the former President, with the current state of affairs, Government is failing to address the needs of the people.

“Things are going to get worse, because we have a Government that is not acknowledging the problem.

And if they don’t acknowledge it, they can’t fix it,” the Opposition Leader said.

He said there is no doubt the economy will slide further “if these people do not wake up. They can wake up”, he said, continuing that it is not just supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that are hurting, “all Guyanese are hurting. People are losing their cars, they cannot pay their monthly installments for their cars and homes etc.

It’s not a partisan thing, everybody will be affected,” he stressed.

Jagdeo reminded of Government’s promise that the just concluded jubilee celebration would have seen a boom in the economy.

However, there has been no indication of this.

“My argument is that they can arrest this, they can change this, they can change the narrative around the economy. They can change the policies that would pro-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

mote investments etc. It is within their hands to send the right signal that would say to everybody that it is time that we spend our money,” the former President posited.

Jagdeo said he could not understand the logic behind the recent pronouncement by the Finance Minister that there is now a slowdown in the economy because there has been a slowdown in the flow of “drug money”.

“I saw the central bank trying to talk up the economy a little bit, maybe following directions from the Minister. But this Minister is confused. Once he says there must be a slowdown, this must be a PPP propaganda. But what slowdown is he talking about?” Then a week later after he was fed some excuse that it is drug money, that its got to be about drug money. So he’s moving from there’s no slowdown to that there is a slowdown, but with drug money.”

He said this assertion has caused the President to say recently that most of the huge buildings under construction have some link to illegal proceeds.

“So people come to me and I say to them hold on to your money if you have money, because we don’t know where this is going…

I would say to businessmen, do not put up another building in the city, because every time you do that and the President drives by, he will think that it is coming from drug money or illegal proceeds, then [Special Organised Crime Unit] SOCU might visit you,” Jagdeo said.

According to Jagdeo, while opposition leaders would be happy that the economy is sliding, it is not the same for his Party, since “we want to make sure that the economy keeps sticking.”

Meanwhile, Jagdeo took

to task the recent statement made by the Finance Minister that any bailout of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) could affect Government’s ability to pay public servants.

“Are they going to pay the public servants, and how much are they going to pay them. That’s the question.

Nagamootoo said they had money set aside for over 100 per cent increase in salary for public servants. When those payments will be effected?” he asked.

He continued, saying “nobody is fights for the public servants. Many of them thought they had a champion in APNU. The President said some of them are lazy and they cannot expect high salaries. Is this not prejudicial to the negotiation? Is that statement going to be used to give the public servant paltry increases in salary? So when are they going to effect the payout to public servants? he again questioned.

“Here is Jordan talking about some bailout of sugar affecting public servants, but he has just exposed the treasury to over 600 million of liability”, the former Head of State said.

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thursdAY, june 2, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Morality and UG Student Loans

T

he audit of the UG Student Loan Facility did not provide any surprises save exposing the names of several prominent members of our society who contributed to the $13.6 billion in principal and interest outstanding as of December 31, 2014. Back in 2014, the then Minister of Finance Ashni Singh, while announcing the moderate increase in fees at UG, had pointed out the unwillingness of students to repay their loans even though many were in a position to do so. He hoped the delinquent defaulters would respond to moral suasion and “do the right thing”.

Almost two years and a new administration later, it is clear that the moral argument did not find any takers. And it is in this fact lies the future of the Student Loan Agreement, which is issued by the University of Guyana Student Loan Facility and funded by the Finance Ministry. There has to be a robust system put into place immediately to ensure that loans issued pursuant to written agreements are repaid, or else penalties are applied. As it stands now with both entities being responsible but neither taking responsibility, they merely resort to the usual bureaucratic response: pointing fingers at the other.

But there is another question of the UG loan programme: what is its purpose when most of the graduates are specialising in fields which Guyana do not need in such abundance? How can we possibly absorb thousands of specialists in International Relations and Sociology? Why not use the loans to steer students towards engineering, for instance. With the US forced to cope with US$1.26 trillion in delinquent student loans, they are rethinking their underwriting of programmes that will have no impact in reviving their exhausted economy. We should do no less, since we are not even on the development point they achieved in 1776.

Another noteworthy point is if the individuals identified – all graduates of the highest institution of learning in the land – did not feel their written promise to repay money meant anything, should we be surprised that tax evasion is also rampant in that same cohort? This is the mentality that has kept us mired in poverty and underdevelopment for the past 50 years. We are all consumed with our “right” to an education, but spare not a thought at our “duty” to fulfil our obligations.

What has developed in Guyana is a culture in which individuals who are supposed to be exemplars on the civic responsibility of citizens actually dodge and weave from those responsibilities. As illustrated by the names of those in the judiciary who are delinquent in paying their obligations, these are the very persons who are remanding and sentencing transgressors of far lesser crimes to Camp Street Prison. There are also the politicians promising to “develop” the country even as they ignore that it will take money to bring about that development: money they used but refuse to repay.

And we are not talking about just a handful of persons.

The figures show that while 25,335 persons secured loans for programmes at UG between 1994 and 2014, just 1776 persons paid off their loans, including interest. Some 17,562 or 69.4 per cent were delinquent and this does not include the recent graduates and those who are merely late with their payments. A statistic that was not mentioned in the audit was data provided by the World Bank that 89 per cent of Guyanese tertiary graduates have emigrated. So it is not that 69 per cent of UG graduates are free riders, but most of them have also absconded with their qualifications to develop other jurisdictions.

If today we accept “there are no free lunches”, then there is certainly no “free education”: it all is eventually paid for by the Guyana people. It is patently unfair for them to have doled out over $9 billion to “educate” tens of thousands of persons who were not even educated to accept their moral responsibilities.

Beating the weather: One innovative Guyanese stays dry on his covered bicycle (Dexter Sears)

Kanhai should have been allowed a proper retirement final match Dear Editor, Reference is made to a letter about Rohan Kanhai.

Ivan John is right that Rohan Kanhai was dropped from WIndies team to tour India without justifiable reason. Kanhai made himself available for the 197475 tour of India, having just tied the series against England as Captain and defeated England in England.

But the West Indies selectors dropped Kanhai for the India tour saying it wanted youths. India was going to be Kanhai’s last tour and wanted to retire on a high. But he was not allowed to retire honourably, not different from how Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Alvin Kalicharran and Ramnaresh Sarwan were ill-treated and discarded.

Clive Lloyd was the common denominator with regards to all four players.

Kanhai was approaching 39 but still scoring well in first class games.

Clive Lloyd was selected as Kanhai’s replacement as Captain although he had not performed as well as Kanhai in first class matches around that time.

Also, Kanhai made himself available for the inaugu-

ral 1975 Prudential World Cup played in England. But he was not selected. The selectors said they wanted youths, but Garfield Sobers (slightly older than Kanhai) was selected as a member of the team and made the trip to England. In his last first class (test) series, Sobers batted five times and scored 100 runs total for an average of 20. His highest score was 57 and scored a duck in front of his home crowd in Barbados; he also had a duck in the first innings in the final test in Trinidad.

In the 1974 county season in England, Sobers scored 1110 in 28 innings with an average of 48. He also took 29 wickets for an average of 32. In 1974, Kanhai scored 936 runs in 22 innings for an average of 52. Later that year, Kanhai also played five first class matches in South Africa scoring 476 runs for an average of 95, taking his first class tally to about 1400 runs and an overall average of 62 for 1974. In the 1975 season, Kanhai scored 1073 runs for an average of 83.

Sobers did not play in the local Shell Shield tournament in 1975 or county matches in England and was a surprised selection as a mem-

ber of the WIndies team for the World Cup. Australian speedsters Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson, both of whom had a reputation of injuring batsmen, warned they would have no mercy on the “old man” in the world cup. Sobers subsequently withdrew from the tour after playing some practice matches. He suggested that Kanhai be called up as his replacement. Other names mentioned included Maurice Foster or David Holford – both of whom were considered as all rounders. Kanhai was in form and still at the top of his game. Eventually, the selectors opted for the reliable Kanhai who was playing county cricket (Warwickshire) at the time, at age 39. And Kanhai did not disappoint. He helped WIndies win the final.

Sobers announced his retirement from first class cricket.

Kanhai made himself available for the tour to Australia later that year. He was not selected. He went to Australia and played in domestic cricket performing very well. WIndies lost the first test but won the second and lost the third. Vivian Richards was consistently

failing and it was suggested by commentators that Kanhai should be brought in as his replacement given that he was present in Australia and was playing well at age 40. But it was not to be. Richards failed again in the fourth test but found form in the fifth and sixth tests. Kanhai continued playing county cricket well into the 1980s and scoring many more runs.

In 1984, Americans were fortunate to see Kanhai in action. He led a West Indies team (that included Kalicharran) in a match against an Indian team (led by Sunil Gavaskar and that included Gundappa Vishwanauth, and other retired test cricketers) played in New Jersey. Gavaskar’s 11 won. Both Kanhai and Kalicharran scored freely in the game and Kanhai took a brilliant catch in the slips (think it was Gavaskar’s wicket) showing he was still agile at 48. Kanhai should not have been dumped without an opportunity for a final goodbye match. Kalli, Shiv, Sarwan, Brian Lara all got the same treatment.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

President asks for investigation into PPP’s petition Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has petitioned Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities calling upon him, the Overseer, the Town Clerk and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) respectively to: “Comply with the law and appoint a date for the election of the five Neighbourhood Democratic

Council (NDC) Chairmen and one Deputy Mayor from among the candidates by the voters whose names appear on the register of voters for the five tied NDCs and one Town Council.”

Copies of the Petition with accompanying signatures were dispatched to President David Granger; Minister Bulkan; GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve

Surujbally and the diplomatic community.

By way of a cover letter, the addressees were informed that the petition; “constitutes a protest against the undemocratic action of Government to thwart the electoral will of the people who voted at the recently concluded Local Government Elections and that the matter remains un-

resolved.

President Granger has responded informing that he has “asked for an investigation into the allegations and for an examination of the petitions to be conducted”.

Sincerely, People’s Progressive Party Freedom House

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thursDAY, june 2, 2016

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President needs to fire all those who need to be fired!

Dear Editor, The United Republican Party (URP) notes with dismay that after one year in office, the Granger-led Administration has refused to implement a Code of Ethics for the coalition. All the while, several of its Ministers have been involved in questionable behaviour for which they should have been excommunicated from the Government. Had the coalition implemented a meaningful ethical code, there is no way the Ministers fingered for such rogue actions would have survived in the Government.

How is it that the new Government could have found the time to discuss several non-manifesto issues such as a raise of salary for themselves; the allocation of $300 million for the Jubilee and counting; the removal of the vendors from the streets of Georgetown; $60 million for celebration in New York, millions more for celebrations in Canada, England and other parts of the Diaspora; the hundreds of millions of dollars in audits, etc? But they cannot find the time to discuss ways of fulfilling their campaign promises, like the raising of salaries for public servants and sugar workers, the reducing the Value Added Tax and the implementation of a Code of Conduct for the Administration? How is it that they could find Government jobs for their friends, families and election campaign staff but fired thousands of Amerindians and Indians?

The citizens of Guyana felt they could no longer be fooled by the People’s Progressive Party. So in May 2015, they woke up and joined forces to bring an end to the Jagdeo-Ramotar led Administration. After one year of the Granger-led coalition, this regime turns out to be more arrogant. But the people are as vigilant as they were just before the 2015 election. If this People’s National Congress-Alliance For Change Administration thinks that it will bamboozle the Guyanese people, they are very mistaken. The notion that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, is well known and appreciated by the local populace. The country is watching its leaders and will punish them electorally, when they deserve it.

The word on the street is that one year is far too long to come up with a code of conduct. Did the respective parties not have codes of conducts? What governed their internal operations? Is it that those who operated without guidelines in their own parties

are now tossed onto the unsuspecting Guyanese? If all the collating parties had had guidelines and codes of conducts within their own purview, they could have lent those guidelines to the Government and thus come up with some acceptable, universal, ethical document, which could have been immediately implemented.

This delay and pussyfooting on such major issues is not sitting well with the ever vigilant Guyanese.

Dela Britton, Darlene Christian, Simone Ramlall, Tamara Khan, Sasha Rajkumar and Carlyle Goring; those who worked on the coalition’s Code of Conduct, need to be reassigned to that “draft” code and they need to stay with it until it is transitioned from its draft stage into an acceptable and actionable document. If the Government can find monies to audit others, they sure could scrape a few more dollars to audit themselves. The URP believes that a well-constructed and formally implemented Code of Conduct will serve as a constant audit for the Government.

The URP is very wary that the Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo publicly stated that there is no time-frame as to when the Code would be incorporated into the existing law. After all the accusations of corruption, nepotism and charges of unethical behaviour that has being levelled at his embryonic administration, why would he

be so noncommittal and evasive concerning enactment of such a required and elementary document?

The Prime Minister went on to state that expediency in the adoption of the code of ethics is not his concern. Well, it might not be his concern but a populace burdened by constant corruption inflicted on them by the State, is very concerned.

Additionally, this was one of his party’s 100-day promises; it is now almost 200 days past that deadline. So the Prime Minister should be thrice as concerned. The URP is calling for the immediate and irreversible implementation of the Code of Ethics, as reviewed by all the mentioned stakeholders.

We are also asking for justifiable reasons to be shared with the public for any delay in its implementation.

Further, the United Republican Party is asking that behaviours of current members of the Government be retroactively scrutinised using the implemented Code of Conduct to determine if they stand in violation of any of the established codes.

And if they are found in violation of any of the Codes of Conduct, the URP is asking President Granger to prove to the Guyanese electorate that he is really the ethical standard bearer he is perceived to be and fire all those who need to be fired.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bandhu URP Political Leader

90th Anniversary of recognition of WICB by ICC Dear Editor, There is absolutely no doubt that cricket is the Number One Sport in the Caribbean, but during the past decade there has been a lack of interest on the part of fans because of the poor performance of the players, the problem between the WICB, the WIPA and the players etc.

However because of the magnificent performance of our cricketers to win the T20 World Cup, the under 19 tournament and the Women's Cricket tournament, interest has been revived.

There have also been calls by wellknown individuals and organisations to abolish the West Indies Cricket Board. In fact the Barriteau Report last year recommended the immediate dissolution of the WICB. The recommendation has been endorsed by Keith Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada, who

was the spokesperson for CARICO Mon the summer game. However his counterpart in Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, wantsthe Board to continue its work. In a statement

Browne said the game would be plunged into further chaos and confusion if the WICB were to be dissolved. The Antiguan leader speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the

Caricom Cricket Committee governing West Indies cricket says the Board and the stakeholders strengthen the WICB structure by ensuring "greater transparency and accountability", and a better dispute resolution process.

He said his government is prepared to spend millions in promoting the game. He announced that his government is in negotiation with the Stanford liquidator receiver to acquire the Stanford Cricket Ground, Sticky Wicket and other amenities with the WICB PM's Browne statement is well received by cricket fans throughout the region and the wider world because it might take several years to set up a new structure for the administration of the sport.

Last Tuesday marked the 90th year of the recognition of the WICB by the ICC. Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

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thursday june 2, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

Why children need their dads – even dads with average parenting skills can make a real impact on their children’s lives

By Skye Loyd

F

our decades of research and hundreds of studies have proven what should be obvious to everyone: The more involved a dad is, the more successful his children will be. A father’s influence can determine a child’s social life, grades at school, and future achievements.

problems at school and to experience depression.

According to the Father Involvement Research Alliance review, girls with involved fathers have higher self-esteem, and teenage girls who are close to their dads are less likely to become pregnant.

B o y s

successful marriages.

Everyday activities are important A study by Brigham Young University research-

Different approaches

Involved dads = Successful children The dad effect starts as early as birth. A review of studies by the Father Involvement Research Alliance shows that babies with more involved fathers are more likely to be emotionally secure, confident in new situations, and eager to explore their surroundings. As they grow, they are more sociable. Toddlers with involved fathers are better problemsolvers and have higher IQs by age 3. They are more ready to start school and can deal with the stress of being away from home all day better than children with less involved fathers.

At school, children of involved fathers do better academically. For example, a study by the US Department of Education found that children of highly involved fathers were 43 per cent more likely than other children to earn mostly As and 33 per cent less likely to repeat a grade. They are also less likely to have behaviour

show less aggression, less impulsivity, and more selfdirection. As young adults, children of involved fathers are more likely to achieve higher levels of education, find success in their careers, have higher levels of selfacceptance and experience psychological well-being.

Adults who had involved fathers are more likely to be tolerant and understanding, have supportive social networks made up of close friends, and have long-term

needed, it was fathers’ involvement in the everyday, home-based, common family leisure activities that held more weight than the large, extravagant, out-ofthe-ordinary types of activities when examining family functioning,” the authors said.

e r s finds that involvement in everyday activities, such as eating dinner together, watching TV, playing in the yard, and playing video games are even more important to share with Dad than big outings or trips, although those contribute to children’s development as well. Fathers and youths in the study experienced more satisfaction and cohesion in their family when fathers were involved in everyday core activities.

“Although participation in balanced family leisure activities is important and

But how does a father’s influence differ from a mother’s? Isn’t one good parent enough?

“Fathers and mothers have unique and complementary roles in the home,” says Brett Copeland, a clinical psychologist in Tacoma, Washington. “Fathers encourage competition, independence, and achievement.

Mothers encourage equity, security, and collaboration.”

W Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project and associate professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, says that fathers’ special input differs from mothers’ in at least four ways: playing, encouraging risk, protecting and disciplining.

The good news about being a dad is that you don’t have to be spectacular at it to make a major positive contribution to your child’s life. W Bradford Wilcox

A Father’s Input Playing By asking parents of 390 families how they play with their children, psychologist Ross Parke found that “in infants and toddlers, fathers’ hallmark style of interaction is physical play that is characterised by arousal, excitement, and unpredictability”. Mothers, on the other hand, were “more modulated and less arousing” in their play.

A manual from the US Children’s Bureau explains the impact of fathers’ play this way: “From these interactions, children learn how to regulate their feelings and behaviour.

Roughhousing with dad, for example, can teach children how to deal with aggressive impulses and physical contact without losing control of their emotions.”

Encouraging risk Where mothers tend to worry about their children’s safety and well-being, fathers encourage their children to take risks. Psychologist Daniel Paquette’s review of scholarly research found that dads are more likely to encourage their children to overcome obstacles, to talk to strangers, and to go in the deep end during swim lessons. One study in the review (J Le Camus, “Les interaction pere-enfant en milieu aquatique (Father-child interactions in the aquatic world)”) focused on a group of parents teaching their children how to swim. It found that “fathers tend to stand behind their children so the children face their social environment, whereas mothers tend to position themselves in front of their children, seeking to establish visual contact with the children.”

Protecting Perhaps it’s their size, strength, or inclination to protect, but fathers appear to be better at keeping predators and bad influences from harming their children. Psychologist Rob Palkovitz said in The Atlantic, “Paternal absence has been cited by multiple scholars as the single greatest risk factor in teen pregnancy for girls.” When fathers are more involved, they can better monitor what’s going on in their children’s lives, including interaction with peers and adults.

Disciplining Although mothers discipline more often, fathers discipline with a firmer hand. In their book Partnership Parenting, Drs Kyle Pruett and Marsha Kline Pruett write, “Fathers tend to be more willing than mothers to confront their children and enforce discipline, leaving their children with the impression that they in fact have more authority.” Mothers, on the other hand, try to reason with their children and rely on kids’ emotional attachment to them to influence their behaviour.

Although Mom and Dad may not seem to be on the same page, this diverse approach can be very effective in disciplining children. looked at data on delinquency, pregnancy, and depression in adolescents and compared the statistics with how the teens rated their fathers or if they lived with a single mother. He found that outcomes for teens in single-mother homes were about the same as those living with both a mother and a poor-quality father; teens had higher levels of delinquency, pregnancy, and depression. But teens living with their mother and father, with whom they had an average-quality relationship, experienced much lower negative outcomes. Teens who had a high-quality relationship with their father had even lower rates. Wilcox concludes that “great, and even good-enough dads, appear to make a real difference in their children’s lives.” (Excerpt from parenting.com)

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thursday, june 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Deadly prison riot

CoI report handed over to President

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he report on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the deadly Camp Street Prison riots was finally handed over to President David Granger on Wednesday.

This comes one day after the May 31 deadline.

At the handing over ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, retired Justice James Patterson, who served as Chairman for the CoI, expressed gratitude at being a part of the Commission and urged the Government to quickly implement the recommendations.

“We should proceed along our journey with the hope that those efforts would bear fruit in a timely manner… and I would urge your Excellency with the due diligence that you always deploy, look at the recommendations that we have made. It is hoped that they will be executed in a timely manner because they deserve to be executed,” the retired Justice opined.

President Granger thanked the Commissioners for their efforts in executing their tasks.

“I am grateful, the Republic and the Ministry of Public Security are grateful to the Commission of Inquiry for doing its work,” he noted. The President described the disturbances at the Camp Street penitentiary as “the worst prison riot” in the history of the country and brushed aside the criticisms the Inquiry has garnered.

“I was a little startled by the criticisms of the Commission even before it got started, even before it took evidence… people were

asking why a Commission [but] I wanted to find out what happened [and] how it happened,” the Head of State noted, adding that he does not want a recurrence of such an incident.

To this end, it was explained that reforms are needed to improve the conditions of the country’s prison system, as many of the nations penitentiaries were built in the nineteenth century, during the reign of Queen Victoria, a former monarch of British Guiana.

He further said that the Camp Street Prison will be assessed as it lies in the heart of Georgetown with many schools, residents and business places in the surrounding environs. The President noted that over the last three months, all of the meetings of the National Security Committee, of which he is Chairman, have included prison reform discussions on its agenda.

“The National Security Committee (on Wednesday) was in session examining prison reform…we want to make Guyana safe but we want to ensure that person who are put into corrections facilities do not feel that this a lifetime occupation,” he pointed out.

Opposition position

On the other hand, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at a press conference on Wednesday condemned the negotiations with prisoners and noted that the CoI should have looked at other factors.

“The Commission of Inquiry should have predated the negotiations.

I don’t agree with the Government’s policy with relation to the prisons and the management of prisons,” he noted.

The former President

also expressed that Government has been found “wanting” on security matters. “Seventeen persons lost their lives there and someone has to bear responsibility, including the Minister,” he posited.

President Granger had ordered the inquiry into the events after inmates met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Public Security Minister Kemraj Ramjattan. This came after two days of rioting at the Camp Street penitentiary where 17 inmates died after a fire was reportedly started by inmates. The Capital A Block on March 3 was engulfed with many prisoners locked inside.

The CoI began on March 8 and was expected to conclude by March 28 but a two-month extension was granted for other witness to testify and to be cross examined. This wrapped up on May 9. However, on April 20, the Guyana Bar Association withdrew, citing time constraints in the cross examination of witnesses.

When the witness statements concluded, Commission Counsel Excellence Dazzle noted that witness’ testimonies along with many other materials which the Commission had in its possession would have been used to compile the report.

The Commission was able to secure the testimonies of inmates, an ex-inmate, fire officials, Police officials, prison officials, a former prison official, a Pathologist, the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Probation Officer, Chairman of the Parole Board and the Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Commissioners Dale Erskine and Merle Mendonca completed the three-member panel.

Vegetable prices skyrocket − farmers blame rainy weather

Some of the vegetables that have attracted increased prices

By Ramona Luthi

P

rices of vegetables at city markets have hit the roof and the sole reason according to farmers and vendors on Wednesday, is the May/June rainy weather.

Visiting the primary market areas in Georgetown, Guyana Times was told that prices for cabbages and tomatoes, which were previously sold between prices of $160 to $200 per pounds, have doubled, putting a strain on the pockets of consumers.

“Cabbage raise, tomatoes raise, almost everything raise. We used to sell cabbage and tomato for $160, $180, and $200 a pound, depends if it big or lil. Now we gat sell it for $360, $380, and $400,” a vendor at the Bourda Market highlighted.

While the costs of other vegetables have increased, the most significant prices were that of celery and eschalots. Vendors at Stabroek Market told this publication that these two seasonings which once held a cost of $160 per pound have recently been increased to $800 and $700 per pound, respectively.

“The greens that gone up

the most is celery and eschalot. The other day we deh selling it for $160 a pound but now we ga sell it for $800 a pound for celery and $700 for eschalots,” a farmer identified as Harry voiced.

Many farmers and merchants held the rain responsible for the upsurge of vegetable costs, highlighting that large amount of crops have perished in the excessive rainfall, either by too much soil moisture or simply “drowning.” They also pointed out that the increases have been tough on their businesses, resulting in a reduced daily income.

“Uncle Sam”, a vendor of Bourda Market said “Rain falling too much and the water making the soil wet wet, the plants aint getting to grow properly cause they cant be in water all the time and other crops like the eschalots and suh, drowning cause the beds getting flood out. When we raise the price, business get hard. It really slow up and we losing yuh know, but is nah we fault.”

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times spoke to consumers at the various markets around the city, many

complained of the exorbitant prices, describing it as “ridiculous” and “unnecessary.”

Other patrons indicated that adequate time was given to the farmers to prepare, since the May/June rain is expected annually.

Speaking with this publication, one consumer, Shanice Betterford, expressed her dissatisfaction with the increased prices.

“They get enough time.

Is only couple months a year the rain does fall like this.

They aint know this gon happen? They aint catering for poor people. Geez, things like eschallot and tomato necessary. They raising prices for everything just because of lil rain. Like they nah gon mek it back when sun come out.”

A number of customers complained of the prices and as witnessed by this publication, attempted to bargain with vendors for more reasonable prices.

However, since their grumbles did not alter the minds of many vendors and farmers, numerous patrons refused to patronise their businesses, opting to support the few merchants who were willing to negotiate.

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thursDAY, june 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS Trio remanded for murder of Lindener

T

hree men who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday charged with the capital offence of murder were remanded to prison.

The accused are Stafrai Hopkinson, 33, also known as Anthony Williams or “Ratty”; Winston Hinds, 24, also known as “Town Man”

of Water Street, Bagotstown and Owen Belfield, 28, also known as “Farmer” of Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden.

It is alleged that the trio murdered Richard Remington between February 9 and February 12, 2015 at Cholmondeley Hill, Wismar, Linden. The matter was adjourned until June 29.

Drunk driver fined

M

agistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday fined a Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) man who appeared before him for the offence of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Dane Isaacs, of Lot 269 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, was fined $7500 for the offence when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s

Court to answer to the charge.

The Court heard that on Sunday, May 29, he drove motor car PPP 7204 along the Kara Kara Public Road, Mackenzie, Linden, while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit, that is 82 micrograms.

Failure to pay the fine will result in a default sentence of a week’s imprisonment.

Mazaruni farmer remanded for shooting colleague

A

n Upper Mazaruni River farmer accused of shooting his hunting colleague was arraigned on Wednesday.

Salio Chiwakene, 39, of Waiyalayena, Upper Mazaruni River, Essequibo, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on May 20, 2016 at Upper Mazaruni River,

Essequibo, he discharged a loaded firearm with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause actual bodily harm to Junis Alban.

Chiwakene was represented by Attorney Jed Vasconcellos who told the court his client did not speak English but rather his native Akawaio language.

He requested the use

of an interpreter who hails from the same village as his client.

Vasconcellos told the court his client was a wellknown farmer within his community and has had no prior encounters with the law.

In making a bail application, the Attorney said that Chiwakene had six young

children and was the sole breadwinner for his family.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, however, objected to bail telling the Court that the Virtual Complainant (VC), who was known to the accused, was still a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital and was in critical condition.

According to Prosecutor Jeffers, on the day in question, Chiwakene was in the company of a cousin who was in possession of a shotgun when the VC and Chiwakene met on the trail to his farm where they made hunting arrangements.

It was, however, under unknown circumstances, the Prosecutor said, that the defendant collected his cousin’s firearm and shot the VC to his upper back.

Vasconcellos continued on his quest for Chief Magistrate McLennan to grant his client bail, adding that his client was held in Police custody in excess of the stipulated 72 hours, and hence should be granted bail.

His requests were denied by the Chief Magistrate, and she remanded the defendant to prison.

The matter will be called again on June 20, at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court.

Eyew tness Asking for...

W ...it?

hile not as ubiquitous as in the Republic Day Mashramani Marches of the past decades, the Independence Jubilee Float and Road March wasn’t completely bereft of scantily clad men and women shimmying down or gyrating down Brickdam. Your Eyewitness was pleased to see even the Junior Minister of Resources showing some of her own resources. But there are those in society who feel women “shouldn’t be dressing like that”, even for “jump up” events...much less everyday strolls in the streets.

Why? Well, they say such clothes are “provocative”. Provocative to whom? Well...men, of course! Skimpy women clothes drive them to such heights of sexual excitement, oftentimes they can’t “control” themselves and are “driven” to satisfy their urges. Even to raping the said women or any other who may be “on hand” or can be ambushed. Now even though rape’s been made a crime, not only the rapists but the rest of society – even some women – claim the scantily dressed raped women “brought it on themselves” because of their “provocative dress”.

Now, your Eyewitness – even though he’s as red-blooded as the other guy – is more than a bit confused with this state of affairs. Right off the bat, he wants to know how come scantily clad men’s garb aren’t described as “provocative” to women. And women aren’t driven beyond their human control to do unspeakable violence to men’s bodies? And that’s part of the problem, isn’t it? Men and women are both humans, but this Eyewitness knows of no study that has shown men’s sex urges are innately greater or more intense than women’s.

This means that men are SOCIALISED to a greater extent to see women’s body parts as “sexual stimuli” than the converse. In fact, numerous studies have shown for different cultures total different body parts can be the stimuli. It’s not only the breasts and booties of the West...back in China it used to be the women’s ankles. That’s right....ankles! And in many tribal societies in Africa, breasts didn’t have to be bared – they were there on display out in the open – without all the men driven crazy by lust.

As usual, it all comes down to power and who has the power to determine what we think – even about what’s “provocative”. And yes...of course, some women find some men’s body parts “provocative”, but the second part of the equation is they aren’t socialised to think they have a “right” to take what they want from men. Even against their will.

So could we please quit saying “women are asking for it” and start re-socialising men?”

...professionals

The regular habitués of this column might be wondering what provoked their Eyewitness into the above riff on “provocative garb”. Well, apart from the snide comments overheard on May 26, there’s this report on the Police Commish visiting some strip joints in Georgetown. A while back, the Minister mentioned above was in charge of “Labour” and had travelled all the way to Bartica to haul some working girls back to Georgetown for corrupting the morals of our Frontier City. Your Eyewitness had asked why no action was taken on the Brazilian strip joints in Alberttown.

Well, he’s now getting the low down. Someone leaked that the present COP was a habitué of one of the said strip joints and had rescinded its closure ordered by a subordinate police officer. The said subordinate was allegedly then spitefully not allowed to further her education. The Police heatedly denied this and said, “Regarding the Strip Club, the COP has denied ever attending a strip club...other than for professional purposes.”

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

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thursday, june 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Cuyuni River shooting

Threat to IDB official

Govt to approach UN on Venezuela’s “provocative, PPP wants “solid explanation” from dangerous” actions – Foreign Affairs Ministry … but President says may be an error by Venezuelan military

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he Government of Guyana is preparing to engage the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon after it received the preliminary report into an incident on Monday, where three mines officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, while patrolling in the Cuyuni River, came under heavy gunfire from members of the Venezuelan Army.

Based on preliminary reports, on Monday, May 30, 2016, around 17:30h, the three officers were returning from a monitoring and inspection exercise at Arau in the Cuyuni River, when the chartered boat in which they were travelling came under attack by Venezuelan soldiers, approximately one mile up from the Eteringbang Police Station.

“This matter will be brought to the attention of Secretary General of the United Nations in his capacity as Good Officer under the Geneva Agreement and members of the UN and its Security Council will also be notified,” a statement from Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry on Wednesday stated.

Also, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said it has dispatched a Note Verbale to the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Ministry, conveying the Government of Guyana’s “grave concern” over this incident.

The note also called on

President David Granger the Venezuelan Government to “desist from such provocative and dangerous actions on the Guyana border,” adding that such actions can only lead to a destabilisation of relations.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Guyanese media on Wednesday afternoon, President David Granger explained that Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips is in contact with the Venezuelan General.

He however noted that based on information, the incident may have been an error on the part of the Venezuelan military stationed at the border.

“We have received information that there might have been some error on the part of the Venezuelan national Armed Forces and the matter is now being investigated and we are working towards a resolution of the controversy and we are trying to find

out what occurred but I wish to assure you that the situation is not deteriorating and it is not going to be generating into any confrontation,” the President, a former Army General stated.

He quickly dismissed suggestions that the incident was deliberate, since also during Guyana’s independence celebrations last year, there were acts of aggression from Venezuela.

“What occurred on the 26th of May, 2015, was deliberate and the promulgation of that decree. As you know, after [Caribbean Community] Caricom Heads of Government (meeting) the decree was withdrawn under pressure from the Caribbean Community and another decree was issued. I do not see it as a continuation, I do not think the two incidents are linked and like I said, right now, it’s too soon to tell and I would like to await information from the Chief-ofStaff who is in touch with the Venezuelans,” the President noted.

Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have been tense over the past few months after the Bolivarian Republic continues to lay claim to over two thirds of Guyana’s territory, even though an 1899 Arbitration panel awarded the disputed Essequibo region to Guyana.

In February 1966, just before Guyana was granted independence, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Governments of British

Guiana, the United Kingdom and Venezuela signed an agreement to resolve its contentions, but Venezuela has sporadically raised the controversy it created.

The controversy was reignited by Venezuela when the Government of Guyana granted access to the USbased oil exploration company ExxonMobil, allowing it to drill for oil in the Stabroek block offshore Essequibo.

The Venezuelan Government was peeved at this move and made direct contact with the oil company, urging it to discontinue its attempt to carry out drilling activities in the area. Saying it had no part in the territorial issue, the oil company went ahead with its drilling activity.

President Maduro later issued a decree on May 26, 2015, which purported to ratify maritime sovereignty over waters within 200 miles including the entire Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo Coast as well as part of Suriname’s maritime territory and an area which is under dispute with Colombia.

Guyana has been seeking the UN’s help in resolving the issue and has sought a juridical settlement if the UN process fails.

Dharamlall – Jagdeo ... file still with DPP

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

I

n light of the Police investigation into allegations against People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall that he threatened to shoot an InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) official, the hierarchy of the Party said they are expecting “solid explanations” from the parliamentarian.

Dharamlall recently came into the lime light after a report was made that he allegedly whipped out his gun and threatened to shoot the official after the individual was seen communicating with his (Dharamlall’s) ex-wife. The Police have confirmed the report and has since launched an investiga-

Nigel Dharamlall

tion. The case file was subsequently sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers on May 27 for advise on the way forward and has not been returned to date.

In a statement late Monday night, Dharamlall’s Attorney Glenn Hanoman explained that his client was advised not to comment on the issue, as to not cause interference with or prejudice the investigation.

The Attorney further noted that given the sensational speculations and inaccurate information in the public domain, it must be made clear that his client is “unequivocally” denying any involvement in any criminal act.

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thursDAY, june 2, 2016

News

UK multibillion grant

Corentyne piracy attack

Water network, hinterland airstrip 3 fishermen still missing 5 days later development projects proposed

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he Government of Guyana has submitted two project proposals to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as part of the newly-established United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), from which Guyana will be benefiting from some $16 billion in grant resources.

During a visit to Jamaica last year, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced the launch of the £300 million fund as part of the country’s commitment to reinvigorating the relationship between the UK and Caribbean countries.

The UKCIF is an ambitious investment undertaken by the UK to provide grant funding to improve or create new infrastructures such as roads, bridges and ports to help drive economic growth and development in nine Commonwealth countries across the Region. However, the UK Government has designated the CDB to work along with the beneficiary states to design, develop and implement the programme.

In April, Finance Minister Winston Jordan along with Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan met with British High Commissioner

Gregory Quinn and representatives of the CDB and the Department for International Development (DFID) to discuss Guyana’s proposed infrastructural projects.

Government had identified and submitted project proposals for six major infrastructure development programmes. These included: improved road networks, bridges, stellings and waterfronts; rehabilitation of airstrips, reliable access to potable water and reduced energy costs as well as to tackle the environmental and health risks associated with the improper disposal of waste.

Speaking with media operatives on Tuesday, High Commissioner Quinn disclosed that two of the six projects – one on the water network and another on hinterland airstrip development – were submitted to the CDB for assessment.

Only those projects that are assessed to be critical drivers of economic growth and able to deliver an Economic Rate of Return of at least 12 per cent or similar qualitative benefits will be approved for financing.

However, Quinn noted that while the projects were actively under consideration, the process would be a lengthy one for both the CDB and the UK especially since the latter only has a

staff of four within the CDB to access the project bids.

“So we are talking about probably months before a final decision is taken to allow things to start. So, we start (Wednesday) and it will be a while for assessment, because they’ve got to do various environmental assessments etc,” the British High Commissioner stated.

While much information has not been disclosed on the two projects submitted for funding, the water supply network project seeks to improve the network of potable water in the country and the hinterland airstrip development will see improved access to hard-toreach areas.

President David Granger has been pushing hinterland development, highlighting the discouraging geographic inequalities between the coastland and the hinterland, and urban and rural communities.

“The hinterland, despite its endowment, remains underdeveloped plagued by poor infrastructure and environmental hazards. The disparities in development and in households between hinterland and coastland must be removed if we are to become a more equal nation,” the Guyanese Head of State outlined in his address to the National Assembly last month.

S

ome five days after a fishing vessel was attacked and its occupants thrown overboard by pirates in the Corentyne River, three of the fishermen remain missing.

The three missing fishermen – Dochan Sukra, 54, called “Butcher”, of Number 55 Village; Dhanpaul Rampaul, of Number 67 Village; and Munish Churman, 26, called “Boyo”, of Number 60 Village – were thrown overboard in the Corentyne River on Saturday and are still missing while their colleagues and relatives continue tosearch for them.

On Friday last, five pirates carried out attacks on three boats in the Corentyne River.

During the first attack, the hapless Captain, Seepersaud Persaud, 43, of Corriverton, Berbice, was thrown overboard five miles offshore but was rescued by other fishermen after swimming for three hours. The pirates also threw Hemchand Sookdeo, 45, and the remaining men into the water after beating him. Sookdeo’s body was found by other fishermen as they were pulling up their seine, however; the other three remain missing. The three missing men were tied to anchors and then thrown overboard. Details of what transpired during the attack was related by Persaud who indicated that the four crew members were held captive

Missing: Dhanpaul Rampaul

Missing: Dochan Sukra

and led to two other boats to steal their catch.

Meanwhile, the five suspects who were arrested on Saturday remain in custody. Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam revealed that the Police were successful in obtaining permission to detain the suspects beyond the stipulated 72-hour detention period. However, he had earlier indicated that the Police were facing difficulty implementing charges against the five suspects.

Investigators have already obtained a confession

statement implicating the five suspects in the attack.

One of the suspects, during interrogation, detailed how they placed anchors on three of the fishermen and threw them overboard.

On Friday, a team of local Police investigators, led by Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, left for neighbouring Suriname to meet with their counterparts in relation to the attack. Amsterdam also indicated that a file on the case has been prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

G

Apology

uyana Times inadvertently published the name Natasha Vieira instead of Natasha Grey in its June 1, 2016 article entitled “Former PNCR Leader Corbin, Magistrates, lawyers, politicians among defaulters”. As such, this newspaper apologises for the inconvenience caused to Ms Vieira.

thursDAY, june 2, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

UG Loan Agency audit

Govt provided over $9.4B for student loans from 1994-2015

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he recent forensic audit into the operations of the University of Guyana (UG) Student Loan Agency has revealed that over a 21-year period, successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) governments made available to the agency over $9 billion.

During the period 1994 to May 2015, the Government of Guyana approved $9,489,453,973 through the National Budget or US$45.5 million (using the current rate of exchange of G$210 to US$1), the 77-page audit report, which was made public on Tuesday by the Finance Ministry stated.

The report stated that during the period April 2011 to December 2014, $1.8 billion was received through a process whereby the Agency’s head is informed by the Budget Department that funds have been approved to be released to the Agency.

The Agency head then, at least twice per year, requests disbursements equivalent to the approved amount which were then deposited, awaiting request from the University and upon request, the Agency head seeks approval from the Finance Secretary for the requests to be fulfilled.

It noted that there was no receipt of funds from the Government in 2015. “Loans issued during the audit period (academic years 20112012 to 2014-2015) amounted to $1,581,422,277 of which $1,432,669,005 was issued

to students at Turkeyen Campus and $148,753,272 was issued to students at the Tain Campus,” the report stated. It further stated that as at December 31, 2014, some 25,335 students received loans with a total value of $9,159,644,463.

Of the 25,335 students who have received loans, 4713 or 18.6 per cent are recent graduates or are still students, 1776 or seven per cent have repaid their loans totalling $679,918,794, including principal and interest.

Five had their loans written off, 1278 or five per cent have been paying but not all are up-to-date and 17,56l or 69.4 per cent of the loan portfolio are deemed delinquent because they have not being honouring their indebtedness, according to the audit report.

“This is a clear indication that the Ministry of Finance, and by extension the Agency, has not pursued

The Student Loan Agency at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus

the defaulters with a view to recover their indebtedness.

The Agency head confirmed that his department is not equipped to pursue defaulters,” the auditors stated in the report.

Several high ranking politicians and legal practitioners are among the over 17,500 defaulters.

They include former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Robert Corbin, People’s Progressive Party

Central Committee member Majeed Hussain, Magistrate Judy Latchman, former A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament (MP) James Bond, Legal Adviser in the Ministry of the Presidency Geeta Chandan-Edmond and daughter of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Adela Nagamootoo.

The loans approved and issued during the period was $9,159,644,463. This amount represents 96.5 per

cent of the total Government contributions received by the Agency. The auditors have recommended sweeping changes at the Agency to address the issue of defaulting loans.

Included among those recommendations is preventing students who owe the agency from traveling overseas unless systems are in place to guarantee the recovery of the outstanding balances, should the student fail to return to the country.

“Consideration should be given to endorse the passport of students so that they cannot leave the country without making provision to repay their loans if they fail to return. Or students should not be allowed to travel abroad unless the guarantors undertake to repay the loan in full and immediately, if the students do not return,” the auditors suggested.

It was also recommend-

PPP wants “solid explanation” from...

Nevertheless, on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a news conference that “clearly he has to give solid explanations, believable explanations to the Executive of the Party and to us. He has to give those because it is a serious matter, the allegations are serious.”

According to the Opposition Leader, the PPP’s Executive meeting is coming up this Friday and it is expected that members

would be briefed by General Secretary Clement Rohee as to the nature of the conversation with Dharamlall.

“I will listen carefully to the issue,” Jagdeo stated, while adding that he would not comment much further on the issue since it may prejudice what takes place in the DPP’s Chambers.

The Leader of the Opposition added, “I guess we will hear from the DDP’s Chambers soon and therefore, we return to this mat-

ter at some point in time when it’s not in this delicate stage...”

Moreover, Jagdeo was asked about the fact that the Party already has two sitting parliamentarians who have ongoing cases before the courts. Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran is currently charged for verbally abusing rights activist Sherlina Nageer, while former Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford was slapped with

ed that the format and security for the issuance of loans must be reviewed to strengthen the existing systems and to put in place mechanism for the prompt repayment of loans, the auditors noted, adding that the student loan form should include the name of an alternative guarantor in the event of the death of the guarantor. That person should give a written commitment annually.

“The criteria for the issuing of student loans should also be reviewed to ensure that only Guyanese are eligible instead of those holding national ID cards,” it stated.

The auditors also recommended that students should be made to start repayment on or before the one year grace period once they would have been employed.

FROM PAGE 9

24 counts of fraud.

The Opposition Leader explained, in relation to Westford, that if any of the audits find any Party member, or anyone as a matter of fact, who is corrupt or has broken the law, then they should be charged.

“The State should proceed to lay charges against them. They would have to use the mechanism of the court to established whether they are innocent or not and the reason why, we

have a greater confidence in the court than in the Government being fair because if you at the audits how they started, they were partisan people who were selected to do many of the audits,” he stated.

Jagdeo went on to say that in many of the cases, persons were not given the opportunity to respond to the findings and those who were able to respond, their explanations were not included in the audit reports.

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thursday, june 2, 2016

News

GPH’s maternity ward expansion Leonora Cottage Hospital to be completed by July facing drug shortage

A

fter a number of hiccups and an extension of the deadline for the completion of the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Maternity Ward expansion, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton has confirmed that the new deadline for the project is set for July.

Although the construction team is dealing with an obstacle course as it relates to getting the ward completed within a given time span, Dr Norton has indicated that the deadline has been extended to July when all work on the building is expected to conclude.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, the Minister disclosed the new sets of plans to have the building finished in the given time as the issue with the current maternity ward persists.

However, he highlighted the glitches the team has been experiencing, including the shortage of critical materials to complete construction.

He said that the upper floor of the ward requires a special material but the contractor is facing several delays in acquiring this material, one of the key factors contributing to the delay.

− regional authorities failed to notify MoH

T

The current state of the maternity ward expansion project as it nears completion

However, the material was received earlier this week and according to the Minister, works will recommence on the final phase of the project.

This phase includes work on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Operating Theatre, Prenatal and Post Natal units.

Dr Norton added that the lower floor of the building is complete and already offices from the current maternity ward have been relocated to the new building, allowing for the accommodation of an additional 50 beds.

Meanwhile, Dr Norton said an additional 17 beds have been donated to the Ministry and have already been placed in the ward under construction.

In the area of staffing, which has been topping

the agenda of the Ministry for the past months, the Minister disclosed plans to have nurses from Linden transferred temporarily to Georgetown Public Hospital.

This will be during the time that midwives are being trained to staff the new maternity ward.

“We will be recruiting nurses from Linden to work in the ward because they are much more capable of handling the tasks as the other nurses are being trained,” he explained.

Over the past months, the project had been delayed a number of times as the condition of the current maternity ward continued to deteriorate.

The situation took a turn for the worse after images of a mother nursing her newborn under a bed went viral.

he Leonora Cottage Hospital, on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) is battling a drug shortage, however; regional officials have failed to notify the Public Health Ministry of the issue.

The health institution has been without much needed medication for several months, sources at the facility told Guyana Times.

This publication was told that doctors have to issue prescriptions to patients so that they can purchase medication which would normally be issued by the hospital’s pharmacy. It was indicated that the hospital is out of basic medications, such as Panadol and antibiotics.

Earlier this year, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber voiced concerns over the drug shortage in the region. He related that similar issues are plaguing the West Demerara Regional Hospital and health centres across the region. However, when questioned about the issue as it relates to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dennis Jaikarran denied having any knowledge of the issue.

Meanwhile, Dr George Norton on Wednesday alleged that regional officials failed to notify him of the shortage that is plaguing the Hospital.

“I just had a meeting with my Permanent Secretary with the regional authorities; that is the Chairman, the REO and the Regional Health Officer (RHO) of

Region Three, and in that meeting I made it known in no uncertain terms that I am not impressed with what is taking place on the regional level. While they have been saying to me that there is no shortage… on the ground, that might not be the case,” he related.

Guyana.

Meanwhile, addressing the issue of patients having to purchase medication, Dr Norton explained that it is not the duty of the patient to procure the necessary medication, but rather, the responsibility of the Hospital administrator.

The Leonora Cottage Hospital

The Minister said he was not prepared to deny the claims that there was a drug shortage at the medical facility at Leonora, since similar situations exist across the country.

“I might not have had reason to doubt the regional authorities or my officers, but I am beginning to do so because of the frequency which this is being said. There must be some truth in what they are saying in terms of the shortage of drugs because it seems not to be isolated cases,” Dr Norton related.

Earlier this week, Norton indicated that the change in the procurement system is probably the likely cause for the drug shortages being experienced at certain public health facilities across

“What would be interesting, and this has been happening in some hospitals... rather than giving the patients the prescription, if the doctor should speak to whoever is in charge of that institution, then that institution should be responsible for getting that medication rather than the patient.

There should be no reason why a patient should have a prescription. If you take that prescription, and take it to the Hospital Administrator, then the Hospital Administrator would have to get it. They would be forced to go and get it for the patient,” the Minister stated.

He vowed that he would be investigating the matter and putting measures in place to combat the issue.

thursday, june 2, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

House Speaker stonewalls PPP’s question on pardoned prisoners

S

peaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland has again come under fire by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/Civic), for his seemingly ‘beck-andcall’ posture to the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.

The criticism now facing the House Speaker stemmed from his refusal to allow the parliamentary Opposition the opportunity to seek answers on the list of prisoners so far pardoned and those set to be pardoned by President David Granger.

The Party has again called on the coalition Government to be accountable to the Guyanese populace and release the names of prisoners who were pardoned.

The call was made again by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday, who said Government was mandated to let the country know the names of persons being released from prison.

A similar call was made by former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, but his was for the names of those women who the President said would soon be released from prison.

Jagdeo, addressing a news conference on Wednesday, said his Party, through the National Assembly, has been trying to get the list of names for those persons who were released by President Granger last year. This has not been forthcoming.

Some 71 persons, male and female, are said to have been released by the President, since he took office.

Jagdeo said while the Head of State has the power to make such decisions, it is still the right of the public to be in the know.

“Not that we are questioning his authority to pardon, but the country has a right to know,” Jagdeo stated.

He said the matter was being treated like a “state secret”, defying the Freedom of Information Act.

The letter sent to PPP MP Anil Nandlall

“First of all, we raised this question, hoping that public pressure would cause the President [to] … direct his staff to do so. We tried almost eight months raising questions at press conferences; (however), it failed”.

He said the Party then sought to use the Freedom of Information Act for the Commissioner of Information to release this data. However, this was unsuccessful, and a recent attempt to get the information from the Ministry

of the Presidency was also futile.

“We recently placed a question in Parliament, requesting this information.

Now Parliament is supposed to be the supreme body for transparency.

Questions asked of Ministers and the President should be answered there. Just received a notice from the Speaker that he will not allow our question,” Jagdeo told the news conference.

The Opposition Leader said the Speaker has demonstrated a pattern of behaviour, whereby he seemed to think that he had to take his lead from every act of the President, and not be accountable to the stewardship of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Nandlall stated that “something must be fundamentally wrong in a democracy when a nonelected member of the House seeks to prohibit an elected member of the House from asking questions that are indisputably of public importance and for which the public crave answers”.

He recalled that he sub-

mitted to the National Assembly certain questions directed to Public Security the Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in relation to convicted criminals pardoned by President David Granger.

He said on Wednesday, he received an “astonishing response” from the Clerk of the National Assembly informing that the Speaker had disallowed his questions on the ground that those questions were “an abuse of the right of questioning”!

“The transgression is compounded by the fact that the questions have been deemed “an abuse” without any reason provided for such a conclusion. Of course, this is not the end of the matter. You will hear more from me as I continue the battle against a creeping dictatorship,” Nandlall said.

President Granger on Saturday evening had told Guyana Times that he intended to release some more prisoners, particularly women who were mothers and who had committed minor offences.

Venezuela leader hits out at OAS chief Dominican who toppled dictator dies V

T

he Dominican Republic has declared three days of mourning after the death of the last survivor of a group who toppled the Trujillo dictatorship.

In 1961, Antonio Imbert Barrera was a senior official in the government of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo and plotted with 10 others to assas-

sinate him.

President Trujillo’s death ended 31 years of bloody dictatorship.

Only Imbert and one other survived the aftermath.

Imbert, who was 93 when he died, also took part in a US-backed coup in 1963 against the leftist President Juan Bosch.

He later formed part of

a military junta established after the coup and was declared President in 1965.

He also helped fight off the insurrection which aimed at returning Juan Bosch to power, which eventually sparked a US invasion.

Imbert was himself shot by followers of Trujillo in 1967, but survived. ( BBC News)

Brazil’s economy shrinks for fifth consecutive quarter

B

razil’s economy continued to shrink in the first quarter of 2016, contracting by 0.3 per cent.

It was the fifth consecutive quarter in which the economy has shrunk.

However, the figure was not as bad as the 0.8 per cent contraction that had been predicted by economists.

As well as its worst recession in decades, Brazil is grappling with a political crisis, following the removal from office of President Dilma Rousseff pending an impeachment trial.

The Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE) also said that Brazil’s GDP fell by 5.4 per cent yearon-year – which was also better than the 6.1 per cent contraction forecast by Itau Unibanco.

Earlier, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) cut its economic growth forecast for Brazil, citing political and corruption concerns.

The Brazilian economy

Production fell in all the three main economic sectors: agriculture, industry and services

is now expected to contract by 4.3 per cent this year, the OECD said.

Production fell in all the three main economic sectors: agriculture, industry and services.

Exports were a rare bright spot, however, increasing by 6.5 per cent compared with the fourth quarter after a sharp fall in the value of the real.

Neil Shearing, chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said the smaller than expected

contraction was only due to a rise in Government spending.

“With fiscal policy set to tighten over the second half of the year, this prop to the economy will go,” Shearing added.

Brazil’s interim president, Michel Temer, said on Wednesday that his Government would not cut spending on health and education, but warned that sacrifices were needed to balance the books and restore the economy to growth. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has used colourful language to lambaste the head of the regional body Organisation of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro.

His remarks came after Almagro called an emergency meeting over Venezuela’s “institutional crisis”, a move which could lead to Venezuela’s expulsion from the OAS. Maduro dismissed it as “meddling”.

The Venezuelan leader also called for “a big anti-imperialist and anti-Almagro march” to be held on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Almagro published a 132-page document (in Spanish) requesting a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council.

He argued that “the institutional crisis in Venezuela demands immediate changes in the actions of the executive branch”.

President Nicolás Maduro told off OAS head Luis Almagro

He also said Venezuela was “at risk of falling immediately into a situation of illegitimacy”.

At the emergency meeting, member states will decide whether to invoke the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which could lead to Venezuela’s suspension

from the OAS. Maduro, who has clashed with Almagro in the past, reacted angrily.

He told a rally of supporters: “Mr Almagro, you can take your Democratic Charter, put it into a thin tube, and shove it wherever it fits. Venezuela must be respected!”

Speaking on his national television programme, he later said that Almagro was “filled with hate against Venezuela” and accused him of acting on behalf of the US State Department.

“History will judge you and you’ll drown in the deepest mire in hell [reserved] for interventionist traitors,” he added.

Maduro has in the past accused Almagro of being a CIA agent and has blamed Venezuela’s problems on a war being waged against it by the US with the help of right-wing forces within Venezuela. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Gotthard tunnel: World’s longest and deepest rail tunnel opens in Switzerland

T

he world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel has officially opened in Switzerland, after almost two decades of construction work.

The 57-kilometre (35mile) twin-bore Gotthard base tunnel will provide a high-speed rail link under the Swiss Alps between northern and southern Europe.

Switzerland says it will revolutionise European freight transport.

Goods currently carried on the route by a million lorries a year will go by train in-

stead.

The tunnel has overtaken Japan’s 53.9km Seikan rail tunnel as the longest in the world and pushed the 50.5km Channel Tunnel linking the UK and France into third place.

In a speech to guests in Erstfeld, near the northern entrance to the tunnel, Swiss Federal President Johann Schneider-Ammann said it was a “giant step for Switzerland but equally for our neighbours and the rest of the continent”.

A live relay carried a

speech from the southern end of the tunnel, in Bodio, by the Swiss Federal Transport Minister, Doris Leuthard.

Afterwards two trains set off in opposite directions through the tunnel, each carrying hundreds of guests who had won tickets in a draw, and the new route was formally open.

A lavish show then got under way for the assembled guests in Erstfeld, with dancers, acrobats, singers and musicians celebrating Alpine culture and history. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

16

thursday, june 2, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Bernadette Wendy James of Pepper Products: Guyanese spice

L

ove the taste of Guyanese food, but hate the timeconsuming task of creating it? Well, Bernadette Wendy James of Pepper Products makes it a little easier for us cooks with her freshly peeled onions and garlic, and hot pepper sauce, to get that characteristic flavour of real homemade cooking faster.

But James’ wonderful vision is beyond providing convenience and great taste, she believes that “we tend to have that immense, quality family bonding …over a delicious meal in the making, or already on the table”, and in these hectic modern times, she wants to make it easier for families to tap into that feeling.

Pepper’s products can be found every day on the shelves of major supermarkets, including Survival and Bounty Farm.

The Georgetown native boasted that the products are prepared in the strictest hygienic environment possible and packaged in accordance with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards requirements.

Bernadette Wendy James

A former student of Tutorial High School, James of Lot 182 Thomas Street, Turkeyen Pattensen, Greater Georgetown, started the home-based L’Pepper Products in 2010, spurred by her love of cooking and early dreams of owning a business.

“As a child growing up I always aspired to be a businesswoman, someone who will own a successful business one day. As such, I was always on the lookout for

an opportunity to start my own business, and so during the course of time of doing market research whether consciously or unconsciously I have realised that peeled garlic is something that can have a market with its target users being mainly housewives with an active lifestyle, hence my idea took its course and here my business and I are today.”

“I have learnt many lessons throughout this business venture of mine, such as: always try your best to live up to your market demands no matter what, ‘a sale away is a customer further away’, always expect losses in any business no matter the nature of it, and always try to remain positive only then will you be able to make wiser and fruitful business decisions.”

The married mom of three has grown her business bit by bit. “I juggle the business with the support of my family. My family is my major support system in everything I do. It can be very hectic, exhausting, and challenging at times juggling both business

Business News Uber raises US$3.5B from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund

U

ber has raised US$3.5 billion from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the US ride-hailing service said on Wednesday, gaining a crucial partner in its expansion into the Middle East.

The investment from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund was part of Uber’s most recent financing round that valued the company at US$62.5 billion, Uber said, making it the most highly valued venture capital-backed company in the world.

In a written statement,

Uber co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick called the investment a “vote of confidence in our business”.

As part of the investment, a managing director at the Saudi fund, Yasir Al Rumayyan, will take a seat on Uber’s board, the company said. Other board members include Benchmark Capital general partner Bill Gurley and Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington.

Uber said the Saudi’s investment puts the company’s total balance sheet, in-

cluding cash and debt, at more than US$11 billion.

The funding round is a departure from the startup investing climate, which has seen contraction in recent months as technology companies face greater scrutiny over their valuations.

It shows that the some of the most high-profile companies with mass consumer adoption – among Snapchat, which last week disclosed a US$1.81 billion funding raise – can still demand investor dollars, even as other tech firms are downsizing to weather a funding drought.

Buying

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board Selling

$1212.10

$159.66

Gross

$234,050

$205.98

$208.44

Net

$217,667

$ 230.10

$233.05

$297.38

$301.13

CAN

$157.83

USD EURO

Fixed as at May 31, 2016 Calculated at 94% purity

USD

GBP

Fitch gives Digicel ‘B’ rating

F

itch Ratings has affirmed the ratings of Digicel Group Ltd (DGL) and its subsidiaries Digicel Limited (DL) and Digicel International Finance Ltd (DIFL), collectively referred to as ‘Digicel’, as B or stable.

Fitch asserts that ratings reflect Digicel’s “well-diversified geographical operations with leading market positions, strong network quality, and brand recognition, which have and will continue to enable stable performance and cash flow generation”.

It noted, however, that

the ratings are tempered by the company’s “historically aggressive shareholder returns, high leverage, ongoing FX volatility in some of its key markets, and business concentration in coun-

tries with low ratings”.

Fitch suggested refinancing to reduce pressure on cash flow in the medium term.

This aside, the agency

said free cash flow (FCF) for the company should improve with the completion of major investments for fibre in main markets.

Digicel’s FCF has remained in negative territory in recent years mainly due to high capex for fibre network investments.

Fitch said that it has produced the stable rating as it believes that DIFL’s secured credit facility has good recovery prospects under default, reflected in a B-’RR3’ Recovery Rating, as it is secured by assets of operating subsidiaries. (Jamaica Observer)

Investors’ Guide

Cambio Rates Cur

within your reach,” she said in relaying some of the wisdom she has gained along the way.

Inspired by God, her daughter Nkasi and her dream mentor, the remarkable fashion designer and entrepreneur Sonia Noel, James says she wants her products to be “known to every household within Guyana”.

The vibrant entrepreneur, who manages all the activities of the growing business – including sourcing fresh local organic produce to make her products, is working to increase awareness of

(Reuters)

Market statistics Bank of Guyana

and family responsibilities, but I would constantly keep reminding myself of the reason why I ventured out into being a businesswoman: it is my dream profession, it is what I wished to be known as for the rest of my life, ‘a businesswoman’, thus I live every day of my life with the aim of making my business a successful one.”

“The best advice is to set your goals and achieve them no matter the odds, challenges and/or situations.

Being persistent is the key to achieving your goals, only then can the sky and beyond be

Pepper’s products and expand into more supermarkets, while maintaining their freshness and quality.

“To always be persistent and positive no matter the odds” is the vital quality of a successful entrepreneur, she says.

“Success … is when you would have exhausted all of your available resources (financial, human, physical, etc) and options behind a person, thing and/or idea to bring about a positive change within society; whether you were successful or not, the positive intention, attempt and aim is enough to call it a success.”

Let’s hear it for “Real homemade, faster cooking” and the proud Guyanese woman who is helping to make creating our favourite meals and the feelings they bring easier.

Contact: Lot 182 Thomas Street, Turkeyen Pattensen, Greater Georgetown I 6523985 219-0521

Indicators as on June 1, 2016 Indicators Crude Oil

US$ per barrel

$49.01

Price

Change %

-0.18

USD

Change %

Rough Rice

$244.53/ton

London Sugar

$481.90/ton

+0.12 -0.02

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1211.20

$1212.20

Low/High

$1205.70

$1221.40

Change

-1.50

-0.12%

Business Concept – Agroprocessing A common and traditional definition of agroprocessing industry refers to the subset of manufacturing that processes raw materials and intermediate products derived from the agricultural sector. Agroprocessing industry thus means transforming products originating from agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Asian shares steady, but strong yen sinks Nikkei

A

sian shares were steady on Thursday as Wall Street eked out modest gains after the latest batch of US data provided few clues on when the Federal Reserve might raise rates, while a resurgent yen pressured equity markets in Japan.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was flat in early trading.

Japan’s Nikkei skidded 1.3 per cent, after the dollar sunk to a two-week low against the yen overnight following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s official announcement late on Wednesday of his widely expected decision to delay a sales tax increase.

“There were suggestions that markets were disappointed that PM Abe only announced the widely-expected postponement of the sales tax increase and nothing specific on near-term fiscal stimulus,” Sean Callow,

senior currency strategist at Westpac, said in a note on Thursday.

Surveys over the past 24 hours also highlighted a sluggish global economy, with manufacturing activity across Asia, Europe and the Americas barely improving as producers struggled to bring in new orders.

A spate of US economic data on Wednesday failed to reveal any fresh clues as to when the US Federal Reserve might opt to raise interest rates, after central bank officials hinted such an increase could come as early as this month.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity rose for a third straight month in May. But factories appeared to be taking in fewer deliveries from their suppliers. Separate data showed May automobile sales rose from April.

Investors focused on the

brighter spots in the economy helped Wall Street pull off its lows, and braced for today’s key nonfarm payrolls report for the latest clues on the strength of the labour market recovery.

Economists predict the report will show that US employers added 170,000 jobs, slightly more than they did in April. Hourly wages are expected to show a 0.2 per cent increase from the previous month.

The dollar slipped 0.2 per cent to 109.32 yen after dipping as low as 109.05 on Wednesday.

The euro edged down 0.1 per cent to 122.38 yen, nursing its losses after dropping to lows of 121.91 overnight, its weakest since May 6.

Against the dollar, the euro was treading water at $1.1192 ahead of the European Central Bank’s policy meeting later in the session. The ECB is widely anticipated to hold steady on monetary policy. (Reuters)

17

news

thursDAY, june 2, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GTT offering free access to websites, social media

GTT Chief Commercial Officer Gert Post (right), Permanent Secretary of the Telecommunications Ministry Derrick Cummings (second right) along with GTT models at the launch

W

ith the local telecommunication sector on the verge of becoming liberalised, GTT has already kicked up its game with the launch its 4G Internet service. The company is now taking it a notch further with more exciting deals for customers.

On Wednesday, the company rolled out its “Free Basic 4G Services” initiative that will see customers getting free 4G access to more than 20 local and international sites, including Wikipedia, Yahoo, google.gy, education.org, guyanalearningchannel.com, gina.gov.gy and the major local media entities.

This service is now exclusively available to all GTT mobile users in the country, even those without data plans. All persons need is a data capable phone feature or smartphone.

According to the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Gert Post, this new feature allows customers to be informed. He noted that with 4G now available in Guyana, GTT wants to ensure that everyone can freely benefit from this new technology by being able to use the web for education, infor-

mation, check the weather and to access the information of the Government of Guyana.

Post said this is part of the company’s commitment of doing more for developing Guyana. “All the information on the Internet is very valuable for kids to do their homework, for men and women to check the news, to check the weather and to do all kinds of things which enrich our lives and makes us better informed people,” he stated.

Moreover, the local telecoms giant also announced free and unmetered facebook and whatsapp services with all data plans. This means customers can use the two popular social media apps without having their data depleted and even when the data balance is finished, customers can continue to use WhatsApp and Facebook until their data plan expires.

In addition, the company is offering 48 hours of free facebook access to all its customers who top up $500 or more.

The “Free Basic 4G Services” initiative is a collaborative effort between GTT and the Government of

Guyana. Against this backdrop, Permanent Secretary of the Telecommunications Ministry, Derrick Cummings, noted that this initiative provides immeasurable benefits to the country and its people.

“The free websites offered

by GTT helps Guyanese who are not yet connected to the Internet to discover the value of connectivity and expand their access to knowledge and growth.

This is part of our commitment to bridging the digital divide and the reason why the Government of Guyana supports it wholeheartedly,” Cummings stated.

The Permanent Secretary further pointed out that its initiatives such as these that justify the Ministry’s granting increased spectrum to GTT. “With this launch, GTT has again proven that it is a committed leader in the telecommunications industry in Guyana and we at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications will continue our programme to develop a sustained fruitful partnership to bring the best telecommunication services to all Guyanese,” Cummings added.

Bauxite centennial observances

Leaders hail commodity’s contribution to country’s development

L

eaders in the bauxite rich community of Linden, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have hailed the contributions of the commodity to the development of the country as a whole, as the celebrations to mark a hundred years of bauxite mining in the town begins to unfold.

Against the backdrop of the centennial (1916-2016) activities, a recent programme was launched in the mining town. In delivering remarks, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and Region 10 Regional Chairman Renis Morian reminisced on the significant strides made by the community in the bauxite industry, while calling on the nation to pay tribute to the town.

Holland made calls for development in the area of education, citing that a mining school should be established in Linden, as patronage to the century old activity, which started by George Bain Mackenzie in the community in 1916. He said there are several things which the community can make calls for given its contribution.

“Bauxite is indeed an institution… We need to preserve that institution. Bauxite has made significant contributions to Guyana in 100 years. It was the sector with the largest amount of employees… We need a section of

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

the University of Guyana in Linden to look into this sector and train persons in bauxite mining, mining as a whole, etcetera”, the Mayor reiterated.

Holland added that all beneficiaries should play a part at this time in the upgrading of Linden, stating that the community needs all the assistance it can get in an effort to reshape, restructure and upgrade.

Looking towards diversification, Holland said he believes that other means of expanding the economy of Linden may be added in addition to bauxite mining.

Morian, a former employee within the industry, also made mention of major contributions, which he said Linden has made to the country in the area of bauxite mining, while noting that it has been the foundation of many things.

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian

He also made calls for those who would have served to be remembered through writing.

In making calls for repatriation, the Regional Chairman said there should be tangible memoirs to those who have dedicated their lives to serving in the industry.

“The contribution of bauxite to the development of Guyana, I would like to see our historians write something about that. I would also like to see us write about the people,” he said.

The Regional Chairman also hailed the industry’s contribution to sport, noting “It’s very important for us to remember those who would have served as we celebrate 100 years…”

More importantly, Morian said this generation should be made aware of the contributions of the bauxite industry.

18

guyana-times.com

thursday, june 2, 2016

ARCHIE

ARIES

Take on a challenge that

(March 21- will motivate you to get in April 19) shape and aim for a healthy

lifestyle. A commitment to making personal improvements will lead to happiness and reduced stress.

Get involved in talks that TAURUS will bring about change at (April 20- work or in your community.

May 20) Being a participant will put you in a good position both socially and professionally.

dilbert

Don’t let other people limit GEMINI you. If you do your own thing, (May 21June 20) you’ll bring about the changes that are in your best interest.

Don’t follow the crowd or give in to peer pressure.

Be brave and show off your CANCER unique nature. Do what works (June 21- best for you. Move things July 22) around until your living space accommodates your lifestyle.

An emotional request will be fulfilled.

Peanuts

Don’t let anyone play mind LEO (July 23- games with you. Stick to the Aug. 22) truth in order to deter anyone trying to guilt you into doing something you don’t want to do.

Calvin and Hobbes

Knowledge and experiVIRGO ence will work in your favour.

(Aug. 23Set up a meeting, interview Sept. 22) or an important talk with someone you need on your team. Don’t give in to selfish demands.

Plan to have some fun. A LIBRA (Sept. 23- brief trip or a change to your Oct. 23) surroundings will give you a new lease on life. Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something unsafe.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD – HOPEFULLY

SUDOKU

Keep your life simple and SAGITTARIUS avoid getting into a dispute (Nov. 23- with someone looking for a Dec. 21) fight or trying to make you look bad. Focus on self-awareness.

(HOPEFULLY: HOPE-fuh-lee: In a hopeful manner.)

Average mark 23 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 36 or more words in HOPEFULLY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – PICADOR

paid pair pica proa prod capo card carp coda

coir copra cord crop acid acrid arid aroid dopa

drip drop orca radio raid rapid road

Your kindness, generosity SCORPIO and unusual insight will pay (Oct. 24off. If you volunteer to help, it Nov. 22) will lead to a better position.

Apply for a job that intrigues you.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t feel pressured to CAPRICORN make an impulsive move.

(Dec. 22Use your intelligence, integJan. 19) rity and experience, and follow through with your plans at your own speed. Home improvements are favoured.

Pay attention to matters AQUARIUS concerning your home, family (Jan. 20Feb. 19) and personal life. Make physical changes that will add to your confidence and make your domestic situation more convenient and comfortable.

If you share your ideas PISCES (Feb. 20- with a former colleague, you March 20) will get the necessary help to turn your dream into a reality. A romantic situation will disappoint you.

thursDAY, june 2, 2016

19

Champions Trophy 2017...

India, Pakistan set for Champions Trophy bout – tournament to run from June 1-18 in England

India and Pakistan of points. You can do since it is being played have met in the group that in a number of just three months bestage of every ICC ways: zigzag, you can fore the ICC Cricket tournament - five of go sort of like a snake World Cup 2019 qualthem - since the 2011 … No doubt we want ification cut-off date,” World Cup, where they to try and put India Richardson said. “As had met in the semi- versus Pakistan in such, every point final. When asked if our event, it’s mas- earned here could be this was a coincidence, sive around the world. crucial.”

England are hostthe ICC chief execu- It’s probably no cointive Dave Richardson cidence that the two ing the Champions said it wasn’t. “What keep ending up in the Trophy for the third we try and do is make same group. time; they made the “The ICC finals of both the presure that when you add up the rankings Champions Trophy vious tournaments at The ICC unveiled the fixtures for the 2017 Champions Trophy at The Oval in of the different groups 2017 is not just an ODI home, losing to West London, where the tournament will begin on June 1 and end on June 18 that they all add up competition, it carries Indies in 2004 and to to the same number a great deal of value India in 2013. (Cricinfo) wo of cricket’s of the tournament is on sale in October. traditional ri- between England and The top eight sides Groups and schedule valries will be Bangladesh on June in the ICC ODI rankon show in the 2017 1. Cardiff, The Oval ings as of September Group A: Australia (1), New Zealand (4), England (6) and Bangladesh (7) Champions Trophy, and Edgbaston are the 30, 2015 qualified for Group B: India (2), Pakistan (8), Sri Lanka (5) and South Africa (3) with hosts England venues for the event, the event, with West and Australia in which comprises 15 Indies and Zimbabwe June 1 - Eng v Ban, The Oval June 2 - Aus v NZ, Edgbaston Group A, and India matches in 18 days, being the two Full June 3 - SL v SA, The Oval June 4 - Ind v Pak, Edgbaston and Pakistan in Group with the final at The Member countries that June 5 - Aus v Ban, The Oval June 6 - Eng v NZ, Cardiff B. Group A also con- Oval on June 18. failed to make the cut.

June 7 - Pak v SA, Edgbaston June 8 - Ind v SL, The Oval tains New Zealand, The ticket ballot The top two sides from June 9 - NZ v Ban, Cardiff June 10 - Eng v Aus, Edgbaston which means a trans- opens on September each group will qualify June 11 - Ind v SA, The Oval June 12 - SL v Pak, Cardiff June 14 - Semi-final (A1 v B2), Cardiff Tasman clash as well 1 and closes on for the semi-finals in June 15 - Semi-final (A2 v B1), Edgbaston in the first round.

September 30. The re- Cardiff and Edgbaston June 18 - Final, The Oval June 19 - Reserve day The opening game maining tickets will go on June 14 and 15.

T

Golden State heavy favourites to repeat NBA Championship Messi urges Argentina

Lebron James (left) and Stephen Curry

T

he NBA’s two most recognizable superstars Lebron James and Stephen Curry, owners of a combined six of the past eight MVP awards come together tonight at 21:00 hrs in the highly anticipated finals.

A Finals rematch that has been anticipated since the Warriors doused with champagne the visitors’ locker room at Quicken Loans Arena last June. James doesn’t have the same aura but certainly has a better team and is emboldened by the presence of his now-healthy stars. Having already surpassed James in popularity and earned the first unanimous MVP award in league history, Curry now has a chance to match him in

championships and add another layer to the glow that currently surrounds him.

Beating Curry would serve two purposes for James. He could exact revenge against the team that gave him his fourth Finals loss and also complete his primary objective since returning to Northeast Ohio – giving Cleveland its first major professional sports championship in 52 years. A third ring would tie James with Larry Bird and the accomplishment would also move to the top of the list in a career destined for the Hall of Fame, as it would come against a squad seeking to become a forever team.

Curry isn’t so much

concerned with defeating James as putting the finishing touches on what could go down as the best season in NBA history. Since opening night in New Orleans, the Warriors have been playing for their place among the all-time NBA hierarchy; the nightly opponent has been secondary.

While James lives by the hashtag motto of strive for greatness, for Curry, being great isn’t good enough.

Curry has sought to obliterate previous standards for excellence, whether that’s wins, scoring efficiency or made 3-pointers.

With his flair and showmanship, Curry has been the one player in the post-Michael Jordan era who wasn’t intimidated by the standards set by the player considered by most to be the best ever.

He has brought fun and excitement to the pursuits, especially as few expected him to ever take his career to such heights. His rise was a surprise because he was always there, shooting with a cocky unconsciousness – until he turned it into a weapon for unbridled dominance.

But after spending so much time disregarded, Curry, at times, finds himself disrespected. A litany of old, retired veterans teed off on Curry’s success. After Curry received the unanimous honors that James was denied in 2013 – when he came one vote short – the four-time MVP said Curry was “definitely deserving” of the award, while opening it up for debate.

“I think sometimes the word ‘valuable’ or best player of the year, you can have different results,” James said three weeks ago.

Curry refused to respond, claiming that he has “gotten really good at ignoring people.” In the Western Conference finals, Russell Westbrook couldn’t contain his laughter after hearing a question about Curry’s “underrated” defense. Curry responded by saying, “Honestly, I could care less about other people’s opinions about me. I know what I do for my team.”

The Golden State Warriors are heavy favourites to repeat as NBA Championships when they face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a rematch of last year’s finals. (Yahoo sports)

to end title drought

A

Lionel Messi

rgentina superstar Lionel Messi has urged the rest of the team to fulfil its potential to break a 23-year title drought by claiming the Copa Centenario title later this month.

La Albiceleste have failed to lift a major title since the 1993 Copa America trophy, but in recent excursions have gone close on several occasions. In the last two years Argentina lost both the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and the 2015 Copa America title to hosts Chile.

The Barcelona superstar believes it is full time the team made good on the potential to be champions and

the upcoming tournament will provide an excellent opportunity.

“It has been a very long time since Argentina has won anything, and this group came very close in the World Cup and at the last Copa America,” Messi told Sports Illustrated on the eve of the tournament.

“I think we deserve to be champions of an important competition.”

The special edition tournament, which will celebrate 100 years of its existence, will get under way on Friday with the United States taking on Colombia, while Argentina opens their campaign against Chile in Santa Clara on Monday. (Sports Max)

20

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, june 2, 2016

West Indies Tri-Series…

Possibility of two spinners in Guyana – Langer

A

ustralia’s interim coach, Justin Langer has forecast the possibility of choosing two spinners on slow Caribbean surfaces in the triseries with West Indies and South Africa that begins on June 3.

Slotted in as Australia’s interim coach while Darren Lehmann takes some time out ahead of future assignments, Langer does not want to tinker too much with a successful limited-overs formula and will also be seeking to get acquainted with a role he may find himself applying for in a full-time capacity in future.

Langer said that prevailing conditions in the region, most notably Guyana where Australia play their first two matches of the series, meant both Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa were in the frame to join the all-rounder Glenn Maxwell as spin bowling options for the captain Steven Smith.

“In Guyana there might be a possibility of two spinners, it comes down to team balance as well,” Langer said. “I know Glenn Maxwell has talked about the importance of him developing his all-round ability, not just his batting, so he can play a role there.

“I know Nathan Lyon’s desperate to get back into the oneday side and he’s privately said the same thing. Adam Zampa’s had an excellent start to his international career [and bowls] legspin. We might have a look at how many left-handers and right-handers are in the different opposition combinations and in Guyana we may play more than one of them.”

Australia’s players have assembled from a wide assortment of scenarios, whether it was playing in the IPL, recov-

Nathan Lyon

ering from injury or resuming cricket after a post-season break. Langer said it would be a key part of his role to balance the needs of each individual against the team objective to win the series.

“It’s a really interesting time for the Australian cricket team,” he said. “There’s a few changes in the coaching personnel for this tour and also with the players. We’ve got some guys coming from the IPL, some guys haven’t played much cricket for a little while now and a few guys coming back from injury, so we’re going to have to manage that well.

“Davey Warner has just come off an IPL final so everyone’s different and we’ve got to respect that. Some of the guys have had a short break, which is like gold in this current environment, but also this is the start of a long, 12-18 month journey for the boys. We’ve got to manage that really well, and sometimes that’s hard for the public to understand, but this is the start of a long journey for them and we’ll have to manage everyone a bit differently.

“The concern for me is some of our guys haven’t played much cricket at all, and that might be

important when we select the first team. Some of the guys who have been playing cricket in the IPL, albeit Twenty20 but they have been playing cricket and you can never underestimate that. So it’s really going to be a challenge how we get the balance right between giving guys match practice without any practice matches and getting the best team on the park as well.”

Having finished coaching duties with Western Australia in the summer, Langer had a dramatic start to the trip in New York when he had to undergo surgery for a badly infected tooth and was then informed his credit card had been defrauded. But he has fond memories of the Caribbean region, starting with the famous 1995 tour when he was a reserve batsman watching Australia regain the Frank Worrell Trophy and end West Indies’ 15-year unbeaten run.

He also acknowledges it will be a chance to think about the role of coaching Australia, four years after he left the team as assistant coach to work with WA. “I look at it as an experience and a great opportunity,” Langer said. “I say I’m a novice coach even though I feel like I’ve been doing it for a long time now, and hopefully I still say I’m a novice coach in 15 years time, because having that mindset means I’ll always keep learning.

“This will be a great experience to be back on the road touring, to see how the Australian cricket team goes about their business. I know they’ve got some great routines that have made them successful and that won’t change over the next few weeks, so I don’t see it as an audition but an experience.” (Cricinfo)

Rashford deserves Euro 2016 spot – Rooney W

ayne Rooney is hugely impressed with Marcus Rashford’s mature approach after linking up with the England squad for Euro 2016.

Marcus Rashford is richly deserving of his place in England’s Euro 2016 squad, according to captain and Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney.

Rashford’s United and England debuts were separated by just 92 days, though the 18-year-old found the net on both in a stunning start to his career.

Eight goals in 18 games at Old Trafford, as well as that maiden strike against Australia in Sunderland last week, was enough to convince Roy Hodgson to callup Rashford.

And Rooney believes Rashford is here to stay, praising the way his fellow striker has handled his meteoric rise to fame.

He told a news conference: “The way he took to coming into the Man United team and the way he’s performed from then until the end of the season has been incredible for his age and he’s certainly showed what

Wayne Rooney (left) and Marcus Rashford

he can do in his first game for England, couple of minutes got his first goal.

“What’s pleasing is his attitude, it’s first class and that’s shown round the hotel and on the training pitch, Roy’s chosen him and he deserves it so he could be a real positive for us.

“It’s great for the team and the squad that Roy’s got options as strikers and midfield, a lot of attacking options that you need going into the tournament.”

Rooney believes he can lead England’s young squad - one of the tournament’s least experienced - to success, and is confident that he is in the best possible shape

to do so.

“It’s a proud moment for myself to captain the team in a tournament,” the United skipper added.

“It’s a young squad but it’s got a lot of quality.

“I’ve said in the last two years, I’m really excited to be in this team. Nothing’s changed, I’m excited to lead the team and I really believe we’ve got a good squad to do well.”

He continued: “I’m injury free. I feel a lot of tournaments, not all of course, but a lot I’ve had little niggles so I’m happy with my fitness and my form and just looking forward to the tournament.” (SportsMax)

French Open 2016...

Williams, Djokovic reach quarter-finals T op seeds Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic finally made it through to the quarter-finals as the rain abated at the French Open.

Williams wasted little time in beating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-1 6-1 in their rain-delayed fourthround match.

She will next play unseeded Yulia Putintseva

of Kazakhstan, who beat Spanish 12th seed Carla Suarez Navarro 7-5 7-5 the first of a potential four matches in four days.

Djokovic completed a 3-6 6-4 6-1 7-5 win over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, having resumed in the third set.

Andy Murray was then scheduled to take on France’s Richard Gasquet in the first of the men’s

quarter-finals.

Belgian 12th seed David Goffin completed the fourth round by beating Ernests Gulbis 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-3, and he will face Austria’s 13th seed Dominic Thiem, who beat Marcel Granollers 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-4.

Djokovic goes on to face Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych, who beat David Ferrer 6-3 7-5 6-3. (BBC)

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The “Biggest Party in Sport” will now benefit from an extended contract with the motorcycle company

H

ero Moto Corp Ltd, headquartered in India, announced yesterday that it is extending its title sponsorship of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by another three years.

The tournament, to be played between June 29 – August 7, will continue to be called the ‘Hero Caribbean Premier League’ until the 2018 season, a statement from the organizers said.

Hero Moto Corp is considered the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer in terms of unit volumes sold by a single company in a calendar year.

“The extension of our Title Sponsorship of the Hero CPL is also in keeping with the increasing

global presence of Brand Hero, which is now present in 30 countries across Asia, Africa and South and Central America,” said Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, Hero Moto Corp Ltd. “The Hero CPL is now set to become one of the important events in Hero’s annual global sporting calendar.”

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 90 million, officials have said.

This year the CPL T20 is set to break new ground with the first set of matches to be played in the USA. “Following the successes of the West Indies Men’s, Women’s and Under-19 teams on the internation-

al circuit over the last few months, we are excited about this year’s competition which will once again see the best Caribbean and international talent project their skills to a growing local and international audience,” said Richard Bevan, Chairman of the Hero CPL. “This year the CPL will be breaking new ground with the first foray for professional cricket into the USA, and we are delighted that Hero Moto Corp will be joining us on this journey.”

The Hero CPL 2016 will be played at venues across seven territories – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago, and Fort Lauderdale in the USA. (CMC)

Olympic professional boxing vote is criticised

by Carl Frampton

F

ormer world champion Carl Frampton and a number of other high-profile fighters have criticised the decision to allow professionals to box at the Olympics.

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) voted for the rule change before the Rio Games, which start on 5 August.

Northern Irishman Frampton said amateur and pro boxing were “two different sports”.

The British Boxing Board of Control called on AIBA to “reconsider” its decision, saying it was “dangerous”.

In a statement it said: “It is against the spirit of

Carl Frampton

the Olympics, disrespectful to the many GB amateur boxers who, throughout the Olympic cycle compete around the world in qualifying tournaments.”

Newly-crowned WBC world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew also said the move was “dangerous”, telling BBC Radio 5 live: “To fight a guy with no professional experience is insane.

I just can’t see what there is to be gained. It’s wrong to even suggest it, never mind put it in place.”

The 33-year-old added: “[The event] would be tarnished [if a pro boxer won it], it wouldn’t really be an Olympic gold medal.

A professional winning an Olympic medal is wrong on so many levels. No-one in boxing in my opinion would take them seriously if they won the gold medal.”

Gayle fails as Somerset fall to Sussex

W

est Indies star Chris Gayle failed to make a meaningful impact as Somerset went down by 48 runs to Sussex in the NatWest T20 Blast at Hove on Wednesday.

Gayle could only manage five as Somerset were all over for 174 in pursuit of the visitor’s massive target of 222 for 3.

Sussex were led by Chris Nash who struck an unbeat-

en 112 for his maiden T20 hundred from 64 balls as the hosts piled up an impressive 222 for three. Luke Wright made 83 off 39 balls, while David Wiese was the star for Sussex after claiming figures of four for 38.

Quick-fire half-centuries

by Mahela Jayawardena and Roelof van der Merwe provided Somerset’s only spark in an unexpectedly one-sided affair. (SportsMax)

Chris Gayle

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursDAY, june 2, 2016

BVSC thrashed by Australia’s spirit still high Rockaway Cricket team despite lack of training T Tri-Nation series

By Akeem Greene

A

ustralia’s opening batsman Aaron Finch has explained that his team’s confidence is still high despite them not being able to conduct outdoor training sessions since their arrival in Guyana on Tuesday morning due to the persistent rainfall.

In speaking to media operatives on Wednesday at the team’s hotel in Kingston ahead of the Tri-Nation series, the player said, “everyone is feeling good, I think the couple of days in New York was a fantastic time for everyone, it gave us a chance to get over a bit of jet lag but also bond as a group…unfortunately the weather is telling, so unfortunately no training today [Wednesday] but I’m sure we will work pretty hard in the gym”.

The attacking batsmen explained that the preparation camp they had in Australia before the series will put them in good stead if practice sessions are reduced because of the weather.

“I still think we will be confident, there are a lot of guys who have been in India for the best part of three and a half months through the World T20 and the IPL [Indian Premier League ] so I don’t see it as being a huge issue” Finch posited.

He further stated, “I think the guys back in Australia had a great hit out

Aaron Finch

and great preparation up in Brisbane before they came so I don’t see it as being disastrous, obviously it would be ideal to get out there and have a hit to assess the local conditions”.

The Australians are scheduled to have a training session at the National Stadium, Providence from 14:00 hrs today.

Favourites Tag

West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons has labeled the World Champions, who are also ranked number one in One Day International (ODI), as the favourites for the series; when quizzed on the “favourite tag, Finch was in full agreement.

“Absolutely, we are still favourites, we have had good success all over the world, we are the number one team in the world for a reason; we have played some great cricket over the last two to three years including the World Cup, so there is no

reason why we should not be favourites”.

He added, “Obviously the South African team and the West Indies have two quality sides so that does not mean anything going into it but I think at the same time we appreciate the position we are in as number one in the world and also we have put a lot of hard work into that so it is going to be a great competition and its going to be tough on wickets we have not played on”.

The series will bowl-off on Friday with West Indies playing South Africa from 13:00 hrs and the men from “down-under” will wear their canary yellow when they play the home side on Sunday followed by a match against South Africa on Tuesday.

After the first round of matches in Guyana, the tournament will head to Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis for three more games and will conclude in Barbados with the final round of three matches and the grand final at the Kensington Oval on June 26.

Australia Squad : Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.(akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Finch labels Narine as major threat A

ustralian opener Aaron Finch has described West Indian off-spinner Sunil Narine as a major threat in the Tri-nation series which also involves South Africa.

The batsman was quizzed by media operatives on Wednesday on the impact the mystery spinner can have on the series in conditions that should be conducive spin bowling.

“Absolutely, any guy who can spin the ball both ways at good pace as well, is going to be a handful”, Finch said.

He added, “we have seen him in all formats of the game in the past and so he is someone we will put a lot of work into and make sure we are well prepared as we can to play him; but there are there are also other guys who are quality players, so it is not just about concentrating on one player and you forget the others”.

Narine, who was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC)

for an illegal action in November last year has remodel his action, which has seen him take eleven scalps playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).

The off-spinner has enjoyed considerable success against the men from “down under”, as in the ten One Day Internationals (ODIs) he has played against them; the bowler has taken 16 wickets at an impressive average of 20.81.

His record against the Australians in the Caribbean is even more impressive with 11 wickets from just five matches at an average of 14.45 runs per wicket; which was taken at economy rate of under 3.4, when they last toured in 2012.

The Australians will be in action on Sunday against the West Indians, while their final match in the Guyana leg will be against South Africa, be-

Sunil Narine

fore the series moves to St. Kitts and wraps up in Barbados.

The Tri-Nation series bowls off on Friday with hosts West Indies taking on the number three ranked South Africa in a day/night match at Providence. The entire series of 10 matches will be day/night fixtures, the first such instance in the Caribbean.

he Belle Vue Sports Club (BVSC) was thrashed on their own turf by the Rockaway Cricket Team (RCT) in a T20 contest over the weekend.

“The battle of supremacy” dubbed match, was highly anticipated over a lengthy period as both teams are sponsored by Hafeeze Ali of Rockaway Roti Shop, NY, USA. The heights of excitement and anticipation built up as the match scheduled to begin at 13:00hrs but only to start an hour later.

RCT won the toss and elected to field, as they limited BVSC to only a belowpar 86 for 9 off the allotted overs since they struggled against some master class all-round field performance by the RCT. Krishna Singh picked up figures of 3 for 16 off of his three overs while Ravy Singh gathered 3 for 18 from his four overs.

Kevin Rampersaud struck in his second and third over leaving BVSC struggling at 2-1, as RCT

Man-of-the-Match Krishna Singh collects his trophy from Hafeeze Ali

made inroads into the BVSC batting line up they never seemed to have recovered with only K. Benneth managing 24.

RCT gunned down the target with 5.5 overs to spare only losing 4 wickets in their innings with Safraz Baksh was the only threat claiming 2 for 11 in his four overs.

Krishna Singh returned with the bat to top score 28

while Kevin Rampersaud and Ravy Singh chipped in with 23 and 18 respectively.

Krishna Singh was awarded the man of the match prize.

BVSC and RCT has extended their gratitude to Mr. Ali and the Rockaway Roti Shop for their continuous support of the development of sports and his generosity in sponsoring the event.

WICB President pays courtesy call on State Minister

M

inister of state Joseph Harmon received a courtesy call from President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dave Cameron on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Cameron along with secretary of Guyana Cricket Board and Director of the WICB, Anand Sanasie discussed matters relating to the functioning of the WICB. Harmon inquired about the preparations relating to tri-nation series which will be held in Guyana on June 3, 5 and 7 at the Guyana national stadium. Sanasie has since given his approval for the 50th

President of the WICB Dave Cameron (left) along with Minister of State Joseph Harmon (center) and GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie at the Ministry of the Presidency

Anniversary logo to be place on the field of play throughout the matches and visible around the world for interna-

tional broadcasts.

The Australian and South African teams have already arrived in Guyana.

Fit-again Marsh relishing Tri-Series

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ll-rounder Mitchell Marsh says he has fully recovered from injury and is relishing his return to the Australian side for their tri-series campaign in the Caribbean starting this week.

Marsh is part of the Australian squad arriving in the Caribbean after stopping in New York on Monday to reduce the impact of jet lag on their performances during the tournament which also involves South Africa.

Australia start their campaign in the tri-nation tournament against West Indies on June 5.

“We’re obviously extremely lucky that Cricket Australia have allowed us to do that,” said Marsh, the son of former Australian cricketer Geoff Marsh.

“We’ve had a chance to get out and about and see what the city has to offer but we’re still focused on our task at hand over the next month and we’re looking forward to getting to Guyana first.”

Marsh, 24, is a fast bowl-

Mitchell Marsh

er who can hit 140kph and has shown promise as a lower middle-order batsman.

A side strain forced him out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year but now the budding all-rounder says he is ready to perform in Australia’s busy schedule in the coming months.

“It was a very minor injury, but a side strain is one of those things where you can turn a ten-day injury into a ten-week injury just like that, so it was best that I came home,” said Marsh, who had to restrict his cam-

paign with Rising Pune Supergiants.

“Whilst the IPL is a great tournament and I love playing in it, the country always comes first and the right decision was made.”

A member of the 2015 World Cup-winning squad, Marsh is considered the preferred Test all-rounder who was able to squeeze Shane Watson out of the side during the 2015 Ashes tour of England.

“I think in the shorter formats, I’ve certainly gained a lot of confidence in both facets of the game and I consider myself a genuine all-rounder now,” Marsh said.

“But in Test cricket, the proof is in the pudding, I haven’t been able to make as many runs for the team as I would have liked. I’m hoping that over the next 12 months, that will change and I will be cemented at the No. 6 Test spot”.

After the ODI series in the Caribbean, Australia take on Sri Lanka in a Test series in July-August. (CMC)

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Joseph “Reds” Perreira hosts Zampa views CPL as an interactive session with journalists Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016...

“exciting tournament” – urges journalists to take greater pride in the profession L A

By Akeem Greene

ustralian Leg-spinner Adam Zampa has viewed the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as exciting and his eager to showcase his talent for his franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors when the tournament bowls off on June 29.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport at the Guyana Marriot Hotel on Wednesday, the 24 yearold who was bought by the Warriors at the draft for US $ 60,000, revealed that the top ranked players participating makes the tournament exciting “The amount of players that will be playing in the competition, the class of AB de Villers and guys like that; in my team we have got [Martin] Guptil, [Chris Lynn] and those type of players too, so it’s an exciting tournament”, the player posited.

Zampa, along with Captain Martin Guptil, Sohail Tanvir and Australian team mate Chris Lynn will be the international quartet in the Warriors’ camp but Zampa posits that Dwayne Smith could be the team’s trump card.

“I think our trump card is definitely going to be Dwayne Smith, the way he has played in the IPL [Indian Premier League], he is probably going to lead the way with bat and ball in the middle overs with me; but you got strike power like Guptil and Lynn, who has been amazing in twenty20

cricket recently; twenty20 is one of those formats where it can come off for you and I think we have gotten those players who are strike players and can win games for us”. Zamp Said The leg-spinner revealed that his main goal is to contribute as much as possible to the team for its success.

“I will try and use my experience for the CPL but it definitely makes the job a lot easier if you can help out the team, the other players, for success in the tournament; if you don’t do well in a tournament like that, it can drag out, so success is pretty vital to your enjoyment”, the player revealed.

The player had a successful stint with the Pune Rising Super Giants in the recently concluded Indian Premier League where he took a remarkable 6 for 18 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in just his second match.

He as was quizzed on if he feels a pressure to perform in conditions that will be favourable to him.

“I’m not too sure, I don’t really think about the pressure, I keep my plans pretty simple, as I always said, what I do is fairly simple, so if all of that works and it helps the team and if not, it’s something I’m doing wrong” he responded.

From thirty-nine twenty20 matches, the bowler has taken 45 wickets at an economy rate of 7.08 and will have his first experience on Caribbean pitches when he participates in the TriNation series which involves

Adam Zampa

the West Indies and South Africa.

The Warriors will open the home series of matches with an evening clash against Jamaica Tallawahs on Thursday, 7 July.

On the weekend of 9 and 10 July they will then host St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Trinbago Knight Riders before completing the block of matches with a final home game against St. Lucia Zouks on Tuesday, 12 July.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad: Sohail Tanvir, Martin Guptill, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Rayad Emrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammed, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Ali Khan, Shimron Hetmyer. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com).

Samuel Cox appointed captain of Golden Jaguars

E

Samuel Cox

ngland based Samuel Coxhas been appointed the Golden Jaguars new captain for their two upcoming games in the 2016/2017 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Scotiabank Caribbean Cup tournament.

Cox started his career in the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, having previously captained their under-16 team. He joined the academy full-time in the 2007–08 season and during the 2008–09 season, Cox signed his first professional after making 24 appearances in the under-18s and two substitute appearances in the reserve team and he made Golden Jaguars debut in May 2015.

The Jaguars turned out on Wednesday night against Curacao in Guyana with their starting lineup including the new captain, England Based, Samuel Cox,Alex Murray (Alpha United FC), Quincy Adams (Slingerz FC), Colin Nelson(Alpha United FC), Solomon Austin(Alpha United FC), Walter Moore (Finland), Ricky Shakes

(Boreham Wood), Brandon Beresford (USA), Trayon Bobb(Slingerz FC), Sheldon Holder(Alpha United FC), and Emery Welshman (Real Salt Lake).

On the bench were Richie Richards (Alpha United FC), who replaced the injured Anthony Whyte while Adrian Butters replaces Christopher Nurse (Puerto Rico), and Anthony ‘awo’ Abrams replaces Jake Newton.

Other substitutes include Daniel Wilson (Alpha United FC), Kester Jacobs, Pernel Schultz, Devon Millington (Slingerz FC), Dwight Peters (Alpha United FC), andEon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors FC).

Guyana is scheduled to play United States Virgin Islands on June 7 in the same country.

In Round One of the tournament Guyana had topped Group Five after defeating Anguilla 7 – 0 and Puerto Rico 1 – 0 in Guyana and Puerto Rico respectively.

Check Friday’s edition for full details of the match.

egendary Guyanese broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreira on Wednesday held an interactive session with journalist at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) secretariat. The veteran broadcaster who resides in St Lucia was very happy to share ideas and give tips to journalists, especially to younger ones to assist in the quality of their reporting.

He stressed on the importance of not just carrying press releases in its raw format but to follow up on possible areas because “what you can get out of it, is important”.

Perreira reminded journalists to be more involved in the particular sport being covered; to be present at games and to not always depend on gathering of infor-

mation by phone calls. He also noted that “the public prefers to see the journalists at games or events.”

The longstanding broadcaster encouraged television companies to record as much of the game as possible, because it is important to capture the events that would lead to the final results.

Interviews with coaches and parents, especially mothers of athletes was also high on the agenda of the former Georgetown Football Club (GFC) goal keeper who made his first division debut for the club at only 16 years old.

The former football coach also touched on the importance of building personalities by urging journalists to place emphasis on not only teams but on players, coaches and officials.

Joseph “Reds” Perreira

“Reds” Perreira talked about his autobiography “Living my Dreams” and also credited the GFF for making the session possible.

Savory, Eastman impress at Tour of Somerville

Hamza Eastman

T

he Guyanese cycling duo of Scott Savory and Hamza Eastman produced stellar performances at last weekend’s Tour of Somerville in the United States.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series is an excit-

ing two-day event of competitive cycling for professionals and amateurs over Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey.

Savory, who represented Guyana at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in 2014, is a (Crca/lupus Racing Team rider, powered to victory in the Men’s Category 1 event in 1:51:38, beating countryman, the multitalented Hamza Eastman (Team Cocos) into second place, while Carlos Andres Brenes Mata was third.

Geron Williams, another Guyanese, finished seventh in that event.

Another Guyanese in Stepano Husbands of Team Cocos finished third in the Category 2-3 event, as he was beaten by winner Euri Madera and second placed

Lynn Murray.

Husbands also second in another Category 3 event, while James Joseph followed in third. Geron Williams finished in sixth place in a Category 1-2 event, while Eastman placed 10th in the same race.

tween homes-side Victoria kings and Federal Winners Connection of Linden from 21:00 hrs.

The last sixteen teams are: Camptown, Santos, Pouderoyen, Beavers, Cougars, Riddim Squad, Western Tigers, Den Amstel, Uitvlugt and Eagles of Linden.

McAl trophy, third $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy and fourth $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy.

Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team.

The tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store.

The teams are competing for the Mayor’s Cup and a first prize of $700,000 donated by Aruwai Resort, second $300,000 and the Ansa

The event is coordinated by Lennox Arthur, former National footballer and later Coach, who has been behind this tournament for 22 years.

Scott Savory

Mayor’s Cup continues on Sunday with triple header

T

he Annual Mayor’s Cup football tournament will continue on Sunday with a triple header at the Victoria Ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

After the heated rivalry in the competition, it is now down to the last 16 teams and Sunday’s action will see BV Triumph taking on Police from 17:00 hrs in the curtain raiser, while in game two from 19:00 hrs Ann’s Grove challenge Grove Hi Tech.

The final match of the night will feature a clash be-

thursdAY, june 2, 2016

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

Tri-Nation series

Australia’s spirit still high despite lack of training

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The world number one ranked Australia still seem very upbeat despite not getting a chance to engage in turf since arriving in Guyana

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016...

Zampa views CPL as an “exciting tournament” Pg 23

Finch labels Narine as major threat

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