sunday times

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2706 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

BBCI P12 makes donation to NA Special Needs School

December 13, 2015

PRICE

$15B resort opens in the Mazaruni River … aims to boost Guyana’s regional tourism ranking Page 18

NICIL “audit”

Goolsarran confuses rules for private, Govt companies Page 3

Local manufacturers negatively affected by 40% excise tax on alcohol Page 7

− Commodity cheaper to import

Over 300 attend City Hall’s Children’s Christmas Party

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Berbice P8 quartet remanded for armed robbery

GTT still P18 pushing for increased landline rates Pomeroon boat commissioned

by President still not in use

P14

− Mrs Sandra Granger plays the role of Mrs Claus, assisting in toy distribution

− children unable to attend school

First Lady Sandra Granger on Saturday joined City Hall in executing its annual Christmas party for children which saw her performing unofficially the role of Mrs Claus and helping Santa distribute toys to scores of youngsters

Another Guyanese P14 murdered in Trinidad

“Glory days Ramjattan’s exemployee wins of bauxite have passed” court case

Larceny offences at Wisroc…

P9

Page 17

Page 7

− President tells Lindeners

− victim secures judgment in full

COP 21 talks

Climate agreement clinched in Paris Page 18

Residents call for more street lights

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, December 13 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, December 14 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, December 13 – 05:25h-06:55h and Monday, December 14 – 06:00h-07:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy rain showers can be expected in the later afternoon. Clear skies with night rain showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-East North Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:32h and 17:44h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.74 metres respectively Low Tide: 11:18h and 23:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.48 metre respectively.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

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NICIL “audit”

Goolsarran confuses rules for private, Govt companies

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n his report on his audit of NICIL, which took five months and is expected to cost millions, former Auditor General under the People's National Congress (PNC) from 1990, the year before NICIL was registered as a private company by Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, Anand Goolsarran has based most of his claims and eventual recommendations by insisting that NICIL should act not as a private company as it was constituted but as a unit of the Government.

However in the wake of the PNC accepting the “conditionalities” on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1989, the productive entities such as Guyana Stores, owned by the Government were supposed to be privatised.

The report claims “NICIL was incorporated in July 1990 under the Companies Act, Chapter 89:01 with the primary objective of “subscribing for, taking or otherwise acquiring and holding shares, stocks, debentures or other securities of any company, cooperative society or body corporate.” But as Winston Brassington showed in a line by line analysis of the “audit” NICIL actually had 21 objectives, of which the above was only one. The point illustrates a constant defect in the audit where Goolsarran cherry picks assertions to buttress his preformed conclusions.

The report continues: “NICIL was also incorporated at a time when the Government was embarking on a major privatisation programme, especially as regards loss-making State institutions, and therefore the rationale for the establishment of NICIL could not have been one relating to creating another en-

Anand Goolsarran

tity with a commercial and profit-making orientation.

Indeed, NICIL’s establishment came at a time when the Government was receding from its involvement in commercial activities to allow the Private Sector to undertake such activities best suited to it.”

But Goolsarran ignores the obvious conclusion that the PNC Government wanted to have its cake and eat it, too: to privatise entities to comply with the IMF strictures but to place the proceeds in a private company so that they would be removed from the IMF’s and public accounting scrutiny.

Goolsarran’s biggest example of overreach is to insist that even though NICIL is a PRIVATE Company that must comply with the Company Act, it SHOULD be treated as a public company via Art 216 and 217 of the Constitution.

He writes: “NICIL, for its part, became responsible for: (a) collecting and accounting for all privatisation proceeds, rents, dividends, and other income of NICIL, in the name of NICIL; and (b) utilising and disbursing the income of NICIL in accordance with the ap-

proval of NICIL’s Board.

However, any use of these funds to meet public expenditure without parliamentary approval is a violation of Article 217(3) of the Constitution. That sub-article states that “No moneys shall be withdrawn from any PUBLIC fund other than the Consolidated Fund unless the issue of those moneys has been authorised by or an Act of Parliament.”

But Goolsarran ignores the fact that NICIL doesn’t have a “public fund”, as a private company it is only subject to the rules of a limited liability company which is answerable only to the companies act. The government as a shareholder, even its sole one has to also accept the rules of the Company Act. Brassington debunks the above claim succinctly yet comprehensively in his riposte: “Since NICIL is a company formed under the Company’s Act, it is our view that NICIL cannot be considered to be an arm of the State or as raising or receiving moneys by Guyana, and accordingly Section 217 does not apply to NICIL. Moreover, none of the revenue NICIL generates fits the definition of public moneys as defined by Sections 2 and 37 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act Cap 73:02. NICIL is body corporate separate and apart from the State, the term

State referring to Guyana and the Government generally, and accordingly, Parliamentary approval is not required for NICIL’s expenditures.

The forensic auditor’s opinion is further contradicted by: • NICIL is a company, like the thousands or other private and public companies in Guyana, all adhering to the same accounting rules.

In fact, every company owned by Government, whether a subsidiary of NICIL or otherwise is bound to apply the same accounting rules.

There is no evidence that a company’s expenditure of its funds have to be approved

by Parliament, where the said company is deriving its expenditure from its revenue.

• Application of 217(3) of the Constitution in the manner suggested by the forensic auditor, would cause the NICIL Directors to violate the Companies Act Section 50(3) which states “no dividend shall be payable to the shareholders of a company except out of profit” and be in contravention of its Articles and By Laws .

• Clean audit opinions of the Auditor General, who is responsible for auditing the accounts of NICIL.

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015

Views Sunday Editor: Michael Younge Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Cherry picking human rights in Guyana

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uman Rights Day came and went on 10 December, with nary a squeak from those who have anointed themselves as the guardians of “human rights” in Guyana. Yet the abuses of those rights by the new government are a daily occurrence and skyrocketing. We read that: “This year’s Human Rights Day is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign for the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 December 1966.

The two Covenants, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, form the International Bill of Human Rights, setting out the civil, political, cultural, economic, and social rights that are the birth right of all human beings.”

Article 6 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) states: “The States Parties to the present Covenant recognise the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right.”

But rather than “safeguarding” the right to work for 1972 Amerindian Youths, the most disadvantaged section of our society, the government actually summarily dismissed them.

Then there were the dozens of individuals in government service who were dismissed because they were perceived as being sympathetic to the now Opposition PPP. One’s political allegiance cannot be the grounds for dismissal of persons who have the human right to belong to organisations of their choice.

Art 22 of the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” (ICCPR) states: “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of association with others”. Apart from the continuing dismissal at lower levels the latest high profile dismissals were the General Manager and Editor-in-Chief of the state owned Chronicle.

What we have seen in Guyana is a selective application of the UN Human Rights laws – centring on the ones being pushed by the organisation and through which funding can be obtained for the “defenders” of human rights. The latest cause célèbre has been the abolishment of the death penalty.

This campaign arises from Art 6 Sec 1 of the ICCPR: “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.”

Now with the abolition; capital punishment is a worthwhile cause, the protection of the right to work is as important: to an individual without a job in a country as poor as Guyana, in addition to facing a social death by becoming a “nobody”, it can also result in physical death as malnutrition and other challenges confront the family bereft of a breadwinner.

Then, Art 15 of the ICCPR stares: “No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed.” Yet when former President Jagdeo was charged under such a non-existent law, there was deafening silence which continues even now that the High Court has confirmed the “kangaroo court” was out of order.

Human rights are too foundational and fundamental to the viability of human societies to be cherry picked by organisations that have their own axes to grind. In Guyana, the two UN Covenants and the Declaration of Human Rights, etc must become an integral part of the school curriculum so that individuals would become au fait when their rights are being threatened or violated.

From all indications, the economy is contracting faster than a collapsing star and if the experience of jurisdictions in similar circumstances is any guide, human rights violations by the state will increase.

Guyanese must give greater importance to Human Rights Day, which must become a living reality every single day.

Preparing for the journey! The National Assembly of Guyana on Friday hosted its annual Christmas party for children as they participated in activities to celebrate the festive season. This lad ensured that he was outfitted and properly masked for the occasion as he prepared to go on one of his heroic journeys

Addressing the issue of a universal prayer in schools Dear Editor, We welcome the Government’s initiative to review Christian prayers in public schools. As secularists, we believe that religion is a private matter. When it comes to educational institutions, it should be a matter of public interest. The Education Ministry acknowledges that Government needs to uphold secular ideals given Guyana’s confrontation with pluralism.

Before Guyana’s independence, British colonialism brought Anglican Christianity to our shores.

One of their main interests in colonising the Caribbean and other parts of the world was to spread Christianity as a global religion. The Education Ministry realises that the current institutionalised prayers in public schools is a relic of our colonial past and must be rejected, since Guyana is not theoretically governed. As such, we support the Government’s call to rid colonial relics of our past from our public institutions. However, there is a problem with the approach the Education Ministry is taking that we should confront.

The Ministry proposes to have “Inter-denominational prayers” to replace the currently dominant Christianthemed prayers; a sort of universal prayer that fits everyone’s religious convictions. It is our understanding, that intention to implement this has already begun.

According to the Ministry’s reasoning, universal prayers could “apply to all religions rather than to any single denomination”, a move they see as “the only policy” that balances plurality and reinforces Guyana’s integrity as a secular nation.

We strongly disagree.

This proposal is counter-intu-

itive for a number of reasons, but we will highlight two important concerns to consider.

Firstly, the term “inter-denominational” is ambiguous.

Guyana consists of three major religions (majority faiths that people subscribe to) and within these major faiths, there are denominations or sects with orthodox and dissenting views. For instance, Christianity consists of Anglicanism (the majority denomination), Catholicism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, and so on. Hinduism consists of Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism. Islam consists of Sunni (the majority denomination), Shia, and Sufism. There are faiths which are non-theistic, such as Buddhism. There are also the irreligious – people who do not subscribe to any religion. By now, you can tell that being “inter-denominational” poses a serious challenge; one that questions whether the Government should have an obligation to address theological compatibility in order to come up with an inter-denominational prayer. But how can it be practically possible to mend all of these different ideologies together and package it as a ‘one-fits-all’ prayer?

Doing so is an unrealistic theological project by itself, since monotheistic faiths are incompatible with polytheistic faiths. Even nontheistic views, such as Buddhism, may have compatibility issues with monotheism and polytheism.

Furthermore, it would seem to neglect, either inadvertently or intentionally, minority groups of people, including children, who do not have a religious view. So we think this sort of approach would be very impractical.

Secondly, religious people are assured constitu-

tional protection: the freedom to practice or manifest one’s religion and the freedom to be religious. This is further assured under the constitutional principle of freedom of conscience or belief and to profess those beliefs. Additionally, the constitutional declaration of freedom of conscience also protects an individual from imposition or indoctrination of conscience against one’s will. Since public institutions are funded by all members of society (religious and irreligious), the Government has only one obligation: to meet the demand of inclusivity in the interest of all its stakeholders. And because public schools are accessible to all children, regardless of religious convictions or belief, the Government’s obligation to meet inclusivity is arguably best met with neutrality. That means public schools should be free from religious or Government dictation, and let our afforded constitutional freedoms be practiced without coercion or mandatory observances that would impede upon freedom of conscience. Institutions of religious practice (Churches, Temples and Mosques) have the freedom to instil religious doctrines in those who voluntarily desire to have it, so by attending these institutions of worship, and quite interestingly free from Government dictation.

How, then, do we address this complexity of pluralism?

We would like to suggest two possible solutions. 1) A moment of silence without a particular religious preference or 2) Government neutrality, which implies that Government would exclude itself completely from mandating allotted time to pray or observe in the interest of religion. (We feel that this translates to state promotion

of religion and would therefore privilege religion above other worldviews, including non-religious worldviews).

The former suggestion has been implemented in many countries, although we would like to emphasise that it is not the only approach to reconcile religious pluralism.

The latter suggestion has been manifested as a constitutional declaration under the principle of the ‘separation of Church and State’ in countries such as the United States of America, where religious plurality is best recognised and safeguarded under secular principles.

We therefore would like to encourage the Education Ministry to carefully think through its proposal.

Institutionalised prayers of any form in public schools may be detrimental to the Government’s sincere intention of promoting social cohesion in Guyanese society.

It is important to keep in mind that any consideration of inclusion should also extend to children who may not hold religious views or parents who may not want their child to be coerced by religion through State sanctioned religious practices. Respecting pluralism means to respect difference, including our diverse worldviews. We believe that plurality in our society is what contributes to our collective Guyanese identity.

Respectfully, Ferlin Pedro Mahendra Doraisami Nastassia Romanova Lisa Sharma Raul Mohan Brittanny Singh Derek Gomes Guyana Secular Humanist Association

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Setting the record straight Dear Editor, Commissioner Benn in his response to my last letter signalled that he will not engage in last lick. Indeed, he cannot enjoy the last lick since he has now descended to crass misrepresentation, in an attempt to further his cause. The truth must prevail. His entire last letter is unworthy, since it makes him incredible.

GECOM minutes of the 461st meeting states: “The Commissioner said that he fur-

ther found it strange that both Commissioners Benn and Shadick, who were on the PPP/C’s Candidate list at the 2015 General and Regional Elections, had not recused themselves from this matter and are now seeking to influence the manner in which the Petition, in which they have an interest, is being defended.”

That Commissioner is Vincent Alexander. It is pellucidly recorded that I pointed to their conflict of interest as

one of my fundamental arguments. What is of further bother to me is that Benn is either a stranger to the truth or a victim of amnesia or lacking in understanding, none of which makes Benn worthy of being a GECOM commissioner .

GECOM’s business must be in reliable and credible hands.

Benn failed that test.

Yours sincerely Vincent Alexander GECOM Commissioner

The more things change, the more they remain the same at CJIA Dear Editor, Perception is a dangerous thing in today’s society, hence the need for this letter to be judged in the court of public opinion. The following are some of the perceptions at the above mentioned organisation: When it is perceived that staff rights are continued to be trampled upon, this encourages a dangerous precedence in any working environment.

When it is perceived that contractors only get contracts because they are willing to feed the hands that made the contracts available to them - it is a worrying sign.

When it is perceived that in your willingness to stand up to management on various issues pertaining to staff rights being infringed upon, and due to your actions you are singled out and your every movement is being monitored throughout the working environment, it is a worrying situation.

When it is perceived that as a staff, if you have critical information on drug related issues you are afraid to divulge this information to management because of the issue of trust, and the fact that because of this you can be placed on administrative

leave indefinitely because the information went further than management because they wanted to keep it a secret - and when you enquire about salary because you have been home for 18 days and counting, then you are told that you would only be receiving half month’s salary at this the Christmas season because a verdict on this case has not been reached - it is worrying.

When it is perceived that the CCTV cameras sourced by this an international airport is not of the highest standard or quality to aid in thorough investigations of a criminal nature or otherwise – it is worrying.

When it is perceived that the phones in the working environment are tapped and your conversations recorded, this is an even more worrying situation.

When it is perceived that some level of animosity and victimisation may follow when you speak up to persons of interest, or the media due to you penning your concerns, it tells you the perceived state of affairs at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

When it is perceived that even though you are qualified

and you may be in another department and may have an interest in being transferred to the accounts of personnel department in order to make an even more meaningful contribution to your working environment, and an internal or external vacancy notice was not placed, but those vacancies were filled – it is a worry.

The present government has encouraged professionalism, safety in the working environment and a fair deal for all.

However, as I have said before, these perceptions make you wonder if the more things change – the more they remain the same.

Guess we may never know.

Thankfully the court of public opinion will have a chance to read this letter and either push for answers to these perceived questions and correct them if they are real, or make this a focal point of discussion which will create such a storm and in turn meet the ears and eyes of the powers that be, and these negative perceptions would be replaced by positive ones.

Yours respectfully, Marvin Cato

Guyanese-American prominent in Queens Civic Congress, New York

Dear Editor, Guyanese-born Ashook Ramsaran, former of Bloomfield, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has been elected as Vice President of Queens Civic Congress (QCC) at the annual QCC Legislative Election and reception held on December 6, 2015, at the Douglaston Club. Ramsaran emigrated from Guyana in 1968 and is currently President of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International).

He is a board member of the Fresh Meadows Civic Association and Secretary of New York Presbyterian/Queens Hospital Community Advisory Council, among several other notable positions in prominent organisations and institutions.

Several members of QCC nominated him for the position of Vice President, beating out other nominees. Harbachan Singh, originally from Malaysia, was elected President of QCC. The event was well attended by prominent legislators from federal, State and city levels.

The QCC event was well attended by scores of its organisational members and many prominent legislators from federal, State and city levels.

Highlighting the event was the swearing in of the newly elected QCC team by US Senator Charles Schumer who commended QCC for its representation and advocacy. As a non-profit organisation, its contribution was more particularly lauded for the sacrifice of

the members’ own time and resources which they put in, working so hard all year long.

Queens Civic Congress, formed in 1997, is a registered New York State non-profit organisation representing more than 100 civic and other community organisations throughout the Borough of Queens in New York City. It is committed to the protection, and advancement of, the “Quality of Life”, to provide a forum for the civic associations and neighbourhood organisations, to develop and present common policies and positions, and to furnish effective leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the welfare and interests of Queens’ neighbourhoods.

Since its formation, representatives of the various affiliate organisations gather to elect an executive and hold a reception. The group has enormous influence on Queens politicians at the national, State, local, boro, and community level.

Politicians patronise the group’s many activities to build up political capital and campaign funds for elections. The growing impact of the activities of Queens Civic Congress has drawn the attention of legislators recently, as evidenced from the significant number of officials attending the event. Legislators who participated in the legislative reception included US Congresswoman Grace Meng; Queens Borough President, Ms Melinda Katz; New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer; Public

Advocate Letitia James; State Senators Tony Avella and Toby Ann Stavisky; State Assemblymen David Weprin and Edward Braunstein; State Assemblywomen NilyRozic and Alicia Hyndman; NYC Council Members Rory Lancman, KarenKoslowitz and Barry Grodenchik; NYC Design and Construction Commissioner, Dr Feniosky Peña-Mora representing Mayor Bill di Blasio; Jessica Douglas, Queens Borough Director of Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit; and others.

Several Caribbean and South Asian community leaders also attended the event.

Speaking after the swearing in ceremony, Harbachan Singh narrated the many challenges Queens residents were facing.

Ashook Ramsaran remarked that, “it is vital that we the residents of Queens, the most diverse borough of New York, be actively involved in civic and community associations to monitor and address issues of interest and concern which reflect our participation in making a positive difference in our neighbourhoods and quality of life in New York. I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved with QCC and contribute to a better Queens and New York.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015

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Foundation The Force Awakens

“Star Wars is an example of the “monomyth”: They speak to something inside us that wants to know how our world lives, that wants to make order of it and find some meaning. Myths fulfil that in a way that science and facts don’t always do, because science and facts don’t always give us meaning.” - Shanti Fader, Society for the Study of Myth and Tradition.

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Anu Dev

s I enter the final week of the thirdyear torture called “Finals” two things keep me going: the thought of returning home to Guyana to just vegetate for a while, and the knowledge that the latest episode of the Star Wars saga awaits me. “The Force Awakens” opens the day after I land, and I plan to be there with my popcorn and soda - and 3-D glasses.

If the IMAX at 42nd St in New York isn’t sold out, we’re hoping (my family, that is – film buffs all!) we’ll get the total immersion effect after Christmas. Now Star Wars is a franchise that began all the way back in 1977 and there has to be an explanation why the story continues to fascinate generations of movie goers for 38 years. There is – and it’s because its genius cre-

ator George Lucas has selfconsciously patterned his narrative on the elements of “myth” as outlined by a Joseph Campbell.

Campbell had studied under Max Muller, a translator of the ancient Hindu texts including the 6000-year-old Rig Veda. But not only was he exposed to the idea of an activating principle (“The Force”) behind all reality but that all cultures utilised common elements of “myth” to transmit guiding principles to the society on living a better life. Did George Washington really fess up that he chopped down that cherry tree? The counter to the Force – the “Dark Side” - is always threatening to overcome the Force in a never ending battle that is mirrored in our lives. The myths suggest how we may act in that battle to emerge victorious.

There was a discussion of “myths” in our dailies recently, but this point seemed to have been lost – something doesn’t have to be “factual” to be “true” in

teaching us values for living a better life. In Star Wars. Lucas created Luke Skywalker as the central figure of what Campbell called “The Hero Cycle”. In this cycle, which begins with a “departure” continues with “an initiation” and struggle against villains and finally “the return” - which has its own challenges.

So we had the departure beginning with “call to adventure” to Luke who initially refuses but eventually accepts by overcoming trials (the sand pit) with the help of a mentor (Obi Wan Kenobi). In life we will all have to leave the comforts of home to “seek our fortune” – and this takes a certain amount of discipline and determination.

Then there is the training – and while we may not understand why we have to be “tortured” unless this is done, a person will not be equipped to deal with the challenges of life. In the Star Wars Initiation we have another “master” Yoda training Luke with the light sabre which he has to master.

Many times (like now with these interminable exams, for me!), we wonder if the frustration is really worth it. There is also the temptation – in Luke’s life, the Dark Side, while for most of us it’s the distractions that range from partying to sleep!

But then one achieves the end of the training and becomes “God like” – in Luke’s case, a Jedi Warrior and goes on to defeat the then present threat from the Dark Side – the destruction of the Death Star. In the “Return” there are also trials and tribulations – and these must be faced. The lesson to be learnt is that the Hero cannot do it alone but must form relationships that are based on trust.

While this might’ve seemed a bit like an essay for my Queens “English B” classes, I do think that in this Christmas season, we shouldn’t scoff at the myths that help to shape our lives so profoundly.

May the Force be with you!

BHS Environmental Club, Scotiabank donate to Joshua House

The students of The Bishops’ High School on Friday donated goodies to the children of the Joshua House Children’s Centre

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n keeping with the season of giving and caring, the Bishops’ High School’s Environmental Club on Friday made donations of goodies to the children of the Joshua House Children Centre.

The donations were handed over after the students of the School interacted with the children, singing carols and talking with them.

Surujdai Mukhram, a Sixth Form student related that the initiative was undertaken to bring a sense of joy and the spirit of Christmas to the less fortunate ones at the Home.

“As the President of the Bishops’ High School Environmental Club, we are not only about protecting the trees and preserving environment, helping our fellow kin plays an important part. Thus, it gives us great pleasure and privilege to come here today to give to the less fortunate ones, to help spread the Christmas spirit and to bring that bright smile to their faces,” she explained.

Mukhram disclosed that there are 55 members of the Club, all of whom pitched in to make the donations possible. Kobe Smith, another student of the school, expressed his hope that other schools and organisations would follow suit and give to the

less fortunate in this season. He related that while most children are blessed to have their families and an abundance of food and goodies at Christmas, the children at the Centre are not as lucky, and as such, we should remember them and give what we can to make their lives better, and bring them happiness.

At the Children’s Centre, the students’ donations were met with much appreciation and excitement. The children expressed their gratitude to those that remembered them in this special season. Gladys Accra, the matron of the home, explained that in this season, the children need the kindness displayed by the students. She explained that a majority of the children comes from broken homes, and the season of Christmas which is one celebrated among family can be especially challenging for them.

Accra explained that there are 55 children currently at the home, ranging from three years old to 17. She expressed her gratitude to all those organisations that donated to the Centre to make the children’s Christmas a good one. She disclosed that Scotiabank has made a large donation of groceries, goodies and toys to the children.

NEWS

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Local manufacturers negatively Ramjattan’s ex-employee wins court case affected by 40% excise tax on alcohol – victim secures judgment in full − Commodity cheaper to import

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ocal manufacturers are bearing the brunt of the burdensome 40 per cent excise tax on the purchase of alcohol, which negatively affects existing businesses because the cost of production eventually skyrockets.

Potential opportunities to expand in the local manufacturing industry are also hindered.

Most manufacturers buy their alcohol from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and in the process pay a whopping 40 per cent in excise tax, which is an enormous burden in an already highcost economy where there are major barriers, including the high cost for energy.

Strangely, it is exceedingly cheaper to import the same product from Trinidad and Tobago because both the excise tax and value added tax are waived by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) under the existing tax legislation to incentivise local manufacturing. But importation has to be done in bulk and this poses another cluster of challenges to local manufacturers.

Therefore, any local businesses desirous of using alcohol as a raw material will have to endure the onerous 40 per cent tax locally or import foreign alcohol - an alternative that is coincidentally inimical to the interests of another local manufacturer and the Guyanese economy.

The alcohol purchased is referred to as extra-neutral alcohol or neutral spirits and is measured in Litres of Pure Alcohol (LPA). At the purchase strength of 96 per cent alcohol v/v (volume-volume percentage), it is considered only suitable for industrial use or further processing.

Alcohol is an input for many major industries such as cosmetics, food, beverages, hygiene and household products, etc and this application of the tax on a raw material, which was meant for “sin goods”, is considered inexplicable.

In an invited comment, management of two local manufacturers, New GPC Inc and Twins Manufacturing Chemists confirmed that they use 96 per cent alcohol in their manufacture of a diverse array of local products for the domestic and export markets. They noted that the charging of the excise tax on the alcohol significantly impacts the cost of production and therefore the competitiveness of their products against the increasing influx of cheaper imports.

Furthermore, according to NEW GPC, the GRA recently restarted imposing VAT on inputs such as empty bottles, which are used in manufacturing while at the same time it continues to deny payment of VAT refunds. Without a functioning system for refunds VAT effectually adds to the cost of the product and separately it

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

becomes another burden on cash flows. The combination is a hindrance to manufacturing and/or to expanding local production.

Both companies mentioned they have been pursuing the Finance Ministry and the GRA since 2007 but have not been accorded even a single response on the matter. They also cited their frustration with the previous administration and the GRA for failing to heed their calls for a waiver.

On that note, the local manufacturers are calling on government, particularly the Business Ministry and the Finance Ministry to look into the issues affecting the local manufacturing sector, including concerns surrounding the burdensome excise tax.

Notably, when Budget 2015 was presented on August 10, Finance Minister Winston Jordan introduced the Business Ministry, which, he noted, was charged with the responsibility of addressing the issues in the local business arena in order to foster more investment in the country.

The Finance Minister emphasised the importance of business, “not only the engine, but also the driver of economic growth and innovation” stating that “this new Ministry will take action to boost entrepreneurship, provide incentives to local manufacturers and producers, as a stimulus for them to introduce greener technologies and increase value-added in their production lines, and build a new and more responsible economic model.”

The government, he said “endeavour(s) to create a fairer, more balanced and diversified economy, so that we are not limited to, and dependent upon, a narrow range of economic sectors, and where new businesses and economic opportunities are more evenly shared between regions and industries…”

Additionally, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin issued a media release on September 21, acknowledging the “problems that are preventing manufacturing from developing in Guyana”.

He committed to addressing those problems.

Recently, at the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA) Annual

Award Ceremony, the Finance Minister lamented the state of the local manufacturing sector, noting that there seems to be an overwhelming preference in the private sector to “chase the quick dollar by importing a lot of cheap products to be sold in a low wage economy.”

In urging government to look into the issues raised, local manufacturers noted that a waiver, which is a small measure, can lead to innovation since ideas will then become economically viable.

Moreover, the local manufacturers said they share the minister’s sentiments that policies are needed to encourage and incentivise growth in the manufacturing sector for the many economic benefits it presents, and that Guyana cannot continue for another 50 years and still not have a well-developed manufacturing industry.

P

ublic Security Minister and Attorney-at-Law Khemraj Ramjattan has found himself on the wrong side of the law, having now to pay in excess of $266,000 for the wrongful dismissal of his former employee Alex Higgins.

On Thursday, Justice Diana Insanally ordered the Minister to pay Higgins the sum of $266,000 plus interests and costs after the he (Higgins) was dismissed

by Ramjattan without lawful notice and severance after having worked for over three years as Ramjattan’s legal clerk.

Higgins was represented

by Attorney at Law Charles Ramson Junior. Ramson in an invited comment, expressed his hope that this case be used as a message to workers across the country that they have a voice and that they should stand up for their rights. “It is a reminder of the institutional check on power which guards against the unfair treatment of people in this

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

country,” he said.

During an interview with the Guyana Times shortly after the judgment was made, Higgins said he is certainly happy to know that he is very relieved that the court system worked in his favour.

He noted that a Court Order was already served to the Minister, therefore if a period elapses without payment, he will instruct his lawyer

to levy on his property upon advisement.

Higgins, who hails from Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara Upper Berbice) had told this newspaper that following the May 11 Elections, Ramjattan changed and had the employees attached to his private law firm hanging in hyperspace as uncertainty loomed about their continued employment, given his appointment to the Government as a Vice President and National Security Minister.

A series of unfortunate events subsequently unfolded, during which Higgins related that he was insulted, disrespected and humiliated by the Minister- who then refused to pay his severance package.

The young man claimed that Ramjattan told him that he was not entitled to a severance package.

Ramjattan had since denied these allegations, noting that he was not responsible for the young man’s dismissal.

8

news

SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Berbice quartet remanded for armed robbery

Eyew tness Sensationalism…

Quwanza McRae

Lalmount Beveny

our Corentyne men accused of robbery have been remanded to prison after they appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga on Friday at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

The four – Lalmount Beveny, 30, a labourer of lot 139 Sideline Dam, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara; Kevin Williams, 26, a porkknocker of lot 2605 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Michael Cudgoe, 29, a porkknocker of lot 7 Triumph, East Coast Demerara; and Quwanza Mc Rae, 35, a taxi driver of 91 Sideline Dam, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara; were not required to plea to the in-

dictable charge which read that on Monday, December 7, at Liverpool, Corentyne, they unlawfully assaulted Chanradai Ketwaroo with attempt to rob her.

Police Persecutor, Sergeant Bernard Browne objected to the quartet being granted bail. He told the court that charges are currently being prepared against the accused. Those charges, he explained, stemmed from the same incident and are in relation to arms and ammunition. Bail was refused and the four have been ordered by Magistrate Artiga to return to court on December 29.

It was reported that on December 7, around 10:00h, four men were spotted in a

F

Kevin Williams

vehicle, bearing registration plate HC 4442, outside a grocery shop at Liverpool, Corentyne, owned by Chanradai Ketwaroo, age 53.

Two of the men, one of whom had a bag with a long object inside, went into the shop and confronted the businesswoman.

The men demanded cash and assaulted the woman in the process. However, the businesswoman raised an alarm and this caused the men to immediately return to the vehicle and they fled the scene. A report was made at the Police station and other stations were alerted and told to be on the lookout for the perpetrators.

A Police Corporal armed with a service shotgun stopped

Micheal Cudgoe

the vehicle outside the Albion Police Station, at which point the suspect with the bag containing the long object managed to escape. He was pursued and apprehended by the Corporal. A search of his bag revealed an unlicensed sawnoff shotgun along with six cartridges.

Meanwhile, the other three suspects had fled in the car. Two of the other perpetrators were later arrested in a taxi at a Police roadblock along the approach to the Berbice River Bridge.

The fourth suspect driving the getaway vehicle managed to pass through a roadblock at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice but was apprehended at another roadblock in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Durban Backlands resident charged for narcotics possession

A

man was on Friday brought before the courts to answer to a charge of possession of a narcotic.

Twenty-six-year-old Rondell Beveny of Lot

15 Durban Backlands, Georgetown, accepted the charge which was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge stated that on December 10 at Lot 69

Fourth Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), he had in his possession 4.5 grams of cannabis sativa. The details of the charge were not divulged in court, howev-

er, the defendant was sentenced to a fine of $10,000.

Along with the fine, Beveny was also ordered to perform three weeks community service.

Housekeeper remanded on drug trafficking charge

A

35-year-old housekeeper was on Friday remanded to prison after she was charged for possession of a narcotic substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Smita Abdul of Dowding Street, Georgetown was read the charge by Magistrate Annette Singh in Court 11 of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the allegation. The charge read that on Thursday, December 10 in the vicinity of Roxanne Burnham Gardens, she had in her possession 200 grams of cannabis-sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, on the day in question, Abdul was the driver of motor vehicle PSS 8995 when she was stopped by Police. A subsequent search was conducted, during which the narcotic was found in her bag.

Abdul told the court that she would not utter a word without her Attorney present. Prosecutor Gonsalves objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence and the fact that no special reasons were given to the court by the defence for bail to be granted.

The woman was remanded to prison and will return to court on January 4, 2016.

T

…and yellow journalism

he Chronic’s undergoing a makeover. There’s no question in its previous incarnation, the PPP continue the PNC’s dogged policy to have the state owned paper (as opposed to government owned) totally partisan towards the government of the day. So you’d think the new kids on the (government) block would’ve been changing for the better, no?

NO! The government through its Prime Minister Nagamootoo, pretty much summed up their position on what the Chronic’s “editorial” perspective would be on their watch when he tongue-lashed a reporter for daring to suggest the government could “blunder”!

Toeing the party line would be the order of the day!

We don't have to go far to see where the “change” is going to take the Chronic – straight into the gutter. The new masthead with 19th century-looking font is telling: that was the era when competition in the British press led to what was actually called the “gutter press”. It would be later dubbed “yellow journalism” when the Americans jumped into the mud and muck. That’s why it's also called “muckraking” and has been represented here for the longest while by the Kaieteur News.

So it looks like the Chronic will be gunning for the “Muckraker” title. Their plan is so transparently generic, it’s even outlined in Wikipedia. “Joseph Campbell defines yellow press newspapers as having daily multi-column front-page headlines covering a variety of topics, such as sports and scandal, using bold layouts (with large illustrations and perhaps colour), heavy reliance on unnamed sources, and unabashed self-promotion.”

The new Chronic’s headlines have been so “multicolumned” they take over the entire width!! They started out day one with “EXPLOSIVE REVELATIONS”!! in red. Then came “OUTRAGE”!! Followed by “BANDITS KILLED”!! And “SCANDAL”!!! There were the other smaller but sensational headlines on salacious topics.

All with “large colour illustrations”!

One the third day came the announcement that p 2 would feature “a photo feature” - with the front page flaunting a buxom young woman, in a revealing outfit leaving nothing to the imagination as to what would be the nature of these pics! Obviously the new Chronic will follow the maxim- “SEX SELLS”.

But we wonder if that’s been approved by the President. Nagamootoo - we know from his history, would (and has) sell his soul to get ahead… but up to now, Pressie’s projected a more dignified image. In fact, the word that’s usually invoked is “God fearing”.

Apart from the scandal mongering and wild allegations that have no basis in fact (“Nagamootoo didn't say suh and suh“ that GTimes published) this exploitation of young women’s bodies reinforces the charge that this administration thinks of women as objects and not subjects.

Sex objects.

…charges

Anyone with any knowledge of law would know the law must be clearly defined before you can go about charging people. Anyone WITHOUT even the slightest knowledge of the law would know you can't charge a person IF THERE’S NO LAW!! You just can't haul a guy into a court just because you just THINK it's unlawful.

But this is just what Chris “Lalloo” Ram did with Jagdeo when he got some Magistrate over in Berbice to agree with him that Jagdeo had committed “racial incitement” during the elections campaign. It was clear to one and sundry that the Magistrate was either as clueless about the law as the neophyte Lalloo or as politically partisan.

They knew the political value of the “racial charge”.

Well... the matter was moved to the High Court and has just been thrown out. The magistrate is going to be promoted, we’re sure.

This Eyewitness just hopes Jagdeo hits Lalloo with a suit for “Malicious prosecution”.

…blood money

Your Eyewitness predicted the Reparations claim will be stilled by this government with British “aid”. So now we’re hearing about the new Demerara Bridge to be built with a “grant”.

This country doesn't need handouts – just that justice on reparations be done!

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

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Larceny offences at Wisroc Region 2 REO Carpenter constructing Residents call for more street lights dies after recreational parks crashing

BY UTAMU BELL

- no consultations held with residents

R

egion Two Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson along with officers from various sections of the Regional Administration have embarked on the establishment of several recreational parks within the region.

projects of such nature should seek the intervention of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and resident’s advice.

Ramdatt said the RDC is therefore calling on the REO to provide details on the award of contracts, if any.

A park under construction at Pert Village, Essequibo

These parks are being developed to provide young people with recreational facilities during their leisure time, but even as this is being done, Guyana Times understands there were no consultative discussions with residents from these areas in which the parks are being constructed.

The REO had initially introduced the idea during his address to an audience at Essequibo Night Exhibition and Fair held in October 2015.

Several plots of land are being bulldozed with trees being uprooted in an effort to create these parks.

According to Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, the parks came as a surprise when residents informed him of the activities in their area. He further stated the RDC was never presented with a plan to develop these Parks in the Region.

Ramdatt during an interview questioned the accountability and transparency of these projects: “There was no transparency in the awards of contract to do these parks\ projects.”

He further explained that

He said the details must include, areas to be developed, the identity of the contractors, the contract sum, date of awarded, and who approved the projects.

“Parks are being developed, what is the source of funds for these parks? There are so many access dams to be rehabilitated yet parks are being given priority in Region Two” Ramdatt pointed out.

The Chairman also questioned the sustainability of these parks and under whose responsibility do the parks fall.

Meanwhile Guyana Times spoke to a few persons around the Pert area where one of the parks is being developed. According to one resident, Joe Singh, he noticed an excavator in his area and land being cleared. He said no one was informed from his community that works will commence on Parks or that the vacant land would be used.

At Dartmouth, where another park is being developed, some residents are not satisfied. Some of them had to relocate to facilitate the project.

Rabbi-Ul-Awwal 1437 AH/Youmun Nabi 2015

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) wishes to inform you that the crescent was NOT sighted in Guyana nor the Caribbean on the evening of Friday, December 11, 2015 (29th Safar).

Therefore, the first of Rabbi-Ul-Awwal 1437 AH will correspond today, Sunday, December 13, 2015.

The 12th of Rabbi-Ul-Awwal (Youman Nabi – The birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Peace Be Unto Him) will be observed on Thursday, December 24, 2015.

Several programmes have been planned to commemorate the life of the final Prophet to mankind, who was sent as a mercy to the entire world.

The general public is invited to attend these programmes so that they can have a better understanding about the real message of Islam, and the noble personality of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be unto Him. May Allah reward us all for our efforts.

Was salaamualaikum CIOG

I

n light of an increase in the number of larceny offences in the Wisroc community in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), some residents are of the belief that this may be due to the limited amount of street lights in the area.

If one is to traverse sections of the area, situated at Wismar, Linden at nights, they will be greeted by dark streets, a few of which have scattered street lights. It has been noted that the Wisroc, New Scheme area has been hit with an increased number of break and enter and larceny offences recently. E Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander Calvin Brutus also confirmed recently to Guyana Times that a trend in such cases was centred around the area. The absence of street lights appears to compound the situation as residents have begun to voice

concerns.

“As a woman you are afraid to walk this place at nights because you can’t walk a decent distance without coming across a dark corner. Sometimes the street lights malfunction and you have to wait some time before they can be fixed,” a female resident related to this newspaper.

Some residents are of the opinion that in order for positive change to be achieved, there should be a return of community policing groups.

While areas such as One Mile and Amelia’s Ward have been noted by the authorities to be consumed by break and enter and larceny offences, residents cannot fathom the thought that the activities seem to have shifted to the Wisroc area. They are calling on the relevant authorities to take a closer look at the situation.

“Wisroc never used to be a place like this. You could have gone out for hours and

come back and meet everything in your home intact.

These days, you can’t take them chances. It’s like people get more desperate, especially coming on to the Christmas season”, another resident reasoned.

Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon had some time ago said that provision would usually be made to replace street lights which may have malfunctioned; however, there is none as it relates to setting up of new street lights at Wisroc, even as areas in Linden recently benefited from Government’s electrification programme.

A resident of Wisroc New Scheme told this newspaper that her home had been broken into several times and a number of items removed.

She said even after countless Police reports and attempts to further secure her premises, the situation had continued.

into tree

A

carpenter died instantly after the car in which he was travelling crashing into a tree along the East Coast Demerara roadway, somewhere in the vicinity of Mahaicony.

It is alleged that the man may have been under the influence of alcohol and fell asleep behind the wheel.

Just recently, Commander Brutus urged residents to be vigilant, noting that a trend in larceny cases seems to have shifted to the area.

One of the most recent cases involved the theft of a white Honda XR150L (CH5388) at Tank Street, Wisroc.

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Hinterland students still to receive 2015 uniform vouchers – Teixeira

– Govt reportedly plans to replace voucher with distribution of shoes

S

tudents in several hinterland regions are still to receive their 2015 School’s Uniform Vouchers, which were expected to be issued since the commencement of the new school year in September.

This was what People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) executive member Gail Teixeira is claiming.

Teixeira, who recently visited Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) said this was among a list of concerns brought to her attention by residents there.

She added there is a similar situation in at least two other interior regions.

“We have done a check in the interior – Regions One (Barima-Waini), [Region] Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) so far and no school uniform vouchers have been distributed to any of the schools for the children in those regions,” Teixeira told a news conference on Thursday.

Teixeira said she was informed that the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government is planning to replace the

Teixeira said that even with this, there is still a cloud of confusion regarding the so-called footwear distribution programme the government is seeking to initiate.

“This development that we are now hearing about that the school children are being measured at each school to see what the size of their feet are, we are not sure if this is for 2016 school voucher programme or this is for 2015 school voucher programme, because as

Region Nine; nursery, primary or secondary; none of the schools in Region One; and none of the schools in Region Eight have received any vouchers whatsoever,” she stated.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine for a response proved futile, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.

In 2013, the then PPP/C Government launched the National School Uniform Programme, which benefit-

PPP/C Executive Member Gail Teixeira

voucher programme with the distribution of footwear for students.

“There is a new development and that is, apparently the government is changing its position and saying they won’t be giving the School Uniform Vouchers, they will be giving children school shoes and so schools in Region Nine, teachers are asked to measure each child’s foot to determine what size shoe they will require. Now this is a logistical nightmare of no mean order,” she stated.

Students in several hinterland regions are still to receive their 2015 School’s Uniform Vouchers

it is, none of the schools in

ed over 139,000 school-aged children, each of whom received a $1500 voucher which was redeemable at a number of businesses across the country. The programme saw $208 million being expended.

This was launched alongside the $1 billion National School Feeding Programme; both aimed at increasing attendance, especially among the poor and vulnerable.

These programmes were expanded in 2014 and the then government added a $10,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant where every child in the public school system received the grant, which was aimed at assisting them with transportation costs, among others.

However, in 2015, the APNU/AFC Administration which assumed office back in May, scrapped the $10,000 cash grant initiative and increase the uniform voucher to $2000.

Forgive criminals… even if they know what they do

S

atiricus knew change had truly come when Pressie announced the pardon of 60 youths convicted of various crimes. “Boys will be boys,” he said. Confronted by runaway crime, the last Pee-and-See Presi-dent, Hyte, had announced the policy of “HANG ‘EM HIGH!!” So what if that policy stopped “kick-down-the-door bandits” cold in their tracks? That was then and now was now.

And now was a time for forgiveness.

Satiricus was impressed by Pressie’s generosity and felt that some of the victims were quite churlish for protesting his decision. It was just their phones that had been stolen, wasn't it? It’s not as if anyone was killed when their phones were grabbed. All of these thoughts flashed through Satiricus’ simple mind when over the weekend Pressie took his “turn the other cheek” policy to new heights.

After two armed bandits exchanged gunfire with police while caught in the act of committing an armed robbery on a middle-class couple in their home, the police eventually shot and killed the bandits. Asked about this and other police killings in similar circumstances, according to the “new” Chronic, Pressie announced his new “BRING THEM IN” policy.

As far as Satiricus could gather, this was an expansion of the “Pardon Boys who will be boys” doctrine. In the “BRING THEM IN” corollary, the cheek should be turned even when grown criminals were de-ploying deadly force against the police.

After Satiricus thought about the policy for a while, he rea-soned Pressie knew the force deployed couldn't have been “deadly” until a policeman was shot dead. You can't have “deadly force” without death, can you? Pressie was so forward thinking.

But then Satiricus became confused once again.

Pressie said he’d be scrapping all the present anticrime plans and going back to the one the British had drawn up back in 2008. This meant throwing out all the 15+13 Point Plans the PPCEE government had introduced and even the one by Rum Jhaat. “The 4am curfew was just genius,” marvelled Satiricus.

But wasn't 2008 when all those massacres had been committed by bandits and the British had just es-tablished a new SWAT team that was to be killed

by Feel-its? Did that plan encompass the “BRING THEM IN” doctrine?

“Not to worry”, smiled Satiricus, “Happy days are here again! At least criminals will be happy… and or-dinary victim-folks should follow Pressie and be happy for them.”

And if everyone's happy, what's the problem?

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

12 news

SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BBCI makes donation to NA Special Needs School

T

he Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) on Tuesday donated apples and grapes to the New Amsterdam Special Needs School’s annual Christmas party, for the third year in succession.

Upon receiving a letter from the Headmistress of the school in November requesting a donation towards the school’s annual Christmas party, BBCI was pleased to make the donation towards the cause.

The Company said that it will continue to donate and sponsor other events that would benefit the differently able and less fortunate children of Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), as well as Guyana as a whole.

In addition to this current donation, BBCI in 2012 also donated two complete computer systems and printers equipped with spe-

Bibi F Alli, Administrative Assistant/Social Coordinator, BBCI handing over the donation of apples and grapes to the New Amsterdam Special Needs School for their annual Christmas party

cial software, to assist the differently able students of the school.

The BBCI not only plays a role in collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the Retractor

opening and under the High Span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities and more importantly, plays an integral part in the development of the education and sport. The Company also supports national events and makes do-

nations to charitable and non-charitable organisations in close proximity of the Bridge or in Regions Five and Six. The Company also sponsored events in other countries and as far as the hinterland regions in Guyana. Over the years, the Company has sponsored many events that benefited the communities both on the eastern and western sides of the Berbice River.

Now, for the year 2015, the Company has so far received 132 public relation requests and managed to approve 116 of these requests, comprising of sponsorships of Mashramani 2015 events, donations of trophies to various non-profit and educational institutions, facilitated tours of various schools and waivered toll charges for tour buses, sponsored cricket tournaments, and other activities.

For Indian Intellectual perspectives

I

continue from last week to interrogate Dr David Hinds’ rumination on the “African” versus the “Indian” intellectual tradition in the Caribbean. What I attempted to do was suggest that because of a long and institutionalised tradition launched by the Pan African movement in 1900 and the participation from the onset by Caribbean African intellectuals, an African intellectual tradition became one of three intellectual currents ( the other two were Marxism and Anti-colonialism) that swept the Caribbean in the post WWII/Independence era.

Its intervention therefore became “normalised”, and Indians whose indentureship only ended in 1917, inevitably had to react to its premises.

Because the colonial question took precedence, the other two currents were pressed into service during the political struggle in most WI territories. Pan-Africanism was energised by the US “Black Power” movement in the 1960s. While Indians did join the anti-colonial struggle and some adopted Marxism/ Leninism, there was no comparable “Pan-Indian” movement nor a coherent Indian ideology, infused by its civilisational ethos, formulated.

In Trinidad, the “Indian” political effort was spearheaded

by Bhadase Sagan Maraj, who formed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after he had launched a Hindu religious body - the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. The leader of the African section, Dr Eric Williams, author of the classic “Capitalism and Slavery” had honed a coherent ideology also enriched by his participation in the 5th Pan-African Congress of Manchester in 1945.

Williams proposed to the African (Creole) section of the population at the “University of Woolford Square”, the notion that “Massa day done” and it was their turn to rule. He dubbed the Indians “a recalcitrant minority” for not accepting the premises of his ideology. Bhadase’s riposte was more of a reaction to Eric William’s standing libel than anything else.

His efforts were geared to “giving Indians pride” but his ineffectualness helped launch what has been termed “Doctor Politics” in the Caribbean. Unfortunately none of the “Indian doctors” had the intellectual dexterity to weave Indian concerns there within an overarching ideology that incorporated their worldview to interrogate the dominant intellectual currents.

In a futile effort to counter William’s “intellectualism” the Indians of Trinidad replaced Bhadase with Dr Rudranauth Capildeo – with a doctorate in Mathematics and an insistence to lecture in London. Williams, on the other hand, was assisted by men like CLR James, an inaugural intellectual of the Caribbean, who while Marxist, accepted that the question of “race” has to be addressed. He had written the “Black Jacobins”, an analysis of Toussaint L’Ouverture and the slave rebellion in Haiti, as far back as 1938. It laid the intellectual foundation of the Caribbean African intellectual tradition in the narrative of “revolutionary romance”: one of overcoming “suffering” and achieving “redemption” through struggle and revolution.

Over in Guyana, as Dr Ramharack observed, Dr Cheddi Jagan, a dentist, adopted Marxism/Leninism as his guiding light to deal with colonialism, considered the Indian intellectual tradition “backward” and a result of “false consciousness”. He deliberately set out and succeeded in destroying the incipient Indian intellectual response that had its roots in the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA).

Dr Hinds also raised the narrative of revolutionary romance as he outlined the contours of the African struggle for recognition of their humanity. I also agree with him that all groups “suffered”, as I said at the funeral of Ronald Waddell: “We all cried as we sat by the River of Babylon as we remembered our Zions”. And as I have written repeatedly, none but an African can know what it is to be an African in this world. Yet I was castigated for observing precisely that stricture.

Some early Indian historians and intellectuals did adopt the dominant African tradition of inputting their history in the “revolutionary romantic” mode and mapped their experience onto theirs. I have spoken out against this reductionism.

While the plantation might have been a site of oppression to all that passed through it, in addition to bringing different cultural repertoires into the equation we have to admit that for one, its “totalising” disciplinary mechanisms were not equivalent for the various groups. And these groups have to be at least analysed separately as well as contextually with each other. MG Smith attempted to do this with his “Plural Society” thesis.

So for this reason, we again agree with Dr Hinds that, “it is perhaps disingenuous to expect African- and IndianGuyanese intellectuals and activists who engage in the study of and advocacy on behalf of their respective groups to do so in identical fashion.”

We hope that Indian intellectuals will finally not be prevented his right to offer their perspectives in the discussion to create a harmonious Guyanese nation.

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

My father’s 90TH birthday NDCs to have more power – REO Hopkinson By: Ryhaan Shah

M

y father, Alim Shah, celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday.

His life story is very much the story of our country over the past century and, as with most Indians here, his began on a sugar plantation.

His parents, Tajmool and Shakuran, were labourers on the Blairmont Estate, and he was the last of eight siblings.

He grew up poor. His parents supplemented their income by selling lemonade on a mobile Alim Shah machine for one cent per bottle, mostly on Sundays and holidays. When he was still a small boy, his family moved across the Berbice River and eventually settled in Rose Hall Village.

There, his parents bought a plot of land by the roadside which was covered with bush. They cleared the land and built a small wooden house on it. The downstairs was rented out to shopkeepers and his father also established a lemonade factory on the village’s market dam which still stands today but under new ownership.

His mother died when he was small and he was brought up by his four sisters, especially the eldest who was called Betty. Because his family was poor, he was not educated much beyond a primary school level and as he grew up he learned a little tailoring and worked as an occasional conductor on a Corentyne bus owned by Betty and her husband.

My father was in his late teens when his father died. His father was blind during his last years from cataracts. At that time, the operation for their removal was not as simple as today and my father acted as his father’s eyes during his last years. By then the lemonade factory had been taken over by an older brother.

My aja’s will still survives. Among the belongings he left to his last son were his prized Simmons bed and his books on Islam acquired from the London Woking Mosque, a forerunner to the worldwide Ahmadi movement.

My father married my mother, Shairun Nisa nee Esahak, known as Betty, on May 5, 1947. She was the eldest of four children for her parents who ran a dry goods business in Ankerville, Port Mourant. He was 22 and she was 18.

When they married, they opened their own business, Alim Shah, in the downstairs of the house his parents had built. My mother ran the shop while my father took bundles of cloth on his bicycle to sell in the Port Mourant and Albion markets. That was the start of the business.

By the early 1950s, they had saved some money and approached Barclays Bank for a loan to build a bigger place on the Rose Hall lot.

They got the loan and as soon as S.A. Nabi, then a young contractor/ builder in Albion, heard that they were going to build, he rushed over and convinced my father to construct the entire two-storey structure out of the then new material, concrete. That building still stands today.

My father lived alongside many people who went on to contribute to Guyana’s development. Nabi was one, and it was Philip Moore, a young sculptor and artist on the Corentyne, who showed the new masons how to smooth out the concrete plaster on the building.

Both my parents grew up alongside Rohan Kanhai and Cheddi Jagan.

Gafoors started out as a hardware business on the upper Corentyne, and the Muneshwers are originally from Port Mourant.

In the early 1960s with us, the children, growing up and needing a more advanced education, my parents bought a property on Hincks Street in Georgetown with an eye to expanding their business to the city.

This was a politically volatile time and when Brown Betty, the ice cream parlour, was burned down during the 1962 race riots, they bought my parents’ property next door in order to continue their business.

My parents then bought a lot on Regent Street where the city business still stands. It was a risk since the commercial centre at the time was Water Street. The Regent Street shop was opened in 1967 and the risk paid off since the hub of city business shifted to this area.

Like most Caribbean men, my father is passionate about religion, cricket and politics. The advent of adult suffrage was a notable high point of his life and he remembers Jagan’s valiant struggle to get them all the right to vote. That right added greatly to his feeling of truly belonging to this country.

He lived through all the political violence of the 1960s, suffered through the Burnham era when the shop shelves went bare, and saw many Regent Street shops, including his, completely looted by PNC mobs in 1992 when Jagan won that first democratic elections in nearly three decades.

He has been a witness to the country’s setbacks and had opportunities to leave for Canada; but he stayed. When my mother died in 1984, he continued to manage both shops and six years ago, the Rose Hall business was expanded with the purchase of the neighbouring Bhajan property. That family have all migrated.

My two brothers and two sisters, my father’s ten grandchildren and seven great-grands all live abroad. Our family, like so many families in Guyana, suffers the fractures that come from migration.

Among his children and grandchildren there are an engineer, oncologist, architect, medical doctors, scientists, computer programmer, and chartered accountant.

There are, however, a few of the younger generation of my father’s family still here in Guyana. A sister’s son, Sheik Farouk, runs his family business Berbice Motor Supplies in New Amsterdam. The surgeon, Dr Sheik Amir, is a brother’s grandson, and Rehman Majeed of Starr Computers is a sister’s grandson.

As an Indian man, my father has fulfilled a main duty to family by working hard to give his children a better life than he had. As a Muslim, he completed the Hajj, keeps up his daily prayers, and served until recently as President of the Guyana Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ish’at-I-Islam (Lahore).

His secret to a long life is probably his humility, his optimism, and his great patience with the world which is rooted in values handed down from ancient times that it takes more than one lifetime to bring about change, and that this makes it all the more important to live well and to give the best of yourself.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

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

− $M awarded for clean-up works along roadways

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

N

eighbourhood D e m o c r a t i c Councils (NDCs) in Essequibo were on Thursday given the power to and awarded $11 million by their Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson for executing necessary road works in their communities.

Guyana Times understands that at a meeting between the REO and the various Chairpersons, it was decided that this sum would be distributed among the region’s NDCs to assist in the further development of their neighbourhood.

Hopkinson told this publication on Friday that previously, monies were paid to a specific private contractor to carry out works but that individual did a poor job after being paid millions of dollars.

“I called in the Chairpersons for all my NDCs and I said look, we

Region 2 REO Rupert Hopkinson

are going to award, we have some money to clean the road, money that used to go to a private contractor… and I said to them, I am going to allocate that money to you now because it gives you the power to take ownership of your communities. I said to them we have $11 million and we are going to give it to the

NDCs, we want you to take these contracts to clean the roads,” the REO explained.

He noted that such a move was made so that the officials at the various NDCs would take “ownership” of Region Two by ensuring that members in their communities were employed under related contracts.

“I said to them (Chairpersons) that we want you to employ members in your communities and the contract will specify that you are not to employ anyone outside of your NDC, friend or family…

The folks were just dumbfounded… One man was asking what to pay them and I said that is your duty, that is your decision,” Hopkinson posited.

According to the REO, the time has come for the NDC officials to stop being “children of the Regional Chairmen” as he cited that this was the case since

those at the NDCs previously “had no power”.

With regards to Executives in Essequibo voting to have Hopkinson “disciplined” for actions which they recently deemed unacceptable, he stated that none of those who voted in favour for the above mentioned can do so.

“They can’t discipline me, they didn’t give me the work… they cannot discipline the REO… if the Chairman wants something I have to sign the form for him to get it… he can talk to me, why doesn’t he talk to me?” he questioned.

Hopkinson, just a few days ago, came in for much criticism at the recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting where he displayed gross disrespect for the Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, who was also chairing the proceeding.

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Another Guyanese Pomeroon boat commissioned by murdered in President still not in use Trinidad A

38-year-old Guyanese man was beaten to death outside of his El Socorro home on Friday morning at about 07:00h.

The man’s body was discovered at the back of a home along Mohammed Terrace, El Socorro.

The body was later identified as that of Andrew Garroway. He resided in an apartment near to where he was killed. Police have no official motive for the killing and according to reports, the partially nude body was

beaten, robbed and set on fire. The 35-year-old Guyanese man, who lived between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, died while receiving medical attention at the San Fernando Hospital.

According to reports, the man sustained severe burns to 90 per cent of his body.

The man was doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze by three unknown men after they robbed him.

Family members were confused over the attack and

Dead Guyanese: Deokaran Sharma Seokaran

found with its head bashed in. A blood stained brick was found near the man’s body.

The Police were notified and a team of officers from the Barataria Police Station, North Eastern Division Task Force and the Homicide Bureau visited the scene.

Only last month, Deokaran Sharma Seokaran was reportedly attacked,

want to know if it may have been a case of mistaken identity. One family member stated that while they could understand the robbery, the dousing with gasolene and setting him on fire after beating him, troubles them a lot.

Seokaran leaves to mourn a young wife and two children.

− Pomeroon children feeling the squeeze, unable to attend school

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

T

he second boat – the David G 2 – that was recently commissioned

by President David Granger on October, 30, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is yet to become operational.

The boat was gifted to the Pomeroon community through the President “three B’s” (Bus, Boat, and Bicycle) initiative to assist parents living in the riverain commu-

to reintroduce the $10,000 “Because We Care” cash grant to assist them in sending their children to school.

Mittelholzer during the last Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting held at the Lake Mainstay Conference Centre, Essequibo, Region Two informed her fellow Councillors that the second boat which was recently commissioned

by President Granger is still to be made available to chil-

The second boat, the David G 2 that was recently commissioned by President David Granger

nities.

According to People’s Progressive Party/Civic Councillor Beatrice Mittelholzer, parents living in the Pomeroon River have complained to her of not being able to send their children to school.

She said many of them are calling on the Government

dren in the Pomeroon. She said that since the commissioning, parents living in the Pomeroon River have not received any information related to the boat or its schedule.

After listening to the RDC Councillor, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt instructed the Clerk of the RDC Rupert Hopkinson to follow up, since its almost three months since the boat was handed over to transport children across the river.

Ramdatt said the handing over was done due to a need that existed, and it is unfortunate that it is not serving its intended purpose. “It is unfortunate and disrespectful to the people, particularly the students of Pomeroon,” Ramdatt commented.

Meanwhile, Rupert Hopkinson promised to follow up on the issue but told the RDC that he was not aware of such.

Two boats were donated thus far for the children living in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon area. The first was donated by Essequibo businessman Alfro Alphanso and the second by CGX Energy Inc. At the recent commissioning, President Granger had noted that the best investment one can make is in the education sector.

The President had mentioned to the gathering that during his birthday, he called on businesses to come on board and donate boats that will benefit children. He said the boats will ensure easier access for those children living in Upper Pomeroon, as parents previously complained over the exorbitant fees they have to spend to send their children to schools on the Essequibo Coast.

Younge’s Take Black is beautiful M

artin Luther King Jr delivered one of the most powerful speeches several decades ago in which he sought to create a paradigm shift within the minds of ‘black’ or ‘coloured’ people with the hope of further empowering them to respect their identity.

King argued that if ‘black’ people failed to understand the realities in which they live Michael Younge and did little to defend their right to life, to equality and social justice, then as an ethnic group they would remain downtrodden, in bondage, and chains.

He said: “Believe in yourselves and believe you are somebody… nobody else can do this for us… no document can do this for us… no… emancipation proclamation can do this for us… no… civil rights bill can do this for us… . If a negro is to be free, he must move down into the inner resource of his own soul and sign with a pen, an ink of self-assertivenessmanhood… his own emancipation proclamation”.

Also, King advised ‘coloured’ people to “be proud of our heritage” as “we do not have anything to be ashamed”.

In the same speech, he touched the hearts of millions when he also exposed the worst lie told about ‘coloured’ people which influenced many of the wrongdoings committed against them in the Caribbean and wider developed world.

King said: “somebody told a lie one day. They coached it in language. They made everything black ugly and evil… look in your dictionaries and see the synonyms of the word black. It’s always something degrading and sinister… look at the word white… it’s always something pure”.

Today, decades after, it is clear that King’s words and admonition fell on deaf ears. Some people are still sceptical about being identified as black as if to be ‘black’ is criminal and shameful.

This has led to the development of an “inferiority” complex amongst blacks within the Caribbean and here where some feel that they need to lighten their skin and tamper with the natural texture of their hair to be accepted or branded as “beautiful” or “decent” within our society.

Also, this inferiority complex has led to the creation of a dependency syndrome in some communities where some Afro-Guyanese, particularly men, refuse to work hard and labour for their bread. They want the western lifestyle of having women, money and material things and appear willing to use unsavoury routes to achieve their aims.

No wonder, some hold the perception, that black people are twice likely to commit crimes of a serious nature than others in a multiethnic society.

That aside, only a few communities here and organisations (social and quasi-political) are willing to speak on behalf of ‘blacks’ because, those peddling the absurd school of thought that one’s nationality can supersede their genetic make-up, are succeeding with their propaganda campaigns.

The intellectual minds behind that sort of propaganda can never solve the problem of racism or bridge the racial divide which are widening following the last elections.

Afro-Guyanese like other races need to work harder on educating themselves and their children about their culture, heritage and history. They need to create groups within communities plagued by extreme poverty to promote the notion of education as the way out.

More Afro-Guyanese youths must also be given the moral and economic support from their seniors to start businesses and other industries that can drive the growth and development of their various locales thereby crushing this notion that ‘blacks are lazy and unwilling to help themselves’.

A programme aimed at black consciousness needs to be started with focus on teaching youths that ‘black is beauty’ and they need to respect their identity, while at the same time introducing them to the pillars which form part of their culture.

This programme must also aim to remove the pent up “hatred” and “anger” within some youths and people who feel the system that govern ethnic and economic relations has either failed them or was designed to keep them out.

Finally, in order for Afro-Guyanese to free themselves from the shackles which hold them down in some respects, they need to forgive their oppressors but not forget the lessons learnt.

In order to take greater steps ahead, Afro-Guyanese as an ethnic group must heal within first and then seek to work with other groups who are experiencing similar challenges in arriving at a more cohesive, tolerant and racially inclusive society.

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Second GTT flagship store opens at Fogarty’s G TT is living up to its promise to “Do More” with its second flagship retail store now open in the heart of Georgetown.

The new trendy modern store opened Saturday morning and is located on the ground floor of the Fogarty’s building on Water and Robb Streets.

It offers mobile, landline, DSL and mobile money services as well as serve as a payment centre.

The store has an open layout and the décor highlights bright, bold and vibrant colours. Promotions

being offered are prominently displayed around the store on huge digital screens.

This is the second of a series of retail stores to be opened by the phone giant. The first was opened last month at the Giftland Mall, Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The company’s recently confirmed Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd, briefly remarked that this new store is reflective of the fact that GTT is doing more.

“This is where we’re doing more and I would like to say we want to live by

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin (right) and GTT CEO Justin Nedd commissioning the new flagship store located in the Fogarty’s Building

the three Es – we exceed expectations and keep our promises, we’re easy to do business with, and we expeditiously get things done right the first time – this is what we aspire to and this is what we will do,” he stated.

Nedd pointed out that with exciting colours and deals on handsets, GTT is back with a bang.

Also present at the opening ceremony was Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin who commended the company for making its services more accessible to customers.

He noted that with the opening of another in a series of flagship store, GTT is giving a glimpse of how much more the company will do in the future.

“The company has opened up stores in other locations and is clearly taking its business to the consumer. I want to compliment them on their crisp, clean look and the dynamic atmosphere they have created,” the Minister commented.

Meanwhile, the phone company is continuing with its Christmas promotions. The first promotion will see customers getting a free selfie stick with the purchase of any smartphone as well as a free phone when they buy three, four or six months of data. The models of phones for this promotion are the Drone XT, Blu Advance 4.OL and Blu Studio G. Additionally, customers will get free data when they buy any smartphone while new customers will get free SIM cards to enjoy GTT’s various promotions.

There are also other hot deals on all smartphones and customers are encouraged to visit the stores to learn more about these offers.

However, the megapromotion GTT is creating much hype with is the “Crazy Cash Christmas” promotion, which has $6 million up for grabs. This promotion gives customers the chance to win $50,000 daily.

Prepaid customers, who top up with $500 or more daily, are eligible for a chance to be called by 98.1FM on Monday to Friday at 13:45h and can win $50,000 cash daily if they answer their phones with the phrase “I can do more with GTT.” If there is no winner on one day, then the money will be added to the amount the next day. Already one GTT customer was able to win $300,000.

Additionally, customers also have a chance to enter the Grand Drawing to win over $6 million in cash and prizes on December 23.

news

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SunDAY, december 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Glory days of bauxite have passed”

THE

− President tells Lindeners

BY UTAMU BELLE

P

resident David Granger urged Lindeners and the rest of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) that it is time to build the community’s economy on the pillars of innovation, information technology, investment and infrastructure, emphasising that the “glory days of bauxite have passed”.

He was at the time addressing the official launch of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) on Thursday. In doing so, the Head of State related that the community must be prepared to take the step to build that new economic structure.

He said while several attempts have been made to repair the damage caused by the decline in the bauxite industry, the Linden Action Plan (LAP) has been implemented in an attempt to create voluntary and educational schemes to assist with the developmental process. Already, he noted, talks with Regional Chairman Renis Morian have been held to get the LAP initiative afoot. Apart from the launch of LEN which saw 40 entrepreneurs benefitting from small business loans, the Regional Youth Award Program slated for today (Sunday) also forms part of the initiative.

President David Granger

In an effort to advance and strengthen growth and development in the region, President Granger said government will complete the LindenLethem road as soon as possible however the relevant infrastructure must be facilitated in the community to give rise to improvement in travel and transportation.

“This is a great region as I’ve told you over and over again... this is a powerful region, there’s no reason for Region 10 to be poor. You have everything you need to be rich apart from bauxite. You have timber, you have rich agricultural lands... you have some of the beautiful sites for the development of tourism... Linden is the

belly of the country... I want to see this region (become) like a State”, the Head of State noted.

He continued by stating that the region is a unique one, since it has borders with regions 3-7, and also described it as “well connected and well wired” to the rest of the country.

The President also stated his dream of wanting the region to have its own aerodrome and several other state-of-the-art banks.

He said the region has a strong population and therefore is rich in human capital, positing that Linden alone can produce at least two million pounds of breadfruit each year which he said can be used to make breadfruit chips to supply the Caribbean.

President Granger also spoke of the importance of education in moving community forward, stressing that he wants to see every child in school.

“Anyone who sets up any educational institution, any school or any fund to make sure that every child gets to school will get some help... We need aerodromes so that people from overseas can land straight here”, he said.

The Head of State related too that Region 10 can be a hub for more innovative enterprises, Tourism and also Communication Technology.

Police return 7 of 24 files to DPP − Public Service Ministry multimillion-dollar fraud

A

lmost three months after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) returned 24 files on the multi-million dollar fraud allegation at the Public Service Ministry to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), seven of these files were returned to the DPP Chambers for legal advice.

According to a media statement from the DPP Chambers on Friday, it is in possession of seven of the 24 police files in regards to investigations of fraud allegedly committed by Former Minister of Public Service Dr Jennifer Westford and her Personal Assistant Margaret Cummings.

Guyana Times understands these seven files were received at the DPP’s Office on Wednesday last.

“On September 7, 2Ol5, the GPF had initially sent 24 files for legal advice.

After due legal attention was given to these 24 files, these files were returned with legal advice to the GPF because of incomplete investigations. On October 29, 2015 the 24 police files were again sent by the police to these Chambers,” the release said.

It was noted that again, after due legal attention, the 24 files were dispatched to the GPF on November 24 and November 30, 2015 with legal advice for police investigations to be completed and for the police files to be returned to the DPP Chambers for further

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

legal advice.

It must be reminded that DPP Shalimar AliHack had returned the files to the Police on September 30, asking for several statements contained in the files to be clarified.

Guyana Times understands that at that time the DPP had asked that investigators clarify certain aspects of the statements provided by persons reportedly under investigation.

Hence, these persons were required to return to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to have their statements revised.

After months of intense investigations, Police wrapped up the probe on September 7 and the files were sent to the DPP Chamber the same day for legal advice on the way forward.

Back in July, the Fraud

Former Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford

Branch was called in to investigate allegations of a multimillion-dollar fraud at the Ministry.

This was done after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration had discovered more than $120 million missing from the Public Service Ministry’s bank account.

However, reports indicate that during the probe, investigators found in excess of $400 million missing.

The probe focused on records dating back two years.

Sources told Guyana Times that funds were requested from the then Office of the President for various services and programmes at the Ministry, but no records were found to show that monies were spent on such.

This newspaper was

told that former subject Minister Dr Jennifer Westford and her Personal Assistant Margaret Cummings were said to be at the centre of the probe.

Both women were questioned by investigators on the missing funds.

On July 29, the day before the probe commenced, both Westford and Cummings appeared before the court on fraud charges in relation to the alleged illegal transfer of several State-owned vehicles to private ownership.

The former Minister and her personal assistant were granted bail in the sums of $800,000 and $1.2 million respectively.

The transfer of the Ministry vehicles was uncovered following a request from Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur, who had written the Public Service Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hydar Ally, requesting that he re-issue a letter, dated April 14, 2015, requesting the transfer of registration for eight vehicles into the names of Westford, Wayne Walker, Delroy Lewis, Gary Beaton (Westford’s spouse) and Osbert McPherson.

A change of registration for two vehicles for Walker was sought; one for Lewis; one for Westford; three for Beaton and one for McPherson. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Minister Allicock is responsible for the failure of GRIF projects

I

ndigenous Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock has spoken on several recent occasions of the restructuring of the GRIF projects. He insists the ADF was prone to bad management.

However, it is easy to throw the blame at others, especially when his administration voluntarily chose to remain ignorant of the dynamics of the project Anna Correia and the urge with which they needed to be executed. These projects both have a rigid time frame outlined in the project documents which were the result of collaboration between the UNDP and the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

Yet, almost seven months after having assumed office, Allicock and his team of Advisors have been incapable of prioritising and "restructuring" the projects. More than half of a year has elapsed and the Minister should explain to Amerindians what levels of "transition" and "revision" required such extensive delays to get the projects to suit the exigencies of his administration.

Because both projects are confined to a three-year timeframe, they have both already failed. This is not due to the managing teams, but to the Allicock administration. Allicock upon assuming office, complacently allowed his Advisor, Martin Cheong to fire the entire ALT team but recruitment for a new team wasn't scheduled until November. The Ministry preferred to deprive the project of a team and in so doing deprive Amerindians of their land rights. Concerning ADF, if he believed the project suffered from bad management, then corrective measures should have been implemented immediately, instead of envisaging the restructuration of the project seven months later. Consequently, neither of the projects would meet the three-year deadline, and as such both have already failed.

However, Allicock and his administration are not the only ones to be blamed. The UNDP in its strategic administrative and managerial support to the projects has an important role in ensuring they unravel according to the requirements of the project documents. The organisation went beyond the requirements of its role to become intrusive and controlling in the ADF, despite it being only a Partner Entity. Repeated attempts to override the ADF Manager are one of the reasons why the Project failed. Allicock condoned this.

In contradiction, when the ALT was forced to an abrupt standstill in June, the organisation ended all communication with the managerial team, and denied any responsibility in the firings and the inactivity of the project. The excuse was simply that the Government of Guyana alone makes the decisions and the organisation couldn't intervene. Apparently the Government of Guyana doesn't make the decisions alone for the ADF because the UNDP had a firm say in swaying the project to suit its own agenda. Perhaps it is because the UNDP was the Implementing Partner for the first phase of ADF and would like to maintain such levels of control.

Ironically, the UNDP, being a vector for the promotion of human rights, conflict resolution, internationally recognised work ethics and more importantly, development, has respected neither of these four pillars in its managerial support to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. It appears as though the organisation wants to be more a Partner Entity and is concerned about its own implication in the execution of the projects rather than the success of the Government of Guyana in implementing them.

The organisation is just as responsible as the Allicock administration for the failure of the ADF and ALT. It is yet to be determined how, considering the UNDP financial oversight, members from the Ministry have been conducting land titling activities on lavish DSAs, despite the Project being severed from its managerial team.

The UNDP even went so far as to place their stickers on the Government of Guyana vehicles funded under the ADF and ALT. Yet, the UNDP doesn't fund in anyway the LCDS GRIF projects. Allicock condones this.

Allicock may try to throw the blame on others but using bad management is a poor excuse. As a member of government, he should know that in a top down structure those at the top are responsible for the failure of those at the bottom. His laxity and inexperience are what will doom Amerindian development in the next four years. Perhaps this is why he has conceded to the UNDP so that when the time comes, he will have someone else to blame.

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SunDAY, DECEMBer 13, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

$15B resort opens in GTT still pushing for the Mazaruni River increased landline rates … aims to boost Guyana’s regional tourism ranking

The unveiling of the plaque to mark the official opening of the resort. (From left to right: Alvin Baboolall, Junior Social Protection Minister Simona Broomes, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, Mrs Baboolall, Mr Baboolall, State Minister Joseph Harmon, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh and Kevin Baboolall By: Devina Samaroo

T

he suspense is over, the luxurious Aruwai Resort, conveniently located on the Mazaruni River, is finally opened for all and sundry to escape from the everyday hassle of life and enjoy nature at its best at the perfect getaway destination.

Named after one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Mazaruni district, the $15 billion Aruwai Resort White H2O (Water) was officially opened on Saturday afternoon in the presence of government officials, the business community, and friends and family of the visionary proprietor and renowned Bartica miner Chunnilall Baboolall.

The project was approximately four years in the making and even amid the detrimental slump in gold prices worldwide, the Bartica businessman remained steadfast and determined to transform the small insignificant island into a beautiful edifice.

Baboolall noted that it was a challenging task, especially having to diversify from mining to tourism. He expressed sincere gratitude to former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who had encouraged him to invest in other sectors of the country. Baboolall thanked his family for their support and the government for their contributions towards the development of the world-class

resort.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes was in awe as she marvelled at the surroundings, unable to conceal her excitement. She was positive that Aruwai Resort had set the standard for quality and excellence to the country’s tourism product.

She envisioned the magnitude of benefits this development will eventually contribute to Guyana’s tourism product and pledged her commitment to continue to market Guyana: South America Undiscovered.

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranaugth Haralsingh joined in lauding the Baboolall family for their remarkable achievement and encouraged other miners to follow suit and invest in a sector that is sustainable.

Economic benefits State Minister Joseph Harmon in his brief remarks, focused on the tremendous economic benefits this development will reap for neighbouring communities; and the entire country at large.

“It must be the fate that Mr Baboolall has in the future of this country that has driven him to this junction…

Another important development that was a result of this resort is that it has produced a magnificent multiplier effect that ripples through the local communities,” Harmon said.

Already, Baboolall has constructed a new road from Bartica airstrip to the island.

He also intends to construct an airstrip on the island and is in the process of developing the nearby White Water Falls to add to the nature experience.

As a result of these investments, Harmon noted that the real estate value for nearby lands will increase significantly; it will create new employment opportunities for local residents, opportunities will crop up for businesses through the supply of goods and services and the expected flow of revenue will contribute to the economic development of the region.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford also recognised the tremendous economic benefits this investment brings to the region.

The luxury resort contains 38 high-class suites and boasts a fabulous pool; and soon to come are spas; boutique; gift shop and gymnasium.

Vacationers will also enjoy exhilarating boat rides on the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers and visit wonderful landmarks like Fort Kyk-over-Al and the local mining camps, the breathtaking White Water Waterfalls located right across the river from the resort.

For bookings, persons can call 223-2097 or 227-1987.

A

fter being rejected last year, GTT is still hopeful that it will be able to get its much needed increase in the rates of its landline services.

In June of last year, the company had applied for an increase in its tariff, pointing out that it has been suffering a significant losses as a result of the current low rates being charged on the landline services in Guyana. GTT is the sole provider of landline services in the country.

However, the request for a 15 per cent tariff increase was denied by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) early this year.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday, recently confirmed Chief Executive Officer of GTT Justin Nedd, pointed out that the company faces competition in all of the services it provides, with the exception of the landline service.

According to the CEO, this is so because the landline service is not as profitable as the other services. “Nobody wants to offer landline because it’s a loss making business,” he stated.

Asked about refixing the rates for the landline services, Nedd explained that after the PUC denied the company’s request for an increase in the rates, it had taken certain steps to get the increases.

“It’s tough to run a business that does really make money. It’s actually (being) subsidised by our other lines of business,” the CEO noted.

According to the 1990 licensing agreement signed by the telecommunication company, it is entitled to a minimum of 15 per cent return on capital dedicated to public use, that is, capital infrastructure used or applied in the provision of the services for which the public or the consumers of the service pay.

In its application to the PUC, GTT had claimed that on an annual basis it incurs some $738 million in losses by providing landline services throughout Guyana and

Shoe Heaven, El Dorado open doors at Giftland Mall

S

ince the construction of Giftland Mall, more businesses have been opening their doors at the facility. Only recently, Shoe Heaven and the El Dorado Rum Brand have had their labels established at the location.

Shoe Heaven opened in fine style on Friday evening on the first floor of the Giftland Mall with customers receiving discounts on brand name handbags, shoes and sunglasses.

“As everyone knows, Shoe Heaven has a location in Georgetown, in Wellington Street to be specific. We decided to bring our new location here because customers are asking why we haven’t been expanding. We also wanted to cater for our customers so that they don’t have to come all the way down to town and the response has been tremendous,”

Customers have already begun taking advantage of the affordable prices offered at Shoe Heaven

Manager of the store Rehanna Rambarran explained.

She stated they will be expanding the line of products to offer more to customers in the near future: “We offer a wide variety of shoes, from working shoes to party shoes.

We have various types including the open toed shoes, stilettos, high-heels, short heels

and pumps.” The store offers a wide range of brands including the Guess line.

She encouraged persons to visit the store for the best quality in shoes and handbags at competitive prices.

“This Christmas, I’m inviting everyone to come down to Shoe Heaven because this is the one and only place to get

your shoes and handbags,” she stated.

El Dorado also launched its premium crème liqueur for the Christmas season on the same evening. At a sampling exercise, brand manager Maria Monroe explained that as of Friday evening, all El Dorado products would be available at the Giftland Mall: “Today, we are partnering with the Giftland Mall as they have opened their liquor store. We are giving them our full support and we are sampling our new product which is the Crème Brulee Crème Liqueur which is a limited edition product,” she related. She explained that every year the company tries to offer new products to customers. Monroe encouraged the public to support the Giftland Mall as they aspired to make shopping an ease for customers.

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

needed the increases to maintain its 15 per cent. The company has not had an increase in over 12 years.

At the time, the phone services giant had approximately 154,000 wire line customers across the 10 regions and this figure does not include the numerous customers served by remote radio service in hinterland communities. Based on the 2012 Census population, it was reported that Guyana has a wire line teledensity of 20.6 lines per 100 population (20.6 per cent) Following months of hearings, sometimes publicly, and lengthy deliberations, the Commission rejected the application, citing several infractions by the phone company as the reason. The decision, which was signed

by PUC Chairman Prem Persaud and Commissioners Badrie Persaud and Maurice Solomon on March 13, 2015, points out the company still relied on its licensing agree-

ment to support its claims, despite its failure to fulfil its obligations to provide universal landline service for over two decades as outlined in the said agreement.

In the ruling, the Commission said, “They (GTT) must be blissfully aware that no other entity or company can enter the market to offer the land line service. This is where one aspect of the Commission’s responsibility kicks in – to protect the interest of consumers. We do not feel inclined to abandon that aspect of our duty.”

Furthermore, the PUC highlighted that GTT has two aspects of business – one regulated by the Commission and the other is non-regulated. This, the Commissioner noted, presented a problem for the Commission, since all the revenues are merged and “we do not get a true picture what it costs, say, for the regulated sector to function.”

The PUC further noted that numerous requests made for separate financial statements were continually been denied by the company. With the absence of this segmented accounting, it therefore made it difficult for the Commission to ascertain which sector is responsible for the 10 per cent rate of return GT&T (now rebranded GTT) claimed to be making as of October, 2014.

Following the PUC’s decision, former CEO of GTT Radha Krishna Sharma, had stated that the Commission’s decision was against the development of the telecommunications sector in Guyana.

He was adamant that the case presented to the PUC was wrongly assessed.

COP21 talks…

Climate agreement clinched in Paris

F

ollowing two weeks of intense discussions and negotiations, the historic agreement to combat the effects of global warming was finally reached at the climate change conference in Paris.

The Paris Agreement was passed with no objections

by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, bringing to an end four years' of discussion and debate.

Representatives from over 190 countries, including Guyana, have approved this first-ever global pact to cut back on its carbon emissions and push for a greener planet.

The agreement identifies climate change as "an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet".

The goal is to reduce the rise in global temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius; with an additional pledge to get it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Other key points of the agreement include to peak greenhouse gas emissions as

soon as possible and achieve a balance between sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century; and to introduce a five-year review system to increase ambition on cutting emissions as well as finance for developing countries to deal with the rising temperatures.

With the rate at which countries’ are releasing carbon emissions, the world’ greenhouse gas could see temperatures reach more than 4C above pre-industrial levels by 2100 if nothing changes.

Higher temperatures could lead to sea level rises, extreme flooding and droughts, and water shortages.

Guyana was represented by Governance Minister Raphael Trotman at COP21.

In its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), the Guyana Government pledged to heavily focus on significantly reducing its carbon emissions.

SunDAY, december 13, 2015

19

GSSF concludes successful season T

he Guyana Sport Shooting Federation’s (GSSF) Practical Pistol Section brought the curtains down for 2015 on Saturday when it hosted the P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited’s Practical Pistol Match at the GDF Timehri Range.

The event saw local practical shooters testing their skills in four dynamic stages set up by the GSSF Match Committee, competing for prizes in two divisions. The Production Division shooters used out-of-the-factory firearms, which were limited to a magazine capacity of 10 rounds only, while the Limited or Standard Division shooters where allowed some add-ons to make their guns more race worthy for the sport.

Match Director for the event, Ryan McKinnon, in his opening remarks, welcomed the shooters and encouraged all to follow the strict safety rules set out by the discipline and introduced the range safety officers, who would be monitoring the action.

McKinnon also noted the attendance of sanctioned and established practical shooters of IPSC Guyana along with the Regional Director, Harold Hopkinson.

The stages selected for the

Prize winners of GSSF’s Practical Pistol Match pose with P&P Insurance Brokers Plaques, alongside IPSC RD, Harold Hopkinson

competition from the get go appeared to be a rigid test of the ability of the shooters to balance the three elements of practical shooting: speed, power and accuracy.

Competitors were all very eager to start their navigation of the GSSF’s new stage props, while safely engaging targets.

The stages

The first stage, called “Without a Paddle”, required the competitor to start seated in a “boat” and upon the signal to start, the shooter had to engage targets on either side from a seated position then stand, move to the bow of the boat and engage more targets to

the front and sides.

The “boat” was suspended by way of a creative piece of engineering to re-create the effects of a swaying boat, which was enhanced with the movement of the shooter on its deck. This stage was adjudged the most challenging but at the same time, the most fun to shoot.

The second stage, called “Something Else”, consisted of eight static paper targets, with three No-Shoot targets, a drop turner and a swinging target. Sadly for all present, the two moving targets had to be modified and ultimately removed due to the heavy winds that the Timehri Range is known for.

The start position saw

the competitors starting from anyplace outside the fault lines. Competitors thus had to remember to firstly step inside the shooting area before engaging targets and moving through the stage.

The midpoint of the stage required that a window be opened to expose additional targets beyond it.

For this arrangement there were several methods employed to quickly solve the tasks that the stage provided.

The third stage, “Decorating Interrupted”, was a festive stage with lots of Christmas decorations adorning the stage.

The final prop addition of a

Christmas tree was strategically placed by Hopkinson, who seemed eager to usher in Christmas cheer amongst the sounds of guns making ready.

The shooters’ ability to move safely up range or backwards was tested as they had to be cognisant of the 180-degree angle that their firearm muzzle must stay within. This brought out the fancy footwork from some, while others seemed unfazed and resorted to sprinting back and across the width of the stage, engaging targets in the shortest possible time.

Some targets were dubbed as “tricky” as they were positioned behind

screens with windows and no shoot targets on either side of the stage. It was agreed by all the competitors that this stage required the most planning.

The fourth and final stage, “Boom Boom Boom”, had three classic and three steel plates, and was declared a fun way to end the 2015 shooting activities. Shooters were required to retrieve their firearm from on top a drum, load it and then engage the steel targets, then switch to one hand shooting, first the right then, the left or vice versa for left-handers.

Mandatory reloads were required between each segment of shooting.

To make things more complicated, any make up shots on the paper targets could only have been shot after the last string was completed.

Positive comments

Vikash Panday, representing the sponsor company, P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited, located at Lot 35 North and King Streets, Georgetown, was on hand to see some competitors in action, and shared positive comments on the Match and the abilities of the shooters. turn to page 21

WDFA’s Josiah Vita Malt Plus/Rainforest Water KO Cup...

Uitvlugt Warriors, Pouderoyen win on opening night

U

itvlugt Warriors and Pouderoyen recorded wins on Friday evening when the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA) Derick Josiah memorial football competition, sponsored by Vita Malt Plus and Rainforest Water got underway.

Playing at the Den Amstel ground, Uitvlugt Warriors outplayed Bagotsville 4-0 in the opening game, while in the feature encounter, Pouderoyen defeated Eagles FC 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation and extra time.

Uitvlugt Warriors were led to victory by Seon Bobb, who netted a double.

Nathan Allicock netted for Pouderoyen and Jewel Stephen for Eagles FC, but the real hero of the game was Pouderoyen goalkeep-

Officials of Banks DIH and the WDFA pose with the winner’s trophy

er Sherwin Bernard, who saved all the penalty shots thrown at him.

Action in the competition will continue today at the same venue, with Young Achievers playing Stewartville at 06:30h and

Den Amstel facing Beavers two hours later.

Meanwhile, Banks DIH Limited last week renewed its sponsorship of the second annual tournament, played in honour of former Assistant Commissioner of

Police Derick Josiah.

All matches will be played at the Den Amstel ground, except the final, which is slated for the Leonora Track and Field facility on December 27.

The winning team

will cop $500,000 and the championship trophy, with the runner-up receiving $300,000, third place $200,000 and fourth $100,000.

President of the WDFA, Orin Ferrier, said that his Association is teaming up with several organisations in this tournament, including the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of Education’s Region Three Department and Allied Arts.

Nicholas Fraser, head of the Physical Education Department of Allied Arts, said that his department has organised a competition for students who will be tasked with producing a logo for the WDFA. The winner will be announced at the final.

Banks DIH Limited’s Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, presented the

Sherwin Bernard

winner’s trophy to Ferrier during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park Friday.

Also present were Nicholas Fraser, Christine Schmidt, First Vicepresident of the WDFA, and Errol Nelson, the Rainforest Water Brand Manager.

20 Permaul’s 5-25 Australia annihilate West puts Jaguars in Indies in 3 days SCOREBOARD control against Scorpions A sundAY, december 13, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

splendid bowling performance by left-arm spinner Veeresammy Permaul helped Guyana Jaguars to bowl out the Jamaica Scorpions for 146 from 67.5 overs in their first innings.

Playing in round five of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Four-day competition at the famous Sabina Park ground in Kingston, Jamaica, the Jaguars reached 133-3 by stumps on day two to stretch their lead to 176.

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul is not out on 39 and Raymond Reifeir on 12.

Jamaica, starting the day on 63-4, lost their fifth wicket of top scorer Andre McCarthy

(27) leg before to Permaul, who led a total team effort in the bowling department, as Steven Jacobs picked up two wickets and Christopher Barnwell, Reifer and Gudakesh Motie all picked up one wicket apiece.

Permaul, whose figures read 22.5-14-25-5, made life difficult for the batsmen on a pitch offering some turn.

The Scorpions batsmen were found guilty of not forging substantial partnerships in an attempt to overhaul Guyana’s first innings total.

Today’s play sets up and intriguing battle, as if Guyana Jaguars can post a significant lead, they can very well be on their way to a fifth successive win.

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars 1st innings 189 Jamaica Scorpions 1st innings J Campbell c Jacobs b Reifer 0 P Palmer Jr c Reifer b Barnwell 14 D Thomas c Johnson b Permaul 30 A McCarthy lbw b Permaul 27 D Jacobs lbw b Permaul 0 T Lambert lbw b Permaul 18 C Baugh Jr b Jacobs 5 R Powell c Johnson b Permaul 13 N Miller c Sing B Motie 7 S Cottrell lbw Jacobs 8 M Mindley not out 6 Extras (lb-4, w-1, nb-13) 18 Total (all out; 67.5 overs) 146 Fall of wickets 1-0, 2-40, 3-59, 4-63, 5-89, 6-97, 7-118, 8-128, 9-135, 10-146

Bowling: R Reifer 11-3-37-1 (nb2), K Joseph 11-0-42-0 (nb-11), C Barnwell 5-2-10-1 (w-1), V Permaul 22.5-14-25-5, G Motie 11-5-18-1, S Jacobs 7-2-10-2 Guyana Jaguars 2nd innings T Chanderpaul not out 39 A Fudadin lbw Mindley 9 L Johnson c wk Baugh b Jacobs 42 V Singh run out (D Thomas) 17 R Reifer not out 12 Extras (lb-5, nb-9) 14 Total (for 3 wickets; 47 overs) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-83, 3-111 Bowling: S Cottrell 4-0-18-0 (nb-1), M Mindley 9-1-37-1 (nb7), D Jacobs 12-2-25-1 (nb-1), N Miller 6-1-13-0, J Campbell 8-3-16-0, R Powell 8-0-19-0

New Zealand pull away with 308-run lead

SCOREBOARD New Zealand 1st innings 431 Sri Lanka 1st innings 294 New Zealand 2nd innings TWM Latham not out 109 MJ Guptill b Herath 46 KS Williamson b Chameera 71 LRPL Taylor b Herath 15 BB McCullum* not out 17 Extras: (b-3, lb-1, nb-5) 9 Total: (3 wickets dec; 65.4 overs) 267 Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Guptill, 26.2 ov), 2-220 (Williamson, 58.4 ov), 3-247 (Taylor, 63.5 ov) Bowling: RAS Lakmal 13-0-400, AD Mathews 4-1-4-0, PVD Chameera 14-0-61-1 (3-nb), N Pradeep 13-1-52-0 (2-nb), HMRKB Herath 11.4-1-62-2, TAM Siriwardana 8-0-32-0, MDUS Jayasundera 2-0-12-0

S

ri Lanka were dismissed after lunch as New Zealand extended their lead in

Dunedin.

New Zealand finished up day three of their Test against Sri Lanka with a lead of 308 runs and nine wickets in hand on Saturday.

Tom Latham (72) and Kane Williamson (48) were unbeaten as the Black Caps made it to stumps at 171-1 in Dunedin.

Martin Guptill was the only wicket to fall in New Zealand’s second innings, after he was clean bowled

by Rangana Herath just four runs shy of a half-century.

Herath finished with figures of 1-39, as the likes of Suranga Lakmal (0-26), Dushmantha Chameera (0-40), Nuwan Pradeep (0-29) and Milinda Siriwardana (0-28) toiled without luck after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 294 earlier in the day.

The conditions were

J

Kraigg Brathwaite made 94 in the second innings

ames Pattinson took 5-27 as Australia beat the West Indies by an innings and 212 runs in the first Test in Hobart.

Australia wrapped up the victory in three days after dismissing the tourists for 148 in the second innings.

Playing his first Test for 18 months, the Pattinson ran through the fragile Windies top order to secure his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Kraigg Brathwaite was the only visiting batsman to show any resistance at the Bellerive Oval with a patient 94.

Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, and could return to the top of the ICC Test rankings if they complete a 3-0 series win with victories in Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia captain Steve Smith chose to enforce the follow-on after Josh Hazelwood and Peter Siddle took just five overs to take

the West Indies’ remaining three first-innings wickets.

There was time for Darren Bravo, 94 not out overnight, to complete his seventh Test century as West Indies posted a firstinnings total of 223 in response to Australia’s 583-4 declared.

Australia skipper Smith has “no doubt” he will be fit for the second Test in Melbourne starting on 26 December despite suffering discomfort in his knee and hip at Hobart.

Smith will sit out his Big Bash League side Sydney Sixers’ domestic fixtures against Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes after aggravating an injury in his right knee and straining his right hip.

Usman Khawaja could return to the squad after missing the last two Tests with a hamstring injury, but coach Darren Lehmann wants the Sydney Thunder batsman to prove his fitness in the Big Bash first.

Australia 1st innings 583-4 declared West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite lbw b Hazlewood 2 R Chandrika c Smith b Lyon 25 DM Bravo c Lyon b Siddle 108 MN Samuels c & b Lyon 9 J Blackwood c Burns b Lyon 0 D Ramdin† b Hazlewood 8 JO Holder* lbw b Siddle 15 KAJ Roach c †Nevill b Hazlewood 31 JE Taylor b Hazlewood 0 JA Warrican not out 2 ST Gabriel absent hurt Extras: (b-7, lb-10, w-1, nb-5) 23 Total: (all out; 70 overs) 223 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Brathwaite, 8.3 ov), 2-58 (Chandrika, 19.3 ov), 3-78 (Samuels, 25.1 ov), 4-78 (Blackwood, 25.6 ov), 5-89 (Ramdin, 30.2 ov), 6-116 (Holder, 39.3 ov), 7-215 (Roach, 66.5 ov), 8-215 (Taylor, 66.6 ov), 9-223 (Bravo, 69.6 ov) Bowling: JR Hazlewood 185-45-4, JL Pattinson 15-068-0 (5-nb, 1-w), PM Siddle 15-5-36-2, NM Lyon 19-643-3, MR Marsh 3-1-14-0

“Usman’s first got to be fit - if he’s not fit he won’t play, there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann said.

West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel will return home after suffering an ankle injury in the first Test defeat.

Gabriel could not bat in either innings after suffering a stress-related injury to his left ankle late on the opening day on Thursday.

Amid the loom, Windies legend Brian Lara has sug-

West Indies 2nd innings (following-on) KC Brathwaite b Hazlewood 94 R Chandrika c Smith b Pattinson 0 DM Bravo b Pattinson 4 MN Samuels c Warner b Pattinson 3 J Blackwood b Pattinson 0 D Ramdin† c Warner b MR Marsh 4 JO Holder* c †Nevill b Pattinson 17 KAJ Roach c †Nevill b Hazlewood 3 JE Taylor c Pattinson b Hazlewood 12 JA Warrican not out 6 ST Gabriel absent hurt Extras: (lb-1, w-1, nb-3) 5 Total: (all out; 36.3 overs) 148 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Chandrika, 1.3 ov), 2-20 (Bravo, 5.6 ov), 3-24 (Samuels, 7.5 ov), 4-24 (Blackwood, 7.6 ov), 5-30 (Ramdin, 11.1 ov), 6-60 (Holder, 20.2 ov), 7-91 (Roach, 30.5 ov), 8-117 (Taylor, 34.4 ov), 9-148 (Brathwaite, 36.3 ov) Bowling: JR Hazlewood 10.33-33-3, JL Pattinson 8-2-27-5 (2-nb, 1-w), PM Siddle 7-134-0, MR Marsh 7-0-36-1 (1-nb), NM Lyon 4-0-17-0

gested that could be tempted by a role on the West Indies coaching team.

Lara, 46, who has been playing festival cricket in Western Australia this week, told former Australia spinner Shane Warne on Twitter that he would be willing to help out coach Phil Simmons and his team.

Lara scored 11,953 Test runs in 131 Tests for the West Indies between 1990 and 2006. (BBC Sport)

CGI Local Franchise League 50-over cricket…

Wins for NA/Canje, East Coast, Upper Corentyne and Georgetown

A

s the action in the Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) Local Franchise League 50-over competition continued on Saturday, table toppers Lower Corentyne/NA/ Canjie continued their unbeaten form with a fifth straight win.

A Raun Johnson’s fivewicket haul was the architect of the win. Also picking up five-wicket hauls were Clinton Pestano, Ershad Ali and Kevin Jawahir. There were also wins were East Coast, Upper Corentyne and Georgetown. Below are the summarised scores from the games.

At Everest: Lower Corentyne/NA/Canje de-

substantially different to the opening two days at University Oval, with New Zealand’s fast bowlers using the conditions to full effect earlier on Saturday.

Tim Southee (3-71) dismissed the overnight bats-

feated West Demerara by eight wickets. West Demerara 81 all out from

33.1 overs (Raun Johnson 5-24, Devon Clements 2-14, Romario Shepherd 2-17, Richie Looknauth 19*, Safraz Esau 18).

Lower Corentyne/NA/ Canje 82-2 from 10.3 (Joemal La Fleur 52*, Richie Looknauth2-27).

At Enmore: East Coast Demerara defeated Essiquibo by seven wickets. Essequibo 56 all out from 22 overs (Ricardo Adams 13, Amir Khan 4-6, Paul Wintz 3-15) East Coast Demerara 57-3 in 20.3 overs Steve Ramdass 19*).

At Port Mourant: Upper Corentyne defeated East Bank Demerara by 100 runs. Upper Corentyne 199 all out

from 46 overs (Jonathan Foo 54, Jason Sinclair 48, Clinton Pestano 34, Rajiv Ivan 21, Ershad Ali 5-43, Quincy Grimmond 3-21) East Bank Demerara 99 all out in 26.2 overs (Ershad Ali 24, Colin Benn 23, Clinton Pestano 5-34, Shawn Pereira 2-12, Keon Sinclair 2-27).

At Bush Lot: Georgetown defeated West Berbice by three wickets. West Berbice 136-9 off a reduced 25 overs due to rain (Brentnol Woolford 52, Devon Lord 2-21, Andre Stoll 2-31) Georgetown 138-7 in 24.1 overs (Kellon Carmichael 45, David Dick 27, Shemroy Barrington 20, Kevin Jawahir 5-22).

men in the first three overs before Neil Wagner (3-87) joined in on the party to close Sri Lanka’s innings.

Resuming at 197-4, Dinesh Chandimal had batted a respectable 83 on the second day but the first

ball he faced on the third was too good from Southee, with Guptill diving across first slip to catch the edge.

Siriwardana (35) and Rangana Herath (43) lifted the Sri Lankan’s before both were bowled by

Wagner.

Sri Lanka’s lower order were no push-overs, with the tourists eventually dismissed in 117.1 overs, having added 97 runs for six wickets on the third day.

Raun Johnson

(Digicel Sportsmax)

YELLOW PAGES

Sports

sunday, december 13, 2015

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Britney Mack takes Commonwealth Powerlifting by storm

T

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21

Britney Mack proudly displays her Commonwealth medals won recently

cial media platforms, but that is certainly not the case with young Britney Mack.

At the tender age of 16, Mack already has the distinction of being Guyana’s youngest ever female powerlifter.

In just her first year

of competition under the watchful eyes of coach/father Osmond Mack, himself a 2014 Caribbean gold medalist, Britney has taken the region by the storm in the Under-18, 52kg female category.

Competing at the Commonwealth P o w e r l i f t i n g Championship last week in Canada, Britney copped an astonishing four gold medals in a total haul of 27 golds for Guyana.

She had a total lift of 257.5kg, comprising leading weights in the different classes. In the squat, she amassed 110kg, while in the bench press and dead lift, she lifted 45kg and 102.5kg respectively.

Britney how has her eyes set on the Caribbean Championships in 2016 in Mexico, with ultimate goal of medalling at the World Championships in 2018.

The medal haul at the Commonwealth Championship is now

Britney Mack in action during the Commonwealth Championships last week

part of a growing bunch of medals young Britney has won in her short career so far.

Locally, she is the current national record holder for the three lifts in the sub-junior category, while she is a gold medallist at the Clash of Champions Junior and Sub-Junior, and the National Novices Junior and Sub-Junior.

She also copped silver in the Clash of Champions Open and the

Sammy Barker Memorial Raw Championship Open, while she was voted best female lifter overall at the National Novices.

On the international stage, Britney has won three gold medals at the Pan American Championships SubJunior category, while she has won bronze at the Pan American Open and the South American Open.

Fireworks expected as GFA/Banks Beer tourney kicks off tonight

By Akeem Greene

T

he Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, is set to come alive as the fifth annual Banks Beer Knockout football tournament organised by the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) will take centre stage from 18:30h today.

With a top prize of $2 million dollars up for grabs, fans can expect fierce competition and hopefully a barrage of goals.

Some football pundits have touted Western Tigers

FC as a major front-runner, but they will have to get past Hope FC in their opening game. In what might be considered a major crowd attraction, the Guyana Police Force footballers, who have been missing from Georgetown football for some time, come up against East Veldt United in the second fixture for the evening.

At the launch, Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo Hen spoke of the fact that “it is football fever right now” and with the tremendous crowd support

GSSF conclude...

In the Production Division, Rajiv Latchana used his experience gained from taking part overseas in the recent IPSC Level III Suriname Open 2015 to put up some good runs, challenging Division favourite Ryan McKinnon, who finished albeit having an injured trigger finger.

Newcomer Surujbali Persaud shot a steady match to gain the third prize. Returning to the practical shooting arena after many years was Andrew Phang, who declared the stages as fun and that he looks forward to the next match.

For the Limited Division, it was a battle of experience and speed, since accuracy was the common ground for all the shooters. Harold Hopkinson traded places with Vidushi Persaud,

the tournament has had in the past, another successful year seems in the making despite none of the elite teams participating.

The teams are Western Tiger FC, Hope FC, East Veldt FC, Guyana Police Force FC, New Amsterdam United, Black Water FC, Rosignal FC, Cougars FC, Santos FC, Riddim Squad, Black Pearl FC, Houston Stars FC, Beacon FC, Flamingo FC, Sunburst Campton FC and Northern Rangers FC. Games will be played at Police Sports Club,

Eve Leary, Number Five ground West Coast Berbice, Guyana Defence Force Ground and Georgetown Football Club ground.

The usual January 1 final is tentatively slated to be played at the National Stadium, Providence.

In addition to the first place prize of $2 million, second place will pocket $1 million. Third place will walk away with $500,000, while fourth will receive $250,000. Entrance fee to the ground is $500 for adults and children under 14 will be admitted free.

for that competitor, the result of which is termed a Hit Factor (HF). The highest HF will win that stage.

Ultimately, a balance of short times and accurate shooting is required.

P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited branded match plaques for the overall winners in the Limited Division, while Production Division prizes were presented by Vidushi Persaud.

“Our local practical pistol aces then ushered in the festive season and shared Christmas cheer in typical Guyanese fashion, enjoying some homemade sorrel drink with some black cake as they called it a wrap at the last pistol shooting event for the GSSF’s 2015 calendar year,” a release from the GSSF recounted.

It added, “The Board of

Directors wishes to commend the Match Director, Range Master, Stats Officer, Range Officers and the shooters for ensuring an efficient event. Special thanks also to Brigadier Mark Phillips, the Guyana Defence Force, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, Commander of A Division Clifton Hicken, the ranks of TSU and the Guyana Police Force, Tulsi Ramnarine, the media and GSSF members for their support in promoting sport shooting amongst all Guyanese.”

Sincere thanks were also extended to CEO, Bishwa Panday, of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited.

from page 19

David Dharry and Pravesh Harry.

Newbie Roberto Tewari was the only shooter of the day to shoot a “possible” or “clean one” in the match. Tewari shot all Alphas in a rarely seen feat in local practical shooting.

However, it was the speed of Azaad Hassan, who cut his own racing line to overtake the jostling group for first place.

Scoring system

Scoring for practical shooting is done by recording the competitors’ time with an electronic device, which “hears” the shots and records the time from the audible beep, which signals the start to the sound of the last shot fired. The targets are then scored and the total score gained is divided by the time recorded

22

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, december 13, 2015

Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket…

Saraswat Primary crowned WCD zone champions

UDFA/GT Beer football kicks off today

A

good all-round effort by captain Vishal Persaud led Saraswat Primary to victory over Cornelia Ida Primary to emerge as champions of the West Coast Demerara zone of the Guyana Cricket Board/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket.

The match was played at Zeeburg ground. Cornelia Ida Primary batted first and was restricted to 91-7 in their 14 overs. Jodesh Dookie top scored with 23, which included one four and a solitary six. Bowling for Saraswat Primary, skipper Persaud claimed two wickets.

Defending a low total, Cornelia Ida never gave up hope of winning as they jubilantly celebrated each wicket to fall. However, Persaud held his nerve to score a composed 28s which led his team to victory. His innings included one four and two

Officials of the UDFA, Banks DIH Limited and players at the official launch of the UDFA/GT Beer Knockout Cup

D

Saraswat Primary’s captain Vishaul Persaud, in the company of his teammates, receives the winner’s trophy

sixes. Saraswat Primary finished on 95-5, winning the game in the 12th over.

Sameer Zaman had 1-1, bowling for Cornelia Ida Primary.

efending champions Winners Connection will join 13 other teams as the third annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)/GT Beer Knockout Football Cup kicks off today at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden.

The tournament will get cracking with an official ceremony and march past of the competing teams to be attended by Region 10 Chairman Rennis

Morrian, newly-elected President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters.

The teams are Winners Connection, Silver Shattas, Blueberry Hill United, Eagles United, Hi-Stars, Netrockers, Amelia’s Ward Panthers, Botofago, Milerock, Kwakwani Strikers, Retrieve Lions, Topp XX, Vasco and Trainline.

Strikers will do battle with Lions in the opening match of a double-header card at 18:30h to be followed

by Vasco versus Trainline in the feature encounter of the evening.

Two more matches will be played on December 18, with games also carded for December 20, 26, 27 and 30, leading up to the grand fi-

nal on January 1, 2016. All matches will be played at the MSC ground.

The winning team will receive $800,000 and the GT Beer Trophy, with the runner-up taking home $500,000 and a trophy.

Third place will secure $300,000 and trophy, while the fourth place finisher will capture $200,000.

There will also be prizes for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goalscorer, Best goalkeeper, Most Disciplined team, Best Defender and Best Coach.

Meanwhile, the tournament had an official launch on Thursday at the Egbert Benjamin Centre in Mackenzie.

There were remarks by UDFA’s President Sharma Solomon and Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager, Troy Peters.

GCB/BANKS DIH/DIGICEL NSSCL…

Uitvlugt Secondary boys top WCD zone

U

The Uitvlugt Secondary school boys pose with the trophy

itvlugt Secondary defeated Leonora Secondary to win the West Coast Demerara zone of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH Limited’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water, along with Digicel.

Playing at the Zeeburg ground, Leonora Secondary, batting first after being inserted by Uitvlugt Secondary, was bundled out for just 94 in 25 overs.

Sachin Basdeo was the main contributor with 31. His

knock included two fours and one six. Doing the damage with the ball for Uitvlugt Secondary was Reaz Khan, who took wickets consistently for his team. He finished with 4-16 off six overs, while Reidell Redddy supported well with 3-12.

Uitvlugt Secondary successfully chased their target with four wickets in hand and nine overs to spare.

Leading the chase was Dodi Oselmo with 23, while Chandrapaul Mohabir supported with 21. Bowling for Leonora Secondary, Moen Khan took 3-22.

sundAY, december 13, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Smalta Pee Wee U-11 football…

St Stephen’s girls are new champions

By Treiston Joseph

A

thrilling and endearing final saw St Stephen’s Primary topping last year’s champions Stella Maris Primary to be crowned new champions of the Smalta/Ministry of Public Health’s Pee Wee Girls championships on Saturday at the Guyana National Service (GNS) ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The tournament, which was organised by the Petra Organisation, saw a repeat of last year’s final, this time with St Stephens coming out victorious via a 3-1 penalty kicks win after regulation time ended nil-all.

The action was fast paced as both teams exchanged possession of the football frequently that hampered any significant offensive build-up for two squads who are known to give their all.

Part of the action during the final between St Stephen’s and Stella Maris on Saturday

Nevertheless, with neither of the squads being able to threaten the other’s goal, not even eight min-

utes of extra time could separate the two squads that played a tad physical during the game. Two cru-

cial misses by Stella Maris from the penalty spot would cause them to go down to the same side they lost to

last year in a thrilling finale.

Meanwhile, in the third place game, Lenisha John scored on the stroke of extra time in the 36th minute for South Ruimveldt to send the game to penalty after a Shaquanna Drakes’ goal in the 33rd minute put North Georgetown ahead.

North Georgetown would go onto win 3-2 on penalty kicks to secure third place.

At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the final, Secretary of the National Women’s Football Association, Andrea Hall, noted that the “potential” of the girls is great, while she pointed out that she can picture some of the girls being “future Lady Jags.”

Smalta Brand Manager, Anjeta Hinds, who congratulated Petra Organisation for its exceptional work, encouraged all stakeholders to keep supporting the young

ladies.

“I want to encourage everyone to get onboard and give the young ladies the support to help them progress in the sport,” Hinds noted.

While Lavern FraserThomas of the National Sports Commission (NSC) stressed the importance of having a girls’ football programme in schools and called it a “victory”, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, thanked all sponsors, as well as encouraged the young females to put the same effort as they displayed on the field into their class work in order to progress with their studies.

Mendonca also revealed that the Petra Organisation will be aiming to host an Under-13 Girls tournament in order to provide continuity for the current crop of young ladies.

GTT/GRFU 10’s rugby…

GDF’s loss aids Hornets in retaining title der to win the championship, were unable to do so, as they fell 12-17 to the Wolves. The loss saw GDF ending the tournament on

test that saw both sides going hard at each other from the onset.

Joshua Griffith, who is also the President of UG’s

scored a conversion to aid the victory cause.

Tryton Braithwaite and Patrick King scored a try each for the GDF men,

The Hornets players celebrate their win after the final on Saturday

By Treiston Joseph

T

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) loss in their final playoff match to the University of Guyana (UG) Wolves allowed the Pepsi Hornets to retain the (GTT)/ Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) 10’s title on Saturday at the National

Park rugby ground.

The Pepsi Hornets won their playoff match against the Yamaha Caribs 22-0 to go ahead on 15 points after trailing GDF earlier in the week by two points.

Hornets played with a chip on their shoulders and delivered the goods in crunch time against a Caribs side that missed

their assignments on defence, while being unable to find any offensive fluidity.

Rickford Cummings scored two tries and a conversion for Hornets, while Blaze Bailey and Troy Bascom scored a try each in the lopsided win.

Meanwhile, GDF, needing to defeat UG in or-

Part of the action during the GDF/UG Wolves playoff

13 points for second.

However, the game between GDF and UG was definitely a physical con-

Student Society, two tries, while McArthur scored as well. Godfrey

scored Rondell a try Brooms

while Dwayne Schroeder scored a conversion in the loss.

sundAY, December 13, 2015

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Smalta Pee Wee U-11 football…

St Stephen’s girls are new champions Page 23

The St Stephen’s players receive the winner’s trophy from Ansa McAl’s Anjeta Hinds in the presence of Petra Organisation officials

Permaul’s 5-25 puts Jaguars in control against Scorpions Page 20

Veerasammy Permaul is all smiles as he celebrates another wicket

Australia annihilate West Indies in 3 days Page 20

James Pattinson marked his return to international cricket with a five-wicket haul

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