Guyana Times Daily - December 5, 2015

Delayed audit raises more questions

saturday, december 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 5, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, December 5 – 13:30h-15:00h and Sunday, December 6 – 14:00h-15:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, December 5 – 12:40h-14:10h and Sunday, December 6 – 13:20h-14:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

at each scheduled

tide.

Inauguration spending…

Delayed audit raises more questions

… claims $18.7M were all 'donations'

After months of prodding by the Opposition, the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government finally broke its silence about monies spent for its grand inauguration earlier this year, in what can be described as a mysterious audit report. However, the figure provided has left much to be desired.

A report submitted by Nigel Hinds Financial Services; a local accounting firm, states that the coalition, which took office following its victory at the Regional and General Elections in May of this year, utilised a total expense of some G$18 million. The money spent accounts for activities held between the period May 20 to June 5, 2015.

A breakdown of the monies spent showed the bulk of it came from donations. However, the total expenses which amounts to $18,732,329 added to a surplus of $467,671, gives a total of some $19,200,000. The report breaks down, as the “application of funds”, the following: advertising amounted to $665,000; meals and entertainment $8,426,511; cleaning and sanitation $4,650,720; contractor fees amounted to $288,500; professional fees at $660,000 and rental expense at $4,041,598.

But eyebrows have already begun rising, with critics agreeing that Government may not be telling the whole truth after all. The contention is that giving the massive activities, there is absolutely no way that that small amount of money could suffice for the elaborate display.

Government has continuously denied that its flamboyant inauguration was paid for by monies from the public coffers, and has maintained that it was actually realised from supporters through donations. This has caused much rambling in the National Assembly,

when the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) pressed overtime for accountability in this regard.

Citing a need for transparency, the PPP/C had asked that Government provide a detailed list of all costs incurred and donations received in relation to, and in preparation for, all of the presidential inauguration events; the ceremonies at the Providence National Stadium and the Independence Arch; and the cocktail reception at the Pegasus Hotel. The Party had also asked that the cost for the clean-up campaigns that preceded those events be made available.

It requested too that Government indicate the source of funding for these

activities, as well as provide a detailed list of all contributors and donors to these events and the nature and value of the contribution made (contributions received in kind and work done without charge).

Also, in relation to the donations, the Opposition demanded that Government submit reports detailing the process undertaken to ensure accountability for all donations, including a list of persons authorised to receive the donations and their designation in Government. In addition, the Party had asked that Government provide copies of all official Government receipts issued for the said donations.

Since the extravagant

event, which saw the National Stadium filled with party supporters, Government had stonewalled the information on every encounter, dismissing reporters whenever they made inquiries into the matter.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had told media operatives that most of the expenses were covered by “donations” and that the State made little contributions.

On the final day of the consideration of the Budget Estimates in August, Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry succumbed to pressure from the PPP/C Members of Parliament (MPs) and belatedly conceded that millions of dollars were indeed expended on this event.

President David Granger inspects the Guard of Honour at his inauguration in May

Editor(ag): 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

Suicide strategy

Guyana recently launched its National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2015-2020 with the aim of reducing the incidence of attempted suicide and suicide in Guyana by 20 per cent over the next five years.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guyana has the highest estimated suicide rate in the world and as such the aim of the Prevention Strategy is to begin the process of reaching out to Guyanese to reduce the risk of suicide in key high risk groups by comprehensively addressing common risk factors. But even as we seek to reach out to persons in society, our citizens are obviously depressed and taking their lives.

The WHO statistics show that in Guyana there were 272 suicide cases in a 30-month period. For the first six months of 2015, the Guyana Police Force recorded some 46 reports of suicide.

A quick perusal of media reports show that within recent weeks that number has risen with persons dying at their own hands. These included the couple who were found dead on the seawall, the two young ladies that took the plunge of death from the Kaieteur Falls, the 14-year-old boy from Rose Hall Town, Berbice, veteran Guyanese pilot who hung himself, and most recently a school teacher from Bartica Secondary School.

Media reports in mid-November highlighted that a number of students from schools in Bartica attempted suicide. One of the notable ones was a student who attempted to end her life by swallowing sharp fragments of a broken enamel plate.

Following that incident, Health Minister Dr George Norton said that over the years, numerous incidents have emerged where students living in the dormitories (at Seventh Avenue Secondary School and at the Three Miles Secondary School) have manifested certain behavioural tendencies to inflict selfharm, some with the intention of committing suicide.

The Minister said the Health Ministry will be working in close collaboration with other entities to implement various measures in an attempt to address the situation and prevent similar incidents from occurring. But even as the Health Ministry attempts to do this a teacher living in the dormitory has taken his life.

It is time we accelerate the implementation of our National Suicide Prevention Strategy. The Prevention Strategy seeks to enable the health sector to identify depression early and to help with prompt and effective treatment of this illness.

This plan is incorporated in the National Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 that would see access to proper mental health care. Already, it was announced that the Mental Health Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GHP) is fully operationalised.

According to the Prevention Strategy 63.7 per cent of suicide cases are related to the accessibility of lethal substances, such as herbicides and pesticides. Another aim of the Prevention Strategy is to actively involve the community to find locally feasible ways to implement interventions at the community level to reduce access to means of suicide.

There is no doubt that suicide is highly preventable and as such there is obviously a need to have a national conversation on this issue. Recently, The Caribbean Voice (TCV), a nongovernmental organisation that has been making headway in tackling the scourge of suicide, has urged the Education Ministry to identify all teachers who possess some level of social work or mental health training to utilise this as an interim measure, while more extensive training is provided.

The group shared also that every community needs trained eyes and ears for proactive action and the Gatekeepers’ Programme is the best vehicle to bring about this reality.

It is time indeed that as a nation we seek to revamp our Gatekeeper’s Programme in the interim even as we accelerate our National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Our people are taking their lives for a number of reasons and it is time we act to help those who seem to feel there is no hope for them.

Standing by my decision to send GRO Head on leave

Dear Editor

I refer to an article published on page 3 of your newspaper of Tuesday 1st December, 2015 under the caption ‘Felix sends GRO’s Heads on leave’.

The PPP, through its General Secretary, seems inclined to be an advocate of the Registrar General who has been sent on leave for administrative reasons. It seems that the idea being posited is that she has been wronged by this administration.

Let me say from the outset that employees at all levels in the Public Service structure are subjected to its rules and regulations. The General Registrar reports to the subject Minister and is expected to follow instruction from the same. There is a reason these structures are in place: to ensure the smooth functioning of our complex bureaucratic system. Without them chaos is the likely result, and our duties would be stymied with no clear line of communication.

In this particular instance it was the Registrar General who raised an issue with the Minister and he instructed her not to proceed in the direction she outlined. She was directed on the course of action to follow. This Officer then acted contrary to his instructions and as consequence she was sent on leave for the purpose of investigating whether she was in contravention of her contracted role.

It is not the purpose of this Department of Citizenship to manipulate the voters’ list as Rohee so mendaciously declares, but to “develop to its fullest potential, Guyana’s Registration and Immigration Service” quoting from Budget speech in the National Assembly on Monday 17th August, 2015. This includes ensuring that every citizen is born in this country is registered appropriately, and that every death is also registered.

Unfortunately, it seems, the latest administration did not deem this to be priori-

ty and there were several instances found of persons being registered multiple times under different names. I find it manipulative and duplicitous to suggest that what seems to have been your modus operandi you should now suggest to be this administration’s way of doing business. We would not countenance any suggestion that our intentions are anything but that which admits to the fullest scrutiny. Please let this administration do the job which you flagrantly failed to perform in all of your 23 years.

In reference again to the matter of the Registrar General, Rohee’s reference to her “competence and worth” must be viewed through the prism of flawless character and integrity that represents the construct of any public servant committed to the process of representation of our people. I would also the question how this woman of ‘competence and worth’ would have acquired her position. Was the vacancy pub-

licised, were there other applicants to compete for the position and was she the most qualified applicant? There is more to the mortar than the pestle. I will ask what circumstances would have given this woman the position in which she sits now. I prefer to let sleeping dogs lie. What I will not accept is the PPP/C attacking my character or my role as Minister of Citizenship. I have always been forthright and will not countenance anyone maligning my integrity. I have never contravened the attitudes of good behaviour in the discharge of my public office and I am willing to be subject to any scrutiny in this regard.

I trust that the PPP/C will see it fit to take the stick out their own eyes before they try to look into mine.

Winston Felix, DSM, MP Minister of Citizenship

Senior Police Officers treat junior ranks

Over 300 young men and women currently undergoing training at the Felix Austin Police College (FAPC) were treated to a special lunch served by senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

The traditional Christmas luncheon for recruits of FAPC was held on Friday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Some 369 recruits were served a sumptuous lunch by senior officers of the Force, headed by acting Police Commissioner Balram Persaud, and staff of the FAPC.

Following the lunch, the recruits put on an entertaining cultural show that included singing, dancing, poetry and skits.

The occasion was graced with the presence of three former Police Force Training Officers – retired Assistant Commissioners Vesta Adams, David George, and Clinton Conway. This activity is part of the Force’s Christmas celebrations. Similar luncheons will be held at the various Police divisions.

Doris Lewis, proprietor of John Lewis Styles, Shoe Source and the Gift Centre, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the development of the business environment in Guyana when the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Pegasus on Thursday evening

Acting Police Commissioner Balram Persaud serving lunch to the recruits

Do not allow racism in politics Minibus operators are not above the law

Dear Editor,

We claimed to be free from colonialism and that we are an independent country, but every day and in every way, we still demonstrate the politics and economics of colonial influences. Even when these behaviours are destroying ourselves, we seem to be blind to it. It is because this form of colonialism is rooted in our psychology and it sinks deeper into our psyche with every new generation.

Now here we are, divided down the line of race, like the first day the British instigated this evil into our politics and made it a tool of political and economic destruction for us and success for them.

We the people have played a major role in keeping this country’s politics racially divided. We quickly drink the soup of racial rhetoric that politicians hurl at us and when we vote, we give them the opportunity to keep us divided and Guyana deprived of its true potential. Apart from “crab in a barrel” politics, political racism has been the most destructive element in Guyana. Race is also the main reason why politics have be-

come so closely linked to our daily lives.

The people have never been able to rid itself of the seemingly never-ending cycle of divide and conquer strategy that infiltrated our beloved Guyana from the minds of those colonials. A truth we must face is that my brothers and sisters must quickly understand that they must vote for ideas, actions and good deeds that benefit the country as whole.

The supporters of APNU/AFC/PPP have to realise that their vision of “gang warfare” politics along racial lines is not the solution. Instead we have to understand that everyone, whether you are PPP/C or APNU/AFC, have to continue to be vigilant and extremely active in all aspect of our political affairs. The point here is that it has never fully been about race, more than it is about political power and wealth for the leaders and their backers.

The real division in Guyana is and has always been about concentration of wealth and power among a few (Indo-Guyanese or Afro-Guyanese) by keeping the majority in want and need. Racism has al-

ways been used as a tool and the people have always been used as the weapon.

The people will have to determine their political future and not leave it up to only politicians to make that decision. Like every other country in the world, Guyana has lobbyist and interest groups and they are not fighting for the people. We have to understand and define corruption at the systemic, international and national levels.

Guyana is starved of new ideas and perspective in our politics and criticism is one of the best ways to inject new ideas and thought. If we continue to suppress the critics, then we are directly suppressing ourselves and the country.

We must learn to embrace the power of independent thinking, remove fear and stereo type, and see your countrymen and women for their ideas and skills and not the colour of their skin or texture of their hair. We must understand that racial politics will exist as long as we allow it.

Malcolm Watkins, CSCP

Dear Editor,

Having traversed over 90 per cent of the major and intermediate roads in this country, including the hinterland over the years, I have grown accustomed to witnessing the rude, disrespectful and uncouth manner in which passengers are subjected to when there is no alternative than to use minibuses.

Some minibus drivers feel that they are high and mighty and passengers must tow the line of their authority. They could overload their buses; blast their music in a deafening decibel, and choose their passengers. When reports are made to the police and actions are taken the passengers are targeted and are often left stranded. This is the drivers’ way of getting back to maintain their status quo.

Some young drivers move off before passengers are properly seated whereas others show no regards for pedestrian crossings. Where are we going? Stricter enforcement of the Law is urgently required. With the road carnage on the increase solutions to these issues would help to remedy the prevalence of speeding (passengers are ignored when requests are made to drivers to go light on the speedometer)

On numerous occasions the ride on some of the minibuses are worst and rougher than travelling from Mabura to Kurupukari, when that trail is at its worst. Are some of these vehicles road worthy?

I am of the opinion that those in the passenger’s transportation sectors should be given regu-

lar training on Customer Services and minibus drivers’ licences should only be renewed after undergoing training on Courtesy and Service Provision.

There are many committed drivers who take the passengers interest as a serious matter and are courteous and helpful but within that midst are a few who feel that for a” few dollars more” life doesn’t mean anything. The Police on the West Demerara have a lot of work to do.

Lastly the various minibus associations and bodies should not only advocate for price increases when the fuel prices shoot up but have regular discussions with those they represent on the services they provide and ways to improve same.

Jagnarine Somwar

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

Page Foundation

Myth busted: No one knows your child better than you

One of Walton’s favourite parenting tools is to allow children to be children. She recalls a neighbour telling her, when her boys were young, that she needed to exert more control over them. She opted not to take this advice, because she enjoyed her time with her sons. She thought it was fun to let them be who they were, instead of trying to force them into certain behaviours to please those outside her family.

Walton said new parents are barraged constantly with advice from their family, friends, paediatrician, neighbours, and even strangers. But, no matter what others may claim, the real parenting expert for your child and in your family is you. And parents do best to only embrace the parenting tools and philosophies that they find are best for their individual family. For example, parents who co-sleep with their children shouldn’t do it because a book said to and shouldn’t stop doing it because they saw a television ad that said so. Each family should be co-sleeping or not because that is what they have found works best for their family.

In another example, it is Walton’s belief that parents cannot love their child too much. Others criticise this parenting approach, saying that they will spoil

their children. Walton said they can spoil their children by teaching them that love equals material possessions, rather than being derived from emotionally healthy relationships. This parenting approach works for Walton, and no one’s criticism, or approval, weighs as much as on

friends with their children stems from the image of a parent buying alcoholic beverages for their underage teens and perhaps even partying with them. What Walton is meaning is that parents need to give of their time to be with their children and, as was the

(CONTINUED frOm frIDay)

For example, Walton said her sons used to tell dirty jokes around her, so she talked to them about her concerns. Walton didn’t let her children do all that they wanted, as it was affecting her sense of balance. Motherhood martyrdom eventually breeds resentment.

enting approach as what Walton sees working for her children.

Myth busted: You can be friends with your children

Many parents don’t like the thought of being friends with their children, because they connect that idea with an image of overly permissiveness. We know that children need discipline. They need boundaries.

Children also need parents who care and who are willing to listen when they talk about the joys and challenges of their day. The myth that parents can’t be

Parenting Month, to give presence instead of presents.

Being friends with your children doesn’t mean that parents give up striving for personal and family life or not setting and maintaining boundaries and limits for their children’s behaviours, as outlined by the Attachment Parenting International’s Eight Principles of Parenting. Parents still need to maintain their self-respect by keeping their parenting approach family-centred rather than child-centred, and parents must remember that discipline is a vital parenting tool.

BY DR LAURA MARKHAM

Staying calm when our child hurts us is almost impossible.

“NOOOOO!!! That’s not fair!! I hate you!!!”

The price families pay for myths

Too many families are stuck living according to these and other myths about parenting and child behaviour. They’re trapped by their expectations that children should “act their age” and fears of spoiling their children, Walton said. They cannot truly enjoy parenthood and family life.

“What it can cost is that freedom to create the family we aspire to,” Walton said. And it can cost the child’s development of creativity, emotional regulation and ability to healthily attach to others, and other life skills. Walton calls on parents to bust the myths that constrict their family life – to break free of the bonds of fear and expectations, so that they can experience fulfilment in their parenting roles and reap the rewards of a close, connected family: “When we let go of these myths, it creates so much freedom.” (www. charlotteobserver.com)

Pain sends us immediately into our lower brain stem, which governs the “fight or flight” impulse, and our child immediately looks like the enemy. That automatically drops us onto “the low road” of parenting. You know the low road. It’s when you snarl at your child through clenched teeth, or start screaming, or become physically rough. When you lose all access to reason and feel justified in having your own little tantrum.

What should you do when your child hurts you?

In that moment, nothing. Any action you take with your child from that state will have results that aren’t good for either of you. You will almost certainly perpetuate a cycle that includes physical violence. That doesn’t mean you don’t set clear limits. You actually have a lot of power to prevent this situation from recurring. It’s just that you need to regulate your own emotions before you can help your child regulate his.

Children learn to regulate their strong emotions when we:

Accept all feelings.

• Set firm, clear limits on actions.

Regulate our own emotions.

Let’s look at this in action:

Six-year-old Adrian hurls himself at his mother, scratching and clawing.

Mom sidesteps, but not fast enough. Her arm has a long, nasty, red streak. She shrieks, in pain and outrage. She takes a deep breath, says

“OOOWWW! That hurts!! I need to take care of myself right now. I will talk with you after I calm down. Until then, I expect you to be on your best behaviour.” She goes into the bathroom and shuts the door. (If the child has abandonment issues or is younger than five, she does not shut the door.)

Mom does NOT use the time in the bathroom to review all the reasons her child is an ungrateful, mean brat who is on track to becoming an axe murderer. Instead, she tenderly washes her arm to calm the wounded child inside her who wants revenge. She breathes deeply. She reminds herself that her child is having a hard time regulating his emotions, and that HER ability to stay calm is a critical factor in his learning this skill. She reminds herself that what she wants is a child who WANTS to control his anger and has the emotional intelligence to do it. That means punishment actually won’t help here. Instead, he needs to reconnect with her and to get some help managing his emotions. By the time Mom comes out of the bathroom five minutes later, she has shifted herself onto the High Road of parenting. You know what the high road is – when you’re seeing things from your child’s perspective so you can respond to him with patience and understanding.

Mom goes over to her son and gets down on his level. (This reduces his fear so he’s less likely to lash out.)

“That really hurt me. I know you were angry. But I won’t let you hurt me. People are NOT for hitting.” Adrian: “But it’s not fair. I NEED to go to Jake’s house. You said I could, yesterday.” (Notice that Adrian is ignoring the fact that he hit her. Mom realises that until she helps him with these feelings, he won’t be able to absorb the lesson she wants to teach about hitting.)

Mom: “Yes, I did. I see why you’re so disappointed. But things have changed now, because Grandma needs us to come spend the night with her. I won’t be able to come back to pick you up at Jake’s. I’m so sorry. I know you were looking forward to it.” (www.ahaparenting.com)

Guyana Goldfields cops GCCI’s large Business of the Year Award

– as Business Minister hopeful economy will rebound

Canadian mining company Guyana Goldfields was honoured with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Business of the Year Award (Large Category) in recognition of its demonstration of good overall performance in the areas of financial growth, customer satisfaction, internal processes improvements, employees’ relations, development and corporate citizenship.

The Award was handed over at GCCI’s Annual Dinner and Award gala at Pegasus Hotel on Thursday evening in the presence of government officials, the diplomatic community and other distinguished guests.

Other businesses were recognised and awarded for their invaluable contribution to the growth of the Guyanese economy:

Doris Lewis, proprietor of John Lewis Styles, Shoe Source and the Gift Centre, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the development of the business environment in Guyana.

The Bank of Nova Scotia was recognised was duly awarded the Corporate Citizenship Award in recognition of its dem onstration of ethical leadership, good corporate governance and community investment.

Eureka Medical Labs copped the Innovation Award for recorded breakthrough achievements in technology, processes, marketing campaigns and development that have impacted positively on the quality of products, services, customer satisfaction, process efficiencies, employee satisfaction, and company image.

Qualfon won the President’s Award for effectively facilitating the work of the business community by exhibiting the highest standard of service.

Clairmont Cummings, managing director of Gravity was awarded the Young Business Executive Award in recognition of his demonstration of ambition, skill, vision and tangible business success under the age of forty.

Umami won the Business of the Year Award (small category) also in recognition of its demonstration of good overall performance in the areas of financial growth, customer satisfaction, internal processes improvements, employees’ relations, development and corporate citizenship.

And lastly, Stabroek News won the Media Award for its outstanding media coverage of the work of the GCCI and the business community.

GCCI President Lance Hinds noted that the annual awards ceremony is to recognise and honour those companies which pushed ahead and achieved great successes even in troubling times.

Further, he spoke about Guyana becoming an “economic tiger” as he urged all stakeholders (public and private) to accept their responsibility to ensure the promise of a bright future becomes a reality. He encouraged support for the growth of small businesses and the continuous growth and expansion of established companies: “Let us rededicate ourselves to being the best private sector.”

Meanwhile, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin during his feature address conceded that it has indeed been a challenging year for businesses owing to a global drop in commodity prices which ultimately negatively impacted the lucrative sectors that usually contribute significantly to the local economy.

He noted that almost all of Guyana’s economic sectors suffered tremendously, from the mining industry to the agricultural sector, small retail operations and the energy sector.

Nonetheless, the Minister was certain the economy will rebound. He noted that government has committed itself towards creating a competitive atmosphere for local and foreign investment and in that regard he urged businesses to make the necessary investment.

The Minister revealed that government will be moving towards developing an improved transportation network that will allow a more efficient and affordable method to transport people and goods. This he noted will allow easier access into the mining communities and pave way for cheaper transport of agricultural produce to markets. In that regard, the Minister disclosed that government will be devel-

oping the Parika to Goshen and Lethem to Georgetown roads.

In addition to creating a more conducive environment for investment, the Minister

said government will be developing its alternative energy sector that will ultimately result in cheaper energy for businesses.

Vessel found in NWD yet to be removed – CANU Head – says investigations ongoing

The vessel which was found by authorities several days ago in the North-West District (NWD) has not been removed from the location as yet.

This is according to Head of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh. He told Guyana Times on Friday that the vessel, a go-fast boat, is still in the location where it was found.

The CANU Head opted not to divulge any further details on the matter, except that investigations are ongoing.

However, the Guyana Times was told by a senior official that they believe the vessel was intended to be used in illegal activities but cannot say for sure.

“We are working on that angle right now but we just want to make sure we are correct, ‘cause it could be (used) for anything – gun, narcotics and so on,” the source said.

Both the senior official and Singh would not say

whether any one was arrested but noted that nothing illegal or suspicious was found on the vessel.

The vessel is expected to be brought to Georgetown for a more detailed examination. Meanwhile, a statement with additional information about the discovery is imminent, the CANU head assured.

In August last year, a self propellant semi-submersible (SPSS) craft that was found in a creek off the Waini River, North-West District. The craft was blue and, according to CANU, was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable. However, no contraband was found on board the SPSS.

CANU, along with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps, acting on intelligence from an ongoing investigation conducted an operation along the Waini River.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin as he presents the Business of the Year Award (Large Category) to representatives of Guyana Goldfields Inc during the GCCI’s Annual Dinner and Award gala held at Pegasus Hotel on Thursday

saturday, december 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sheriff Street hit-and-run accident…

North Sophia man slapped with 5 charges

Eight days after the tragic hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 17-year-old Travis Bollers, the alleged perpetrator was on Friday charged for causing his death.

Delon Duncan, 35,

a driver of 982 Block F, North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, denied the charges which were read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court One of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charges read that on Thursday, November 26, at Pike and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville, Georgetown, he drove a motor vehicle bearing registration plates GHH 5201 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Travis Bollers. Duncan also denied the charge which read that on the same occasion, he drove the motor vehicle without being the holder of an insurance policy in relation to third party risks. Additionally, he was charged for failing to stop after the accident and for

failing to report the accident to the relevant authorities. Finally, he was charged for failing to offer assistance by taking the injured Bollers to receive medical assistance.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, according to two eyewitnesses, they re-

portedly saw the accused fleeing the scene after the accident. Prosecutor Jones further related that the car was recovered six days later after intense searches by Police. The car was found at an auto-body shop undergoing repairs. After the Police closed in on the accused, he turned himself in. Jones objected to bail citing the nature, gravity and penalty that the charges attract.

The Attorney for the accused, Mark Conway, requested bail stating that his client turned himself in and is willing to be present throughout the trial. He stated that it was reported by the eyewitnesses that the teenager was struck by a Tacoma; however, the accused drives a canter truck.

Bail was denied for the causing death charge, while the other matters were transferred to Court Seven. Duncan is scheduled to return to court on December 29.

Bollers, of Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, and his cousin, were on the motorbike at the junction of Sheriff and Pike Streets, when Duncan’s vehicle made a sudden turn into Pike Street and struck them.

The teenager was not wearing a helmet at the time and sustained severe head injuries. He died less than an hour later while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital. His 22-year-old cousin, of Lodge, Georgetown, sustained minor injuries about his body.

Guyana Times was further told that after the two young men were struck down, the driver of the vehicle exited the vehicle and looked at the injured men. After seeing the severity of the accident, he went back into the vehicle and drove away.

Beware…

…trigger happy border guards

Over in the Middle East - where all the new weaponry’s been tested since WWII – quite a diplomatic flap erupted when NATO member Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet. Just when Russia had joined NATO’s war against ISIS in Syria. Turkey claimed the Russian pilot ignored 5 minutes of warning and had to be taught a lesson.

But everybody and their idiot nephew know that a fighter jet travelling at 900mph just couldn't “violate” that sliver of Turkey’s territory's for five minutes. They agree with Putin that the incident was an “ambush” by Turkey to turn NATO against the Russians. But the Turks contend their troops were on “high alert” with orders to shoot to kill. Who’s to doubt them? NATO certainly didn't!

The incident has some lessons for Guyana as it confronts a real and existential threat from Venezuela. Just a couple of days ago the President launched “Operation Dragnet” –a melange of fighting crime and and protecting our borders in one fell swoop using soldiers, police, prison guards and firemen. They is obviously the “throwing everythingincluding the kitchen sink” - at whatever moves strategy, just to show the government's doing something about something.

Then just a couple of days later, we heard our Chief of Staff of the army screaming ”THE VENEZUELANS HAVE LANDED! THE VENEZUELANS HAVE LANDED!!!” A pic of an army helicopter plucked from the Internet was splashed across front pages with banner headlines proclaiming an invasion from the western front was imminent. Our army Chief looked suitably stern. The helicopter contained the advance “recon” party. Guyanese found out about “recon” parties from that military maven PM Nagamootoo, who'd seen a black car filled with “recon” men back when Sean Hinds was singing like a canary.

Guyana was luckily spared the ignominy of having the Venezuelans raining down missiles on us because our army communication network is clearly still on the fritz and the army camp hadn't received the “shoot first, ask afterwards” order from Ayanganna. They didn't shoot down the Venezuelan’s helicopter. Turned out the presumably Venezuelan pilot (we still don't know for sure) politely asked whether they had landed on some town in nearby Brazil.

This Eyewitness wishes the government would stop with the misdirection just to get a tired citizenry distracted from the BLACK CHRISTMAS that's coming up. Like with the army’s deployment to fight crime, these things can get out of control, because of the false hysteria’s being created.

The government should just confess that it hasn’t got a clue about governing and call new elections.

Since we can't do anything about Black Christmas, we might at least hope for a happy new year.

…of audits

As soon as the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition snucked into government with their razor thin majority, they went on any number of witch hunts. Clearly, they just wanted to destroy the PPP on all fronts so that they won't be embarrassed five years down the road. First were the firings of anyone who might've even taken out a photograph with a PPP official. This bloodbath resembled the “night of the long knives” more than anything else. After the lull…it’s started again with the firings of the editor and the general manager of the Chronicle.

Then of course there was the changing of the contractor guards…billions in contracts doled out weekly to the folks who funded APNU’s campaign spending of $800,000,000 and and the AFC’s $400,000,000. What goes around must come around…and these contractors’$$$ have come around.

But the” audits” beats them senseless. Twenty five government departments being audited for “PPP siphoning” but six months down the line …NOTHING!!! ZILCH!!

Now they’ve advertising for auditors to audit the auditors!!

…of superstitions

Alcohol does more harm to the human body by whatever measure than ganja. But could someone explain why alcohol is accepted as part of a “religious” sacrament but not ganja?

Delon Duncan was charged for the hit-and-run death of 17-year-old Travis Bollers

Dead: Travis Bollers

Region 2 Chairman: REO ignoring core concerns

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam)

Chairman Devanand Ramdatt has accused the region’s Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson of ignoring concerns presented to him over the poor state of key access roads and bridges within the region.

According to the Regional Chairman, priority should be given to more critical road safety measures instead of the painting of bridges which are currently taking place. He said several roads have deteriorated, creating difficulties for users.

He further pointed out that during a recent walkabout at Charity, he met with taxi operators who expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the condition of the Charity Public Road.

Upliftment of non-immigrant visas…

US Embassy announces new procedures

The US Embassy in Georgetown on Friday announcement several changes to the procedures that must be followed when uplifting non-immigrant visas. These changes come in effective on December 7 this year.

days after the interview.

Pick-up requirements for adult applicants are as follows: Applicants 18 years or older must present the Delivery Instruction Notice and their National Identification Card to the DHL office within 30 days of visa approval.

For those applicants who do not have a National ID Card, DHL will request supplemental identification, such as an official driver’s licence (with photo) or an original birth certificate.

tionship by presenting the following documents – the child’s original birth certificate or adoption decree, with at least one of the parent’s full legal name displayed on the document; the parent must prove their identity by presenting a national ID card or passport with a matching name on the child’s birth certificate or adoption decree.

According to the Regional Chairman, all these matters are to be followed up by the REO, who also has key responsibility for the public road; but to date, nothing has been done.

In relation to stray animals on the public roadways, Ramdatt indicat-

Ramdatt indicated that he already spoke with the REO and recommended a course of action to address the matter. Concerns were also raised regarding the shifting of the Maria’s Delight Bridge and the increase of stray animals on the main public road.

ed that he met with the Commander of G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands) Kevin Adonis and discussions were held. It was agreed that the REO should organise a meeting with key stakeholders to address the issue of stray animals.

Ramdatt said he strongly believes that those in authority must demonstrate a dedicated approach to avoid unnecessary burdens on the populace.

The Consular Section of the US Embassy will now implement a notable change to its Non-Immigrant Visa process. All approved visa applicants will no longer return to the Embassy to uplift their approved visas. This service is now being provided by the local DHL office, located at 50 E Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Applicants will be able to pick-up their passports at the DHL office Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 09:00h to 18:00h. At the time of interview, the Consular Officer will provide a Visa Delivery Instruction Notice to all approved visa applicants, advising the applicant of the pick-up information at the DHL office, five business

The DHL agent will also review information from the passport or visa to validate the identity of the applicant picking up the documents.

DHL will require the applicant to record his/her name, ID document number, and signature as proof of receipt. Visas will only be given to applicants/passport owners.

Pick-up requirements for minor applicants: Parents who wish to pick up documents on their children’s behalf must provide proof of their valid rela-

The introduction of this offsite Document Return Service is new to Guyana; however, this service has been implemented at US Embassies worldwide as part of the Global Support Strategy for Visa Services. Visa applicants will benefit from the flexibility the service offers by being able to uplift documents at days and times that are convenient to them.

Questions regarding the DHL document return service, including questions about visa delivery status may be directed to the US Embassy’s Visa Information Service telephone line at 225-8732.

Little Diamond residents peeved about blocked drain

Residents living in the vicinity of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, are complaining about a blockage of a reserve in the area which is causing them much discomfort in their daily lives. The blockage is causing a buildup of stagnant water in the area, which has a foul odour; is killing their crops; and causing a mosquito infestation in the area. This, residents say, is a “health hazard to those affected.”

As such, the residents are calling on the relevant authority to look into the issue so that the drain can be cleared or for new drains to be put in place.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Wilfred Bassant, Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) of Little Diamond, expressed his frustration about the matter which he stated has been in effect for months. “I

have been petitioning for a number of months now for this issue to be looked into because it is not fair to the residents of Little Diamond to be living under such conditions,” Bassant stated.

Bassant further explained that the root cause of the flooding in the areas is because “the community of Little Diamond is split into three areas, areas A, B and J. The area in Little Diamond that has been directly affected by the blocked drainage system is Area J. Out of the three areas, Area J was the only part that was regularised since 2003. A few months ago, Area B has been regularied. Now when Area J was regularised, no drainage system was put into place, so a drain that was already there was being used as the main drainage source. When residents started to move into area B in September, they filled the

drain that was being used,” he further related. He disclosed that he called on the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (now the Ministry of Communities) through the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and was given a letter which gave residents the permission to reopen the drain. “After we reopened the drain, a resident of area B refilled the drain so now we don’t know what to do”.

“We are just trying to get an audience with Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan or Minister Keith Scott to look into the issues because the conditions we are living under at the moment are completely deplorable,” Bassant added.

The residents stated that they are hoping for an alternative solution to the issue promptly.

Man in custody after marijuana found in car

Police ranks on Thursday night arrested a man after a quantity of marijuana was found in his vehicle.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker, the bust was made sometime around 21:00h by ranks of the Police

Narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force. It was reported that the ranks were on duty when they stopped and searched a motor vehicle on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

During the search, they unearthed a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems

suspected to be marijuana. The lone occupant of the car was arrested and taken to the Police station where the narcotic was weighed and amounted to 76.6 kilograms. The man remains in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.

Region Two REO Rupert Hopkinson

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

As out-of-control crime spirals

Daring daylight armed robbery of AH&L Kissoon's Main Street outlet

Three armed men on Friday stormed into the AH&L Kissoon outlet on Main Street, Georgetown, holding up the staff and customers.

The robbery occurred sometime around 14:45h. According to Police reports, the men all armed with handguns entered the business place, brandishing their weapons. The perpetrators held up the store’s supervisor, a clerk and a customer.

The customer, as well as the staff, was relieved of their cellphones along with a quantity of cash. The bandits also stole an undisclosed sum of money from the cashier before escaping in a waiting vehicle.

However, anti-crime patrol ranks attached to the Guyana Police Force that were in the area responded to the report. They conducted a search in the immediate area during which a vehicle was intercepted in Middle Street with three male occupants.

The men matched the descriptions given by the victims of the robbery, and as such, they were arrested and taken into custody.

Meanwhile, speaking with

Guyana Times on Friday, Managing Director of the Kissoon Group of Companies, Hemraj Kissoon, explained that he does not have the full details of what transpired since his staff were too traumatised to speak in detail about the ordeal.

However, he noted that based on information he received, the men barged into the store, forcing the staff and customers to lie on the floor before relieving them of their belongings. The men then escaped.

The Managing Director stated that he is grateful that no one was seriously hurt, noting that a female staffer was “slightly” injured but she did not require medical treatment. Kissoon further stated that he could not say how much money was taken until an audit is conducted.

On the other hand, this publication was told that investigators are expected to dust the business place for fingerprints as they continue their investigations. Furthermore, this newspaper could not confirm whether any of the stolen items were found in the possession of the men

Labourer on bail for fraud

ALabourer was on Friday placed on $200,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with five counts of obtaining money under false pretence.

Deon Wayne, 35, of 638 Third Street, Kaneville Grove, East Bank Demerara denied the first allegation which read that between June 1 and October 32 at Georgetown, he obtained $200,000, and between July 1 and 31 he obtained $160,000 from Eon Solomon under the pretence he could acquire a house and land for him.

He also denied the allegation that between September 1 and 30 at Robb Street, Georgetown, he obtained from Sheila Robertson a sum of $400,000

under the pretence he could acquire a house and land for her.

Additionally, he was charged for obtaining $560,000 in 2014 from Samantha Evans under the same pretence. Finally, he denied the allegation which read that he, under the same pretence, obtained $263,000 from Quincy Mitchell between October 1 and 31.

Attorney Leslie Sobers requested his client be placed on bail. He stated that the accused served as a special constable for a number of years. The accused has reportedly decided to return the monies as one Complainant has allegedly been compensated already.

Bail was granted in the sum of $200,000 and the accused will make his second appearance in January

Venezuelan military aircraft Essequibo landing

Guyana still awaiting explanation – Greenidge – CoS admits that soldiers did not intervene when aircraft landed

Government is awaiting an explanation from the Government of Venezuela, for the real reason behind its move to land in Guyana’s territory on Thursday. This was revealed by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge.

Giving an update to Guyana Times on Friday, Greenidge, who is currently overseas, said there is nothing much Government can do at this point, but to await a response from the Venezuelan Government, giving answers to the real reason the Venezuelan Army stopped in a territory that is under controversy between the two countries.

who were arrested. Nevertheless, they remained in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

On Thursday morning around 10:45h, A Venezuelan helicopter landed at the Kaikan Airstrip, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) within close proximity of the Guyana/ Venezuela border.

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips told Guyana Timesthat several armed Venezuelan military men neatly dressed in uniforms disembarked the aircraft.

Reports indicate the soldiers began to engage in conversation with two nearby villagers and shortly after, they boarded the chopper and took off.

Phillips said that the Venezuelan soldiers were inquiring from the villagers if they had landed in San Juan, Brazil. However, the villagers informed them that they landed in Kaikan, Guyana. Following this, the men boarded the helicopter and left.

Brigadier Phillips said initial reports indicate that none of the men stayed behind and he dismissed reports which suggest that the Venezuelan military disappeared into the jungle.

Upon observing this interaction, the security forces at the Kaikan Airstrip reported the matter and an investigation has been launched. Brigadier Phillips said the security officers there did not intervene when the aircraft landed.

The Chief-of-Staff noted that the Ministry of the Presidency was alerted of the incident and an investigation was launched.

Guyana and Venezuela are still to have the controversy over territorial boundary settled. Venezuela became increasingly aggressive over the last couple of months, with claims that it is the rightful owner of a boundary that was settled years ago by international tribunal.

Both Guyana and Venezuela have been seeking international support to their individual claims.

Kissoon’s Main Street outlet robbed

saturday, december 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Felix denies subverting GRO ahead of LGE polls

– but sent Dept. Head on leave for disobeying his orders

BY AKEEM GREENE

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix on Friday denied allegations the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change coalition Government was attempting to subvert the integrity and independence of the General Registrar’s Office as part of a wider plan to rig the upcoming Local Government Elections by manipulating the voters’ list. Felix’s denial comes on the heels of stinging criticisms from

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic General Secretary Clement Rohee who accused him of sending the department’s Head on administrative leave to manipulate the internal operations of the entity and the birth registration process.

“The Citizenship Ministry was created to re-introduce efforts by the PNC to control the birth and death registration processes with a view to manipulating the voters’ list by keeping the names of dead persons on the list of electors and by transferring

names of underage persons from the birth register to the preliminary voters’ list”, Rohee advised.

But the former Commissioner of Police was quick to defend the legitimacy of his office.

He said: “It is not the purpose of this Department of Citizenship to manipulate the voters’ list as Rohee so mendaciously declares, but to develop to its fullest potential, Guyana’s Registration and Immigration Service.”

Considering the Minister’s questionable

track record, Rohee was weary whether Felix could be trusted to head such a sensitive area of data management which could be used to influence the electoral process in favour of the APNU/AFC Administration.

Felix, who is firm of his capabilities and integrity, stated that, “What I will not accept is the PPP/C attacking my character or my role as Minister of Citizenship. I have always been forthright and will not countenance anyone maligning my integrity. I have never contravened the attitudes of good behaviour in the discharge of my public office and I am willing to be subject to any scrutiny in this regard.”

Based on the Minister’s letter he is asking that the PPP/C leave matters which they failed to deal with during their tenure to desist from critiquing, however many critics are contending that this may well be another “politically motivated incident, which is in keeping with the modus operandi of this government.

The Citizen Minister has also responded to criticisms on the manner used to send the department’s Head Greta McDonald on administrative leave.

“Let me say from the outset that employees at all levels in the Public Service structure are subjected to its rules and regulations”.

The Minister is contenting that there was breach in protocols and that the GRO should be reprimanded, “The General Registrar reports to the subject

Minister and is expected to follow instruction from the same. There is a reason these structures are in place: to ensure the smooth functioning of our complex bureaucratic system”, Felix sated.

On Monday the Minster revealed that McDonald was sent on leave, not because of inconsistencies in her performance or capacity, but “because she deliberately disobeyed” his orders.

However McDonald’s seeming opportune leave sending has outraged many, including PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee who questioned why someone of this competency and worth was so sent on leave. Rohee is contending that, “getting rid of a competent woman of worth who did so much to make the GRO comparable in delivery of service with any other civil registry in any other Caricom (Caribbean Community) country”. Furthermore the GS stated that, ”McDonald did a formidable job bringing the GRO, technologically and otherwise, to a level it never achieved when the People’s National Congress (PNC) left office in 1992.”

But the Minister questioned the appointment of McDonald, asking the legitimacy of her appointment. “…the question of how this woman of ‘competence and worth’ would have acquired her position. Was the vacancy publicised, were there other applicants to compete for the position and was she (the) most qualified applicant…” Felix sated.

The entire incident comes even as LGE is slated for March 18 next year and the GRO plays an integral role in providing citizens with legitimate and legally effective source documents which are used to get them registered to be part of the electoral process.

Most of Guyana’s postindependence elections history has been marred by instances of riggings and inconsistencies with the majority of allegations being levied against a major player in the new coalition Government, the People’s National Congress.

East La Penitence man shot

Aresident of East La Penitence, Georgetown, has been hospitalised after he sustained a single gunshot wound to his foot.

The injured man has been identified as Stanley Abrams of Freeman Street, East La Penitence. The incident occurred sometime around 10:45h on Friday.

According to reports, Abrams was in the East La Penitence area when he was

confronted by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. An argument ensued between Abrams and the two men during which he was shot o his left foot.

The two perpetrators made good their escaped, while Abrams was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he has been admitted a patient.

Meanwhile, the Police have launched an investigation into the shooting.

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

LM&TC “cash strapped” woes continue

The “cash strapped”

Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) municipality continues to be plagued with a number of issues negatively affecting its level of functioning.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Monday, Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen disclosed that after years of economic challenges, the administration is “still uncomfortable with the position it’s in”.

Presently, the Ministry of Communities has responsibilities for municipalities, including the LM&TC which is known to suffer through its inability to garner sufficient revenues to properly execute its functions. Bowen said there is still need for more to be done to enhance activities that will eventually lead to an increase in cash flow.

Acting Town Clerk Tessa Ragbeer also echoed similar sentiments regarding the Council’s economic situation on Monday.

Toll booth

As such, Ragbeer is urging the relevant authorities to resuscitate the activities of the Kara Kara Toll Booth at Wismar. Attempts to have the booth resuscitated in 2013 proved futile since it was ordered closed by the then Local Government

Ministry, citing its illegality, after only days of being in operation.

Interim Management Committee Chairman Orrin Gordon had argued that the move was put in place to garner revenue for the municipality which was faced with the issue of insufficient funds to pay staff. Since then, the toll booth has remained closed.

Staff underpaid

According to the Acting Clerk, it is the hope of the municipality to pay staff at the minimum wage level, however given the situation it is difficult to do so:

“We are looking to have the municipal staff’s salary raised to minimum wage because it’s not yet there. We’re hoping to do so as well as look at salary scale and pay according to designation... we still have issues with NIS (National Insurance Scheme). There is a lot of unpaid NIS and it’s presently a soar issue with them. We’re trying to deal with the current (payments) and then see how we can deal with the rest of the arrears”, she said.

Property Valuation and revaluation

Ragbeer said there is need for new properties to be evaluated and older ones to be re-evaluated. In areas such as Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc

Police finds M16 rifle, shotgun in Mazaruni

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force on Friday discovered a M16 Rifle and a shotgun in the Middle Mazaruni region.

According to a release from Public Relations Officer of the Force, Ivelaw Whittaker, ranks in the region received information and went to area. While there, they carry out searches during which they found an unlicensed M16 Rifle along with an unlicensed 20 gauge Shotgun at Apicka Landing, Middle Mazaruni. A man has since been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

for a breakthrough in revenue collection”, Bowen outlined. Coupled with that, she said properties continue to be valuated at the level of the 1960s.

Solid Waste Management

Insufficient vehicles and equipment to carry out the function of solid waste management continues to pose problems for the municipality, Ragbeer related. She

said the revenue collected is mainly put towards the payment of wages and salaries and operational costs, however the issue of solid waste management remains due to insufficient funding. She said for this year, the municipality received a subvention of $ 11.2 million.

Bowen noted too that equipment to do the job is presently a challenge.

“As a community we

need to work closer together as it relates to the issue of garbage and dumping it on empty lots”, she stated. With the Christmas season on us Bowen said an increase in waste is expected throughout the community and urges the involvement of the community in keeping close ties with the municipality so that they can work collectively in spite of the numerous challenges.

Other issues

and Block 22 which contain new housing, she noted that some properties have not been evaluated. She said in many instances home owners do not pay any taxes as a result. Several letters regarding the issue have been addressed to the Ministry of Communities, she noted.

“Basically we are hoping

Ragbeer said issues with vendors at the Wismar Municipal Market are also cause for concern as there are a number of issues that need addressing. Bowen also noted that those issues continue to affect vendors due to the lack of sufficient funding by the municipality. She stated that the issues have been outlined to the Ministry of Communities and it is hoped they can be addressed in a timely manner.

Solid waste mangement is a major concern

The new toll booth at Mackenzie Bridge, Linden

saturday, december 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt mum on GuySuCo CoI report status

Almost six weeks have passed since the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Guyana’s sugar industry has completed its report of findings and recommendations as to the way forward but government is yet to make public these details.

Chairman of the CoI Vibert Parvatan told Guyana Times that although the retreat aimed at familiarising Cabinet members with the report ended on Saturday last he is in no position to disclose any information as to what the document contains.

However, he acknowledged that during the retreat held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre,

Liliendaal, Georgetown, government officials were able to “seek clarifications” and answers were provided for a “number of issues”.

Parvatan explained that the subcommittees relating to factory, field, marketing, human resources, business, financial, and economic presented their reports to the delegation of ministers.

In light of Head of State David Granger being unable to attend the meetings, Moses Nagamootoo as Acting President led the Cabinet team and reportedly stated there may be need for more talks.

However, this contradicts statements by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder who had earlier posited that fol-

lowing this long awaited retreat the APNU+AFC government would have made a decision on the flailing sugar industry.

It must be reminded that shortly after the

APNU+AFC coalition came into power this year it ordered that a CoI be established into the sugar industry. The Commission commenced work on July 1, 2015.

Although Parvatan admitted that no decision has yet been made as to when Cabinet and the CoI team will meet once more to continue their discussions he declined to give any further comments on the report itself.

“I apologise but I will not be able to provide any information on any matter stated in the CoI report. This will be done by the government officials… when the time is right for them to do so,” he added.

However, in his view, the retreat between Commissioners and the administration was “very productive.”

In October last, the CoI report was concluded and officially handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Agriculture Ministry, George Jervis, since Minister Noel Holder was in Mexico on official business.

It should be noted that Minister Holder was in receipt of an electronic copy on the said date as well, then made the presentation to his colleagues in the Cabinet upon his return to Guyana.

Meanwhile chaos and confusion continues to reign in the sugar industry as both management teams

and workers across the sugar belt are awaiting the announcement of the recommendations in the CoI report.

Already major strikes have taken place at the various sugar estates and more strike actions remain a possibility as the future and livelihood of thousands lie in the findings of that report.

GuySuCo has rejected approaches made by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) to discuss wage/ salary hikes for 2015 citing the CoI report and decisions taken need to be made public before the sugar entity can do so. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Digicel launches ‘Merry Deals’ Christmas handset promotion

Digicel Guyana on Friday launched its Christmas handset promotion, called ‘Merry Deals’ at their Cellular Plus location in the City Mall, Camp Street, Georgetown.

The group unveiled more than 17 affordable handsets, starting from as low as $3500 vat inclusive. Among the handsets launched in the Samsung range were the new Samsung Galaxy

ing the best to their customers. Customers can enhance their everyday lives through Digicel’s commitment in ensuring that everyone can benefit from access to Internet, voice and SMS services at affordable prices. For customers on a budget and wanting the smartphone/android experience, for the month of December, they have reduced the cost on the BLU

same time offering the best smartphones at the lowest prices in Guyana during this Christmas season”. Customers are therefore encouraged to visit their nearest Digicel store to benefit from these offers while stocks last. All Digicel handsets come with a oneyear warranty and are all brand new.

Note 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S6 EDGE PLUS. They also launched two new brands the Avvio and XOX series. Prices are slashed by as much as 30 per cent, giving customers the opportunity to get the smart phones they have been wanting.

With this promotion, the company notes that their customers will be excited to know that with any smartphone purchased, they will get one month free data!

With the continuing expansion of its network across Guyana, Digicel prides itself on deliver-

Advance 4.0 to $9000. Customers can also get the DL 750 for the promotional price of $12,000 for this Christmas. Other reduced handsets are the Huawei Y520, BLU Star 4.5 and many others.

Nalini Vieira, Head of Sales for Digicel said “With prices starting as low as $3500 and the latest addition of new brands Azumi and Xox smartphones, we will be the place to come to get your handset this Christmas. We are continuously delivering on our promise to offer value for money, and at the

Also while at the launch, the telecommunications giant honoured Pramela Gorbhadan of Skeldon and Terrence Jones; two Digicel customers who have been with the network since they arrived in Guyana in 2007. On November 19, Digicel launched their ‘Merry Mansion Reloaded’ Christmas promotion where customers topping up $500 or more, got the chance to spell M-A-N-S-I-O-N. Once spelt, customers instantly won $100,000 and stand the chance to search for up to $20,000,000 in cash and prizes. Customers can collect letters both electronically and via scratch cards.

Chairman of the CoI

Vibert Parvatan

From left: Winner Terrence Jones, Digicel’s Santa Clause Pramela Gorbhadan, Head of Sales Nalini Vieira and Digicel’s Head of Communications Vidya Sanichara

Around the world

FBI investigating California massacre as ‘act of terrorism’

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating this week’s massacre in which a married couple killed 14 people in California as an “act of terrorism,” an official said on Friday, saying the female shooter had pledged allegiance to a leader of the militant group Islamic State.

Los Angeles. The attack was the deadliest mass shooting the United States has experienced in three years.

Cambodian doctor jailed for 25 years for infecting 200 people with HIV

An unlicensed Cambodian doctor was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Thursday after he was found guilty of infecting more than 200 people with HIV, including some who later died.

Tashfeen Malik, 27, a native of Pakistan who lived in Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years, and her USborn husband, Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, were killed in a shootout with Police hours after the Wednesday massacre during a holiday par- ty at the Inland Regional Centre social services agency in San Bernardino, about 60 miles (100 km) East of

Malik had pledged allegiance to Islamic State Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in an online post, David Bowdich, Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Los Angeles office, said at a news conference.

Law enforcement officers look over the evidence near the remains of a SUV involved in the Wednesdays attack is shown in San Bernardino, California December 3

Cuba, Jamaica sign 2 Technical Cooperation Agreements

The Jamaican Health Ministry on Thursday signed two bilateral partnership agreements with Cuba. The official signing took place at the ministry’s head office in Kingston.

The agreements signed are the Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Public Health Ministry of the Republic of Cuba and the Health Ministry of Jamaica; and the other is the Agreement on Cooperation between Cuba and Jamaica for the functioning of an Ophthalmology Centre.

Health Minister Horace Dalley said thousands of Jamaicans have benefitaed from the 43 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba. “Cuba has never refused to help us. Many Jamaicans have benefited especially from the Jamaica/Cuba Eye care programme,” Dalley said. Under the Technical Cooperation agreement sev-

eral Cuban health workers have been coming to Jamaica and making important contribution to the health sector. There are currently 71 Cuban professionals working in Jamaica, 53 of which are from the Jamaica-Cuba Technical Agreement and 18 of which are under the Eye Care Programme partnership.

Of the 71 Cuban professionals in the island 27

are doctors, 36 are nurses and 8 are professional technologists. On July 28, 2009 the Bilateral Agreement of Cooperation for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence was signed between the Jamaican and Cuban Governments. Out of that came the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Centre which was officially opened in January, 2010. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Argentina, Brazil to watch Venezuelan vote closely: Macri

Argentine Presidentelect Mauricio Macri said on Friday that Argentina and Brazil will closely follow Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Venezuela, as he appeared to back away from seeking outright Venezuelan suspension from the Mercosur trade bloc.

“We are both observing closely what will happen there, really hoping that the tension that Venezuela is living through today will subside,” Macri told reporters after meeting with Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff.

The election of right-ofcentre Macri raised the prospect of a split in the South American trade bloc over how to deal with President Nicolás Maduro’s leftist Government and the crisis in Venezuela.

The day after he won the country’s general election in November, Macri said he would seek to trigger Mercosur’s democratic clause to suspend Venezuela because of accusations of rights abuses.

Left-leaning Rousseff rejected his comments days

later insisting that there must first be proof of irregularities for the clause to be applied. But at their meeting on Friday on his first trip abroad as president-elect, Macri said they shared the same view of the situation in Venezuela and had no disagreements. (Excerpt from Reuters)

That finding could be a “game changer” in the investigation, two US Government sources told Reuters. Another source cautioned there was no indication of evidence that Islamic State “even knew” who the shooters were.

“Based on the information and the facts as we know them, we are now investigating these horrific acts as an act of terrorism,” Bowdich said. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

The case has put the spotlight on the chronically underfunded healthcare system in the impoverished nation where many have to rely on self-taught or unlicensed medics to receive treatment.

Yem Chhrin, 55, was facing the prospect of life in prison but his murder charge was reduced by the court to a lesser manslaughter offence, his defence lawyer said.

“My client still insists he is innocent,” lawyer Em Sovann told Agence France-

Presse by telephone after the verdict was announced. “I will represent him if he wants to appeal this conviction.” The rural doctor was convicted of infecting residents in the remote village of Roka in western Battambang province by reusing dirty needles.

For millions of Cambodians – especially the poor and those in isolated regions – unlicensed doctors are the only realistic healthcare option for everyday ailments. World Bank figures say Cambodia, one of Asia’s poorest nations, has just 0.2 doctors for every 1000 people, on a par with Afghanistan.

Similarly impoverished Myanmar has 0.6 per 1000, while France boasts 3.2 per 1000. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Health Minister Horace Dalley (right) and with Cuban Ambassador His Excellency Bernardo Hernandez (left) sign two Technical Cooperation Agreements between Cuba and Jamaica

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff greets Argentina’s Presidentelect Mauricio Macri during a meeting at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil December 4

saturday, december 5, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Payless Variety Store launches $2M Christmas promotion

Payless Variety Store On Friday launched its highly anticipated ‘Annual Christmas Promotion 2015’ at their Wellington Street, Georgetown, branch that will see customers winning up to $2,000,000 in prizes.

Payless is giving 10 lucky customers a chance to win big for the holiday.

Among the prizes to be won are 1 3pc Chair suite, along with a Music System, and a 40” Television as the first prize; a refrigerator as the second prize, a washing machine as the third and a Samsung 32” smart TV as the fourth.

With any purchase in any of Payless’s two stores, the Vreed-en-Hoop or Wellington Street stores, customers will be asked

to write their names and phone numbers on the bill, drop it in the boxes provided storewide and they will be eligible to win.

Spokesperson for the store Rajan Tiwari stated that it’s Christmas time, the festive season, and it’s customary for Payless Variety Store to give back to their valued customers.

He added: “You can make a purchase of any amount, there is no registered amount in the sense that we have a sealing. You can buy anything whether its $20 worth or $2000 worth, you just have to come in and buy something.”

In addition to the ten main prizes, on drawing day five lucky customers will be given an opportunity to win consolation prizes.

Tiwari’s message to Payless customers is: “Come into our stores, make any purchase and be a part of the Joy of the Christmas season.”

Vendor charged for armed robbery

Avendor was on Friday sentenced to two years in Prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged with armed robbery and break and enter and larceny.

Anthony Patterson, 19, of Sophia Red Road, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on 3 December at Campbellville while being armed with an offensive weapon — a cutlass — he robbed Akeem Harry, the Virtual Complainant of one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $65,000.

The Administration of Justice Act was applied and he denied the allegation.

The promotion started in November and will end on December 27, 2015.

He was not required to answer to the indictable charge which read that on 3 December he broke into the dwelling home of Dexter Duncan and stole therefrom: clothing, sneakers, food, a percolator, a toaster and other electronics at a total value of $211,000.

According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, on the day in question the VC along with a friend was at Campbellville hanging out when the defendant and another entered the house armed with a cutlass. The defendant demanded cash and valuables from the VC and his friend. They ransacked the house, relieved the VC of his cellular phone and escaped. The accused was apprehended by Police along the eastern highway and the cellular phone recovered. The cutlass was found on the pedal cycle and he was arrested and charged. He was sentenced to two years in prison for the armed robbery and remanded on the second charge. He will return to Court on January 6.

Essequibo man gets 12 years for manslaughter

Twenty- three-yearold Akash Baldeo, of Columbia village on the Essequibo Coast, will have to spend 12 more years in jail after he was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury on November 24.

Akash Baldeo, called “Lil Boy”, was charged with the murder Alex Narine, which occurred August 4, 2014. The accused was subsequently charged for the said offence on August 9, 2014. Nine witnesses testified on behalf of the prosecution at the preliminary Inquiry and the accused was committed on February 19, 2015 to stand trial at high court by Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

On Friday, December 4, Justice Brassington Reynolds sentenced Baldeo to 12 years imprisonment. In Justice Reynolds’ mitigation of punishment, he told the court he has considered that a life has been lost senselessly due to the consumption of alcohol. He said he also considered the fact that Baldeo had no previous conviction in court and had already spent time in jail. Further explaining the reasons for his sentence, Justice Reynolds also added that the nature of the offence carries a penalty of 10-15 years imprisonment. but having considered that the victim was the aggressor and provoked Baldeo, lesser years were given. Consideration was also given to the fact that Baldeo inflicted one stab wound and an offensive weapon was used.

Justice Reynolds during

the sentencing said that the case was a sad tale and it is alarming how many young people consume alcohol as early as 06:00h, adding that it is very sad for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); a sad reality faced by two many families as a result of alcohol consumption.

Justice Reynolds further stated that it is unfortunate that Alex Narine lost his life, adding that the post-mortem examination revealed that he died from a single stab wound. With that in mind, he pointed out that young people need to recognise “jail bait” at an early sign as to avoid problems. Justice Reynolds said Baldeo’s sentencing is a classic example of what the consumption of alcohol could lead too.

The court was asked to provide a probation report; however, it was indicated by the Probation Officer that they were unable to complete such report.

Baldeo’s Attorney Peter Hugh, on his question of punishment, pleaded for a

lesser quantum for his client, given the fact he is 23 years of age, he is a farmer and he is not married. He also stated that his client had no previous brushes with the law or pending matters in court. Hugh asked Justice Reynolds to take into consideration that Baldeo was provoked by the deceased. Hugh argued that giving the aggravating factors, facts and circumstances of the case, a lesser penalty should be imposed, interjecting that his client is a young man and he made a mistake. He asked also for his client to spend less years so he could come out and lead a positive life in society.

Both the deceased and accused parents were present in court. After the sentencing, the accused who was dressed in a blue long sleeve shirt and black pants, was very saddened and tried to force back tears.

According to a Police release, at about 15:30h on August 4, 2014, Narine was involved in an argument with Baldeo over a computer, which turned into an altercation. During the fight, Baldeo stabbed Narine to his back at Anna Regina squatting area. As a result, Narine lost his life.

Narine was discovered by residents on the main pathway leading to the squatting area with a stab wound to his back. The weapon reportedly penetrated his lung. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Suddie Hospital.

Payless Variety Store

Deceased: Alex Narine

saturday, december 5, 2015 |

GRA sends embattled Enforcement Head on leave

Troy Vannooten

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has moved to suspend its Head of Enforcement after allegations of corruption surfaced.

Troy Vannooten has been suspended for two months without pay after he was accused of accepting a bribefrom persons involved in dating back to an incident which occurred in September last.

According to reports received, the Vannooten along with several other staff employeesreceived monies from occupants of the Leyland DAF Truck bearing Surinamese license plates, which was intercepted at # 5 Villages, West Coast Berbice with four hundred (400) boxes of smuggled chicken back in September. With an aggregate value of over $2.8M, were discovered.

The motor vehicle was lodged at the GRA’s Warehouse Facility. The two

other staff members who were not identified by the source were reportedly fired by the GRA.

The quantity of chicken was then escorted to Georgetown where it was lodged at two secure locations for safe keeping pending further investigation.

The boxes bearing the brand Rockingham, also carried the production date 27/05/15 and expiration date 27/05/16.

The truck and its contents were detained by officers from the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRAs) Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) on Sunday, September 6, 2015. The quantity of chicken was then escorted to Georgetown where it was lodged at two secure locations for safe keeping pending further investigation.

The boxes bearing the brand Rockingham, also carried the production date 27/05/15 and expiration date 27/05/16. The driver and porter were issued with Notice of Seizure/Detention for the chicken and motor vehicle after submitting voluntary statements to the authorities.

They had failed to produce the relevant documentation to show legal importation for the said commodity, and both stated that the supplies were given to them as hire by an unknown individual, to be transported to Georgetown.

Vanooten is said to have had several run ins with the law.

Late Aircraft Loader Dwayne Jacobs honoured… Trans Guyana Airways opens Departure Lounge in his name

Trans Guyana Airways paid homage to late Aircraft Loader Dwayne Jacobs at the Ogle Airport on Friday by opening a Departure Lounge in his honour.

Dwayne Jacob lost his life in a horrific accident when Trans Guyana Airways’, Cessna 208D Grand Caravans, crashed on January 18, 2014, after takeoff from Olive Creek on its way to Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

In attendance at the honouring ceremony was Jacobs’ mother, Roslyn Jacobs, along with his brother and sister.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Jacobs’ sister emotionally reflected on times with her brother. “Dwayne was a very quiet, loving and caring brother who was always there for us whenever we needed him. He was just the number one for us because we were all very close to him,” she said.

Jacobs’ mother thanked Trans Airways, expressing gratitude for the honour that was given to her son. “We are very happy, as a mother, we are very happy to see this”.

The new Passenger Departure Lounge will service Trans Guyana’s domestic schedule and chartered flights to all of its hinterland destinations, including Lethem, Annai, Karanambo, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Ekereku, Kamarang and Imbaimadai.

As several graduate community IT project

First Lady admonishes Buxton youths to work harder

The first batch of students who underwent 13 weeks of intensive training in the areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT), literacy and numeracy, entrepreneurship, and sexual reproductive health from Buxton/ Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD) graduated on Friday.

These youths and young adults once more had the opportunity to benefit from a project aimed at educating and empowering them, this time under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration.

This initiative which was deemed the brainchild of First Lady Sandra Granger was officially launched at the Friendship Primary School, ECD, in September and was designed to prepare the trainees for the working environment by providing them with necessary skills and knowledge.

The First Lady in her brief address to the gathering stated that each graduate that has been issued a certificate would be happy to know that it was one which is being recognised by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

She stated that presently, the team which spearheads the operations (herself in-

cluded) is “looking around for placements” so that persons who graduate would be able to obtain employment opportunities now that the courses have come to an end.

Mrs Granger urged the graduates to make full use of the skills and knowledge which they have benefited from over the past few months and to apply them in their everyday lives.

It was further noted that this initiative is a pilot project that is being spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady and soon, similar projects will be rolled out in other areas throughout Guyana.

It must be reminded that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, major focus and large budgets were placed on youths and young adults from all walks of life in order for them to have access to continued educational opportunities.

The former Government, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had recognised the need for academic advancement for those who are underprivileged or in need of another chance to develop themselves. As such, the Party began to roll out a number of training opportunities throughout the country.

These opportunities and projects includ-

Andre Ferrea of the Correia Group of companies and colleague of Dwayne Jacobs talked about the kind of person Jacobs was and expressed how pleased he is to be able to honour his dear friend.

“Dwayne Anthony Jacobs joined Trans Guyana Airways as a handyman on the 25th of October, 2004. Due to his outstanding performance, we promoted him to aircraft loader. His appraisal form stated that he was very exceptional with dealing with costumers. “Plait hair” as he was fondly known to us, was everything you could ask for in an employee in the service industry. He was busy bodied, pleasant and always with a great smile. He would often be the first to greet pas-

sengers and assist them with their luggage. In addition to this, he also displayed great regard for authority too, so it is in his honour that we commission this new Trans Guyana Airways Passenger Lounge in memory of our beloved friend and colleague Dwayne Anthony Jacobs, may his soul continue to rest in peace.”

Kit Nascimento, Public Communications Specialist, also spoke at the ceremony, expressing his sympathy to the family members of Dwayne Jacobs. “When you lose a member of your family, it is always a traumatic experience. I’ve worked with this company (Correia Group of Companies) and this company is truly a family and when they lose a member, the en-

tire family grieves and will always remember. I would like to at this time express my sympathies to the family of Jacobs”. Chief Executive Officer of Correia Group of Companies Michael Correia directed this to Jacob’s family; “This tribute and this sign with Dwayne’s name on it will ensure that although he is gone, he will not be forgotten”. A moment of silence was taken as a sign of respect and honour for Dwayne Jacobs and his mother and sister were given the privilege of unveiling the sign.

ed the Community Action Component of the Citizens Security Programme of the Home Affairs Ministry, the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training and President’s Youth Award – Republic of Guyana (PYARG); all of which form part of the fundamental principles of the PPP/C Government to ensure equitable access to education by all its citizens.

It should also be noted that there was also a one-off training for youths in various skills, including the use of computers. Prior to this new Administration taking office in May 2015, the PPP/C’s Basic Needs Trust Fund had facilitated training of Buxton youths.

The former First Ladies have also been known for pilot projects, in particular former First Lady Varshnie Singh, who piloted a project known as the Kids First Fund, which helped underprivileged children in need of monetary support for surgeries.

Former First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar conducted several workshops and outreach programmes during her tenure. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

SUDOKU

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Emotions will flare up if you have too much time on your hands. Don’t be stubborn about making amends, if necessary. Travel or getting together with an old friend will be enlightening.

Getting together with relatives will lead to interesting conversations that disclose family secrets. If you keep an open mind, you will find a way to benefit from the information revealed.

(May 21June 20)

Creative pursuits involving younger or older people will inspire you. Travel should be kept to a minimum and handled with caution. Tie up loose ends.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) ARIES (March 21April 19)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Your temper and emotional state will be pushed to the limit. Disappointment regarding a relationship will leave you in a quandary. Reevaluate your situation and options.

An extravagant gesture will turn out to be beneficial. Look ahead and put longterm plans into play. You will have an interesting way of expressing and presenting what you want.

Don’t get down when you should get moving. Set a budget and mastermind a game plan that allows you to do and get what you want without compromising your bank account.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Not everyone will agree with you, but if you are persistent and share the facts you’ve gathered, you will win enough support to follow through with your plans.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Ask someone with an unusual outlook or background to join forces with you for a new venture. Selfimprovement, picking up new skills or displaying your talents will pay off.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Situations will escalate quickly, leaving you in a nowin situation if you aren’t willing to compromise. Speak from the heart, using diplomacy and experience to come out unscathed.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Do background checks when dealing with people you know little about. The more information you gather, the easier it will be to handle whatever situation you face. Romance is on the rise.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Size up what needs to be done, and get moving. Your ability to physically make things happen will give you the leverage you need to call the shots. Don’t neglect your health.

Gather your thoughts and any information that will help you make a good decision. You are best off limiting your spending and looking for alternatives that are within your means.

CANCER

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert arChie

West Indians on the brink of an innings defeat

Jason Holder’s West Indians are staring humiliating defeat in the face after three days of their opening tour match against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane.

The visitors are 7 for 125, still needing another 76 runs to make the modest CA XI bat again, six of whose members are making their first-class debuts, while only Jordan Silk (his 22nd match) and Cameron Boyce (45th) have played more than 10 fixtures apiece.

After resuming at 4 for 245, the CA XI progressed to 444 thanks to solid contributions by Jimmy Peirson (64), Matthew Short (76), and James Bazley (50), before the tail wagged via the blades of Tom Andrews (33) and Boyce (32).

In addition to claiming four wickets, Holder was the only West Indian to concede fewer than four runs an over

Jason Holder’s batting is the only thing preventing the West Indians from an innings defeat to a Cricket Australia XI (Getty Images)

on the smallish Allan Border Field. Then, and not for the first time, he was as his side’s only prospect of forcing the hosts to bat again on the final day.

Holder was stranded on

an unbeaten 26 after the top order melted away in disconcerting fashion. Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels could manage just 26 runs between them. (Cricininfo)

Falcons stun Red Triangle in major upset

Action in the Sunburst/ East Bank Football Association’s (EBFA) Under-17 League continued last weekend with Soesdyke Falcons recorded a major upset over Agricola Red Triangle, winning 4-0 to rebound emphatically from their 1-4 drubbing at the hands of defending champions Grove Hi Tech the previous week.

With the win, the Falcons have given themselves a chance to advance to the ‘final four.’ Mocha Champs also defeated Diamond United 3-1 to book their place in the ‘final four’, ending as the second placed team to Herstelling Raiders in Group A.

Grove Hi Tech also continued their menacing form with a comprehensive 8-0 win over Kuru Kururu Warriors to almost seal their quest for the ‘final four’, which will be contested today.

Falcons, whilst losing to Grove did show that they have a promising group of youngsters and rose to the challenge against Agricola in style. The first half of the encounter did not produce any goals as the two sides kept things tight in the de-

fensive third.

It was not long into the second half of the one hour match that Soesdyke were able to break the deadlock. Tyrone Khan it was who rocked the nets in the 33rd minute, and four minutes later, Tevin Marshall doubled the advantage as Agricola started to fall apart. The lead was further extended in the 50th minute when Deyonte Grant-Stuart found the target and the deal was settled five minutes to full time through a Nicholas Billeson effort.

Soesdyke Falcons can advance to the next stage, but they will have to defeat Kuru Kururu Warriors in their final game and the last group matches on Sunday from 14:30h.

Mocha Champs, one time powerhouse in East Bank football, is on a path to return to those days. They took care of Diamond United 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals and will play the winner of Group B, having ended as the runner-up of Group A.

Deeshawn Ellis recorded Mocha’s opening goal in the 12th minute as the first half ended unchanged. Five minutes into the second, the lead was doubled, compli-

ments of a William France goal, while Ian Mars netted the final goal in the 58th minute. The Diamond boys were able to salvage some pride when Troy Forde found the back of the nets in the 52nd minute.

Grove Hi-Tech boys were in a no-nonsense mood in their clash with the Warriors, which ended 8-0, matching the largest margin of victory to date, which was achieved by the top team of Group A, Herstelling Raiders, against Diamond.

In rampaging form for the winners was Kevin Dalton, who blasted a helmet-trick to become the leading goal scorer of the league to date with five goals. Dalton also has the distinction of scoring the fastest goal to date (22 seconds). He followed that up with goals in the 16th, 33rd and 58th minutes.

Dalton’s efforts were complimented by Denzil Crawford, who scored a double, while there was one each from Randy Smartt and Akel Forde. Grove will play their final group match today against Agricola Red Triangle, which will also be the latter’s last match and a must-win one for them if they are to advance further.

SCOREBOARD

West Indians 1st innings 243 Cricket Australia XI 1st innings 444

West Indians 2nd innings

KC Brathwaite c Bazley b Lees 0

R Chandrika c sub (TD Paine) b Bazley 21

DM Bravo c †Peirson b Bazley 5 MN Samuels lbw b Boyce 21

J Blackwood c †Peirson b Lees 0

D Ramdin† c Andrews b Lees 12

JO Holder* not out 26

CR Brathwaite b Boyce 31

KAJ Roach not out 9 Extras 0

Total (7 wickets; 43 overs) 125 To bat: D Bishoo, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-7, 3-36, 4-37, 5-59, 6-59, 7-97

Bowling: RA Lees 14-3-37-3, JJ Bazley 14-3-39-2, CJ Boyce 121-34-2, TD Andrews 3-1-15-0.

Knockout stage begins today

The Smalta sponsored Pee Wee girls’ football tournament will continue today from 10:00h at the Ministry of Education ground.

Eight matches will be the order of the day with schools aiming to advance to the quarterfinal round of the tournament.

St Margaret’s Primary and St Ambrose will be the first two teams to clash in the win or go home phase of the competition in game that is expected to set the tone for the remainder of the day.

Sophia Primary and St Angela’s will face off in the second game of the tournament while Smith Memorial and FE Pollard will do bat-

tle in the third match of the day.

Winfer Gardens is set to face St Agnes in a game that will showcase some top girl’s football in the tournament while North Georgetown Primary and Enterprise Primary might steal the show in the fifth match of the day. The sixth match of the day’s action will feature West Ruimveldt and Stella Maris while St Stephens and Tucville Primary will do battle as well.

The last game to round of the round of 16 action will be between St Pius Primary and South Ruimveldt, two teams that can put on a goal scoring show on any given day.

Smalta Pee Wee girls’ football…

Sunburst/EBFA U-17…

Guyana Jaguars bowl out

T&T

Red Force for 210

– Barnwell five for 32 highlights day

BY AKEEM GREENE

The Guyana Jaguars had a dominating first day to start their four-day match against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The day’s play ended with Guyana on nine without loss, with Shimron Hetmyer on 7 not out and Assad Fudadin on 2 not out; trailing by 201 runs.

The home team won the toss and inserted themselves in overcast conditions and wase bowled out for 210 in 74.2 overs. Guyana’s bowling was led by all rounder Christopher Barnwell who returned to the side after missing the last game due to a back strain, ended the day with figures of 5-32 and was supported by left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul who had figures of 3-59.

The Guyanese bowlers never let the Trinidad and Tobago batsmen settle as their first four batsmen were out before the score was 50. However the Red Force were resuscitated by a flamboyant 9th wicket partnership of 108

between Marlon Richards (53) and Utman Muhammad (53). Muhammad knock was more enterprising as he went after the bowlers hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes. Skipper Jason Mohammed score of 33 was only other principle score as

the Trini’s struggled to build partnerships.

Guyana enters day two hoping that their openers can lay a solid platform to help them attain formidable lead as they look to be unbeaten in the tournament.

SCOREBOARD

Red Force v Jaguars

Position: Jaguars trail by 201 runs with 10 wickets in hand.

Red Force First Innings

Jeremy Solozano c wkp

Bramble b Reifer 10

Kyle Hope LBW b Barnwell 11

Yannic Cariah c Hetmyer b Barnwell 6

Narsingh Deonarine c Johnson b Barnwell 9

*Jason Mohammed c Johnson b Permaul 33

Yannic Ottley b Barnwell 8

+Steven Katwaroo LBW b Permaul 8

Imran Khan c S. Chanderpaul b Barnwell 10

Marlon Richards c Barnwell b Beaton 53

Utman Muhammad c Singh b

Mobile Wizard 10/10…

Permaul 53

Kavesh Kantasingh NOT OUT 0

Extras: (b4, lb1, w1, nb3) 9

Total: (All Out, 74.2 overs) 210

Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-27, 3-29, 4-48, 5-64, 6-88, 7-89, 8-102, 9-210

Bowling: R. Beaton 17-439-1; R. Reifer 14-5-35-1; V. Permaul 19.2-4-59-3; C. Barnwell 12-4-32-5; G. Motie

9-1-29-0; L. Johnson 3-0-11-0

Guyana Jaguars First Innings Shimron Hetmyer 7 Assad Fuddain 2

To bat: L Johnson, V.Singh, S Chanderpaul, R Reifeir, C Barnwell, B Bramble, V Permaul, R Beaton, G Motie

Total : (0 wkts, 8 overs) 9

Eighth week promises distinction of teams

The Mobile Wizard 10/10 softball cricket tournament organised by the Guyana Softball League, in collaboration with the West Demerara Area Board entered its eighth week and teams will continue their quest for championship glory.

The first six teams in this zone will qualify for the quarter finals, with one team from the East Bank Zone and one from Bonasika (Region Three) will complete the group stage before the quarter finals.

The first game will see Settle XI up against Vipers XI

Settle XI has been unbeaten so far, with heavy performances from their skipper Nazim Azeem – this has propelled the team into the first six teams. On the other hand, Vipers XI, at the moment, is playing good cricket and has shown they have the ability to win, if one judges by last week’s results.

This match is expected to bring some fireworks, as both teams know each other well and have been at each other’s throats lately and a win by either side can spark emotions.

Meten-Meer-Zorg XI will tackle Superstreet Reloaded XI.

Meten-Meer-Zorg XI is a young team that is just putting itself together and will offer stiff opposition to the Super Street Reloaded XI. They have two wins and with their showing against Omesh XI, they’ve shown the ability to take the fight to the opposition. They are a determined bunch and are working hard to overcome their weaknesses. This match will show the more determined team and longevity as an upand-coming team.

Brickery All Stars are set to match up against Leonora Youths XI. Brickery All Stars are expected to carry their team and reputation as good opposition and are a good mixture of youth and experi-

ence. They will depend heavily on their opening batters to fire as they have shown against other opposition. When they fire, it’s all the way for Brickery and their bowling has come a long way in recent times which is a welcome sign for their contingent. Leonora Youths XI are a seasoned bunch and will depend heavily on Raghunath Tulsiram and Krishna Murti in the batting, as these two blasted them to victory last weekend. The bowling is coming on and they have a lot of ground to cover in order to stay in the top six. They racked up their highest score last week with 148 and will be looking to put the score beyond the opposition in order to keep up and to have a better run rate in case they are tied with any other teams.

Top placed teams will want to cement their position against Ocean View XI. Cross Breed XI is the team to watch in this tournament and are unbeaten so far. They have some of the most promising youngsters around and have been building a name for themselves in this tournament. They defeated Linden All Stars last week and Bonasika XI earlier in the tournament. They are filled with all-rounders who have made an impact against all opposition so far. Ocean View XI is an experienced team and with Adrian Ramsammy creating havoc with his batting and the ability to score quickly, it seems this will a good test between bat and ball.

GTT /Limacol Round Robin Knockout Football tournament… Major sponsors pleased ahead of Sunday’s final

The two major sponsors of the GTT/Limacol Round Robin Knockout Football tournament set to culminate on Sunday at the McKenzie Sports Club ground in Linden have highlighted their satisfaction with the execution of the tournament as well as the standard of play thus far.

New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation representative Dwayne Lovell whose enity’s involvement comes under its Limacol brand noted that the organisation of the tournament was as expected from the Petra Organisation.

Lovell pointed to the inclusion of teams from three different associations as testimony to the ability of the

Organisation to bring togetherness to a fraternity that has struggled in the past.

Lovell mentioned the New GPC’s continued involvement

in sport such as cricket and now football is just evidence of the company’s dedication to the development of sport in Guyana.

He further stated that Petra Organisation should be commended for the work that they are doing in helping to foster the development of football, while also crediting them with executing a good tournament. The final is between Linden’s Milerock and East Coast Demerara’s Victoria Kings at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Meanwhile GTT through a representative was also pleased with the way in which the tournament has gone and expects a brilliant final.

Malta Supreme basketball tourney tips off tonight in Linden

The year ending Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/ Banks Malta Supreme Open basketball championship will commence tonight with play in the preliminary round at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

In the double header feature, the first game at 19:00h will feature Half Mile Bulls with recent national selectees Terron Welch and Michael Turner as their spearheads along with veteran Shane Lewis looking to have them start with a win against the Block 22 Flames.

The Block 22 Flames will field a side which will

have Gavin Clarke and his brother Patrick, the brothers Keion Sullivan and Keith and Selwyn Henry.

The Retrieve Raiders and the Bankers Trust Falcons will follow the opening game at 21:00h.

The Raiders will look towards the emerging talented guard Keiron Cameron who was recently included in the national team against the Antigua and Barbuda All Stars team, veteran Neil Marks and Abdulla Hamid and Marvin Hartman, young Geoffrey Larose and former national Dwayne Roberts.

Falcons however will not be a pushover as they

have among their lot Devon Thompson, Marlon Persaud, Leonard Caleb and Lawrence Simon to call on. This tournament continues on Monday when another double header is planned as the Raiders face Flames and the Amelia’s Ward Jets take on Victory Valley Royals. The six teams in this tournament which initially will be played on a round robin basis to arrive at the top four clubs to go through to the semifinals are Victory Valley Royals, Block 22 Flames, Bankers Trust Falcons, Half Mile Bulls, Retrieve Raiders and Amelia’s Ward Jets.

Daniels excels in Berbice at karate

Irfaan XI versus Zeeburg Warriors.

Irfaan XI have not had a good start as they have been beaten twice so far in as many matches and will hope to give the opposition a run for their money as they are aware of their weakness in their batting. The Zeeburg Warriors are a bit short on confidence and their skipper Arif Khalil will look to change that against Irfaan XI. They have talent in their lineup but have not been able to put those talents to win games. This game that will determine which team is stronger mentally. Meanwhile, the one ball “manto” will resume this week and spectators will get the opportunity to get involved in the contest of bat versus ball. The winner will be rewarded with $1000 in credit, compliments of Miss Love Trading.

The Man-of-the-Day will receive one footstool pouf, compliments of Rohan Furniture Establishment and a bottle of champagne, compliments of V&P Supermarket.

The Minor League 10/10 for primary school teams will continue with four schools competing – Den Amstel, Greenwich Park, Uitvlugt, and MetenMeer-Zorg being the teams on show this Saturday at Leonora Primary School ground.

Additionally, some of the matches will be played under floodlights next Saturday, with the leaders coming up against each other.

Stamond Daniels excelled at the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) Association Guyana examination on Sunday at New Amsterdam Town Hall by skipping two ranks to obtain an orange belt.

This was as the IKD held its final grading for 2015. The grading was for karatekas from New Amsterdam and Albion. Daniels demonstrated techniques that impressed chief examiner Sixth Dan Sensei Amir Khouri and his panel of examiners. At the grading five students underwent the physical exams and succeed. They are Daniels from white belt to orange belt (10-7 KYU), Andre Singh from white belt to orange (10-8 KYU), Aaliyuo Haynaks from yellow to orange belt (8-7 KYU), Amorollah Kudrutullam from green belt to blue (6-5 KYU) and Xavier Henry from purple to brown (4-3 KYU).

Third Dan national and international champion Roger Perouna, an examiner, advised the karakas to continue training. He said every day they train they will get better: “You may not see it but every day you train you are improving a little bit by a little bit. Personally I feel that for the last year I have stabilised and have not improved but Sensei Amir says

I am improving every day and I always believe what my Sensei tells me and you should too. They wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

Perouna encouraged the young karatekas to continue until they attain the lever of black belt: “When you get a black belt that is just the beginning because there are so many levels of black belt, so much more you will learn after achieving your black belt.”

Sensei Clinton Moriah is in charge of the New Amsterdam Dojo and Sensei Hazrat Ali the Albion Dojo.

Meanwhile Sensei Khouri noted that the IKD was trying to make it easier for

young karatekas by having their grading done close to the community in which they live: “Although they are a small number, they do play a major role in the development of karate-do and we see it necessary to ensure that they are all promoted to a higher rank. Berbice is a remote community and the IKD wants to promote the disciplined art of fighting by encouraging youngsters to work at their own pace of the ancient art.” He has also launched an appeal for members of the public to join the martial arts training organisation.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Unbeaten Cross Breed XI

From L-R standing Sensei Clinton Moriah, Sensei Amir Khouri, Sensei Hazrat Ali and Roger Perouna; sitting (L-R) Xavier Henry, Amorollah Kudrutullam, Aaliyuo Haynaks, Anrda Singh and Stamond Daniels

Bruce Lovell

CGI inaugural Local Franchise League bowls off today

Cricket Guy Inc. (CGI)

inaugural Local Franchise League 50over competition will bowl of today with the first round matches at various venues across the country.

Action between the Upper Corentyne and East Coast Demerara franchises will be at the Enmore Community Centre ground; while Georgetown will play Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/ Canje at Albion Community Centre ground; West Berbice will come up against Essequibo at Georgetown Cricket Club ground; and West Demerara will tackle East Bank Demerara/ Upper Demerara at Wales Community Centre ground.

All matches will start at 09:30h, and the games are in preparation for Guyana’s participation in the NAGICO Super50 regional tournament.

According to CGI, the League seeks to uphold the highest professional standards, where players are committed to team goals and other task related to player development.

“It also seeks to model the cricket development methodology utilised by the WICB Professional Cricket League, thereby widening the pool of players locally who can participate in a purposeful and meaningful career path,” CGI said in a statement on Friday.

It added, “Such a purposeful pathway sees the Local Franchise League seeking to encourage talented and emerging players to utilise this professional arrangement as an effective career pathway, in which they can dedicate time to their game, be tutored under a proficient coaching education programme, be guided through a psychological development programme, be groomed under a vibrant mentorship system, and participate in a highly competitive tournament – league, which attracts favourable payment packages for all players and coaches.”

According to CGI, the League is also staffed by remunerated Scorers, Match Referees, Umpires, and an Umpire Coach.

In an effort to widen the pool of players to select from, and to provide greater opportunities for local players, eight league teams have been set up across the country, namely Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/ Canje, West Berbice, East Coast Georgetown, East Bank/Upper Demerara, West Demerara and Essequibo. All of the teams are assigned professional guest players.

As a consequence, the Local Franchise League will feature the Contracted and Academy players being assigned to the eight teams, with Upper Corentyne having the support of Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble and Assad Fudadin.

Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje will feature Veerasammy Permaul, Raun Johnson and Shimron Hetymer, while Keon Joseph, Kandasammy Surujnarine and Gudakesh Motie will turn out as professionals for West Berbice.

East Coast Demerara will include Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Paul Wintz,

Rajendra Chandrika and Steven Sankar, while Georgetown will feature Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Raj Nanan and Kemol Savory as their professional guest players.

East Bank/Upper Demerara will have Robin Bacchus, Tevin Imlach, Dexter Solomon and Vishaul Singh, while West Demerara will have as their professionals Javon Searles, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Akshaya

Persaud, Steven Jacobs and Keemo Paul, and Essequibo will feature as their professional guest players, Ronsford Beaton, Raymon Reifer, Kevon Boodie and Anthony Adams.

The Local Franchise League is a means being utilised by CGI to realise the set goal of the organisation to catapult the competitive standard of the game locally to new and unassailable heights.

GTT/Limacol football final is good for Linden, says Mendonca

By TreisTon Joseph

Organiser of the GTT/ Limacol Round Robin Knockout tournament, Troy Mendonca who is the co-director of the Petra Organisation is optimistic that Sunday’s final will be great for the Linden community.

Milerock and Victoria Kings will do battle for top honours in the tournament and Mendonca believes that both teams deserve to be in the final.

“I think both teams deserves to be in the final, Victoria Kings has been consistent throughout and I think we will have good final and third place playoff,” Mendonca noted.

However, Mendonca also highlighted the resilience of Milerock, “I want to single out Milerock they lost two straight games to open their tournament in the group stage but advanced due to superior goal average and have gotten better ever since…it’s not that they are my favourites but it speaks of their resilience,”

Mendonca mentioned. Mendonca also shared that such a final deserves to be played in the Linden, “Linden have very passionate players and fans and since Kashif and Shangai something of this magnitude have been missing and I think it’s an opportunity for them to come out and represent,” Mendonca highlighted.

The tournament’s final will be played at the McKenzie Sports Club ground with a start time set for 18:00h.

Finalists to be known this weekend

The Enterprise Busta Sports Club (EBSC) is the venue for this Sunday’s semi-finals of the EBSC’s Busta Cricket Festival T20 competition.

The home club has two teams in the semi-finals and no doubt the players will look to make it an all Enterprise final next Sunday at the same venue.

In the first semi-final, starting at 09:30h, Enterprise A will confront Enmore, while at 13:00h, Enterprise XI will square off

with Buxton.

Notably, Enterprise A and Buxton had suffered defeat in the quarter-finals against Golden Achievers and Bravados respectively. However, Golden Achievers and Bravados were disqualified for fielding players who were not on the original list submitted to the organisers.

This left the organisers with no choice, but to award the victory to Enterprise A and Buxton.

Meanwhile, there were several outstanding individual performances during the last round of matches, most notably from former national youth player Clive Andries. Playing for Buxton, Andries claimed two fivewicket hauls and also made a half-century.

Also picking up fivewicket hauls were Pradesh Balkisson (5-9) of Enterprise XI and Garfield (5-12) from Bravados. Among the runs was the in-form Bhaskar Yadram, who stroked an unbeaten 95 for Enterprise XI.

Below are the summarised scores from the games.

Buxton defeated Strathavon by 51 runs. Buxton 170-8 from 20 overs (Clive Andries 56, M. Dale 26, T. Tyndall 2-15, G. Hansraj 2-26) Strathavon 119 all out (P. Dutchin 39, G. Sugrim 38, Clive Andries 5-5).

Enmore defeated Golden Achievers by 53 runs.

Enmore 148-8 from 20 overs (I. Hassan 46, Christopher

Surat 25, D. Ross 20, D. George 2-25) Golden Achievers 95 all out from 18.1 overs (S. Rutherford 22, R. Woolford 20, Satesh Jainarine 4-15, I. Hassan 3-20).

Golden Achievers defeated Enterprise A by four wickets. Enterprise A 139 all out (Latchman Yadram 45, B. Deodat 25, A. Beepat 23, Keon Roberts 3-28) Golden Achievers 140-6 (E. Fernandes 47, Keon Roberts 25. B. Deodat 3-29).

Enterprise XI defeated Enterprise B by 120 runs. Enterprise XI 172-2 from 20 overs (Bhaskar Yadram 95*, Kamesh Yadram 41) Enterprise B 52 all out (P. Ramkissoon 20, Pradesh Balkissoon 5-9).

Bravados defeated Buxton by 17 runs. Bravados 95 all out (Clive Andries 5-13) Buxton 77 all out (Garfield 5-12). In the other game, Enmore gained a walkover from Better Hope.

EBSC Busta Cricket Festival…

Players display the various uniforms that will be worn by the eight teams

Troy Mendonca

Bhaskar Yadram

Clive Andries

Trophy Stall onboard with Flex Night

Modern Grafix, Courts also offer support

Trophy Stall, with locations in Bourda Market, City Mall and South Road, has now joined the club of commercial establishments offering sponsorship for Sunday’s Flex Night International event.

start at 18:00h at the National Cultural Centre.

Modern Grafix, the new dimension in signage, is one of those entities that have thrown its support behind the event. The company has in fact produced a creative redesign of the Flex Night backdrop, which will be used on stage on Sunday.

Furniture and appliance company, Courts Guyana Inc., has also agreed to sponsoring the trophies in one male and one female category at the Flex Night International event.

Managing Director of Flex Night Inc., Donald Sinclair, said the body is extremely grateful for the support put forward by the companies, and promised a high-quality show.

GTT/GRFU

ten’s rugby tournament… Caribs will attempt to stop unbeaten GDF

ATwo other companies have also aligned themselves with the season-ending bodybuilding event, which is slated to

Retailing trophies, medals, shields and other memorabilia for a wide range of sport and other events, Trophy Stall has come onboard on the eve of the big event, and many athletes, both local and foreign, will be taking home products of the establishment.

West Indies Under-19 selectee Tevin Imlach focused ahead of encampment

By Akeem Greene

Many players are of-

ten given the chance to showcase their talents but don’t make full use of the opportunity; but that is not the case with cricketer Tevin Imlach who is focused ahead of his departure next week for West Indies under-19 encampment.

Imlach who took some time in making his debut for Guyana after some good scores at the intercounty level is happy to be a part of the winning 50 overs team.

“Playing for the first time for Guyana at under-19 level was really good, it is something I will hold with me for the rest of my life.”

During the tournament held in Jamaica earlier this year, the elegant right-hander stroked an unbeaten halfcentury as Guyana rebounded from an opening round loss to beat Trinidad and Tobago by three wickets.

to run more singles at the crease, better rotation of the strike; also I’m trying to be more compact and just strive for consistency.”

Imlach who cited New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson as his favorite cricketer due to his sound batting ability, is hoping to model himself after him, in all departments and will need to be wary of his shot selection outside his off-stump.

During the under-19 intercounty tournament he stroked 131 not-out at Eve Leary ground to help Demerara score 326-4 in 50 overs: “After scoring my century, I felt very confident of making the team; many times before I would play youth competitions but not score heavily, so I was very happy to get that century.”

A product of the Demerara Cricket Club, he is extremely thankful for the all help he has gotten. He said: “Coach Garvin Nedd has been really helpful; I had to put in a lot of hard work to get where I am, also my parents had a lot of input and I thank them as well”.

Imlach who can also perform wicket keeping duties, is a prime example of what hard work can achieve. Despite his struggles to make the youth teams at under-15 and under-17 level, he never stopped trying and with proper support, he finally got an opportunity and performed well.

Meanwhile, the Ladies events- the Miss Flex Night Bikini and Miss Flex Night Best Legs- will have 10 participants, five of whom will be from gyms in neighbouring Suriname and five from local gyms.

ction in the Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT)/Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) tens Rugby Tournament will continue today at the National Park ground with two thrilling games from 15:00h.

Yamaha Caribs led by National Coach Theodore Henry will be looking to halt the winning streak of

the mighty Guyana Defence Force (GFC) squad when the two clash in the feature game of the day’s activities.

This will be Caribs first official game of the tournament while the army has played unbeaten in three games to date in the tournament defeating the Pepsi Hornets, Police and UG Wolves.

Meanwhile kicking off the day’s action will be the Pepsi Hornets versus the Guyana Police force (GPF). Teams in the tournament are Guyana Defense Force, Pepsi Hornets, UG Wolves, Yamaha Caribs and the Guyana Police Force. The two female teams will be President Vs Vice President select.

Imlach stroked 61 not-out and held the innings together as wickets fell around him. He lasted 119 deliveries and counted eight fours, and was there to see Guyana to victory. The young batsman is already at the verge of becoming a star but is cognizant of the areas he needs to improve on:

Imlach along with Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Akshaya Persaud will be heading to the encampment in Bangladesh next week and one would hope they all perform well and make the final fifteen for the world cup to be played in Bangladesh from January 22, 2016.

“ Currently I am trying

West Indies is placed in Group C along with England, Fiji and Zimbabwe and will play their first game on January 29 against England. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

Some of the action during the tournament

Managing Director of the Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich (right), presents his sponsorship to Managing Director of Flex Night Inc, Donald Sinclair

Tevin Imlach