Guyana Times Daily - April 5, 2016

Deplorable NA Prison conditions

First Lady urges women prisoners to learn from P17 experience Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2817

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

PRICE

Coldingen Railway murder

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Daughters confess to killing father

“Rickey Scrawley” wanted for Skull City P17 murder

Page 3

– claim he was a nuisance – clothes line led Police to killers

Bandits SOCU charges continue goldsmith for illegally exporting jewellery rampage on WCD CJIA seizure

Page 16

Page 12

“Raise standards, not fees” – UG students threaten days of disruption

Government moves to launch P2 education CoI

– solicits memoranda from public

Page 11

Deadly prison riot CoI

“Lock the door and leh dem bun” – Prisons P7 Deputy Director blamed for inmates’ death – Deputy Mayor joins protest Protesting students on Monday venting their disgust over the mounting issues that continue to cause many inconveniences and obstruct their pursuit of a higher education at the University of Guyana

Enraged parents object to deplorable conditions at Goed Fortuin Primary

Page 9

– students forced to fetch furniture from construction area

"Panama Papers" leak may have possible implications for Guyana Page 14

Govt should establish missing persons P2 database – CADVA

2 NEWS

tuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Government moves to launch education CoI – solicits memoranda from public

T

he Education Ministry on Monday said it was now accepting statements from the public as it moved to commence a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the education system in Guyana.

In its effort to review the Education Sector Strategic Plan, the Ministry said it would be conducting the CoI. The Inquiry is intended to provide evidential bases for the revision, upgrading and extension of the Plan.

The Ministry has, there-

fore, extended an invitation to the public to submit memoranda on their perceptions of the state of the system, inclusive of factual illustrations where possible, and recommendations for the enhancement of the system.

Memoranda, it said, should be submitted to the CoI Secretariat no later than May 14.

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said

the CoI was essential since it would analyse the problems encountered within the school system. This, he said, will also allow the Ministry to use the information to formulate plans to deal with the problem.

The data, he said, will be obtained through consultations with parents, students and teachers.

According to him, the Ministry has had a number

of ideas to reform the sector, but they could not be implemented until data has shown what each region/school recommends to further build and enhance the manner in which education is delivered to students across Guyana.

Additionally, the Minister disclosed that an audit had commenced since the beginning of his appointment.

This audit had revealed a number of physical and administrative “glitches” within the system.

In October of 2015, Dr Roopnaraine had stated that there had been a delay since the Ministry was still in the process of appointing persons to head the probe.

He had intended to have nine persons be Commissioners of the pan-

el, but at that time there had only been five confirmed persons, and he was in the course of contacting and confirming four other persons.

However, these four persons were never confirmed and as such, the setting up of the CoI lagged.

Persons who are desirous of supplementing their memoranda with oral presentations to the Commission may indicate in their submission the desire to do so.

Additionally, persons who are desirous of making oral submissions without submitting memoranda may also write to the Commission, no later than April 30, 2016, expressing the desire to do so.

Govt should establish missing persons database – CADVA

G

iven the reported number of missing persons in Guyana, the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) is suggesting government establish a missing persons database.

The organisation, which has a special interest in domestic violence, particularly against women, said on Monday that too many families are still living with the uncertainty of not knowing what really happened to their loved ones.

CADVA’s Chief Operations Officer/ Programme Development Director Diane Madray said there are no proper followups done by the local law enforcement and this leaves continued heartache for relatives.

“Currently too many families still live with the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to their loved ones. There are currently no accountability and proper follow-ups done by the local law enforcement as indicated earlier. Sometimes cases are compromised with bribes and corrupted police officers.

This has been discussed with Minister Ramjattan, First Lady Sandra Granger and Guyana’s DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) Shalimar Ali-Hack,” Madray said. She noted that the organisation believes it is time for Guyana to move forward and embrace new policies and changes that will help the country move to a new era with systems that will create a stronger public safety approach. At the same time this system should safeguard the security of all and would be a step in the “right direction”.

The plan, according

CADVA’s head in Guyana, Diane Madray

to her, is to create a reliable and modern electronic Database that will be used to track and report on missing persons’ cases linked to a centralised system.

Madray said the organisation’s plan proposes that the database be linked to the Guyana Police Force, which it is hoped will provide updates on the cases as new developments surface.

The launch is planned for November 25 this year.

“Guyana needs to move forward and away from an antiquated system of record keeping and evolve with a modern updated electronic system that will guarantee records keeping and will prevent data tampering,” she said.

“This will also allow the families of the victims to get the latest status with a click of a button through a web interface available to the public.”

As a result, “we hope that you the media continue to be truthful to these stories and help us to keep them alive and give these women of Domestic Homicide a voice, too.”

news

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tuesDAY, april 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 5 – 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, April 6 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 5 – 15:00h-16:30h and Wednesday, April 6 – 15:45h-17:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Coldingen Railway murder

Daughters confess to killing father

WEATHER TODAY – claim he was a nuisance Sunny conditions throughout the day interrupted by heavy to light rain showers in the late morning and early afternoon hours. Clear to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 15:19h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.

Low Tide: 08:52h and 21:14h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.45 metre respectively.

– clothes line led Police to killers

T

he biological and adopted daughters of 64-year-old Roger Manikam of Section ‘B’, Nonpareil, East Coast Demerara, whose gagged body was found along the Coldingen Railway Embankment have confessed to murdering their father because he was a “nuisance” to them.

A third person, a clerk attached to a magistrate’s court, was also arrested and confessed to being an accessory to murder.

Guyana Times understands that members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited the daughters on Monday and a piece of rope that was used as a clothes line assisted them in solving the murder.

Based on information received, detectives became suspicious after they realised that the rope being used as a clothes line in the yard was identical to the one used to secure the plastic found around the man’s head. The Police consequently took the two young ladies into custody.

During interrogation, the two women broke down and gave a detailed account of the murder, which led to the arrest of a third person. The Police are also hunting for a fourth person who is said to have been the transporter.

The two women reportedly told ranks that their father was an alcoholic and would verbally abuse them on a dai-

Murdered: Roger Manikam

ly basis. They claimed that they were stressed out and knew they had to take drastic measures or else they would have been living in misery all their lives.

They related that they had concocted a plan to get rid of their father and more so, to make it appear as though he was killed on his way home from one of his drinking sprees.

On Saturday night, they reportedly told investigators that they were at home and were already prepared to execute their plan with the help of the teenaged daughter’s boyfriend. They recounted making noise in the kitchen to rouse their father who was sleeping in his room.

When Manikam walked out of his room and headed to the kitchen area to stop them from making the noise, the court clerk reportedly pounced on him from behind, dealing the now dead man one blow to the head with an axe. The

man reportedly collapsed and died immediately.

After the trio realised that he was dead, they then proceeded to wrap the man’s head in plastic and secure it with the rope from the “clothes line”. They also bound his hands. After some time, the court clerk telephoned a friend and solicited his assistance in transporting the body to Coldingen Railway Embankment where they dumped it.

They then went back to the home and cleared the area of evidence of the crime, but forgot to remove the piece of “clothes

line” that was left on the post.

The detectives came in for high praise for solving the murder.

When contacted, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that three persons were taken into custody and have since confessed to being part of the murder. He also stated that a fourth person is being hunted.

According to Police reports, about 06:30h on Sunday, Manikam’s body was discovered with wounds to the head and upper neck by residents in the area.

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Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

West Indian Cricket

W

e are certain all West Indians are still basking in the afterglow of the amazing wins by the Men and Women’s teams in the ICC T-20 World Cup tournaments last Sunday. How sweet it is! The scintillating performances and the ultimate success our cricket teams remind us of the possibilities that lie within us as a people even though we might simply be specks on the globe.

This is not coincidental.

We were literally there at the beginning of the process now dubbed “globalisation” and have consequently had the longest experience in dealing with its demands and consequences. While through deliberate policies of “underdevelopment” in the economic domain, we were unable to shake off its stultifying effects, in matters of the mind and society, we could not be held back.

We have produced two Nobel Prize winners in the field of literature because we were forced to deal with the reality of lives twisted through chains of the mind that insisted we were “Caliban”. We produced a Nobel Prize winner in the field of Economics, who laid the foundation of development economics because of the experience in his native land.

But those are esoteric fields, not very accessible to the average West Indian which do not really resonate in their everyday lives. And this is the void that cricket filled. As the great scholar CLR James explained in his groundbreaking “Beyond the Boundary”, cricket gave expression to the aspirations of our people, who had survived slavery and indentureship, to be treated as equals.

When we stepped on the cricket field with the English at the beginning of the 20th century, we might have still been “colonials” but we were equal with the bat and ball.

That after “Independence” in the 1960s we went on to be champions of the world first in Test Cricket and then One Day Cricket, made that independence real in altering the way the rest of the world evaluated us. Our decline from that pinnacle by the 1990s had a significant debilitating effect on our national morale and not surprisingly precipitated much soul searching as to the causes.

In the new millennium there have been three panels established to inquire into and make recommendations for the revitalisation of West Indies Cricket. Two were by the West Indies Cricket Board - headed respectively by PJ Patterson (2007) and then Charles Wilkins head of WICB’s Governance Board (2012), and finally one by Caricom’s Cricket Governance Committee, Dr Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada (2015). Remarkably, each of them recommended, in effect, the dissolution and reformation of the WICB as a prerequisite to any lasting improvement in our cricketing prospects.

And it is against this background that Captain Darren Sammy’s post-game comments, in which he took the WICB to task on several issues, must be considered.

The WICB cannot bury its head in the sand and refuse to take action to reform itself. If three reports over the course of a decade, compiled by disparate, eminently qualified individuals possessing intimate knowledge of cricket combined with a great love of the game and the West Indies, can insist that such reform of the WICB is a sine qua non for any hope of changing the structural conditions that hobble us, we cannot dismiss them out of hand, as that body has done.

It is obvious that self-interest has overtaken national interest in the WICB. The impetus for change can only come from Caricom which consists of the elected, representative leaders of all the Caribbean people.

The report presented by Dr Mitchell, has taken into consideration the prior two reports and as such is about as comprehensive on the desiderata of changes that must be undertaken to save our cricket, as we can have.

With the present T-20 teams carrying the albatross of the WICB on their necks, their victories are even more amazing. Congratulations again!

Reinventing the handle for his bicycle! This man was seen on the East Bank carriageway sporting his reconfigured bicycle handle

National awardees must reflect nation Dear Editor, The APNU-AFC coalition celebrates Guyana’s 50th anniversary since attaining political independence. The coalition announced that it plans to honour (with national awards) individuals and organisations that played a significant role in the struggle for our freedom and/or contributed to national development (only a few independence freedom fighters are still around).

The government can look to the model used in other countries in selecting awardees that will not result in charges of racial and/or political bias as took place last year May after the coalition assumed power.

I visited India last January for its independence and again in March and was privileged to witness Republic Day parade and the announcement by the President’s office of national civilian awardees. (India gives out honours for Republic instead of Independence Day).

Individuals and organisations were recognised for dedicated service to the nation or their communities.

India, like other nations, gives out national honours in recognition of distinguished contribution or exceptional service in various spheres of activity including science, arts, humanities, education, literature, sports, journalism (including writings on the Indian diaspora), medicine, social service, public affairs, entertainment,

Promotion of India abroad, service to the diaspora, etc.

Some foreigners are also recognized (with national awards) who contribute in various ways to India or the diaspora. In India, awardees are given a certificate and medal.

In India, the awardees tend to reflect the face of the nation in terms of geographic and ethnic composition (race, tribe, caste, etc.) of the population and party affiliation.

What takes place in India is very much the opposite of what took place last year in Guyana where after only two weeks in office, the APNU-AFC coalition gave out national honours primarily to its supporters who were primarily from one race group. Last year’s blunder should be avoided.

In India, as in the US, Canada, UK, Mexico, etc, the ruling party does not restrict national honours primarily to its supporters.

Mostly deserving individuals have been honoured in India unlike in Guyana where national recognition is politically motivated.

As happened under the PPP and PNC, and under APNU-AFC last May, highly deserving individuals were left out in order to favour party supporters.

PPP post-Jagan recognised friends; one could not figure out what some of the awardees did other than being friends to the party leadership. Those who contributed to the freedom movement or anti-dictatorial liberation movement (including from the diaspo-

ra) were not recognised.

In fact, PPP recognised some individuals who were in bed with the dictatorship believing they reformed themselves. When the government changed last May, some of them went right back in bed with the former dictators.

The APNU/AFC regime was roundly condemned last year for its racial and political bias in giving out national honours; few Indians and Amerindians were recognised for their contributions to the nation.

People hardly knew some of the coalition awardees; several of them hardly did anything noteworthy or of distinction that benefited the nation or any community or the diaspora.

Some were clearly honoured because of the role played in bringing about the electoral victory of the coalition.

It is noted that in India and other democratic countries, individuals implicated in criminal activities are not honoured.

In contrast, in Guyana, criminals were recognised last year under APNU/ AFC. An honour was given to a person who was a known rapist and murderer and who planned and executed several other crimes including kidnapping and thuggery.

Another awardee was responsible for the rigging of elections in 1968, 1973, and 1980 as well as the referendum of 1978 and for other criminal activities.

A few other honorees were involved in merciless-

ly beating up political opponents and breaking up opposition rallies. Some were intellectual authors of crimes. One was an intellectual author of the murder of Rodney and was also involved in the murder of dozens including Vincent Teekah, shooting of Dr Josh Ramsammy, and the attempted kidnapping of Dr Clive Thomas.

There must not be a repeat of last year’s politically partisan and racially biased selections.

A committee of distinguished politically non-partisan individuals reflecting the ethnic composition of the population should be appointed and tasked with choosing national awardees. Such a committee should be jointly selected by the coalition and opposition and composed primarily of civic (non-political) members.

The committee in turn should announce invitation for public nominations with criteria. After vetting the nominations, the committee can make its recommendations of honours (that reflect the face of the nation and the diaspora) to the government.

Unless there is a transparent non-partisan selection of national awardees, the credibility and integrity of the ruling coalition will be undermined, and people will once again accuse the APNU-AFC regime for political and racial bias for its selections.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Perceived corruption vs virtual reality Dear Editor, For quite some time now, corruption has been one of the main topics that the media, those hostile to the PPP/C, have been plugging. We have put forward the argument before that while there is no denying that corruption existed during the PPP/C administration, it has been highly exaggerated.

The corruption ‘promotion’ and the distortion and lies against the PPP/C have not been reduced, despite little or no evidence of such in the many forensic audits being conducted. However, corruption is flourishing to such an extent that the pro-government Kaieteur News in its March 28 editorial was forced to recognise its existence, even though qualifying it to deny it was less than the time of the PPP/C. The fact remains that

the regime has failed to identify any major corrupt practice/s that they previously expounded so much about. The forensic audits have failed thus far to reveal corrupt practices/ transactions. The regime, in concurrence with those friendly auditors, is now relying on distortions, innuendos and downright lies. People are being attacked without an opportunity to explain themselves or offer comments on the auditors’ reports.

This smear campaign is being sensationalised by the very media who inculcated the belief in Guyanese that everything the PPP/C did was corrupt.

The mere fact that nothing of substance is being discovered by the auditors is clear evidence that the perception of corruption under the PPP/C administration was engineered by speculation and distortion

(and not based on reality).

We have oft repeated the measures the PPP/C took in fighting corruption, including establishing the bidding (tender) system for the awarding of contracts, (that system has ceased to exist), the Cabinet disengaging itself from the contracts award process, and the establishment of the Integrity Commission, among other measures.

The PNC/APNU and the AFC never cooperated with the Commission and did everything to sabotage its work. Today, all these systems the PPP/C implemented to curb corrupt practices are being trampled by the APNU/AFC’s media supporters.

The regime has spoken about excesses the PPP/C administration indulged in, yet they have now doubled the number of contract employees and

their emoluments. Their ministers have received huge salary increases and the Cabinet has increased from 18 to 27 members.

The media that supports the APNU+AFC regime and who artificially created the perception of corruption during the PPP/C administration are now silent on that fact that this regime has voted against a Bill proposed by the opposition to declare all their earnings and properties, both in and out of Guyana. The Bill proposed jail terms for those who deliberately mislead the National Assembly with wrong information on these assets.

These are the measures the PPP/C proposed in a bid to curb corruption. The APNU/AFC voted it down.

Yet a section of the media, which tries to portray the impression that they are interested in transparen-

cy, has also not done anything to support this profound measure. Indeed, they helped to the APNU/ AFC regime to bury the issue.

It is this very same section of the media that is most responsible for helping the APNU/AFC to create the perception that the corruption rate in Guyana was very high.

However, corruption is flourishing to such an extent that the pro-government Kaieteur News in its March 28 editorial was forced to recognise its existence, even though qualifying it to deny it was less than the time of the PPP/C. This happened at a time when Guyana, under the PPP/C, probably had the lowest level of corruption on the region. Yet, from the point of view of the ‘created perception’, Guyana’s rate was the

highest.

The audits that the regime has undertaken at great costs have proven this fact (low corruption rate) very clearly.

The APNU/AFC regime is now digging deeper into the corruption pool, which the Kaieteur News is being forced to grudgingly recognize. However, in the same breath, this same media house is also trying to defend the actions of the regime and cover up this rascality.

It will be interesting to see how things will evolve in the future.

I predict that the same media house will be forced to change its cover up strategy. But this will be a tough process, since they are the ones that initially created the perception of corruption Sincerely, Donald Ramotar

Forestry issues must be ventilated fully and properly Dear Editor, As an avid stakeholder of the forest sector, I am most disappointed in a section of the media which is continuously publishing inaccuracies about the management of the forest sector and the hounding of a foreign forest company despite numerous clarifications by the authorities.

A section of the media quoted the forensic audit report on the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), but in the interest of transparency was there any response from management as it relates to the inaccuracies in the audit report. It would be interesting to know from the Ministry of Finance, the agency which coordinated the audit why wasn’t the Commission allowed to offer clarifications as has been the norm with the audits of other agencies.

Editor, I must say there is an allegation that a foreign forest company BaiShanLin has opted for joint venture deals with other companies to circumvent the GFC requirements. However, my experience within the sector will say that this is wholly inaccurate.

The facts of the matter are that the GFC Board of Directors hosted meetings with stakeholder groups across the country and one of the prominent concerns was the inadequate capacity of concessionaires to beneficially occupy areas and produce sufficient quantities of logs/lumber for the local construction industry, as well as for the local value added manufacturers, and for export.

The availability of more

lumber was also echoed by the Housing Ministry and numerous construction entities, hence the Building Expo was conceptualised to bridge the gap between lumber and quarry production against increasing construction and housing demands.

As such, the concessionaires themselves proposed that the GFC allow joint venture arrangements after the requisite due diligence was done.

Based on these requests by the sector and the need to

improve log/lumber/ value added production, and generate additional employment opportunities with the assurance by the GFC that its monitoring systems would ensure that the allowable harvest levels would not be exceeded, the GFC Board approved both requests.

I am of the belief that both requests were facilitated in accordance with the legislation and a transparent and organised procedure was also highlighted by the Commission and

explained to all stakeholders. From my research, BaiShanLin has entered into approved joint ventures following a process, contrary to the landlording and illegality assertion by some sections of the media.

Another incorrect assertion by a section of the media is the continuous pronouncement that the said company has been

granted a forestry concession that amounts to close to one million hectares of rainforest. However, the fact remains that the company has legal access to 618,902 hectares.

Editor, I believe the time has come for this particular issue to be properly ventilated at a forum to be decided and brought to a conclusion because it

paints a grim picture for investment in the forest sector and the country as a whole.

Ultimately, it is vital to have a well-informed public with the facts and not inaccuracies which seem to be the order of a particular section of the media.

Sincerely, Saleem Hamid

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Foundation

Extensive Reading: Why it’s good for students…and teachers

By Alan Maley

What is Extensive Reading?

Extensive Reading (ER) is often referred to but it is worth checking on what it actually involves. The following is a digest of factors or principles for successful ER: Students read a lot and read often.

There is a wide variety of text types and topics to choose from.

The texts are not just interesting: they are engaging/ compelling.

Students choose what to read.

Reading purposes focus on: pleasure, information and general understanding.

Reading is its own reward.

There are no tests, no exercises, no questions and no dictionaries.

Materials are within the language competence of the students.

Reading is individual, and silent.

Speed is faster, not deliberate and slow.

The teacher explains the goals and procedures clearly, then monitors and guides the students.

The teacher is a role model…a reader, who participates along with the students.

The model is very much like that for L1 reading proposed by Atwell (2006). It has been variously described as Free Voluntary Reading (FEVER); Uninterrupted Silent Reading (USR); Sustained Silent Reading (SSR); Drop Everything and Read (DEAR); or Positive Outcomes While Enjoying Reading (POWER).

So what are the benefits of ER?

Both common sense observation and copious research evidence bear out the many benefits which come from ER.

ER develops learner autonomy n o

There is cheaper or

more effective way to develop learner autonomy.

Reading is, by its very nature, a private, individual activity. It can be done anywhere, at any time of day.

Readers can start and stop at will, and read at the speed they are comfortable with.

They can visualise and interpret what they read in their own way. They can ask themselves questions (explicit or implicit), notice things about the language, or simply let the story carry them along.

ER offers comprehensible input

Reading is the most readily available form of comprehensible input, especially in places where there is hardly any contact with the target language. If carefully chosen to suit learners’ level, it offers them repeated encounters with language items they have already met.

This helps them to consolidate what they already know and to extend it. There is no way any learner will meet n e w language enough times to learn it in

t h e limited number of hours in class. The only reliable way to

learn a language is through massive and repeated exposure to it in context: precisely what ER provides.

ER enhances general language competence

In ways we so far do not fully understand, the benefits of ER extend beyond reading. There is “a spread of effect from reading competence to other language skills – writing, speaking and control over syntax” (Elley 1991). The same phenomenon is noted by Day and Bamford (1998: 32-39).

So reading copiously seems to benefit all language skills, not just reading.

ER helps develop general, world knowledge

Many, if not most, students have a rather limited experience and knowledge of the world they inhabit both cognitively and affectively.

ER opens windows on the world seen through different eyes. This educational function of ER cannot be emphasised enough.

ER tends, consolidates

ex-

and sustains vocabulary growth

Vocabulary is not learned by a single exposure. ER allows for multiple encounters with words and phrases in context thus making possible the progressive accretion of meanings to them. By presenting items in context, it also makes the deduction of meaning of unknown items easier. There have been many studies of vocabulary acquisition from ER (Day et al 1991, Nation and Wang

1999, Pigada and Schmitt, 2006). Michael Hoey’s theory of lexical priming (Hoey 1991, 2005) also gives powerful support to the effect of multiple exposure to language items in context.

ER helps improve writing

There is a well-established link between reading and writing. Basically, the more we read, the better we write. Exactly how this happens is still not un-

So why don’t teachers use ER more often?

A

good question. When I conducted an inquiry among teachers worldwide, the answers came down to these: a) Insufficient time. b) Too costly. c) Reading materials not available. d) ER not linked to the syllabus and the examination. e) Lack of understanding of ER and its benefits. f) Downward pressure on teachers to conform to syllabi and textbooks. g) Resistance from teachers, who find it impossible to stop teaching and to allow learning to take place.

Oddly, the elephant in the room: the Internet culture of young people, was not mentioned. There is work on the non-linear reading required by Internet users in Murray and Macpherson (2005), and articles on hypermedia by Richards (2000), and Ferradas Moi (2008) and some interesting reflections in Johnson (2006). The ‘non-reader’ issue will not go away but it is too important to deal with here and needs a separate article.

Extensive Reading for teachers

My contention is that reading extensively, promiscuously and associatively is good for teacher, and for personal development. “The idea of the teacher having to be someone who is constantly developing and growing as a whole human being as a prerequisite for being able to truly help his or her pupils to be able to do the same, is such a core truth of teaching, yet it is typically ignored in FLT.” (Peter Lutzker) ER helps teachers to be better informed, both about their profession and about the world. This makes them more interesting to be around – and students generally like their teachers to be interesting people. For our own sanity we need to read outside the language teaching ghetto. For the sake of our students too.

derstood (Kroll 2003), but the fact that it happens is well-documented (Hafiz and Tudor 1989). Common sense would indicate that as we meet more language, more often, through reading, our language acquisition mechanism is primed to produce it in writing or speech when it is needed. (Hoey 2005).

ER creates and sustains motivation to read more

The virtuous circle – success leading to success – ensures that, as we read successfully, so we are encouraged to read more. The effect on self-esteem and motivation of reading one’s first book is undeniable. It is what Krashen calls a ‘home run’ book: ‘my first’! This relates back to the point at the beginning of the need to find ‘compelling’, not merely interesting, reading material. It is this that fuels the compulsion to read the next Harry Potter. It also explains the relatively new trend in graded readers toward original and more compelling subject matter. (Moses) but they even note evidence of improvements in the spoken language. (Excerpt from teachin-

genglish.org)

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tuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Bosai accepts responsibility for oil spill in Linden – additional spillage suspected, investigation launched

Bosai's operation in Linden

By Utamu Belle

B

osai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) has accepted responsibility for a recent oil spill in the Demerara River surrounding its operations in Linden.

Following a meeting between the privately owned bauxite company and the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC) on Monday, BMGGI community relations officer Vanessa Mitchell-Davis noted that the Chinese-owned mining company will do its part by putting necessary systems in place to ensure there is not a recurrence.

RDC councillor Sandra Adams who was part of the meeting, said the company was advised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include an additional pond at the point where the company’s waste oil is being collected, in an effort to further protect against possible future spills.

BMGGI was recently ordered to conduct a cleanup

by EPA, as a result of the spill caused due to negligence of an employee.

Following the spill, several farmers of the Dalawala (Upper Demerara/Berbice) community had complained that their produce were adversely affected, however not only by the recent spill, but what they noted to be a situ-

ation that occurred over the past few years.

However, Mitchell-Davis indicated that there appears to be signs of oil coming from elsewhere, apart from the recent spill from the company. Similar sentiments were echoed by Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who also formed part of the meeting.

“For all you know we might be sitting on oil in Linden and don’t know. This is not being funny because they (farmers) showed Bosai signs that oil has been seeping from somewhere; it’s either we got some old storage that got oil seeping whether the Aluminium Plant or Omai Wharf or maybe the best of everything… It’s in our best interest to find out where this thing is coming from so that we can address it and I’m hoping that it’s a sign that we got oil in Linden”, Morian told reporters afterwards.

Morian applauded the company for taking responsibility for its actions. He said an offer was extended for an officer within the RDC to be a part of a tour of the plant. A proposal, he noted, was also made by the administration on behalf of affected farmers in which the company made a promise to hand over fertilizers in an effort to assist.

Meanwhile, Adams noted that RDC in conjunction with Linden Mayor and Town

Council (LM&TC) would further investigate the source of the apparent additional oil.

“Bosai would have updated us that the EPA is fully involved with them. They have done some corrective work. They would have done some mopping up of the oil.

There’s not much more for us to worry about out there, but they would have assured us that in their investigations they also would have found out… it may not all be completely Bosai fault because going down river, they saw more oil and we will endeavour from the Regional standpoint in collaboration with the EPA and Bosai and the LM&TC to investigate further, so that we prevent any such spills in the future. They would have also promised to do a little more in terms of involving and informing the community on the way forward, in anything that they’re going to be doing or if there is any disaster…”, she said.

The RDC councillor said the meeting between the two parties went well, while stating that Bosai’s general manager made a promise to look into fostering better relations between the company and the community.

BMGGI’s GM Robert Shang, Mitchell-Davis and environmental technical services coordinator Wainewright Bethune also formed part of the meeting.

Deadly prison riot CoI

“Lock the door and leh dem bun”– Prisons Deputy Director blamed for inmates’ death

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he blame for the fiery death of 17 inmates and the injuries to several others during the March 3, 2016 Georgetown Prison riot is being thrown squarely at the feet of Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, as more prisoners testified before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which was established to probe the riot, on Monday.

Inmates say Samuels, who on March 4, 2016 was sent on six weeks’ leave to facilitate the probe, gave wardens orders to lock the door of the burning Capital-A building with inmates inside.

Murder accused Kenneth Griffith, who testified on Monday as the CoI recommenced, told the three-member Commission that Samuels instructed prison wardens to lock the door after he was told inmates were responsible for setting a fire in the Capital -A building.

Griffith, who broke down during the testimony, recounted that Samuels asked the prison warden who was outside the door if he was responsible for the fire, to which the warden responded in the negative.

He said that it was at this point that Samuels said, ‘“… lock the door and leh deh sk**t bun…y’all ain’t light no fire? Come down and lock the door.”’

The accused murderer, who was housed in the Capital C building, said he personally pleaded with the Deputy Director of Prisons to free the trapped inmates who

Inmate Trevor Williams

Inmate Collis Collison

were shouting “murder”.

“I said Mr Samuels is people like yourself up there and he walk away … I don’t know if the other officers were intimidated by the gun in his waist, but they didn’t move,” Griffith added.

The Attorney representing the Joint Services, Selwyn Pieters objected to Griffith’s testimony, claiming that Samuels did not lead the task force, an assertion which was rejected by the witness, who continued to ask the Attorney if he was present during the incident.

Griffith said efforts by wardens to open the door were only made after Officer in Charge of Camp Street Prison, Kevin Pilgrim intervened. “After Mr Pilgrim spoke to them, then they picked up tools and hose and ran but by then the smoke was heavy and whatever efforts didn’t help.”

The second inmate to take the stand on Monday was 23-year-old Trevor Williams, who said that a missile was

hurled at Samuels from the Capitol B block, while carrying out an operation on March 3, 2016.

Williams could not confirm who threw the piece of rock. Inmates claimed that a search on an alleged ringleader in the Camp Street penitentiary, Collis Collison on March 3 sparked the uproar among prisoners who believed that he was unfairly treated.

Collision, who made a second appearance before the Commission, denied that he resisted the search and was non-compliant.

However, video evidence showed that Collison was engaged in a brief scuffle with members of the prison task force before he was restrained.

Under cross-examination

by Attorney Pieters, Collision denied that he attacked a prison warden during the course of the search.

Instead, he claimed that he was beaten into a state of unconsciousness by officers.

8 news

tuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness East Ruimveldt man jailed Shameless... on robbery, gun charges A

Front Road, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, man was on Monday jailed for three years by Magistrate Judy Latchman after she found him guilty of robbery under arms and illegal possession of a firearm.

Dexter Wallace, 20, of Lot 38 Front Road, was before Magistrate Latchman on a charge which stated that on June 15, 2015 at Oronoque Street, Georgetown, while

being armed with a firearm, he robbed Petal DeFreitas of a gold chain, one cell phone and a shoulder bag, all to a value of $151,000.

He was also facing trial on another charge which stated that on the same day, he had a .38 revolver and six matching live rounds of ammunition in his possession, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

During the trial, the Prosecution argued that on

the day in question, at about 06:45h, DeFreitas was walking along Oronoque Street when she was accosted by Wallace who relieved her of the articles at gunpoint, and then escaped.

The VC raised an alarm and the police were summoned to the scene. The suspect was subsequently apprehended and a search conducted on him recovered the articles, thus he was taken into custody.

Later he was subjected to an identification parade and was positively identified by the woman.

At the ruling, Magistrate Latchman stated that she found that Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick had successful proven his case and that she believed the VC’s testimony.

Magistrate Latchman sentenced the defendant to three years in prison along with a fine of $140,000.

Nigerian slapped with illegal entry charge – ordered to leave in 24 hours

A

Nigerian man was on Monday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with an illegal entry charge.

Dennis Derie, 34, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on March 27, 2016 at Lethem he illegally entered Guyana by cross-

ing the frontier and failed to present himself to an immigration officer.

The Prosecutor stated that the defendant, who is a clothing trader, went to Brazil to trade in clothes, and decided to come to Guyana.

On the day in question the defendant entered Guyana illegally to trade.

Upon entering the country he failed to comply with the immigration laws.

When given an opportunity to speak in court the defendant explained that he arrived in a bus and paid a sum of $10,000 to the conductor, which he stated was more than the stipulated fare. He also made it known that he was unaware of the

immigration process.

Magistrate McLennan told the defendant that he needs to learn the immigration rules of a country before making entry.

She discharged the matter and ordered the defendant to leave the country within 24 hours.

Charge dismissed against accused phone thief

A

woman was fortunate to have a larceny charge dismissed against her after the virtual complainant refused to give evidence in the matter.

Vedmattie Persaud, 21, of Lot 3 Water Street, Agricola, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with larceny.

She admitted that on March 31, 2016 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, she stole one Samsung Galaxy Note2 cell phone valued at $120,000, property of Andrew Young.

In court Monday Young opted not to provide any evidence against the young lady. He told the court that the defendant’s relatives had pleaded with him to be lenient and not pursue the matter since she has a young daughter. The VC also stated that the phone was recovered, and it is currently in the custody of the police.

Magistrate McLennan dismissed the matter and ordered the defendant to keep the peace for 12 months, or failure to do so will result in six months imprisonment.

T

...WICB’s Cameron

he Americans call it having “brass balls”; the Jews call it “chutzpah” but we in Guyana follow the stiff upper British lip tradition and call it “having no shame”. Like in “Yuh na gat no shame man??” By this time, dear reader, you should know we’re talking about Dave Cameron, President of the WICB cause you’ve seen the statement put out by this shameless man after the victory speech by Darren Sammy on his team winning the ICC T-20 World Cup tournament.

And if you’re anything like this red-blooded West Indian Eyewitness, maybe by now you’ve recovered from that fit of apoplexy and your blood pressure’s receded. Can you imagine Cameron “APOLOGISING” for Sammy’s speech?

APOLOGISING??? What the heck did Sammy say that has to be apologised away?

That Cameron sent the team to start the ICC Tournament without even having uniforms? That their salaries weren’t even set? That key players were snubbed and treated like dirt by the WICB? That the WICB did not even send them a “good luck, boys” message before the final match? JEEZ...Sammy can be accused of holding back his punches - if you really get down to it.

And it’s not just Cameron - it’s the WICB that has no shame. If we were Japanese they would all have found some Samurai swords and fallen on them. But since it’s clear there’s no honour, we hope that in the fallout of Sammy’s showing the Emperor is bereft of any clothes, there will finally be a wholesale shakeup of the WICB. God knows there’ve been enough attempts to effectuate THAT change. Back in 2007, the WICB itself gathered three wise WI dignitaries - all confessed cricket obsessed - and asked them to investigate West Indian Cricket and make recommendations for bringing it back to its glory days. We’re talking about PJ Patterson, former PM of Jamaica, Alister McIntyre, former Caricom Secretary General and head of UNCTAD and writer Ian Mc Donald.

They recommended the WICB, as presently comprised and operated, be SCRAPPED. The WICB balked (surprise!!) and five years later set up an in-house Committee headed by its Cricketing governance head Charles Wilkins. THEY recommended the WICB as presently comprised and operated be SCRAPPED. Three years later Caricom decided cricket was too important to the WI people to be allowed to drift and established a Committee under Grenada’s PM Mitchell.

They recommended the WICB, as presently comprised and operated, be SCRAPPED. And Sammy’s remarks which just recounted the team’s WICB inflicted travails has to be apologised for?

Bun the shameless Cameron!!

...Photoshopping cover-up

Your Eyewitness has already discussed the shameless fraud conducted over at the Chronic when two kids of one ethnicity was Photoshopped into a front page of Pressie flying kites with some other kids. Only a sick mind would see anything untoward with the latter set of kids being of the same ethnicity as Pressie and needed to be “balanced”. Does any Guyanese - including members of the Opposition - expect any politician to only wade into “ethnically balanced” crowds? Is this the new “politically correct”? So are the minions in the state media authorised to photoshop the “balance” if it’s not on the ground?

The question is “authorised by whom?” This Eyewitness will go out on a limb and assert Pressie didn’t authorise this kind of shameless fakery. So the second, related question is why there hasn’t been an investigation as to who embarrassed Pressie by making it appear he’s so hard up for cross-ethnic support, he needs Photoshopping help??

Time to end this shamelessness.

...perverted criminal

As the fella nabbed for raping a pensioner - after she didn’t have any cash to be robbed - was being brought to court, he screamed out for “President Granger”.

This is the slippery slope Pressie created when he pardoned those sixty convicted “youths”. Didn’t matter it was “only” for phones - it sent the wrong signal.

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

news

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tuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Enraged parents object to deplorable conditions at Goed Fortuin Primary – students forced to fetch furniture from construction area

A

The substitute space to accommodate the students

s the new school term began on Monday, disgruntled parents turned up at the Goed Fortuin Primary School to protest the deplorable conditions under which their children have to endure.

The parents who flocked the compound early Monday morning, are calling for the facility to be closed until the rehabilitation works are completed.

Though construction work is underway on one section of the school, officials have refused to close the school. This decision caused much discomfort with parents who raised concerns about the safety of their children on a construction site.

In addition, the parents were enraged over the substitute space provided for students, citing that it is “no way healthy” for human dwelling more so for learning.

When Guyana Times arrived at the school, most parents had taken their children away, but a few students still

lingered around.

While some students used the time to play games in close proximity to where construction was being done, others were seen fetching furniture from the construction area to the substituted classroom space.

A member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) told this newspaper that when she arrived at the school she noticed a number of parents standing with their children outside the school’s compound.

After investigating, she said teachers were proposing to have the children cramped into another but smaller section of the school. However, there were more than 200 children assembled at the school at that time.

The woman said that upon seeing this, she took her son away along with other parents who were just as concerned about the safety of their children.

“It is risky to leave your children here (at the school) in this state. They could get

Toevlugt/Patentia election controversy

GECOM investigating refusal to swear in PPP/C candidates

A

fter reports of two People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Toevlugt-Patentia candidates being refused their Oath of Office surfaced, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is now undertaking to rectify the matter.

This is according to PPP/C Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha who told Guyana Times on Monday that the Party has been in contact with GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield.

While Mustapha could not speak to the status of the investigation, he highlighted that the Party remained hopeful that the situation could be resolved.

To ascertain the status of the investigation, GECOM

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

Public Relations Officer (PRO) Tamara Rodney was contacted.

Rodney informed, however, that she was “still to follow up with the CEO”. turn to page 10

nail bore, or worst, students could hit each other with the pieces of wood lying around.

This is very unsafe for our children.” the parent objected.

She said she called the Education Ministry and the personnel directed her to the education officer responsible for the school.

Just after midday, a ministry official, Devindra Persaud, visited the school and informed parents that the administration will not close the school.

Instead Persaud presented a document for parents to sign, agreeing to the terms and conditions in regards to the hours of school and which class of students

Students seen fetching furniture from classrooms in the construction area

would use which days.

While some parents accepted, others continued that their children would be at a risk because of the hazardous structure.

Up to press time, par-

ents were still waiting at the school where they were expecting a visit from the Regional Education Officer who had indicated his intervention in the matter.

It was indicated that the

rehabilitation work will be completed in a week’s time.

In the meantime, parents held strong to the belief that the works should have been done while school was out for the Easter holidays.

10 news

tuesday, april 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Sugar workers denied API

Clerical error to be rectified Friday

By Shemuel Fanfair

A

fter reports of some five sugar workers at Wales Estate, West Bank Demerara, being denied payment of the Annual Production Incentive (API), this publication has been informed that the workers are expected to be paid this Friday.

The non-payment was a result of the sugar workers supposedly failing to meet the requirements.

Guyana Times was told on Monday that the error was a “clerical” one. It was also revealed that an investigation conducted by management determined that the five workers were indeed entitled to the API. It has been explained that workers who receive the Holiday with Pay (HWP) incentive are also entitled to receive the API. According to what was reported, records had shown these sugar workers had previously received HWP. However, the number of times the factory

The Wales Sugar Estate

workers received HWP was not disclosed.

After months of deliberations between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), sugar workers at the Demerara and Berbice Estates received their 2015 API last Friday, weeks after negotiations were declared deadlocked.

It was on Saturday that Guyana Times revealed that

the five workers at Wales attached to the factory were denied their API payments.

It was an official close to the Estate who had disclosed that these workers did not meet the criteria which the Sugar Corporation had set out. This newspaper also reported that GAWU and Estate officials would launch an investigation into the non-payment.

GAWU has been in discussions with the Sugar Corporation since November

GECOM investigating refusal to...

At a meeting on Friday last at the Good Intent Office, West Bank Demerara, Overseer of the Local Authority Area of Toevlugt/Patentia in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Glenis Castello prevented candi-

dates Saheed Khan and Ravi Chandra Rickhee from taking their Oath of Office.

Her justification was that the name of these candidates did not appear on the list of names of Councillors which she had in her possession.

last year on the API payments. While workers were initially promised their API in December this was postponed to March 2016, to facilitate discussions between GuySuCo and GAWU. In a release, the Union described the April 1 payout of 2.72 days’ pay for the API as “insignificant” and said it vehemently opposed such an “unjust” payment. The Union had said that during the meetings GuySuCo took an uncompromising stand on its proposal to award a day’s pay as API for every 85,000 tonnes of sugar produced.

Over the last several months, GAWU has engaged sugar workers in a series of strike action to advocate for an increase in the API, an increase in 2015 wages and to stand in solidarity against the proposed closure of Wales Estate.

So far, the Sugar Corporation has not budged since the 2015 API remained the same and there was no increase in wages. from page 9

Guyana Times was told of an apparent mix-up with two lists – the first of which included the names of some persons “who weren’t too capable” and the other list that was sent had been “prepared by everyone”. It was disclosed that the Overseer

PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha

possessed the “wrong list”.

“They kind of did it behind closed doors, some people tried to by-pass the system,” one individual close to the council disclosed.

As the PPP/C attained a majority in the ToevlugtPatentia NDC following the March 18 Local Government Elections (LDC), Saheed Khan was tipped for the post of NDC Chairman. In light of the series of events that unfolded, Councillor Mark Khan was sworn in as Chairman.

It is expected that once GECOM sorts out the matter and Saheed Khan takes his Oath of Office, the other Khan will resign and allow the intended Chairman to take up his position and lead the Council.

In a statement issued by the PPP/C on April 2, it was noted that the two Councillors displayed to the Overseer and all other Councillors, their Certificate of Election which had been issued by GECOM on March 22.

“We are calling upon the Chief Elections Officer to rectify this unfortunate impasse with every convenient speed. Anything less will be a subversion of the will of the electorate in this Local Authority Area,” the PPP/C had added.

Did the Local Government Elections ever happen?

T

he recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE) provides an opportunity to analyse and assess how far we have come, what has happened and where we are going. That LGE was held for the first time since 1994 is commendable, although there still remains some serious shortcomings.

The low turn-out of voters speaks to the lack of understanding and importance of local voting amongst voters in shaping and improving themselves and their own communities. Those who are 30 years old and younger have very little or no knowledge of local elections and therefore their no-show at the polls is expected and understandable.

It would be remiss, however, not to consider the fact that the APNU/ AFC rushed into holding local elections knowing that GECOM was ill-prepared Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine to carry out mandated responsibilities, namely the smooth functioning of the overall election process. Some sections of Guyana still question the creditability of GECOM. Nevertheless, and whatever the shortcomings of LGE were, therein lies an opportunity for both sides of the political divide to put aside differences and come together to iron out the existing kinks so that the next LGE will be better than this one. I fully endorse this approach.

Another immediate concern is the lopsided coverage and reporting of the LGE results in the local newspapers. While the silence and yellow journalism of the two tabloids and mouthpieces of the government (Kaieteur News and Guyana Chronicle) are expected since the results of the popular votes were not in the regime’s favour, the reporting of LGE from the so-called independent Stabroek News is disappointing.

SN preferred to place much emphasis on the results from municipalities and very little on the rest of the country. In so doing, the newspaper missed the larger picture of results of the LGE, that is, the voice of the people.

Instead, SN focused on what the opposition PPP said rather than the results themselves. This approach might be regrettable but the declaration is cacophonic and does not bode well for a country that is polarised along political preferences. Perhaps the editors do not think that almost half of the population of the country who are still loyal to the PPP would be offended by reckless journalism. I guess not.

Then there are a group of foreign Diplomats from America, Britain and Canada (ABC) who have been voicing their preference for LGE. Their loquacious attempt to make this happen is appreciated and acknowledged. But why after the LGE they slipped into a cocoon can only raise doubts about their entire guided and guarded subjective mission (democracy, human and voting rights, fair elections, amicable relations, etc) in Guyana.

One does not have to have a seasoned mind or ear to realise that they are hiding some sort of machination. I understand that given the rocky relations between the ABC Diplomats and the previous administration that the former will not be regarded by the latter with starry-eye admiration.

Nonetheless, this should not prevent ABC Diplomats to provide their views, preferably balanced, on the results of the LGE. They have remained silent.

This approach is silly and downright dangerous, playing into the hands of the dictatorial despots in the current regime.

The silence from the ABC Diplomats is flaccid. May I remind readers of the Ugly American Syndrome? It is too painful to describe here.

In the final analysis, the results of the LGE reveal a mixture of history and hysteria. A majority Guyanese still vote along ethnic lines rather than on policies while supporters of the current regime, in particular, writers in the dailies have gone berserk and ballistic when news broke out that the opposition won the popular election by 28,000 votes.

Unfortunately, some have refused to accept that a majority of Guyanese live in a country of stasis and sluggishness perpetuated by the current regime. Instead, some have been wrapped in the whims of extremity, pushing the current regime to reveal more forensic audits and persecute willynilly.

Welcome to Guyana, it takes a special mind to understand the basics, complicated by the tendril and chorus of propaganda. Actually, propaganda is a sign of strength not weakness in Guyana because it provides a fodder for more propaganda.

tuesDay, APRIL 5, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

“Raise standards, not fees” – UG students threaten days of disruption – Deputy Mayor joins protest

“We need a law school here; the Attorney General Basil Williams is telling us that that is not a priority.

How distasteful is that. It is not right, it is hypocritical because, you are saying one thing before you got into power and now because you now have the power and the authority to make a difference, now you’re saying

A group of protesting UG students

By Devina Samaroo

R

esounding were their voices though the turnout was small as University of Guyana (UG) students vented extreme disgust over the mounting issues that continue to cause many inconveniences and obstruct their pursuit of higher education.

Fired up by University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) president Joshua Griffith, the handful of disgruntled students threatened more days of disrup-

President. How long more must we wait for an audience?” Griffith demanded as he threatened to move the protest to outside of the Ministry of the Presidency and Education Ministry on Wednesday morning, providing they do not receive a satisfactory response from the relevant authorities before.

“How can you, our government, not include us in your 100 days plan? And a few weeks from now would make your one year in Office and you still have not met

tral government to reach out to the disheartened students.

Labs

Students under the Faculty of Natural Sciences are beyond perturbed over the fact there are no labs for first- and second-year students who are in their final academic year.

Faculty representative Xiomara Griffith explained that the administration proposed that all outstanding labs be done during the summer.

“For over 200 students!

We strongly believe that this is unfair and students weren’t consulted so they could not prepare their minds for it. And UG fails to realise that we are in a global space and there are international students who live here who do these very course and they would want to go home to their families on their holiday,” she posited.

Grades

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan joined the protest at UG

tion, as they demanded a raise in the standard of services provided, as opposed to a raise in tuition fees which the administration continues to impose.

“The issues here are real and we know because we faced them... Mr President, do you know that because of the services provided by the same loan agencies, and the laxity thereof and the substandard delivery, that students are unable to write exams because they don’t get their loan awards on time!”

Griffith, with loudspeaker in hand and the colours of the Guyana flag draped around his neck, charged to the students.

“How many more students would it take to be allegedly raped, and actually raped but not publicised, before you intervene; how many cars must be broken into; how many fires must we have, before you intervene decisively,” the young leader declared as he explained the relentless efforts made by the UGSS to reach out to government.

“Like Peter, three times we tried and three times we were denied to meet with the

with the students of your national tertiary education institution; stop playing politics with our students, stop playing politics with our education,” Griffith exploded as he explained that all the students want is for government to ensure the delivery of better services that meet the desired standard they spoke so vociferously about during the campaign trail.

Deputy Mayor

Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan, currently pursuing his masters in communication at UG, joined in solidarity with his fellow students, calling on the administration to proactively intervene and address the numerous concerns.

“I am a student as well, and this is a struggle that we’ve been under for a very long time, so I had to come and show my support with these students,” he explained.

Duncan posited that the affairs of UG are also a concern for City Hall.

Also, given his strong alliance with the APNU/AFC coalition, Duncan is certain he will be able to influence cen-

The untimely release of students’ grades also continues to be a worrying concern.

According to one student, students usually have to wait about three months before their grades are released. Students are also concerned about the customary increase in the various fees required by the administration. They disclosed that there are rumours that there will be the announcement of another increase.

“They are raising our fees so by now we expect some sort of change because our fees are bumped up so high.

My mother is a single parent, you understand, she has to find money to pay for me to come to this University and they are treating us this way… we need a change, it is about time,” explained Chelsea Lewis. Law school Likewise, law students are up in arms over the way injustice continues to be meted out against them, especially regarding the extra mile they are required to take in order to pursue an education in the field.

Demands for a local law school were fresh as concerns were over the limit on the number of students who are entitled to move on to attain their law degree.

something else; and then next elections you are going to come and give us some pity story because you want our votes, it is not right,” expressed Yonica Rolland, a second-year law student.

She added: “This is the only university here and it is a shame that we have to go to Trinidad and Tobago to finish off our degree and

pay a lot of money. And this is only restricted to the top 25 student. Our class has 80 strong, what will happen to the remainder, everybody can’t make the top 25. There is no system in place for others who will not make the top 25. You’re telling me because I am not in the top 25, I cannot fulfil my dream of becoming a lawyer or an attorney?”

12 news

tuesDay, APRIL 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Bandits continue rampage on WCD

B

andits continue to create havoc on West Coast Demerara (WCD) as multiple reports of robberies have been reported over the weekend.

The latest robbery was carried out Saturday night at Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD, when two armed robbers attacked and robbed a young man.

The victim, Jason Singh, 20, of Lot 28 Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, was attacked about 20:50h while walking home from work.

Singh told this newspaper that he was two streets from his home when he felt an arm around his neck.

“One of the men came from behind me as I was walking and I just felt his arm come around my neck and I started to struggle with him,” Singh related.

As the two were scuffling, he explained that another man came up and pointed a gun at him.

“The other man just came out from a dark corner and he came up to me and I felt something cold at my side.

After realising that he had a gun, I stopped resisting.”

Singh was relieved of $20,000 cash and a Samsung Galaxy S5.

He disclosed that after they took his possessions, they started to beat him.

Region 5’s stalled 2016 work programme

Chairman to meet REO to resolve issues F

Jason Singh’s injured leg as a result of the robbery

“Both of the men started to kick and cuff me about my body. One of the guys kicked me on my knee and I fell,” Singh said.

After the incident Singh related that he was left lying when the two men got on a bicycle and rode away.

The matter was reported to the Leonora Police Station.

Meanwhile, another similar matter was reported to the Leonora Station just a few hours later.

This time the victim was a taxi driver of Stewartville, WCD. According to reports, the taxi was called to pick up someone but upon arrival at the location two men entered

the vehicle and held him at gunpoint, demanding his assets.

He cooperated with the men who after collecting the valuables took off on a bicycle.

The men are said to be Afro-Guyanese.

Just a few days ago, People’s Choice Supermarket and a Post Office both located in Meten-Meer Zorg were broken into.

According to Harry Singh, owner of the supermarket, the bandits made off with over $400,000 worth of groceries and car products.

At the post office, $579,918 was taken by the robbers.

ollowing the nonimplementation of this year’s budgetary allocations to advance the 2016 work programme in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Roderick Edinboro are expected to meet today to discuss the issues.

According to information reaching this publication, Chairman Ramphal will outline the reasons for the muchneeded implementation of the programme since the Region has been going through “immense hardships” as a result of the non-approval of the funds.

Region Five Vice Chairman Rion Peters related on Thursday the many challenges which the Region has been facing. It was reported in this newspaper that the Region’s infrastructure was poor, there was a lack of improved services and the agriculture sector was dwindling.

Peters was of the view that these matters could be addressed if swift action was undertaken to provide the Region with

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

the monies approved by the National Assembly.

Peters had noted that many contractors were awaiting the renewal of their compliances, alleging that some of the Region’s contractors were not affiliated to the current Administration, so delaying tactics have been used to “accommodate those contractors”.

Peters, therefore, implored the REO to provide the money for the work programmes to benefit the residents of the Region so that they too could enjoy “a good life”.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), REO Dennis Jaikarran told this newspaper on Saturday,

funds for their work programmes are being used.

He noted that the Region was focusing on preparing for the 2017 Budget.

Jaikarran also said that the primary aim of this year’s budget was to ensure that farmers adequately benefited from the conservancy which was now the main source of water for the Region.

To this end, funds were designated for maintenance of pumps and to provide fuel to ensure their constant functioning. In addition, the budgetary allocation is being used for the rehabilitation of roads, among other projects, that will advance the Region.

In Region One, it was indicated that the budgetary allocation would be used primarily to evolve health and educational facilities in the Region. Of the amount, $14 million will be spent on procuring an ambulance for the Region’s central health facility.

On February 23, the Government passed the $230 billion National Budget, presented under the theme “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence…the Good Life Beckons”.

News

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tuesDay, APRIL 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Cruise ship docks in Guyana

Six years later

Mother still aches for C missing daughter

Still missing after six years Babita Sarjou

Champa Seonarine still grieves for her missing child

lmost six years after her mysterious disappearance, the mother of Babita Sarjou said she needs some closure and really wants to know the whereabouts of her daughter.

Champa Seonarine said it is quite unlike her daughter to disappear without a trace, leaving her then four-year-old son.

The grieving mother spoke with the media Monday, following a press conference hosted by the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) group at the Pegasus Hotel in honour of her daughter.

Sarjou, an employee of BK International, and of Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara, left her desk and computer unattended in November 2010 and never returned.

Seonarine said all she needs at this time is closure. She said the police have not been doing anything to locate her child.

“Whether Babita is dead or not, I need to find her,” Seonarine said, fighting back tears. “I need closure to this case, and I am calling on each and every one out there who knows something about Babita, that they have a heart and

some feelings and come out and say something”, Seonarine, who now resides in the US pleaded.

She said her family feels that her daughter’s estranged husband referred to as “Anand” had something to do with her disappearance.

Reports are that there were several instances of domestic violence reports to both Kitty and Timehri Police Stations. Sarjou disappeared the night before Diwali in 2010.

“She said to me ‘mammi I’d be home at 9’o clock’ that night, but Babita never showed up,” the mother sobbed.

No one has any idea what occurred between Babita and her husband on the night of the motorcade.

Seonarine said Anand has never spoken to them concerning that night. The Police held him for questioning for 72 hours and then released him.

During the investigations, samples of an undergarment were sent to Trinidad and Tobago for DNA testing, but, according to Seonarine, no results ever came back.

Meanwhile, CADVA’s head Diane Madray said while Guyana does not have a law for missing

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persons, the organisation is hoping to have a bill passed in memory of Babita Sarjou.

She said the law, which the organisation hopes to name the Babita Sarjou Missing Person’s Law, should be considered as there is a need to take Sarjou’s case and set precedence so that change could be made.

She said Sarjou’s disappearance was marked as a case without a trace and the organisation has been working closely with her family to advocate for the reopening of an investigation with Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar AliHack.

Madray said: “If we do not find Ms Sarjou alive or dead, November 2016 will mark 6 years of her disappearance and there has been no follow-up to assist the family on this matter by the Guyana Police Force. This case has appeared to have gone cold or I would say freezing on a cold winter’s night”.

She said she met with Ally-Hack and her assistant Friday, and was again informed that the Guyana Police Force has not sent the file since her first request.

“This was now my 3rd request on the 18 of March 2016. At this time DPP informed me that they will request the file once again on March 21st and up to my second meeting at the DPP Office on Friday, April 1st no file had returned.

On March 14, 2016 meeting with Minister Ramjattan who I know to be a no nonsense kind of minister would also ensure the file is located. An official letter was submitted to his office on March 28, 2016 and on March 29 a response was given that my request would be passed on to Commissioner of Police for his response on my written request.”

aledonia Cruise liner docked in Guyana’s waters on Monday for a short visit, signalling Guyana’s growing tourism potential. The 100-passenger MS Serenissima is one of the ships operating under the Nobel Caledonia Cruise Company.

The ship is docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation’s (GNSC) wharf for just under 24 hours, and according to cruise director Neil Horrocks, the stop was made for site-seeing purposes as they have never stopped in Guyana.

“I’ve come down this Coast 20 times in my cruising life, and normally we

Cruise director Neil Horrocks receives the welcome plaque from a representative of the Tourism Ministry in the presence of Captain Etien Bonacic

The MS Serenissima

go straight to Trinidad and Tobago and those other islands, and we miss out on all of this and wonder what was here,” he stated.

Horrocks explained that the passengers and crew were excited to see the Kaieteur Falls and other sites, adding that they were very appreciative of the warm welcome they received.

Director General of the Tourism Ministry Donald Sinclair expressed appreciation for the cruise’s visit, and stated that the occasion shows that Guyana’s tourism potential is growing.

“More and more these events are happening, which is telling us that Guyana is now coming out of its obscurity. You know in the 1970s and ‘80s Guyana was off the tourism map… now we are more and more a part of the cruise tourism map because this is the third cruise visit

for 2016.

I don’t think any other year saw that many for the beginning,” he stated before presenting Captain Etien Bonacic with a welcome plaque on behalf of Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes.

“We hope you enjoyed your stay, and do come again,” he

encouraged.

The ship is equipped with 53 crew members. It was built in Norway in 1959 and renovated extensively in 2003.

The MS Serenissima departed Guyana’s waters for Suriname at 17:30h on Monday.

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tuesDay, april 5, 2016

News

"Panama Papers" leak may have Panama lawyer at centre of data possible implications for Guyana leak denounces attack on privacy

The map showing the different countries where the secretive law firm Mossack Fonseca has clients

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anamanian specialist law firm Mossack Fonseca, the world’s 4th largest provider of offshore services, was on Sunday rocked by what it alleges to be a “hack” that leaked 2.6 Terabytes of data of its confidential documents to the Panama Metropolitan Paper and other news entities.

The leak has since revealed damning information of Heads of States, the elites, business moguls and other parties who were clients of the secretive law firm that created offshore bank accounts to hide their wealth, possibly allowing them to avoid paying their taxes.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) located in Washington said the leaked data spans nearly 40 years from 1977 through the end of 2015, allowing “a never before seen view inside the

offshore world - providing a day to day, decade to decade look at how dark money flows through the global financial system, breeding crime and stripping national treasuries of tax revenues.”

Twelve national leaders are among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the world known to have been using offshore tax havens. Most popular among them are Russian president Vladimir Putin who has a 2 billion dollar trail leading to him by way of his best friend Sergei Roldugin, who the leak alleges syphoned off the monies of the Russian state bank into a hidden offshore account.

Among national leaders with offshore wealth are Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister; Ayad Allawi, ex-interim prime minister and former vice-president of Iraq; Petro Poroshenko,

president of Ukraine; Alaa Mubarak, son of Egypt’s former president; and the prime minister of Iceland, Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson.

The Iceland Prime Minister, it seems, is in hot water since the leak broke, with over 20,000 civilians protesting in the streets of Iceland calling for his immediate resignation. the Apparently, leaked records show that Gunnlaugsson co-owned a company set up in 2007 on the Caribbean island of Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands, to hold investments with his wealthy partner whom he later married.

There are possible ramifications for Caribbean countries as well. The Panama Papers reported that the law firm has over 3000 clients in the US and 9000 in the United Kingdom, in addition to other countries. The paper showed a map which highlighted the different clientele countries, with Guyana being significantly highlighted, along with Venezuela, Brazil and other South American countries.

It is too early, however, to tell if any of the information that was leaked has relevance to Guyana since out of the 11.5 million documents only 154 are in the public domain.

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he head of a Panamabased law firm at the centre of a massive leak of offshore financial data on Sunday denied any wrongdoing, and said his firm has fallen victim to “an international campaign against privacy”.

German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung said it received a cache of 11.5 million leaked documents from the law firm’s database, and shared them with more than 100 other international news outlets as well as the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

Ramon Fonseca, the director of Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, specialised in setting up offshore companies, said in a telephone interview with Reuters that his firm had

A still image from video footage shows Ramon Fonseca, the Director of Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, during an interview with Reuters television in Panama City, April 4, 2016 (REUTERS/REUTERS TV)

suffered a successful but “limited” hack.

Fonseca, the firm’s cofounder and until March a

senior government official in Panama, said his firm has formed more than 240,000 companies, adding that the “vast majority” had been used for “legitimate purposes”.

The ICIJ report published on Sunday details billions of dollars of financial transactions moved through numerous offshore accounts.

Britain’s Guardian newspaper said the documents showed a network of secret offshore deals and loans worth US$2 billion led to close friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin dismissed the report as aiming to discredit Putin ahead of parliamentary elections.

Fonseca emphasised that the firm was not responsible for the activities of the companies it incorporates. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Escaped murder accused in Trinidad recaptured after 5 days on the run

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he last of the six men who escaped from St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital last week is back in Police custody, and he claims he was running away from abuse at the hands of prison officers.

Murder accused Sheldon Henry, alias Sheldon Thomas, was captured on Saturday night in Chaguaramas, in the North West Peninsula of Trinidad, where he was hiding under a jetty.

Police, acting on information they received around 20:00h, went to Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas and saw Henry

in the compound of Lennox Industries. When the officers called out to him, he fled and jumped into the water nearby.

Lawmen sought the assistance of the Coast Guard and Henry was later found hiding under the jetty. He is expected to appear in court this week to answer a charge of escaping lawful custody.

Henry had escaped from the hospital between midnight last Monday and 01:50h on Tuesday. The other five were recaptured within hours, while the 31-year-old who had been referred by the court to the St

Ann’s Hospital on March 7 for observation, remained on the lam. He had previously been on remand at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca, since being charged with murder of Anthony Lemessy on August 19, 2004.

Henry, who is also facing 14 other charges, including possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, wounding with intent and possession of cocaine, had been described by Police as armed and dangerous. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

T&T PM alarmed at brazen killings by criminals: Crime a national crisis

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, second from left, congratulates Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London, following his final address to a PNM convention as leader of the party’s Tobago arm

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rime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley on Sunday expressed alarm at the brazen and brutal way criminals have been killing citizens, saying crime in Trinidad had now become a national crisis.

In addressing hundreds of delegates at the People’s National Movement (PNM) special convention at St John’s Ambulance Brigade Hall, Port-of-Spain, Rowley said there were three issues – security, economy and unemployment – that had been affecting the country and “attracting the attention of the Caribbean in a way that we have not anticipated”.

Of the three issues, Rowley

said the most worrying was crime, since the murder rate for 2016 had reached 122 as of Sunday.

“So for January, February and March the criminals have put away 122 of us. At that rate, if it does not abate we could be looking at about 500 people being killed in Trinidad and Tobago. That is a whole unacceptable state of affairs... unacceptable,” Rowley told the crowd at the convention, which was themed “Enriching Our Democracy”.

Despite increasing the strength of the protective services, Rowley said it was disheartening to know that firearms have been flooding the

streets and people have been losing their lives by way of “strangulation and gasoline.

The last person I saw being killed was by gasoline...something like that.”

He said while people continue to kill one another in a brutal and uncaring way, the Government has a responsibility to find the perpetrators “and put them where they belong”. He said while many people believed that crime was a political issue, it was currently a “national crisis”, noting criminals were now using the Internet and cellphones to conduct their illegal operations. (Excerpt from

Trinidad Guardian)

tuesDAY, april 5, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Deported refugees arrive in Scores dead as flash floods Turkey as part of EU deal ravage northwest Pakistan

Around 200 arrive smoothly as part of the deal aimed at stemming crisis but human rights groups’ fears persist over future asylum seekers

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n enormous and complex logistical operation involving thousands of European Union and other officials was launched to ship migrants and refugees from Greece back to Turkey under a controversial accord between Brussels and Ankara.

In the first wave of deportations on Monday, around 200 mostly econom-

ic migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were sent back to Turkey aboard chartered Turkish ferries sailing from the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios.

Under the hard-won deal with Ankara, the EU accepted that for every refugee from war-ravaged Syria being returned to Turkey from Greek islands, another Syrian refugee will be resettled directly

from Turkey to the EU. While the operation ran smoothly on the first day, human rights groups feared for the future of asylum seekers.

Many worried that Greece was overwhelmed with potential asylum seekers, and that authorities did not have the resources to process their applications – meaning that some refugees would be deported without exercising their right to apply for refuge.

“There are many questions over the legality of this deal in large part because we have little information as to whether or not people have a fair chance of having their asylum claims assessed.

This [deportation process] appears to have been fasttracked,” Brad Blitz, who researches migration in the southern Mediterranean at Middlesex University, told Al Jazeera.

“Some [migrants and refugees] did leave voluntarily. The first two boats [on Monday] contained principally Pakistani migrants.

The third boat contained Afghans.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Homes in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province faced extensive damage in the wake of the flash floods [Arshad Arbab/EPA]

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t least 63 people have been killed and 34 injured after flash floods ravaged parts of northwest Pakistan, including the Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Homes in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province faced extensive damage after rain started on Saturday causing flash floods.

“There are 30 people stranded by a landslide in the Kohistan Valley where we have sent a helicopter to rescue them,” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disaster management official Yousuf Zia,

told Reuters news agency.

One of the worst-affected districts was the Swat Valley, northwest of the capital, Islamabad, where 121 mm of rain fell on Sunday, the Meteorological Department said.

Landslides caused widespread damage to roads and communication infrastructure in the Pakistanadministered Kashmir as well.

The heavy rain are now expected to move northeast, towards northern India, although more isolated storms were expected in northern

Pakistan, the Meteorological Department said.

“All roads leading to villages and other areas have been blocked... There is no movement at all,” Khalid Khan, a courier company owner in Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, told AFP, adding that local hospitals lack the facilities to deal with the injured.

During the rainy season last summer, torrential downpours and flooding killed 81 people and affected almost 300,000 across the country and in Kashmir. (Al

Jazeera)

World figures deny wrongdoing as after disputed polls “Panama Papers” reveal offshore wealth

Yemeni parties welcome Gunfire rattles Congolese capital Cabinet reshuffle

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group of Yemeni political parties, organisations and forces has welcomed a Cabinet reshuffle, offering its “utmost support” to President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi.

The 10-member group said in a statement on Monday it “completely” supported the appointments of General Ali Mohsen alAhmar as the new Vice President, and Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr as the new Prime Minister.

They will replace Khaled Bahah, who held both posts.

The reshuffle, announced a day earlier by President Hadi, reinforced “national and political unity”, the group said in the statement, a copy of which was sent to Al Jazeera.

The signing parties included The Southern Movement and The General People’s Congress.

The statement came as a United Nations-brokered ceasefire is planned in the coming days between Yemen’s warring parties, which is expected to pave the way for the peace talks due to be held in Kuwait on April 18.

The reshuffle boosted the push for peace in the conflict-torn country and would “facilitate the success of the upcoming Kuwait negotiations”, the statement said.

The group also expressed its “appreciation and profound gratitude” to the Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates, “for their continuing support for the Yemeni people, Yemen’s political leadership and national Government in order to end the coup, restore the State’s authority and reconstruct the country”. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

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un battles rocked the capital of the Congo Republic on Monday, shattering a relative calm that had followed President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s reelection in a disputed poll last month.

Fighting erupted in the southern part of Brazzaville, with heavy fire in Opposition bastions between troops and unidentified assailants sending thousands of residents fleeing, AFP news agency reported.

AFP reporters saw streams of people panicked by the gunfire heading north away from districts loyal to the Opposition, which is contesting President Nguesso’s recent re-election.

According to several witnesses, the crackle of automatic gunfire began after 02:00h local time in

Makelekele and Mayana districts, and continued without stop until dawn.

Several explosions were heard and two Police stations were reportedly torched in the restive rundown districts, strongholds of the Opposition.

Following the violence, hundreds of Police and troops, some in armoured vehicles, fanned out across the city’s southern areas and threw up roadblocks on the main road between the south and the city centre.

The reason for the clashes was not immediately clear, but Government spokesman Thierry Moungalla told Reuters news agency that former members of a militia that fought President Nguesso in a 1997 civil war were behind the violence.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Donald Trump urges John Kasich to quit White House race

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epublican front-runner Donald Trump has said he would easily win the Republican nomination if John Kasich drops out of the contest.

He said the Ohio Governor should not stay in the contest because he cannot collect enough delegates to win.

His comments came just ahead of Tuesday’s Wisconsin vote which could reshape the Republican race.

“If I didn’t have Kasich, I automatically win,” Trump said at a rally in Wisconsin.

If Trump loses the primary contest on Tuesday, as the polls suggest, it is far less likely he will have the all-important 1237 delegates needed to secure the nomination.

Delegates represent their states at the party’s convention and are accumulated by the votes in each state.

Currently, Trump has 735 delegates, Texas Senator Ted Cruz 461 and Ohio Governor Mr Kasich 143.

If no-one hits 1237 after all 50 states have voted, the Republican convention in

July is contested, meaning the delegates vote for a nominee, and Trump, who is unpopular among sections of the party, could lose the nomination.

The New York businessman has had a very difficult seven days, sparking outcry over comments he made about abortion, standing by his campaign manager after he was charged with assaulting a reporter and raising eyebrows with remarks about US foreign policy. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ohio Governor John Kasich

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overnments across the world began investigating possible financial wrongdoing by the rich and powerful on Monday after a leak of four decades of documents from a Panamanian law firm that specialised in setting up offshore companies.

The “Panama Papers” revealed financial arrangements of global politicians and public figures including friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin, relatives of the Prime Ministers of Britain, Iceland and Pakistan, and the Presidents of Ukraine and China.

While holding money in offshore companies is not illegal, journalists who received the leaked documents said they could provide evidence of wealth hidden for tax evasion, money laundering, sanctions busting, drug deals or other crimes.

The law firm, Mossack Fonseca, which says it has set up more than 240,000 offshore companies for clients around the globe, denied any wrongdoing and called itself the victim of a

campaign against privacy.

The Kremlin said the documents contained “nothing concrete and nothing new”, while a spokesman for British Prime Minister David Cameron said his late father’s reported links to an offshore company were a “private matter”.

Financial prosecutors in France announced the opening of a preliminary investigation for aggravated tax fraud.

Germany would also “pick up the ball” in the case, a Finance Ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Australia, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands were among other countries which said they had begun investigating the allegations based on more than 11.5 million documents.

A White House spokesman said that while he had no specific comment on the leaked papers, “greater transparency allows us to root out corruption”.

Government leaders around the world responded to the leaks on Monday with denials or declining comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16 NEWS

tuesDAY, april 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

CJIA seizure

Linden shooting

SOCU charges goldsmith for illegally exporting jewellery

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he Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has laid charges against goldsmith Richard Ramjit, whose jewellery was seized at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in connection to a money laundering investigation.

Ramjit of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was confiscated of a gold chain and a wrist band, items which he claimed to have had in his possession for years and had worn on numerous occasions when travelling to the USA. The jewellery is said to be valued at $3.9 million.

Guyana Times understands that the goldsmith was notified on Monday that he will be charged with exporting gold without a license and for failure to declare his jewellery.

Ramjit’s Lawyer Anil Nandlall has since posited that the charges against his client are absurd.

“I maintain most resolutely that SOCU officers continue to abuse their powers and misuse the law in order to attempt to justify their illegal actions of seizing the jewellery in the first place. It is obvious that this gentleman was not exporting gold jewellery he had on his person, so they are stretching the law to a state of absurdity in order to justify their actions,” he stated.

Ramjit had already filed a $10 million lawsuit against the government after he was

detained at the CJIA. The matter was called for the first time on March 17 in the Constitutional Court before Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and leave was granted to file Affidavits in Answers.

The matter was adjourned to April 14.

Notably, this incident brought to the fore concerns about how potential travellers will be affected by this new legislation, which allows designated officers to seize jewellery worth in excess of US$10,000.

Local jewellery traders have already expressed concerns over how these clampdowns, coupled with the antiquated Customs Act, will impact their operations.

According to reports, the Act prohibits individuals from leaving the country with jewellery worth in excess of G$2000 (females), G$1500 (males), and G$500 (children under 12).

It also stipulates that persons desirous of taking out jewellery valued more than the allowable amount, they must be in receipt of a written approval from the Finance Minister.

However, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had pointed out to Guyana Times that SOCU is operating under the AML/CFT Act so there really is no need for concern. He posited that the Customs Act, like hundreds of other laws, are outdated and hence not being enforced.

Victims undergo successful surgery

Injured: Sherwin Hughes

Wanted: Calwyn Croal

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he victims of the early morning shooting in Linden on Sunday underwent successful surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital and are recuperating, as reliable sources have listed their condition as stable.

Simone Croal, 41, of Lot 604 Half Mile, Wismar, was shot six times, while her cousin Sherwin Hughes was shot twice by her estranged husband Calwyn Croal also known as “Brother” at Canvas City, Wismar.

Up to Monday evening, Police sources confirmed that he remains on the run.

Calwyn Croal made good his

escape Sunday morning following the shooting, which occurred at approximately 1:45h.

His car was later found abandoned at Buck Town creek at Wismar. The victims were initially rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where it was noted that two bullets were lodged in Simone Croal’s body, including one in her right leg and right hand, while two were lodged in Hughes’ back and his right arm. The estranged couple who had been together for over 20 years and have six children together, reportedly had a rocky and abusive relationship which resulted in several Police reports.

On the morning of the shooting, eyewitnesses recalled hearing about seven

shots fired as Simone and Hughes along with his wife pulled up to her home in a car.

Calwyn had reportedly been waiting in Simone’s yard for her. He reportedly followed the vehicle firing shots as the occupants drove

Injured: Simone Croal

off to avoid the hail of bullets.

The estranged couple were earlier involved in an

altercation at the Mackenzie Market where Hughes operates a shop along with his wife.

Family members say Simone made a report of the incident where she alleged being hit by Calwyn with a bottle. It was while returning home that the shooting took place.

Calwyn Croal was recently wanted in connection with an armed robbery, for which Police had issued a wanted bulletin. He later turned himself in and was questioned.

While he was not charged, E Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander Brutus had stated that the evidence against Croal was highly circumstantial. He had also recently joined protestors at Linden, against acts of alleged Police brutality.

According to the Police Croal is now wanted in connection with the attempted murder of the duo.

Investigations are ongoing.

Motorcyclist injured in 2-vehicle collision

Jason Kowlessar was thrown off his bike

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arelessness on the part of both driver and rider led to a two-vehicle collision on East Coast Demerara (ECD) Railway Embankment Road on Monday morning.

Rider Jason Kowlessar was struck by car HC 5497 and sustained minor inju-

ries about his body.

The car was travelling west when it stopped in the vicinity of Caricom Headquarters in an attempt to turn through a corner on the opposite side of the road.

Another vehicle, travelling in the opposite direction, stopped midway on the

road to allow the first vehicle to turn into the corner.

The motorcyclist travelling behind the vehicle that stopped to give way, drove up ahead on the inner left to turn into the same corner when he collided with the car.

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news

tuesDAY, april 5, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Serious crime down by 14% First Lady urges women in 1st quarter – Police prisoners to learn Deplorable NA Prison conditions

from experience

Two prisoners at the New Amsterdam Prison show First Lady Sandra Granger some of the items they made when she toured the prison’s sewing room

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irst Lady Sandra Granger visited the New Amsterdam Prison on Sunday after media reports surfaced detailing the deplorable living conditions the women prisoners endured.

According to reports which were published in another section of the media, the Prison was said to be overcrowded forcing inmates to share beds, and there was no running water at the facility.

At the time of the First Lady’s visit, it was not clear

whether the pipes were working, but it was noticed that there were buckets and tubs of water covered with sheets of plastic a short distance from the toilet and bathroom.

The allegedly poor quality of the meals the inmates receive was highlighted, but the First Lady was not taken to the kitchen.

Speaking to the women prisoners after the tour of the facility, the First Lady urged them to see the experience of incarceration as an opportunity to become better

– plain robbery up by 27%

and stronger individuals.

“When we learn from our experiences and we start to look at ourselves, we can become stronger and we can see where we need to go… It is an experience that you have gone through and I hope that it is something that will help to make you stronger as you go back out into society,” she told the women.

She also called on prison officials and NonGovernmental Organisations that work to rehabilitate inmates to ensure that a wider range of skills training is offered to the women, such as carpentry and masonry, so that upon completion of their sentences, they will be able to earn a living.

The First Lady also promised that she would try to assist in areas that they require help, because while they may be incarcerated, their lives have value and they are still capable of making positive contributions to society.

“You still are individuals… you might be [here] right now, but some of you will be leaving shortly and you should be able to go back to your communities with your heads held high,” the First Lady said.

Sussex Street murders

Police granted extension to further detain suspects

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lthough the Guyana Police Force has recorded a 14 per cent decrease in serious crime, plain robbery has increased by a whopping 27 per cent.

In a released issued by the Guyana Police Force for the period January 1 to March 31, 2016, it stated that 14 robberies were committed where the perpetrators did not use any weapons.

The statistics also proved that 40 murders were committed up to end of March when compared to the same period last year with a five per cent decrease.

There were 133 cases of robberies where the perpetrators used firearms when compared to 147 during the same period in 2015. There was a one, 22 and 13 percent reduction in Robbery where other instruments other than firearms were used, robbery with violence and robbery with aggravation, respectively.

With respect to larceny from the person, the police recorded a 48 per cent decrease with 32 cased being reported at the end of March when compared to 62 for the same period last year. Another offence that saw a dip was that of rape, with a 16 per cent decrease with 70 cases reported.

In addition, there was a 13 per cent decrease in burglary with 59 cases being investigated when compared to 68 at the end of March 2015. There were 349 cases of break and enter and larceny being reported but

saw a decreased of 15 per cent when compared to the same period last year. The police also confirmed that there were no reports of piracy and kidnapping up to the end of March 2016.

The police noted that it was due to a number of initiatives the Force have undertaken that led to the de-

crease in serious crimes.

It stated that the implementation of social problem solving strategies, such as the Social Crime Prevention Programme, and the strong partnership it has forged with civil society, are yielding dividends in public trust and the development of a stronger social fabric in the communities.

The police added that one way in which public trust has manifested itself can be illustrated in the investigations of high profile crimes; in that not only is the Police getting more information, but more importantly, they are getting accurate information, and the Force has also managed to

get overwhelming support from witnesses to process cases in a shorter space of time.

This support from the public, coupled with capacity building within the Criminal Investigations Department, such as training in the Major Case Management Investigation Model, Crime Scene Processing and Forensic Video Analysis from the Justice Educational System have all impacted on the successes of the force over the period.

Training in the areas of advanced crime fighting with the use of information technology and advanced fingerprint science were also offered to investigators by the Government of India, the police added.

Additionally, ranks from CID were exposed to advanced fingerprint training and crime scene investigation which were organised by the United States Embassy.

The French Government also provided Intelligence Gathering training in the form of Surveillance Techniques to intelligence operatives. The investigators also benefited from advanced narcotics investigation training and International Collaboration to Combat Financial Crimes which were offered by the Russian Government and many other initiatives.

Further, the CID has received additional human resource which has all contributed to a higher quality of criminal investigations.

“Rickey Scrawley” wanted for Skull City murder

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Dead: Gladstone Taylor

T

he Guyana Police Force on Monday was successful in its application to the High Court to further detain four persons in connection with the two recent murders in Sussex Street, Charlestown last week.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum stated that two men were held for the execution of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Kevon Payne and two others were held for the gunning down of 57-yearold Gladstone Taylor called “Tuffy” of Adelaide Street, Charlestown.

While Blanhum did not provide any information with respect to the investigations, Guyana Times understands that the two executions are linked. Once the case files

Dead: GDF rank Kevon Payne

are completed, they will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will determine whether or not charges will be laid against the detainees.

It was reported that on Tuesday, March 29 about 22:20h, Payne and another man, Shakel Williams, 22, of James Street, Albouystown, were among a group of men standing on the roadway at Lyng and Sussex Streets, Charlestown, when two men armed with firearms rode up on a motorcycle and discharged rounds in their direction.

Payne was hit about his body and Williams was hit to his right foot. As a result, Payne was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

where he was pronounced dead on arrival while Williams was admitted.

The Police say ranks of a Police mobile patrol in the vicinity of the shooting responded to the sound of gunshots and confronted the two suspects who managed to escape after an exchange of gunfire with the ranks.

Three days after that shooting incident, Taylor who was accused of having a hand in the murder of the GDF coastguard was sitting at Adelaide and Sussex Streets, when two men rode up on a CG motorcycle and opened fire on him.

He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

s Police intensify their investigation into the murder of Dellon “Chicken” Bradford, 25, of Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD), a wanted bulletin was issued for the arrest of the main suspect.

The Police stated that Hemraj Bramdeo, called “Rickey Scrawley”, is wanted for questioning in relation to the fatal stabbing which occurred on March 23 at Skull City, Patentia. The last known address for the 46-year-old suspect was given as Back Street, Patentia.

Following the stabbing incident, two persons were arrested and questioned for the murder, but have since been released. On the night of the fatal stabbing, the wanted man had accused the now dead man of breaking into his cousin’s home and removing cash and other items.

Initial reports stated that “Chicken” had broken into

Wanted: Hemraj “Rickey Scrawley” Bramdeo

the home of Ruth Ramdoo of Lot 1 Skull City, while she was at her mother’s house.

After receiving information about her home being burglarised, Ramdoo rushed home and allegedly caught Bradford red-handed.

This led to a scuf-

fle between Bradford and Ramdoo, during which Bradford was stabbed several times by Bramdeo. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died.

However, Bradford’s relatives refuted claims made by family members of the dead man’s reputed wife.

His sister, Simone Williams, explained that Bradford and Anita, the mother of his child, had an argument after she refused to go home with him.

She was reportedly consuming alcohol with her relatives. As Bradford insisted that the woman leave with him, he was allegedly stabbed and killed.

After the stabbing incident, the now dead man was accused of being caught redhanded in a house trying to commit a felony and during a scuffle with the owner, he was stabbed.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, April 5, 2016

ARCHIE

Keep your mind on what you are doing and don’t let (March 21- anyone disrupt your plans.

April 19) You can bring about positive change if you stick to your own devices.

ARIES

Your intuition will not let TAURUS you down. An emotional situ(April 20- ation will turn in your favour May 20) if you are willing to push a little harder to get your way.

dilbert

Someone will use manipuGEMINI (May 21- lative tactics to try to underJune 20) mine you. Be precise in order to avoid misinterpretation.

Don’t trust anyone to handle your personal or financial matters.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Your experience will help you handle a situation with clarity. Your insight and ability to find solutions will make you a hero. Romance will highlight your day.

Take a chance and make LEO a change. You’ll surprise ev(July 23eryone with your actions, Aug. 22) but more importantly, you’ll make it clear that you are in charge. A romantic gesture looks appealing.

Pay attention to imporVIRGO tant relationships and avoid (Aug. 23emotional discord. Discuss Sept. 22) plans thoroughly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

If you are precise, you will have nothing to worry about.

Calvin and Hobbes

Mixing business with pleaLIBRA (Sept. 23- sure or letting one interfere Oct. 23) with the other will be your downfall. Organisation and preparation will be required to avoid criticism. Strategic planning will pay off.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – EPITAPHS

Caution must be taken SAGITTARIUS when dealing with people (Nov. 23- who don’t share your beliefs.

Dec. 21) Spell out exactly what you want or need in order to avoid a misunderstanding or mistake. Favour practicality over indulgence.

A day trip or get-together CAPRICORN with people you enjoy or ad(Dec. 22- mire will lead to new ideas, Jan. 19) plans and improvements.

Love is emphasised.

(EPITAPHS: EP-ih-tafs: Inscriptions on tombstones.)

Average mark 26 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 41 or more words in EPITAPHS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – MOURNFULLY molly morn mourn mournful mull only unfurl unroll unruly roll

norm null flour floury folly form forum foul foully four

from full fully fumy furl fury lorn lory lour your

You’ll make progress if SCORPIO you incorporate profession(Oct. 24al or domestic changes that Nov. 22) will make your life easier.

Convenience and the latest technology or equipment will give you an edge.

solution for Last Published Puzzle Bring about the changes AQUARIUS that will help you secure a (Jan. 20desired position or provide a Feb. 19) chance to hone your skills and make them profitable.

Use your imagination and PISCES (Feb. 20- make your dreams come true.

March 20) Express your plans openly and find out who is on board to help. A partnership looks promising.

tuesDAY, aPRIL 5, 2016

19

“Everything we do is for the betterment of WI” – Brathwaite A

ll-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who hit four successive sixes at the start of the final over to snatch the World Twenty20 title from England’s grasp in Kolkata, has said “everything we do is for the betterment of West Indies.” Brathwaite’s comments echoed the emotional address from West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who expressed disappointment that his players had not received the support he felt they deserved.

“Most of the nations have more resources than we do, but we have natural talent,” Brathwaite, 27, told ESPN Caribbean. “It has been said we don’t have brains, that we don’t harness our talent, that we do things off the field that contribute to poor on-field success. But I just

Carlos Brathwaite is ecstatic after his last over heroics

want to say being around these guys, that everything

we do on and off the field is for the betterment of West

Indies, not just the team, but also cricket and the region in general.”

West Indies began the final over, bowled by Ben Stokes, needing 19 runs to win. Brathwaite, playing his first major tournament, launched sixes over long leg, long-on, long-off and deep midwicket off the first four balls to complete one of the greatest finishes in the game.

“It was a little nervewracking to be honest, I just tried to stay focused, use my cue words, watch the ball and take some pressure off Marlon,” Brathwaite said.

“It would have been too hard to give him a single and expect him to do it all. I just had to bite the bullet and try to get a couple of boundaries, which fortunately I did, give God thanks for bring-

ing it home for the people in West Indies.

“After the third six I just backed myself, go hard, if it goes in the air I knew Marlon would finish it but I knew I had to be there as close to the end as possible.

We continued to back ourselves, back our strength and our strength is hitting boundaries. Once we knew it was manageable we knew we could do it.

“I just want say a special mention to everyone in Sergeant’s Village, my family, my friends and especially to Mr Erroll Edie, the master bat-maker from the Caribbean. He made this special beauty for me to use in the World Cup and he told me, ‘Carlos, go out there and smash ‘em’. Erroll, I did, and now we are world champions.”

Watching from the other end, as Brathwaite brought the trophy home, was Marlon Samuels, who had kept the chase alive with an unbeaten 85 off 66 balls as the top and middle order fell around him. Brathwaite gave his senior team-mate due credit.

“It’s us against the world and someone needed to take responsibility. And today Marlon Samuels after a slow start took responsibility and played a fantastic knock,” Brathwaite told Star Sports.

“That was amazing man, I wish I could use some expletives on TV to really express how much of a top knock that was. He did it in 2010, and I knew if Samuels was there in the end, he’ll bring us home in 2016. It was a matter of when and not if.”

(Cricinfo)

Indian High Commissioner Youths to participate in personal development session inducted as RHTY&SC’s Honorary Member I n observation of United Nations’ (UN) Day of Sports for the Development Of Peace, a number of cricketers, mainly from the county of Demerara, would participate in planned activities set to promote the interest of such peace in sports.

The session will be facilitated by the youth empowerment organisation ‘Xercise’, and will commence at 13:30h on Wednesday at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.

Players identified for the session are Brandon Jaikaran,

I

The Indian High Commissioner poses with RHTY&SC members during his visit to the Club

ndian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam last week paid a courtesy call on the management and members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), M.S at the St Francis Community Developers head office. The High Commissioner was inducted as the club’s 158th Honourary Member by organising Secretary Keith Hicks during the visit.

Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, led the club’s delegation, which included Assistant Secretary/CEO Franklyn Ross, Organising Secretary Keith Hicks, Assistant Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall and executive

member Lucy Pike. The long-serving Secretary/CEO provided a comprehensive update of the club’s history, achievements, list of activities and plans for the future to the impressed High Commissioner.

Mahalingam spoke of areas of cooperation between the club and the Indian High Commission, including assistance of cricket gear, formation of a permanent relationship with an Indian NGO among others.

The High Commissioner expressed his admiration of the club and its achievements over the years. He expressed the hope that the RHTY&SC, M.S would uphold the rather high standard it has set itself and

congratulated the club on its historic achievement of receiving the National Award – The Medal of Service from the Government of Guyana.

He also expressed gratitude to the club for inducting him as an Honourary Member and pledged to work along with the organisation to make a positive difference. Mahalingam, at the end of his presentation, made a financial donation to the work of the club.

Organising Secretary/ CEO Keith Hicks accepted the timely donation and expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner while reassuring him that the funds would be used for the club’s cricket development programme.

Shimron Hetmyer

Sachin Singh, Garrick Persaud, Devon Allen, Yodister Persaud, Dwain Dick, Jerimiah Benjamin, Visual Persaud, Wayne Bollers, Ariel Tilku, Daniel Paul, Kenta Seepersaud, Ashesh Shivraj, Navindra Persaud, Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Persaud, Kirk Lovell, Alphius Bookie, Sachin Singh, Christopher Campbell, Jospice Jones, Omar Torrington, Nkosie Beaton, Colin Barlow, Premchan Ghamsham, Joshua Rogubeer, Mark Baptiste, Dequin Bamfield, Tevin Imlach, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer.

Gillette Evolution’s trio conquer Powerade race

T

eam Gillette Evolution’s remarkable rise in local cycling continued in emphatic fashion on Sunday when the club has a 1-2-3 finish in the Powerade road race on the West Demerara roadways.

Last year’s leading senior rider Orville Hinds emerged the winner of the 45-mile race, clocking one hour, 21 minutes, 22 seconds (01h: 21m: 22s). He was followed by club mates Akeem Wilkinson and Marlon Williams in that order.

The race started in front of Wales Police Station with 39 riders, proceeded to Schoonard, turned left into the newly built access road to La Parfaite Harmonie, turned at the junction on the same road, proceeded back to

Orville Hinds

the Schoonard public road, travelled to Leonora, where the riders will made the final turn and headed to the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

Linden Bauxite Flyers’

Shaquille Agard finished fourth, Team Alanis Christopher Griffith fifth and another Team Gillette Evolution rider, Stephen Fernandes, ended sixth.

Wilkinson won five of the eight prime prizes on offer, while Williams had two and Junior Niles one.

By virtue of his finish, Fernandes was the leading veteran rider, followed by Jude Bentley and Raymond Newton.

The junior category was won by Deeraj Garbarran ahead of Christopher Cornelius in second and Raphael Leung third, while Keon Thomas won the Mountain Bike race from second place Julio Melville and Wayne Nurse third.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Mahadeo tipped to be Bunbury unveils investment Cricketer-of-the-Year initiative for Guyanese youths

Lens Craft Supervisor Tayasha Kanhai hands over the donation to Hilbert Foster

F

ormer national Under-19 cricketer Khemraj Mahadeo is tipped to be named Cricketer-of-the-Year when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) hosts its 26th annual awards ceremony at its headquarters on April 17.

In 2015, Mahadeo was outstanding with both the ball and bat for the Rose Hall Town Bakewell Second Division team and is expected to head the 43 awardees to be honoured for outstanding performance and service to the club.

Patron of the club, His Excellency President David Granger, would deliver the feature address and assist in the presentation of awards. RHTY&SC President Keith Foster, Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and immediate past Patron Beverly Harper would also be part of the ceremony. Harper is set to receive the highest award of the RHTY&SC, the Dolphin Award of Excellence, for her outstanding contribution over the years.

that unlike the past where over $2 million worth of prizes and trophies were shared out, the magnitude of prizes would be reduced. This is as a result of a management decision to invest more of the club’s finance into its cricket development programme for youths and the Berbicewide ‘Say No to Suicide’ campaign.

Meanwhile, Lens Craft Optical of South Road, Georgetown, and the management of F&H Printery have come on board with financial contributions towards the awards ceremony. Alstair Parris of Lens Craft and Hakim Hakh of

Fadil Hakh of F&H Printery hands over the sponsorship cheque to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster

Among the awardees would be female cricketers Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings, along with junior cricketers Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Brandon Prashad, Chanderpaul Govindan and Slyus Tyndall. Long standing executives, members and founders of the club, Keith Hicks and Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, would also be specially honoured.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, disclosed

F&H Printery both stated that they are long standing supporters of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation and disclosed that their companies were pleased to be associated with the national awardee organisation. Foster expressed gratitude to the two companies for their support and noted that it would assist the club to honour its outstanding members and executives.

D

uring his much-publicised homecoming tour of Guyana in January, Hall-Of-Fame Guyanese footballer, Alex Bunbury, witnessed firsthand the unbridled enthusiasm, talent and potential of hundreds of Guyanese boys and girls who attended his goodwill clinics across the country.

He also recognised the urgent need for better training facilities, equipment and services, and promised his young students he would leverage his resources and global connections to ensure these basic needs were met as soon as practically possible.

Subsequently, Bunbury and his team of business and sports professionals (Team ABSAA – Alex Bunbury Sports & Academics Academy) presented architectural renderings and a bold proposal to the Government of Guyana to build and manage a multimillion USD, eco-friendly, state-of-the-art sports, academics and resort facility in Guyana – The ABSAA-GUYANA Project.

The ABSAA-GUYANA concept binder is currently being reviewed by the government and Bunbury is cautiously optimistic that a signed agreement-in-principle to the project as outlined in the document is forthcoming in the near term.

Undoubtedly, the ABSAAGUYANA facilities as envisioned by Bunbury and Team ABSAA, will not only transform the infrastructure, standards and culture of sports and academics in Guyana, but will also create thousands of high-paying jobs for Guyanese.

Team ABSAA recognises that the new government has other priorities, including the budget, local elections and preparation for the national Golden Jubilee celebration, and as such, its response to the ABSAA-Guyana concept binder may be delayed.

However, while the ground-

Alex Bunbury

breaking ceremony for the ABSAA-Guyana project may be a year or two away, the above-mentioned needs of the young Guyanese studentathletes require immediate attention.

Motivated by his promise to the Guyanese students in January and by his strong desire to launch a developmental initiative as a tribute to his older brother, Morrell “Bumbo” Bunbury, who passed away tragically a few weeks ago, Alex has decided to unveil The Morrell Bunbury Grassroots Development Program (MBGDP).

The entire programme (MBGDP) will be privately funded by Alex Bunbury and will complement ABSAA’s quest to create hope and opportunity through sports and academics.

It will, among other things, Register Game Of Life Inc. as a private company in Guyana with direct oversight of ABSAA and MBGDP; Invest in the founding and operation of a new professional football franchise/club in Plaisance. The franchise will pursue entry into Guyana’s Stag Elite League in full compliance with the GFF’s application process and eligibility criteria. Additionally, the club (name tba) will emphasize youth development (male and female) in football and academics, and opportunities

will be provided for players to earn college scholarships and professional contracts to study and play overseas.

There is also plan to invest in building a state-ofthe-art training football field in Plaisance for the new club and adoption of the St John’s Bosco Orphanage in Plaisance, to include: (a) the procurement via direct purchase and donations of needed resources such as books, computers, clothing, food and other supplies; and (b) the funding of a sports training program to help the young athletes reach their full potential as productive citizens in the game of life.

There is also a move to purchase and renovate a building to provide the following: (a) office space for lease to local small businesses; (b) a retail store for sports gear and equipment; (c) an academic support programme to provide tutors, mentors and advisors/counsellors for young boys and girls to address their unique needs for supplemental education and guidance services.

The programme will feature a foreign language department to enable students to learn Spanish, Portuguese or French as a second language.

MBGDP also plan to donate to the GFF much-needed football gear, equipment and supplies designated for underserved regions such as Lethem, Bartica and other rural communities in Essequibo and Berbice.

Bunbury is scheduled to arrive in Guyana on April 18. The MBGDP, as outlined above, will be launched thereafter in collaboration with local stakeholders.

“Bunbury would thus have demonstrated to the Guyanese people that he is indeed a man of action, firmly committed to investing his personal wealth for the advancement of his Guyanese brothers and sisters,” a release from the organisation noted.

Waqar Younis steps down as Pakistan coach W

aqar Younis has resigned as Pakistan’s coach three months before his contract was going to end, and only one day after Shahid Afridi relinquished his T20 captaincy. Waqar took the decision after meeting PCB officials in Lahore.

The two resignations came after Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and the World T20 in India.

Pakistan won only three games out of the eight they played across the two tournaments and failed to make it beyond the first round. The last series Pakistan won in any format was last October, when they beat England 2-0 in a three-Test series in the UAE. After that, Pakistan lost the ODI and T20 series to England, and then traveled to New Zealand to again lose the T20 and ODI series. They won only two of

the 12 limited-overs matches they played in all against England and New Zealand.

Pakistan are currently ranked a respectable fourth in Tests, but eighth in ODIs and seventh in T20Is in the ICC rankings.

“It’s time to go,” Waqar said. “With disappointment and pain I would like to inform that I decide to resign as the Pakistan coach. In last 19 months of my job I was completely honest and didn’t leave any stone unturned to help the team achieve the best but unfortunately we couldn’t get the results.

“It was slightly unfair by the board the way the whole case had been handled as my report was leaked and none of the board officials tried to talk about all this.

But in all this, I do not want all of you, including ex-cricketers, to forget my services to Pakistan cricket.”

This is the second time Waqar Younis has stepped down from the coaching post

Waqar had recently presented a scathing report, after Pakistan’s exit from the World T20, in which he criticised the PCB’s decision of not giving him a say in the selection process and lambasted Afridi’s style of captaincy. The report was an

overview of his two-year term as coach and was submitted to the PCB chairman Shahryar Khan and to the board’s fact-finding committee. The PCB later announced on Monday, among several other measures, that a panel comprising Wasim

Akram and Ramiz Raja would assist the board in finding a new coach.

A day before submitting that report, Waqar had offered to step down but had said cosmetic changes would be insufficient to solve the deeper issues in Pakistan cricket.

“I am stepping aside with a heavy heart, and what can I say, the present circumstances aren’t good in PCB,” Waqar said on Monday.

“They were looking to make me a scapegoat so it was important for me that I should go with respect.”

It was Waqar’s second tenure as coach after he was appointed in May 2014 for a two-year contract that was due to end on June 30 before the tour of England. By stepping down at this juncture, Waqar will forgo three months’ salary; he advised the board to invest that money in domestic cricket.

“I am being portrayed as the villain,” he said.

“Whatever I said in past five days wasn’t a lie. I want Pakistan cricket in good shape and hence gave recommendations which are already out in public. I hope my suggestions will help the upcoming coach if they are rightly understood for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

“I had three months remaining in my contract and some Rs 50-60 lakh with PCB but I told them to invest them in domestic cricket where it is actually needed. Players there at the first-class level are being underprepared. Until you don’t invest at the right place you will not get the right players to the top level. If money isn’t invested then I am afraid after next five-six years someone else will be standing here and cursing PCB and the system.” (Cricinfo)

21

sports

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RHTY&SC salutes West Indies, Campbelle on T20 success T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has expressed “profound congratulations” to the West Indies Male and Female teams on their historic World T20 success, as well as Guyanese Shemaine Campbelle, who was part of the Female squad.

Below is the full text of the message.

“The Patron, Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S would like to offer their profound congratulations to the West Indies Male and Female cricket teams on their historic achievement of winning the ICC 20/20 World Cup. We would also like to specially mention our own ShemaineCampbelle, who has fulfilled her lifelong dream to be part of a World Champion Team and to be a World Champion herself.

The club is delighted at Shemaine’s and her teammate’s achievements and it is our hope that this would inspire all cricket clubs in Guyana and the Caribbean to invest more into female cricket. It is unbelievable that the RHTY&SC, M.S is the only cricket club in Guyana that has a female cricket team and which seeks to allow our talented girls to fulfill their potentials. Female national players like Shemaine, Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry, Plaffina Millington, Sheeneta Grimmond and Shakiba Gajnabi are forced to play against males to de-

Shemaine Campbelle of the RHTY&SC poses with the World Cup

velop their skills and it is our hope that the Berbice and Guyana Cricket Board would place more emphasis on female cricket.

As we celebrate our double world championship, it is very important to remind ourselves that West Indies cricket is still in crisis and we should not fool ourselves that we have turned the corner. All of us involved in West Indies cricket from the President, Directors, local country and county executives and club officials must redouble their efforts and dedicate themselves to making a positive difference. We must serve cricket to the

best of our ability and must do so honestly and without seeking personal rewards for ourselves.

The RHTYSC, M.S would also like to salute our fellow Berbicians Tremayne Smartt on the success as well along with Darren Sammy and his team for making all of us proud to be West Indians. The Club on Sunday 17th of April would honour Shemaine Campbelle in a special way for being part of the World Champions. May god continue to bless and guide West Indies cricket to more success.”

Stag/EBFA Senior League…

Herstelling beat Agricola to continue dream run

H

erstelling Raiders have continued their dream run in the Stag/East Bank Football Association’s (EBFA) Senior League when they recorded yet another upset win on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield.

The Herstelling boys upstaged Agricola Red Triangle 2-1 to move into second place in the points table, a position they have never experienced before. Ijaz Cave, who netted the winning goal in Herstelling’s 2-1 win over Soesdyke one week earlier, set the tone for the win this time around when he netted in the 28th minute.

But Agricola, who finished second to Grove Hi Tech in the previous league and reeling from the two red cards issued to two key players in back-to-back matches prior to Sunday’s game, fought back to draw even in the 39th minute when Kacy ‘Boombie’ John fired past goalkeeper, Quazim Yussuf.

With such an entertaining first half, the final 45 minutes served up even more excitement, but it was not in favour of the more experienced Agricola side; it

Damien Bacchus (left) and Ijaz Cave of Herstelling Raiders

was the Herstelling Raiders that raided Agricola’s barn.

Full points were secured in the 55th minute when Damian Bacchus breached Agricola’s defence to nail his shot into the back of the nets past the hapless Shemroy Kendall, much to the delight of his fellow players and the dismay of their opponents.

Herstelling stood firm in defending their advantage and did not allow Agricola to repeat their first half exploits when they came back to equalise. When the final whistle sounded, it meant Herstelling had upset their

more accomplished opponents by a 2-1 margin, a similar score line to their win over Soesdyke the previous week.

Sunday’s other match saw Kuru Kururu Warriors walking away with full points by way of walkover over Mocha Champs.

Defending champions Grove Hi Tech will play this Sunday’s feature match against Kuru Kururu Warriors when the league continues with opening play between Mocha Champs and Soesdyke Falcons at 13:30h.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

tuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Time for the WICB to become champions!

Says Akeem Greene

“W

e started this journey … we all know we had … people were wondering whether we would play this tournament. We had a lot of issues, we felt disrespected by our board, Mark Nicholas described our team as a team with no brains. All these things before the tournament just brought this team together.”

Those were the words of a gutted West Indies captain Darren Sammy as he spoke after the Caribbean side won their second Word T20 tile in emphatic style in India on Sunday.

Usually after such a tremendous feat, captains, players, support staff and well-wishers all would be in an extremely jovial mood, but this was certainly less of the case when the Sammy vented his frustration at the haphazard approach the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has adopted in deal-

Dave Cameron

ing with the region’s top cricketers.

Over the years, the board and the players have always found some way to be a part of a conflict, which often results in catastrophic consequences, as we can all remember the various “pullouts” from tours.

Even before the World T20, the players threatened not to partake because of an

issue with the division of the prize money.

Some may say these players are selfish, greedy and do not have West Indies cricket truly at heart as they chose to play in lucrative T20 tournaments around the world instead of plying their trade for their respective countries at regional tournaments.

But let us be fair, cricket has evolved into an actual profession, and frankly the WICB either cannot afford to pay these players high salaries or they are simply unwilling. Either of the scenarios presents a situation where undoubtedly talented players cannot be adequately rewarded for their exploits; so inevitably they will be lured to play in financially rewarding tournaments.

The rift between players and board goes beyond just money as they seem to be several logistical mishaps by the board.

Sammy revealed a totally embarrassing issue re-

GFF/Stag Elite League…

garding them not having uniforms on the eve of the tournament.

He stated “We had a new manager in this tournament in Rawle Lewis; he had never managed any team before. He came here, we were at a camp in Dubai, but we had no uniforms, no printed … he left Dubai, went to Kolkata, that’s where he started. The trouble he went to, to get us in this uniform.”

Combined with the other issues mentioned early, this certainly would create an unhappy environment for professionals and by all accounts, warrants the board being put to the sword by the players.

Though the argument will be put forward that Sammy’s utterances could have been done in a more diplomatic manner, the board has long now always been “in discussions” and yet hardly any long standing solution is ever found, so it resulted in the idiosyncrasies that plague region-

al cricket, justifiable being aired to the world.

Finally, what would have to be the most heart rendering dilemma in the current dispensation between board and players is that upon reaching the final, the WICB offered no congratulatory sentiments to the team.

Sammy disclosed,” I really want to thank the heads of CARICOM, throughout this tournament they have been supporting the team, we’ve got emails, we’ve got phone calls, Prime Minister [Keith] Mitchell [from Grenada]. He sent a very inspiring email for the team this morning [before the final] … and I’m yet to hear from our own cricket board. That is very disappointing.”

In a statement on Monday, Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin Larocque congratulated the teams on their victories as it demonstrated their ability to overcome the challenges they faced.

2016 has been an extremely productive year for West Indies at ICC World Tournaments, as they have won all the titles (Under-19 50-over World Cup, Men’s and Women’s T20) in one calendar year and in a normal sense, the phrase “the future is bright for West Indies Cricket” would be used, but with the current modus operandi of the WICB, that future looks dull.

WICB president Dave Cameron announced that he would meet the players after the IPL at the annual review in June to find a “common ground” where the “best” players can represent the region in all format.”

As supporters, one must remain optimistic about that meeting and hope the WICB get their act together and steer West Indies cricket in the right direction. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League…

Convincing wins for Alpha United, Slingerz FC Agricola, Craig square off in Saturday’s final

A

lpha United inflicted a five-nil hammering on Pele FC, while Slingerz FC defeated Buxton United 2-0 when action in the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Stag Elite League Finale continued on Sunday at the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) ground.

Alpha United, with a much stronger and experienced unit, took the lead in the 34th minute when Solomon Austin scored to end the first half in favour of Alpha.

It was in the second half that Alpha simply tore apart Pele, as seven minutes into the half, William Europe extended the lead. However, a red card for Pele’s Jermaine Fordyce in the 58th after he

Julian Wade

received two cautions left them handicap against a team hunting for more goals.

Colin Nelson in the 64th, Delon Lanferman in the 80th

and Daniel Wilson in the 92nd added the final three goals to end the misery for Pele.

In the other match, Slingerz FC made light work of Buxton United by virtue of a double from Julian Wade, who netted in the 5th and 58th minutes.

With the win, the unbeaten Silingerz FC, after seven matches, now hold a clear fivepoint lead over second place Fruta Conquerors, who have 16 points; Alpha in third on 14 and GDF following on 11.

The league will continue on Friday at the Leonora Stadium, where Fruta Conquerors FC will come up against Alpha United from 18:30h and Pele FC will play Slingerz FC at 20:30h.

A

Craig scorers! From left: Joshua Moore, Sheldon Wickham and Romeo King

gricola Red Triangle downed Grove Hi Tech via the penalty kicks after battling to a nilall scoreline in regulation and extra time, while Craig School halted the surge of Friendship All Stars 5-0 to book a date in the final of the inaugural Ralph Green sponsored East Bank Football Association’s (EBFA) Under-11 League.

Contesting last Saturday’s semi-finals at the Grove Playfield, the young Agricola lads held their nerves to rally for a 4-2 penalty kicks win in a match that saw both sides coming close to scoring but did not during regulation and extra time.

While Grove held the early momentum, as the match progressed, Agricola upped the ante as they took the attack to Grove. Scoring from the spot for the winners were Floyd Boyce, Raheem Williams, Jamal Fyffe and Kevon Cato.

The only players on tar-

get for Grove were Tyrese Jones and Jamal Cordis as one shot went wide of the mark whilst the other was saved by goalkeeper Adam Wilson.

Craig Primary was too solid for Friendship All Stars to handle as they ran away 5-0 winners handing the latter their first loss of the league which relegates them to the third place playoff with Grove.

Joshua Moore set up the huge win for Craig Primary with two goals in as many minutes when he hit the target in the fourth minute from the penalty spot and one minute later from a well placed shot that rocked the back of the nets.

Sheldon Wickham emulated his teammate with another double in the 12th and 14th minute. The other goal was scored by Romeo King in the 15th minute. Tried they did but Friendship just could not find their earlier scoring form even as their star player, Shavi Atkinson

trioed his best but could not breach the Craig defense.

Saturday’s third place match will see Grove and Friendship matching skills from 10:30h to be followed by the final between Agricola and Craig.

The presentation of prizes will follow after the final when a new champion will be crowned. Last year’s champs, Herstelling Raiders did not make the final four cut.

The Ralph Green Lien Trophy is at stake while the top three clubs will receive gold, silver and bronze medals while the fourth placed club will get participatory medals. There will also be five individual trophies that will go to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player and Most Promising Player, while Certificates of Participation will be presented to each player that from the six teams that played.

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, APRIL 5, 2016

GCB Inter-county U-17 championship…

Demerara lift title with 6-run win

The victorious Demerara Under-17 players pose with the winner’s trophy along with GCB Chairman of National Selectors Rayon Griffith (left) and other officials

By Akeem Greene

A

spirited bowling performance by Demerara helped them pull off a stunning six-run victory against Berbice to win the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Under-17 Inter-county tournament on Sunday at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.

Berbice innings was lead by an eye-catching 95 by middle-order batsman Kevin Sinclair who had his team in sight of victory before the lower-order buckled under pressure from some accurate bowling by Demerara.

Set 190 to win from their allotted 50 overs, Berbice were bowled out for 183 in 49.2 overs as national youth player and left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd led the way with 3-32 from his 10 overs, while captain Bhaskar Yadram took 2-28.

In addition to the Manof-the-Match performance by Sinclair, who hit eight fours and faced 126 balls in his innings, Kelvon Anderson (28) and opener Javid Karim (27) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

Earlier in the day,

Handy lower-order knocks

by Anthony Antonio (16) and Pradesh Balkishun (12 not out) gave Demerara their eventual total.

Left-arm spinner Keith Simpson took 2-18 from 10 overs, while Peirbaksh ended with 2-60.

Over at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Essequibo romped to comprehensive 107-run victory over GCB Select Under-15 team. Set 215 for victory by Essequibo, the Under-15s were skittled out for 107 in 35.4 overs.

When Essequibo batted, their innings did not get off to the best of starts as seamer Daniel Paul had the opposition reeling at 28-2 in the sixth over.

But Smart batting by Orlando Jailall (08) and Bomesh Ramdahin took the total to 44 in the 10th over.

Essequibo had a cluster of wickets falling again as they slipped to 89-5 in the 20th over as Ramdahin fell for 37 (6x4s).

It then took some responsible batting by Reon Venture and Chanderpaul Mohair (28) to put their side in a much comfortable position after

Kevin Sinclair collects his Man-of-the Match trophy from Chairman of Selectors, Rayon Griffith

Demerara’s total was built on vital contributions by several of the batsmen as openers Yadram and Robin Williams (15) added 30 for the first wicket before Williams fell to medium-pacer Sayad Peirbaksh.

The incoming Joshua Persaud and Yadram then carried the total to 59 when the latter lost his wicket for a well-played 33 (3x4s). But that wicket saw the side slip from 59-2 to 69-4 in quick time.

Sayar Hatheramani (24) and Persaud added 49 for the fifth wicket to rescue their team; Persaud eventually fell for 57 (4x4s) with the total on 161-7.

which Mohair fell after hitting two sixes and two fours in his 23-ball knock.

A solid 79-run, eighth wicket partnership between Venture and Trevor Collins, who made 34 (3x4s), propped their side to their eventual total.

The right-handed Venture ended on 53 not out, striking four fours and one six. Leftarm spinner Nigel Deodat took 2-15 and Paul supported with 2-29.

In response, the Under15s lost the talented opener Sachin Singh with just 17 on the board, but the right-handed Andrew Samaroo took the attack the Essequibo bowlers with an aggressive 16 (3x4s)

before lobbing a catch to midon at 36-2.

A flurry of wickets then fell as the Under-15s failed to orchestrate solid partnerships to challenge the total, as only Yeudisir Persaud (23), Seon Glasgow (26) and Dwayne Dick (16) made notable scores.

Joshua Jones (3-22) and and Joel Fortune (3-29) combined to wreck the Under-15s’ chase.

23

Opposition Leader congratulates West Indies teams on World T20 victories

F

ormer President and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has extended “heartfelt” congratulations to the victorious West Indies men and women’s teams for winning the just-concluded 2016 International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup Tournaments.

On Monday, Jagdeo in a statement said that the ultimate success of teams, including the February victory of the West Indies Under-19 Team, will inspire West Indian nations.

“As leaders, we are also inspired by the teams’ fortitude, resilience and true grit to overcome obstacles in all other aspects of the national endeavour,” the former President said, adding that cricket has always

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

been the “glue that binds the mosaic of people in the Caribbean Region together, in the aftermath of our colonial legacy – even as it played a major role in overcoming the scars of that legacy. As a Region,

together, we have achieved much on the cricket fields.”

He noted that with the victories, against all odds, in all three ICC World Tournaments – the Trifecta of Cricket – the Region stood on the cusp of igniting another period of West Indian cricketing genius on the world stage.

“We also commit our support in whatever form is needed to achieve that goal. Once again, we acknowledge the role that our youths in the Under-19 Team played in inspiring their seniors in their Tournaments and offer the most heartfelt congratulations to those seniors in the Men’s and Women’s Team for bringing the trophies of victory in the 2016 ICC T20 World Cups back to the West Indies,” he added.

TuesDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

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

Time for the WICB to become champions!

Pg 22

The Men’s team which had arrived at the venue joined in the celebrations with the Women’s team after the first final on Sunday

GFF/Stag Elite League…

Convincing wins for Alpha United, Slingerz FC Pg 22

An Alpha United player (red and black) in battle for the ball with a Pele forward

“Everything we do is for the betterment of WI” – Brathwaite Pg 19

World Cup hero Carlos Brathwaite takes a selfie with the World T20 trophy

Opposition Leader congratulates West Indies teams on World T20 victories Pg 23

Former President and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

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