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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3135

Saturday, February 25, 2017

PRICE

APNU/AFC manifesto promise

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Cabinet hogs Procurement

Port Kaituma man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo P7

Commission’s function …keeps ‘no objection’ role

Coconut vendor, Policeman die in separate accidents

Page 3

Pages 7&11

Govt hands over OLPF Forensic P12 Audit reports to Police

Guyana’s P13 unemployment will rise with Digicel’s firings Ramson vs Nagamootoo lawsuit

State granted leave to mount defence P10

Hindus celebrate Maha Shivaraatri 2017 Page 7

2 arrested as Police probe missing drugs at West Dem Hospital Page 10

Despite heavy rains, Hindus came out in their numbers to perform special prayers during the annual Maha Shivaraatri observance at the Cove and John Ashram, on the East Coast of Demerara on Friday

GGMC swoops down on illegal mining operations Page 17

Educator P17 discredits Jordan’s defence of 14% VAT on education …petition for removal of tax submitted to Govt

Grandson P12 charged for wounding grandfather

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saturDAY, february 25, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 25 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, February 26 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 25 – 15:50h-17:20h and Sunday, February 26 – 16:20h-17:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout most of the day, while light rain showers can be expected in the afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 03:52h and 16:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.54 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:42h and 22:05h reaching minimum heights of 0.66 metres and 0.52 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

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FREE TICKET

19 26 BONUS BALL

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 03 07 10 12

14

LUCKY 3 6 3 0

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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11 16 21

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

APNU/AFC manifesto promise

Cabinet hogs Procurement Commission’s function …keeps ‘no objection’ role

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abinet will retain its ‘no objection’ role in the award of contracts, something which it had persistently lobbied against while in Opposition and which it had promised to changed once elected to Government.

This is apparent as there seems to be some amount of contradiction between Government and the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) about its role to give “no objection” to contracts, something, Government said the recently established body would be tasked with.

Coming out in defence of its work and responding to reports in the media, the PPC said it needed to clear the “misconceptions” about its real functions as a recently established procurement body.

According to the body, recent media reports have contributed to the notion that the PPC has not yet commenced its work, resulting in the continuing role of Cabinet in the national procurement system, whereby it issues “No Objection” to the award of contracts.

However the body said that since its establishment in October last, it has been carrying out some basic preliminary works, required by the Constitution before it could begin carrying out its mandate, which incidentally does not include the granting of “no objections” to contracts.

These included, the election of a Chairperson, followed by discussions with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the benefits and conditions of service for the Commissioners, the determination of a staff structure for the establishment of a Secretariat, including the preparation of the terms and conditions of the proposed staff, of which, the three principal officers require the approval of the National Assembly”.

It said in pursuit of this mandate, Commissioners

President David Granger and members of the PPC

have been meeting almost daily, and in the absence of a fixed office.

It continued that following a detailed review of the applicable legislative framework, it engaged several stakeholders within the national procurement system to sensitise them to the role and functions of the PPC. In this regard, members of the Commission said it interfaced and held discussions with more than 100 public officials from several agencies and departments that function in the public procurement system and deal directly with procurement matters.

Seeking to give clarity, the PPC laid out its functions and responsibilities, which it said are set out in Article 212AA (1) a) to m) of the Constitution, as well as, Section 17 (2) of the Procurement Act, Chapter 73:05. They are to monitor and review the functioning of all public procurement systems to ensure that they are in accordance with law and such policy guidelines as may be determined by the National Assembly; promote awareness of the rules, procedures and special requirements of the procurement process among suppliers, constructors and public bodies; safeguard the national interest in public procurement matters, having due regard to any international obligations; monitor the performance of procurement bodies with respect to adherence to regulations and efficiency

in procuring goods and services and execution of works; approve of procedures for public procurement, disseminate rules and procedures for public procurement and recommend modifications thereto the public procurement entities; monitor and review all legislation, policies and measures for compliance with the objects and matters under its purview and report the need for any legislation to the National Assembly; monitor and review the procurement procedures of the ministerial, regional, and national procurement entities as well as those of project execution units; investigate com-

plaints from suppliers, contractors and public entities and propose remedial action; investigate cases of irregularity and mismanagement, and propose remedial action; initiate investigations to facilitate the effective functioning of public procurement systems; enlist the aid of such persons, as may be necessary, to assist the Commission with expert advice; liaise with and refer matters to the Police and the Auditor General; and do all other acts and things as may be necessary to facilitate the efficient discharge of the functions of the Commission. turn to page 7

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

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

Could Guyana see an Olympic medal in boxing come 2020?

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t is evident that Guyana is seeing an impressively high level of skills and flair from young boxers who represent the Golden Arrow Head in both the local and regional scene.

Judging from the pugilists’ success in recent months, the future looks bright and hopefully by 2020 their skills are enhanced so they could win Guyana medal/s at the Olympics Games. Repeating or bettering what was done by Michael Parris in 1980 when he won Guyana’s first medal in this very sport, which remains our only decoration from the Games to date.

In November 2016, Guyana recorded a shattering haul of medals at the Caribbean Youth Development Boxing Tournament held in Barbados, reminding the region how robust we are in this sport, having sent 11 youngsters who returned with a total of 10 gold and one silver. Quite astonishing!

Then again at “Nuff Cuff” earlier this month, the intensity was intact.

Never in the history of the event has Guyana been so dominant in the sport, all of which give credence to the position that the level of these athletes is improving rapidly but in order for them to achieve further, support must be given from the country as a whole.

One of the leading coachs –coach of Forgotten Youth Foundation Sebert Blake – has thrown his career on the line, banking all on a medal at the Olympics if he should get the right support from those responsible.

Already, Nicolette Henry, Minister with responsibility for Sport; President of the Guyana Olympics Association, K A Juman Yassin; Director of Sport Christopher Jones; and President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle have all pledged their unwavering support towards the development of these individuals.

With the likes of Jason “AK-47” Bakker, Desmond “Dynamite” Amsterdam; both of whom were destructive on first tournament of the year by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Keevin Allicock and Christopher Moore all in the mix, the sport can see a lot of progress if these individuals are nurtured appropriately.

Allicock was adjudged the Best Youth Boxer at the Lennox Blackmoore intermediate boxing card in September 2016, while Moore was given the same title at the championships in Barbados.

But what is particularly surprising, unlike a lot of the sports that are centred in the capital city, boxers have emerged from the outskirts of the other counties and have been just as belligerent as their Georgetown counterparts.

One such fighter is Akil Mounter who hails from Essequibo and has made an instant impact on the boxing fraternity.

Similarly there is Jamal Eastman from the Rose Hall Jammers Gym in Berbice doing the Ancient County proud with his exceptional footwork.

However, when visiting a lot of these gyms there is a sense of depravation when it comes to gears and nutritional foods that are both needed to have these boxers in prime condition.

We see boxers sharing gear (old gloves and boots), boxing in a ‘bottom house’ gym with a broken down ring and eating food of far less nutritional value than what is required. Of course some of these boxers are not paid adequately but need financial support to enhance their ability, thus they revert to doing a day job and training in the nights and early mornings.

Therefore it is fair to say with limited resources these boxers are performing in an environment that is not ideally conducive but nevertheless are dominating their regional counterparts. One is only to fathom their thoughts what heights would these talented youngsters achieve should they be given the opportunity they so deserve.

Could we see a gold medal in boxing at the Olympics?

Could we see the next Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao coming from Guyana?

All in a nutshell, it is our opinion that the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association is steering these fighters in the right direction and should they get the required support from the administration, corporate Guyana and Government of Guyana, it is predicted at least a medal at the 2020 Games and more positives prior and subsequent to the Olympics.

It was a hype of excitement with colour and glamour as Guyana celebrated its 47th Republic anniversary on Thursday. This stunning young lady was part of the many bands that took to the streets of Georgetown to promote Guyana and its “Going Green” initiative

APNU/AFC is not just complicit Dear Editor, The Parking Meter Contract has stirred outrage and resistance from the people. The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) rightfully and deservedly has been pilloried for corruption. But the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is even more guilty of one of the most corrupt deals ever in our history. Given how indefensible, repulsive and oppressive this “Contract from hell” is, people have been both puzzled and troubled at the extreme extent APNU/AFC has gone in permitting this travesty.

People have been understandably suspicious, but their suspicions of corruption might be worse than imagined given the information that is presently circulating.

Information has reached the public that the real distribution of revenues is not what is stated in the Contract, but as follows: 50 per cent for the parking meter company, 20 per cent for the M&CC, 20 per cent for the People’ National Congress (PNC) and 10 per cent for individuals. Now as the call intensifies for the complete rescinding of the Contract and for people to be held accountable, questions are being asked relating to how Cush, a former felon in the United States, established a company called National Parking Systems (NPS), how this company was able to displace a previous company that was engaged by the M&CC and who linked Cush and the M&CC. Questions abound since people are aware that Cush has

friends in the PNC. From the beginning, suspicions were rife since APNU/AFC actively facilitated the M&CC to implement the Parking Meter Contract in spite of being totally privy to the reprehensible “terror” clauses. These suspicions intensified as people saw APNU/AFC tenaciously persisting with its complicity even though they knew that by any standard “the Contract from hell” was indefensible and even though they saw unprecedented public resistance. Even now that the M&CC is in contempt of the court which has ordered the M&CC to stand down and placed the parking meter system on abeyance, APNU/AFC is doing nothing to stop the M&CC and stop the “Contract from hell”. For most Guyanese, APNU/AFC’s complicity in this mess is bizarre, unless there is something terrible they need to hide.

APNU/AFC’s vile efforts with sporadic individual statements and feigned consternation meant to obfuscate the issue cannot extricate them from total complicity in the “Contract from hell” because each of them that might have reluctantly issued a condemnatory statement is also part of the APNU/AFC’s Cabinet that has made the implementation of the “Contract from hell” possible. Note the latest example - Nagamootoo stating that the Contract’s By-laws “are oppressive but made legal”. This is the champion bloviator kerfuffling the issue. Who made the

oppressive By-laws legal? It is APNU/AFC’s Cabinet, of which he is a senior member.

Is he accusing Bulkan of approving the By-laws by himself? But it is the Office of the Presidency that publishes the Official Gazette. Why did they publish the By-laws if this is Bulkan’s rogue masterpiece?

If Bulkan went rogue, why is Nagamootoo not calling for Bulkan to resign?

Frankly, APNU/AFC’s scorecard on the “Contract from hell” spells guilty on all counts. Granger and APNU/AFC knew of the Contract from the beginning. Harmon last year announced a Cabinet review of the Contract and their own Finance Ministry and the Attorney General Office did reviews in July/August 2016 which concluded that the Parking Meter Contract signed by representatives of APNU/AFC on the M&CC was a “Contract from hell” with several “terror” clauses. Yet APNU/AFC, through their Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, reviewed and approved the Parking Meter By-laws in January and gazetted it on February 3. Without the Parking Meter By-laws the Contract could not be implemented.

This scorecard is a recipe that smells corruption.

From the start, public outrage was driven by the suspicion that this was a deal to enrich individuals and certain organisations. There has always been the nauseating suspicion that the national space in Georgetown is being used as a cash cow, not to fund development in

Georgetown, but filling people’s pockets. Now comes information that, in fact, the “terror” Contract clause that provides 80 per cent to the parking meter company (Smart City Solutions/ National Parking Systems) and 20 per cent to the M&CC is just a paper provision and that the real distribution of the earnings from the “green monsters” is really 50 per cent to SCS/NPS, 20 per cent to the M&CC, 20 per cent to the PNC and 10 per cent to individuals.

This information explains why APNU/AFC is so absolutely complicit in the execution of one of the worst examples of corruption in Guyana’s history. By now the vast majority of Guyanese know of and comprehensively reject the “Contract from hell”. The parking meters themselves are now enshrined in our history as the “horrible green monsters”. Those of us who have been vocal in our opposition, resistance and boycott of the “horrible green monsters” and the “Contract from hell” are convinced that a crime has been perpetuated on the Guyanese people. While we are convinced that the big four - Mayor Chase Green, Councillors Oscar Clarke and Junior Garret and Town Clerk Royston King - are guilty of corruption, we are at the same time not fooled.

APNU/AFC is complicit, is an active partner in and bears total responsibility for this reprehensible, scandalous, corrupt deal.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Masquerading school age Dear Editor, Allow me through your paper to comment and make an observation on the Guyanese Masquerade Culture. While I admit that I am not well versed with its origin and present day significance, I have seen and interacted with the masqueraders on the streets of Georgetown over the years. Previously, I used to see them towards the end of the year, and the appearance of the masqueraders on the streets, would be an indicator, and a reminder for others, that Christmas was around the corner. Just like any other Guyanese on the road, I would joyously give the little I could afford to the small boys and big men carrying the hat or baseball cap, where the contributions would be normally dropped.

I would only imagine whether at the end of the day, the money contributed would be worth the effort, the rigorous dancing, the scorching sunshine, the heat, the rain gushes or the wind, depending on the weather for the day. Nonetheless, I would enjoy it while it lasted. The only major problem for me, and I believe other motorists, was that the masqueraders operated from nearly all the major streets in Georgetown.

Consequently, they often became a nuisance, especially those groups of masqueraders who would block the road to motor vehicle traffic and only give way when the occupants of the motor vehicle had deposited something in the hat or cap. This was, and is annoying to those in a hurry to fulfil other obligations to which the masqueraders would be oblivious of. They would forget, or seem not to

understand that motorists cannot give money to each and every group each time they drive by them. So there is no reason to hold road users at ransom for a contribution, even if the road users liked the dancing and drumming going on. That is why I like the drummers who position themselves at one street and do their thing. Passersby then deposit their tokens of appreciation as and when they feel like! This all aside the purpose of this letter, for now.

Recently I observed a disturbing trend. The masqueraders seem to have come on to the streets earlier than usual, or maybe they seem not to have left the streets after last Christmas season ended. I read that there was a masquerade competition and trophies were won, etc. This is commendable as long as it promotes the positive masquerade culture and all it represents. However, my concern and worry is not much about the timing or how and where the masqueraders operate from, but the actors doing the masquerade.

I have observed that young, school age boys and girls are doing masquerade during school hours. On several occasions I ask the youngsters whether they do not attend school, and in most cases the response is in the affirmative. They attend school, they say, but what are they doing on the streets doing school hours? They dance away with guilty faces. I am worried about the big men and women too, but what can one do?

Can't they get something else to do during that time so that they masquerade after other work that contributes to

Guyana's social, economic development? Back to the children masqueraders, because they are the major concern here! What is their future, if they do not attend school?

Do we get surprised that we have hardcore juvenile criminals? Where do they go when the masquerade season is over or when they are too old to do the street masquerade? Where is the Education Ministry, in this? Why can't these lads and lasses be re-

minded to attend school and masquerade after school hours? What culture is the Department of Culture promoting, if the actors are going to be illiterate? What are our politicians thinking… do we need someone else to tell us that these children have no future in masquerade without education? It hurts me as a parent to see young children dancing on the streets, when they should be in class. I suggest that chil-

dren should be allowed only to do the masquerade outside school hours. Besides, the masqueraders should regulate themselves. They do not have to be on all the streets, because they become something else when they do this.

Maybe they could get one location and do their masquerade there so that we know where to get them when we want to see them. I do not mind them doing their thing throughout the year, but this

should not be at the expense of future generation. Those in authority should do something to save the situation.

I know there could be fellow citizens with a different view for all sorts of reasons, but we should all agree that there something not so right about these children masquerading instead of going school. Enjoy Mashramani 2017!

Sincerely, Ed Paulo

Rocking horse administration Dear Editor, Fareed Zakaria reminded us of a quote from Alfred Montapert, which states “Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.” This Granger administration is shaping up to be nothing but a rocking horse administration, one that talks progress but has provided little evidence to show actual progress on many fronts.

Today, I refer specifically to the industrial relations fronts.

Workers are entitled under the law to severance pay once their contracts have been changed, discontinued, or the role they previously played no longer exists, at their location of employment. It was the Agriculture Ministry, in a public statement in January 2016 that made the decision that it shall be closing Wales Sugar Estate (WSE) because the management was unable to make the operations of that estate “viable”. This decision materially changed the contract of employment between the workers and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and discontinued their role at

WSE. Under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESA), in this instance, the workers have a right to a severance package because the location and condition of employment have materially changed. Only a schoolyard bully or a certified “dunce” will want to do otherwise.

Under Section 12 (2) (b) of TESA, it is GuySuCo that choose to discontinue the services of the workers at WSE in a planned closure decided upon by management. These facts cannot be wished away, it was GuySuCo (as the employer) that choose to discontinue the operations at WSE; not the workers. In such a situation, the workers deserve their full severance pay and any other path is a clear violation of their human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as prescribed by the United Nations (UN).

On the protest line, one sugar worker said, “Give we (the workers) what we deserve, we want nothing more or nothing less.” This is a fair ask and in an era of such a blatant violation of the workers’

human rights, there can be no shame or indignity in mass street action against this decision not to pay the workers fair redundancy benefits.

To expose this hypocrisy in this era of state oppression, how can a government find over $75 million per year to pay just three persons in its sitting Cabinet, but does not have the moral fortitude to fork out some $58 million for a one-time payment for the 900 sugar workers who are ready to leave the sugar industry because of this foolish decision from the Minister and the management of GuySuCo? Therefore, I salute the workers on the protest line because there is a real strength in numbers and the time is upon us where all law-abiding citizens ought to stand with these sugar workers. I would like to genuinely borrow the words of Ricky Singh this time around and ask all Guyanese to “light a candle” for our sugar workers.

It is clear as day that since May 2015, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has opportunistically blown his candle out as his administration

continues to attempt to intimidate and blackmail the sugar unions into subservience. If the sugar workers fall today, the Guyanese people will fall tomorrow, because the bicycle of the Granger administration has no brakes. They are wild and reckless and continue to administer the affairs of state as if this is some “freak show”.

We are all in this boat together against the oppressive broadside from the Granger Cabal. I am happy with what I am seeing as more and more people are openly choosing a side on the issues since this is not politics; this is basic humanity. The Ministers in the Granger administration should take a 15 per cent paycut on their collective $392 million annual salaries for 2017 and fund the severance pay-out for the sugar workers if they cannot find the funds to pay the workers. How about that for a solution? After all, I have not even counted allowance and fringe benefits as yet for these fatter cats.

Sincerely, Sase Singh MSc - Finance, ACCA

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Foundation to be a more successful

BY HUNG VO

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guyanatimesgy.com

he entirety of this post are personal insights that I have had as a young leader in the form of tips. This is for anyone aspiring to become a young leader or just a more effective one. I have also included pointers from close friends who are leaders in their area.

1. Be confident, but be careful to not confuse confidence with arrogance. To do this, you need to fully know what you are talking about. When you do speak, speak with conviction.

2. “Leadership is about vision. It’s about giving new or original perspectives to things. One who has his own understanding and interpretation of things will distinguish himself from others. Thinking for yourself implies not taking anything for a fact. Always look for a personal explanation or interpretation. In order to gain that personal distance and understanding, one should never rely on others knowledge, work or judgment.”

Felix Winckler, COO and cofounder of Poutsch.

3. “Inspire others to take action by showing your own action, commitment and good work for a better world. Make it easy for people to step in and join forces if they want to help.”

Ralien Bekkers, Dutch UN Youth Representative on Sustainable Development.

4. “Be ambitious and do not be afraid to take risks.” Jared Costanzo, President and founder of the Student Voice Project. Do not be afraid to be idealistic. If you happen to fail, you will recognise your strengths and limitations and be better to adapt in the future. Only by knowing your limit can you fully maximise your potential. Of course, the scope of your limit will lessen over time through experience.

5. Never let someone tell you that you cannot do something. If something

isn’t out there, go create it.

6. Be organised. In order to work effectively, you will need to be organised.

If you are disorganised, you will tend to forget certain things.

7. Be able to articulate your thoughts and speech thoroughly and efficiently (aka communication skills).

This also includes being able to delegate tasks and being clear of your expectations.

8. Be able to establish your goals and commit to your plan. “Sometimes structure, deadlines, and plans aren’t the best way to lead. At times, it is more effective to go with the flow, take it as it comes and explore each new opportunity. But, despite this, you always need to keep in mind your end game, your

objective.”

Prasanth Ramakrishna, President and Founder of Unheard Voices. Kevin Phan, a Commitment Mentor at the Clinton Global Initiative, also advises young people to, “Be patient with your goals. Go on your own timeline.”

9. “Make sure your project, campaign or endeavour solves a problem and you that have clearly defined what the problem is and how you are going to solve it.” Alex Wirth, chair and founder of the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council.

10. Know the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your team. Being

young leader a leader does not always mean that you are the most intelligent or capable person within a group. It just means that you have an ability to organize people and are able to utilize each person’s skill set. “Leading isn’t an easy task – not everyone can do it. I believe if you are truly passionate about the area you are leading in, not only will you be a successful leader, but there is no end to what you can do. Nothing material can slow you down, only your passion will drive you.” Jai Kumar Mediratta, Camp Kesem Executive Board of UNL. 11. Be fair. To gain the trust and respect of your followers, you need to be fair. If an opportunity comes up, do not automatically look to your close friends or colleagues. Let everyone know and have the same chance to get whatever it is.

12. Be clever. If something does not work out, try an alternative method. If you do not have enough resources for a project, look in your community to see if it can be easily donated or lent to you.

For instance, if I need to use a conference room at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to hold an event, it will cost around $200 for a day. However, certified student organisations of the college can reserve one room for free for a specific day. Being clever, in this case, means that you go partner with a student organization and have them reserve a room for you.

13. Be optimistic. After all, optimism is what is needed to change the way this world works. “What you expect tends to happen.” Gary Dees, president of Leadership Messenger Academy.

14. Remember that you are young.

Be energetic! Personally, I try not to act so serious all the time. Recognize that you are still young and embrace all that your prime has to offer for you.

15. Connect! Strive to make a vast and diverse network of friends and

colleagues. You will never know when a person will become handy. I have created a support system through my peers and colleagues.

Everyone benefits from a big network. If you want to network with someone you do not know, just introduce yourself through a message and add them anyway.

16. Know when to give “the talk,” and do give it when it is necessary. If a member of your team volunteers for a task or have accepted a task delegated by you, they are making a commitment to execute it.

Sometimes there are valid reasons that prevent a person from completing their duties and in those cases,

you have to accept it when they happen. I do not hesitate to be frank with someone if I had already made my expectations clear or if their failure to complete a task will (or have) hinder the entire team.

17. Have a right-hand man (or woman). This is a go-to person that you trust.

My Program Director, Tanvir Faisal, is basically my other arm. I ask that all inquiries sent to me are cc’ed to him as well. He will catch whatever I miss, and at times, advise me on what should be done for all sorts of things.

18. “Know when to listen to others, and when to listen only to yourself.” (huffingtonpost.com)

BY D’ARCY LYNESS, PHD

inner voice to remind you of what you are accomplishing.

For example: “I’ve been following my plan to exercise every day for 45 minutes. I feel good that I’ve kept my promise to myself. I know I can keep it up.”

Take pride in your opinions and ideas. Don’t be afraid to voice them. If someone disagrees, it’s not a reflection on your worth or your intelligence. That person just sees things differently from you.

Accept compliments.

When self-esteem is low, it’s easy to overlook the good things people say about us.

We don’t believe it when someone says a nice thing.

Instead, we think, “…yeah, but I’m not all that great…” and we brush off the compliment. Instead, let yourself absorb a compliment, appreciate it, and take it seriously. Give sincere compliments, too.

Make a contribution.

Tutor a classmate who’s having trouble, help clean up your neighborhood, participate in a walkathon for a good cause, or volunteer your time in some other way. When you can see that what you do makes a difference, it builds your positive opinion of yourself, and makes you feel good. That’s self-esteem.

Exercise! Being active and fit helps you feel good about yourself. You’ll relieve stress, and be healthier, too!

Relax and have fun.

Do you ever think stuff like “I’d have more friends if I were more attractive”?

Thoughts like these can set you on a path to low self-esteem because they focus on what’s not perfect instead of making the best of what is. Spend time with the people you care about, do the things you love, and focus on what’s good.

That helps you feel good about yourself, just as you are. (kidshealth.org)

(Continued from Friday)

Remind yourself that everyone excels at different things. Focus on what you do well, and cheer on others for their success.

Thinking more like this: “She’s a great basketball player — but the truth is, I’m a better musician than athlete. Still, I’ll keep playing because I enjoy it.” helps you accept yourself and make the best of the situation.

Try new things, and give yourself credit.

Experiment with different activities to help you get in touch with your talents.

Then take pride in your new skills. Think about the good results. For example: I signed up for track and found out I’m pretty fast!

These positive thoughts become good opinions of yourself, and add up to self-esteem.

Recognise what you can change and what you can’t. If you realise that you’re unhappy with something about yourself that you can change (like getting to a healthy weight), start today. If it’s something you can’t change (like your height), work on accepting it. Obsessing about our “flaws” can really skew your opinion of yourself and bring down your self-esteem. Most of the time, other people don’t even notice these things!

Set goals. Think about what you’d like to accomplish. Then make a plan for how to do it. Stick with your plan, and keep track of your progress. Train y o u r

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saturDAY, february 25, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Coconut vendor killed in La Grange accident A

42-year-old man is the latest road fatality after he was struck down on the La Grange Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD), late Thursday evening.

Dead is Roopesh Ramotar, a coconut vendor, of Lot 12 Houston Public Road, Greater Georgetown.

The accident occurred sometime around 22:40h, during which the deceased sustained severe head injuries.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, Ramotar was standing outside of his parked car, PMM 8153, on the La Grange Public Road when he was struck by an oncoming motor car, PTT 755.

This newspaper understands that the motor car was proceeding north along the West Bank Road report-

Dead: Roopesh Ramotar

edly at a fast rate, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided into Ramotar’s car before picking him up and throwing him into the air.

Public spirited citizens rushed the injured man to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he

was pronounced dead on arrival.

Speaking with this publication, the dead man’s mother, Seeta (only name given) related that her son left his home sometime around 14:00h on Thursday and did not returned home that night.

The woman explained that his family became worried and was about to file a Police report on Friday morning, when calls to his cellular phone went unanswered.

“A nurse from Best (West Demerara Regional Hospital) picked up and say that he was in an accident, but she can’t give out more information. So everybody gathered and they go to the hospital and then they find out that he die since the night before.”

The woman went onto

Cabinet hogs Procurement...

Earlier this month, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that PPC is still inactive as it still was in the process of recruiting competent employees and that Cabinet would stop granting its no-objection when the PPC is ready to work.

“Once they say to us ‘we are ready to function’, then Cabinet will cease doing anything, but since these are public infrastructural projects that need to be executed, we cannot just sit and wait,” the Minister of State posited.

“Once the PPC indicates that they are ready, and then Cabinet will pull back,” he emphasised.

Harmon also admitted that though the PPC has been inactive, the Commissioners have been receiving their salaries.

Reports indicate that PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin is receiving $1.3 million monthly, while the other Commissioners are earning some $900,000 per month.

The other Commissioners are Nanda Gopaul, Emily Dodson, Ivor English, and

from page 3

Sukrishnalall Pasha.

The PPC statement comes days after Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it is deeply disappointed over the omission of the Procurement Commission to assume its constitutional mandate and discharge its statutory functions.

The Party said the Procurement Act provides that once the Commission is established, Cabinet’s no-objection role in the awarding of contracts ceases.

say that her son had gone over to the West Bank to drop a friend at Canal, WBD, and was on his way home when the accident occurred.

According to the relatives, who went to identified Ramotar’s body, the man suffered a broken leg and head injuries.

The body of Ramotar is at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, awaiting a post-mortem examination, which is scheduled for Monday. He leaves to mourn his wife and three children, including a ninemonth-old baby boy.

Meanwhile, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of PTT 755, a 57-year-old resident of Pouderoyen, WBD, and he was found to be above the legal limit in terms of blood alcohol level. He has since been taken into Police custody and is assisting with the investigations.

Port Kaituma man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo

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The unlicensed gun, ammo found in the suspect’s possession

olice ranks in Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) nabbed a 25-year-old resident in the village after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and matching ammunition.

According to Police reports, the discovery was made sometime around 19:30h by ranks on foot patrol in Port Kaituma.

It was reported that the ranks were patrolling a playground in the community, where the Mash celebrations were ongoing on Thursday,

when they observed the suspect tucking an object in his waist. The officers consequently approached the man and conducted a search on his person, during which they unearthed a 9mm pistol, along with 12 live matching rounds.

After it was found that the suspect was not the holder of a firearm licence, he was arrested and taken into custody. The young man, who is a Branch Manager of a company with operations in the area, is being processed for court.

8 news

saturDAY, february 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS NA man jailed for stealing from Bartica Deputy Mayor

Man remanded for nightclub murder Mashin’…

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hirty-two-year-old Calvin Douglas of New Amsterdam, Berbice, was on Friday sentenced to three years in prison for stealing some $3.5 million

A Bartica Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud

Calvin Douglas broke into Kamal’s Gift Centre; an establishment owned by Bartica Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud

from an establishment belonging to the Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Kamal Persaud.

The sentence was handed down at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

One hundred per cent of the stolen items have not yet been recovered but Persaud is thankful justice was served.

The stolen items included jewellery, electronic appliances and gadgets, including cellphones.

Douglas was charged with breaking and entering Kamal’s Gift Centre at the WK Shopping Mall, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) in November 2016.

suspect who allegedly knifed Sunil Singh to death during a row outside the Blue Martini Nightclub, Kitty, Georgetown, was on Friday slapped with a murder charge.

Sean Harris appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that Harris, 29, on February 5, 2017, at De Abrue Street, Kitty, Georgetown, murdered Sunil Singh.

The Prosecution is contending that on the day of the incident, Singh was fatally stabbed in the premises of the said nightclub when he attempted to rescue an employee who was being attacked by three men.

The men reportedly attempted to enter the premises after closing hours, but were informed by the bartender that they cannot enter. This allegedly led to an argument. The Prosecution is contending that during the argument, the accused whipped out a knife stabbing the employee, which led to Singh intervening. Singh, in the process of assisting the employee, allegedly hit Harris, who turned around and reportedly stabbed him about his body.

Singh was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.The accused, who was unrepresented, told the court on Friday that he is a mason by profession and resides in Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown. The case will continue on March 20.

…and crashin’ with kitsch

mitation may be the best form of flattery but our imitation of the Trini carnival was always fraught with the danger of our imitation becoming caricature. The simple truth is the PNC in the 70’s were so intent on creating “a new man”, they neglected to consider that over the last million years, any new man has to evolve out of what preceded him. And this is more so with “man” defined by culture.

The Trini carnival evolved out of the French old world tradition that was brought over to Trinidad when a posse of White planters fled Haiti after the revolution of 1891.

They not only brought their slaves and sugar, but Carnival – as they did in New Orleans, where it’s called “Mardi Gras”. So the Trini Carnival wasn’t and isn’t a one day jump up and wine-down…it’s an all-year undertaking to get the bands, costume, theme etc. to the standard it is.

But our Republican PNC in their mass of confusion to “decolonise” didn’t even consider that Carnival was a colonial relic!! Their imitation was always mimicry without reflection and inevitably tended to kitsch! But only now some folks are objecting to the vulgarity and lewdness without being branded “racist” and “anti-national”! The same confusion about culture needing a genealogy, was exhibited by the imitation – also in the 1970’s – of the North Korean Mass Games.

Without any sense of irony about the event they were commemorating – “republicanism” – which is all about the people being sovereign, the Burnham regime imported not only the massing of schoolchildren, soldiers and Government workers – he even had his portrait displayed by the synchronised flashing of cards held by the masses!! The (British) King was dead but long live King Kong!!

So, it’s no surprise Mash crashed. Most of the media blamed the weather and the new route. But really, the past Mashes were totally dependent on the State-funded floats – and the corporate funded ones that were bullied to show their support of the Government’s initiative.

Early in the PPP regime, Minister Dale Bisnauth had pointed out several improprieties of Mash – but was quickly shushed when the “racism” charge was hurled at him. Another reason for the crash and burn that this Government will never concede is the parallel crash and burn of the economy. Where was Gtt and Digicel?

Anyhow your Eyewitness was astounded at the participation of several female Ministers of the Government. Seems they were determined to make up for the sparse attendance and floats by filling the space with gyrations of their ample frames.

And here your Eyewitness thought Ministers only made weighty presentations in Parliament!!

…tropical homes

We’re just informed that junior Communities Minister, Valerie Patterson, is being questioned by folks at the CH&PA – who are under her portfolio – as to why she’s jetting off to Poland on an all-expense- trip funded by some builder in that country. Without any CH&PA engineers. Will these PNC officials never learn?

She “explained” the builder was paying for the trip – seemingly oblivious to the parallels with the City Hall Mayor and Gang of Four all-expense-trip to Panama!

But even on its merits, why a Polish builder? Is Minister Patterson preparing us for extreme climate change when we’ll experience the –40?C of Poland, during the coming Ice Age? Insulated walls? Many of our builders have already introduced the steep roofs that prevent the coming heavy snowfall from accumulating!!

OK... we know Poland also has vacation homes for their hot summers…but surely Minister Patterson should know that vacation homes aren’t really made for Guyanese family needs.

All we ask of her is not to return with a contract already signed!!

…the electricity supply

Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has long suggested one fix for the “line loss” problem that’s crippled GPL. He points out those thiefin’ electricity are already identified by areas.

Why hasn’t Present PM Nagamootoo picked up this suggestion?

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

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saturDAY, february 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hindus celebrate Maha Shivaraatri 2017

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resident David Granger joined hundreds of Hindus in the sacred observation of Maha Shivaratri, where he underscored the significance of Hinduism in upholding moral values and promoting education.

Hindus all across Guyana on Friday celebrated Maha Shivaratri – a yearly, ritual worship to Lord Shiva.

Hundreds of devotees flocked the Cove and John Ashram and their local Mandirs as they participated in the solemn and sacred veneration of Lord Shiva.

President David Granger joined the Cove and John Ashram in their celebra-

tions where he honoured the arrival of Indians to British Guiana and for implanting Hinduism in its multicultural society.

He noted that the celebrations of Maha Shivaratri are just one of the many ceremonies in the Hindu calendar which honours and remembers critical rights and traditions of the faith.

The Head of State also spoke about the importance of educational teachings through Hinduism, noting that Lord Shiva is the source of enlightenment and the primary impart of wisdom.

“Maha Shivaratri’s significance is to be found in

Students of the Hindu College during the Maha Shivaraatri ceremony

the idea of overcoming the darkness of injustice and ignorance. Although it is a solemn festival, it is associated with both mor-

al and educational enlightenment... Hinduism holds steadfastly to the virtue of enlightenment, it promotes knowledge where these is ig-

norance, it promotes justice where there is injustice and it promotes equality where there is inequality. It promotes education because it is through education that you overcome ignorance, injustice and inequality,” he expressed during his remarks. He pointed out that Guyana places the highest emphasis on education, noting that education encompasses not just book learning but the imparting of moral values.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in his address, spoke about the importance of merging education with moral values particularly at a time when a significant

portion of the younger generation is going astray.

Both leaders encouraged the ashram to continue its work in providing spiritual enlightenment and education to people as they extend Maha Shivaratri greetings to all Guyanese.

Maha Shivaratri, which means the ‘The Great Night of Shiva’ is celebrated in the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha on the 13th day or the 14th night of Phalguna or Maagha month (that is February or March as per the English calendar).

Devotees worship and offer sacrifices to Shivalingam as part of their prayers to the God.

Chinese containers

Provide evidence of collusion, bribery – GRA calls on KN … warns that leaking confidential info breaches tax laws

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he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is calling for local media house Kaieteur News to provide evidence it may have in its possession of “the collusion and bribery” of customs officers. This is in the wake of recent publications linking the unnamed officers with the local Chinese Embassy.

In its report, the media entity had claimed that the embassy was under investigation by the tax authorities for allegedly bringing in containers of goods for Chinese nationals operating businesses here.

The tax body stated that after closely examining the news reports, it suspects that confidential information may have been leaked. This, it stated, is in violation of both

the Oath of Confidentiality and Secrecy contained in Section Four (one) of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01 and Section 23 of the Revenue Act Cap 79:04.

“It is worth reminding the public at large that the mission of the GRA is to promote compliance with Guyana's tax, trade and border laws and regulations, through education, quality service and responsible enforcement programmes, thereby contributing to the economic wellbeing of the people of Guyana,” GRA stated.

“We would be grateful for any evidence that Kaieteur News may have in its possession as it relates to the collusion and bribery of customs officers, to be turned over to the GRA so as to enable us to conclude

this investigation as early as possible.”

According to Section 4 (1) of the Income Tax Act, “Every person who has any official duty or is employed in the administration of this Act shall regard and deal with all documents, information, returns, assessment lists and copies of those lists relating to the income or items of income of any person, as secret and confidential and shall make and subscribe a declaration in the form prescribed to that effect before a magistrate.”

Subsection 2 goes on to state if these employees have possession of any of this information and “attempts to communicate that information or anything contained in the documents, returns, lists or

copies to any person” is guilty of an offence.

The Act lists two exceptions. One would be if the President of Guyana authorised the employee to communicate the information and if the information was communicated outside the purpose of the Act. Meanwhile, Section 23 (1) of the Revenue Act Chapter 79:04 states that “No person shall, without the consent in writing given by or on behalf of the

authority, publish or disclose to any person other than in the course of his duties, or when lawfully required to do so by any court or under any law, the contents of any document, communication or information whatsoever, which relates to and which has come to his knowledge in the course of his duties under this Act.” Subsection 2 adds that it is a criminal offence for someone to knowingly breach this law and

it brings with it, upon conviction a fine of $200,000 or less. It also carries a jail sentence of not more than five years. The embassy has since denied the reports from the daily newspaper. In a statement on Thursday, it called the article “baseless and unsubstantiated,” while stating that an investigation would be conducted.

The embassy also indicated its right to take legal action.

10 news

saturDAY, February 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

PM lawsuit

State granted leave to mount defence

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cheduled to be heard on Friday, former Appeal Court Judge and Attorney General Charles Ramson Sr’s case against Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Attorney General Basil Williams has been deferred until March 10.

This extension, according to Ramson, was granted after legal representatives of the respondents applied for leave to file a defence.

“The two State counsels applied to the courts for leave to file a defence.

And the court granted them leave,” Ramson stated.

Under section 10:02 of the Civil Procedures rules 2016, an Affidavit in Defence along with Proof of Service has to be filed within a maximum four-day time frame. This is in the case of a fixed date application. Ramson’s suit was filed on February 16.

Former Appeal Court Judge and Charle Charles Ramson Sr

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

“This case is being heard under the new Civil Procedure Rules. And the rules are very specific, that the State ought to have filed an Affidavit of Defence and Proof of Service within four days of them receiving the application for redress.”

Ramson expressed that the respondents should have had up to Tuesday to file the papers, but that

they did not file it but were given leave. It is now scheduled for March 10.

“This application is a fixed date application.

They’re supposed to have fixed compliance with these new rules. It’s not like under the new rules, when it was a laissez-faire arrangement.”

Ramson Sr, whose suit was filed for him by his Attorneys Ashton and

Attorney General Basil Williams

Pauline Chase, is seeking a declaration that his fundamental right to work was violated by the respondents.

He is also seeking an order for the respondents to continue to pay his salary, emoluments and allowances “until such time as his appointment is revoked lawfully.”In addition, he is seeking an order for the Prime Minister, the second named respondent, to provide “such accommodation, resources and officers

and employees for the efficient functioning of the office of the Commissioner of Information pursuant to Section 5 of the Access to Information Act 2011.”

Ramson’s writ also includes a request for “exemplary damages against the second named respondent for his unlawful acts and/or the violation of his constitutional right to work”; “any other order as may be just” and finally, cost. turn to page 11

2 arrested as Police probe missing drugs at West Demerara Hospital

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wo persons were taken into custody as Police launched an investigation into a report of missing drugs at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Commander of D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) Leslie James confirmed that an official report was filed and Police are currently working with the two officials in custody to get to the bottom of the matter.

Sources revealed to Guyana Times that a senior official attached to the health institution was already asked to tender his resignation pending the out-

The West Demerara Regional Hospital

come of the probe.

According to information received, he submitted his resignation letter on Friday when senior officials from the Public Health Minister and the Guyana Police Force visited the Hospital in the morning hours.

This publication under-

stands that the official was allegedly involved in the criminal act of stealing and selling the pharmaceuticals, which often resulted in constant drug shortages at the hospital.

Police are continuing their investigations.

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saturDAY, february 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Policeman dies after Husband to be charged for wife’s murder slamming into fence T he husband of 47-yearold Justil Bernard of Shulinab village, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) who died on Sunday last at her home during a drinking spree, will be arraigned with her murder in the new week.

At the time of the alleged accident, the woman’s husband claimed that the woman fell while she was going to use the washroom.

The Police arrested the man and kept him in custody until a post-mortem examination was conducted. However, the post-mortem proved that

A

Police Officer attached to the Brickdam Police Station died after the minibus he was driving skid off the road and slammed into a fence of an East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident’s home in the wee hours of Friday.

Dead is Special Lance Corporal 14790 Ashwell Jackman of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Traffic Chief Dion Moore confirmed that the accident occurred sometime around 03:15h on Friday morning.

At the time of the accident, Jackman was the lone occupant in the minibus, bearing number plates PTT 8504 and registered to the Guyana Police Force.

Guyana Times understands that the accident occurred in the vicinity of the Vigilance Police Station.

Police investigations disclosed that Jackman, who was proceeding West along the northern side of Vigilance Public Road, lost control and collided first with a lantern pole and then into a fence on the southern side of the road.

The unconscious officer was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Traffic Chief had related to this newspaper earlier in the day that the officer sustained severe head injuries.

Lance Corporal Jackman joined the Guyana Police Force in 2014. He was stationed at the Brickdam Police Station and attached

to the Force’s Mess.

This accident occurred shortly after a Route 44 minibus transporting passengers crashed into a culvert at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, and ended up on its side also early Friday morning.

That minibus was reportedly speeding along the East Coast road and overtook a line of vehicles. While the driver attempted to get back into his lane, the minibus was clipped by another motor car, causing the minibus to slam into the culvert before flipping to its side.

The trapped passengers were rescued by fire fighters who were on their way to Georgetown after putting out a blaze at a Coldigen, ECD, home. The firemen had to cut the minibus open to free the trapped occupants.

Several passengers, including the driver of the minibus, were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted.

the woman was murdered.

The autopsy performed by Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as blunt trauma to the head and a fractured skull.

It was based on this revelation that the Police sought advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who recommended that charges be instituted.

When contacted on Friday, F Division (Interior locations) Commander, Rabindranauth Budhram, stated that the suspect is expected to be charged on Monday. On February 19, 2017, the man and his wife were imbibing during which an argument reportedly started. It was during the argument the suspect reportedly dealt the woman a blow to the head causing her to fall. The injured Bernard was picked up and taken to the Lethem Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Up to that time, the suspect maintained that his wife had slipped and fallen.

State granted leave...

from page 10

Contending that his right to work has been violated, Ramson quoted Article 149A of the Constitution of Guyana in the writ, which states that; “No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her right to work, that is to say, the right to free choice of employment.”

While Attorney General Basil Williams was named a respondent as a representative of the State, Nagamootoo was sued under the State Liability and Proceedings Act 1988. He noted that Nagamootoo is required by law to make provisions for his office to function efficiently.

Ramson further stated that post 2015, his accommodation and staff was “degutted in stages”, both unilaterally and by mutual arrangement. He claimed to have relocated to

his property for an agreed period of three months which came to an end on December 31, 2015.Ramson is also contending that for January 2017, his salary was also withheld despite “(Nagamootoo) announcing in the National Assembly

at the Committee of Supply stage that $36 million was allocated to my office for the period 1st January to 31st December 2017.”

All of these acts, according to Ramson Sr, have affected his fundamental right to work. He also al-

leged that Nagamootoo has a “lack of comprehension of the Act aforementioned and/ or prompted by malice and/ or improper legal advice by person’s with whom he associates and/or is politically aligned resulting in loss and damage to me.”

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saturDAY, february 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt hands over OLPF Forensic Audit reports to Police G

overnment has handed over several forensic audit reports, conducted into several Stated-owned agencies, to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for criminal investigations to be launched.

The reports were handed over by Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma, during a meeting with acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine at his Eve Leary office.

Among the documents handed over to the GPF are: OneLaptopPerFamily(OLPF) Project, E-Government Project, National Frequency Management Unit, Guyana Gold Board and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The decision to have these reports handed over to the Police Commissioner for investigation was made

by Cabinet. Also present at the handing over of the documents were Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sydney James, and British Advisor to SOCU, Dr Sam Sittlington.

Meanwhile, the final report from the Financial Audit into the OLPF project, launched by the previ-

In photo are Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma handing over the reports to acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, in the presence of ACP Sydney James and British Advisor to SOCU, Dr Sam Sittlington

ous Government in 2011, has found that the financial systems and internal controls governing the project were generally weak.

The audit was conducted by Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants.

According to the Government Information Agency, the report provides an analysis and evaluation of the OLPF project and contains findings and information which auditors believed should be brought to the Government’s attention and recommendations designed to improve the systems of the project and similar ini-

tiatives by the Government of Guyana.

Since the project did not have a Board of Directors, the underlying principles of corporate governance should have been fulfilled by management. There is no evidence that this was done, the report stated.

The OLPF’s mission statement defined a clear obligation to provide 10 hours of training to all laptop recipients. However, the project’s Manager, Margo Boyce, decided to cease the training aspect of the project during the last quarter of 2013. The re-

port said that in a rough estimate some 14,138 laptops were distributed without the requisite training.

The report further stated that while the lower-level positions were advertised, political considerations may have influenced the appointment of the more senior staff, including two sons of a former Government Members of Parliament; while the OLPF project was grossly over staffed. The project had as many as 16 departments and an average of 133 employees during the years 2012 to 2014. Additionally, the Project Manager was unable to justify the number of departments and employees.

Upon examination by the auditors, it was revealed that a number of departments, including accounts, warehouse, documentation and registry, did not perform duties in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure.

During 2012, management discovered that 103 laptops were missing. Following investigations by the Police, the services of seven employees were terminated by the Office of the President on February 22, 2013. On August 5, 2015 the auditors requested and observed a 100 per cent physical inventory count and subsequently preformed a reconciliation based

on the documents provided.

Procedures revealed that management was unable to account for an additional 1,875 laptops costing $109,168,913.

They believe that this matter should be referred to the Police for a full investigation.

The 3,158 laptops in stock, costing $191,079,058 are all damaged. They were unable to determine whether these are beyond repair. It is likely, therefore, that of the total number of laptops acquired by purchase or grant of 55,145, some 5,136 were either stolen or are defective. In dollar terms, the actual loss to the Government is $306,160,171, according to the report.

According to the grant agreement signed between the Government of Guyana and Aerospace Science and Industry Shenzhen Company Ltd (China) on September 15, 2015; 9,609 laptops were to be provided by China at a total cost of ¥50,000,000 or

GY$1,631,000,000. These laptops were earmarked for distribution to educators, students, institutions of learning and community-based organisations.

The audit also revealed that the project did not maintain any proper accounting system and the only accounting done was by way of instructions to the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) to approve invoices for payment. There was no accounting for transactions executed on behalf of the project nor was there any reconciliation of the records of the OLPF and the NFMU, among other discrepancies, the report stated.

The audit was among several commissioned by the coalition Government upon taking Office to verify suspected financial administrative irregularities by the previous administration.

Grandson charged for wounding grandfather

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Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) man was on Friday placed on $75,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, charged with wounding his grandfather and assaulting his sister.

It is alleged that Delroy Williams of Mahdia, Region Eight, on February 23, 2017, at Co-op Farm Mahdia in the Potaro-Siparuni district, unlawfully and maliciously wounded his grandfather, Clifton Williams, with intent to wound, maim or disfigure him. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that the parties are known to each other, sharing familial ties and residing in the same home. On the day of the incident, the men were reportedly involved in a misunderstanding of unknown origin when Williams inflicted injuries to the person of his grandfather.

The Prosecution stated that the virtual complainant (VC) is in currently hospitalised, but is in a stable condition.

The second charge alleged that Williams, on February 23 at Co-op Farm Mahdia, Region Eight, unlawfully assaulted his sister, Luciano Williams, as to cause her actual bodily harm.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the hearing on Friday, Magistrate McLennan indicated to the Prosecution to advise the both VCs to take out protection order against the accused. She also ordered him to evacuate the premises he shared with the VCs. Williams was also ordered not to go within 50-feet of the parties until the completion of the trial.

The case will continue at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on April 18.

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saturDAY, February 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s unemployment will rise with Digicel’s firings T he Caribbean territory stands to be affected as corporate telecommunications giant Digicel gears up to slash its global workforce by 25 per cent.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel Guyana, Kevin Kelly, could not immediately pronounce on whether or not local employees will be affected in the global cut.

Kelly on Friday said Digicel will provide more information in due time.

Earlier this month, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company announced that it will be laying off some 1200 workers over the next 12 months as part of its restructuring initiative in staying competitive in the modern technological era.

However, the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GPTWU) – which represents the majority of the workers – has com-

mitted to take ‘rigid’ action to protect the interests of its members.

Meanwhile, a press statement from Digicel said it will be reducing the number of its regional hubs; a move which could ultimately result in workers in Caribbean territories, in-

cluding Guyana becoming redundant.

According to the company, the future organisational structure will comprise a small number of regional hubs (two for the Caribbean and Central America regions and two for the Pacific region) housing back office centralised functions and delivering shared services, allowing staff in Digicel’s 31 markets to focus on sales and enhanced service deliv-

ery – and ensuring that resources and investment are prioritised to drive competition and innovation.

Digicel noted that this shift will result in an approximate 25 per cent (1500) reduction of the global workforce over the next 18 months with the first step in

the process being the offer of an Enhanced Voluntary Separation Programme opening on March 1, 2017.

These changes are all part of Digicel’s 2030 global transformation programme which promises customers a completely new communications and entertainment experience made possible by a more agile, customer-centric application of resources and investment.

Digicel also announced

that it has signed a global partnership agreement with ZTE – a leading global provider of integrated telecommunication solutions – for an ongoing multiyear network upgrade programme.

These initiatives occur as telecoms providers across the globe move to benefit from significant technological advances and manage changing customer needs in terms of data usage and competitive threats from unregulated OTT operators.

Digicel becomes one of the first communications and entertainment providers in the world to initiate

Digicel Guyana CEO, Kevin Kelly

a wide scale transformation agenda. The core elements of the Digicel 2030 transformation see it undertaking a

complete re-design of its organisational structure; putting customers in control and making a commitment to deliver a superior superfast network experience.

Over the last three years, Digicel has invested over US$1.65 billion in upgrading its networks and platforms and in rolling out fibre to the home and mobile broadband connectivity. Of particular note is the success of its fibre to the home offering with Digicel racking up 120,000 customers to date – well ahead of its business plan.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, february 25, 2017

Regional

Guatemalan Army blocks Dutch Trump worried boat offering abortions about T&T’s

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he Guatemalan army says it will block the activities of a non-profit “abortion boat” docked on its shores.

The Dutch non-profit group, Women on Waves, offers free abortion services to women in countries where the procedure is banned.

It takes women in the early stages of pregnancy out to international waters, where the abortion is performed.

Abortion is banned in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation, except in the case where the mother’s life is threatened.

The Army said it had been instructed by President Jimmy Morales to act, and would defend “human life

and the laws of our country” by preventing the group from carrying out abortions.

Officials are preventing activists from disembarking from the ship, and women will not be allowed to board the boat, reports say.

The Women on Waves’ boat docked on the Pacific Ocean port of Quetzal, in the city of San Jose, on Wednesday, planning to stay for five days.

The group says it has a legal permit to sail in Guatemalan waters and the boat is being illegally “detained” by the authorities.

The group says more than 60,000 illegal abortions are performed in Guatemala every year, and most of the

ISIS links

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Women on Waves founder Rebecca Gomperts (right) was criticised by Guatemala’s Catholic Church

women who put their lives at risk at the hands of untrained professionals are poor.

However, Guatemala’s

Catholic Church, other religious leaders and politicians protested against the presence of the boat. (Excerpt from BCC News)

out of the blocks as he wobbled his way to the starting line, but it was his first time skiing on snow, having previously only trained on wheels.

His trainer said that the Police laughed at him, saying that skiing doesn’t exist in Venezuela.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez took to social media, stating that the Venezuelan govern-

ment will deliver “a strong protest” to French authorities for its actions against the athlete, highlighting that it was an “insult to Venezuelans”.

The country is deeply divided into those who support President Nicolas Maduro and those who blame him and his socialist policies for the economic crisis the country is experiencing.(Excerpt from BCC News)

Venezuela protests over skier’s expulsion from France

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enezuela is to deliver a “strong protest” to France over its treatment of a Venezuelan cross-country skier, dubbed the “world’s worst skier”.

Adrian Solano landed in France on January 19, on his way to a training camp in Sweden, but Police turned him back.

Solano said border agents doubted he was even a skier

and asked if there was snow in Venezuela.

He is currently competing in Finland, but the episode cost him a month’s lost training.

The dubious honour of being called the “world’s worst skier” came after a disastrous performance in the qualifying round of the Nordic World Ski Championships.

He nearly did not make it

Ecuador will hold run-off poll to choose new President

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cuador’s presidential election is set for a second round on April 2, the electoral commission has announced.

Lenin Moreno, of the governing left-wing Pais party, fell just short of the 40 per cent needed to win outright on Sunday.

He will fight former banker Guillermo Lasso for the top job. There had been tension after long delays in the count.

National Electoral Council (NEC) President Juan Pablo Pozo blamed the delays on “numerical inconsistencies” in 5.5 per cent of the ballots.

In past elections, official results were announced on the same night as the vote, but

Lenin Moreno (left) won more votes than Guillermo Lasso in the first round

this time counting dragged on for four days.

Final results are still not in, but with only half a per cent of votes left to count, 63-year-old Moreno cannot possibly reach the 40 per cent

needed to stave-off a second round.

With 99.5 per cent of the votes counted, he had won 39.3 per cent of the votes, against 28.1 per cent for Lasso.

The announcement that there would be a second round was celebrated by supporters of Lasso, 61, gathered outside the NEC building.

Mr Lasso had earlier voiced concerns about the delay in counting saying it “did not smell right”.

The conservative former banker says he is confident of winning the run-off with the backing of opposition candidates eliminated in the first round.

The election is being watched with interest in the region after other countries led by left-wing leaders, such as Argentina and Peru, have swung to the right in recent polls. (Excerpt from BCC News)

Mexico eyes Brazil farm products as hedge on Trump threat

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mid trade tensions with the United States (US), Mexico plans to send a delegation next month to visit Brazilian corn, beef, chicken and soy producers as an alternative to US suppliers, its representative in Brazil said on Friday.

Mexican chargé d’affaires Eleazar Velasco said Brazil is uniquely positioned to expand agricultural commodity

sales to Mexico if trade with the US is disrupted because it is closer than other potential suppliers like Australia.

Mexican Agriculture Secretary Jose Calzada was due to visit Brazil last week, but had to postpone his trip until March due to scheduling issues, Velasco said.

Calzada will bring Mexican food industry executives to do deals with Brazilian exporters, the dip-

lomat said. The trip is part of a drive to lessen dependence on US exports as President Donald Trump threatens to upend long-standing free trade between the two countries.

Mexico has relied on US yellow corn imports under the North American Free Trade Agreement. With $2.3 billion of imports in 2016, Mexico is by far the biggest foreign buyer, and US farm-

ers have lobbied Trump not to alter their trade.

Brazil is expanding its corn production and the 2016/17 harvest is expected to jump to 93 million tonnes from 71 million tonnes in the previous harvest.

Consultancy Agroconsult estimates Brazil’s corn exports will double to 28 million tonnes, with neighbouring Argentina as its main competitor. (Excerpt from Reuters)

nited States (US) officials are reportedly concerned that Trinidad and Tobago nationals who have joined ISIS could return and pose a threat to US interests.

Following President Donald Trump’s call to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley over the weekend, the New York Times carried a report in which it outlined the US concern about the twin-island republic, a country described as “a breeding ground for extremists”.

The article, entitled ‘Trying to Stanch Trinidad’s Flow of Young Recruits to ISIS’, quoted a White House spokeswoman, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying that in that weekend telephone conversation, they spoke about terrorism and other security challenges, including foreign fighters.

It pointed to Trinidad’s history of Islamist extrem-

ism – specifically the failed coup by a radical Muslim led

by Yasin Abu Bakr in 1990; a Trinidadian jailed for life in the US for his role in a plot to blow up the Kennedy International Airport; and that 130 people have made the trip to Syria join ISIS from Trinidad.

It also noted that, according to former US Ambassador to Trinidad John Estrada, Trinidad has the greatest number of foreign fighters per capita from the Western Hemisphere who have joined the Islamic State.

In fact, the New York Times quoted Juan S Gonzalez, a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, as saying that the bulk of Islamic State fighters from Latin America originated in the twin-island republic and the numbers underscore a risk of lonewolf attacks in the Region.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Barbados Minister gives his own Govt a failing grade

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management Minister, Dr David Estwick

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senior Government Minister has admitted his Party’s economic policies are all wrong for the ailing Barbados economy.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management Minister, Dr David Estwick, lamented that his peers had failed to consider alternative approaches, including a plan he had submitted three years ago.

In an interview with the Barbados Today online newspaper, Dr Estwick highlighted a letter he issued to Cabinet two years ago warning that the Government was on the wrong course by allowing the Central Bank of Barbados to print money to prop up its current expenditure.

The issue of printing money has been at the centre of a dramatic breakdown in relations between

Central Bank Governor, Dr DeLisle Worrel and Finance Minister Chris Sinckler.

Dr Worrel was eventually sacked, less than 24 hours after the Appeal Court lifted an injunction against his removal from office.

Minister Estwick stayed clear of commenting on the case, but he expressed grave concern about the state of the economy.

He insisted that Barbados would have been on a sound footing if his alternative plan to revive the economy had been accepted.

The plan had called for the administration to refinance and restructure the public debt, create debt and fiscal sustainability and engender investor confidence and foreign direct investment.

Estwick remains confident that it was the “best approach” but said it may be a little too late now. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

saturDAY, february 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

‘Get out of my country,’ shooter Chemical weapon VX nerve agent said before killing Indian man killed N Korean leader’s halfbrother – Malaysian Police A

uthorities in Kansas filed first-degree murder charges against a man accused of opening fire in a bar there, killing one Indian man, injuring two other people and causing fears about bigotry to reverberate across the globe.

According to witness accounts, the gunman reportedly told two of the people who were shot – both Indian men who work for Garmin, the technology firm – to “get out of my country” before opening fire and had also used racial slurs during the Wednesday evening shooting.

Multiple law enforcement agents launched an investigation into the deadly shooting inside Austin’s Bar and Grill in Olathe, a city about 20 miles southwest of Kansas City. Even as authorities said they had not yet identified a motive for the attack, relatives of the Indian men said they feared the shooting was connected to a climate of fear and xenophobia in America.

The father of one of the people injured pointed to the election of President Trump, who has routinely described a threat posed to Americans from people outside the country’s borders, and pleaded with parents in India “not to send their children to the United States.”

The White House responded by calling the link to Trump’s rhetoric absurd, according to Reuters.

Police identified the suspected attacker in Olathe as Adam W. Purinton, 51, and

said he was taken into custody in Missouri a little more than a day after the shooting.

One of the Indian men shot during the attack – Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32

they were of Middle Eastern descent. When he started firing shots, Grillot, a regular at the bar whom Bohnen called “everyone’s friend,” moved to get involved.

Authorities have not re-

From left: Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who died; Alok Madasani, who was injured; and Ian Grillot, also injured

– died in the hospital later from his wounds, the Olathe police said. The other – Alok Madasani, 32, of Overland Park, Kan. – was released from the hospital Thursday.

The shooting also injured 24-year-old Ian Grillot, another patron at Austin’s, who apparently tried to intervene.

Witnesses told the Kansas City Star and The Washington Post that Purinton was thought to have been kicked out of the bar Wednesday night before the shooting took place.

“He seemed kind of distraught,” Garret Bohnen, a regular at Austin’s who was there that night, told The Post in an interview. “He started drinking pretty fast.”

He reportedly came back into the bar and hurled racial slurs at the two Indian men, including comments that suggested he thought

leased many details about the attack. They have not said the shooting was a hate crime, instead saying they are investigating to see if it was spurred by bias. During a briefing Thursday, officials cautioned that it was still early in the investigation and declined to offer a motive for the shooting.

On Friday afternoon, Howe noted that Kansas has no hate crime statute, saying that such charges would have to be federal: Kuchibhotla and Madasani are both Indian nationals, a spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.

The US Embassy in New Delhi also released a statement condemning the shooting. Family members of the two men said in interviews that they feared the current atmosphere in the United States. (Washington Post)

Suicide bomber kills 51 near Syria town taken from Islamic State

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suicide bomber attacked Turkish-backed rebels just outside the Syrian town of Al-Bab on Friday, killing 51 people in a major blow just hours after they hailed its capture from the Islamic State group.

The bomber blew up a vehicle packed with explosives outside a rebel command centre in the village of Susian, 8km northeast of Al-Bab, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The blast devastated the twin command posts and also seriously wounded a

large number of fighters, the Britain-based monitoring group said. It had earlier said that 42 people, mainly rebels, had died, but later clarified to say the majority of those killed were civilians.

There was no immediate claim for the attack, but rebels blamed it on IS, which had put up fierce resistance in AlBab for weeks. Abu Jaafar, who was near Susian at the time of the attack, said hospitals in the area were full of wounded. Separately, two Turkish soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in Al-Bab

on Friday as they were carrying out road checks, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said.

The strategic town, just 25km south of the Turkish border, was the jihadists’ last stronghold in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo.

Turkey sent troops into Syria last August in an operation it said targeted not only IS but also US-backed Kurdish fighters whom it regards as terrorists.

With its support, the rebels launched an offensive to take Al-Bab last year. (Excerpt from

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on “getting bad people out of this country”.

Trump was greeted by chants of “USA, USA, USA!” as he addressed the annual forum in Maryland.

“We’re building the wall,” he said. “In fact it’s going to start very soon. Way ahead of schedule. It’s way, way, way ahead of schedule.” His comments come a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland

a flight to the Chinese territory of Macau.

South Korean and US officials have said they believe North Korean agents assassinated Kim Jong Nam. He had been living with his family in Macau under Beijing’s protection and had spoken out against the North Korean regime.

Malaysian police were investigating whether the VX – which is believed to be the most toxic known nerve agent and is banned globally except for research – was brought into the country or

made there.

“If the amount of the chemical brought in was small, it would be difficult for us to detect,” Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters. The two women suspects – one Vietnamese and the other Indonesian – are in Police detention along with a North Korean man. Seven other North Koreans are wanted in connection with the case, including a diplomat at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

South African Police use force to disperse anti-immigration protesters

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outh African Police have used stun grenades, rubber bullets and water cannon to try to disperse anti-immigration protesters in the capital, Pretoria, and keep them from foreign nationals who had gathered to express alarm about recent attacks.

A Police official said 136 people had been arrested in the past 24 hours.

Resentment against foreign nationals has sometimes turned deadly amid accusations that they take jobs from locals in a country where unemployment is more than 25 per cent.

Others are blamed for drug-dealing and other crimes.

In 2015, anti-immigrant riots in and around the city of Durban left at least six people dead. About 60 people were killed in similar violence seven years earlier.

On Friday protesters in Pretoria marched towards

South African riot Police fire rubber bullets during clashes between South African and foreign national protesters on Friday

the Foreign Ministry, some carrying sticks or pipes.

A petition was handed to the Ministry in which they suggested the government teach immigrants to “speak properly”. The petition added: “They are arrogant and they don’t know how to talk to people, especially Nigerians.”

A statement issued by President Jacob Zuma’s of-

fice said South Africans should not blame all crime on foreign nationals. It cited recent reports of violence in Pretoria and hate speech on social media.

Amnesty International accused the authorities of failing to “address toxic populist rhetoric that blames and scapegoats refugees and migrants”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Bali meeting tackles ocean pollution by plastic

South China Morning Post)

Trump promises border wall ‘soon, way ahead of schedule’

S President Donald Trump has vowed to start building a wall on the Mexican border “soon, way ahead of schedule”, in a speech at a conservative event.

Addressing the Conservative Political Action Congress (CPAC), he vowed to always put American citizens first and build a “great, great border wall”.

He also promised to focus

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X nerve agent, a chemical the United Nations classifies as a weapon of mass destruction, was used to kill the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a bizarre murder in Malaysia last week, Police said on Friday.

Kim Jong Nam was killed on February 13, shortly after being assaulted at the airport in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, by two women who wiped the chemical on his face as he prepared to board

Security Secretary John Kelly met their Mexican counterparts in Mexico City.

Neither made any mention of the wall in Thursday’s news conference after their closeddoor meetings. The wall could cost up to US$21.5 billion (£17.2 billion), according to Reuters, citing a Department of Homeland Security internal report – much higher than Trump’s estimated price tag of US$12 billion (£9.6 billion).

(Excerpt from BBC News)

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n Friday, scientists, CEOs, entrepreneurs and leaders from Public and Private Sectors began gathering for a conference on the ocean in Nusa Dua. One of the discussions they are having is how people, countries and companies can solve the global issue of massive amounts of plastic waste ending up in oceans.

Every year eight million tonnes of plastic goes into the ocean, the equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world.

About 90 per cent of coral reefs will disappear by 2050, the same year scientists have estimated there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

We take us$2.5 trillion out of the oceans through fishing and aquaculture, shipping and tourism annually.

Against this backdrop, the UN has decided to launch a global campaign declaring war on ocean plastic. It is urging governments to pass plastic-reduction policy with a view to ending marine litter.

The Blue Economy, or money generated from oceans

and coastlines, is not the only thing that will be catastrophically affected if we continue to allow plastic to enter the ocean the way we are now, something that everyone is equally responsible for, according to Peter Thomson, the president of the UN General Assembly. On a beach in Bali on Thursday morning, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), together with the Indonesian government, announced a pledge to reduce plastic waste in Indonesia by 70 percent by the end of 2025. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

saturDAY, february 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

DSCL celebrates 23rd Region 10’s proposed development discussed with Chinese Ambassador anniversary with

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he prospects for improvement and collaboration in the areas of food security, agricultural, infrastructural and youth development were discussed between officials of Linden and Region 10 ( Upper Demerara-Berbice ) and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun and team, when officials from both sides met for discussions at the Watooka Complex in Linden.

Several other initiatives such as manufacturing, elevated Internet and the complete mapping of Region 10 and its agricultural lands were also discussed. It is the second time in recent months that officials of the region met with officials of the Chinese Embassy to discuss future developments.

Also present were Economic and Commercial Councillor Shen Hui Yong, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, representatives of the Linden municipali-

charitable ventures

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From left: Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian; Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun; along with Mayor Carwyn Holland at the Watooka Complex, Linden

ty and Regional Democratic Council, as well as representatives of bauxite company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated, including Community Relations Officer Vanessa Mitchell Davis, General Manager Eric Yu and Kenny Peng, among other officials.

The development of a deep water harbour in the region and the possibilities of securing scholarships for students to pursue studies in China were also some of

the initiatives presented by regional officials. During the discourse, Morian stated his belief that Region 10 will be the next frontier in Guyana for development. He added that the Linden to Lethem road will also be fundamental, noting that Region 10 is strategically positioned. The Regional Chairman further highlighted the need for capacity building in the areas of mining and agriculture. He said presently, the region is looking for inves-

tors for the Linden airstrip to be resuscitated, explaining that it is shorter by air to Brazil. Further addressing members of the Chinese delegation, Morian spoke of the region’s five-year plan under the Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD) as he made the pitch for collaboration.

Meanwhile, Mayor Holland in his address asked for assistance with the digital mapping of the region, among other things.

He noted that he has already sought assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for a feasibility study to allow for the inclusion of a rail along the Linden to Lethem road as he also sought assistance in this regard. Holland noted that the Government will welcome the initiative which he said will assist in providing thousands of jobs.

As a way of assisting in the area of food security, the Ambassador highlighted the possibility of development of agro processing factories. He also highlighted other means such as farming and finding ways to secure more value added. The Ambassador made a donation of a photocopier to the municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council.

he Demerara Shipping Company Limited celebrated 23 years of services in Guyana by giving back to those in need. The company executed two charitable ventures in commemoration of their anniversary.

Demerara Shipping Company Limited (DSCL) was incorporated in February 1994. Initially, the company acted as agents for various vessels but now holds the exclusive right to some of the largest shipping lines in the world.

In celebration of their anniversary this year, DSCL on February 18 visited the Cheshire Home and Mahaica Children’s Home where they donated food and school supplies to the occupants of those two institutions. The representatives were greeted with smiles as the contributions made on behalf of the company were much appreciated. Patricia Bailey, Administrator of Cheshire Home, thanked DSCL for their donation and affirmed that all items would be put to the best use for residents.

The institution which was established in 2000 is the home 26 disabled individuals with special needs.

The Mahaica Children’s Home Representative, Ms December also expressed her appreciation for the items donated.

The featured event of the company’s anniversary celebrations has been an annual blood drive which was initiated by the company about 10 years ago. This year, the blood drive was highly welcomed by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) as there is currently a dire need for donations

DSCL blood

Employee

donating

in Guyana. The Director of NBTS, Dr Pedro Lewis, expressed gratitude for this initiative as he emphasised the need for blood donors.

Dr Lewis stated that every drop of blood can save a life.

He further relayed that the Blood Bank supplies the entire country and there is a constant demand as hospitals are always in need. As such, he encouraged other entities to follow in the footsteps of DSCL by hosting events similar in nature.

Marketing Coordinator of Demerara Shipping Company Limited, Devica Jhagdeo, explained the establishment’s motive behind their charitable strides.

She highlighted that they are fulfilling their cooperative social responsibility by reaching out to the less fortunate and giving back to underserved communities.

She shared in the company’s delight for adding value to the lives of the residents of both homes as well as assisting patients in need of blood transfusion. Jhagdeo indicated that similar undertakings are to be expected by DSCL in the future.

Fete moves from Lusignan to Providence Stadium

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he Red Square Vodka Fete, which was scheduled for the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, on the East Coast of Demerara this evening will now be held at the Providence National Stadium, East Bank Demerara.

This decision was taken after officials of the promotion team visited the ground and found it to be in a soggy state due to inclement weather.

The promoters apologise for the change in venue and assure that tickets purchased will still be valid. The first show was held in the parking Lot of the Leonora Synthetic Track last evening and the last show is billed for the Rose Hall Canje Estate Ground.

The shows are being held to launch the new Red Square Vodka. The artistes slated to perform are Adesh Samaroo, Terry Gajraj,

The artistes posed for a photo during a press conference on Friday at Park Vue

D’Hunter, Rick Ramoutar, Sexy Vanessa, Stephen Ramphal, Aamir Khan, Shakti Strings Band and the Ishara Dance Troupe.

At a press conference on Friday morning, spokesperson for the show, WR Reaz posited that security will be strict at the various venues. In addition to members of the Guyana Police Force, the promoters have contracted a 45-man security team to provide addi-

tional security. In addition, the artistes are all hyped to perform before their fans.

Reaz who is also the emcee of the show assured fans that the show will go on as planned and urged patrons to be early. The artistes will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra.

Those who wish to attend the shows are asked to visit Facebook page – Red Square Vodka – Guyana – for ticket locations and other details.

17 GGMC swoops down on illegal mining operations T news

saturDAY, February 25, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

hree mining operations were slapped by cease work orders by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The move came after complaints from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) communities about river pollution.

According to GGMC, visits were carried out to the Region Nine communities of Karasabai and Yurongperu, and Monkey Mountain in Region Eight. The visits, spanning three days, were carried out by a team from the Natural Resources Ministry, the GGMC and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The visit was initiated after Chairman of Region Nine, Brian Allicock complained of the illegal operations early in February.

Allicock had raised the issue of alleged illegal mining activities, which were alleged to be the cause of water pollution.

Among the teams’ findings were that the turbidity levels in the Echilebar River exceeded 30 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, the recommended limit in the mining regulations. It was also determined by the officers on the ground that the turbidity levels were as a result of the mining operations.

It was found that those operations were ongoing without the requisite permission from the GGMC. It was also determined that the persons working the operations were doing so after receiving verbal permission from a ranger employed by the claimholder – a violation of the GGMC’s regulations.

“As a result, the GGMC issued Cease Work Orders to two operations in one location on the left bank of the Echilebar River and to one other operation farther inland. The mining activities were all taking place in the drainage basin of the Echilebar River, which discharges into the Ireng River

The mining operations which were served with the cease work orders

that borders Brazil.”

But the regulatory body also had a stern warning.

According to GGMC, “the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC are in receipt of information which suggests that many claim-holders are granting small miners verbal permission to work their claims without seeking the prior approval of the GGMC.” GGMC warned that both it and the Natural Resources Ministry will be taking “strong action” against these

miners, adding that many of them are prominent miners.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission sets out strict regulations for mining operators. Included in these regulations are stipulations for disposal of overburden, waste produce and refilling dug pits.

Legislatively, Section 127 of Mining Act 1989 empowers the Commission to serve a mining operator with notice to provide data and documents relating to their operation

Educator discredits Jordan’s defence of 14% VAT on education … petitions for removal of tax submitted to Govt

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inance Minister Winston Jordan’s justification for imposing 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education was discredited by Director of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole, who exposed the reality with public educational services and showed that many families make significant sacrifices to send their children to private institutions.

Dr O’Toole contended that the great majority of students attending private educational institutions in Guyana are from humble backgrounds and can only attend these places of learning as a result of the sacrifice on the part of their family members.

In a number of cases, he said these same students may now be forced out of these schools because of the additional tax, a reality acknowledged by Minister Jordon.

“It has been said that these students ‘have a choice.’ For some that may be true, but that is not true for the majority,” the educator posited, alluding to the several tertiary level educational services which are not available in the public sector.

“There is simply no comparable, internationally recognised programme, available in the public domain.

The great majority of these youth come from humble backgrounds. If the 14 per cent VAT is not lifted we have been informed that

Dr Brian O’Toole

many of them will be simply unable to pay and will return home to join the ranks of the unemployed and indeed the unemployable,” he explained.

Dr O’Toole also argued that it is precisely because of the limitations in the public education system that led thousands of parents in Guyana, from all walks of life, to make the sacrifice to move to private education.

“Is the choice then to return to the very system that is in need of such help? The same decision to opt for private education has indeed also been made by a number of Government ministers for their own children,” he stated.

Moreover, the Director asked if the choice is to return to the public system, then how will that system be able to cope with the return of literally thousands of stu-

dents to classrooms that are already overcrowded and under resourced.

Dr O’Toole recognised that Minister Jordan said many of the 54 private education providers are not “tax compliant” and are in fact operating under some umbrella of “charter school” status and therefore not liable for tax.

But he argued if that is indeed the case, then surely the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) can examine the issues.

Additionally, Dr O’Toole noted with concern that it has also been suggested that institutions like Nations should simply absorb the 14 per cent increase and add these additional millions to the existing taxes they pay.

The educator highlighted that over the past two weeks, there has been extensive coverage on the VAT on education and almost every comment supported the abolition of this burden.

“Indeed, almost the only comments in support of this tax have been from members of the Government,” he recognised.

Petition

Dr O’Toole noted that the depth of the feeling about this issue is eloquently illustrated by the more than 1,324 comments on the petition which was submitted to the Government on Friday.

Copies of the petition were dispatched to the Ministries of Education, Finance and the Presidency.

He said those comments display disillusionment, dismay and disenchantment with a system that imposes further hardship on an already hard-pressed populace.

Further, he made it clear that there is no political agenda behind this petition.

“We have avoided the overtures from a variety of political opposition who wanted to turn this grassroots response, into a political game – we have resisted all these attempts,” he said.

Dr O’Toole said it is surely the hope of the 13,000 plus persons who signed this petition that the Government will defend, support and indeed champion the attempts of its citizens, from all corners, to improve the future for their children so that they may be given the opportunity that previous administrations may have denied them.

“We simply request you support for their vision, their hopes and the dreams they have for their children to simply be all that they can be. We ask the Government to change its decision on this matter. Clearly it is not an easy decision, but thousands of persons from all regions of Guyana, and many corners of the diaspora, are saying that is it now the right decision to make,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a protest is organised by concerned students, parents and other stakeholders for February 28 outside of the GRA from 12:00h.

and to answer all of GGMC’s questions. This is normally enforced in the event of an accident. It is an offence not to comply.

Miners have been known to continue their operations, clandestinely if necessary, in the face of these measures and cease work orders.

St Peter’s Anglican Church is a beautiful tourism destination – Minister Gaskin

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he St Peter’s Anglican Church on the island of Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) is worthy of restoration and maintenance for tourism purposes, according to Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin.

Originally constructed in 1827, the St Peter’s Anglican Church will be celebrating its 190th anniversary this year. Minister Gaskin, who has responsibility for the tourism sector, said that the church is a historical site that is being assessed as a tourist attraction.

Gaskin, who visited the church recently, told the Government Information Agency, that the Draft Tourism Policy calls for the acceleration of plans for the delineation and upgrading of heritage trails/districts in Georgetown, Essequibo and Berbice. Within that framework, the Department of Tourism in the Business Ministry intends to work closely with the National Trust of Guyana and other bodies to bring to prominence those aspects of the building’s heritage that have value as tourism attractions.

Visits to the site can be included in tourism tour packages, Minister Gaskin said. He observed that, “… some form of restoration needs to take place on the building and surroundings.”

Minister Gaskin pointed out that the church, with its tiled sanctuary, massive brickwork, asphalted flooring, architectural rafters and windows portraying events in life of the patron Saint Peter, testifies to the artistry and craftsmanship of Guyanese builders.

According to information from the National Trust of Guyana, the church, which is still operational, was first opened for service on December 9, 1827. The structure was replaced by

the present one on June 29, 1855. Prior to the erection of the first church, services were held under a clump of bamboo trees. On November 25, 1826 a meeting was held in the house of Captain Thierens of Plantation Vissailvalligheid. At this meeting it was decided that a church and parsonage should be built. A site was chosen on the front lands of Plantation Enterprise, Leguan. On December 9, 1827 the church was opened for service.

The church, which is built of bricks, was originally covered by a roof of wallaba shingles; this was later replaced by metal roofing.

At the left of the north-western entrance stands the detached bell tower, surmounted by an octagonal brick spire. With this artistic design and leaning tower, St Peter’s Church is located on 10,843 acres of land and is regarded as one of the finest brick structures constructed in Guyana.

Minister Gaskin said that the tourism sector has the potential to make a major contribution to the “Good Life” which the Government has promised Guyanese.

The Government is set to undertake a stocktaking exercise of potential sources of tourism products within the 10 Administrative Regions this year.

Additionally, the National Tourism Policy which is currently being reviewed, includes focus on developing market-ready tourism products, enhancing the quality of service, generating increased employment in the sector, and improving tourism’s contribution towards economic growth. These will clearly identify elements of nature, culture, heritage, community, and other assets that could serve as the basis for the development of tourism in the regions.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, February 25, 2017

ARCHIE

Play nice, but don’t lose sight of your goals. Put your (March 21- innovative ideas to work for April 19) you. Hone your skills and prepare to move forward with precision and confidence. Live your dream.

ARIES

Look at the big picture and TAURUS make choices based on what (April 20- will bring the highest returns.

May 20) Hide your true feelings from anyone looking for a reason to question your actions or motives.

dilbert

Your ability to express GEMINI what you want to see happen (May 21June 20) will encourage others to help you make your plan a success.

A chance encounter will result in an unexpected opportunity.

Children or someone from your past will offer insight (June 21- into a situation you face or a July 22) decision you need to make.

Weigh the information you receive carefully. Live within your means.

CANCER

Peanuts

You’ll learn by doing.

LEO Engaging in an apprentice(July 23ship or taking note of what othAug. 22) ers do or say will enhance your outlook and lifestyle. Romance is encouraged.

Consider your current situVIRGO (Aug. 23- ation at home or work in order Sept. 22) to come up with an innovative solution to fix anything that isn’t going your way. Don’t just contemplate when you should be taking action.

Calvin and Hobbes

Creativity will provide you LIBRA with comfort and a release (Sept. 23from the day-to-day stress Oct. 23) you’ve been feeling. Dive into whatever you enjoy doing most, and forget about your worries.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — UNWIELDY

Don’t venture into converSAGITTARIUS sations with people who op(Nov. 23- pose your beliefs. You will be Dec. 21) more effective participating in events that promote your concerns. Celebrate your victory with someone you love.

(UNWIELDY: un-WEEL-dee: Difficult to carry or manage) Average mark 28 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 42 or more words in UNWIELDY? The list will be published on Monday.

WEDNESDAY’S WORD — COMPOSED code coed come compo cooed coop cope copse oops mode

mood mooed moose moped peso poem pome pose scoop scope

some sped epos demo does dome doom dope dose

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Stick close to home and SCORPIO keep those you love close by.

(Oct. 24Sharing intimacies with speNov. 22) cial people will build fond memories and close bonds that will see you through difficult times.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

One person’s opportuCAPRICORN nity can be another’s loss.

(Dec. 22Pick and choose whom you Jan. 19) deal with wisely. Protect your heart, assets and possessions. Stick to those you know and trust.

Signing contracts, holdAQUARIUS ing negotiations and improv(Jan. 20ing your standard of living Feb. 19) are featured. If you discuss your plans with a loved one, you can join forces to achieve your goals.

PISCES Past mistakes will come (Feb. 20- back to haunt you. You’ll be March 20) taken advantage of if you agree to take on responsibilities that don’t belong to you.

Practice saying no.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017

19

West Indies world champions win T20 awards

C

arlos Brathwaite and Hayley Matthews' career-defining innings in the men's and women's World T20 finals were voted the best T20 batting performances of 2016 at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, announced today. Ben Stokes won the Test batting award for his 198-ball 258 in Cape Town, the second-fastest Test double-century, while his team-mate Stuart Broad won the Test bowling award for a second year running.

Quinton de Kock's 178 - an innings that kick-started South Africa's 5-0 whitewash against Australia at home - was named the ODI batting performance of the year.

South Africa were the opposition that Sunil Narine destroyed on his comeback, with 6 for 27 in Guyana, which was voted the ODI bowling performance of the year.

The ESPNcricinfo awards honour the best batting and bowling performances across the international formats of the game in the preceding calendar year. The jury for this year's awards included Ian Chappell, Mahela Jayawardene, Courtney Walsh, Mark Butcher, Ramiz Raja, and ESPNcricinfo's senior writers and editors.

On the night when Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to give the West Indies men

their second World T20 title, 18-year-old Matthews made her maiden T20I half-century - the highest score in a Women's World T20 final - and was instrumental in West Indies winning their first global title after failing to qualify for the final on three previous occasions.

New Zealand offspinner Leigh Kasperek won the women's T20 bowling award for her 3 for 13 in a six-wicket win in a World T20 group game against Australia in Nagpur.

The men's T20I bowling award went to Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, who took five New Zealand wickets for 22 runs with his cutters in a World T20 game in Kolkata.

Last year Mustafizur was named the debutant of the year - a category voted on

by ESPNcricinfo's users, in addition to the jury. This year that honour went to another young Bangladesh bowler - Mehedi Hasan, who took a record 19 wickets in his debut Test series, against England.

Broad, who won last year for his phenomenal 8 for 15 in the Trent Bridge Ashes Test, took home the award this year for his series-sealing spell of 6 for 17, which razed South Africa for 83 runs in Johannesburg.

Afghanistan dominated the nominations in the Associates categories and bagged

Carlos Brathwaite and Hayley Matthews starred in West Indies' World T20 wins

both batting and bowling awards. Opener Mohammad Shahzad for his 118 in an 81run win against Zimbabwe in Sharjah; it was not only Afghanistan's first T20I century but also the highest score by a player from an Associate nation against a Full Member. And offspinner Mohammad Nabi for a miserly 2 for 16 (including three maidens) off ten overs in a two-wicket win against Bangladesh in an ODI in Mirpur.

Virat Kohli was named captain of the year, for India's unbeaten run in Tests in 2016, including a series win in the West Indies and a 4-0 win over England at home.

Out of 12 Tests last year, India won nine and drew three. Kohli's personal batting form remained exceptional all through; he averaged

nearly 76 in the 12 Tests and scored three double-hundreds.

"The ESPNcricinfo Awards are about meaning and context," Sambit Bal, editor-in-chief of ESPNcricinfo, said, "so we are chuffed a ten-ball innings sits beside a score of 258 in the list of winners. There is delight and irony in the fact that these two performances belong to Carlos Brathwaite and Ben Stokes, whose names will be forever entwined for those dramatic four balls in the World T20 final. It's also our great pleasure to introduce winners from women and Associates cricket in the tenth year of the awards. We should have had them earlier, but it's not too late to make amends."

India versus Australia 1st Test

Australia dominate day two to take a huge lead

Steve O’Keefe with ball in hand was the destroyer for Australia

A

ustralia took firm control of the first Test after they bundled out India for 105 and ended day two at 143 for 4 to take the overall lead to 298 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in India on Friday.

Steve O’Keefe, who rattled the Indian side with his six-wicket haul, was the standout performer for the Steve Smith-led side as they caught India napping on a spinner-friendly wicket.

While KL Rahul scored 64, before getting out playing a reckless shot, other Indian batsmen, including

Virat Kohli (0), failed to perform with the bat. If the failure with the batting was not enough, India were sloppy in the field as four catches went down in the Australia’s second innings.

Smith, who was dropped thrice, made most of those reprieves as he remained unbeaten on 59 while Mitchell Marsh was not out on 21 at stumps on Day 2. Australia 143/4 from 46 overs.

From 94/3 to 105 all out, India did everything wrong as Steve O’Keefe ran riot to power Australia to 155-run lead.

India, who have not

lost a game in their last 19 Tests, were put to sword on a track that was prepared to help the Indian spinners.

While India were in a spot of bother after losing three wickets – Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli, in the first session, O’Keefe turned the heat on India as he scalped three wickets in an over to run through the Indian batting-line up in the second session.

The collapse began as KL Rahul, batting on 64, played an absolutely reckless shot as David Warner took a good running catch. Ajinkya

Rahane was the next man to get out as he mistimed a shot through the leg-side and Peter Handscomb, standing in the second slip, dived towards his right to pluck one out of thin air.

If two wickets in an over were not enough, O’Keefe, who is fondly called as Sock, removed Wriddhiman Saha as he edged one to Steve Smith in the slips.

Nathan Lyon joined the party in the next over as he dismissed R Ashwin for 1. The Indian all-rounder hit one on to his shoe as the ball lobbed in the air and Handscomb, manning the forward short-leg area, scooped one inches off the ground.

O’Keefe, who had his tail up by now, then had Jayant Yadav as his fourth wicket. The Indian batsman did not drag his feet back as Matthew Wade whipped off the bails.

The 32-year-old O'Keefe, who did not look too much of a threat in the first session, had his fifth wicket as Ravindra Jadeja, who tried to clear the fence in search of some runs, was caught in the deep by Mitchell Starc. O'Keefe completed his six-wicket haul after Umesh Yadav, who wanted to whack one out of the ground, edged it to Smith in the slip.

SCOREBOARD

Stumps - Day 2 Australia 1st innings MT Renshaw c Vijay b Ashwin68 DA Warner b UT Yadav 38 SPD Smith* c Kohli b Ashwin 27 SE Marsh c Kohli b J Yadav 16 PSP Handscomb lbw b Jadeja 22 MR Marsh lbw b Jadeja 4 MS Wade† lbw b UT Yadav 8 MA Starc c Jadeja b Ashwin 61 SNJ O’Keefe c †Saha b UT Yadav 0 NM Lyon lbw b UT Yadav JR Hazlewood not out 1 Extras (lb-6, nb-9)15 Total (all out; 94.5 overs)260 Fall of wickets 1-82 (Warner, 27.2 ov), 1-82* (Renshaw, retired not out, 27.3 ov), 2-119 (SE Marsh, 46.4 ov), 3-149 (Handscomb, 59.2 ov), 4-149 (Smith, 60.1 ov), 5-166 (MR Marsh, 67.4 ov), 6-190 (Wade, 75.4 ov), 7-196 (Renshaw, 78.3 ov), 8-205 (O’Keefe, 81.4 ov), 9-205 (Lyon, 81.5 ov), 10-260 (Starc, 94.5 ov) Bowling: I Sharma 11-0-27-0 (nb-1), R Ashwin 34.5-10-633, J Yadav 13-1-58-1 (nb-1), RA Jadeja 24-4-74-2 (nb-2), UT Yadav 12-3-32-4 (nb-1) India 1st innings M Vijay c †Wade b Hazlewood 10 KL Rahul c Warner b O’Keefe 64 CA Pujara c †Wade b Starc 6 V Kohli* c Handscomb b Starc 0 AM Rahane c Handscomb b O’K eefe 13 R Ashwin c Handscomb b Lyon1

WP Saha† c Smith b O’Keefe 0 RA Jadeja c Starc b O’Keefe 2 J Yadav st †Wade b O’Keefe 2 UT Yadav c Smith b O’Keefe 4 I Sharma not out 2 Extras (nb-1)1 Total (all out; 40.1 overs)105 Fall of wickets 1-26 (Vijay, 6.5 ov), 2-44 (Pujara, 14.2 ov), 3-44 (Kohli, 14.4 ov), 4-94 (Rahul, 32.2 ov), 5-95 (Rahane, 32.4 ov), 6-95 (Saha, 32.6 ov), 7-95 (Ashwin, 33.3 ov), 8-98 (J Yadav, 36.3 ov), 9-101 (Jadeja, 38.2 ov), 10-105 (UT Yadav, 40.1 ov) Bowling : MA Starc 9-2-382 (nb-1), SNJ O’Keefe 13.12-35-6, JR Hazlewood 7-311-1, NM Lyon 11-2-21-1 Australia 2nd innings DA Warner lbw b Ashwin 10 SE Marsh lbw b Ashwin 0 SPD Smith* not out 59 PSP Handscomb c Vijay b Ashwin 19 MT Renshaw c Sharma b J Yadav 31 MR Marsh not out 21 Extras (lb-3)3 Total (4 wickets; 46 overs)143 To bat: MS Wade†, SNJ O’Keefe, NM Lyon, MA Starc, JR Hazlewood Fall of wickets 1-10 (Warner, 0.6 ov), 2-23 (SE Marsh, 6.6 ov), 3-61 (Handscomb, 20.6 ov), 4-113 (Renshaw, 34.1 ov) Bowling: R Ashwin 16-3-683, RA Jadeja 17-6-26-0, UT Yadav 5-0-13-0, J Yadav 5-027-1, I Sharma 3-0-6-0

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

UWI honours Sacked Leicester manager says his ‘dream died’ Chanderpaul

saturDAY, febRuary 25, 2017

T

he UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica. February 21, 2017: A University of the West Indies (UWI) team led by Chadwick Walton will compete against an English XI in a 50-overs cricket match thisSaturday, February 25, 2017 at Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts.

It bowls off at 9:30 a.m. and is free and open to the public. It will also be streamed live on www.windiescricket.com. The UWI Vice-Chancellor’s XI Cricket Match will be a warm-up match preceding England’s tour of the West Indies for a three-match ODI series.

Veteran Guyanese cricketer and former captain of the West Indies Cricket team, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who ended his 22-year international career in 2016, will be honoured at the match, for his outstanding contribution to the lovely game.

Chanderpaul’s son, Tagenarine Chanderpaul; who will play in the match as a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s XI team; will receive the special tribute and commemorative plaque on his father’s behalf in a brief ceremony during the half-time break. (wicricnews)

Florida Cup Softball Tournament 2017

R

egal Masters and Regal AllStars both obtained the maximum 12 points on the opening day of the 14th annual Florida Cup at the Brian Piccolo Park in Fort Lauderdale Florida on Friday.

After getting an easy six points from a walkover from Orlando Premier League Masters in the morning, Regal Masters took to the field and made light work of Florida/Guyana Hope by nine wickets in their afternoon fixture.

After opting to bat first, Florida/ Guyana Hope were limited to 97 all out from 19 overs. Only opener Jay Mahadeo looked threatening with 25 (3x4; 1x6) as all the Regal Masters had good returns but it were Captain Throy Kippins (3-13) and ViceCaptain Mahendra Hardyal (328) who were the pick of the pack.

E i o n A b e l and Mahesh

Terry Permaul hit 204 for Orlando Masters against Floodlights Masters in the opening round of matches

Chunilall then rushed to 98/1 after Hardyal was removed early for eight, Able finished with 43 not out (1x4; 4x6) and Chunilall 35 not out (3x4; 2x6) to give Regal maximum points and a place in the semifinal. Amazon Cricket Club also got 12 points and will also qualify with Regal Masters from Group A as the only other team in the group, Florida/Guyana Hope have lost both of their matches. Amazon CC and Regal will play today from 09:30h to see who will finish higher in the group for the semifinals this afternoon.

In group B, defending champions Floodlights, Floodlights Legends and Orlando Masters all had one win up to press time and a keen rush is on for semifinal places after Expendables who suffered two defeats will be eliminated.

In the All-Star category, Regal All-Stars booked their final four spot with two convincing wins as well. The pre-tournament favourites first disposed of South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) by nine wickets before whipping the Hurricanes by six wickets.

During both games their bowlers produced excellent performances upfront before their batsmen did the final touches.

In game one, Roohit Dutchin figures of 4-3, kept the SFSCL scoring under control from the start. None of the hosts batsmen were allowed to dominate, and were eventually bowled out for 48 in 16 overs.

Seewchand Budhu (3-8), Ameer Nizamudin (2-7), and Richard Latif (117), were the other successful bowlers for Regal All-Stars.

In reply, the visitors lost Latif without scoring in the innings first over, but Navin Singh and Budhu took 14 balls to achieve the winning target.

Singh remained unbeaten on 26 off eight balls (2x4, 2x6), while Budhu sixball innings, inclusive of three fours and a six.

In game two, asked to bat first, Hurricanes total was built around Marvin Sukhnandan, who stroked a fighting 59, after they were restricted

Claudio Ranieri

C

laudio Ranieri says his "dream died" when he was sacked as Leicester manager nine months after winning the Premier League.

Ranieri, 65, guided the Foxes to the title despite them being rated 5,000-1 shots at the start of the campaign.

Leicester are one point above the relegation zone with 13 matches left.

"After the euphoria of last season and being crowned champions, all I dreamt of was staying with Leicester. Sadly this was not to be," Ranieri said.

"The adventure was amazing and will live with me forever. My heartfelt thanks to everybody at the club, everybody who was part of what we achieved, but mostly to the supporters.

"You took me into your hearts from day one and loved me. I love you too.

"No-one can ever take away what we achieved together and I hope you think about it and smile every day the way I always will.

"It was a time of wonderfulness and happiness that I will never forget. It's been a pleasure and an honour to be a champion with all of you." (BBCSPORT)

Vibrant progress in archery

Nicholas Hing (right) after releasing an arrow during an Outdoor Archery Training

Roohit Dutchin is having a dream tournament with the ball

to 46-5 at one point of the innings.

Sukhnandan smashed seven fours and two sixes, and was the only batsman to put up some resistance against a well-balanced Regal All-Stars bowling unit.

Dutchin was again the chief wrecker, claiming 3-5. Nizamudin (2-32), Latif (2-26), and Budhu (1-23), were the other bowlers made the impact with the ball.

In the run chase, Latif again failed to trouble the scorers, but Singh and Budhu then added 59 for the second-wicket before the latter was dismissed for 36.

Singh then added 28 for the third-wicket, with Patrick Rooplall, and in the process took the visitors within close reach of the winning target.

However, Regal All-Stars then lost Dutchin, but Singh stayed to the end in company of Safraz Esan, and took the visitors to 117-4 in 15.2 overs. Singh remained unbeaten on 50, with six fours.

The three-day tournament continues today with the final preliminary round of matches in both categories followed by the semi-finals this afternoon.

The finals for both categories will take place tomorrow at the Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida.

T

he Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF)/Archery Guyana recently reported on the vibrant progress that have been realised since the start of 2017.

Chairman of the Archery Committee, Nicholas Hing, reported at the Federation’s recently held its Annual General Meeting, highlighting that both Indoor and Outdoor Archery practice sessions are ongoing on a weekly basis.

The Federation has access to the National Gymnasium on the weekdays and thanked Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission for the collaboration to ensure that these sessions are hosted and the facility is made available to the GSSF for such practice sessions.

For 2017, permission was secured from the Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for the use of the Carifesta Sports Club Ground on Sundays for Outdoor Archery Practice which has started since January.

Thanks were extended to the Honourable Minister Nicolette Henry and Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle.

The Federation is now utilising two additional target stands which were kindly donated by the Indigenous Affairs Ministry through Ivan Persaud of the Swimming Association.

These target stands are used for Outdoor Archery Practice Sessions.

The GSSF, having gained International recognition and affiliation to the Swiss-based World Archery Federation, is viewed as the recognised body for the sport of Archery in Guyana.

This international affiliation was granted and is currently maintained by the GSSF after having fulfilled all the criteria set out by the International Olympic Committee’s governing body for Archery. Additionally, Guyana is now enlisted as active for the Olympic sport within the zone of World Archery Americas, and is officially represented by the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation in this regard.

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20 players for women’s camp in Antigua

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here will be two uncapped players in This is part of their preparation for the ICC the West Indies Women’s squad for Women’s World Cup in England later this the upcoming camp in Antigua from year.

March 7 to 20.

Later this year, West Indies Women will The West Indies Cricket Board’s have a two-week camp in England to get Selection Panel named 20 players – featurthem ready for the tournament. ing Akeira Peters and Shawnisha Hector – The Windies are the most imas the two players who are yet to play at proved team in women’s cricket the international level. and will look to add the 50-over Peters is a 23-year-old left-handed alltitle to the ICC World T20 title rounder from Grenada. She was part they won in India last year. of the training squad ahead of They were runners-up to last year’s tour by England Australia when the 50-over but was not selected for the World Cup was played in series.

India four years ago.

Hector is a 17-yearThe squad reads; old right-arm fast Merissa Aguilleira, bowler from Antigua Shemaine Campbelle, and was a memShamilia Connell, Britney ber of the Leewards Cooper, Shanel Daley, Islands team in the Deandra Dottin, Afy regional Women’s Fletcher, Erva Giddings, Tournament last Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle year. This is her Henry, Kycia Knight, first call-up to Kyshona Knight, Hayley the internaMatthews, Anisa tional training Mohammed, Chedean squad.

Nation, Akeira Peters, Shaquana The camp will be conQuintyne, Tremayne Smartt, ducted under the guidance of Shakera Selman and Stafanie Head Coach Vasbert Drakes.

Taylor.

Stafanie Taylor

Samuels no longer a target for Derbyshire E

nglish County side Deryshire are no longer interested in the services of West Indies batsman, Marlon Samuels.

Samuels, who was left out of the West Indies' One-Day International side that hosts England in a few days' time, made public Derbyshire's interest in his services amid an angry rant at the West Indies Cricket Board a few days ago on SportsMax. According to Samuels, who has played 71 Tests and 238 limited overs internationals for the West Indies, the West Indies Cricket Board's decision not to select him was strange, bearing in mind conversations he had with the organisation prior.

Samuels said he was sent to correct his bowling in England during the WICB Super50 competition only to be told that he had to play all games in that tournament to warrant eligibility.

The all-rounder, who the ICC has cleared to begin bowling again, then went on to speak of the options on the table in lieu of his non-selection, one of them being Derbyshire.

The club has not expressly said that those comments were an issue

for them, though they have said the end of their pursuit of the elegant right hander had come in light of 'recent events'.

"We remain committed to exploring all options to strengthen the side ahead of the 2017 season," read a statement from Derbyshire.

"However, we have a number of routes available and, in view of recent events, the Club is no longer pursuing Marlon Samuels," the statement continued. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, febRuary 25, 2017

Percival confident trio named in West Indies training squad will do well

Petra/Milo Schools U-18 Football…

Shemaine Campbell and Tremayne Smartt, who have featured in the West Indies Women Squad, will now be joined by debutant Erva Giddings

By Ravi Madholall

A

ndre Percival, the victorious coach of the Berbice Senior Inter-County Female team in the just concluded Guyana Cricket Board competition, is highly-confident the three players named for the upcoming encampment will do well.

Shemaine Campbelle, Tremayne Smartt and Erva Giddings have been selected by the West Indies selectors to be a part of the 20-member squad in preparations for this year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) 50-over World Cup to be held in England later 2017. Percival vehemently feels with the way these girls are plying their trade, having performed consistently, they should all be selected to head for another global event.

Both Campbelle and Smartt were in the West Indies women’s team that won the T20 World Cup last year and Percival stated that was a great accomplishment by the pair and confident Giddings could be added to the list this time in their quest for the 50-over triumph.

“Well, I [am] very confident these ladies can make us proud again; of course Shemaine and Tremayne are regular members on the team and Giddings has justified her call-up now and I am also hopeful all three will be in the final squad to be at the World Cup tournament,” the former Guyana player Percival declared.

Percival, who also coached the national women’s team for the past five consecutive years, mentioned that the players would have taken out lots of positives from the intercounty tournament. All of them had some excellent performances, highlighting Campbelle’s magnificent unbeaten century against Demerara in the final at Bourda last Sunday. This is wonderful motivation for them, according to Percival.

“I think the inter-county competition was a solid foundation but I think you

need more games so more players can be exposed; however, these three cricketers have done well and I am sure they would continue to do well if selected for the final touring squad to England,” the former Guyana Under-19 successful skipper related.

Campbelle made her international debut in 2009 and since then she has featured in an astonishing 71 one-day internationals for the Regional side, scoring 878 runs inclusive of a hundred. Smartt, like Campbelle also started to represent West Indies in 2009 and appeared in 55 games, while Giddings recently made her first two international appearances.

Percival also spoke about the players’ work ethic and not surprised they have continued to make steady impression when executing their game.

Campbelle is known for her batting flamboyance and also proved her wicketkeeping capability. Smartt is a fast-bowler and has shown consistency with the bat, while Giddings is a fantastic developing all-rounder, mainly a quickie.

Percival also took the opportunity to say that all three players are great assets to Guyana‘s team that frequently participating in the Regional tournament.

He commented that even though Guyana have been able to make a huge impression, the players have shown outstanding consistency.

Guyana, of course, will once again be taking part in April when the tournament is tentatively set to be held in St Vincent and Grenadines with Trinidad and Tobago ladies the defending victors.

The squad reads; Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Erva Giddings, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman and Stafanie Taylor.

It has been riveting action in the tournament to date at the Education Ministry Ground, Carifesta Avenue

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he exciting weekends at the Education Ministry Ground, Carifesta Ground, will continue today with Bishops’ High School seeking their first win in this year’s Petra Organised Milo Schools Under-18 Football Championships.

Bishops’ High lost their opening match as they were topped 3-1 by Masters Academy in an up-tempo affair. However, they will need to produce a positive result when they tack-

le Houston Secondary today from 12:30h and the burly forward Darin Chan will again be vital to his team’s chances.

The other matches of the day pits St Roses High against St Winefred Secondary from 11:00h while North Ruimveldt Secondary tackles Freeburg from 14:00h.

On Sunday, Kingstown Secondary clashes with St Mary’s from 11:00h, followed by Tucville and Charlestown

from 12:30h. Former champs Lodge Secondary will then oppose East Ruimveldt from 14:00h, after which Morgan’s Learning Centre face St John’s College.

Thirty-two secondary schools across Georgetown are competing for the $500,000 first prize, while second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively, that will go towards a school project.

NSSCL Combined Competition to commence on March 7

Top youth players are set to represent their respective district in the combined leg of the National Secondary School Cricket League

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op youth players who are participating in the 2016/2017 National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) will be placed in several combined teams to represent their respective district starting March 7 and continuing until March 23.

These players will be selected based on their performances during

the early stages of the League.

It will get started with Upper Demerara tackling Highway, followed by Upper Demerara/Highway taking on East Bank on March 9.

Both matches will be played at Bayroc Ground.

West Coast Demerara will take on West Bank Demerara on March 8, then West Demerara will meet Upper

Demerara-East Bank on March 10.

These matches are set for the MetenMeer-Zorg Ground.

Other matches will be played at the following venues on the days listed; March 9 Tuschen Ground, March 10 San Scouci Ground, March 16 Imam Bacchus Ground, with the final set for March 23 at Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, febRuary 25, 2017

Visually impaired cricketers LaFleur aims for success return from World Cup in T&T, Canada

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ravels across several major Indian cities, stops in luxurious hotels, four and five stars to be exact, playing in front of more than 20,000 spectators, celebrating to the sounds of cricketer/singer Dwayne Bravo’s Soca ballad; Champion.

It was indeed a “life changing experience” as described by Ganesh Singh, one of the Guyanese player who recently returned with the West Indies from the World Cup for Blind and Visually Impaired cricketers.

What an occasion, one could only imagine, whether he/she possess 20/20 vision, or is visually challenged or blind, but was not there. And our three Guyanese, Singh, Leroy Phillips and Kevin Douglas, were exceptional, returning several outstanding performances, despite the challenges they faced to get to the event in India.

B3 player (categorised as partially sighted), Douglas, who led the team in eight matches, was the Caribbean side’s best batsman, scoring two centuries and two half centuries, with a top score of 169 against New Zealand where he shared a double century partnership with Phillips (79). His contribution led the West Indies team to three victories out of the nine matches they played.

Meanwhile B1 players (categorised as totally blind) players Singh and Phillips contributed significantly to the team’s cause.

Ending the tournament with six scalps and best figures of 3-39 against South Africa, Singh was his team’s best bowler, while Phillips was the best B1 player on show.

Singh, who for most part represented the players during talks with the media on Friday at the Institute for the Blind, said the occasion was excellent and life changing.

“It was an excellent experience, it was a life changing experience as I would put it because to go there and receive such hospitality and treatment was great,” said Singh.

He deemed the team’s performance as satisfactory because they did not have a camp prior to their departure to India. Singh

By Ravi Madholall

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Kevin Douglas was the best batsman for the West Indies

also informed that their arrival in India was the first time they had met the other players for the West Indies team.

Playing in his second World Cup, Singh, said the Guyanese players were outstanding, especially since it was impossible to get turf practice for months due to rain.

In conclusion, the players said they were grateful for all the assistance they received from their fellow Guyanese; particularly Radesh Rameshwar of Kares Engineering Group, Times Media Group - Dr “Bobby” Ramroop, the National Sport Commission and Guyana Cricket Board.

India, who lost by seven wickets to Pakistan in the group stages, had sweet revenge in the final of the tournament as they prevailed by nine wickets. The next assignment for the local blind cricketers is a domestic organised tournament on Sunday at the Malteenos Sports Club Ground.

ormer Guyana Under-19 captain Eugene LaFleur is aiming for more success in both Trinidad and Tobago and Canada this year, and subsequently national selection at the highest level. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sports, LaFleur currently is representing Caldracr in the twin-island republic where he already chalked up a half century (60) from just two games.

The elegant left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner stated that his ambition is to wear the Golden Arrowhead colours in either the four-day or oneday version, and is confident of making that a reality soon.

Across to North America, where the Berbician also would have started playing professionally since 2010 and believes the exposure on a different territory has enhanced his cricket career tremendously.

“I will be looking to score some runs this year in Trinidad and Tobago and then Canada; I have been playing in these two countries for a while now and I feel confident with my game to go on to represent my country at the highest level.” The 25-year-old LaFleur has also expressed total enjoyment after his team, Victoria Park Cricket Club, emerged victori-

R&R International Road Race rides off today

F

ollowing last weekend’s R&R International Limited’s 11-stage cycling in the National Park, the company will be sponsoring the 26th edition of their road race, a 40-mile course that rides off today.

The race is scheduled to commence at 07:30h, with riders set to take up the starting line in front of the Ocean View Hotel on the Rupert Craig Highway. The wheelsmen will all journey to Mahaica and back to the starting point where the race will conclude.

This marks a change in the usual route for the event, which previously utilised the West Bank Demerara. Also the distance has returned to 40 miles from the 25-mile length that was used last year.

This year competition is expected to be of high calibre with their already being different fortunes amongst the riders.

In the spot light, there is Team Evolution’s Paul Denobrega who has been superb in the races held so far, having been consistent in the top three positions and winning the R&R International Ltd featured 35-lap in the National Park, he will want to add this title under his belt.

Young We Stand United Andrew Hicks, having won his first race in the senior category, is pumped and gearing to take this title and his second road race win of the season.

Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman, like Denobrega has been consistent in the top three but after winning his first race of the season on Thursday, his confidence level is high and the mechanical problems of which he was faced with are

sorted out.

Dangerous oppositions expected to be in the mix for the title includes, Team Cocos Jamaul John and Stephano “Sunny” Husbands, Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds and Michael Anthony, as well as Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Shaquel Agard and Continental Rider Geron Williams.

In the previous edition of this event, Team Evolution’s Raul Leal stopped the clock in a time of one hour, two minutes and 17 seconds (01:02:17). Leal was trailed by Raphael Leung, Javon Crawford, Alonzo Ambrose, Andrew Hicks and Romelo Crawford respectively. By virtue of placing second overall, Leung was adjudged the first junior to complete the course. Hicks was second in the junior category and Javon Crawford third. Robin Persaud won the veterans category ahead of Andrew Spencer and Warren McKay respectively, while Ozia McAulley was the winner of the mountain bike category. Second in this category was Keon Thomas while Shane Bourne placed third. The female category was won

by United Kingdom-based Guyanese Clair Fraser-Green.

The top guns will be out tomorrow for the R&R International Ltd’s 40-mile road race

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ous in the 2016 Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Elite 50-over final at King City.

In addition to that memorable year in Canada, LaFleur represented the same club in the Scarborough Cricket Association inaugural Elite 50-over Competition and they would have also dominated proceedings from the commencement to cham- Eugene Lafleur pionship game to hoist the use this competition to name trophy. “Last year was fan- their team for the annual tastic for me meaning I thor- West Indies Cricket Board oughly enjoyed my game in four-day tournament. Like both Trinidad and Tobago LaFleur, there are a large and then in Canada, but as number of Guyanese cricketI said I want to play at the ers continually playing crickRegional First-class level and et in Trinidad and Tobago and I am working very hard to Canada on an annual basis in accomplish it,” the batsman an effort to improve the quality of their game.

LaFleur related.

LaFleur mentioned he LaFleur captained the Guyana youth team in 2008 would have shared similar when the Regional three- sentiments of many of those day tournament was held in athletes that the standard of Barbados, but the Guyanese the game has been more comdid not win the tournament. petitive in comparison to his LaFleur had shown consis- native land and that his core tency with both the bat and point of capitalising on the opball from since then. He was portunity to boost his game a member of the Guyana both with statistics, mentally Under-19 team when they and physically.

With T20 cricket surging won the 3-day tournament in 2007 at St Kitts and Nevis. daily, LaFleur candidly statAccording to Eugene, as soon ed that he is contemplating as he gets back to his native playing professionally in orland, he will be hoping to der to represent any nation break into the West Berbice when the Caribbean Premier side again to take part in the League (CPL) is taking place. yearly Guyana Cricket Board He enthusiastically feels that Franchise Jaguars three-day his all-round ability can be invaluable for any T20 side. competition.

The national selectors

Burnham Memorial Tennis set for today

Local prodigy Shemar Britton is expected to play in today’s tournament

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oday Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in collaboration with the Linden Forbes Sampson (LFS) Burnham Foundation will stage the LFS Burnham/ GTTA Memorial Mashramani Table Tennis Classic at the national gymnasium Mandela Avenue.

The tournament is being held to celebrate and commemorate the works of the former founding father of Guyana. The brain child of the event, Vincent Alexander, chairman of the LFS Burnham foundation and an ardent table tennis supporter teamed up with the GTTA to have the event held in memory of the late President.

The categories to be contested: Handicapped Open; “B” Class Open; and “C” Class Open

The Handicapped Open is an equaliser type tournament which puts each player on an even standing and will see the top level players being pitted lower-ranked players where a plus/minus score will be given to the lower ranked player to equalise the levels of the stronger player.

This should make for a very exciting weekend of table tennis given that all the top-level players have indicated their participation and the younger brigade in training for the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis championships have been sounding a warning to their senior rivals of their intent to step up to the challenge given the opportunity to be on an even standing.

The tournament is the second event for the year, part of the association plan to have a tournament every month in view of keeping the players very active.

The tournament will start at 9:00h and the finals will be held on Sunday February 26, 2017. Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded for the winners in the handicap event and trophies for the B and C class Players can enter through the General Secretary Linden Johnson 6217630 or Treasurer Deirdre Edghill 650452.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Florida Cup Softball Tournament 2017

Unbeaten Regal advances to semis

Pg 20

Regal Masters celebrate early success against Florida/Guyana Hope on Friday in Florida

Visually impaired cricketers return from World Cup

Pg 23

Pg 19

West Indies world champions win T20 awards

Carlos Brathwaite and Hayley Matthews starred in West Indies' World T20 wins

Blind Cricketers:Kevin Douglas, Leroy Phillips and Ganesh Singh

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.