Guyana Times Daily

Education is the key to proper dental hygiene – dentist P2

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2794

Saturday, March 12, 2016

PRICE

As economic stagnation looms…

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

IMF warns Granger’s Govt over nonperforming loans, spending spree

Umana Yana reconstruction project

Wai Wai P14 builders paid

Page 12

More radio, TV licences to be issued – PM

Corentyne businessman shot in attempted robbery Page 18

Page 13

GPO urged to embrace the emerging technological age – as 11-member governing Board sworn in

President P2 meets with CDEMA Head UG student in court on wounding P8 charge

Page 7

The newly installed Board members of the Guyana Post Office Corporation share a moment with Ministers David Patterson (fourth from left), Cathy Hughes (fifth from left) and Annette Ferguson (fifth from rigt). The new Board is chaired by Reverend Raphael Massiah (sixth from right)

GuySuCo employee on trial for attempted murder of wife Page 15

Sugar workers unfazed by GuySuCo’s threat to halt crop P10

Early morning fire guts Meten-Meer-Zorg property

Page 3

US Embassy hosts suicide prevention workshop P12

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news

saturDAY, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

President meets with Education is the key to proper dental CDEMA Head hygiene – dentist

D

Dr Scott Hodges performing a root canal

entist Dr Scott Hodges who was part of an outreach exercise in Berbice is maintaining that education is the key to proper dental hygiene after providing over 600 Berbicians to access better healthcare.

They five-day dental outreach was held by the Association of Bible Churches of the Berbice district.

The event is an annual feature and is held in differ-

ent parts of the region each year.

This year it was held at Bush Lot, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne).

Head of the organisation Pastor Andy Giwarnauth explained that between Sunday and Monday the focus was on cleaning, extractions, restorative works, filling, and root canals.

Yearly the organisation host two medical teams one being eye care and the other

dental.

“This year we will be doing three actually, a month from now we will be doing some home visits with some doctors coming from the States; mostly paediatrics working with kids, and we will be trying to educate folks; especially parents, on how to take care of their children and then we also have an eye team coming. We are trying to broaden out scope as to what we can do medically to help more people in this country”, he said.

The 25-person team of medical personnel comprised dentists and oral hygiene students from Michigan and Texas and were headed by Dr Scott Hodges who is an endodontist that specialises in root canals.

He said the main focus was on providing education to patients.

“So each patient goes through a one-on-one education as to how to brush their teeth, things in their diet they should watch for. We went to two schools in the area to provide a little education to the schools and we had an orphanage briefing for kids.”

Dr Hodges said the common oral issues on the Corentyne are the same as in other parts of the country. “Significant decay properly from dietary things, sugar, candy, the sodas we drink…”

President David Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (first and second, left) in discussions with CDEMA’s Director Ronald Jackson and the CDC’s Director Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup, at the Ministry of the Presidency

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xecutive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ronald Jackson, on Friday met with President David Granger to discuss the work of the regional body, particularly concerning Guyana’s disaster risk management expectations.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Director General of Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup also attended the meeting, at Ministry of the Presidency.

This is the first engagement between CDEMA’s leadership and the new Administration.

Jackson explained that he wants to bring to the fore discussions regarding the “priorities for dealing with di-

saster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Guyana.”

President Granger noted that while Guyana is not prone to disasters such as hurricanes, which are typical to other Caribbean countries, it is facing serious challenges coping with two extreme weather-related conditions: flooding and drought.

He informed that because of Guyana’s rough terrain and scattered population, the Government is looking to recruit and train a corps of volunteers to act as first responders and render assistance, in a timely manner, during disasters.

This however, is just a small aspect of a wider, more holistic disaster risk reduction and management strategy the Government is examin-

ing.

Meanwhile, Minister Harmon explained that the Administration has already activated mechanisms in the law that empowers the CDC, as the point agency, to take specific actions in certain situations. This is something that was never done before.

Jackson concluded that countries in the Region have to develop their individual capacities in order to craft a comprehensive regional response plan that takes into account the peculiarities of each member country.

CDEMA is a regional inter-governmental agency for disaster management in Caricom. It was established in 1991 as Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) with the primary responsibility for coordination of emergency response and relief efforts to participating States that require such assistance. It transitioned to CDEMA in 2009 to fully embrace the principles and practices of Comprehensive Disaster Management.

CDEMA currently comprises 18 Caricom and nonCaricom countries in the Caribbean.

news

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saturDAY, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 12 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, March 13 – 08:30h-10:00h.

Early morning fire guts Meten-Meer-Zorg property

A FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy to light rainfall can be expected in the afternoon. Minimal cloud cover with light rainfall is expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:49h and 19:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.87 metres and 2.76 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:24h and 12:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.39 metre and 0.35 metre respectively.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

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n early morning fire on Friday completely destroyed a family’s dwelling quarters and a Chinese restaurant at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

The fire reportedly started at about 02:00h in the kitchen of the restaurant housed in the lower flat of the two-storey wooden-and-concrete building at Lot 102 Public Road, Meten-Meer-Zorg.

At the time of the blaze, the owners’ son was occupying the upper flat.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, the young man Joshua Dookie, was contemplating his next move. He told this publication that he was awakened by loud screams from his neighbours who alerted him that the bottom flat was on fire.

The man stated that as he looked, he saw huge flames emanating from the kitchen of the restaurant.

He noted that within minutes the entire building was engulfed in flames.

“I stood helplessly watching the building go up in flames with no fire tender around”. He added

The aftermath of the fire

that after the fire was spotted, neighbours contacted the Guyana Fire Station at Leonora but they were given the “attitude” by the person who took the call.

“It took the firefighters 45 minutes to arrive at the scene despite the station being ten minutes away… by the time they arrived the building was completely destroyed… the only thing they manage to save was a neighbour’s house which had already started to caught fire”, the aggrieved man stated.

Even as they were dowsing the nearby build-

ing Dookie stated, the fire tender water ran out but they obtained water from a nearby source and managed to curtail the blaze.

He stated that the Chinese National who initially rented the place to operate the restaurant had left the country and a new batch of Chinese had taken over operations.

He explained that he did not have a chance to speak with any of the Chinese Nationals as to what might have started the fire.

Dookie further stated that millions of dollars went up in flames and said that af-

ter the fire, he informed his parents. The property is not insured, he added.

Meanwhile, a Guyana Fire Service official confirmed that they received the report of the fire and tenders from Leonora were dispatched.

By the time they arrived at the scene the entire building was already engulfed hence the firefighters concentrated on saving a nearby house which was in danger of being caught.

An investigation the official stated, has been launched into the cause and origin of the fire.

Mason charged with break and enter

A

mason was on Friday sentenced to community service when he made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with two counts of break and enter.

Winston Marks, 25, of Lot 21 D Field, Sophia, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charges which read that between March 8 and 9, 2016, at Durban Backlands, Georgetown, he broke and entered the storeroom of Rangochand Orrow and stole one Sthil chainsaw property of Orrow.

It is also alleged that between February 13 and

15, 2016, at the same location, he stole another chainsaw valued $150,000, also property of Orrow.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the Court that the defendant was employed by Orrow, the virtual complainant (VC). On the days in question, the VC secured his storeroom with the items inside.

The defendant broke and entered the storeroom through a window and stole the items on both occasions.

The matter was reported to police and an investigation carried out.

The defendant was subsequently arrested and he led Police to the items.

The defendant when given the opportunity to explain to the court said

he had been working for the VC for five to 6 months and was told that he would be paid $4000 per day but was being given $3000.

He said the VC refused to pay him the money owed and as such he seized the items.

Magistrate McLennan told the defendant that he does not have the author-

ity to take the law into his own hands and should have reported the matter to the Labour Ministry.

On the first charged he was reprimanded and the charge was dismissed.

One the second charge, he was sentenced to four weeks of community service or a default of four weeks imprisonment.

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saturday, march 12, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Race to LGE

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e are indeed pleased that after all the political manoeuvrings regarding the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE), Guyanese citizens will finally be able to vote for candidates who they believe would be capable of best representing their interests in the various communities come March 18.

We believe that only when people have transparent and accountable institutions at all levels of Government – national, regional and local, will they have confidence in their future. Hence, the upcoming Local Government Elections is a key element of democracy and is could justifiably be considered an historic event in this nation’s history.

The Disciplined Services have already cast their ballot and civilian voters will also get the opportunity to do so in just a matter of days. It is necessary for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to take all the concerns raised by the various stakeholders onboard, so as to ensure that all systems are in place to ensure that there is a minimal chance of all any form of disruption.

For example, from the Disciplined Services vote, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has raised a number of concerns, among them being the need for electors to use their National Identification (ID) cards when voting, so as to avoid claims of multiple voting, etc.

The PPP/C had indicated that there was a high incidence of electors presenting themselves without a National (ID) card. As stated by the PPP, while the detailed statistics on this phenomenon are being reviewed, the widespread and unusual occurrences of this nature can only serve to undermine the integrity of the polls.

These are genuine concerns which must be addressed

by GECOM before EDay. Like the PPP, we believe that voting without an ID card should be a rare exception, rather than a new normal situation.

On its part, the GECOM has said that the elections machinery is ‘oiled and ready’ to run off these elections and nothing should hold the nation back from engaging in this democratic process. We expect that all political parties will support the Commission in carrying out its work with the highest level of professionalism and transparency.

While the criticisms are needed, it is also very crucial for all stakeholders to offer their support to GECOM in conducting these elections in the most credible and professional manner.

The debates and public engagements we are currently witnessing are quite encouraging. It is this kind of approach to governance that citizens want to see replicated in other areas of national development by our leaders. Citizens want to see intelligent and serious discussions on development projects and the benefits that could be derived from it.

We have seen the candidates of the various parties and independent groups engaging in public debates where citizens get the opportunity to see and hear the plans and programmes of each individual candidate.

Citizens are crying out for better services. They want to see drains dug and trenches and canals cleaned. They want safer and more prosperous communities. They want to have more facilities for sports in their communities and they want their views to be well represented at the national level so that central government would become aware of the issues which need to be addressed.

Many communities have been left to deteriorate due to a lack of competent elected representatives at the local level to ‘get the job done’. We believe that effective and efficient public administration coupled with healthy local governance can drive development efforts. Local government institutions bring Government closer to the people, fostering greater inclusion, civic responsibility, empowerment and participation. In fact, local government offers one of the most important avenues for women and other groups typically under-represented to participate in the development of their communities and influence decision-making processes.

That being said, with just a few of days left for the elections to be run off, the public awareness and education campaigns should to be stepped up in communities across Guyana. This is a key element for successfully holding these elections. If persons are not fully informed about the process and what it means or how it will impact them and the development of their own communities, they will not participate in the process.

Students from Queen's College posing with one of the projects on display at the Georgetown leg of the Regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair 2016, which kicked off on Thursday at the Queen’s College Auditorium (Carl Croker photo)

We salutes Rose Hall martyrs Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes the 15 sugar workers who met their death 103 years ago on March 13, 1913 at Rose Hall Estate and who have today become known as the Rose Hall Martyrs.

The horrific incident is one of the ugliest reminders of British colonialism and yet another manifestation of the brutal conditions our forefathers had to contend with.

Removed from this landmark event by over 100 years, we nevertheless get a grasp of what was at the root of the riot and killing from the work of researcher and author Basdeo Mangru.

The turn of the 20th Century saw a spike of work stoppages and strikes on the estates as workers grew more active in resisting their oppressive conditions or in attempts by managers to deprive them of things they were already receiving which, in those times, seriously impacted their lives.

The problems and issues on the estates were accumulating and resistance, as a consequence, was increasing. Mangru wrote that ten years before the Rose Hall incident another major incident took place at Friends Estate where several workers were killed.

The issue was demand for a wage increase.

At Rose Hall in 1913, we learn of what triggered the workers protests: the reneging by Manager James Smith of a promise of four days of additional holidays to workers due to their positive and encouraging work performance. This retreat, it seems, came at a time when discontent was rife.

It ignited an obviously combustible situation, which quickly escalated.

One action led to counter-action eventually leading to the shooting of the workers by the State’s police: Fifteen persons lost their lives, including a woman, Gobindei and a Police Corporal.

Significantly too, researcher Mangru wrote that this riot was raised in the Legislature of India by the Indian nationalists who used this horrifying act to strengthen the call to end the indentureship system.

The GAWU established much later after this barbaric event, recognised the struggles and sacrifices of generations of sugar workers whose contribution have brought about many changes in workers living and working conditions.

At this time, we of GAWU specifically give recognition and pay tribute to those who fell at Plantation Rose Hall. They left a legacy which runs through the veins of the contemporary workforce of the sugar industry. This anniversary furthermore affords us the platform to remember with

fondness and pride those who also courageously fought and heroically fell in the struggles in other plantations in other parts of the country.

These fallen workers remind us that sugar’s history is enriched by the struggles, sacrifices and the sweat and blood of the working class. That spirit has been kept alive over decades and survives to this day in the industry.

We accuse colonialism and the plantocracy system it sustained for these brutal deaths. In this event, we see that the owners’ class will stop at no crime to protect their property and profit. But the workers’ sacrifices were not in vain.

In the time that has elapsed since this historic event at Rose Hall Estate, the workers in the industry and the industry itself have advanced in several ways.

It is therefore regrettable that attempts are constantly being made to rollback hard-won gains in the industry.

Increasingly, sugar workers find themselves engaged in actions to defend their rights and interests against our homegrown bureaucrats and their hirelings.

Our times, in many ways, differ from the era in which the Rose Hall Martyrs lived. Conditions are not the same and the demands we make are different yet continue to revolve around the fight for

decent and rising wages and better working conditions.

Indeed, such is the struggles before the workers in Guyana and the world over. And, while demanding, on one hand, these class struggles hold out the promise of further achievements, and significant social changes in the future.

Many years have gone by since that fateful period when the workers from Rose Hall were killed. 103 years later we pay respects to their memory. They dared to challenge the existing socio-economic order for a better day. But improvement is a constant feature of our existence and in our day, a new generation continues to raise its voice and make fresh demands for all-round improvements.

In our fight of today, we also remember past battles and those like the Rose Hall Martyrs who have been the victims of colonial plunder and exploitation.

History’s lessons should not be forgotten lest workers lower their vigilance and succumb to disunity to their detriment. Workers’ struggles have not come to a close. Indeed, their struggles continue but in a different context and in different circumstances than what faced the Rose Hall Martyrs.

Regards, GAWU

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, march 12, 2016

It’s time for renewal Dear Editor, Local Government Elections are to be held on March 18, 2016. I urge all eligible Guyanese voters to go out and cast their votes.

The state of affairs in our Capital City is a horror story and the administration that ran the affairs of the city for the past 22 years could be described as anything but good or competent.

Lack of change and renewal over a long period of time has caused some councillors and staff to believe that they have a divine right to be there. Both parties (PPP/C and PNC/R) are guilty of gross neglect and failure. So finally we, the citizen, have a duty to get rid of the old and corrupt and put in its place young energetic leaders.

The time for young people to shine is now and I urge voters to vote for a New Young Team.

The campaign for LGE seems low-key and a lot of established party candidates who carry political baggage are very quiet. Voters should take note of their silence.

The cleanup campaign

at present is the usual election time gimmick, having neglected the city for over 30 years and with no planned programme of maintenance.

It is only a matter of time before the rut steps in. The corruption and incompetence is stamped all over this administration, here is a tip of the iceberg.

The City Constabulary runs their own show, they control all the vending on the sidewalk.

They allocate spots and collect bribes for themselves.

The junior ranks are the collectors and enforcers and they have to report and share with the senior ranks who are their protector. Any new vendor or citizen who gets in the way are dealt with harshly and even placed before the Courts.

Second on the list of bribe collectors are the revenue officers. The system of revenue collection is so bad that the City Council loses approximately 30 per cent of all revenue collected on a daily basis.

This information was given to me by a former revenue collector. A random check would reveal that around 30

per cent of vendors do not have receipts.

The Treasury has had its fair share of fraud, over the years. The latest being when a former employee got millions of taxpayers’ dollars that he was not entitled to.

The City Engineer Department is so corrupt that several Commissions of Inquiry have failed to change the culture and practice of that department and it is business as usual.

I am sure that the present City Administration has broken and continue to break most of the laws and provision of the Municipal and Town Council Act Chapter 28:01, Local Government Act of 1977 Chapter 28:02 and the recent Amendment in 2015.

The new leaders and their administration should pledge to the people, once elected, to be transparent, lawful and above all accountable.

So come on people it is time to get rid of the old and rotten, and welcome the new and clean.

Yours truly, D Singh

NACTA: Voter apathy runs high for LGE Dear Editor, An opinion survey being conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (relating to the Local Government Elections and other current issues) finds very high voter apathy (reluctance to vote on March 18).

Most voters say regardless of who they put into office, their socio-economic conditions remain the same or get worse, serving as a disincentive to go out and vote.

There is also a general lack of confidence in Gecom in carrying out a free and fair election that impact on voter turnout as many voters feel their ballots are not properly counted and as such they are disinterested in voting.

The poll finds economic conditions have worsened for virtually everyone. Almost every voter (including businesspeople, wealthy class, middle class and professionals) says the economy has been on the decline or stagnant since the change in government last May. “Bai, things very bad” captures the view of the working class on their economic conditions and the general state of the economy. “Bai, nah matter who abe put deh (in charge of governmental affairs), abe still got to struggle to mek a living”, adding “politicians nah care about people but only themselves” – aptly describes why people are losing interest in voting.

People are becoming increasingly hopeless in the role of government to alter their economic and social conditions with a large number saying “All ah dem ah the same and dem ah only concern about fulling dem own pocket; none nah different from de other”.

The poll, that began at the start of the month and is being conducted by Dr Vishnu

Bisram, so far has interviewed some 1120 eligible voters (43 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 17 per cent Mixed, 9 per cent Amerindians and 1 per cent others) at random broadly reflecting the demographics of the population to get their views on a number of issues.

The poll’s findings reveal a projected turnout of some 25 per cent. Projected voter turnout appears lower in some rural and outlying areas than in the urban areas where projected turnout is higher.

Supporters of the governing APNU+AFC coalition appear more enthusiastic in voting than supporters of the opposition PPP/C. The minor parties and independent candidates are also attracting (disenchanted APNU+AFC and PPP) voters to come out and vote, boosting turnout though they are trailing the larger parties in support.

In several of the seats in many NDCs, there is only one candidate (winning unopposed) impacting on voter turnout. The voter turnout rate is expected to change as the competing parties or groups and independent candidates romp home their message with one week remaining in the campaign.

Asked if they approve of the government’s handling of the economy, 58 per cent said no, 26 per cent said yes, 11 per cent said “they are trying” with 5 per cent not expressing an opinion or saying “Not Sure”.

Queried about the state of the economy since the change in government (last May), 9 per cent said it has improved, 15 per cent said “remained the same” or stagnant, 64 per cent said “worsened”, and 12 per cent not sure or offered no response.

Business is slow all over the country including in the once vibrant gold sector.

Overall, the poll finds virtually no business or consumer confidence – people are reluctant to spend and business people are unwilling to invest or engage in new business ventures, hence the main reason for economic paralysis (or decline) that seems to be pervading the country.

Most consumers say they have been buying less goods (even food) purchasing for a day or two at a time rather than for an entire week.

Interviews with shopkeepers and wholesalers, affirm this view, complaining money has not been circulating with many retailers saying they have laid off staff and plan to sell out their remaining stocks and shutter stores as they said they have been losing money.

Regards, Vishnu Bisram

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State audits were burdensome on the public purse Dear Editor, I refer to the Guyana Times Monday, March 7 article page 3 on “State forensic audits”.

I was pleased to see the full list of entities being audited, the auditor and the cost. What a waste of taxpayers’ monies of G$133 million of interest were audits listed numbers 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 funded by the IDB. I would like to ask the IDB country manager Sophia McKennon and her relevant procurement

staff on what basis or what method of procurement was used to contract these firms? What is the value of these contracts? Why was there no public advertisements or public tender process for these audits?

If they were handpicked I can list over 500 chartered accountants, qualified accountants and auditors in Guyana who would have been eligible for selection and I am sure they were not contacted.

This matter of lack of transparency was

brought up in the National Assembly by the PPP/C members.

It appears that the IDB has given up on transparency and instead teamed up with the government in breaching standard procurement laws of the country.

This matter must be investigated urgently by high officials of the bank and the IDB board. I await the IDB’s urgent response.

Yours truly, Carl Lucas

Non-consultation by Communities Ministry Dear Editor, With several days left to the holding of the long awaited Local Government Elections, which was denied to Guyanese by their leaders for the past 20 years, GECOM is ready to go “full throttle”.

With 500 observers on standby, political parties and independent groups on the battlefield of campaign, who will be the real beneficiaries of this election? It is supposed to be the people but thus far it doesn’t look so.

How will the new communities that were declared for township status, namely, Bartica, Region 7, Lethem, Region 9 and Mabaruma, Region 1 which was built on mining and largely depend on mining still, especially Bartica.

Bartica is a thriving business hub with a population of approximately 15,000; commerce will increase.

Are we, the residents of Bartica, being robbed or denied an opportunity of being consulted by the Ministry of Communities?

To the best of my knowl-

edge, there has been no public consultation and there remains none to date with the two most important ministries, namely, Public and Infrastructure Communities. Bartica was built on mining and still depends on mining.

The contesting parties and groups in Bartica have thus far not rolled out or we are not hearing about an economic rescue or recovery plans to boost the economy of Bartica. Where are the economic plans of those seeking to be elected?

Bartica is the gateway to the interior, with the potential of becoming, city number two in Guyana.

The battle is on in Bartica for LGE, but sad-

ly, character assassination seems to be the focus and priority of contestants, rather than seeking to revive the economy of Bartica which remains in a coma after the falling gold price.

There is no talk or plans of manufacturing centres or industries coming to Bartica to create employment, transforming one of two secondary schools into a sixth form secondary.

When the price for gold sneezes, communities like Bartica, Maburama and Lethem which depend on mining, catch the cold.

There is no talk or plans of diversifying or moving away from mining as a traditional means of incomeearner in Bartica.

Sherwyn Downer

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

10 secret habits of highly effective moms

– highly effective moms get things done with equal parts of good old-fashioned drive and a handful of these efficient habits

(Part two)

By Jessica Bowers

W

e all know a mom – or maybe you are the mom – that seems like she can do it all. She is the mom who just seems to accomplish more in a day than anyone else, and it seems like she does it without even smudging her lipstick. The truth is that the “do-it-all” mom often gets a bad rap. People assume that she can’t possibly be doing it all on her own – she must have a full time housekeeper, a nanny, or a secret time turner straight out of Harry Potter. While it would be great to have any one of those, especially a time turner, the highly efficient mom gets it done with equal parts of good oldfashioned drive and a handful of habits that make her efforts look easy. Here are her secrets revealed:

a priority.

She approaches her To-Do list differently

Feeling like you have a mountain of work to tackle actually makes it harder to tackle anything at all. Most of us have a To-Do list that’s way longer than the number of hours in a day, so how do efficient moms seem to stay on top of everything? They’re just doing it differently. For example, when I look at my To-Do list, I

dren. Then, it’s a race against the clock to get as many tasks done as possible in the allotted time. Working this way allows me to get more done overall because the time limit encourages me to work efficiently and stay focused.

that can be completed immediately, should be. Get in the habit of tackling a task as soon as it hits your hand (or inbox) and get back all that time that gets sucked away by the act of procrastination.

She handles tasks with urgency

Even though most of her moments are spent purposefully conquering her tasks, “Super Mom” also has her moments when she just doesn’t feel like putting on her cape.

When that happens, an efficient mom uses those moments to do something that makes her feel productive, even if it’s frivolous. Maybe she curls up with a great book or spends some time recharging with friends, but whatever it is, it’s a task that she feels good about and makes her feel re-energised.

Research shows that putting off a task, even for a few minutes, actually increases the likelihood that you will continue to put off that task in

Efficient moms, like the military, get more done before 09:00h or after 21:00h than most people do all day. They know the time to get serious about getting things done is when the children are asleep.

So if you want to be efficient too, pick the time of day that’s most productive for you and guard that time like it’s really good chocolate. Just remember, burning the candle at both ends only leads to burnout. Pick one or the other and still make a good night’s sleep

She procrastinates productively

She sets her environment for success

She gets up early or stays up late, but not both

divide it into time blocks rather than task blocks. Rather than listing the things I need to accomplish and working my way completely through each task, I look at my schedule and note that I can spend an hour with house chores, an hour with work chores, and an hour with miscellaneous tasks before I need to pick up my chil-

the future. We’ve all done it; you open an email and decide to respond later or find a bill and stick it in your purse with the promise that you’ll deal with it when you get home.

The procrastination struggle is real, but it’s easily overcome by putting an end to the habit of putting things off. Any task

Parents: What you need to know about social networking websites

My dirty little secret of “getting it all done” is that I’m not really more disciplined than the next mom, but knowing this helps me set up my environment so I’m less likely to get lazy. Before I go to bed at night, I set out my workout clothes, so they’re the first thing I see in the morning. At night, I plug in my phone in another room, so I’m not tempted to spend a few minutes playing on Facebook when I should be doing other things. Shoes always go by the door, so we aren’t scrambling to find them in the morning, and so on.

(Excerpt from Parenting.com)

A

re you the parent of a teenager?

If you are, there is a good chance that your child is interested in using social networking websites, like Facebook, if they don’t already.

Although these websites are a nice way to stay in contact with friends, especially those who may have moved away, they can also be dangerous. That is why, as a parent, you should learn as much as you can about popular social networking websites.

It is first important to know that social networking websites, especially Facebook, are popular.

Even if you think that your teenager isn’t using them, they may be.

This is because most high school and junior high school students think that social networking websites, like MySpace, are “cool”.

In fact, Facebook and other similar websites are hot topics that are discussed in many schools across the country.

As popular as social networking websites are, it is important to also know that they can be dangerous.

This doesn’t, however, mean that you automatically have to ban your child from using them. As the parent, you have the right to control which websites your child visits in your home and on your computer, but knowledge is key.

If your child knows the dangers that lurk on social networking

websites, they are better able to protect themselves and use social networking websites as they were meant to be used, to easily and safely communicate with friends.

What you also need to know about social networking websites is that just about anyone can read what your child posts online. That is why children, typically those under the age of 18, should have their profiles set to private. This way, only those who are accepted as their friends can see what they have posted. Otherwise, your teenager daughter may innocently post a picture from last summer’s pool party and a child predator could get the wrong impression or want to target your daughter just because of that otherwise innocent photo they were able to view.

Speaking of Internet predators, they have been known to target social networking websites. What is so concerning about this is that many teens and their parents don’t realise that they are dealing with an Internet predator until it becomes too late. Just because an Internet user has a profile and pictures that make them look like a 15-year-old boy or girl, it doesn’t mean that they are the same age as your child. In fact, they could even be a registered sex offender.

As it was previously stated, pictures or videos that a child posts on their Facebook page or the page of another social networking profile can be viewed and misinterpreted by others.

There are also other dangers associated with posting personal pictures and videos.

It is also important to know that some social networking websites make it easy for your child’s real identity to be discovered. This could lead to someone showing up at your door, stalking your child, sending them letters, or even calling your home.

For example, Facebook posts your location online, which often includes your city and state. There is also a spot where your child can enter in what school they attend.

Combine this with a picture and your teen can easily become a target.

As previously stated, social networking websites can be dangerous, but that danger decreases when your child is aware of it. Ways that you can protect your child involve having them set all social networking profiles to private. Establish rules about accepting new online friends.

You will also want to view your child’s profile from time to time. Are any personal pictures or videos posted? If so, you may want to have your child remove them. Also, make sure that no personal information, including full name, address, phone number, and school name, is divulged.

(childdevelopmentinfo.com)

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saturDay, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

8 news

saturDAY, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness UG student in court on wounding charge A

third-year engineering student of the University of Guyana on Friday made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan slapped with a wounding charge.

Orin Wilson, 41, of 160 Cornelius Avenue,

South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 3, 2015 at South Ruimveldt he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Carvel Profitt with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

His attorney made a successful application for bail stating that her client

has no pending matter in Court and is also a father of two children.

The prosecution’s file on the matter was not complete.

As such Magistrate McLennan granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and the matter set for him to appear in court again on April 12 for statements.

T Orin Wilson

Lindeners on bail for assault, damage to property

S

everal Lindeners charged with assault appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday and were granted bail, when they appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Aidley Nicholas, 25, of 736 One Mile, Wismar, Linden, was slapped with the charge of assault, causing actual bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Sunday February 21, he unlawfully

assaulted DeYonne Cornette so as to cause her actual bodily harm. The incident is alleged to have occurred at One Mile. He was granted $35,000 bail by Magistrate Nurse. Nicholas will make his next court appearance on March 29.

Meanwhile, Debra McAlmont of Block 22, Wismar, Linden was granted $5000 bail by Magistrate Nurse for assaulting a Police Officer with intention of preventing lawful apprehen-

sion. She pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that she unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Police Corporal Leon George, at One Mile, Wismar who was at the time in the process of having her lawfully apprehended. The accused is scheduled to return to court on April 6.

Also appearing before Magistrate Nurse was 18-year-old Kendall Jennings of 151 Wismar Housing Scheme, who was

granted bail in the sum of $50,000 on separate offences.

It is alleged that he unlawfully assaulted Gavin Richards on February 27 at Wismar Housing Scheme. He pleaded not guilty to that charge and was granted $25,000 bail.

He is also charged with unlawfully and maliciously damaging Richards’s cellphone valued $15,000 for which he was granted an additional $25,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to April 20.

Woman charged for unlawful possession of motorcycle

A

woman who hails from Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, is presently before the court following an unlawful possession charge.

The accused Sonia

Samuels, 24, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The charge against her alleges that she had a motorcycle which is believed

to be stolen or unlawfully obtained, in her possession on Thursday, November 19, 2015. Samuels, a mother of one was allegedly caught with the motorcycle at her residence located at 79 Half

Mile.

She was previously granted $100,000 bail, which was reduced to $60,000.

The matter was adjourned to April 12.

Wisroc man on $40,000 bail for traffic offences

T

hirty-nine-yearold Jason Jeffrey, a resident of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden, was granted bail

by Magistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday after being charged with several traffic offences – unlicenced hire car driver, causing obstruc-

tion and breach of insurance.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, March 2, he acted as the driver of hire car HB 8873 while not being in possession of a driver’s licence. The incident is alleged to have occurred on the One Mile Public road, Wismar. He pleaded not

guilty to the charge and was placed on $15,000 bail.

It is also alleged that he caused the said car to remain at rest in such a manner that it caused obstruction to other road users. For this offence he also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $10,000.

Reaping the whirlwind...

Jeffrey was also charged with breach of insurance, since it is alleged there was no policy of insurance for the said car in respect of third party risk. For this offence Jeffrey pleaded not guilty and was placed on $15,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on April 20.

...at GuySuCo

he “Good Book” promises they who “sow wind, will reap the whirlwind”. Or in other words, if you don’t do what’s necessary it’ll come back to bite you on your tush. And to a large extent this is what’s happened at GuySuCo. When “Bookers” was the synecdoche for the entire sugar industry, leaders like Jagan rightfully cussed them out for “exploiting” the workers.

Nothing wrong with that. But how come when we kicked them out, the industry collapsed under the PNC and then again under the PPP – leaving the workers even more “exploited” than ever? Right now with Wales about to be shuttered, what could be more “explorative” that the Hobson’s choice offered by GuySuCo to 1800 workers of “accepting” work at Uitvlugt or taking retrenchment.

To work at Uitvlugt would leave them even worse off than taking retrenchment.

There are any number of reasons proffered for the collapse of GuySuCo – ranging from over-expansion to over-high wages. But one reason that’s gone unmentioned has been the abandonment by the corporation of Bookers’ programme of human development that was able to produce more sugar than its successor “native” managers have ever been able to achieve.

One would’ve thought in an industry where labour costs were always over 60 per cent of all costs, it would be a no-brainier to accept the management of that labour couldn’t be left to chance. If pan-boilers had to be trained – then so also should be “overseers”. In the olden days, raw recruits from Scotland and Ireland would be brought in and handed over to the more experienced locals.

But as Bookers saw the writing on the wall, they introduced several explicit training programmes starting in the 1950’s, for managers and workers to ensure the continuation of high productivity. For the factories there was the Port Morant Apprenticeship Training a School, which produced individuals to fill every technical job – all the way up to Factory Managers. In the USA and Canada, hundreds of these graduates are running the most sophisticated operations. But not in Guyana.

There was the Booker Cadet Programme. Talented individuals were identified and sent abroad to be trained in relevant universities and internship programmes.

When they returned they also brought back the best practices they picked up abroad. There was also a residential training programme first at Timehri which was then transferred to the “Big Manager House” at Ogle.

This building is now being considered for training Public Servants.

But the abandonment of all these training programmes is one of the reasons why there’s really no alternative than getting out of sugar IN A PHASED MANNER now.

Why did this come to pass?

...in prisons

For quite a while, there’s been stinging criticism of the loosening moral tethers of our society lumped under the rubric “the permissive society”. One thinker summed up the critique back in 1985: “Bad art was as good as good art. Grammar and spelling were no longer important. To be clean was no better than to be filthy. Good manners were no better than bad.

Family life was derided as an outdated bourgeois concept.

Criminals deserved as much sympathy as their victims.

Many homes and classrooms became disorderly – if there was neither right nor wrong there could be no basis for punishment or reward. Violence and soft pornography became accepted in the media. Thus was sown the wind; and we are now reaping the whirlwind.”

Notice the example: “criminals deserved as much sympathy as their victims”. This is very relevant at this time as the CoI into the Prison Riots “do their thing”.

This Eyewitness believes all human lives are important – including those of victims. So are going to compensate the relatives of the murdered victims?

...on audits

The government was all hot and sweaty when they launched dozens of audits of government departments.

They promised mass hangings as their frenzied supporters bayed for blood.

With nary a thing done to date, they’re now baying for Ministers’ blood!

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

news

9

saturday, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

GPO urged to embrace the Ramjattan meets Australian High emerging technological age Commissioner on security matters – as 11-member governing board sworn in

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

W

hat used to be just a simple postal service utilised for the delivery of mail and packages throughout Guyana and around the world, has now been charged to become the next big thing in the communication sector, and to get with emerging technological age.

This charge was read to the new 11-member governing board of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), which was sworn in on Friday at the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

Minister within the Ministry Annette Ferguson delivered the charge to the new members and urged them to take advantage of the evolving digital age to assist in offering efficient and effective service to all Guyanese.

The new Board include Reverend Raphael Massiah as Chairman, Martin Gaul, Oscar Clarke, Maureen Philadelphia,

New Chairman of the GPOC, Reverend Raphael Massiah being congratulated

because they have adapted to the changes and modified their businesses accordingly”, Minister Ferguson pointed out.

Cannot be business as usual

Ferguson said “It cannot be business as usual, as the new members have the country’s business to take

fered; successful planning and training of employees to deliver quality and efficient services to the public; create a customer centric organisation; restore customer confidence and loyalty and explore the resuscitation of the post office training school to train employees to achieve the strategic objec-

The new Board members along with Ministers Cathy Hughes, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson

Leon Dickson, Nicola Trotman, Gobin Harbhajan, Oslyn Armstrong, Harold Shepherd, Delon Baird and Karen Brown.

According to Minister Ferguson, the GPOC has touched and impacted lives for more than 230 years through mail and package delivery. She said it however now faces many challenges due to technological changes and the Internet revolution.

“It is therefore timely for us to reposition the Corporation as the key services provider that delivers higher quality services to our customers and citizens.

Our citizens must see the difference in our approach.

According to the junior Minister, it is expected in this evolving digital age that the demand for courier services continue to grow. And as E-commerce expands with more people buying and selling through the Internet, people and businesses still require postal services and products to be moved efficiently from one place to another.

“That is why UPS, DHL and FedEx are all doing well

care of”. On that note, the Minister tasked the Board members to provide strong effective leadership and guidance; develop and implement a strategic turnaround plan to transform the organisation; modernise the postal services and postal networks and expand the core business services of-

tives of the corporation.

She said the Corporation already has some infrastructure in place, such as bill payment facility, across 65 locations; money transfer facilities; office space in other business locations; and retail services such as the sale of stationery. turn to page 10

P

ublic Security Minister and Second Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday meet with newly accredited Australian High Commissioner to Guyana John Pilbeam to discuss matters of security; in particular, arrangements for the impending visit of the Australia Cricket team to Guyana in June.

Australia and South Africa are schedule to tour the West Indies for a 10-match ODI tri-series in June. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) had reported last year that the series would kick off in Guyana, where three of the games will be held, while St Kitts will host another three. The final four ODIs, including the final, will be held at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

During Friday’s meeting between High Commissioner Pilbeam and Minister Ramjattan at the Public Security Ministry on Brickdam, Georgetown, the discussions focused primarily on the issue of the security of the Australian cricketers, as well as the delegation visiting Guyana for the matches scheduled for June 3, 5 and 7, at the Providence National Stadium, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Minister Ramjattan assured the Australian High Commissioner that very high priority would be placed on the security of the Team while in Guyana and further guaranteed that the Public Security Ministry was prepared to comply with any spe-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Australian High Commissioner to Guyana John Pilbeam during their meeting on Friday

cific security request made.

High Commissioner Pilbeam acknowledged that the security services in Guyana were very efficient by Caribbean standards, which the Public Security Minister attributed to the increase in the quantity and quality of training received by the country’s security forces.

On the other hand, following up on an assurance given by the previous Australian High Commissioner to Guyana, the Public Security Minister was presented with documents regarding the plans of the Australian Government for dealing with issues related to border security.

These documents were ‘A Summary of the Border Management Programme in Australia’, which dealt with border control issues, such as terrorism, drugs, corruption in customs, illegal immigration, refugees, etc; and a ‘Defence White Paper’, which was a summary for public discussion on defence issues

faced in Australia, such as cyber and maritime security.

The Public Security Ministry said it will continue to work with international partners to seek areas of collaboration that will enhance the effectiveness of the security sector in Guyana and maintain the safety and security of the country’s citizenry and of those whom we welcome as guests.

The Australian Diplomat was accredited on Wednesday by President David Granger as a non-resident High Commissioner to Guyana and will be based in Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition to Guyana, he is named Australian High Commissioner to 13 other Caribbean Community countries in November, 2015, having formerly served with distinction in a number of other capacities for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), most recently as Director of DFAT’s Korean Peninsula and Mongolia Section.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, march 12, 2016

News

GWI to improve Sugar workers unfazed by GuySuCo’s threat to halt crop East Bank Berbice water quality

W

orkers across the sugar belt are unfazed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) threat to put an immediate end to the current crop if they continue with their industrial action.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand opined that the workers will continue to stand up for its rights, noting that it is not financially viable for the Corporation to pursue such measures.

“GuySuCo would be disadvantaged and it would be very costly for them to do that… we see it very difficult for the Sugar Corporation to implement,” Chand posited.

He explained that by bringing the current crop

to a halt, it will interfere with the Corporation’s budgetary planning and stream of revenue.

Chand also pointed out that if the Corporation were to actually stop the current crop, there would be overgrown canes left for the next crop which would exceed the capacity of the functioning estates across the country.

The GAWU President maintained that the workers will only stop their protests and strike actions if GuySuCo comes to the bargaining table within a reasonable timeframe to clarify its plans for the future of the sugar industry following the closure of the Wales Estates.

He also wants to negotiate the 2015 wages increases.

“The Government has to come and said what the

GPO urged to embrace...

She said it is for this new Board and management to capitlise on these existing services and improve the state of affairs of the Corporation.

“We challenge this new Board to see the changes in the postal environment and the emergence of new commercial challenges as an opportunity to transform Guyana’s oldest service provider”.

Delivering a charge to the new Board members too was Tourism and Telecommunication Minister Kathy Hughes,

who said in Guyana, the post office remains the hub of community activity in many parts. “So I think we have a responsibility to ensure that we look at our current services, that we look at initiatives that have been tried in other parts of the world and look at our needs and decide how is that we could rebrand and repackage the services the post office offers”.

She said she was excited about the connection her Ministry will have with the post office, which now sits under her Ministry.

GAWU President Komal Chand

way forward with the industry is. The Government did not bother with the Commission of Inquiry with respect to the closure of Estates, which recommended that there must be no closure of estates; with so much people working with GuySuCo, some get indirect support from the industry – The

Government has not been responsible in coming out and stating its position,” Chand explained.

The GAWU President also disclosed that he heard rumours that GuySuCo intends to shutdown the Rose Hall Sugar Estate and he is calling on the Government to offer clarity.

Following a series of strike actions organised by the sugar workers’ Union, GuySuCo issued a statement making it clear that it will halt the current crop if the striking continues.

“Such behaviour by the Union would leave the Corporation with no alternative but to put a halt to the current crop until the Union gives its fullest commitment to allowing the crop to proceed unhindered,” the company had stated.

from page 9

According to her, when one talks about creating increased interconnectivity and increased broadband access, one can see the kind of enhanced roles the post offices can play, as a little ICT hub, a location where there will always be a few solar panels that could provide Internet access to anyone in the community who needs to utilise certain services of the post office.

Waking a “sleeping giant”

“It’s an exciting time, it’s an exciting time because we are shaping where

the post office will go in the next five or 10 years and we have the tremendous opportunity that we do not need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to be committed and look for existing role models,” she said.

New Chairman, Reverend Raphael Massiah, said he was pleased to be able to work with the group; one he describes as a team of experienced members. He said the task of waking up a “sleeping giant” – the GPOC – is not work for one person but for the team.

T

he Guyana Water Inc (GWI) is moving to improve the quality of water supplied to residents of East Bank of Berbice. This was made known Thursday when the Chief Executive Officer of the company met with residents of that community.

CEO of GWI Dr Van West Charles said his duty is to respond whenever there is a problem with the quality of water. He noted that the problem is a high iron content coming from the well.

He explained that along the coast a lot of wells are drilled in what is referred to as ‘A’ sand and many of them have a high iron content.

The CEO said the utility company is now carrying out tests to ultimately remove the iron from the water.

A two-prong approach is being looked at, one of which included flushing pipelines and the other being adding a chemical to water mains.

“In the meantime I will ask engineers in Region Six to keep flushing the lines as frequent as possible and then we will ask them to collect samples of the water so they can be tested. Because of where the water is coming from, it has a high iron content. That redness that you see is as a result of the iron and then when we put chlorine to remove bacteria it caused oxidation and causes the redness to appear much more”, he said.

He explained that the question of quality is being addressed countrywide and results from Cranbrook, Agricola, and Ithaca are encouraging.

While not disclosing the name of the chemical being added to water to remove the redness, Dr Van West Charles said it is being used in the United States, Belize, the Bahamas and Europe.

“Because it is good in one place, it may not necessary be good here. So we are conducting those tests.”

The residents noted that in the community only some have water meters connected to their pipelines and they receive higher bills from GWI. That fact the CEO did not deny but explained that metered customers pay for the water they use while the unmetered customers are billed according to a countrywide estimation. However, he noted that the company is currently sourcing more water meters to enable more persons to have their water systems metered.

“There are some people too who are getting water who are not registered with us, that is a reality. At the end of the day, the company cannot run without people paying for the water because every system that we have to generate the water, we have to use electricity.”

The meeting between the CEO and residents resulted from a protest by residents on Tuesday over the quality of water being supplied on East Bank Berbice.

saturDAY, march 12, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Bar Association to join CoI into prison unrests I

n light of concerns about the procedures of the inquest, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) was granted full participatory rights in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that is probing the recent unrests at the Georgetown Prison. Those riots resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates while several others, including prison staff were injured.

The successful application was made by President of the Bar Association Christopher Ram, at the commencement of the second day of the inquiry. He pointed out that his application is very grounded, adding that the Commission is “severely handicapped” without counsel.

Chairman of the Commission, Justice James Patterson, granted permission after hearing oral submissions from the Attorney.

Justice Patterson is heading the probe along with former Director of Prisons Dale Erskine and human rights activist Merle Mendonca.

Justice Patterson said “I’m well urged to grant this application, which I find well founded”.

Ram, in his 19-ground application, outlined that the Inquiry will have a substantial impact on the legal fraternity, of which the GBA is the recognised national professional body that speaks on behalf of the Attorneys in Guyana. He noted that the participation of the Bar Association will further the conduct of the Inquiry and contribute to its openness and fairness.

According to the GBA

President of the Bar Association Christopher Ram making his submissions before the Commission on Friday morning

President, the Association and its members are prepared to play its part in ensuring that not only are the Terms of References set out by President David Granger achieved, but that the recommendations made serve the interests of the legal profession, its clients and most importantly, the nation.

“The Association anticipates that Inquiry will hear from relatives of the deceased, survivors of the events, staff of the prisons, members of the Judiciary and members of the Guyana Police Force and other stakeholders, and who would therefore have a direct interest in the work of the Commission. Most of these persons may not have legal counsel and the presence of Attorneys-

at-law from the Association, can provide some assistance to those who have a right to such an attendance and representation,” he remarked.

However, before granting the GBA permission to be a part of the Inquiry, Justice Patterson enquired whether the services offered by the Association would be ‘pro bono’ (free of charge). Ram responded saying that this is something currently under discussion.

He further disclosed that an email was sent to all GBA members, urging them to offer their services ‘pro bono’ to interested parties involved in the Commission of Inquiry. The Bar Association Head noted that the role of the organisation is more of an “umbrel-

la” appearance, while assuring that any counsel appearing at the Inquiry on behalf of the GBA will be doing so free of charge.

Moreover, the Chairman outlined that years of being in the judicial system have shown that the “more experienced” lawyers are seldom involved in ‘pro bono’ work. However, Ram explained that while this fact may be true, there are many attorneys who do pro bono work without it being publicised.

“There is a lot of pro bono work going on Sir… We don’t always get the credits we deserve. We accept the criticisms and we strive to make the profession and the society we serve, a better place,” he highlighted.

Nevertheless, he stressed that the Bar Association will have experienced members sitting in the Inquiry. He named seasoned Attorney Glenn Hanoman as one of the counsels to be appearing in the proceedings. Hanoman was the leading Counsel for the Commission of Inquiry into the death of Guyanese Historian, Dr Walter Rodney.

“Members of the Association have participated in various roles in the Linden Inquiry and more recently the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, and bring valuable experience and expertise to the Commission,” he remarked.

However, Justice Patterson indicated to the GBA President that the Association is free to include young members to accompany the senior ones at the Inquiry as they can get their “blooding” from the ongoing proceedings there.

The day’s proceedings were adjourned until Monday, when the first two witnesses – inmates Dwayne Lewis and Errol Kesney – will return to the stand.

Following Thursday’s session, Ram raised concerns with the media about the two witnesses testifying without any representation.

“I don’t know if the witness was told before that he had a right to counsel but I certainly believe he ought to have been told,” he pointed out.

In addition, the GBA President raised his concerns about other aspects of the procedures, such as certain “leading questions”, which he said ought not to have been framed the way they were.

12 news

saturday, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

As economic stagnation looms…

IMF warns Granger’s Govt over nonperforming loans, spending spree

By Edward Layne

T

he recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission which visited Guyana for the Article IV Consultation has cautioned the government over the growing number of non-performing loans, the increase in public expenditure and the need for moderating the growth of public sector wages.

This warning came after an IMF mission, led by Marcos Chamon, was in Guyana between February 24 and March 7, 2016, for discussions with authorities here on the 2016 Article IV Consultation.

The team met with Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Central Bank Governor Gobind Ganga, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, representatives from the private sector, labour unions, and other stakeholders.

“Banks remain well capitalised, but heightened vigilance is warranted due to increases in nonperforming loans,” the IMF said in a statement on its website.

The IMF said it also welcomes the recent changes to credit reporting legislation and the authorities are encouraged to continue to strengthen financial sector supervision.

It said the mission suggested tightening, provisioning requirements; large exposure limits restrictions on

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

related lending; and loan classification rules.

“In addition, the stress testing toolkit could be expanded to include shocks to loan collateral values and also take into account inter-linkages among economic sectors, borrowers, and financial entities,” it stated.

A Financial Sector Assessment Programme mission from the IMF will visit Guyana in May to provide “a more granular analysis of financial sector challenges” and assist with strengthening the prudential toolkit.

Original warning

Shadow Opposition Finance Minister Irfaan Ali in November 2015 warned that hundreds of Guyanese, many of them businessmen were on the verge of losing their properties as a result of inability to pay their mortgages, as the local economy continued to

flounder.

Ali said based on data in his possession of his own investigations from many financial institutions, non-performing loans or loans where the borrower failed to pay instalment for three months, have increased by 69.7 per cent in 2015 and continues to skyrocket.

“The non-performing loans moving from $8.8 billion to $20 billion, and as I said that was the half-year figure of the Bank of Guyana and over the last quarter it has not improved; it has deteriorated further. Some institutions would have been setting aside resources in excess of 100 per cent of that of 2014 for bad debt. These are the numbers we are having and that is a serious indication as to what is coming out of the financial sector and the banks themselves. So from the macro side, those are some of the numbers that present a worrying trend for us,” Ali told a news conference then.

Ali had said that rising unemployment, crises in the rice and sugar industries, as well as a dry-up of investments were some of the factors responsible for the high number of non-performing loans.

Meanwhile, the IMF warned that the increasing current expenditure of the government will crowd out space for public investment, despite significant donor support.

“The mission suggested moderating the growth of wages, as well as reform-

Shadow Opposition Finance Minister Irfaan Ali

ing public enterprises with a view to reduce their reliance on government support…

Containing current expenditure would provide additional space for public investment while preserving debt sustainability,” the mission warned.

Economic growth

It said while the improved financial performance of Guyana Power and Light and the reforms proposed by the Commission of Inquiry for the Guyana Sugar Corporation are welcomed, the scope and pace of reform should take into account social implications.

The IMF said the Guyanese economy remains resilient and continues to grow despite significant global headwinds. The government of Guyana projects 4.4 per cent growth in 2016, but the IMF said it is likely to grow by 4.0 per cent.

“Boosting private sector confidence is key for growth momentum,” it said, while commending the government for maintaining macroeconomic stability.

The mission said that lower oil prices that reduced the cost of fuel imports has helped to offset the impact of lower commodity export prices. It also noted that the exchange rate has remained broadly stable due to offsetting positive and negative external shocks.

“Nevertheless, Guyana remains vulnerable to movements in commodity prices due to dependence on imported oil and the concentration of exports on a few commodities.

The mission noted that exchange rate flexibility would continue to facilitate adjustment to external developments, mitigate their effect on growth, and safeguard reserves,” it stated The IMF says the gov-

ernment has an “ambitious” investment strategy which could see improvements in transportation and telecommunication infrastructure and renewable energy projects to boost productivity, integrate remote regions, facilitate economic diversification, and ease key impediments to growth which should stimulate the economy..

It added that domestic financing may crowd out credit to the private sector and raise interest rates. It added that the country’s monetary policy stance should remain accommodative.

AML/CFT

The mission added that while the government has taken steps towards strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework, the authorities should address remaining deficiencies promptly.

“The authorities are urged to accelerate the implementation of the action plan agreed with the Financial Action Task Force,” it stated.

The IMF executive board is expected to discuss Guyana’s Article IV Consultation in May 2016.

US Embassy hosts suicide prevention workshop

Representatives from the Florida Army National Guard along with the participants of the suicide prevention workshop

I

n light of Guyana’s struggle with the societal scourge of suicide, the United States Embassy hosted a workshop aimed at enforcing preventative measures.

The initiative was part of cooperative efforts to help Guyana address its troubling suicide rate. The suicide prevention workshop was held on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel and was facilitated by two subject matter experts from the Florida Army National Guard in the US. Staff Sergeant Erica Hodges and first Lieutenant Stephanie Matos led a threehour training session for 70 participants, representing non-governmental organisations from Georgetown and Berbice, as well as members of the Guyana Defence Force. Among the organisations represented were The Caribbean Voice, Prevention

of Teen Suicide (POTS), Global Shapers, St Francis Community Developers, and the Mibicuri Community Developers.

The workshop focused on two main areas – victim’s warning signs and suicide prevention techniques. Warning signs include talking about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, or feeling trapped and wanting to escape by committing suicide.

In addition, the participants received information on the root causes of suicide, how to identify when someone is contemplating suicide, and knowing when to intervene. Depression, in the form of deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating are all signs to seek professional help, or talk to a friend or loved one.

The participants also shared best practices and suggested a holistic ap-

proach to suicide prevention that includes counselling for teenagers with relationship issues, follow-up mentoring and monitoring with people who show the warning signs of possible suicide, and greater awareness and sensitivity by Government officials, Police, and the media.

In particular, the sensationalisation of suicide by the media at times may encourage copycat incidences, or suicide contagion as it is often called.

The Florida Army National Guard works with the Security Cooperation Office of the US Embassy to provide support in a wide variety of areas including vital public services, support to civil defence authorities, and protection of life and property. This workshop was a joint effort to help continue dialogue about one of the most complex issues facing the citizens of Guyana.

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First Lady, Project Happiness More radio, TV licences to be issued – PM host workshop with education stakeholders

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

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Vickram presents a token of appreciation to First Lady Sandra Granger at the close of the training session. NCERD Director Jennifer Cumberbatch is pictured (left) while Randy Taran of Project Happiness and Colonel (ret’d) Yvonne Smith look on

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irst Lady Sandra Granger today participated in the first ReThink – Project Happiness ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop, held at the Ministry of Education’s National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), aimed at providing teachers and other participants with the skills needed to boost children’s self-esteem and promote their emotional development.

Sixty-five professionals including officials from the Ministry, NCERD, teachers, schools’ welfare officers, subject specialists, guidance counsellors and representatives from several non-governmental organisations, participated in the two-day training session which started on Friday.

Officials from ReThink – Project Happiness included Randy Taran of California, USA, Founder/ CEO Project Happiness; Amanda Fernandes, Chief Happiness Officer at Rethink – Project Happiness and Regional Director in the Caribbean; and Brook Dorff, Director of Operations

and Development, Project Happiness.

In an invited comment, the First Lady said her participation in the programme is linked to her collaboration with Ernie Ross, Guyana’s Consul General in Trinidad and Tobago, on ReThink’s Kind Soles programme, which donated hundreds of pairs to shoes to students in the hinterland area.

ReThink’s – Project Happiness aimed at empowering persons to be empathetic and to live contentedly, also sparked the First Lady’s interest as she is interested in “recreating a Guyanese society that practices compassion”.

Mrs Granger said she is pleased about the training, noting that it will “equip participants with the skills to encourage and empower beneficiaries, particularly children in schools as children who feel good about themselves are less likely to commit suicide.”

The Project Happiness ‘Train the Trainer’ Course comprised nine lessons designed “to improve children’s focus, emotional re-

silience and their ability to make better life decisions.”

The format of the worship included presentations from the trainers, general interactive sessions and small group interactive sessions where participants were allowed to practice skills such as empathy and appreciation.

Brook Dorff, who conducted one of two major training exercises on Friday, said the link with the First Lady is “vital”, as she is passionate about enhancing the lives of Guyanese, particularly children and other vulnerable groups and her influence “will broaden the reach of the programme from just schools to countrywide.”

The programme aims “to give students and teachers the tools for emotional resilience and to teach persons how to deal with all kinds of emotions,” she said.

The group was invited to host the sessions, and the skills taught will be used to augment the Ministry’s programmes aimed at reducing the incidence of suicide, she added.

“Goldie” in court charged with larceny

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51-year-old man on Friday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan slapped with one count of break and enter.

Shadeek Mohammed of Crabwood Creek, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on March 7, at Brickdam, Georgetown, he stole one Perry Ellis reading glasses valued $260,000, tools valued $30,000 and one all purpose charger valued $3000; property of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Mohammed Khan.

The prosecution’s facts stated that the defendant and the VC are not known to each other. On the day in question at around 08:00h, the VC drove his car and parked it in the vicinity of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and left to run errands.

Upon his return at around 10:00h, he discovered that the front of his car was opened and upon inspection, noticed the aforementioned items were missing.

He made enquires and was told by an

Shadeek Mohammed

eyewitness what had transpired. The defendant was subsequently identified and arrested. He later admitted to the offence.

When given an opportunity to speak in court, the defendant said “sorry”.

Magistrate McLennan fined him $70,000.

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who holds ministerial responsibilities for public information, on Friday said more Radio and Television licences are to be issued under the new Government shortly.

Nagamootoo said he prefers to see more stations opened up to serve the Guyanese public with a view of improving the quality of broadcast services offered countrywide.

“I am just saying that I would rather see more stations come on board… more people who have the wherewithal should have the opportunity to do so via community stations or national reach, providing they will pay the right fees according to the zone to which they belong,” he explained.

Nagamootoo met with the Board of Directors of the GNBA Friday morning and later revealed that during the meeting he stressed that it should begin issuing more li-

cences.

“In the consultation we had with this authority I urged them to give out licenses to people who had applied for radio and television licences, I urged them to refresh our channel, I urged them to provide new vigour in what hitherto been a very putrid and contaminated particularly television scenario in Guyana,” Nagamootoo told a function at the state broadcaster National Communications Network (NCN).

Meanwhile, Chairman of GNBA Leonard Craig confirmed that the entity is preparing to begin the issuance of more radio and television licenses in a matter of weeks to persons who have submitted applications for some time now.

Craig told the media that there are at least 25 applicants on file and the body is moving to ensure they are processed and the applicants get the all-clear to go on within the next two months or so.

Among the persons who were issued licences by the previous Government were Robert Persaud, the Little

GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig

Rock Television Station (Berbice), Hits and Jams, Maxwell Thom, Dr Bobby Ramroop, Alfro Alphonso, Haslyn Graham and Anand Persaud.

At the time of the issuance of these licences there was no broadcasting authority and as such, it was done at the discretion of the Minister of Information, who under the PPP/C administration was the President.

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News

$138M to be spent Former Chairman promises on ‘sprucing up’ to come clean on Monday Carifesta Ave I Region 10 television station controversy

By Utamu Belle

n the height of controversy surrounding the ownership of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) television station, former Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon has given assurance that information will be forthcoming to residents on Monday.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, Solomon said he will not make any further pronouncements regarding the issue before such time, stating rather that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is expected to be in Linden for a meeting on Monday and will “properly inform” the community on what is happening then.

“I’m not going to pronounce on anything right now, I’ll leave that for the Chairman. Certainly the community is going to be properly informed on Monday. The Prime Minister is going to be in Linden on Monday so I’m sure that after whatever meeting that he has, he’s going to give an update on that. But I know the Board met again with the Prime Minister...”, he said.

Following moves by

Sharma Soloman

Solomon to have the station set up for a trial run about a week ago, the Region’s present Chairman Renis Morian had expressed concern that the station is set to be handed over to “private” individuals and called for a cease order to prevent such.

While Solomon had indicated that the station would have been officially handed over last Saturday, it did not go as planned.

A television station for the region formed part of the August 21, 2012 Agreement which was signed between the previous administration and the Region, under the stewardship of then Regional Chairman

Solomon. The Region 10 Broadcasting Inc (RBI), a Trust was then established in an effort to advance the setting up of the station for which Solomon serves as one of the directors.

Last July, Head of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Valmiki Singh advised that the RBI could be assigned a channel for use as a regional television channel which gave clearance for the station to be established. By then, Solomon had ceased to act in the capacity of Regional Chairman.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Singh gave technical recommendations during talks with the former Regional Chairman while a tripartite meeting was convened by Prime Minister Nagamootoo who holds the information and telecommunications portfolio.

However, two weeks ago Morian told the media he was in receipt of a letter from the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) which indicated that permission has been granted by its governing Board for the advancement

of the television station.

He then made it clear that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is the authority managing the affairs of Region10, hence any handing over, discussions or otherwise pertaining to licence establishment of a television station in the Region should be channelled through his office.

Morian had stated too that there had been no discussion with any “private” investor and called on the office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of the Presidency to look into the matter urgently. He stated then that while discussions would have been ongoing with the previous administration, there was no such continuity under the present one.

Solomon had however refuted the claims that the station will be managed privately, indicating that it will be in the interest of the people of Linden and Region 10. Similar to Morian he stated too that the greenlight had already been given by the GNBA and systems had already been put in place for the establishment of the station.

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overnment plans to spend a whopping $138 million on works to further improve the already well lit Carifesta Avenue.

According to an advertisement placed in the media by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure `Urban renewal on Carifesta Avenue: Avenue of the Caribbean’ project is divided into two parts.

One aspect of the project

will tackle lighting while the second have will deal with civil works.

According to the ad, bidding will be done through the National Competitive Bidding procedure specified in the Procurement Act of 2003. The date for the opening of the bids is April 5, 2016 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown.

Umana Yana reconstruction project

Wai Wai builders paid

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he Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry on Friday confirmed that Toshao Paul Chekema and his team of 35 workmen were paid for the completion of the reconstructed Umana Yana historical building.

This revelation followed the complaints from the indigenous workmen who stated that they did not receive payments despite executing the project way ahead of schedule.

According to a release by the Ministry, the men were “... paid in full the contract sum for the works done”.

It was explained that the men benefited from a total of GY$30,539,138 of which GY$14,175,000 was paid in “earnings from direct labour” while the remaining sum related to material supplied and other logistical cost consideration.

It was posited that the remaining works on Guyana’s largest benab will resume on Monday, March 14 and is expected to be completed by April 30. The works that remain include completion of the wall, fence, floor, stage and the electrification of the facility. There was no word on the installation of solar panels as promised by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson who posited this measure at the turning of the sod in September

The newly constructed Umana Yana

2015.

The Ministry lambasted “wicked elements” which it said attempted to “create an environment of mistrust between it and the builders” but noted that these efforts were wasted since the Ministry has forged “excellent relations” with the Indigenous peoples.

“No attempt to politicise, manipulate or misrepresent the innocuous and sincere statements made in good faith by our Wai Wai brothers, or any indigenous group for that matter will succeed,” stated the Ministry.

The Ministry also sought to accuse the political Opposition of “having failed our Indigenous peoples while in Government, and of trying to derail the current Government’s “developmental agenda.”

The project which commenced on February 5 was completed on March 7, well ahead of schedule. On Thursday, it was related that workmen were reportedly told that they should go home to their villages and return afterwards when the time is ready for them to receive payments.

Workers were against this proposal, with many citing the cost factor to travel to and from their communities.

In September 2014, the fire which destroyed the landmark was believed to be electrical in origin. The Umana Yana, an Amerindian term that means “meeting place” was first built in 1972 for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference and was later used as a VIP Lounge and for exhibitions and recreational purposes.

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News

GuySuCo employee Govt, IAST sign MoU for sustainable trial for attempted development of hinterland communities on murder of wife

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everal government ministries have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (IAST) for the provision of research and development, sustainable business development and analytical services.

The two ministries that signed the MoU are the Ministries of Social Cohesion, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. Ministers Amna Ally and Sydney Allicock respectively inked the agreement with Director of IAST Dr Suresh Narine.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe was also present during the signing at Ministry of the Presidency on Friday morning.

The IAST will employ scientific research, infrastructure and personnel and those of its partners such as the Trent University, to undertake projects in indigenous communities identified by the Ministries as priority areas for sustain-

Ministers Amna Ally and Sydney Allicock, and Dr Suresh Narine exchanging copies of the MoU while Junior Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe looks on

able development.

Minister Ally said work has already commenced in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

These projects, she noted, will not only benefit the participating communities, but the country as a whole.

“Today we are signing [an] MoU to basically concretise our efforts of working together and to advance the cause not only of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Ministry of

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, but the Government,” Ally stated.

Under the MoU, the IAST will be examining areas such as sustainable value-adding to agricultural produce, development of personal care, nutritional and pharmaceutical products using indigenous knowledge, information and awareness of forest and other habitat-specific botanicals and development of sustainable processing

technologies, among other areas.

Dr Narine said this is a very exciting juncture for IAST, working with both ministries within the context of social cohesion and sustainable development.

“What is important to recognise is that knowledge on its own becomes very insignificant unless that knowledge is married to opportunities and unless it is married to opportunities for social upliftment. So here we are talking about a very exciting approach to harnessing for example, the medicinal anthropology of our indigenous peoples and marry it with modern ways of processing, modern ways of measuring dosages and impacts and efficacies,” the IAST director explained.

Meanwhile, Minister Allicock briefly remarked that with this type of technical support, indigenous communities will be able to make a greater contribution to national development. He added that this is all part of the Government’s thrust to build stronger, more cohesive communities.

No ban on importation of trucks for miners … smuggling to be stamped out

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he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) disclosed that there is not going to be a ban on the importation of popular trucks utilised in the mining industry.

This decision was taken by the Natural Resource Ministry which made the announcement in a recent meeting with the GGDMA. The GGDMA was also informed that a committee has been organised and given the task of identifying lands to be allocated exclusively to small-scale miners in each mining district. That committee is expected to wrap up its work by a couple of months.

The Association in a lengthy discussion with the Ministry reminded that it stands firmly against the issue of smuggling.

“Gold smuggling is unacceptable. It robs the industry of its true revenue position and deprives Guyanese and the State of its resources. We call on the Government to continue tightening all avenues, especially our ports of exit and entry and other porous areas on our borders, to rid us of this scourge and the negative publicity it has brought our industry”.

The GGDMA applaud the Government for the current work being carried

Trucks used by miners will not be banned from importation

out to ‘stamp’ out smuggling.

“Smuggling not only affects the revenue collected by the State and as such, national development; it also has the damning effect of all miners, who are often painted with the same bad brush. The majority of miners are not involved in smuggling and are focused on self and national development”.

It was reported in sections of the media that the estimated amount of gold being smuggled per week is 15,000 ounces; however, the GGDMA stated that that amount was “ridiculous”.

“It is very difficult for us to fathom that 15,000 ounces are being smuggled out of the country on a weekly basis, as this

amount equates to over 770,000 ounces per annum, this would be approximately double the average annual yearly declarations over the last few years”.

It is the hope of the GGDMA that smuggling is decreased, striving to find clarity with regard to the origin of the issue.

The Association remains steadfast in its belief that not even one ounce should be smuggled.

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n employee of the Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) who is currently on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury will know his fate Monday when the case is expected to be closed.

Ganga Persaud, 54, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), is on trial for two charges, the first being attempted murder and felonious wounding.

The man, employed at GuySuCo’s Uitvlugt Estate is facing these charges after he attacked his wife Sumintra Rampersaud on July 29, 2009 after she was allegedly engaged in a conversation with another man whom her husband suspected she was having an affair with.

The trial commenced on Thursday, and continued on Friday when the Court heard the testimony of the arresting Police Officer as well as the defendant’s statement.

Police witness Derrick Foo told the Court that on the day in question at about 20:45h, relevant to a report made at the Leonora Police Station, he went to a shop at Meten-Meer-Zorg where he met Persaud, whom he told of the allegation and cautioned him. He stated that while under caution, Persaud said “Me and meh wife separate for three months now. Meh hear she got an affair with a watchman name Boss. On July 29, 2009 I was waiting fuh she at the street head and ah see my wife and ‘Boss’ talking”.

The Officer further explained that the defendant admitted that he dealt the woman a series of punches to her head and when she fell he stripped her of her clothing and subsequently used a stick to assault her,

piercing her twice in the process. Foo stated that after giving this statement, the defendant said “meh sorry”.

However, the defendant denied these allegations and said he was being framed and that on the day in question he was at the shop from 15:00h in the afternoon until he was arrested.

However, earlier in the proceedings, he admitted he suspected that his wife and the watchman were having an affair, saying, “Me and meh wife used to live very, very good. Suddenly from encouragement from people Mr Boss start visiting my wife when me ain’t deh home.”

When called to lead his defence, Persaud opted to give an unsworn statement.

He related that he has five children with his wife whom he lived with for over 23 years. “On that said night, for what I am being framed for, I was at a shop at Meten-Meer-Zorg back street,” he stated. He further explained that he was there for some time, and later Officer Foo arrested him and took him to the Leonora Police Station.

He further alleged that the next day he was beaten with a baton by officers in an attempt to get him to admit to the crime which he did not commit. “This statement is true and correct to the best of my knowledge,” the defendant stated in closing.

Persaud will be resting his case on Monday when he presents his sole witness, the shopkeeper whom he alleges will testify that he was at the shop during the time that the incident is said to have occurred.

Justice Singh has also indicated that the case will be completed and the verdict given on Monday.

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saturday, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Kuwaiti organisation interested in Fogging machines supporting ‘Five Bs’ programme for Amerindian

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resident David Granger was on Friday paid a courtesy call by two officials from the Zakat House, a charitable Government agency based in Kuwait, which has expressed an interest in supporting the ‘Five Bs’ (Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books) programme.

The officials were accompanied by Director of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Shaikh Moen ulHack and General Secretary Khakan Ramjohn at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Director of the External Affairs Department of the Zakat House, Adel K S AlJeri and MH Ali Fahad said the organisation is interested in providing assistance to the President’s ‘Five Bs’ programme to enable children to attend school. Zakat House has been sponsoring orphans in Guyana since 1995. It

communities requested

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President David Granger (left) in discussions with (from right) CIOG’s General Secretary Khakan Ramjohn, MH Ali Fahad and Adel KS Al-Jeri from the Zakat House, and CIOG’s Director Shaikh Moen ul-Hack

started with just 14 children and today that number has grown to about 126 in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice.

The organisation spends a total of $1 million per month on the provision of stipends alone. Additional costs are incurred to provide education, health care needs

and living accommodation.

In a brief comment, the CIOG’s Director explained that the mission of Zakat House is to alleviate poverty and promote literacy; an objective which is consistent with that of President Granger’s ‘Five Bs’ programme.

“The success story is that

today, some of the [beneficiaries] are accountants, pharmacists, teachers, nurses and so on. So it’s not just about giving them financial assistance, it is about making it possible for them to have an education, so that they can stand on their own two feet,” Shaikh Moen ulHack said.

NAREI promoting mangrove restoration, management

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ver 25 persons residing on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are now equipped to help promote community-based mangrove management as a sustainable means of mangrove restoration and management.

National The Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently held

to further promote mangrove protection and management.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth and Permanent Secretary George Jervis delivered remarks at the opening session of the workshop, which was held at the Anna Regina State House. to Dr According Homenauth, NAREI has implemented several inter-

Young mangrove beds

a four-day Mangrove Ecology, Restoration and Management Workshop in Region Two. The workshop was funded by the World Wildlife Fund through the Education for Nature Programme.

Participants of the workshop, including teachers, representatives of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC), students of the Guyana School of Agriculture, fishermen, Police and personnel of the Sea and River Defence Division, are likely to become members of the region’s Village Mangrove Action Committee (VMAC).

These stakeholders were selected based on their current and potential influence

ventions to restore mangroves along the Essequibo Coast. Works executed in several communities included successful mangrove seedling planting at Lima, the construction of Bamboo Brushwood dams at Walton Hall and Anna Regina, the construction of geotextile tube groyne at Devonshire Castle and Spartina grass planting.

NAREI will be extending the 100 metres Bamboo Brushwood dam completed in 2015 at Walton Hall by 150 metres. This infrastructural development will promote increase sedimentation, hence creating the conditions necessary for the restoration of mangroves, Dr Homenauth added.

The NAREI CEO also emphasised that communities need to take responsibility for their mangrove resources.

The involvement of youths in the workshop was praised by Jervis, who saw this as a promising sign for the sustainability of mangrove restoration in the region. He encouraged participants to question the Project Officers about the interventions being made and provide their own inputs and recommendations.

This encouragement created an energetic atmosphere needed for an interactive workshop. Participants were divided into groups to allow involvement from everyone. Recognising the importance of public education and awareness, participants noted the different avenues they would utilise to share information on the protection and restoration of mangroves. For instance, the teachers would utilise the Parent Teacher Associations to disseminate information.

The workshop focused on the ecology of mangroves and mangrove ecosystems; main species of mangroves found in Guyana; the range and biodiversity of mangrove communities found in Guyana; the natural and anthropogenic impacts on mangrove ecosystems; and appropriate conservation strategies that can be used to address impacts on mangrove ecosystems.

As a field exercise, the participants visited several areas such as Walton Hall, Devonshire Castle and Lima that benefited from restoration interventions. The tour enabled participants to have a better understanding of coastal erosion, the

importance of mangroves for coastal defence and the different type of interventions being implemented by NAREI along the Essequibo coast. (GINA)

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) councillor and Chairman of the Hinterland Affairs Committee of Region Two RDC, Basil Persaud, is calling for fogging machines for all nine Amerindian communities in the Region.

Persaud during his address to the RDC meeting for March made the request on behalf of Toshaos from the various communities.

He related to the council that several Toshoa’s requested that fogging be conducted in their areas due to their fear of the Zika virus. Further explaining he said fogging is important not only to prevent the Zika virus but also to help combat the achousi ant spread.

At that point of discussion another PPP/C councillor Showkat Ali pointed out that the Region Two Administration also need more fogging machines. He said the Environment Health Department only has one machine at the moment which needs maintaining, adding that residents are fearful of the virus and he is unsure how fogging will be completed within the Region with only one machine.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt agreed fogging is important and as such will be writing the Minister of Health and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on same.

RDC Councillor Brain Basil

Ramdatt said he was informed that one of the fogging machines within the Region is down and as such fogging is disaffected.

However when contacts were made with the Environmental Officer Shaleena Baksh, she confirmed that indeed one of the machines is down but it has been replaced by the Vector Control Department.

According to her fogging is being conducted in the Riverstown area and Zika education is ongoing.

Coalition councillor Naithram also raised issues concerning the publicising of the fogging exercises. He reported that often persons are falling sick and the department needs to make the fogging process more public before they enter a particular area.

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saturday, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

LGE 2016

President urges voters against complacency

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he Disciplined Services was complacent on Tuesday when they were supposed to cast ballots on D-Day for Local Government Elections (LGE).

This is the position adumbrated by President David Granger, who is urging Guyanese not to do likewise on March 18 when they will cast their ballots for LGE. Speaking to residents of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), on Thursday, the Head of State said per-

President David Granger

town to provide opportunities. That is why we can’t run it from Georgetown; you have to run it from here… This town must become an economic power house. When I walk in this town, I want to see factories and supermarkets. People must be leaving their villages to come to Rose Hall to work,” the President said.

He noted that it is expected that the new council will adapt a plan which has already been approved by government.

“Rose Hall must become

Cineguyana Inc to promote Guyanese culture through film festival

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ineguyana Inc. and the Ministry of Education today launched the ‘Golden Jubilee Short Film Festival’, aimed at promoting Guyanese culture. The film festival forms part of the calendar of activities for the celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry, delivering the feature address, pointed out that the collaboration is not new since in 2011 the former government provided a grant to stimulate the local film industry. This was done to support the sustainability of the film industry while enhancing public interest, and appreciation of the art form.

“Our government is com-

Minister Nicolette Henry addressing the gathering at the launch of the film festival for Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations

she emphasised.

“Achieving the good life is not a wish or dream, it requires great equality of opportunities to attain the growth that is required,” Minister Henry further explained.

According to President

A section of the crowd at Thursday’s meeting

sons will have a chance to put in place a council which will promote business and development.

“It is going to clean up the town, it is going to deal with solid waste management, it is going to provide street lights, and it is going to remove potholes… I want you to come out in your numbers, you saw what happened the day before yesterday; people became complacent. Do not be complacent because these elections are more complicated that General and Regional Elections. These are 71 different elections.

Everything is local. You have to vote in your constituency,” Granger told the residents in attendance.

Addressing those who will be contesting in the LGE, he said there are rules which they need to follow. He explained that they need to communicate with their constituents.

“The APNU cannot do it for you, the AFC cannot do it for you. You have to walk the walk. You have to go through every single constituency and speak to the people who are going to be voting for you. If you don’t speak to them they wouldn’t vote for you.”

He explained that there are three types of government, the first being the national; there is also the regional and then the local.

“This is where your apprentice starts. This is where true governance starts. Once you have an APNU government, you will have Local Government Elections every three years,” he prom-

ised.

President Granger said the elections will allow locals to sit down as a council and make local decisions and urged persons to make the process worthwhile, adding that he is expecting an 80 – 90 per cent turnout on elections day.

He said he wants the next Mayor of Rose Hall to promise that every single child will go to school and that there will be employment.

“Don’t look to government to provide employment, to provide jobs in the civil service. We want this

a rich and prospering business community. This is what you must tell your people when you go out into your constituencies.”

Meanwhile security was very high as Health Minister Dr George Norton, Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes joined the President on the stage and also addressed residents.

Earlier in the day, gunshots were fired in the town, a situation police are investigating. No arrests have been made as yet.

President of Cineguyana Inc Phillip Williams

mitted to promoting a sustained local film industry and we would certainly like to reduce inequalities and increase opportunities. Our vision for every Guyanese irrespective of skill set is to be able to enjoy the good life,”

of CineGuyana Inc, Phillip Williams, “he is grateful for the many people that made this occasion possible, the occasion of celebrating 50 years for the celebration and preservation of Guyanese culture.” He added that

the board of directors of Cineguyana can boast of persons who actively contribute to Guyana’s culture such as educators, writers, actors, and musicians.

CineGuyana will host film festivals in seven regions showing eight films produced by Kross Kolor Productions. In the coming weeks, Guyanese would have the chance to experience these local films, which will be shown in areas such as St. Ignatius, Anna Regina, and New Amsterdam.

CineGuyana, a film company which was founded in 2010 by local artistes, has been making strides for the past five years, during which it has produced 11 short films, eight of which were shown internationally. The company selected its first board of directors last month.

CineGuyana was started in 2010 as part of an initiative of the University of Guyana Centre for Communication Studies, Ohio University and the President’s Film Endowment Project under the leadership of Dr. Paloma Mohamed. It was officially incorporated on January 29, 2015.

Guyana to host 23rd CARIFORUM Confab

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uyana will be the hub of activities come March 17, when the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) gets underway in Georgetown at the Marriott International Hotel.

Under the chairmanship of Haiti’s Foreign Minister Lener Renauld, the forum will consider matters which are high on its policy agenda, with a view of advancing coordinated action on a range of policy objectives and priorities.

In this regard, the meeting will focus on the implementation and programming of the 10th and 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme (CRIP)and the implementation of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the future of the ACP – including the Eighth ACP Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, scheduled for May 31- June 1 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – and future ACP-EU relations in the postCotonou period.

The meeting will also focus on recent EU developments on financial

services and receive reports from the two CARIFORUM institutions, the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Regional Information and Translation Institute.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and CARIFORUM’s Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque are slated to address the conference.

CARIFORUM refers to the Caribbean Forum of ACP Group of States which are signatories of the Georgetown Agreement. This

Agreement was signed in 1975, and it created the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). The grouping is composed of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states.

All participating States in CARIFORUM, with the exception of Cuba, are signatories to the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement or “Cotonou Agreement” and the EPA, respectively.

The CARIFORUM Members are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Grenada,

Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Council of Ministers of CARIFORUM is the decision-making body of the grouping. It provides policy guidance and mandates.

Furthermore, CARIFORUM has a rotating chairmanship, in the alphabetical order of the names of the Participating States and is held for a period of 12 calendar months commencing July 1. The current Chair is Haiti and Jamaica takes over the chairmanship from July 1, 2016.

Secretary General of The CARIFORUM is assisted by the Director General, who also serves as CARIFORUM Regional Coordinator of the EPA. Of note, the Director General, inter alia, coordinates and supervises the technical operation of the CARIFORUM Directorate, a technical and administrative body. Based in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat, the Directorate comprises the Development Cooperation Unit and EPA Implementation Unit, respectively.

NEWS

19

SATURday, march 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

UNDP to finalise E-Governance projects

T

he United Nations Development Project (UNDP) is yet to complete feasibility studies on Government’s EGovernance Projects before they could be implemented, Minister of Telecommunication and Tourism Cathy Hughes have said.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Friday, Hughes who now has responsibility for the project which was implemented by the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration said the UNDP has been identified to carry out baseline studies for these projects.

“We are just finishing the paper work. UNDP is the agency that has been contracted as a manager of the GRIF funds to look at the projects to carry out some feasibility studies”, she said, noting that once everything is ok, “we will be able to look at the implementation part of the project.”

She anticipates that the feasibility studies should take a couple of months.

“We are moving ahead. Of course the focus is on providing connectivity internet access and to develop ICT projects in the hinterland region. It is going to look into some broader pol-

Minister of Telecommunication and Tourism Cathy Hughes

icies that the new ministry passed for developing that sector”, Minister Hughes told this publication.

Earlier this year, Minister Hughes had said that the re-activation increases government’s ability to make Internet connection readily available to every Guyanese and other parts of the coastland and inland communities.

She said that upon completion, a fibre-optic cable connecting Georgetown to Moleson Creek, Linden, Anna Regina, Linden and Lethem will be run. She said wireless sites would be constructed and activated using

the 4G technology.

The multimillion-dollar e-governance project was rolled out under the previous administration with the aim of creating a network linking government and other State agencies throughout the country.

The project hit controversy when the fibre-optic cable that was supposed to link the coastland to Brazil was scrapped as a result of technical faults.

In October last year, government commenced testing its pilot phase of the project through partnership with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT)

network. The company provided bandwidth coverage, and according to Advisor on E-Governance, Floyd Levi, GTT has given government a favourable price for the purchase of bulk bandwidth.

He said plans are afoot to roll out services throughout all government agencies.

Last month, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced Government’s decision to work to incorporate the operations of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) into its massive E-Governance operations.

It was during a visit to the NDMA office attached to the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, that the Minister was informed of the unit’s mandate as well as a number of challenges facing that authority.

General Manager of the operations Godfrey Proctor informed the Minister that the NDMA has not had a board appointed in over two decades which resulted in the work of the authority being severely hampered.

Minister Harmon noted that government in its review of the Public Service ICT will restore the NDMA and similar bodies so that they can perform meaningfully in the administration’s E-Governance initiatives.

Corentyne businessman shot in attempted robbery A man is now hospitalised after three masked men attacked a minibus driver and shot him in a failed robbery attempt in Berbice on Thursday evening.

Police in a release said Takraj Boodram, 33, of Belvedere South Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) was about to enter his premises when three men approached him and one of them, who was armed with a firearm, discharged a round that hit him to his left side shoulder.

Eyewitnesses stated that Boodram, who lives alone, had just returned from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after taking a neighbour who was returning to North America.

The bus stopped three gates away from Boodram’s residence where the passengers who had also travelled to the airport to accompany their relative disembarked.

It was at this point that the three masked men were first seen.

One relative who asked to be anonymous explained that Boodram left and as

Takraj Boodram’s residence

he drove home, they noticed three men on bicycles in front of his gate. The men approached him as he drove up. “After them come up to him he drive the bus and come back this side and them men ride an come behind he and he brackle one of them right in front here.”

The source said there was an argument between one of the men and the driver while the other two rode off and stopped several metres away. “All of them had something tie around their face and the one with the red cloth, he stop by the bus

and all I hear he asking the man what they doing here and he ain’t answering. He had his hand hanging on the bus window and he head out the bus.”

As Boodram bent forward to open the door, the perpetrator pulling a gun from his waist, aimed it at Boodram’s head and squeezed the trigger. Fortunately, as Boodram bent forward the bullet hit his shoulder and excited before shattering the bus window.

“He drive back after he get shoot and start holla fo help. Then the man on the

bicycle ride away,” the eyewitness related, while adding that the shooter looked around and saw him looking over the fence. “We had to run to the back of the yard when he turn to shoot me.”

Boodram was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital and then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further medical attention.

Meanwhile, the three men rode away after the lone gunshot was fired but remained in the community for some time before disappearing. “The Police take a long time to come. People keep calling and nobody answering the phone; they say that the phone ain’t working. If they did come when he try to call, the men went right in the street fo a long time.”

Residents claim several persons have been robbed in the community in recent times, since there has been an absence of mobile patrols by the Police in the Belvedere South Squatting Area. They also stated that there is no community policing group in the area.

The Race to LGE 2016

Mark Benschop confident in bid to become Mayor

W

ith only one week from the long awaited Local Government Elections (LGE) polls, social activist and candidate Mark Benschop emphasised his confidence in being elected as the next Mayor of the capital city, Georgetown.

Team Benschop is contesting 14 constituencies and the candidate is specifically contesting Constituency 14 which encompasses South Ruimveldt Park and Ruimveldt Industrial Estate. Candidate Mark Benschop He stated the people will throw their support behind him as many have had enough of the political discourse.

“We are very optimistic. People do not want to see a return of this political rigour. With the encouragement we have been getting from people, we are expecting a landslide victory; people like what they’re seeing and they like the plans,” expressed Benschop.

“We have a vision, to modernise this city; we will be working on behalf of all the residents of Georgetown. We will take the city into a direction that will be progressive, conducive, which the people of this city can look forward.”

“We are going to stamp out corruption, we are going to remove the nepotism, we are gonna hand this city back to the residents of Georgetown,” explained the candidate.

Benschop posited that his team is not bothered by the many other candidates contesting due to their track record.

“We know that we have a track record of working and standing up on behalf of all the citizens regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, sexual orientation,” expressed the candidate.

He further posited that many of his opponents are politically opportunistic. “It’s not like I appeared on the scene as soon as there is a change of Government, and started wearing yellow and green to pretend as though I am part of this Government, like what we’re seeing like some of the other candidates… nobody knew of them, they stood for nothing; they didn’t do anything for the residents of Georgetown and for them now to jump out and say that they want the residents to vote for them, they’re gonna have a rude awakening,” stressed Benschop.

He also opined that since his team members are “independent” they would not be compelled to follow the dictates of central Government.

“People all over Georgetown want someone other than some of the regular political parties,” stated the candidate. He said many candidates who are running will operate as “puppets” of the ruling party.

They will automatically [be] a puppet because that individual cannot work independently so they would have to run like little rabbits to central government and take orders from them but Team Benschop will not have to go and beg central government, we will work independently… it doesn’t mean that we’ll be antagonistic to central government but we are not prepared to take orders,” Benschop expressed.

He further emphasised that many of the major groupings are not properly prepared but observed that his team is fully ready to take the city.

Benschop stated: “We’ve been ready for the past 15 years and we know that they’re not ready, we know that they are very desperate but the people have made their minds up and they want to put Team Benschop in control and we are prepared for that task… we are asking all of their supporters to vote for Team Benschop.”

With specific regard to his constituency he implored constituency members to give him their support.

“I calling all on them in South Ruimveldt Park, Rasville, Roxanne Burnham Gardens to come out and support me. I am the only candidate with a track record of working with the people and when I get into city hall with my team we will continue to work for the people,” Benschop noted.

Should he be city councillor, the candidate said he wants to advocate reforms to overhaul the electoral process to allow people to vote for whom they want to be Mayor rather than the candidate being selected from the councillors. He also intends to ensure that youth are involved in all levels of the decision-making process.

“A vote for any Team Benschop candidate is a vote for me to be elected as the next Mayor,” expressed Benschop.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

saturDAY, march 12, 2016

Pakistan teams given clearance to travel to India P

akistan's Interior Ministry has cleared the national men's and women's teams to travel to India for the World T20.

The decision came after the government received letters from the West Bengal state government and Kolkata's police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, assuring special security measures for Pakistan's men's team while in Kolkata, where their match against India will be played on March 19. The teams are expected to arrive in India on Saturday.* Najam Sethi, the chairman of the PCB's executive committee, met Pakistan's interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Khan on Friday and later informed the media that the government had received "solid assurances" from India's Ministry of

Home Affairs.

"We have got the assurances we had wanted from India [the federal home ministry and the West Bengal government] about the security around the Pakistan teams and the good news for the fans is that Chaudhry Nisar has said the teams can travel to India," Sethi said. "Chaudhry Nisar said that the government has received solid assurances from the Indian home ministry so we can send our teams to India. The team will be leaving either tonight or tomorrow morning."

Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly had submitted the letters from Kumar and West Bengal's chief minister Mamata Banerjee to the ICC on Thursday afternoon.

According to two senior CAB officials, the content in

both letters, which were addressed to CAB, was brief: both Banerjee and Kumar stated they will take responsibility for the Pakistan team's security for the duration of their stay in Kolkata for the match against India.

On Thursday, India's home minister, Rajnath Singh, had said: "Anyone coming to India will be provided security, there is no doubt about it." Kuldip Singh Dhatwalia, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, reiterated the home minister's statement.

"Home Minister has already said it on record that government of India will provide all the due and proper security. It is not only for the Pakistani team, but for any other team also, the government of India is committed to provide the security," Dhatwalia told

ESPNcricinfo.

The match was shifted to Kolkata from Dharamsala due to concerns over security of the Pakistan team.

It is understood that the ICC had specifically asked the Cricket Association of Bengal, the host association for the match, to obtain the assurances.

Both teams were scheduled to depart for India earlier this week, but the departure was put on hold due to the controversy over security assurances. The Pakistan men's team is currently in Lahore, while the women's team is in Karachi. The players were briefed by PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan on Thursday about the security situation in India.

The ICC moved the match from Dharamsala to Kolkata, after Pakistan asked for a change in ven-

The Pakistan players were apprised of the security situation in India by PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan on Thursday (PCB photo)

ue. The request was based on the report of a threemember delegation from Pakistan that visited India to assess security arrangements in Dharamsala, and stated that 'security is not assured' at the venue.

The Pakistan government had initially cleared the team to play in India,

but the board decided to put the visit on hold until they were guaranteed foolproof security. The PCB's move was prompted after the Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh had expressed concerns over providing security for the match in Dharamsala. (Cricinfo)

Windies batting fails in loss to India

W

Chris Gayle

est Indies' batting failed miserably as they slumped to a 45-run defeat to hosts India in their opening official warm-up match of the Twenty20 World Cup at Eden Gardens here yesterday.

Chasing a challenging 186 for victory, only opener Chris Gayle was good enough to reach the 20s as the Caribbean side were bundled out for 140 in the final over.

The left-handed Gayle got exactly 20 from 11 balls, and fellow Jamaican AndrĂˆ Russell was the next best scorer with 19 from 13 deliveries.

West Indies' run chase was ruined by left-arm spinners Pawan Negi (215) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-26), along with seamers Hardik Pandya (2-25) and Mohammed Shami (2-30), all of whom took two wickets each.

India had earlier tallied 185 for six from their 20 overs, with opener Rohit Sharma narrowly missing out on three figures with an unbeaten 98.

Left-hander Yuvraj Singh chipped in with 31, while opener Shikhar Dhawan got 21.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor (2-26) and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn (230) were the best bowlers on show for West Indies.

Rohit put on 32 off 29

balls for the first wicket with Dhawan and posted a further 24 for the second wicket with Ajinkya Rahane, who made seven.

However, Benn bowled the left-handed Dhawan in the fifth over and had Rahane stumped in the ninth, to leave India on 56 for two.

Rohit then dominated the innings in an 89-run, thirdwicket stand with Yuvraj, facing 57 deliveries and counting nine fours and seven sixes.

In reply, Gayle and Johnson Charles (18) gave West Indies a robust start, gathering 26 from the first two overs. They had put on 36 off just 21 deliveries when Gayle was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah after striking three fours and a six.

Charles, who counted two fours off 13 balls, followed in the next over to a catch at the wicket off Mohammed Shami and Denesh Ramdin, promoted to number four, perished for six at 59 for three at the end of the eighth over.

Marlon Samuels, who made 17, and Dwayne Bravo, 13, then carried West Indies to 72 without further loss and seemed to be guiding the side out of trouble.

But Samuels was bowled

by Jadeja at the start of the 12th over, and with just six runs added in the next over, Bravo also followed as West Indies lost their last seven wickets in quick time for 68 runs. (Jamaica Gleaner)

21

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–Northern Rangers edge Police

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estern Tigers played some brilliant football in the latest bit of action in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Stag Premier League that continued on Thursday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.

Western Tigers were in full flown and opened the scoring in the 28th minute of the match with a Michael Pedro strike as the rest of the first half played out with both teams exchanging possession as they searched for openings.

However, the second half

was dominated by Western as Camptown’s defence seemed like Swiss cheese.

Joshua Britton rocked the back of the net in the 53rd minute only to see Phillip Rowley capitalise on Camptown’s defensive inaptitude to score in the 53rd minute as well.

Cleon Forrester would further solidify the victory with a strike in the 67th minute to seal the win.

Meanwhile in the earlier fixture, Northern Rangers edged Police Football Club 2-1.

Police struck first with a goal from Keyron Boston

in the 20th minute but Sherwin Vincent would equalise in the 40th minute of the match as the first half ended with both teams locked on one goal apiece.

With both teams searching for the winner, Omalli Nassy strike in the 62nd minute won the game for Norther Rangers.

The win for Western Tigers pulls the club to within one point of league leaders Santos FC who are currently on 13 points while Northern Rangers settled on fifth with seven points.

Taylor- Windies not daunted by loss to India

F

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West Tigers rout Camptown 4-0

ast bowler Jerome Taylor says West Indies will use Thursday’s warm-up loss to hosts India as a learning experience and hit back strongly when the Twenty20 World Cup bowls off.

West Indies were soundly beaten by India by 45 runs at Eden Gardens, after suffering a batting collapse while chasing a target of 186.

“We can look at the batting and the way we lost wickets. Wickets kept falling in clusters so I guess that’s one area we can improve on,” Taylor told reporters.

“As a team, we are working towards one common goal which is winning and there’s always room for improvement. We will go back to the drawing boards and come again after this game.”

He added: “If you want to be in the finals, you have to improve each and every time you go out on the park so we’ll look to improve in all departments of the game – batting, bowling and fielding.”

India got up to 185 for five off their 20 overs, with opener Rohit Sharma an-

Jerome Taylor

choring the innings with an unbeaten 98 off 57 deliveries.

Taylor led the attack with two for 26 while leftarm spinner Sulieman Benn finished with two for 30.

The Jamaican said despite the loss, the squad was in a great mood, especially coming off a two-week camp in the United Arab Emirates.

“We have been playing cricket over the last week, two weeks. It’s a happy camp, to be honest with you,” Taylor said.

“The guys are gelling together and they are upbeat about this tournament.

They are just sharing each

other’s experience among themselves and gelling together as a group.

“This is a fantastic experience for us as well and hope we can take a lot from this and bounce back again.”

Taylor said the defeat would not dent the side’s confidence but would enhance their preparation to face India later in the competition, if such a meeting arose.

“It has provided us with an insight as to what India are going to be like so there’s a lot to take from this game … so that if we do come up against India again we can give a good account of ourselves.” (Windies Cricket)

Powell to carry Jamaica's hopes at world indoors

A

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

safa Powell will carry Jamaica's sprinting hopes at the world indoor championships this month as the former 100 metres world record holder was named to his country's squad on Friday.

Powell will be the biggest name on the Jamaican team at the March 17-20 worlds in Portland, Oregon, that will not include Usain Bolt as the world record holder over 100 and 200 metres does not race indoors.

The Jamaican team will be made up of 11 men and 13 women, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association said in a statement.

Asafa Powell

Powell, 33, is a two-time world championships 100m bronze medallist. The women's team includes reigning 100m hurdles world cham-

pion Danielle Williams and 200m silver medallist Elaine Thompson from the 2015 world chanmpionships in Beijing. (Reuters Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

saturday, march 12, 2016

Dover expresses disappointment in GTT, Sign Arts on board seemingly “controversial red cards” for Roy Fredericks T20

By Akeem Greene

C

oach of the Alpha United Football Club Wayne Dover has expressed great dissatisfaction over the issuance of three red cards which in his view essentially changed the course of the match against rivals Slingerz FC on Wednesday at Tucville ground.

In speaking with Guyana Times Sport at his team’s training on Thursday, expressed bewilderment of the legitimacy of the issuance of the cards.

According to a press release by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), “Anthony Abrams received “two cautions” in the 62nd and then in the 72nd, he was found “using abusing ad insulting language to referee”. Likewise was Shevane Seaforth in the 74th.

Dover in describing the incident said “we heard the sound of the whistle…once the whistle was blown he [referee] indicated it was foul against Alpha and the player who was involved in the infringement was Joshua Brownne and the Referee subsequently issued a yellow card to Anthony

Benfield who was not the culprit in that incident and it left us quite shock as to why Benfield received his second yellow card which resulted in a red card”.

He further revealed “after Benfield was red carded, two minutes after Slingerz equalized and that had a psychological effect on our players, and apparently Abrams said “these referees messing up the game” and the referee issued a yellow card to him; subsequently, we were going to substitute Abrams because he felt he was a bit tired he showed a bit of decent and was issued another yellow card in the same minute which resulted in red card”.

As it regards the red card of Seaforth he explained that “On the restart on the game, the fourth official called the referee who then issued a red card to Sheavene Seaforth who was just about to enter the game”.

Therein, Dover who is the Golden Jaguars Assistant coach vented that “I think the rules are the rules and his [referee] job is to take control of the game, but the referee also has to be consistent with his decision mak-

Wayne Dover

ing and be partial”.

The frustrated Coach went unto to say that “the referees are not there to determine the outcome of these games, they are there to do a fair and balance game so that both teams can enjoy the protection of the referee”.

When this publication contacted the GFF for a comment on the issue, an official said “The GFF follows the FIFA guidelines relative to the issuance of red cards. The GFF is awaiting the submission of the reports from the referees for last night's games”.

Though the official could not say whether an investigation would be launched in to the matter, the result will remain that Alpha lost 2-1.

Dover, who main contention is to see if the decisions on some of the red cards could be revered as to allow his players to take part in the remaining matches, strongly believes the authorities should look in to these matters.

“I think the GFF has to start to look into the situations where referees continuously make bad mistakes which result in a bad result for a team; this is a very huge investments by these clubs, millions of dollars for an outcome like this”, he said.

Quizzed as to whether Alpha would launch an appeal, he responded saying “we know result of the game cannot reverse but as a coach I have a duty to my club to report on the operation that goes on and with such an incident I will be doing a report and submit it to the club and I don’t know from there what angle the Executives will take in lodging a protest”.(akeemg@guyanatimes-

gy.com)

GTT's Hilton Wong presents a cheque to Blairmont President Shabeer Baksh

G

uyana Telephone Telegraph Company (GTT) and Sign Arts have joined the sponsorship team with contributions of $100,000 and $50,000 respectively for Roy Fredricks T20 tournament.

The entities also pledge to be present at Blairmont Estate ground on both days of the tournament which is slated for the March 19 and 20 to offer services, discounts and giveaways.

Other attractions for the tournament will be a Domino and Volley Ball competition, Cartoon Characters, Ice Cream and air horns giveaway, tassa drumming, trampoline, bouncy castle, live commentary and one man band entertainment.

The two day event will see ten top teams tussling for supremacy namely Cotton Tree Die Hard, Young Warriors, Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club, Bath Underdogs, Blairmont Blazers, Skeldon Gladiators, West Berbice Super Kings, Black Bush Rangers, Bush Lot Strikers and Lusignan Emperors.

The fundraiser will look to address main concern of the club, covers for the pitch.

Another club aim is to promote a Spelling Bee and a Math Quiz for grade 6 students in Region 5 to prepare them for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) with the blessing of the Ministry of Education in the latter part of the year.

GSL, Golyn 10/10 softball cricket…

Speedboat XI remain unbeaten T

he Golyn 10/10 Countrywide Softball tournament organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) and sponsored by Golyn and sons and Trophy Stall continued with some exciting matches.

At Leonora Ground, Speedboat SC crushed Mighty Lions by 51 runs to remain unbeaten.

Speedboat SC won the toss and scored a challenging 134-7 in 10 overs with Shazim Hussain 42 (1x4s6x6s) off 16 balls and Wazir Hussain 29 (1x4; 4x6s) off eight balls; Manoj Persaud took 2-19 from two overs.

In reply, Mighty Lions were limited to 86-9 in 10 overs in the face of some accurate bowling with Nicholas Shivkumar making 26 (1x4; 1x4) being the principle scorer.

Wazeer Hussain took 3-19 from two overs and he was supported by Sheldon Pearce who returned 3-25 from two overs.

Superstreet XI secured a 19- run upset victory over Vipers XI. Superstreet XI were inserted and made 110-7 in their 10 overs with Boodram 45 not out (4x4s;3x6s) off 18 balls and steering the innings.

The wickets were shared with Vickash Totaram with 2-14 the best of the lot.

Vipers XI in their turn seem not to be themselves

as they could only muster 91-7 in their 10 overs with Assalam Zaman scoring 33 (1x4;4x6s) off 12 balls being the only player to offer any resistance.

Goed Fortuin Exclusive XI scraped past Amazon Warriors XI by one wicket.

Amazon Warriors XI won the toss and batted first and scored a challenging 1013 in 10 overs with Feroze Rahaman scoring a blistering 59 which included eight sixes and one four off 28 balls.

In reply, Exclusive found themselves at one time cruising at 76-3 in seven overs but tight bowling by Riaz Mohamed including

a wicket in the eight over pegged them back having to get 11 off the last over.

They made it difficult by losing a wicket and the incoming batsman missed two balls until a mighty six by Deodat Deoram that loosen the shackles and deflated the opposition and ultimately achieved victory.

The Exclusive side were indebted to Lennox Russell who stroked 40 (2x4s; 3x6s) off 18 balls to be the top score.

West Coast Blazers (Master’s Team) humiliated Rydem Star XI by 59 runs.

Blazers XI batted first and scored a below par score of 97 with Asif Saffie scor-

ing 26 (2x6s) off eight balls to top score. Narees Hack being responsible for the damage took 4-11 from two overs.

In reply, Rydem Star could not get into gear tumbling for 38 all out in 6.5 overs with Asif Saffie 3-11 and Shakir Ali 3-7 being unplayable and mesmerizing the batsmen. Kesho Beepat supported with 2-7 from one over.

Unstoppable XI mauled Superbet XI by 87 runs.

Unstoppable won the toss and took first strike rattling up 157-8 in 10 overs with Lincoln Leander striking a composed 73 (9x6s) off 23 balls. Chris Benaud took 2-35.

In reply, Superbet XI started brightly but lost their first wicket on 18 and it was all downhill after that as the others were never up for the fight. They were limited to 70-8 in their 10 overs with only Jimmy Gobin making 16 (1x4; 2x6s) off six balls and was the third wicket to go down via the run out route.

In the East Bank Zone, Brickery All Stars defeated East Bank XI by 18 runs.

Brickery All Stars made 91 all out in 10 overs as Federick Wilkie top scored with 22.

In their turn East Bank XI were limited to 73 all out with Wilkie completing a good all round performance with 4-10 from two overs.

Travor Harrichand, owner of Sign Arts presents to the President

Fortune forced out of Cross-Fit title defence this Sunday

By Treiston Joseph

G

uyana’s women’s CrossFit Champion Alisha Fortune will be unable to defend her title after emergency knee surgery on Thursday evening.

In a telephone interview with Guyana Times Sport, Fortune related that doctors admitted her right away on Thursday after a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test was done on her left knee which showed severe ligament damage.

Fortune who won the inaugural E-Networks Cross-Fit games last year at the National Park Tarmac by amassing 496 points was the main reason behind the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) placing second to the United States of America (USA) in last year’s team competition.

However, Fortune related that it was with great sadness that she will have to pull out of the event set for this Sunday at the National Park Tarmac.

Alisha Fortune during the 200m sand-bag carry at last year’s Cross-Fit games

Fortune’s closest competition last year was Rebecca Moore of the USA who amassed 460 points for second; a clear gap between herself and Fortune who is also known for her athletics and bodybuilding prowess.

Whether another Guyanese female can step up to the plate to fill the very big shoes of Fortune is left to be seen.

However, the event will surely miss the competiveness of one of Guyana’s all-round athletes.

guyanatimesGY.com

saturDAY, march 12, 2016

23

Regal Masters raring Hodge, Powell 50s to in Florida Cup keeps Jaguars at bay T WICB/PCL 4-day cricket…

he Regal Masters have arrived in Florida and are ready for action when the 13th edition of the Florida Cup bowls off this weekend.

After an intense training session and a team meeting on Thursday at the Brian Picoloo Park the Guyanese Masters team are seeking to win their opening fixture against Tri-State Masters then take it one step at a time to the final on Sunday Team Manager Mohendra Arjune spoke of the team's chances and said they are well prepared to take the cup back to Guyana to make everyone back home proud.

Team skipper, Trouy Kippins said "we are confident and will not take any team lightly. We don't know what the other teams have planned but we know Regal

–Hurricanes close play on 237-3

The Regal Team as they were departing Guyana for Florida.

and we know our plans. We are here to win."

Florida Cup 13 has attracted 16 teams in two categories, All Stars for males any age and the masters category for males over 45 years of age.

This year's tournament is organized by the South Florida Cricket League to commemorate Guyana's

50th Independence Anniversary and runs from 11th to the 13th March at the Brian Picoloo Park with the finals set for the Central Broward Recreational Park on Sunday.

Regal Masters team: Trouy Kippins (C), Mahendra Hardyal, Eoin Abel, Longsford Klass, Peter Persaud,

Eric Thomas, Raymond Harper, Laurie Singh, Rudolph Baker, Rudolph Rodrigues, Mohamed Rafi, Mahesh Chunilall, Fazleem Mohamed, Shawn Massiah, Amarnauth Boodhoo, Mohendra Arjune (Manager) and John Ramsingh (Media Manager)

M

Kieran Powell

Montcin Hodge

ontcin Hodge and Kieran Powell struck solid halfcenturies to help the Leeward Islands Hurricanes reach 237-3 against the Guyana Jaguars on day one in their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)/Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-day match on Friday.

Playing at the Vivian Richard Cricket Ground, Antigua, Hodge made a dogged 74 not out while Powell hit a fluent 55 as the Hurricanes made a strong start to their first innings.

The Hurricanes won the toss and cruised to 65-0 from 10 overs, as Powell reached his fifty off just 48 balls.

The West Indies opening batsman, who is making his comeback after a year in hiatus, was eventually out for 55 off the bowling of medium pacer Christopher Barnwell to put the Hurricanes 76-1 in the 15th over.

The pair of West Indies under-19 player Kacey Carter and Hodge took the home side to lunch at 1041 with Carter on 29 and Hodge 17.

Soon after resumption of play, Carter was caught and bowled by left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul for

33.

It was not long after Hodge was dropped on 25 at second slip by Vishaul Singh off the bowling of Ransford Beaton; at that point the Hurricanes were 124-2.

Beaton seemed to be the unlucky bowler as Daron Cruickshank was then dropped at point by Devendra Bishoo on 17 with the score on 135-2 in the 43rd over.

Cruickshank was dropped yet again by Permaul on 37, as the Leewards moved onto 1632 and the pair brought up their 50-run partnership.

Permaul eventually got Cruickshank adjudged leg before wicket for 43 to leave the Leewards 180-3 at tea.

After tea, the righthanded Hodge brought up his 50 off 142 balls, striking five fours; Hodge along with Orlando Peters were batting smartly in taking the total to 237-3, when rain came an halted play as Hodge moved on to 74 and Peters on 29, however that interruption brought the end of the days play.

Permaul 2-44 and Barnwell 1-40 were the most successful bowlers, play continues today.

GDA announce national squad T

he Guyana Darts Association (GDA) named their national squad on Friday for the upcoming Caribbean Darts Festival, scheduled for July in Barbados.

The mens’ team is headed by National Champion Sudesh “Kerry” Fitzgerald and he is supported by Nicholas Seetaram, Luis Ramirez-Merlano, Jamwant Bhupan, Terence Joseph, Marvin Yaw, Sanjay Bhupam, Sherwin Greene and Adrian Damon.

The Ladies team will be led by National Champion Jaswantie “Rosetta

“Hiralall and she is supported by Mary Correia, Victorine Chandro, Melissa Smartt and Natisha Fordyce will complete her squad.

Sudesh Fitzgerald

saturDAY, march 12, 2016

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

Hodge, Powell 50s keeps Jaguars at bay –Hurricanes close play on 237-3

Pg 23 The Jaguars celebrate the fall of a wicket

Fortune forced out of Cross-Fit title defence this Sunday

GFA Stag Premier League…

West Tigers rout Camptown 4-0 –Northern Rangers edge Police

Pg 22 Alisha Fortune during the 200m sand-bag carry at last year’s Cross-Fit games

Pg 21

Western Tigers (yellow) in action

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