Binder1

P12

Region 2 anti-violence, sexual harassment campaign launched Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3053

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, November 28, 2016

APNU/AFC can reverse parking meter project via councillors’ vote – Jagdeo Page 2

East Ruimveldt Police unearth man critical 21,000kg of cannabis after bar in Berbice shootout – hunting suspects Page 8

Page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

No resitting of nurses’ final examination – health P7 official

17-year-old maternal death

Report P10 reveals situation was mismanaged – Norton

LM&TC P11 employees enthused over salary increase Canje River P17 almost impassable Captain Gerry Gouveia among the eight companies and organisations who were recognised and rewarded as the Guyana Tourism Authority hosted their annual Tourism Awards at the Marriott Hotel on Friday night (see story on page 5)

Tourism cannot thrive Today is in a discontent nation Budget – Business Minister Day Page 13

Page 3

Marine Mammal Stranding P10 Network established in Guyana

2 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC can reverse parking meter project via councillors’ vote – Jagdeo

G

overnment holds the power to legally terminate the parking meter project if it is genuinely against any move that imposes additional burdens on the working class.

The Administration has been sympathetic to the outcry of the public over the ongoing instalment of parking meters throughout the capital city, but maintains that it has no authority to instruct City Hall – an independent body – on how to conduct its work.

Taxpayers have decried the concept of the project

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan

since before the green light was given for its implementation on the basis that it would contribute to the already onerous expenses of a typical citizen.

They had also lamented the lack of consultations before the imposition of this new initiative and the fact that the entire undertaking was shrouded in secrecy and crafted in such a way to enrich just a handful.

Amid these concerns, the Administration had reviewed the project in search of illegalities and after finding none, granted its approv-

Kit Nascimento

al and made some recommendations to make the idea more favourable to the public.

But Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo contended that if the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition really cared about the welfare of the populace, it would ensure its councillors on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) make decisions reflective of the political party’s policies and campaign promises.

“APNU has the majority of councillors on the City Council. All they have to say, like we say to our councillor, we campaigned on the platform not to raise taxes in any of the NDCs and we are not in favour of raising any rates and taxes across this country, and when we campaigned for Local Government Elections, we made that clear,” the former President explained.

He posited that the project, in its current form and at this time, will only enslave the city and its residents, as well as drive businesses out of Georgetown.

“Things are too difficult for people to face increased taxes. They (Government) can easily kill this parking meter contract or have it adjusted,” Jagdeo emphasised.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentary Opposition’s motion on the project was on November 24 deferred by Speaker Dr Barton Scotland, in light of a pending court matter on the project.

Deputy Mayor, AFC’s Sherod Duncan, has staunchly objected to the project, noting among other concerns, that there was no public tendering to award the contract to the best bidder.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) also opposed the implementation, arguing that it will put a strain on the working people, many of whom do not earn enough to pay for that kind of service.

Although the parking meter project came under fire from all sides, the M&CC is moving ahead with its implementation, with the first

Director of Smart City Solutions Amir Oren

phase set to be completed in December.

Not only will citizens be forced to pay the charge, they will have to endure paying Value Added Tax (VAT) on it until the city can have it removed. The implementation process is divided into two phases – the first phase will occupy 3237 parking spaces in Georgetown, utilising 157 parking meters.

The second phase will be completed three months after the first phase, and would cover 4000 spaces and utilise 163 parking meters. The locations for the meters in the second phase were not divulged to the public.

Initially, the project was being spearheaded by Ifa Kamau Cush, who was named the Director of Smart City Solutions.

However, just a few weeks into the project, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Kit Nascimento, stated that Cush was only a shareholder of the company and was no longer operational.

Smart City Solutions’ director is Amir Oren.

The initial fees were also reduced and commuters will now be charged $50 plus VAT for 15 minutes; this will also be mandatory to public transportation, until preparations are made for alternative parking spaces.

The parking meters would be operational from 07:00 to 19:00h Mondays to Saturdays. However, parking is free any time before 07:00h and after 19:00h, and on Sundays and holidays.

NEWS

3

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, November 28 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, November 29 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, November 28 – 15:50h-17:20h and Tuesday, November 29 – 16:20h-17:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions, interrupted by heavy to light rain showers in the late morning to early afternoon hours, can be expected throughout the day. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-easterly to Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.63 metres.

Low Tide: 09:22h and 21:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.70 metre and 0.57 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

11 12 14 18 19 26 02 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

06 13 14 21 24 LUCKY 3 4

7

3

5

Afternoon Draw

Draw De Line 02 09 10 11 13

4

1

Evening Draw

14 18

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

Today is Budget Day I

n a move touted by Government as grand history in the making, and regarded by the Opposition as an opportunity to evade scrutiny, the country’s National Budget 2017 will be presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan today.

Stakeholders have already weighed in their expectations and are adamant to hold the Government to task to ensure measures are put in place to address pertinent issues affecting the various sectors of the economy.

Today the Finance Minister will stand and detail, without disruptions, the policies and programmes the Government has budgeted for the upcoming fiscal year 2017.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, though his party did not participate in the budget consultations hosted by government, outlined a number of initiatives he expects to be provided in the Budget.

In essence, he explained that these expectations are based on the promises and pronouncements made by President David Granger in his most recent address to the National Assembly.

“We hope that the Budget will address or put in place

measures to address the problems of our society that will enhance social welfare, increase public safety and improve livelihoods – that is, the creation of jobs and income for people. We will support any measure that does this, that will meet

agriculture like spices, coconuts, and aromatic rice.

According to the Opposition Leader, these are initiatives the public should expect based on the Head of State’s speech.

That aside, Jagdeo said he has some expectations of

Parliament Building of Guyana

anyone or achieve any one of those objectives,” he stated.

Jagdeo wants to see comprehensive programmes to promote a green economy, for instance, how will Iwokrama be transformed into an international institute for biodiversity; the process of reclaiming mined out lands, the establishing of protected areas in each administrative region; planning units in all the ministries; internet connectivity to Government buildings; development of towns, expansion of agriculture; and venture into non-traditional

his own, including the restoration of certain PPP programmes the Government quashed, like the water and electricity subsidies for pensioners and the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for every student.

He also wants Government to reinstate the one-month tax-free bonus that was traditionally given to the Disciplined Services and for this to be further extended to all public service employees, including those working in the sugar belt.

Jagdeo also expects significant assistance to be of-

fered to miners, loggers, and sugar workers.

Particularly, he hopes Budget 2017 will outline a detailed plan for the future of the Wales Estate: “We’re in favour of help for the sugar industry. We want a clearly defined plan with how the Government intends to move forward with the sugar industry. The Government is yet to clearly lay out how it plans to move with the industry. Do they plan to close factories, privatise factories, and scale down production?

What diversity? Who did the studies? Are they economical viable social sector? We’re hoping that the Budget brings clarity.”

The Private Sector Commission also made some demands of its own, including for a permanent reduction of the Corporate Income Tax rate, over 10 years to 20 per cent; Reduction of Personal Income Tax, over 10 years to 20 per cent; increase income tax threshold to $100,000 per month; make all overtime earnings tax free; relief on outstanding loans for the rice industry; among others.

Both Opposition and PSC have called for concrete measures that will stimulate the economy and pave the way for Guyanese to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

East Ruimveldt man critical after bar shootout

A

man from East R u i m v e l d t , Georgetown is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was allegedly shot in front of Wings and Things, on Mandela Avenue.

The man has been identified as 48-year-old Martin Bovell, also known as John Corbie, a fisherman of 374 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understand that the incident occurred around 02:00h on Sunday.

A press release sent out by the Police revealed that the victim was outside the bar when an argument ensued between him and the perpetrator.

The scene of the shooting

It is reported that the victim allegedly left beer bottles on the licensed firearm holder’s car trunk.

The release noted that after the argument, the

victim followed the suspect into the bar and shot at him, which caused the man to draw his licensed handgun and discharge three rounds at the victim, hit-

ting him in the region of his chest and abdomen.

According to the Police, four spent shells were recovered from the crime scene.

Bovell was then picked up and rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery but up to press time, he was said to be in a critical state.

The suspect was reportedly taken into Police custody along with the firearm used.

However, when this publication visited Bovell’s East Ruimveldt home, a family member, who wished to remain anonymous, related a different version of what had transpired.

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Budget must stimulate economy

B

udget 2017 will be presented today and, by the consensus of most stakeholders, its main challenge will be to jump start our moribund economy. What is immediately needed is a directed intervention to stimulate the economy via all the monetary and fiscal tools at the disposal of modern governments and deployed routinely by the US and other “free enterprise economies”.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) proposed some of these when it called for a permanent reduction of the corporate and personal income tax rate, over 10 years, to 20 per cent and an increase in the income tax threshold to $100,000 per month. These measures would immediately make income available to businesses and individuals, which experience in other jurisdictions has shown will generally be ploughed back into investment and purchases to give a fillip to other businesses.

The PSC also called for Government intervention to give relief to the massive loans that are outstanding in the rice industry occasioned by the depressed prices for rice and paddy subsequent to the Government's refusal to engage the Government of Venezuela for an extension of the lucrative rice-for-oil deal under the PetroCaribe Initiative.

The taxes on inputs in the rice industry – including diesel fuel – in our estimation, should also be lowered or the industry will certainly shrink massively in the next crop.

The other interventionary measure is to catalyse a stratum of entrepreneurs and businessmen who will be willing to take the necessary risks to establish service or production companies that can compete and export in the global economy. Towards this end, the PSC also called for the Government to reduce income taxes for companies that create new employment in all value-added sectors.

More pointedly, it has reminded the Government that infrastructural projects are critical in stimulating the modern economy and, in fact, Donald Trump in the US promised that this measure will be central to his economic revival of his country's economy. In Guyana, the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project comes to mind as one that the Government has sidelined even though it is central to Guyana's ultimate development hopes in the short term.

In all of the industrialisation of firstly England, then the USA, followed by Japan, the Far Eastern Tigers, China and now India, all of their Governments facilitated the growth of businesses because this ultimately benefited the entire populace and economy. But in Guyana, there is a very unhealthy development unfolding in reference to the oft-announced national goal of higher growth rates. The Government has continued with its old Opposition tactic to insidiously undermine the premise underlying every successful business entity and indeed every successful economy – the imperative to generate profits.

Even though the Government has committed since 1989 to the proposition that businesses shall be “the engine of growth”, the new Administration is proceeding as if the “engine” does not need rails to pull the economy forward.

“Successful businesses” mean that those businesses will have to generate profits and this means that the owners, whether individuals or shareholders, will become wealthier.

Businesses should not have to apologise for this.

Secondly, we have pointed out the nexus between governments and successful world-class companies in the modern high-flying, export-oriented economies. Even in the US, the role of Wall Street is acknowledged. This is inevitable: how can the engine and driver not be in communication and be responsive to their mutual needs? The rice industry cannot be thrown under the bus under some misguided notion that “Governments cannot intervene in marketing”.

Rice is exported and export means foreign currency to develop the country.

It is axiomatic that business must be regulated to further the overall societal good. But businesses cannot then be castigated for legally making profits within those regulations.

The business community has been surprisingly apathetic and unresponsive to the refusal of the Government to both stimulate the economy and to foster entrepreneurship for export-led growth.

The entire congregation at this D'Urban Street Christian church joined to celebrate the Harvest on Sunday

The politics of rice and sugar Dear Editor The political DNA of Guyana began from the days of slavery and indentured labour. Guyanese have always seen their struggles as either descendants of slaves or indentured labourers. Instead of moving forward in a spirit of forgiveness, there is entrenchment of the desire of entitlement or reparation.

These two states of mind have led to how the masses are governed. As such, the ruling party governs by “rice or sugar” or to some extent “mining” manifestos.

The lengths at which

the political parties would go to support their chosen manifesto oftentimes take on the appearance of racism and nepotism. Yet, the intended actions are always to support the agrarian DNA of the people, which has become diluted over the centuries.

Nevertheless, it is kept alive time and time again during elections and need for distractions. Recently, audits have revealed the extent to which government would go to shift monies to the rice and sugar sectors (people).

Before it was the mining sector and soon to be

the oil sector.

The ancestral struggles are constant reminders so that the mindset of entitlement or reparation remains front and centre.

Both rice and sugar are on a declining trend as reflected by estate closings and land allocation. Yet, the stories of the two industries are always in the news. Some dream about the day when tourism, business or oil would supplant them. However, what is supplanting them is the illegal drug trafficking and rampant crimes that have become part of the DNA or is eroding the agrarian

DNA. Politicians will continue the politics of “rice and sugar” for the foreseeable future because it is in the DNA and not statistics or central or market planning.

There is something similar for oil, just look at those oil-producing countries. As well as tourism, just look at the island mentality.

Or America’s “guns and butter” model. I prefer the model if you don’t work you don’t eat.

Sincerely, Keith Bernard

Spare a thought for our poor pensioners Dear Editor, Reports in the media about the various sufferings of Guyana’s pensioners continue to jolt one’s conscience; the latest involves the cruel hassles imposed on them by an apparently mindless bureaucracy which insists that they endure a nightmare of days annually just to collect their pension books.

For Guyanese who might not be aware, it is noted that for each year that these poor pensioners survive the harsh realities of living on the pittance called ‘pension’, they must first collect a pension book containing 12 pages; they then encash each page at the end of each month at the near-

est Post Office; even this monthly ‘encashment’ often poses physical and financial hardships for the pensioners who have to travel to the Post Offices and often have to wait for long hours, sometimes in the sun and rain, reminiscent of their toiling through decades of hard work and hardships (unlike some Guyanese who ride on their backs as politicians for a few years and then collect fat sums as pensions, irrespective of their ages and financial status!).

The letter by Balram Persaud in SN of 26/11/16 is a vivid description of what the pensioners at the Suddie Amerindian Hostel had to endure, as an ex-

ample of the shameful and mindless processes being imposed on them just to collect their yearly pension books.

As detailed in the newspaper report, the pensioners, many feeble or sick, had to wait from dawn until the staff distributing the books arrive after 10.00h and instead of showing some humaneness, they virtually ‘pushed the pensioners around’ for hours more before they could collect their books. What was worse is that many could not get their books before it was time for the book-distributors to ‘close shop for the day’ so that those who did not make it to the top of the line for that day had to

return the next day.

Surely, there must be a smarter, easier, less cumbersome way! How about just making the pension book available to the pensioner when she/he collects the pension for the 11th or 12th month of the current year for use in the next year?

If the checks and balances and related safeguards required for the actual payment/collection of the cash are satisfied, then the same can apply to the collection of the pension book. Why complicate an obviously simple exercise at the harsh, inhumane cost of the poor pensioners?

Yours sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

NEWS

5

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gerry Gouveia is Tourism Entrepreneur of 2016

R

oraima Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Gerry Gouveia was selected as the Tourism Entrepreneur of 2016 by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Friday evening, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, during the annual Tourism Awards ceremony.

Captain Gouveia has been a champion for tourism in Guyana over the past 24 years. His most recent accomplishment is bringing Easy Sky, a Honduras airline, to Guyana to provide shopping tourism

Captain Gerry Gouveia receives the award for Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year from Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

flights five times weekly, which had commenced on October 5, 2016.

He was also able to establish similar agreements with Dynamic International Airways, a US-based carrier, to operate five flights weekly between Guyana and New York in June 2014, and InselAir, a Curaçaobased carrier that connects Guyana with 27 destinations in the Pan-American region in December 2014.

Accepting the award, Captain Gouveia said, “It is an honour to receive the award and my team that I work with makes every-

thing possible. Guyana is a beautiful country. I take great pride in creating jobs in Guyana, to give back to Guyana, helping to make Guyana great, to save lives and promoting Guyana on the international scene. We have 269 Guyanese who work with us every day to make sure that everything goes smoothly at our respective businesses, and the little things that we do every day will ensure that we make Guyana great.”

His company, Roraima Airways, owns and operates a fleet of Britten-Norman aircraft, Trislanders and Islanders. These aircraft

conduct flights to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls, Iwokrama, as well as the other interior lodges.

Additionally the company has two boutique hotels in Georgetown, (the Roraima Duke Lodge and the Roraima Residence Inn); an IATA accredited travel agency, full-service aviation ground support service at CJIA and Arrowpoint Nature Resort.

The company has adopted the Santa Mission Primary School, and has built a library in the community as one of its many ways of giving back to the Amerindian Village.

Estate closures, another President Fidel Castro made positive contribution mistake for the country to social justice in the world Dear Editor, The focus of my letter today is on Fidel Castro, a man whom every black South African (and every human being who opposed the racist Apartheid tyranny in South Africa) have to thank for ending the white racist rule of Apartheid.

No - Apartheid did NOT end because you and your friends prayed nightly, or marched in the streets of your own countries worldwide with placards aloft chanting outside of South Africa, nor did it end because of all your letter writing campaigns calling on your governments to impose economic boycotts on the Apartheid Regime ...let us NOT deceive ourselves, whatever pacifist resistance you did to show your moral outrage at the Apartheid system was spiritually commendable....but physically INSIGNIFICANT....the USA and UK (and Israel and others) were happy to keep ignoring citizens like you - and keep supporting the Apartheid government and continue doing business with them (the USA and UK governments considered Nelson Mandela to be ‘’just another black terrorist’’ in South Africa - and don’t you forget it!)...ONLY Fidel Castro and Muamar

Khadaffi (as Heads of State) supported Mandela AND the ANC all through the bitter years of revolutionary struggle....and it was Fidel Castro HIMSELF who decided (without any Russian support or even knowledge or even approval) to declare war on South Africa and send tens of thousands of Cuba’s best battle-trained troops - two of my Cuban cousins among them - across the Atlantic (via a re-fuelling stop in Barbados that was permitted by our then Prime Minister Barrow) to fight the racist South Africa Army that had invaded the neighbouring countries of Angola (and others) - using weapons supplied by the USA and UK to ‘’çrush black resistance and infiltration on their borders’.... and it was brown and black Cuban troops who inflicted the worst military defeat on the white South African Army in Angola that caused the collapse of the Apartheid regime!

So whether you or your family gained or lost under Castro’s rule of Cuba, or whether you ideologically support or oppose him…be honest enough to give credit where credit is due - and praise this man for having the courage and dedication

to actually DO what noone else did - and history shall forever consider him to be one of the great leaders of humanity for what he did to free black people in Southern Africa from racist oppression.

Fidel Castro also supported many Amerindian Liberation groups in Latin America - sending them weapons and trainers, so they could defend themselves in their own lands, and though he is dead now, a few old rebels remain in his government who are sympathetic to indigenous liberation movements, and for this reason also I consider Castro to have been a true friend to native peoples of the Americas - so he will always be a hero in my opinion for the good things he has done.

Damon Gerard Corrie

Dear Editor, The Government, according to the press, is determining other Estate closures, the closure of the entire sugar industry and/or the divestment of the sugar industry, partially or wholly. It is noted that such consideration is being pursued under the watch of the current GuySuCo CEO and, from what he is influencing these days sounds in keeping with his long-held view. It is understood that the CEO in the latter part of his employ in GuySuCo as Finance Director had advocated that certain sections of the industry be closed.

And, as the head of BookerTate operations in the Latin America and Caribbean region, he may have – at the least – been aware of the systematic decline of the Uitvulgt Estate, a few years ago, which would provide the pretext to have it sold off at a low price.

It seems that the CEO is now seeking to reach the selling out objective as the

industry insiders say he has high-level links and enjoys enormous authority in the industry. It is said that the CEO strongly subscribes to the view that the industry should not be owned by the State. If this is so, then the current ‘sale’ proposals may be in keeping with his ideology stance. Closure and divestment are not wise choices. I urge our Government to acquaint itself with the partial divestments experience of Jamaica, which has had untold sad consequences for the people connected to sugar there.

As a patriotic Guyanese,

I have a strong feeling about the country’s assets going to enrich others, especially foreigners, given our colonial experience.

It will do no good not to forget that the current CEO is not new to the industry’s administration. He spent several years there. Indeed, he cannot be blameless or be separated from the travails of sugar. Selling, as is being contemplated, will be yet another mistake for the industry and, no doubt, the country.

Yours sincerely, Cohoojoh Caesar

6

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Parenting matters, especially for “difficult” kids

– some temperamental types are more sensitive to positive and negative parenting

Taking Care of you: Support for caregivers (CONTINUED FROM SATURDAY)

Stay organised

By David Rettew, MD

W

e’ve been all over the map when it comes to the view of how much parenting style matters in the development of child behavioural problems and disorders. From older days when cold mothering was thought to be the cause of autism to newer genetic hypotheses of behaviour that make parenting sound almost irrelevant, we seem mostly to be moving towards a more balanced view that appreciates the crucial role of parenting in the context of many other mutually interacting factors.

Adding to this perspective, a new study attempts to combine the data of 84 other research studies that have examined the degree to which a child’s temperament modifies (or doesn’t modify) the association between parenting style and levels of child behavioural problems, cognitive skills, and social ability.

Parenting style was quite broadly divided into positive and negative, with negative parenting typified by more hostility and controlling behaviour and positive parenting relating to more warmth and supervision.

The main finding was that children whose temperament is more “difficult” (they were easily upset, less able to self-regulate) both benefit more from positive parenting and suffer more

One reason why this study is so important is because it flies in the face of the conventional wisdom that children with more difficult temperaments have something “biological” going on that is not going to respond to “psychological” interventions like parenting and instead need things like medications. It argues instead that we should be redoubling our efforts to support and guide parents of these challenging children because the task is not only more difficult but also, it seems, because these children are more responsive to parent behaviour “for better or for worse”.

from negative parenting.

These effects were found for all of the domains examined, including behavioural problems, prosocial behaviour, and cognitive/academic ability.

Interestingly, this study complements some new ge-

netic findings that seem to indicate that certain genes that have been labelled as “risk” genes for things like depression and anxiety may be better conceptualised as genes that relate to a child’s sensitivity to his or her environment.

One reason why this study is so important is because it flies in the face of the conventional wisdom that children with more difficult temperaments have something “biological” going on that is not going to respond to “psychological” interventions like parenting and instead need things like medications. It argues instead that we should be redoubling our efforts to support and guide parents of these challenging children because the task is not only more difficult but also, it seems, because these children are more responsive to parent behaviour “for better or for worse”. It’s also important to state what this new study does NOT say, namely that child behavioural problems are the result of bad parenting. The study also is not an invitation for parents of easier children to let them go on autopilot.

My home child psychiatry clinic has tried to embrace these ideas for years as part of a model called The Vermont Family Based Approach. Here, we try to focus on parenting not from the assumption that child behaviour problems result from bad parenting but rather that mothers and fathers of temperamentally more challenging children require super-parenting skills that for most us, myself included, do not come naturally.

Keep all the information you’ve accumulated about your child’s illness in one place, including medication schedules, important phone numbers, and insurance information. When you think of questions for your doctor, write them down immediately so you won’t forget. And since dealing with insurance companies can often seem like a full-time job in itself, enlist the help of your spouse or another trusted family member or friend to help keep it all straight.

Use a notebook to keep all of the information in one place.

Ask for help. Your friends and family likely want to help you, but might not be sure about what you need. If someone says, “If there’s anything I can do…” — and there is — say so. You’d be surprised at how running an errand, doing some laundry, or just sitting and listening to you talk about the day can not only benefit you, but also can make a loved one feel useful.

Find a support group. Ask your child’s doctor, nurse, or social worker for information on local support groups related to your child’s condition or caregiving in general. If you feel more comfortable sharing anonymously online, then look there. The important thing is to get beyond the feeling of isolation by reaching out to others who’ve been in your shoes.

Acknowledge your feelings. Your child is sick — of course you have feelings of anger and frustration, and days when you wish you didn’t have to deal with it all. Does this make you a bad parent? No, it makes you human. Accept these negative feelings and the often painful fact that no matter how much time or energy you invest in your child’s care, you can never be completely in control of your child’s health and happiness.

Be aware of the signs of “caregiver burnout”.

Caregiver burnout is a true state of exhaustion, both physical and emotional. It tends to happen when caregivers try to “do it all” without getting the help or rest they need.

Because caregivers tend to be on autopilot, they’re not usually quick to recognise burnout in themselves.

Other people might notice the symptoms first, which can include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, withdrawal from social activities, increased anxiety, or emotions that are either heightened (such as excessive crying or irritability) or decreased (feeling empty or unconcerned). Take it seriously if someone you trust notices any of these things in you.

If you feel like you may be experiencing caregiver burnout, depression, or anxiety, explain your feelings and symptoms to your doctor, who may recommend that you see a counsellor or therapist (especially one who specialises in caregiver needs).

Your doctor also may encourage you to take a temporary break from your duties by looking into respite care (the kind needed would depend on how ill your child is). Medications for anxiety or depression could be an option, too.

Finally, remember that you are not superhuman.

You’re a parent doing your best. So give your child your time, your encouragement, your attention, and your unconditional love. Just be sure to save a little bit for yourself. (Kids Health)

NEWS

7

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt continues to pour $14M No resitting of nurses’ monthly into "bottomless pit" final examination …since Sussex Street bond still to be used by Public Health Ministry – Nandlall

Former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall

H

aving cut the Budget for the judiciary for 2017 by over $100 million, the Government continues to pour $14 million a month into a “bottomless pit” in payments being made to Linden Holdings Inc for the storage of drugs and medical supplies but to date the facility is yet to be utilised.

This is according to former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who in a recent interview with Guyana Times, lamented the state of affairs, saying that Government could have very well been better utilising its scarce resources by investing in more programmes integral to the welfare of Guyanese.

Nandlall reminded that Government continues to complain that it is cashstrapped, yet it has already plugged in excess of $90 million into Linden Holdings Inc—owned by Larry Singh, an Alliance For Change (AFC) financier.

The Opposition Parliamentarian during his interview with Guyana Times

also recalled that President David Granger had set up a Cabinet Sub-committee which had recommended that either Government find another facility, or renegotiate the rental downward.

This is yet to happen since Government continues to pay Singh’s Linden Holdings Inc for services not rendered since the Ministry is still to use the facility.

In fact the bridge to the building has been damaged and is currently under repair.

Nandlall is calling on Government to remedy the situation and reminded that Government still has under its control a state-ofthe-art facility at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, in addition to capacity at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and other regional facilities.

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton a week ago found himself in hot water when Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, found that a prima facie case had been made against the Minister with regards to allegations that he misled the House in his pronouncements on Linden Holdings Inc and the monies being paid by Government.

The Public Health Minister has since been referred to the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges to determine if in fact he did abuse his privileges as a Member of Parliament and whether he should be sanctioned.

The matter was present-

ed to the House in a Motion submitted by Opposition Parliamentarian Dr Frank Anthony and seconded by Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

The fiasco stems from an August 8 consideration of Financial Papers when it was discovered that Government had in fact entered a contract to pay a VAT-excluded $12.5 million monthly rental to Linden Holdings Inc for the storage

House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland

of drugs and medical supplies. This obtained despite the fact that New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (NEW GPC) was providing free storage at a world class facility free of cost.

The brouhaha that erupted led President Granger to set up a Cabinet Subcommittee to investigate the matter and make recommendations. That committee had concluded that the contract should be terminated or renegotiated since a similar facility could have been found at a cheaper rate.

Guyana Times had managed to garner more in-depth

East Ruimveldt man critical after...

According to the woman, the victim and his girlfriend went to the bar where he purchased chicken for her.

She related that in the process of opening a packet of ketchup, some spilled onto the suspect’s car which angered the man.

A heated argument then reportedly ensued after which the suspect pulled

out his firearm and shot at the victim five times.

She said that three bullets struck the victim, one to his arm and two to his abdomen. Family members are also claiming that the perpetrator is an ex-Police Officer. However, up to press time when Guyana Times attempted to verify such with the Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, calls to

FROM PAGE 3

his telephone went unanswered.

Bovell reportedly fell to the ground and was picked up and rushed to the hospital.

When this newspaper visited the scene of the shooting, persons were tight-lipped and refused to divulge any details.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

information – from a reliable source – of the Confidential Cabinet Report that was handed to President Granger in August 2016, for Executive Action.

In the report, the Cabinet Sub-committee found that— contrary to earlier pronouncements by Government spokespersons—the value of the lease with Linden Holdings Inc should be reassessed, as it is likely that a similar facility could be obtained at a lower rate.

Dr Norton at the time told Parliament that the building was in fact already being used by the Public Health Ministry to store drugs and medical supplies.

This publication was told that under examination by the Cabinet Sub-committee, Minister Norton said his statement was based on the reliance of information provided to him by the ministry officials “to the effect that the bond was ready and in use.”

In mid-October, more than two months after he was found to have misled the National Assembly, Dr Norton apologised to the House.

Norton used the occasion of ‘Statements by a Minister’ to offer the apology to the President, Prime Minister, Speaker and other members of the National Assembly when the House came out of its annual recess.

The apology was however informally rejected by sections of the political Opposition.

- health official

P

ublic Health Minister Dr George Norton has recommended, based on the report submitted to his office by the Nursing Council, that there should be no resitting of the nurses’ final examination, a health official disclosed.

The report revealed no evidence that the examination should be rewritten, the official explained.

Nurses who sat the Clinical and Functional examination in October were informed by the Principal Tutor of the Georgetown School of Nursing that nursing students may have to resit the examinations since it had been discovered that test papers may have been leaked before the examination was written.

Nurses from the New Amsterdam School of Nursing were the first to react to the decision and protested that they will not resit the exam. Investigations are ongoing to identify the person(s) who may have been responsible for the leak of examination papers before the sitting and assessment of 250 nursing students on October 19 and 20, 2016.

On Thursday Minister Norton stated that a particular officer, who was assigned to the case by the Minister through the Commissioner of Police, did not provide updates on the matter.

The investigations will be directed to the General Nursing Council since examinations are prepared under their purview and per-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

sons responsible for the test papers’ compromise may be within that system. When guilty parties have been identified, they will be subjected to face the law.

When the National Health Policy Committee of the Public Health Ministry met with the Chairman of the Nursing Council, the Director of the Division of Health Science Education and the Principal Tutor of the Georgetown Nursing School on November 14, nothing substantial came out of their meeting.

Subsequently, the council was scheduled to meet on Friday last to arrive at a decision on the issue.

According to the official, the minister has informed the council to go ahead and mark the papers.

“The report in itself is damning and revealing… I must say the students have a strong point and so far they haven’t found anything to show that the papers were compromised,” the official said.

8

NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Diamond man granted bail – denies image captured on CCTV footage

M

arvin Williams, of Lot 72 Diamond Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was on Friday granted bail in the sum of $150,000 when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of breaking and entering.

Williams was placed on remand at his first court appearance when he denied

the charge.

It was alleged that on November 9 at Thomas Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered a motor car, stealing clothing and groceries, among other items, amounting to a total value of $596,000, property of Babita Ragnauth.

According to the prosecution’s case, Williams was seen on a nearby Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) breaking into the car and

removing the items mentioned in the charge.

In addition, the prosecution told the court that Williams was shown the CCTV footage.

However, the unrepresented defendant denied seeing himself on the footage removing the items, but instead said he saw himself going into his car. He added that he did not recognise himself doing anything wrong.

Williams further pleaded for bail on the grounds that he did not see himself clearly on the footage and that he would lose business since he was a shopkeeper.

He added that his business has been closed since his arrest and he has no one to take up his duties if he was imprisoned.

Williams was ordered to return to court on December 4, 2016 for statements.

Man of unsound mind terrorising Supenaam residents ― villagers call for urgent Police intervention

R

esidents living at Good Hope and Supenaam villages in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are calling for urgent Police intervention in dealing with a man, suspected to be of unsound mind, who is roaming the area on

a daily basis.

According to concerned residents, the male who goes by the name of Mark Diamel aka ‘Tout’, is regularly seen with a cutlass and other dangerous weapons in the area.

Only recently the vagrant approached an elder

from the village and dealt the man several chops about his body; the man was hospitalised.

Those living in the area explained that they have made repeated reports to the Aurora Police Station but to date nothing has been done

to address the situation.

They are fearful for their and their children’s lives.

Many are calling for ‘Tout’ to be removed from the area and taken to an environment where he will be given necessary medical treatment.

50-year-old faces 2nd charge for human trafficking

A

businesswoman of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who was charged in 2013 for human trafficking, on Friday made another appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a similar charge.

Patricia Williams, 50, pleaded not guilty to the charge of human trafficking

before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan It was alleged that between June1 and July 30, she trafficked, transported and harboured a 15-year-old girl for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

The public including the media was asked to leave

the courtroom given the age of the alleged victim, as the matter was held in camera.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Williams and adjourned the matter to January 17, 2017, where it will be heard at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court.

In 2013, Williams was charged with recruiting a

young woman for the purpose of trafficking. It was believed that on June 14, 2013, at Sussex Street, Charlestown, she used the promise of a bartending job to lure the young woman into prostitution at 14 Miles, Issano, Region Seven.

That matter was dismissed after the main witness could not be found.

Police unearth 21,000kg of cannabis in Berbice – hunting suspects

P

olice on Friday last conducted a drug eradication exercise which unearthed four cannabis cultivation fields in Berbice.

According to information reaching Guyana Times the 12-hour long exercise at Gateroy, Upper Berbice River, unearthed four fields measuring eight acres.

An estimated 10,000 plants measuring between

2 to 6 feet in height which amounted to approximately 21,000 kilograms, were being cultivated.

However, after the discovery, the Police acted swiftly to destroy each field by fire. This was photographed and placed into evidence.

An arrest is yet to be made but Police are working hard to find the owner/s.

Investigations are continuing.

Cutting (PPP's) nose…

O

…to spite Guyana's face

pposition Leader Bharat Jagdeo was once again forced to raise the issue of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP) - for probably the zillionth time. But really… why does this have to be so?

Your Eyewitness can't see any other reason than this PNCled government doesn't want to engage in any initiative that might redound to the credit of the PPP in general, and of Jagdeo in particular.

Now… dear reader… while you may think this answer is rather simple, it is not simplistic. It's based on the eminently sensible advice offered by Sherlock Holmes: Once you've eliminated all other possibilities, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. Now what are those "other possibilities? APNU and AFC have never claimed Guyana doesn't need hydropower. In fact, Prezzie's of recent jumped aboard the "Go Green!" Bandwagon with such fervour, you'd be forgiven for assuming he's vying for the "Champion of the Earth award".

Hydropower is as green as you can get. Water falls off a cliff through gravity then through a turbine where it spins wire coils around an electromagnet to produce electricity that's transmitted over "electric wires" to end users!

Remember those old fashioned "dynamos" on bicycles that produced "light"?? Same thing, except the falling water does the work of your long suffering feet!! Not even an atom of that nasty Carbon Dioxide produced!

Now before they joined at the hip to get into power, APNU and AFC claimed the PPP government wasn't giving them a peek at the contracts with Sithe, the developer, and China Development Bank, the financier. Norway, of course, had already lodged Guyana's contribution of US$80 million. But as soon as Donald Ramotar became President in 2011, he shared all the paperwork with the opposition.

Who declared they were "overcome" at the openness of the new government.

But yet they didn't budge. APNU initially said it was waiting for a "due diligence" report from the IDB, which had US$100 million skin in the project. But then APNU suddenly announced they'd "relook" at the contract if they got into power. Now, Sithe's no fly-by-night operator like, say, Surendra Engineering. They're part of the Blackstone Group - one of the largest investment entities in the world.

As a US corp it's subject to very stringent financial scrutiny by their regulatory regimes. Not surprisingly, Sithe refused to be hobbled in this manner and walked. And the IDB, considering the project dead, ceased its due diligence study.

So since we still need the hydropower and APNU/PNC's in power, what's the hold up now?

Like we said, just blind hatred of Jagdeo!

…on rice

Under the PPP regime, the rice industry broke all sorts of records in production and exporting. We became a significant player after exporting 600,000 tonnes and were poised to hit the million tonne mark. But then the government changed, the PNC-led coalition took Office and the industry collapsed.

What happened? Well, the same thing that happened to AFHEP. An unwillingness to have anything redound to the credit of the PPP and Jagdeo. As a matter of fact, Jagdeo had personally intervened with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela to broker a rice-for-oil deal under the latter' PetroCaribe Initiative. Guyana was getting one and a half times the prices from other markets - and the farmers responded.

Now as soon as they got into Office, rather than engaging the Venezuelans who'd indicated they were looking at Suriname for a better rice deal, the PNC-led coalition Government launched a feral blast at Maduro on the border front.

To cut Jagdeo's deal, they ignored that even during actual war, countries negotiated on other vital issues. …at Skeldon Sugar Factory How low can the PNC-led coalition Government sink in cutting Guyana's face? Well, some pretty conclusive evidence's surfaced that they've let the Skeldon Factory fall into disrepair.

Just so to embarrass Jagdeo!

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jagdeo highlights City Hall’s ineptitude to upkeep Georgetown E ven though they were warned, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) paid no heed to the fact that revenue collected through arrears would inevitably be depleted and there will no longer be funds to maintain the cleanup exercise around the capital.

What started off as a dynamic campaign to reclaim the name “The Garden City”, has ground down to zilch as City Hall runs out of money and is now desperately seeking a $600 million bailout from Central Government to offset its debts.

Owing to the M&CC’s ineptitude, Georgetown is decorated with garbage once again and the City is indebted by millions of dol-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

lars.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, during a news conference last week, recalled that he had advised

that there needs to be a detailed programme in place to ensure there is a revolving fund to continue the beautifying works around the City since the arrears collected will naturally be exhausted.

“The financing of this (cleanup) was done from arrears collection, from money owed to the city which they got through some announced amnesty… I argued: if you are going to use your arrears to clean up the city, what will happen when you can’t collect arrears anymore? Can you sustain it from current revenue?” he reminded, as he lamented the current state of affairs of City Hall.

“Now the city is in a mess again and it will even get worse because they can’t

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

collect the garbage, they have no money to collect the garbage now,” he noted.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For

Mabaruma municipality defying expectations ―Bulkan lauds unifying effort

Mayor and Town Councillors of the Mabaruma municipality being addressed by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

M

inister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, praised the Mabaruma municipality for the unity they have displayed after a period of long-standing division, over the Town Council’s leadership.

After months of stalemate when the election for the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor was called, the Mabaruma municipality in Region One, is defying expectations, Minister Bulkan said.

The Communities Minister on Saturday visited the Region and showered praises on the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors for their collective action in functioning as a team, and not as two separate political parties, a Government Information Agency (GINA) report stated Minister Bulkan particularly singled out People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Vibert Emmanuel and A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Councillor, Leslie Robinson, for the roles they have played in sharing meetings of the Town Council in those sit-

uations, where the mayordesignate could not have done so, because of the litigations that were initiated following the deadlock over the Council’s leadership.

“On behalf of the Ministry, and on behalf of the residents of the township, I would like to thank the two councillors in particular for that spirit of bipartisan and cooperation,

because it is that spirit and that attitude that would take us far,” the minister said.

Bulkan said that in many respects, the Mayor and Town Council of Mabaruma is a shining example for the other local democratic organs: “You are leading the way, and you are showing citizens and communities across the country that we can

rid ourselves of the blinders that many of us put on, and that we can look at the bigger picture and the larger good, which is the interest of the people who have placed us there.”

The Communities Minister said that he was happy to acknowledge the actions of the municipality, because there was nothing preventing the council’s members from going into the Council and adopting a different attitude, “one of resistance and one of attaching yourself to certain positions from which you have found ample justification.”

TURN TO PAGE 11

Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, having campaigned vigorously on the platform of cleaning up the city, prided itself in fulfilling this Manifesto promise.

According to Jagdeo, this was perhaps the only thing the coalition did right, but now the party has proven to be ineffectual in sustaining the fulfilment of this particular promise.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader expressed that he supported the cleanup initiative but had concerns with the execution of the campaign. He outlined that the cleanup exercise should have been done transparently, and the public made aware of the source of the money.

“We learned that the city was financing the cleanup but there were no tenders.

Based on information we are getting from sources, that about $800 million was spent and that this mon-

ey was given to contractors who were sympathetic to APNU. There was no public tender…” he pointed out.

Additionally, he said the amnesty initiative which raked in the arrears was not at all transparent.

Notably, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan indicated that Government will not be granting City Hall a bailout.

“This $600 million bailout that we all have read about in the newspapers, where that particular council is looking for that support, what I can say… and from my own understanding and the limited current engagement that I have had with colleagues in the Administration, is that I do not think that there is any appetite on the part of the Central Government to be favourably disposed towards that request,” Bulkan recently asserted at a forum in Berbice.

10

NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dataram, reputed wife to Minister Allicock face ammo trial in 2017 makes donation to

C

onvicted drug lord Barry Dataram, currently serving a sevenyear jail sentence for cocaine possession, among other offences, and his reputed wife Anjanie Boodnarine, are set to face trial for illegal ammunition possession on January 13, 2017.

Dataram and Boodnarine were charged earlier this year for having 180 rounds of .223 ammunition in their possession on April 16, at Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block ‘X’ Diamond, East Bank Demerara, without being the holders of a firearm licence.

Dataram, 38, formerly of Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, and Boodnarine, 21, of 79 Patentia Housing Scheme, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the matter was stood down to facilitate a trial in the drug trafficking case, for which Dataram, his reputed wife, and two friends were jointly charged.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor Konyo Sandiford made it

Barry Dataram

Anjanie Boodnarine

known to the court that she is ready to proceed with the trial in the ammunition matter.

She stated that the trial will feature five witnesses.

A date was fixed by for commencement of trial by City Magistrate Judy Latchman. According to reports, the illegal ammunition was discovered in a house at the address stated in the charge during a search by CANU ranks. It was during that same search that some of the cocaine was unearthed

stuffed in frozen fish, while the remainder was found to be bricks of coke.

Last month, Dataram and his wife were charged with attempting to defeat the administration of justice; forging Republic of Guyana Passports, and departing Guyana without presenting themselves to immigration officers.

Dataram pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a total of two years and 24 months’ jail by Chief

Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. However, Boodnarine denied the allegations but remains on remand after the police prosecutor objected to bail, stating she is a flight risk.

It was reported that Boodnarine and Dataram fled to Suriname via the backtrack route while the drug trafficking trial was ongoing before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

They were apprehended by Surinamese authorities and handed over to police in Guyana. Investigations were launched and it was discovered that there were no records of Dataram and Boodnarine leaving Guyana at the Passport Office.

Dataram forged the passport by inserting a photograph of himself on the bio-data page with the name David Persaud; while Boodnarine is alleged to have done the same.

Investigations later revealed that both passports were stolen during a robbery.

save Arapaimas

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock handing over the money to NRDDB Treasurer Lakeram Haynes

S

outh America’s largest freshwater fish, the Arapaima, is rare and, hence, protected by law in Guyana.

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock donated $25,000 to save the fish species which is dying due to the low water

17-year-old maternal death….

Report reveals situation was mismanaged – Norton

T

he report on the maternal death of a 17-year-old, whose 28-week-old baby died at the Georgetown Public Hospital, has indicated that the circumstances surrounding her death was due to poor management of the situation, says Public Health Minister Dr George Norton.

Norton stated that the report has recommended that the physician who

operated should be sent for advance training. According to the Minister, the situation could have been avoided if the doctor had ordered a CT scan or an ECG when the teen fainted at the hospital.

The teen’s premature baby was delivered via Caesarean Section. The doctors had given up hope of the critically-ill teenager surviving.

The teen’s mother explained that

she was told by doctors that the cause of her daughter’s condition was due to an ailment she was born with, known as Brain Arteriovenous Malformation (AMV), which is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting veins in the brain.

As the child grows older, the chance of succumbing to the ailment also increases, since any slight pressure could cause the vein to rupture,

leading to haemorrhaging and stroke.

The mother said that after the teen became pregnant her condition caused her to constantly vomit, which caused the cell to break and initiated the bleeding. The teen then experienced a stroke on her right side 28 weeks into the pregnancy. However, an emergency Caesarean (C-Section) was done to save the teen’s unborn child.

levels in the Yupukari River.

The situation was brought to the Minister’s attention during a meeting with the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB). The money donated will go towards the purchasing of fuel for boats to go on rescue missions.

Conservation International (CI) will also be contributing to the effort. The commitment was made by Technical Director of CI, Rene Edwards to provide the use of the vehicles, a Government Information Agency (GINA) stated.

The donation was received by NRDDB Treasurer Lakeram Haynes. Members of the NRDDB thanked Minister Allicock for his support in protecting the fish and committed to acting as quickly as possible to rescue those affected.

Marine Mammal Stranding Network established in Guyana

Conservationist Annette Arjoon-Martins addressing the issue of marine mammals stranding at the launch

T

he Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency, World Wildlife Fund, and Protected Areas Commission and succeeded in establishing a Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Guyana.

At the recently concluded Caribbean Veterinary Conference hosted in Jamaica, conservationist Annette Arjoon-Martins addressed the issue of marine mammals stranding.

Following her presentation, she was requested by Dr Ayanna Phillips, Marine Mammal Medicine and Aquatic Animal Health veterinarian to offer her services

to GMCS. GMCS is hopeful that the Guyana-Trinidad partnership will now be strengthened in networking.

Arjoon-Martins’ presentation covered the various incidents of marine mammal stranding between the periods 2009 to 2015.

These included a Baleen Whale at Almond Beach in 2009, a Killer Whale at Almond Beach in 2010, a Sperm Whale at Kitty foreshore in December 2014, a West Indian manatee on the East Coast in 2014, a Pygmy Sperm Whale in Region 5 in January 2015 and a male Sperm Whale at Suddie beach in April 2015.

Over the last five years,

there have been notable increases in the numbers of sea turtles that are being found bobbing in the Demerara River and along coastal waters. This issue was majorly addressed by Arjoon-Martins.

The Guyana Coast Guard as well as the Guyana Defence Force were both highly praised for their ready support of both aerial and terrestrial resources when called upon.

New members for 2016 includes the Fisheries Department, MARAD and the Sea and River Defences departments whose collective technical and other expertise are a welcome addition to the 16-year-old Guyana Marine Conservation Society.

NEWS

11

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comments on maternal deaths “not helpful, Serious crime down malicious” – Public Health Minister by 23% in G Division

I

n light of Shadow Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony’s statement that the rise in maternal mortality cases is evidence that the health system is broken, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton has stated that it was malicious given that the present government inherited this situation.

“To say that we don’t have proper surveillance system and that the system in a whole is broken is not helpful at all, since what is happening now at the Georgetown Public Hospital and in the country was worst five years ago,” Norton stated.

He reminded that this administration has managed to decrease the maternal mortality ratio in 2015 and 2016 as promised. “We are trying and we are fixing the system so it is wrong to make those statements.

Instead it is malicious,” he added.

Dr Anthony had stated that the Health Ministry needed to have better surveillance to monitor all pregnancies, especially

high-risk cases. Noting that attendance of antennal clinic was crucial for the health of every expecting mother and child, Anthony opined that this was lacking in the system and reiterated the need for better surveillance.

“The maternal deaths is evidence that the system is weak,” Dr Anthony had said.

However, in response, Norton said the Ministry has been concentrating on its primary healthcare system and it has reduced the number of maternal deaths.

Dr Norton further highlighted that out of the 11 maternal mortality cases for the year, eight occurred at the Georgetown Public

Hospital Corporation (GHPC). He pointed to the fact that when the Government took office the number of cases was higher.

“Now we have a handover system at the GPHC. We have 40 doctors all who would discuss every maternal case in the ward every day. It is for the mothers to come to the clinics. We can only do so much,” Norton added.

According to a UNICEF report, the estimated maternal mortality rate, which presently stands at 229 per 100,000 live births, has not shown any significant decline since the year 2000.

The causes for maternal deaths could be divided into two groups: deaths directly related to obstetric complications during pregnancy and indirect obstetric deaths.

According to the report, around 73 per cent of the maternal deaths in 2012 were direct maternal deaths, ie, those resulting from obstetric difficulties of the pregnant state (pregnancy, delivery and postpartum); interventions; omissions; incorrect treatment; or a chain of events resulting from any of these.

On the other hand, indirect obstetric deaths occur as a result of either previously existing conditions or from complications arising in pregnancy, which are not related to direct obstetric causes, but may be aggravated by the physiological effects of pregnancy.

These include such conditions as HIV and AIDS, malaria, anaemia and cardiovascular diseases.

Indirect causes were responsible for 27 per cent of the deaths in 2012.

– vehicles, boats and engines needed

S

erious crimes in Region Two and on the Essequibo Islands (Wakenaam, Leguan) have reportedly decreased by 23 per cent, according to crime statistics provided by Officer in Charge of crime in 'G' Division, (Essequibo CoastIslands) Shivram Murugaya.

During his presentation on the Division’s plans for the festive season, held recently at the Richard Faikal Police Training College, Murugaya announced that there has been a decrease in serious crimes within the division.

The statistics show that from January 1 to November 22 there has been a drastic decline in crime, as compared to 2015. There has been decreases by 50 per cent in robbery under arms, 71 per cent in murder, 28 percent in rape, and 7 percent in break and enter and larceny.

There has also been a 2 percent reduction in indictable offenses and 64 per cent decrease in summary offences.

LM&TC employees enthused over salary increase

E

mployees of the cashstrapped municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) have expressed enthusiasm over the recent decision to increase their salaries by 15 per cent. Prior to this, the last increase for the employees, many of who are paid below the minimum wage, was in 2013.

The increase will take some employees closer to the minimum wage as it was outlined that they will now earn over $40,000.

Jocelyn Smartt who has worked with the municipality for over 20 years said it is "hard" to survive on her salary while noting that she is happy with the increase.

"For me it was very disgusting working but you have to come because you know you need it (salary).

You feel happy now knowing that you get an increase and with the holiday coming on you will be able to buy something more. It's very good because we didn't

have an increase for the longest while", she noted.

She added that prior to the previous increase employees had to wait approximately 10 years before they were granted an increase.

The previous increase, she explained, saw some employees’ salaries increasing from $24,000 to $38,000.

This salary increase, she noted is a signal that the Council is moving forward.

Another employee who has been working with the municipality for over six years explained that it is the second time that she has benefitted from a salary increase, while commending the Council on the move.

"I commend the new Council for such because it's a much needed thing which shows the beginning of a lot more to come."

Meanwhile an employee attached to the Environmental Department who has been working with the municipality for a little over a year also expressed gratitude over the increase

she was satisfied to a point with the increase.

"To see a 15 per cent increase is very acceptable for the time being but in the interim the Council can work to get to the minimum wage", she said.

Mayor Carwyn Holland disclosed a week ago dur-

Mayor Carwyn Holland

that very needed: "I think the workers will benefit from it. They've been asking for it since I got here and I think it's a great improvement."

Natasha Claxton who has worked at the municipality for over 18 years explained that whenever salary increase, so does market demand on goods and services. Claxton noted that she loves her job and is motivated to be at work regardless of her salary. Nevertheless,

Mabaruma municipality defying...

“We can always justify our actions whatever they are, but you have chosen as a Council, and as an individual to bring an enlightened attitude. You have risen above self-interest and pettiness for petty politics, and you have demonstrated by your actions that you understand that there is a time for politics and there is a time for leadership,” he said.

Following the Local Government elections on March 18, the Municipality of Mabaruma was evenly split between the PPP/C and

the APNU/AFC. Each group obtained six seats on the 12-member Town Council.

For months, several attempts to hold critical meetings to have office bearers being elected were thwarted.

In fact, Henry Smith was sworn-in as Mayor of Mabaruma by President David Granger, but for months he was unable to function in that capacity as Justice Diana Insanally granted an interim order quashing the appointment which were made by

FROM PAGE 9

Minister Bulkan.

The injunction is barring Henry from functioning as the Mayor. Instead of being hampered, the Council has been skilfully manoeuvring around the injunction and ensuring the functioning of the municipality.

Working together, they collectively arrived at the decision, that the Mayor withdraws from the position to give the council an opportunity to elect a chairperson to chair the meeting in the interest of the Municipality’s programmes.

ing an interview with this newspaper that the salary increase will be effective across-the-board and will be applicable from this month.

Many employees have lauded the Council's efforts since over the years the municipality has had difficulty with paying its staff.

Head of crime Shivram Murugaya

According to Murugaya, one of the major challenges in the division is the accessibility to 4WD (four-wheel-drive) vehicles to venture about the backlands. Also more motorised boats are needed to help fight crime.

As a result, there is insufficient policing in the riverine areas. He also called for cooperation from the public in fighting crime.

However to tackle the issues associated with accessibility, a mounted branch will be established in an effort to increase riverine patrols, Murugaya explained.

Murugaya also assured of a closer relationship between the Force, CPGs and in fighting crime. He assured the business community that Police will assure tight security during the Christmas season. The division is currently under the command of Khali Parashram and Mahendra Siwnarine.

12

NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 anti-violence, sexual Cove and John Ashram distributes harassment campaign launched food, hampers to Enterprise residents

M

Chairperson of the Commission, Indra Chandarpal presents the posters to Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson at the launch of the campaign

T

he Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) last week, launched a campaign to eliminate family violence and sexual harassment in the workplace in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam). The campaign was launched in observance of International Day Against the Elimination of all Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls which was observed on November 25.

Chairperson of the Commission, Indra Chandarpal, reminded that International Day Against the Elimination of all Forms of Violence is observed yearly by the United Nations on November 25.

She explained that the focus of the commission this year is to present visible messages to the pub-

lic through posters and billboards to workers from various work places.

Suggestion boxes also will be available so that persons who face various forms of abuse can ink their feelings and drop it into the box.

The WGEC is advocating for an end to family violence and sexual harassment, which has long-term effects on victims’ lives.

Posters were presented to the Region’s Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson and also to officers from various departments within the Regional system.

Chandarpal explained that sexual harassment is an unwelcome act, comment, gesture or physical contact of a sexual nature, and advised that anyone faced with such can contact

the commission.

Participants included women from the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee along with Nandranie Coonjah, Haliema Khan and Nicole Cole.

The Women and Gender Equality Commission operates under the mission of promoting gender mainstreaming in all policies and programmes as well as to educate everyone on the benefits of gender equality and ending gender-based violence.

The WGEC is one of four commissions for the promotion and enhancement of fundamental rights and the rule of law that was established under Section 212G of the Constitution.

Members were appointed in the National Assembly on 21 May, 2009.

ore than 100 residents living in the community of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara on Sunday benefited from the Guyana Sevashram Sangha’s (Cove and John Ashram’s) monthly Seva outreach.

The outreach is part of the Ashram’s ongoing Seva programme to serve fellow human beings (serving humanity is like serving God).

The exercise was hosted at the Enterprise Vishnu Mandir. According to the Pandit of that mandir, he was happy to be a part of the venture and he thanked the Ashram for reaching out to his congregation. He also showered gratitude on the Swami in charge of the Ashram for his efforts in making sure that the outreach was held monthly.

Cove and John Ashram’s spiritual leader, Swami Shiva Shankaranandaji Maharaj spoke to residents during the exercise and encouraged them to pray and to continue to visit their various temples. He also urged those present to continue to uplift themselves and reminded them whatever good thoughts one sent out returned a hundred-fold.

“Every day in our lives we must offer prayer for someone, prayers give us that inner strength to withstand and overcome the problems and negative things in life; when one’s

Food hampers that were distributed

Swami Shivashankaranandji assisting an elder with his hamper

life is full with prayers there will be no room for violence and suicide. Lt us make a change in our home and community by praying for someone,” Swami Shiva Shankaranandaji told residents.

Residents who received hampers also expressed gratitude to the Ashram.

Before the exercise commenced, members and devotees of the Ashram were

Swami Shivashankaranandji speaking to residents

involved in prayers and chanting at the Mandir.

Several communities in Leguan, Mahaicony, West Coast Berbice, and the Essequibo Coast were beneficiaries of similar exercises conducted by the Ashram.

The outreach is part of the Ashram’s ongoing Seva programme to serve fellow human beings (serving humanity is like serving God)

NEWS

13

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tourism cannot thrive in a discontent nation – Business Minister ism can be a solution to the problem of unemployment,” he explained.

November is Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) every year in Guyana, and is an opportunity used by players in the tourism sector to promote the country’s attractions through various initiatives such as Restaurant Week, the Rupununi Safaris, bird watching tours, among other projects.

Tourism Month 2016 is being celebrated under the theme “Tourism for All: Building Partnerships for Tourism Development”.

Guests and awardees gathered at the Marriott Hotel on Friday night for the Guyana Tourism Authority Awards ceremony

B

usiness Minister Dominic Gaskin indicated that the circumstances surrounding the country at this moment may not be conducive to a budding tourism industry with maximum potential to burgeon into a massive sector.

He was at the time delivering the keynote address during the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Friday evening.

Gaskin underscored the importance of tourism to a country’s development and acknowledged the fact that Guyana boasted the rich natural resources to capitalise on this sector. However, he lamented that current conditions in the country were not favourable to the expansion of the sector.

“There are way too many young Guyanese who are out of work and not really getting the feeling that Guyana is working for them; that is the problem, they are losing interest in their own country and that’s not a good thing for them, not for Guyana and not for tourism. Tourism cannot thrive in a place where there is discontent,” he stated.

Gaskin emphasised that “you don’t see tourists flocking to countries with problems”.

“Given the high rates of

unemployment among the youths in Guyana, we cannot afford to not make the right decisions when it comes to how we manage our economy,” the Business Minister said.

That aside, Gaskin highlighted that Guyana’s tourism sector had the potential to become a major industry like the gold, bauxite and sugar industries – and the nascent oil and petroleum sector.

“I think tourism if we want it to be a major industry, it is only going to happen if we have large investments taking place; big projects taking place,” he added.

Gaskin also expressed that each administrative region in Guyana should take up the initiative to promote the tourism hotspots in its geographic area.

“We are a country of 10 regions and each one of its regions has its own unique features and each of those regions has a product to develop. I’d like to see tourism become a permanent agenda item on the business of the individual regional councils.

That is the way we can get tourism to filter down to the citizens of this country who need to be involved in tourism and who need to understand that tourism is a viable industry and who need to understand also that tour-

Guyana to receive new Austrian Ambassador

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon has announced that a new Austrian Ambassador to Guyana would be accredited.

Speaking at a postCabinet press briefing on Thursday, he explained that Cabinet has given its approval for the acceptance of her Excellency, Ambassador Marian Feldman as the non-resident ambassador of Austria to Guyana. He explained that this appointment would provide for “continued collaboration” as well as “enhanced bilateral relations”.

Ambassador Feldman takes over the reins from

outgoing official Gerhard Mayer. Feldman will be based in Bogotá, Colombia.

“Guyana and Austria established diplomatic relations in April 1973 and have supported each other on numerous occasions at the United Nations and other multinational fora,” the Minister of State expressed.

Austria is a Germanspeaking central European country that gained its republican status in 1918. The current federal parliamentary republic has a college of three acting Presidents and the head of government is Christian Kern who serves as Chancellor.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

14

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Regional

9 days of mourning after Brazil: President “will block” controversial bribe amnesty death of revolutionary Cuban Leader Fidel Castro

Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro

C

uba has begun nine days of mourning following the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

The passing of the 90-year-old former President was announced by his brother, President Raul Castro, in a televised statement on Friday night, but he did

not disclose the cause of his death.

All planned activities and public performances have been called off, the flag will be flown at half-staff in public and military establishments, and radio and television will broadcast patriotic and historical programming, as the country mourns.

Castro’s remains were cremated, and his ashes will be taken around Cuba from today, until a State funeral in the south-eastern city of Santiago de Cuba next Sunday. Diplomatic officials said foreign dignitaries will arrive by Tuesday for a memorial service to be held in Revolution Square that evening.

Castro came to power in 1959 and ushered in a Communist revolution, defying the US for decades.

The US cut ties with Cuba two years later and imposed an economic embargo which largely remains in place. Under President Barack Obama, the relationship warmed and diplomatic ties were restored last year.

Castro’s death has been met with mixed reactions.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Brazilian President Michel Temer made the announcement at an unscheduled Sunday afternoon press conference alongside the Speakers of both Houses of Congress

B

razil’s President Michel Temer has said he will block attempts to approve controversial legislation giving amnesty to politicians who received illegal donations for their campaigns.

Brazilians have protested in recent weeks against the measure.

The proposal comes amid a major corruption investigation at the State oil company, Petrobras.

Temer took office in May promising to tackle corruption, following the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff.

But several members of his Cabinet have already resigned amid allegations of misuse of power.

The left-wing Opposition, still angry with the dismissal of Rousseff, had promised to fight against the unpopular amnesty law, which would benefit politicians who received undeclared

donations in previous campaigns.

Announcing he would block the bill, Temer said: “It would be impossible for a President of the Republic to sanction such a proposal.”

“It was necessary to listen to the voice of the street,” he added.

“We all agreed there isn’t the slightest basis for going ahead with this proposal.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Blind woman pursues PhD at UWI CCJ rejected in warning for Antigua Govt

P

erhaps it was her heightened hearing as a result of being visually impaired, but Alicia Lalite could hear me approaching while standing in the doorway of the PhD Business Administration Office at the Department of Management Studies building, University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine.

Lalite, who faced many adversities—from being bullied at Carenage Girls' Government School because of her dwindling eyesight, having certain individuals discourage her from pursuing her educational dreams, to facing discrimination in the job market because of her disability – is pursuing a PhD in business administration with a specialisation in human resource management.

She proudly said, “My thesis is called 'Investigation of attitudes and perceptions

T

Alicia Lalite, who is pursuing her PhD in business administration at UWI, St Augustine

towards persons with disabilities within organisations in T&T and the US.'" Lalite, who has retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic, progressive disease, said she and her brother were the first to be diagnosed in Trinidad.

But that never stopped her.

She said while the Blind Welfare Association specialised in handicraft and many felt that that was where visually-impaired people should

be, Lalite felt it should a be a person's choice to do handicraft if he so wanted, but it should not be the only option if that person has the capabilities and qualifications to function in a “normal” environment. She felt they should not be denied other opportunities.

“When I got the opportunity to lecture, it was like a dream come true. (Excerpt from

Trinidad Guardian)

he Government of Antigua and Barbuda is determined that the Antigua and Barbuda referendum, slated to be held some time next year, will not meet the same fate as the Grenada Constitutional Reform Bill.

Grenadians Thursday voted overwhelmingly to reject the CCJ as their final appellate court to replace the London-based Privy Council.

They also discarded six other pieces of legislation that would have reformed the Constitution the island received when it attained political independence from Britain 42 years ago.

However, Head of the National Coordinating Committee, Dr Clarence Henry said it was difficult to tell whether Grenadians rejected the CCJ outright, because there was more than one clause attached to the Bill.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is determined that its referendum will not meet the same fate as the Grenada Constitutional Reform Bill

“The Bill also provided for the changing of the name of the Supreme Court in Grenada; it also sought to entrench a Code of Conduct in the Constitution to minimise corruption among public officials. It also made provision for public officials on taking office, to swear allegiance to Grenada and not to Her Majesty the Queen… the electors were not given a choice or the option to vote for

the CCJ and not for the other clauses or vice versa. The elector was either required to vote for the Bill in its entirety or don’t vote for it at all,” Dr Henry said in a release.

The day following the devastating defeat, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he would not enter a referendum unless he was convinced his Government would be victorious. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Jamaica: Govt to establish national Rights experts want Caribbean to do security polytechnic institution more in supporting breastfeeding

T

he Jamaican Government plans to establish a security polytechnic institution, which will enable security personnel to earn certification that will put them on a path for higher learning.

National Security Minister Robert Montague said beneficiaries will include members of the Jamaica Constabulary Fore (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), immigration and correctional officers, and security guards.

He said the training and certification provided will empower them to invest in their own future.

He informed that the courses offered will be ac-

credited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).

“Every certificate will be assessed and accredited by the UCJ so that you can begin that process of getting your university degree,” Montague said.

He was addressing the graduation ceremony for 173 new recruits of the JCF held at the National Police College in St Catherine on November 25.

Meanwhile, Montague assured the nation that the Government was “pulling out all the stops” in combating crime.

“We know that there can be no social and economic growth in Jamaica, no substantial reduction in poverty

or the achievement of prosperity without a significant reduction in crime,” he said.

Montague noted that overcoming crime would require facing it with “unity and strength, discipline and dedication and partnership”.

He reminded the public to utilise the Stay Alert application as a way of empowering themselves and supporting the work of the Police.

The crime-fighting and safety software app has a panic mode which, when activated, sends an alert to the Police that the user is in an emergency situation. It also facilitates reporting of incidents. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

U

nited Nations human rights experts are urging Caribbean and other countries to do more to protect, promote and support breastfeeding as a human right.

This includes ending the inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes and other foods intended for infants and young children, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

PAHO said the joint statement was issued by the UN Special Rapporteurs on the Right to Food and the Right to Health, the UN Working Group on Discrimination

against Women in Law and in Practice, and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Citing new evidence published in the Lancet medical journal earlier this year, the experts emphasised the importance and many benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and her child.

They expressed concern about the lack of progress made in improving breastfeeding rates globally and in providing women and their children with the support and protection they are entitled to, PAHO said. It said the experts voiced particular concern about the contin-

ued misleading marketing of breast milk substitutes and other foods intended for infants and young children.

They pointed out that there is little corporate accountability for the adverse consequences of such marketing practices, which, the experts said, “continue to undermine efforts to improve early and exclusive breastfeeding rates.”

PAHO said marketing practices act as barriers for women to exercise their rights, “as they often negatively affect the choice and ability of mothers to enjoy the many health benefits breastfeeding provides”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Trump attacks Clinton over Syria war: Army makes rapid gains in rebel-held east Aleppo Wisconsin vote recount

S

U

S President-elect Donald Trump has attacked Hillary Clinton over her campaign’s support for a recount of votes in the state of Wisconsin.

Trump reminded his Democratic rival that she had already conceded, and published remarks from the presidential debates in which she had urged an acceptance of the poll results.

Clinton was then reacting to Mr Trump’s refusal to respect the outcome.

The recount in Wisconsin was initiated by Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

The state was narrowly won by Trump.

Dr Stein also wants recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania, citing “statistical anomalies”.

The Green Party nominee reportedly wants to be sure computer hackers did not skew the poll in favour of Trump.

Concerns over possible Russian interference had

yrian Government forces have been making rapid advances into eastern Aleppo, forcing thousands of civilians to flee.

The Syrian Army captured Jabal Badro on Sunday, a day after seizing Hanano district, and is making in-roads in other neighbourhoods.

Its aim is to divide the rebel-held east of the city in

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton

been expressed in the runup to the vote.

The US Government has said Russian state actors were behind hacks on the Democratic National Committee, a claim denied

by Moscow.

Results would need to be overturned in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania to alter the outcome of the November 8 presidential election - something analysts say is highly unlikely.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign has said it will participate

in Wisconsin’s recount.

Her campaign’s general counsel, Marc Elias, said there was no evidence to conclude the election had been sabotaged, but “we have an obligation to the more than 64 million Americans who cast ballots for Hillary Clinton to participate in ongoing proceedings to ensure that an accurate vote count will be reported”.

Posting on Twitter, Trump said the recount decision was “sad”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Uganda Police arrest King over deadly clashes

P

olice in western Uganda have arrested the King of Rwenzururu over clashes between Police and militia which killed at least 55 people, officials say.

Charles Wesley Mumbere is accused of inciting violence after militiamen reportedly attacked a Police post in his hometown of Kasese.

Security forces stormed his palace amid claims he was harbouring fighters.

The King has denied any in-

volvement.

At least 14 Police Officers and 41 militants have died in the clashes.

A Ugandan Government spokesman accused the militia of seeking to break away from Uganda.

“These militiamen have set up camps in the Rwenzori mountains from where they train and come to attack Government installations,” Shaban Bantariza said.

Police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi said the attackers were fight-

ing to create a new republic on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Several other people were also arrested when security forces stormed the King’s palace on Sunday, he told the BBC. A heavy fire fight followed the operation. The King is now in Police custody in the capital, Kampala, officials say.

Charles Wesley Mumbere has denied any connections with the militia.

two.

Some reports said several thousand civilians were trying to escape, to Government and other rebel-held areas.

Some 275,000 people are believed to remain in eastern Aleppo, where food and medical supplies have all but run out.

Seven-year-old Bana Alabed, who has gathered thousands of Twitter fol-

lowers with her tweets from Aleppo, said on Sunday that her home in the east of the city had been bombed.

She tweeted hours earlier: “Last message – under heavy bombardments now, can’t be alive anymore.

When we die, keep talking for 200,000 still inside.

BYE.- Fatemah” It is hard to get a clear picture of how events are unfolding in eastern Aleppo.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

France presidential race: Fillon wins conservative candidacy

F

rancois Fillon is to be the conservative candidate in next year’s French presidential election after his rival Alain Juppe admitted defeat.

With virtually all the results counted, Fillon won Sunday’s run-off with nearly 67 per cent of the vote.

Fillon promised to build a fairer society, saying France wants “truth and it wants action”.

He is likely to face a Socialist candidate and the far-right’s Marine Le Pen in next April’s election.

Juppe, the more moderate candidate, congratulated Fillon on his “large victory” and pledged to support him in his bid to become President.

With votes from 9713 of

Francois Fillon said France wanted “truth and it wants action”

the 10,229 polling stations counted, Fillon had won 66.6 per cent while Juppe had 33.4 per cent.

As the result of the Republican party primary became clear, Fillon told his supporters he would work for change.

“If the French people entrust me with their confi-

dence,” he said, “I will try to respect that contract and conduct myself with dignity.”

“I will take up an unusual challenge for France,” he went on to say. “To tell the truth and completely change its software.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Armed men free top Sikh fighter in India prison break

(Excerpt from BBC News)

10 shot in New Orleans

O

ne person was killed and nine others wounded in a shooting in the historic French Quarter of the southern US city of New Orleans, Police said.

Gunfire broke out on Bourbon Street, a popular party area in the city’s historic street, around 0130 (0630 GMT), striking eight men and two women, the Times Picayune newspaper reported.

Around 30 officers were rushed to the scene following the shooting.

“The victims in this incident range in age from 20 to 37 years old,” New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) said in a statement.

“Eight of the victims are males, including the deceased victim, while two victims are females.

More than 20,000 people, mostly civilians, had died by the late 90s during the conflict in Punjab [AFP]

New Orleans Police Department investigators study a crime scene after a fatal shooting in New Orleans, Sunday, November.

27, 2016 CNN

“NOPD officers made two arrests at the scene, both males, for illegal carrying of weapons charges.

One of the arrested individuals was identified as a victim in the incident, who is being treated for his injuries. The second arrest was an unrelated individual found to be in illegal pos-

session of a handgun at the scene.”

Thousands of outsiders have poured into the French Quarter this weekend as New Orleans hosts the Bayou Classic, an annual American football game between two rival Louisiana state universities. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A

t least 10 armed men disguised as Policemen have attacked a high security prison in India’s Punjab state, injuring jail guards and freeing a top commander of a Sikh armed group and four others, officials said.

The attackers travelled in cars and stormed Nabha Jail on Sunday, stabbing a guard at the main gate and firing rounds of live ammunition before fleeing with the inmates which included the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF)

chief Harminder Singh.

KLF is an armed group fighting for a separate Sikh homeland in Punjab.

Singh, who is also known as Mintoo, was arrested in 2014 and is on trial for “terror attacks and funding”.

The four others who were freed are part of a local criminal gang and were on trial for murder.

Unconfirmed local media reports said the attackers numbered around 20.

“We have sounded an alert in the state and formed special teams to nab

them,” HS Dhillon, Punjab director general of police for law and order, told AFP news agency.

A senior Police Officer said the assault took guards by surprise as the attackers moved quickly through the complex, indicating they knew the jail layout.

Four officials, including the Punjab prison chief and jail superintendent, have either been suspended or sacked following the jailbreak, authorities said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Your views on the request to the Government

by City Hall for a $600 million bailout Rahul Sooklall – Essequibo Coast

“I personally feel that if Government is going to assist City Hall with the bailout it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money. City Hall should have enough money they collect in revenues to assist them as oppose to asking for a bailout; it's unfair on the Guyanese part."

Onika Lawrence – Linden

"Six hundred million dollars? That's a lot of money. Right now, I need a raise of pay so I don't know."

Dirk Alleyne – Georgetown

“The City Hall should be independent and be able to function on the revenues they garner. However, the Government can probably check the validity of their request before ruling out the request.”

Shaunell Wilson – Georgetown

“Well, my view is that the Government should fully understand the internal management of City Hall and they should know if that amount should be granted or not. City Hall requested that amount knowing that it would be public which says to me that they had no other choice. If it is in the capacity of the Government to give that money, then they should. If not, then they should give whatever they can.”

Keon Stoby – Georgetown

“I must agree with the Minister not to grant them any bailout. They have to learn to function on their own and stop depending on the Government.”

Jason Randolph Garraway – Essequibo Coast

"In my opinion, I feel that Government should not help, because if they help one time they have to help all the time and it's totally unfair. City Hall should have its own money to assist itself. What happen to all the revenues and vendor’s money? Government should deny their request."

Hardai Ramlakhan – Essequibo Coast

“In my opinion, it's a total waste of Government money and taxpayers money also: if you help them one time, then you will need to do so. Let the money they collect from vendors help them offset their own expenses."

Kenisha Nelson – Georgetown

Jermin Wills – Linden

“No, Government should not bail them out when they are being bullies around the city all year round. Didn’t they get enough money when they bulldozed people’s shops?

They should have their own monies from revenue.”

Kevin Bourne – Georgetown

Keiran Bidur – Georgetown

"Government might have to read more into the concern of the City Hall to see if it is a valid request. But $600 million is a lot of money."

“The City Hall needs to come up with better and effective strategies to collect revenue and not depend on Central Government. If they operate more in a “peoplelike” manner they would be more successful rather than operating like bullies around the city.”

Tanisha Petty – Georgetown

“They should be able to budget themselves properly, so as to not go over [budget]; besides the 600 million could go towards building a school or something [else].”

Leisa Thorne – Georgetown

“That is absurd and my answer is no. There are so many other things that that large sum of money can go to, that is in terms of development for this country. I don’t think that it should even be considered at Cabinet because that is too much of a large sum.

This country needs that money right now and it should not be given to City Hall.”

“Well, City Hall currently plays a major role in terms of making Georgetown a better place and in ensuring that Georgetown becomes that capital that it could be.

However, the money that they are requesting is too much of a large amount. I think that money should be granted, but not so much, maybe half or quarter of the amount that they requested.”

Nicolette Fredericks – Georgetown

Frederick Minty – Georgetown

“Based on the info I have gathered from all the news agencies, they should get the money providing that in the future they come up with a plan not only to sustain themselves, but also to generate some amount of income to do their maintenance works, etc. As it is right now, the monies that were spent over the past year in cleaning has gone down the drain because not much maintenance has been going on.”

“What have they done to show that they have exhausted the 300 [million] they had. I think they should be given some amount, but 600 million is too much. They [need to] produce evidence of what they have done with the previous monies and a proposal as to what they will be doing with the 600 million…in addition to providing a proposal, it should be vetted by someone to see if [the bailout] is necessary.”

NEWS

17

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canje River almost impassable Spirometry clinical project proves a success ― over 476 spirometry assessments performed at GPHC

O

ver the last two years, 476 retrospective reviews of spirometry assessments were performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) where the proportion and trend of these tests met acceptability criteria.

Understanding that optimal management of chronic respiratory diseases relies on accurate diagnosis, the Hospital collaborated with the Vancouver Hospital to embark on a project to access spirometry quality and diagnostic outcomes following the introduction of spirometry into routine clinical practice at the local hospital.

Spirometry (spy-ROMuh-tree) is a common office test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.

Spirometry is used to diagnose asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect breathing.

The test may also be used periodically to check whether a treatment for a chronic lung condition is helping you breathe better.

The programme, which began in November 2013, is aimed at developing highquality spirometry to assist in the diagnosis of airway

diseases, such as asthma and COPD, along with other chronic respiratory disorders. Overall, 80.4 per cent of the 454 initial spirometry measurements on unique patients met the acceptability criteria, with no significant change in the proportion of acceptable spirometry over the study period.

The programme started small, with only two registered nurses and one physician employed by the GPHC and with no prior specialised training on respiratory disease. From November 2013 to November 2015, one additional physician and two nurses were trained to meet the demand for services and ensure continuity.

According to the Public Health Ministry, training consisted of five days of onsite spirometry instruction by two Canadian respiratory specialists and two licensed Canadian respiratory therapists.

Ongoing follow-ups were performed remotely, with ongoing remote reviews of all completed spirometry and feedback on both technical aspects of spirometry and interpretation of results. The training team from Canada returned for one week biannually to review the technical details of spirometry and to expand a linked asthma-COPD edu-

cation and treatment programme.

Chronic Respiratory Disease is a significant and growing source of global morbidity and mortality, and according to the Global Burden of Disease (2013), disability due to chronic respiratory disease has increased by eight per cent since 1990.

COPD is the third most common cause of death and the fifth most common source of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally. Asthma is a less frequent cause of death, but remains a significant source of DALYs and avoidable deaths in the 5–34 years age group.

The Public Health Ministry stated that the GPHC Spirometry Project builds on the early successes and opportunities created by the emerging GPHC/ Public Health Ministry strategic plan targeting non-communicable chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart, kidney and lung diseases.

“Demonstrating that high-quality spirometry is technically feasible is a first step towards broader implementation of respiratory diagnostics, therapy and specialised respiratory education in Guyana,” the Ministry said.

Logos Hope coming soon

L

ogos Hope, a non-profit organisation will be welcoming Guyanese on board for a diverse cultural experience along with a grand book fair.

The ship will be opened to the public from 22 December 2016 to 08 January 2017, which will facilitate visitors’ interactions with the crew.

Visiting more than 100 ports around the world since 2009, Logos Hope crewmembers are involved in various practical aid projects, including water purifiers, building projects, book donations, and free of charge eye tests and eye glasses.

The crew of 400 on the ship are from 60 countries of diverse cultures who altogether share a common goal of humanity through social service projects and litera-

ture. In their upcoming visit, the Logos Hope team will deliver a number of social services. Bringing good literature to people is another key facet of the ship’s purpose. Logos Hope offers an expanded selection of over 5000 titles of reading pieces at affordable prices. The books are on a variety of topics including science, sports, hobbies, family life and religion and cater for children and adults In addition to the book fare and cultural experience, the deck of the ship will be opened to the public.

MV Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V., an international charitable organisation registered in Germany. In almost 40 years of service, the organisation has welcomed 45 million

visitors up the gangways in over 150 countries and territories around the world. MV Logos Hope will dock at La Penitence Wharf with the opening hours as follows: Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 – 20:00h (10:00 am – 8:00 pm); Sundays: 14:00 – 20:00h (2:00 pm through 8:00 pm). Closed on Mondays. Exceptions for opening times on holidays: 24 December: 10:00 – 14:00h (10:00 am – 2:00 pm). 25 December: Closed for Christmas. 31 December: 10:00 – 14:00h (10:00 am – 2:00 pm). 1 January: Closed for New Year’s Day. Entrance fee is G$100 per person. Adults 65 and over enter free. Children under 12 years enter free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

A section of the River clogged with grass

T

he Canje River is almost impassable as large sections are blocked by grass.

The waterway is used by loggers as well as the Regional Administration to transport fuel for major pump stations located along the River, which also irrigates Black Bush Polder, the largest rice producing area in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The River also provides the only access for riverine communities.

Concerned residents explained that they were forced to use sticks to push their boats along the grass for long distances before finding open water. On several occasions, they are forced to step out of their boats and stand on the grass to drag the boats along.

Those affected have also blamed the contractor responsible for cutting the grass for the current situation, which according to the residents, has caused blockage of more than 35 miles of the waterway.

Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop, speaking with the media, said that the issue was raised with the Regional Administration and their advice was not being adhered to.

DeRoop says the Administration will be expected to transport fuel shortly to pump stations so that farmers along the Corentyne will have water in a timely manner.

He explained, “Fuel is due to go in there in another week or two and that will be a major problem for us. I

am foreseeing a disaster for us. I don’t know what can be done there. If the boats cannot go in there, then the pumps will have to stop and that could mean disaster for rice farmers and cash crop farmers in the Black Bush Polder and the Corentyne.

If there is no fuel there and boats cannot go in to deliver fuel, then the pumps will have to stop and with farmers now flooding their fields so it could mean disaster for us.”

When this publication visited a section of the blocked river, a thick layer of grass was seen floating upriver with the tide. The residents stated that with the current spring tide, the river might not be cleared until February if drastic steps were not taken.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

ARCHIE

Concentrate on what you know will work, not on what (March 21- others are doing. Don’t make April 19) a move that might jeopardise your income or result in physical ailments or injury.

ARIES

Putting finishing touches TAURUS on a project or improving your (April 20- appearance will be gratifying.

May 20) Professional relationships will require diplomacy. Exercise moderation and control when shopping.

DILBERT

Pick up the pace and go afGEMINI ter what you want. Whether (May 21June 20) it’s a better job, an enhanced relationship with someone special or needed changes at home, the key is to keep moving forward.

You’ll have to use unusual tactics to find out information (June 21- that someone is keeping from July 22) you. Knowledge is power, and it will help you bypass trouble when unexpected situations arise. Romance is highlighted.

CANCER

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Progressive action will pay off and set you on a path to bigger and better opportunities. Networking and searching for information relevant to your career or interests will prove beneficial.

Tread carefully when dealVIRGO ing with matters pertaining to (Aug. 23Sept. 22) your home, domestic life and personal relationships. You are best off taking a back seat and concentrating on improving your health and overall fitness.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Go where the action is. Get LIBRA involved in activities that chal(Sept. 23lenge you mentally and stimuOct. 23) late your desire to learn something new. Taking day trips or improving your resume or qualifications will pay off.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Work on projects you can SCORPIO do alone. The less interfer(Oct. 24ence you have, the better your Nov. 22) chances of finishing what you start. Don’t let someone’s bad mood deter you from enjoying life.

Use your intelligence to SAGITTARIUS figure out what to do next.

(Nov. 23- Opportunities are within Dec. 21) reach if you make the effort.

Check out what’s available and shoot for the stars.

SATURDAY'S

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Think twice before you deCAPRICORN cide to participate in some(Dec. 22thing that will require you Jan. 19) to contribute time or money.

An unresolved problem will surface if you aren’t honest about past dealings.

Study any situation you AQUARIUS face from the inside out. When (Jan. 20fully prepared, step forward Feb. 19) and make your move. Success awaits you. Negotiations, contracts and professional gains look promising.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Ease into whatever you (Feb. 20- decide to do. Expect to face March 20) opposition and criticism.

Problems while travelling or dealing with institutions are prevalent. Moderation is your best course of action.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

India slightly ahead after eventful day

F

ightback followed fightback during an absorbing final session on the second day in Mohali. India closed within touching distance of a lead after England had revived their prospects on the back of two inspired pieces of fielding which highlighted a stirring post-tea response.

India lost 3 for 8 in a frenetic passage and their position worsened when Virat Kohli fell for 62, but R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja prevented an all-out collapse to take India to within 12 of England’s total by the close.

India had established a position of strength when Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara added 75 for the third wicket, seemingly putting England’s 283 into context. But, two balls into the final session, Pujara pulled a long hop from Rashid towards deep midwicket where Chris Woakes did remarkably well to make the ground then dive low for the catch. Even better, though, was to follow when Jos Buttler pulled off a stunning stop and shy - from his knees at backward point to send back debutant Karun Nair.

Between those two moments of individual brilliance Ajinkya Rahane had failed to pick a googly from Rashid and Kohli edged Ben Stokes, which led to Stokes intimating silence in his celebration following his ICC fine for his verbals towards Kohli when he was dismissed on the second day. India were 204 for 6 and England had visions of batting before the close with a useful lead, but they were thwarted by Ashwin and Jadeja who picked their moment before the second new ball to take on the spinners.

Ashwin, who was not moving comfortably between the wickets, went to his third fifty of the series with his seventh boundary and Jadeja went from 8 off 34 to 31 off 59 as the pair reached stumps with an unbroken stand of 67. England will cling to the fact that they are bowling last on the surface, but it has held together well so far, while India will fancy the vulnerability of

England’s batting even if the lead is smaller than they would have wanted.

England were bowled out within four overs of the resumption this morning and, initially, signs were ominous as the new ball did not swing for James Anderson and Chris Woakes. When M Vijay was dropped at midwicket - Buttler unable to cling on to a flick off Moeen Ali - England needed a pick-me-up and, as so often, it came from Stokes. With his fourth ball he draw Vijay into a flatfooted poke outside off and

although t h e umpire Chris Gaffaney did not raise his finger Vijay walked knowing the replay would confirm the edge.

It had been a curious, half-hearted, stay for Vijay who was also involved in an intriguing moment when he defended 21.5-5-63-3, UT Yadav 16a delivery back to 4-58-2, J Yadav 15-5-49Anderson, who 2, R Ashwin 18-1-43-1,RA spotted the batsman Jadeja 23-4-59-2 (nb-1) had held his pose outside the crease.

India 1st innings Anderson shied at the M Vijay c †Bairstow b Stokes 12 stumps and hit Vijay’s PA Patel† lbw b Rashid 42 pads, leading to a CA Pujara c Woakes b Rashid 51 query for obstructing V Kohli* c †Bairstow b Stokes 62 the field, but it was AM Rahane lbw b Rashid 0 rightly ruled that Vijay KK Nair run out (Buttler) 4 had not moved from 57 R Ashwin not out his position to block the throw.

RA Jadeja not out 31 England thought Extras (b-8, lb-3, nb-1) 12 they had removed Total (6 wickets; 84 overs) 271 Parthiv Patel, caught To batJ Yadav, Mohammed down the leg side Shami, UT Yadav when he had 12, but Fall of wickets 1-39 (Vijay, 14.4 ov), 2-73 (Patel, 25.6 ov), the DRS showed the 3-148 (Pujara, 51.2 ov), 4-152 ball had only flicked (Rahane, 53.2 ov), 5-156 (Nair, his shirt. In his first 54.2 ov), 6-204 (Kohli, 64.3 ov) Test for eight years, Bowling: JM Anderson 16-3-36and thrust to the top 0, CR Woakes 15-5-47-0, MM of the order after 9-1-19-0 (nb-1), AU Ali KL Rahul’s injury, it Rashid 24-4-8-3, BA Stokes was an impressive 15-2-48-2, GJ Batty 5-0-29-0

SCOREBOARD Stumps - Day 2 England 1st innings AN Cook* c †Patel b Ashwin 27 H Hameed c Rahane b UT Yadav 9 JE Root lbw b J Yadav 15 MM Ali c Vijay b Mohammed Shami 16 JM Bairstow† lbw b J Yadav 89 BA Stokes st †Patel b Jadeja 29 JC Buttler c Kohli b Jadeja 43 CR Woakes b UT Yadav 25 AU Rashid c †Patel b Mohammed Shami 4 GJ Batty lbw b Mohammed Shami 1 JM Anderson not out 13 Extras (b-8, lb-3, nb-1) 12 Total (all out; 93.5 overs) 283 Fall of wickets 1-32 (Hameed, 9.6 ov), 2-51 (Root, 14.1 ov), 3-51 (Cook, 15.1 ov), 4-87 (Ali, 26.3 ov), 5-144 (Stokes, 43.6 ov), 6-213 (Buttler, 68.1 ov), 7-258 (Bairstow, 83.4 ov), 8-266 (Woakes, 88.6 ov), 9-268 (Rashid, 91.1 ov), 10-283 (Batty, 93.5 ov) Bowling: Mohammed Shami

Cheteshwar Pujara reached 50 before tea

performance from Parthiv to quickly adjust to the challenge.

His dismissal was a very modern lbw.

Using his feet to Adil Rashid he was beaten by the turn but, having come down the pitch, the umpire understandably said not out. Jonny Bairstow, though, was convinced of the value of the review and he was vindicated when the ball was shown to be hitting leg stump. And so the Kohli-Pujara double-act was back together. They soaked up the pressure of England’s quicks and the ever-improving Rashid, who bowled consecutive maidens for the first time in his Test career, and began to profit towards the end of the second session when Gareth Batty’s brief, and delayed, entry to the attack proved expensive.

There had also been a missed chance - albeit a difficult one - to break the stand when Pujara, on 35, glanced Stokes down the leg side but Bairstow could not hold on, low to his left, with one hand.

Pujara went to his fifty from 100 balls to continue a golden run which has included two centuries in this series and, as he and Kohli strode in together at tea, a pivotal final session for England’s series prospects loomed.

Sure enough, a momentary misjudgment transformed their prospects. In Vizag, Pujara had reached his century with a six over midwicket - to bring comparisons with Virender Sehwag - but on this occasion he will have wished he had left it to Viru. To be fair, though, the ball was there to whack, but he did not connect cleanly. Woakes’ sprint and dive provided the boost England needed.

It also took Rashid’s bowling average below 40 for the first time in his career. It was notable how much faith Alastair Cook put in his legspinner: Batty did not bowl until the 47th over and Moeen bowled only nine overs all day. Partly that will have been because of the right-handers being at the crease, but it was not long ago that even that fact would not have elicited trust from Cook. That faith was rewarded again when Rahane, whose series has not got going, was befuddled by Rashid’s googly.

It takes a lot to knock Kohli’s equilibrium at the crease, but a combination of the two quick wickets then Buttler’s reflexes at point led him to sell Nair a dummy came closer than most scenarios. Yet it still needed a brilliant piece of opportunism to throw down the stumps. To Kohli’s credit he refocused and reached a 111-ball fifty as he and Ashwin responded with a counterattacking stand of 48 in 10 overs.

By now, Cook had returned to Stokes and he hung the ball just far enough outside off to tempt Kohli who had profited from the glide to third man. In attempting such a shot, he played away from his body to give England the wicket they craved.

As his team-mates hooped and hollered, Stokes silenced himself while Kohli made a swift about-turn.

India were in danger of conceding a deficit that was more than just an irritant, but not for the first time the depth of their batting - much like England’s - came to the fore. Ashwin timed the ball beautifully despite having to battle discomfort from what appeared to be a leg problem. Like Stokes for England, a shudder is surely felt whenever Ashwin appears in pain. He and Jadeja have kept India on an even keel at worst: it is unlikely to be their last telling contribution of this match. (ESPN Cricinfo)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

19

Hamilton wins in Abu Dhabi, Rosberg wins F1 title

Nico and his wife Vivian receive the champagne showers treatment

N

ico Rosberg won his first Formula 1 world title despite Lewis Hamilton disobeying Mercedes orders not to back his team-mate into rivals. Hamilton won the Abu Dhabi GP driving slowly in an attempt to bring other drivers into the battle, knowing he needed Rosberg to finish below third. Hamilton was repeatedly told to speed up but told the team: “Let us race.” Rosberg came under pressure from Sebastian Vettel but held off the Ferrari driver to finish second.

Rows over the radio Hamilton controlled the race from the front but was under instruction from Mercedes management not to try any strategic games to delay Rosberg. However, he disregarded message after message to speed up and prevent Vettel and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen from closing on Rosberg. The German in turn complained on the radio to the team to “consider doing something” and the tense title battle will do nothing to improve the cool relationship between the two drivers.

At one point, as Vettel homed in on Rosberg in the closing laps, Mercedes executive director (technical) Paddy Lowe, who only speaks to the drivers on the radio in extreme circumstances, told Hamilton: “Lewis, this is Paddy.

We need you to pick up the pace to win this race.”

Hamilton replied: “I’m in the lead right now. I’m quite comfortable where I am.”

But his tactics were not enough and Rosberg whooped with delight as he crossed the line and, after wife Vivian congratulated him over the radio, did doughnut spins on the pit straight before climbing on to the nose of the car to take the cheers from the crowd.

A positive end to an intense battle “It’s a childhood dream come true,” Rosberg, 31, said over the radio. “Thank you for everything.”

After the drama of the race, Hamilton congratulated Rosberg on his world championship and the two men embraced and shook hands on the podium. Rosberg said he had not decided whether to take the number one on his car as is his right next year or whether to stick with the number six, which he chose as his race number because

his father Keke won the 1982 world title with it. The Rosbergs are only the second family in which a father and son have won the F1 world title, after Graham and Damon Hill.

A very tense race Rosberg started the race 12 points ahead of Hamilton, and knew a podium finish would be enough to secure the championship regardless of what Hamilton did.

It initially looked as though he would be able to cruise to an easy climax to the best season of his career, but it did not take long for the tension to mount.

Hamilton and Rosberg both made good starts to convert first and second places on the grid into a one-two from the start. But the difficult moments for Rosberg began when he came out from his first pit stop behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. After a spin at the first corner of the race, the Red Bull driver recovered ground quickly and, running a long first stint as a prelude to a onestop race, ended up in second place behind Hamilton after the leaders had finished their first pit stops.

Rosberg came out right behind Verstappen, and was also under pressure from behind from Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, and Vettel. Ricciardo attacked Raikkonen intermittently, without managing a pass, but Rosberg was able to stay out of the Ferrari’s reach and the Finn never got close enough to try the same to the Mercedes.

A sad end for Button Jenson Button’s final grand prix came to an early end when his McLaren’s front suspension broke as he bounced over a kerb on lap 12.

Button said: “The result doesn’t count. The weekend does. It has been awesome, from the fans, to before the race, a load of the team lined up and I walked between them and they clapped me into the garage. Very emotional, not the easiest thing before a grand prix. An amazing day and an amazing weekend.” Williams driver Felipe Massa, who is also retiring from F1, finished ninth, fending off a late attack from former Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso’s McLaren.

His long-time friend and engineer Rob Smedley praised him on the radio afterwards, saying he had had a “great drive”.

20 Argentina beat Croatia to win Davis Cup

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Australia fight back with pink-ball win

I

A

Argentina finally won the Davis Cup after final defeats in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011

rgentina fought back to beat Croatia 3-2 and win the Davis Cup for the first time in a dramatic final in Zagreb.

Croatia led 2-1 going into the final day and looked on course for their second title when Marin Cilic led Juan Martin del Potro by two sets to love.

However, Del Potro staged a remarkable comeback to win 6-7 (4-7) 2-6 7-5 6-4 6-3 in four hours 53 minutes.

Federico Delbonis then swept past Ivo Karlovic 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the decisive fifth contest to clinch victory.

Argentina had lost in four previous finals but, roared on by a vociferous 1,500-strong group of travelling fans that included 1986 World Cup winner Diego Maradona, the visitors secured a stunning win.

Friday: Marin Cilic (Cro)

beat Federico Delbonis (Arg) 6-3 7-5 3-6 1-6 6-2 Juan Martin del Potro (Arg) beat Ivo Karlovic (Cro) 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-5 Saturday: Marin Cilic & Ivan Dodig (Cro) beat Juan Martin del Potro & Leonardo Mayer (Arg) 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (74) 6-3 Sunday: Juan Martin del Potro (Arg) beat Marin Cilic (Cro) 6-7 (4-7) 2-6 7-5 6-4 6-3 Federico Delbonis (Arg) beat Ivo Karlovic (Cro) 6-3 6-4 6-2 Del Potro set the victors on their way from a seemingly desperate situation at two-sets down to world number six Cilic.

The victory capped a terrific year which has seen the 28-year-old return from four wrist surgeries to win Olympic silver and beat the likes of Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and, in the quarter-finals of the Davis

Guinness Greatest of the Streets returns to the National Cultural Centre Tarmac tonight

Schedule of matches on the opening night Mat. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Time

that was probably not there; Renshaw sent him back, Temba Bavuma fielded in typically tidy style and threw to the keeper’s end to run Warner out.

Two balls later, Khawaja played for non-existent turn from Tabraiz Shamsi and was trapped in front, though South Africa had to review Nigel Llong’s on-field not-out decision to gain satisfaction. Australia had wobbled from 0 for 64 to 2 for 64, but any hopes South Africa had of a late rally were dashed by the steadying influence of Steven Smith, who struck 40 from 52 balls before he edged Kyle Abbott behind with only two runs needed.

Twice South Africa asked

Cup, Andy Murray.

“This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career,” said Del Potro.

“Thanks to all those who prevented me from retiring; I was very close to never playing again and, well, here I am.”

Argentina captain Daniel Orsanic added: “His comeback is the comeback of history, his comeback today was the comeback of the Davis Cup. “He’s a genius. His heart South Africa are all smiles after being handed the series trophy is so big.”

Delbonis is ranked 21 places below Karlovic at 41 after the mass overhaul to the for reviews against Renshaw, in the world but brilliantly side, it was perhaps fitting that once for a catch in the cordon returned the 6ft 11in Croat’s two of the new boys would and once for an lbw, but both share the winning runs, which relied on a mistake from umpire huge serve.

“He was on top of ev- came when Peter Handscomb Richard Kettleborough - whose ery ball,” said Orsanic. “He flicked through midwicket and form in this series has been called Matt Renshaw through greater than any of the players played a perfect match. I’m for a single. In many ways, this - and both were struck down. surprised, in a good way. I Adelaide Test felt like it was Renshaw was free to keep thought he couldn’t win so part of a completely different batting, keep leaving, keep easy.” (BBC Sport) series from the Perth and finding his way as a Test opener.

Tiger Bay kick off Guinness Greatest of the Streets VI T

he long awaited Guinness Greatest of the Streets futsal tournament is back with the Georgetown leg kicking off this evening with eight exciting matches.

In the opening fixture, power house Queen Street Tiger Bay will open against Fruit Stand at 19:00h at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

For the second year, a team from camp Street Prison and the prison guards will be in action as they take on Railway Line Kitty and Bent Street respectively.

This season, the teams will all be vying for over one million dollars in cash and prizes with the first team taking home $500,000 while second, third and fourth will cart off with $200,000, $150,000 and $75,000 respectively.

Following the Georgetown leg the games will move to West Coast Demerara, then to East and West Berbice before heading to Linden then to Bartica before the national final.

n the end there was no whitewash - Australia were not swept in a home series for the first time since 1887.

Instead, the dead-rubber bounce that Test cricket so often produces again manifested itself as Australia chased down 127 to win the third Test against South Africa at Adelaide Oval.

Australia’s sequence of five consecutive Test losses ended, and it ended with two debutant batsmen at the crease.

South Africa, of course, won the series. They finished with a 2-1 result that will still go down as an outstanding achievement given the developing nature of their own side. But if Australia were to take a consolation win

Teams

19:00h Queen Street Tiger Bay vs Fruit Stand 19:30h Camp Street All Stars vs Railway Line Kitty 20:00h Bent Street vs Prison Service 20:30h Leopold Street vs South 21:00h Festival City vs Norton Street Ballers 21:30h Tucville vs Island All Star A 22:00h Channel 9 vs Shopping Plaza 22:30h Sparta Boss vs Hardina Street

Hobart matches. Of course, it was played with a pink ball as a day-night fixture, but Australia’s team was also hard to recognise: five changes were made from the XI that lost in Hobart. Whatever the reasons, the public interest was sparked: the match crowd of 125,993 was the highest for any non-Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Set a small target, Australia’s new opening pair finally had the chance to bat together, Usman Khawaja having opened with Renshaw in the first innings because David Warner had spent too long off the field having treatment on an injured shoulder. Renshaw and Warner were a study in contrasts during their 64-run stand, as had been the case with Warner and past partners such as Ed Cowan and Chris Rogers.

Renshaw displayed more leaves than an evergreen, Warner as many as a deciduous tree in autumn. Warner rattled along at roughly a run a ball, Renshaw at a run an over.

But all that mattered in this small chase was that wickets remained in hand. The 1994 SCG Test between Australia and South Africa remains an object lesson in how small chases can go awry: Australia were all out for 111 chasing 117.

There was no such joy for South Africa 22 years later. The first wicket did not fall until 19 overs into the innings, when Australia already had more than half their required runs. Warner, who had struck seven fours on his way to 47, pulled towards midwicket and called for a run

There were also plenty of plays and misses from Renshaw, but at least he showed the kind of mental strength that Australia require. Importantly, he was still there at the end, unbeaten on 34 from 137 balls. It was an innings that showed the high price Renshaw places on his wicket. At no stage did his lack of pace threaten Australia’s victory hopes. This was a young man taking his time, and after Australia’s recent batting collapses, who could complain about that?

The day had started with

South Africa on 6 for 194 in their second innings, and they added 56 to their overnight total for the loss of their last four wickets.

Stephen Cook moved to his second Test century before he was the last man to fall, bowled

by Mitchell Starc for 104 as the South Africans were dismissed for 250.

Jackson Bird made the important first breakthrough when he had Quinton de Kock lbw for 5, the on-field notout decision from Nigel Llong overturned on Australia’s review. Vernon Philander put on 34 for the eighth wicket with Cook before Starc, using the new ball to great effect, swung a fullish delivery back in and

trapped Philander lbw for 17.

Cook was running out of partners but had time to bring up his hundred from his 235th delivery, with a boundary pulled through square leg off Josh Hazlewood. It looked as if Cook was set to carry his bat through the innings, especially when Kagiso Rabada gloved behind trying to pull Hazlewood on 7, but in the next over Cook was done in by Starc’s swing. Starc finished with 4 for 80, and South Africa simply had not made enough runs. Not that they will especially care about this sevenwicket loss when in future years they reflect on their remarkable achievements on the 2016-17 tour of Australia. To win an away series with no AB de Villiers, almost no Dale Steyn, and no contributions of note from Hashim Amla - that is a feat that is worthy of the highest praise.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings 259 Australia 1st innings 383 South Africa 2nd innings SC Cook b Starc 104 D Elgar c Smith b Starc 0 HM Amla c †Wade b Hazlewood 45 JP Duminy b Lyon 26 F du Plessis* c Handscomb b Starc 12 T Bavuma c Smith b Lyon 21 KJ Abbott lbw b Lyon 0 Q de Kock† lbw b Bird 5 VD Philander lbw b Starc 17 K Rabada c †Wade b Hazlewood 7 0 T Shamsi not out Extras (lb-10, nb-3) 13 Total (all out; 85.2 overs) 250 Fall of wickets 1-1 (Elgar, 0.5 ov), 2-82 (Amla, 25.6 ov), 3-131 (Duminy, 48.4 ov), 4-154 (du Plessis, 57.1 ov), 5-190 (Bavuma, 66.4 ov), 6-194 (Abbott, 68.3 ov), 7-201 (de Kock, 73.1 ov), 8-235 (Philander, 81.6 ov), 9-250 (Rabada, 84.5 ov), 10-250

(Cook, 85.2 ov) Bowling: MA Starc 23.2-5-80-4 (nb-1), JR Hazlewood 20-8-41-2, JM Bird 20-3-54-1 (nb-2), NM Lyon 21-4-60-3, DA Warner 1-0-5-0 Australia 2nd innings (target: 127 runs) MT Renshaw not out 34 DA Warner run out (Bavuma/†de Kock) 47 UT Khawaja lbw b Shamsi 0 SPD Smith* c †de Kock b Abbott 40 PSP Handscomb not out 1 Extras (lb-4, nb-1) 5 Total (3 wickets; 40.5 overs) 127 Did not batNJ Maddinson, MS Wade†, MA Starc, JR Hazlewood, NM Lyon, JM Bird Fall of wickets 1-64 (Warner, 18.3 ov), 2-64 (Khawaja, 18.5 ov), 3-125 (Smith, 39.6 ov) Bowling: KJ Abbott 10-226-1, VD Philander 7-2-200, K Rabada9-4-28-0 (nb1), T Shamsi 14.5-4-49-1

YELLOW PAGES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 | WWW.GUYANATIMESGY.COM BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

LAND FOR LEASE

Complete package, key cutting machine plus 1000 blank keys:.Price: $450,000. Vers Realty: To Rent Office Space & Store Front, 17 Brickdam & Smyth Street, Stabroek, Georgetown Guyana.

Land for Lease. 1.5 Acres WBD. Close to Plantation Walk, Vreed-EnHoop. Call: 658-0115

Tel: 223-1217 Or 600-5759

SERVICES: polygraph testing, cheating spouse, background checks, criminal investigations, private investigations, security survey – risk analysis, due diligence, bodyguard service, security consultancy, any other worldwide services. Contact Central Advisory Service – email: internationallpi1@yahoo.com. Tel : 592-630-4041

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 6111018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

DENTISTRY Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

DRIVING SCHOOL Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 2251151/ 657-8404 Learn to Play Music at Foundation7 : Call NOW: 225-1151/6578404

FOR SALE Powerline Battery Water/wholesale.

1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 680-3863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

FLOWERS Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

IMMIGRATION

PRIVATE INVESTIGATION

PROPERTY FOR SALE Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 6735546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

TO LET

3 bedroom upper flat to rent with toilet, bath and water tank located at Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara. Contact: 614-7731

SPIRITUALITY Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

223-7230-1 (Ext: 35) NOW!

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 3374510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A

KEY CUTTING

CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344 , 223-1027 OR 223-1034

Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 MondaysSaturdays 9am-3pm. Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

SALES GIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL, BRASSONIC Bldg.

(MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/ Town. 231-7101

3-Bedroom apartment at 482 Herstelling, EBD. Contact: 265-3307 or Whatsapp: 1-917-502-4302

VACANCY

HEALTH

WANTED 1 COSMETOLOGIST. APPLY IN PERSON, SHARON’S BUILDING – CHARLOTTE AND KING STREETS.

Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Wanted One Gasoline Mechanic to work on the ECD. Contact: 623-0318

House plans & estimates, weeding of grass & spraying done within 48hrs.

Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now. Email: anewlife@live.com

OPTICIAN

WANTED 1 male/female age 20-40 able to understand Dutch, English. Must be living around East Bank/East Coast.

Knowledge of sewing is a plus. Call: 699-8686, 600-7222. 62 Sheriff St, Campbellville

SERVICES

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@ yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177.

A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGE , VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

TAXI SERVICES GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

Sandpipers into final 4 after 2-wicket win S

andpipers defeated Herstelling by two wickets on Saturday to move into the semifinals of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association 50-over tournament.

Played at the Farm ground, Sandpipers were successful in their run chase as they earned the 177 they needed through determined batting and quite a few let offs by the Herstelling fielders, who dropped five catches.

Sandpipers run chase was off to a good start but the middle and lower orders stuttered along the way. Rico Ramsundaar and Kevin Pillew added 65 runs in their team’s opening stand before the latter was off left arm spinner Ricky Sargeant for 25. His innings included three fours. The said bowler then had Venesh Persaud leg before wicket for two.

The pair of Tethram Persaud and Ramsundaar scored 36 runs for the third wicket partnership. When Persaud was dismissed for 24, Ramsundaar formed yet another valuable partnership with Rickford Samaroo, who made 20. Ramsundaar

was finally dismissed for 47 which included four fours and two sixes. After

his demised, Herstelling made a few inroads to find themselves in a bit of worry.

However Colin Benn kept his composure and along with Keshra Persaud (07*) saw their team home. Benn finished unbeaten on 25; Sergeant claimed 3-36 and

Delroy Williams 3-30.

Earlier, w h e n Herstelling batted they were off to a good start with Sergeant and Rondell Daniels adding 59 for the opening stand before Daniels was dismissed for 25 after hitting two fours and one six.

Herstelling then slipped to 78-5 as they lost four quick wickets. Michael Alexander (05), Anand Bharat (00), Quazie Yusuf (10) and Sergeant 29 (4x4, 1x6) were dismissed during that period before Seon Willis and Trevor Parris steadied the innings somewhat with a sixth-wicket stand of 56. Willis hit one four in scoring 25 while Parris struck two fours before he was dismissed for 35.

Thereafter, steady bowling by Sandpipers restricted the scoring as Herstelling were bowled out in 35.5 overs. Olufemi Sandy was the pick of the bowlers with 3-28 while Errol Greaves had 2-18 and Samaroo 2-35.

Strathavon upset Enmore to win title

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 35 The Strathavon team with some of their supporters after a hard fought victory

S

BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED

VEHICLES FOR SALE FOR SALE 1 FLAT TRAY NISSAN PICK UP. VERY GOOD CONDITION. CALL: 662-3997 OR 610-4897 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER

21

SPORTS

223-7230-1 (Ext: 35)

cores of spectators who gathered at Fairfield ground were treated to all the excitement that T20 cricket has to offer as they witnessed a thrilling final of the East Coast Cricket Committee tournament between Strathavon and Enmore, but it was Strathavon who secured the title.

Throughout approximately three and a half hours, the match swung back and forth until the last ball was bowled with the match ending in favour of Strathavon, who won by three wickets.

With the scores leveled on 115 with one ball to be

bowled in Yuvraj Dyal’s final over the pair of Daiaram Hemraj and Sewchand Budhu came together to

have a chat and shortly after the former nudged a ball into a gap and scampered off in celebration for the much needed one run.

Earlier, Strathavon won the toss and elected to field.

Enmore made 115 all out from their allotment of 20 overs with Imran Hassan leading the way with 30 runs. Emerging off-spinner Gajanan Suknanan was at his usual self claiming wickets and restricting batsmen as he finished with figures of 3-7 from four overs. He was equally matched by Jermaine Tyndall, who ended with identical figures. For their efforts the two were adjudged best bowler(s).

In reply, Strathavon made 116-7 in 20 overs, Gobindram Hemraj was the main scorer with 34 and was rewarded with the accolade for best batsman.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Blue Mountain Achilleion Tri Nation, Zimbabwe

Mendis, Tharanga steer Sri Lanka to title Alleyne cashes in but rain has final say F The victorious Sri Lanka team after winning the championship

S

ri Lanka followed a clinical display in the field with steady middle-order batting to chase down 161 with 75 balls to spare and complete a convincing sixwicket victory over Zimbabwe in the tri-series final. Kusal Mendis starred with the bat, hitting ten fours in his sparkling 57, to lead Sri Lanka’s robust recovery after they had slipped to 42 for 3.

Mendis was supported

by Upul Tharanga in a 75run fourth-wicket partnership that put the visitors firmly on course for the win.

While Tharanga was decidedly scratchy early on, and survived a couple of chances, he took over the mantle after Mendis departed. He wrapped up proceedings by clubbing a four and a six to finish on 57 not out and, more importantly, put the finishing touches on Sri Lanka’s successful campaign in his first series as captain.

Zimbabwe’s slump to 160 after opting to bat on a decent Bulawayo track was largely a product of their own failings. Poor shot selection left them chasing the game from an early stage. But the dubious choices began even before a ball was bowled, with the omission of their regular openers in the series, Chamu Chibhabha and Brian Chari.

That forced Hamilton Masakadza and Peter Moor to fill the opening slots. Moor, in particular, looked uncomfortable with the promotion, and it was not long before he scooped an innocuous straight delivery from Suranga Lakmal to gift an easy catch to midwicket. Masakadza fol-

lowed him back soon thereafter when he was trapped in front by a Nuwan Kulasekara in-dipper.

Rain interrupted play with Zimbabwe on 20 for 2 in 5.1 overs, but their real troubles began almost an hour after the resumption. A promising third-wicket partnership of 53 between debutant Tarisai

And with the innings, the left-hander moved to 441 runs from just five outings for the new season.

Shamarh Brooks weighed in with 44 while Test batsman Roston Chase got 23, but Pride faltered late to concede some of their advantage.

Earlier, Scorpions’ tail wagged to frustrate Pride as they added a further 67 runs before being dismissed inside the second hour after lunch.

Resuming on 157 for eight, number 11 Derval Green provided the resistance for the hosts with a counter-attacking 40 off 56 deliveries, with three fours and a six.

After Test fast bowler Kemar Roach had bowled Renard Leveridge for one in

SCOREBOARD

Nuwan Kulasekara traps Hamilton Masakadza LBW at a crucial time

Musakanda and Craig Ervine ended when Ervine closed his bat face early to give the simplest of return catches to legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay.

Musakanda was busy and energetic during his 36 off 37, but he perished to the same bowler, reaching for a ball that was leaving him to nick to first slip. Then Sikandar Raza missed an attempted sweep by a big margin and Zimbabwe were 89 for 5.

They were not yet done shooting themselves in the foot, though. Malcolm Waller and Sean Williams both threw away decent starts with ugly, cross-batted slogs that went high in the air. The

SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe innings (50 overs maximum) H Masakadza lbw b Kulasekara 10 PJ Moor† c Pathirana b Lakmal 1 TK Musakanda c de Silva b Vandersay 36 CR Ervine c & b Vandersay 25 Sikandar Raza lbw b Pathirana 5 SC Williams c de Silva b Gunaratne 35 MN Waller c & b Pathirana 14 AG Cremer* c Mendis b Vandersay 9 10 DT Tiripano not out TS Chisoro c †Dickwella b Gunaratne 5 BV Vitori lbw b Gunaratne 0 Extras (lb-3, w-6, nb-1) 10 Total (all out; 36.3 overs) 160 Fall of wickets 1-8 (Moor, 3.1 ov), 2-19 (Masakadza, 4.6 ov), 3-72 (Ervine, 15.2 ov), 4-85 (Musakanda, 17.2 ov), 5-89 (Sikandar Raza, 18.4 ov), 6-108 (Waller, 22.1 ov), 7-133 (Cremer, 29.3 ov), 8-155 (Williams, 34.6 ov), 9-160 (Chisoro, 36.1 ov), 10-160 (Vitori, 36.3 ov) Bowling: KMDN Kulasekara 7-0-30-1 (w-4), RAS Lakmal

tail did not offer much resistance and Zimbabwe were bowled out in 36.3 overs on a pitch that had not offered anything out of the ordinary to the bowlers.

That said, Sri Lanka turned out a professional performance with the ball and in the field. Kulasekara and Lakmal bowled with disci-

ree-scoring opener Anthony Alleyne stroked his third half-century of the new Regional Four-Day season and pushed his aggregate past 400 runs, but Barbados Pride found their progress stymied by rain on the penultimate day of their third round encounter against Jamaica Scorpions on Sunday.

Chasing the hosts’ 224 all out, Pride were 153 for four when rain halted play in the final session at Sabina Park, once again frustrating the visitors’ hopes of making headway in the contest.

The 23-year-old Alleyne grabbed the opportunity to extend his excellent form, hitting 64 to record his fourth straight score over 50.

6-0-23-1 (w-1), SS Pathirana 7-0-26-2, MD Shanaka 2-0-180, JDF Vandersay 10-0-50-35 (nb-1, w-1), DAS Gunaratne 4.3-0-10-3 Sri Lanka innings (target: 161 runs from 50 overs) DM de Silva lbw b Vitori 0 MDKJ Perera c Waller b Vitori 14 N Dickwella† b Vitori 16 BKG Mendis c Williams b Cremer 57 WU Tharanga* not out 57 DAS Gunaratne not out 16 Extras (lb-2, w-4) 6 Total (4 wickets; 37.3 overs) 166 Did not bat: MD Shanaka, SS Pathirana, KMDN Kulasekara, JDF Vandersay, RAS Lakmal Fall of wickets 1-1 (de Silva, 0.1 ov), 2-29 (Dickwella, 4.2 ov), 3-42 (Perera, 6.1 ov), 4-117 (Mendis, 27.3 ov) Bowling: BV Vitori 9-0-523 (w-1), DT Tiripano 2-0-140, TS Chisoro 8-0-31-0 (w2), AG Cremer 10-2-32-1, SC Williams 6-1-22-0 (w-1), Sikandar Raza 2.3-0-13-0

pline with the new ball to tie down the batsmen from the outset. Vandersay, brought in to replace Nuwan Pradeep, then extracted decent turn and exposed the home team’s weakness against spin.

Along with left-arm spinner Sachith Pathirana, he pegged Zimbabwe back in the middle overs. The two spinners took 5 for 76 in 17 overs between them, helped by a screamer of a catch by Mendis at short cover to get rid of Graeme Cremer. Asela Gunaratne then cleaned up the tail, finishing with 3 for 10.When the sides came back out to begin the second innings before the lunch interval, Brian Vitori effected a wobble with three early wickets. He pinned Dhananjaya de Silva lbw for a golden duck and snuck one between Niroshan Dickwella’s bat and pad to splay his stumps.

Then, Kusal Perera slogged him only as far as Waller at mid-on, leaving Sri Lanka on 42 for 3. But Mendis and Tharanga steadied the chase after the break, despite the latter’s early struggles.

Tharanga found it difficult to rotate the strike against spin and was reprieved on 18 when Masakadza spilled a tough chance at short midwicket. He survived through it all, though, while Mendis unfurled a number of glorious cover drives at the other end.

By the time Mendis holed out to Williams at deep square leg, Sri Lanka were on course for a thumping win, and it was Tharanga who took them past the finish line in style.

(ESPN cricinfo)

Stumps day 3 Jamaica Scorpions 1st Innings J Campbell c Phillips b Williams 60 S Thomas c Brooks b Roach 2 J Blackwood c Chase b Greaves 0 D Thomas LBW b Greaves 3 C Walton+ c wkpr Rampersaud b Roach 5 A McCarthy c Brooks b Warrican 22 F Allen c Roach b Williams 19 D Jacobs c Brooks b Chase 30 N Miller*not out 24 R Leveridge b Roach 1 D Green c Warrican b Charles 40 Extras (b-6, lb-9, w-3) 18 Total (All out, 86.2 Overs) 224 FOW: 1-3, 2-4, 3-16, 4-21, 5-52, 6-90, 7-129, 8-156 9-167, 10-224 Bowling: K Roach 18-8-27-3, J Greaves 17-4-49-2 (w-3), K Stoute 7-2-26-0, J Warrican 18-3-56-1, N Charles 14.24-29-1, K Williams 10-3-

16-2, R Chase 1-1-0-1 Barbados Pride 1st Innings O Phillips c Campbell b Green 4 A Alleyne b Allen 66 S Brooks b Jacobs 44 R Chase b Miller 23 K Stoute*not out 0 M Rampersaud+ not out 0 K Williams Did not bat J Greaves Did not bat K Roach Did not bat J Warrican Did not bat N Charles Did not bat Extras (b-5, lb-9, w-2) 16 Total (For 4 wickets, 48.3 Overs) 153 FOW: 1-5, 2-116, 3-153, 4-153 Bowling: R Leveridge 4-017-0 (w-2), D Green 8-3-171, J Blackwood 1-0-1-0, D Jacobs 14-1-52-1, N Miller 19.3-2-47-1, F Allen 2-0-5-1

the fifth over of the morning, Green combined with captain Nikita Miller to rally Scorpions in a 57-run last wicket stand.

Miller made 24 not out off 113 deliveries in just over 2-1/2 hours at the crease.

In reply, Pride lost left-handed opener Omar Phillips cheaply for four with the score on five but Alleyne and Brooks propelled the innings with a nicely paced 111-run partnership for the second wicket.

Alleyne faced 123 balls in 2-3/4 hours and counted six fours and a six while Brooks, a right-hander, punched three fours and a six off 106 balls in nearly two hours at the crease.

The partnership took Pride to lunch at 45 for one and saw them through the next session which rain curtailed, 45 minutes before the scheduled break with the visitors on 105 without further loss.

Once play resumed, however, Scorpions had the better of the exchanges. Brooks, unbeaten on 39 at the interval, was bowled by leg-spinner Damion Jacobs at 116 for two and Alleyne put on a further 37 for the third wicket with Chase before he was bowled by debutant left-arm spinner Fabian Allen.

Seven balls later in the following over, Chase was lbw to Miller without any addition to the score as Scorpions recovered slightly before the rains came. (Windies

cricket)

Primus shines on gloomy day at QPO

O

nly 35 overs were possible on Sunday’s third day as rain continued to wreak havoc on the third around encounter in the Regional FourDay Championship between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Resuming the day on 173 for four, Red Force made it to 287 for seven before the adverse weather arrived in the second session to rule out play for the remainder of the day.

Umpires flirted with a restart in the final session but then ruled the outfield at Queen’s Park Oval unfit for play.

In the limited play possi-

Yannic Cariah

ble, however, Roshon Primus further enhanced his credentials as an all-rounder with an unbeaten 42 while Jyd Goolie

SCOREBOARD

Stumps Day 3 Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 1st Innings K Hope LBW b Cornwall 86 I Rajah c wkpr Hamilton b Powell 69 Y Carriah b Powell 20 Y Ottley* c Louis b Powell 1 M Richards c Powell b Cornwall 0 J Goolie LBW b Boatswain 23 S Katwaroo run out (H Walsh Jr)) 0 R Primus not out 42 I Khan c Hamilton b Walsh Jr 18 K Pierre not out 15 S Cotterell did not bat Extras (nb-11, w-2) 11

Total (For 8 wickets, 92 Overs) 287 FOW: 1-162, 2-164, 3-170, 4-172, 5-196, 6-196, 7-216, 8-261 Did not bat: S Cottrell Bowling: G Tonge 12-2-440 (nb-4), Q Boatswain 10-239-1, R Cornwall 32-9-73-2 (nb-1), J Louis 10-0-35-0 (w2, nb-3), H Walsh Jr 14-067-1, K Powell 14-6-29-3 Leewards Hurricanes Team: Kieran Powell*, Quinton Boatswain, Nkrumah Bonner, Rakheem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton+, Montcin Hodge, Chesney Hughes, Jeremiah Louis, Gavin Tonge, Akeem Saunders, Hayden Walsh Jr

got 23 and Yannic Cariah, 20.

With Red Force losing wickets steadily, Primus came to his side’s rescue, blasting five fours in an entertaining 66-ball knock as he first put on 45 for the eighth wicket with Imran Khan (18) and a further 26 with Khary Pierre (15 not out) an unbroken ninth wicket partnership.

Slow bowler and captain Kieran Powell has so far taken three for 29 while off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has claimed two for 73.

Friday’s opening day was abandoned without a ball bowled because of rain and only 57 overs was possible on Saturday’s second day. (Windies Cricket)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016

23

GHB/Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Tournament…

Pepsi Hikers take lucky 7 after electrifying final ― Bal Wash Ers, Toronto Toros ease to titles

By Romario Samaroo

P

epsi Hikers, Bal Wash Ers and Toronto Toros entertained an enormous crowd at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on Sunday to capture the titles of their respective divisions in the 13th Guyana Hockey Board/ Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Tournament.

Pepsi Hikers, defeated Toronto Lions 5-3 in arguably the upset of the tournament saw them move on to battle Queen’s Park CC who earlier made light work of Bounty GCC in the first semi-final winning 6-1.

It was intense competition from the get go that saw five goals being scored inside only four minutes of play which began with the back and forth when Randy Hope netted the first goal for Hikers in the 4th minute (4’), but quickly neutralized

by Akim Toussaint meanwhile Most Valuable Player in the male division, Aroydy Branford produced a superb net rocker 15 seconds later as well as providing the op-

portunity for Robert France to send a third goal in the back of the Queens Park team (QPCC).

Hikers were leading 4-2 heading into the second half but a slight mistake allowed QPCC to bounce back into the game thanks to two quick goals by Jason Govia.

However, a late goal in the 36’ was the deciding factor in the local side’s triumph, making them the most successful team in the tournament with seven wins. The match saw the crowd taking sides with each nail biting goal sending the gymnasium into a frenzy, all in the spirit of the game.

Captain of the Hikers team, Robert France said it was a wonderful feeling to come to the competition and remain undefeated, a feat which they have now produced for the third tournament this year.

Debutants in the tournament, USA based Bal Wash Ers entered their second penalty shootout of the night when they locked horns with Queens Park Hockey Club in the finals of the Veterans

Aroydy Branford receives his Most Valuable Prize from Diamond Mineral Water Brand Manager Larry Wills

division.

However, it was not smooth sailing, the USA team were struggling to clear the 2-4 deficit of the

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Jaguars inch ahead on rain-affected day T

he Guyana Jaguars went to bed the happier team but only marginal after a rain affected competitive second day in the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet on Sunday.

Resuming on 73/4 and still trailing the home team, the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 119 runs the Jaguars were not allowed to get away and were eventu-

ally bowled out for 219 with a slight but significant lead of 27.

The Jaguars were helped by two useful knocks down the order from wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble and all-rounder Raymon Reifer.

They put on 104 for the seventh wicket after joining forces with the visitors in a lot of trouble at 99/6 after overnight batsman Christopher Barnwell went for 33.

The seam bowlers shared the 10 wickets with Mervin Mathew and Delorn Johnson

SCOREBOARD

Stumps day 2 Windward Islands Volcanoes 1st Innings 192 Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings (Overnight 73/4) R Chandrika c Smith b Matthew 16 Shimron Hetmyer c wkpr Ambris b Matthew 0 L Johnson b Mathew 30 V Singh b Mayers 1 S Chanderpaul LBW b Johnson 8 C Barnwell c wkpr Ambris b Mayers 33 R Reifer c Shillingford b Mathew 52 A Bramble c Robinson b Johnson 58 V Permaul not out 13 G Motie c Smith b Johnson 0 K Joseph c Smith b Johnson 0 Extras (lb-6, w-2) 8 Total (All out, 70.3 Overs) 219 FOW: 1-8, 2-25, 3-33, 4-44, 5-91, 6-99, 7-203, 8-211, 9-213, 10-219 Bowling: M Mathew 19.4-4-

43-4 (w-2), D Johnson 15.5-154-1, K Mayers 15-3-43-2, S Shillingford 13-4-30-0, L Edward 6-1-30-0, L Sebastian 1-0-13-0 Windward Islands Volcanoes 2nd Innings D Smith c Singh b Joseph 0 T Theophile c Motie b Joseph 39 J Robinson c Motie b Joseph 4 K Hodge c wkpr Bramble b Barnwell 14 S Ambris not out 28 L Sebastian not out 1 Extras (b-1, lb-1, w-2) 4 Total (For 4 wickets, 38.4 Overs) 90 FOW: 1-0, 2-4, 352, 4-80 Did not bat: L Edward K Mayers M Matthew S Shillingford Bowling: K Joseph 9-2-263 (w-1), R Reifer 9-4-19-0 (w-1), V Permaul 11-5-130, C Barnwell 9.4-1-30-1 Position: Volcanoes lead by 63 with six second innings wickets standing

QPCC side but with just five minutes remaining on the clock, Inder Bath netted two goals (34’ and 36’) in quick succession to en-

sure his side were not down and out but rather neutralize the score line at 4-4. Bal Wash Ers and the Queens Park team found much difficulty in penetrating the respective goal keepers eventually carrying the penalty shootout without a single goal being scored but rather the teams entered a sudden death shootout where the USA side emerged victorious.

Bal Wash Ers could have won the game during regulation time had he found the back of the net in a late goal attempt with just five seconds remaining on the clock but unfortunately missed by a hair, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, it was excellent goal keeping by the two goalkeepers, Gregory Garraway (Bal Wash Ers) and Bryan Lee Chow (QPCC) that prevented a single goal in the penalty and ultimately sending the game into a sudden death where Bath netted and secured the prize.

With each penalty shot being taken, the crowd was muzzled as the goalkeepers

plied their trade with the highest skill level.

In the Female finals, Woodpecker Hikers came up against a dominant Toronto Toros and were totally outplayed by the experience of the Canadian team, who had returned to the tournament following a few years’ absence to win 5-1.

On their way to the finals, Woodpecker Hikers would have edged Pizza Hut GCC 4-1 while Toronto Toros demolished Old Fort in a comprehensive 7-0 thrashing.

Following their first goal in just two minutes via Kaelan Watson. Danica Jayne was also among the scorers as she stroked up a hat trick (21’, 22’ and 23’) while Kaelan Watson scored the fifth and final goal for the touring team in the 37’.

Speaking at the end of the match, Watson said it was a pleasure to return to the tournament, this being her 3rd time here and applauded the level of competition the ladies put forward and predicted a bright future for the sport.

GASA concludes 2016 Nationals Swim Championship

Aleka Persaud heading for the win in the 9-10 girls’ freestyle

Keon Joseph

claiming four apiece.

In their second turn at the crease, the Volcanoes were in early trouble with Devon Smith being sent back first ball and was followed by Jerlani Robinson and Kaveem Hodge in quick succession before Sunil Ambris and Theophile stabilized the middle order.

At the end of the rain punctuated day, the Volcanoes are on 90/4 enjoying a slight lead of 63 with Ambris on 28 and Captain Liam Sebastian on 1.

Keon Joseph used the new pink ball to good effect claiming three important wickets. An intriguing third day awaits us all.

F

Hannibal Gaskin

amiliar faces once again dominated at the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Nationals Swim Championship.

Yesterday the three day event concluded with the regular names dominating most of the 86 events at the National Aquatic Center.

Those names included Olympians Hannibal Gaskin and Jamila Sanmoogan among others who were outstanding throughout the final day.

As expected Gaskin emerged as winner in all of

Kayla (red) and Kayle Hardy

his event without much of a challenge while Sanmoogan featured in one event on the day.

Swimming in the boys’ 9-10 category out of the Silver Shark club, Raekwon Noel was unmatched for the entire day as he triumphed in all of his events. So did his club mate Leon Seaton who was spectacular in the boys’ 11-12 category.

In the girls’ 9-10 division Aleka Persaud was on a higher level than the rest of her peers as she dominated her events.

Kenita Mahaica,

Phillip Denobrega, Nathon Hackett, Tsedeq Sekhel, Jadyn George, Tiffany DeMoura and Soroya Simmons also had a superb day.

In the girls eight and under segment, Ariel Rodriques dominated most events in that category but had to deal with stiff competition from rivals and twins Kayla and Kayle Hardy. Kayla managed a win in the 100m breaststroke while her sister Kayle won in the 50m freestyle.

monday, november 28, 2016

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GHB/ Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Tournament…

Pg 23

Kaelan Watson powers Chantelle Fernandes

Devin Munroe (green) locked in battle with Darren Cowie

Pepsi Hikers take lucky 7 after electrifying final

― Bal Wash Ers, Toronto Toros ease to titles We are the champions! Pepsi Hikers, Bal Wash Ers and Toronto Toros in celebration mode after being crowned at the National Gymnasium on Sunday

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

away

from