Guyana Times Daily

Indigenous villages rise as floodwaters recede P12

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3226

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

‘Disrespectful’ Hospital CEO ousted from PAC meeting

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Hold your hand!

Private Sector urges Govt to rethink closing sugar estates P9

Page 3

Haitian father abandons 2 children in Guyana P11

…as Finance Director disavows finance responsibility at GPHC Chairman of the PAC, Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali chides GPHC CEO Allan Johnson (left) and Finance Director Ronald Charles during the PAC meeting on Monday (Parliament Office PR photos)

Regent St businessman dies in early morning accident

Corentyne woman dies after alleged beating withPage metal rod 16

Page 7

– 2 in custody, reputed husband on the run

Kaieteur Park mining clampdown

Two women, toddler released Page 17

…18 still in custody

Approval of ExxonMobil’s licences imminent – Trotman Page 16

In brazen West Berbice attack

Gunmen rob restaurant owner, P5 customers GPSU chides Govt for delaying P10 public servants wage negotiations

Guyana stands ready to assist Venezuela …despite border controversy P2 – Greenidge

2

news

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana stands ready to assist Venezuela …despite border controversy – Greenidge

T

he Guyana Government has given all assurances that it will assist neighbouring Venezuela with its current internal crisis, although that country has not officially approached Guyana for help.

Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said in a statement on Monday that the two Governments routinely utilised direct diplomatic channels to communicate.

However, based on the statements made by the country’s Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz, during a recent press conference in Georgetown, Greenidge said he felt the need to reach out.

“Guyana, as a matter of routine, stands ready to assist or support all Caricom States and immediate neighbours, where

constitutional” Government of Venezuela and reverse the social achievements of the Venezuelan people.

She noted that at the international level, Guyana can support the actions

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

appropriate, when asked,” Greenidge said.

Diaz has said that the unrest in Venezuela has been caused by “radical sectors of the political Opposition” who have a clear objective to “overthrow the legitimate and

Activists in Venezuela block a major motorway in eastern Caracas on May 20 in protest against the Government of President Nicolás Maduro (Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images photo)

Venezuela Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz taken by the Venezuelan Government to resolve the situation in that country.

To determine the seriousness of the Venezuelan request for assistance, the Minister invited Diaz to the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday, May 25 where

she again stated that her country could benefit from Guyana’s support at international fora. Greenidge agreed to communicate the request.

Greenidge urged dialogue among all stakeholders in Venezuela, including the Government and Opposition, and stressed that any support from Government for the people of Venezuela did not indicate automatic agreement with the Venezuelan Government’s policies and its mode of implementing those.

He reminded that Guyana was a member of the Community of Caribbean and Latin American States (CELAC) that met to try to resolve Venezuela’s deteriorating situation as well as the standoff between its Government and Opposition. Guyana had done the same with another regional body, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

“The Government of Guyana has no desire to compound the problems of Venezuela by joining one or other of the protagonists,” he stated.

Venezuelan President Nicholás Maduro had earlier this month signed a decree to convene a new constituent assembly, which

would comprise some 500 constituents — mainly working-class members who will be tasked with developing a new constitution; that is, reshaping the current legislative body as well as redefining the President’s executive powers.

The Maduro Administration claims this move is aimed at restoring in the country the peace which was disrupted by the Opposition’s “socalled peaceful” protests, occasioned by the deadlock between the President and the Opposition-controlled Parliament.

The Venezuelan Government, which has of recent come under pressure to address the growing unrest in the country, has cited Articles 347, 348 and 349 of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in support of its move. The country’s Constitution, reformed in 1999, includes provisions for the Executive to convoke a Constituent Assembly.

According to Article 347, the original constituent power rests with the Venezuelan people, and this power can be exercised by calling a National Constituent Assembly for the purpose of transforming the State, creating a new judicial order, and drawing up a new Constitution.

The subsequent Article provide various options to invoke the National Constituent Assembly: by the President, with the Council of Ministers, by a decision of two-thirds of the Members of the National Assembly, by the Municipal Council members by a vote of two-thirds of its members, or by 15 per cent of the voters registered in the civil and electoral register.

According to Ambassador Diaz, the move to convene a constituent assembly allows for the people of the country to sit and debate on the country’s situation with intention to establish formulas to encourage national dialogue.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 30 – 08:30h-10:00h and Wednesday, May 31 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

‘Disrespectful’ Hospital CEO ousted from PAC meeting …as Finance Director disavows finance responsibility at GPHC

Tuesday, May 30 – 07:35h-09:05h and Wednesday, May 31 – 08:15h-09:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Sunny conditions followed by thundery showers in the morning hours with heavy to light rain showers in the afternoon hours, while partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 07:47h and 20:26 reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.38 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:53h reaching a minimum height of 0.67 metre.

A

‘disrespectful’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC), Allan Johnson was upbraided by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Irfaan Ali on Monday and was subsequently asked to leave the hearing.

Johnson was at the time being grilled, along with Finance Officer Ronald Charles, by Ali and colleague People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill, but both men were woefully ill-prepared when questioned about expenditure by the entity.

The matter came to a head when the MP questioned a failure to submit

ing to get back to you and we hope you come back prepared the next time.”

He used the occasion to draw to Johnson’s attention the fact the public was an integral stakeholder in the process. That eventually led to an informal back-andforth exchange between MP Edghill who scolded the Hospital CEO saying “behave like a big man…this is nonsense…you believe I ain’t got nothing to do when Monday mornings come.”

Ali had earlier clashed with CEO Johnson over the failure of the Corporation to submit its financial statements for 2015 and 2016 and questioned what sanctions would be put in place against the technical or financial officers responsible.

saturDAY, May 27, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

07 13 18

25 26 27

17 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS

01 09 12 20 23 a

LUCKY 3

0

2

2

Afternoon Draw

1

5

3

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 02 04 12 15 16 19 DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

GPHC CEO Allan Johnson (left) and Finance Director Ronald Charles were roasted by the PAC on Monday

financial statements for 2015 in breach of the Public Corporation Act by GPHC. Questions were left unanswered and a strange state of affairs was also unearthed as the ‘Finance Director’ seemed unaware he was in fact Finance Director since another person also serves in the capacity.

After the men failed on numerous occasions to provide specific answers on spending undertaken by the GPHC in 2015, Ali intervened and brought the proceedings to a close before ousting Johnson.

The PAC Chairman was adamant the GPHC’s CEO, “is trying to frustrate the PAC, I believe the CEO, you, you are disrespectful… you came here before you know who are the relevant offices that need to be before PAC.” According to Ali, “this behaviour would not be tolerated; I will not allow you to waste the PAC time…we are going to ask you to leave this morning and we are go-

Johnson told PAC, “We do have a plan to ensure that it gets done.”

Asked specifically about the plan, and if any action was taken, Johnson answered in the negative, prompting the PAC Chair to ask, “As CEO you are satisfied with this?” which was met with a long pause.

An angered PAC Chair, further pressing the Hospital CEO on what actions would be taken over the failure of the GPHC to keep the legal requirements of the Public Corporations Act said, “I am going to write the Finance Director – sitting next to him - for him to give me, um, for him to state why it was not done and then proceed from there.”

It was pointed out by Edghill that the breaches were unearthed in audit findings and known to the technical officers for several months and “he is going to come to PAC this morning to tell us, having had to answer a question, that he is now going to write the

PAC Chairman, Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali in full flow on Monday (Parliament Office PR photo)

Finance Director to find out why this didn’t happen.”

Edghill, a former junior Finance Minister under the previous PPP/C Administration, also used the opportunity during the brief session to question how much funds GPHC would hold in its accounts at the end of the year rather than returning the money to the Consolidated Fund.

An assurance was given that the monies were returned, but when asked for some sort of documentation to corroborate claims that the monies were in fact returned to the treasury, the hospital team again found itself at loggerheads with the members of the parliamentary committee.

Johnson then asked for time to provide that information and was given until today by PAC Chairman Ali. Edghill then sought to query how exactly the GPHC was closing its books at the end of the year if there was not documentation, but by this time the PAC Chairman observed that the GPHC CEO was, in fact, misleading the parliamentary committee.

According to Ali, based on information available to the Committee, 2016 funds had not been returned to the Consolidated Fund – this despite the faithful assurance to the contrary a few minutes earlier.

This conundrum led to a

more revealing line of questioning since Johnson at this time asked that questions be directed to the Hospital’s Finance Director.

The PAC Chairman reminded Finance Director Charles of the CEO’s assertion of the GPHC returning all monies to the treasury at the end of the year to which he responded “let me clarify.”

He told the Committee all remaining monies from 2015 would have been returned to Government, but with regard to 2016, “as far as I am aware….”; there were a noticeably long pause, observed by the PAC Chairman, before the Finance Director conceded there might still be some money outstanding for 2016 that may have to be returned to the treasury, but this needed to be clarified.

The PAC Chairman objected to the response coming from the Finance Director of the Hospital and asked, “Are you the Finance Director, sir?”

Charles’ bizarre response – “not for the Finance per se” – left committee members visibly flabbergasted.

Ali’s immediate response was to question what precisely he was Finance Director of at GPHC and it was at this point the Committee heard that there were in fact two Finance Directors functioning at the GPHC. Turn to page 13

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2017

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

The VHF radio sets probe W

hen the issue first broke – the controversial purchase of 50 Very High Frequency (VHF) communication radio sets by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for close to Gy$100 million – it sparked much criticisms and prompted a special probe into this and other similar transactions conducted by that organisation.

This particular transaction has been under some level of suspicion, and State auditors last year launched an audit into the procurement operations at GECOM after it was noticed that there were some discrepancies in relation to the purchase – which was done prior to the holding of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

There were several concerns raised about this entire transaction. For instance, the contract for the supply of the radio sets was handed to a Water Street businessman under questionable circumstances. There were also questions in relation to the huge cost of the items. It is believed that the radio sets could have been procured at a much cheaper rate via other suppliers.

Additionally, even though the radio sets were purchased for use during the 2015 General and Regional Elections, particularly in the outlying regions of Guyana, they allegedly were never put into use after it was discovered that many of them were faulty.

Further, media reports later surfaced that some of the equipment purchased were obsolete and were not covered by warranty. As a matter of fact, it was reported that the Australian-based manufacturer, Barrett Communications, through its European office, distanced itself from the purchase.

This, however, was just one of many cases wherein concerns were raised regarding the procurement practices employed by GECOM. There were, over the years, quite a few other instances when certain expenditures raised eyebrows.

Whether or not those concerns had any basis, GECOM officials did very little to assuage the concerns of stakeholders – who, in our view, were interested in ensuring that public funds were properly accounted for.

In relation to this most recent probe into the VHF radio sets, Auditor General Deodat Sharma was recently quoted in this newspaper as saying that the report has been completed, but the other aspect – in relation to the purchase of toners, batteries and other supplies – is still to be completed. The Parliamentary Opposition and members of the public, via letters in the press, have made numerous calls for the findings of these audits to be made public.

Already, much time has elapsed since the launch of the audits, and one wonders when exactly the entire investigation would come to finality and the report be presented to the relevant authorities. We fully understand the complexity of the work involved and the need for specialised staff to conduct interviews, etc; especially with the audit office having limited financial resources to hire the necessary complement of staff. However, citizens are eagerly awaiting the findings of these audits, as they (reports) will shed light on methods employed by GECOM to procure goods and services, and disclose whether such methods are in compliance with the necessary procurement laws and practices.

If it is found that persons are indeed culpable of not adhering to the laws, they should face the necessary penalties.

GECOM spends hundreds of millions of dollars, especially in election years or periods when there are heightened activities – such as continuous/house-to-house registration etc – and all efforts must be made to ensure that national procurement laws are followed in utilising those funds. The Auditor General has, over the years, highlighted many lapses in the system; but we are not certain what actions are being taken by GECOM and the powers that be in ensuring public funds are spent in a transparent and accountable manner.

While it is not our intention to portray the impression that any official of GECOM is guilty of any wrongdoing, as that is the job of the auditors, the point should be reinforced that as an independent constitutional body, GECOM enjoys financial, functional and operational autonomy; and like every agency which is financed with public funds, must be held accountable for the manner in which it spends these funds.

Hager Elhariry, 24, points at lights falling on her father Mahmoud’s face as the family waits to break the fast and start Iftar dinner during Ramadan, in Manalapan, New Jersey, May 28, 2017

GAWU desirous of winwin situation for sugar Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) refers to Mr Eric Phillips’s letter: “All voices of reason must step forward on GuySuCo”, which appeared in the May 29, 2017 issue of Stabroek News.

We must admit that we agree with Mr Phillips when he says GuySuCo and the sugar industry requires a win-win situation. In such circumstances, we see the industry/company being viable and sustainable, while at the same time the full complement of estates remain operable, and the masses who toil in the fields and factory being fairly rewarded and treated for their efforts and labours -- for their motivation and productivity.

It is against such a back-

ground that our Union, and moreso the thousands of people linked to the sugar industry, cannot be supportive of the current plans being advocated. Through those plans, thousands and thousands stand to be gravely affected and pushed closer to impoverishment, or simply become poverty-stricken. In view of the obvious hardships that would greet the people, their resistance and opposition are natural, and should not be unexpected. Any sane, rational being would react in the same manner.

Moreover, we believe this is not a situation that Mr Phillips and all right-thinking Guyanese would want for our people.

Mr Phillps also points to the Government’s support to the sugar industry. We pos-

it, however, that the contemporary support cannot be disconnected from the support -- financial and otherwise -that the industry in the past and present has and is contributing to Guyana and its people. So far, there has not been any mention of those contributions in the discussions on sugar.

Nevertheless, our Union accepts that the Government cannot support the sugar industry ad infinitum. We also must once again express our concern that, despite the substantial investment into sugar over the last two (2) years, the industry seems to be floundering and there seems to be no plausible explanation for the current state of affairs.

But in recognition of the Government’s financial con-

straints, we have advanced to the Administration our suggestions, which we hold will see the industry returning to a viable and sustainable footing, though we note State-support would be required for a period. Indeed, such support cannot be deemed unaffordable; and furthermore, the boost to the industry promotes a diversified and more resilient economy, which is in the interest of our people.

In our sincere view, this is a win-win situation, and we believe Mr Phillps is referring to it.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Deplorable state of Puruni road a real nightmare for miners Dear Editor, Please permit me a space in your column to express the distress and plight of miners who contribute greatly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. We pay a lot of royalties to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which is supposed to be for the purpose of enhancing the mining industry.

Roads are very import-

ant to miners in gaining access to their work lands. The Puruni road being one of the major roads is in a deplorable state and monies have already been budgeted for this road. It is time for these monies to come out of the newspapers and be put to work.

At this point, many miners have closed their dredges because it is very expensive and impossible to get to

their work ground. The road is impassable, trucks are being covered in slush, bikes and cruisers cannot pass and people are being stranded.

Miners do not know who is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of roads and bridges. But at this moment many of them need urgent attention. The syndicate body is appealing to the rightful authorities, asking

for these roads to be urgently dealt with because people’s lives are disrupted, vehicles are damaged and the journey that takes hours now takes days. This is a real nightmare and is unacceptable.

Thank you, Leon Moses Secretary, National Mining Syndicate

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News In brazen West Berbice attack

Law books fiasco

Gunmen rob restaurant owner, customers

T

wo armed men on Sunday evening carried out a brazen robbery on two customers and the owner of a restaurant and bar located at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

According to reports received, the two armed men entered the drinking spot about 22:00h and ordered two bottles of beer.

At the time, the bar had two occupants, 25-year-old Ryan Hiralall, a mechanic, and 26-year-old Chrisendat Sureshpaul. They were reportedly imbibing.

After the suspects collected their beer, they sat at a table close to Hiralall and

Chrisendat. Guyana Times understands that less than five minutes later, one of the men held Hiralall and Chrisendat at gunpoint and ordered them into the yard where they were further instructed to lay face down on the ground.

The bandits then proceeded to relieve Hiralall of his personal belongings and cash. He was reportedly relieved of his cellphone, gold and silver jewellery, and an undisclosed sum of cash.

One of the bandits continued to hold the two customers at gunpoint, while the other attacked the owner of the business, Lolitta Beni, and demanded cash and jewellery.

Out of fear, the woman reportedly handed over a handbag to the man. She told detectives the bag contained about $60,000 in cash, an electronic tablet, one Samsung Galaxy phone and a quantity of jewellery.

After collecting the bag, the gunman ran through the kitchen door, grabbed his accomplice and they escaped in Hiralall’s Toyota Allion motor car, registration number PMM 6756. The car was reportedly parked on the parapet in front of the restaurant and bar.

This publication was told that the car used by the bandits to reach the lo-

cation was abandoned some distance away. When contacted, Commander of Police B Division (Berbice), Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam confirmed that the robbery did take place and that the Police were working on several leads as they continued their investigations.

A Police source told this publication that the registration number on the abandoned car seemed fake and as such, enquiries are being made with the Guyana Revenue Authority. He noted that the car was taken to the Fort Wellington Police Station where it is being dusted for fingerprints.

The Leguan Island plantain chip factory fiasco Dear Editor, In an article which appeared in the news media on May 23, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business (MoB) reportedly told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly that a plantain chips factory now under construction on the island of Leguan will become operational by June 30. The factory is expected to initially employ a manager and 30 employees, none of whom have been identified for employment or are available for training and pre-trial runs before manufacturing starts

in a month's time, as was stated.

The PAC Chairman informed a team from the MoB that farmers from Leguan have been preparing their land holdings to produce plantains for the factory to keep it humming when production starts.

Leguan is predominantly a subsistence rice-growing region with some cattle rearing undertaken here and there. It has never produced plantains or bananas in commercial quantities, and would be unable to do so in the foreseeable future because of the high

cost of crop conversion and infrastructure development, particularly field layout and adequate drainage and irrigation for plantain cultivation. Further, the island has no potable water supply, an unreliable electricity supply, a network of poor roads and a rickety stelling. Therefore, no manufacturing facility for plantain chips can operate successfully unless the necessary infrastructure is in place as well as the reliable availability and timely supplies of raw materials at competitive prices to make

the plant fully operational.

It is evident that a feasibility study was not carried out on this plantain chip factory on the island of Leguan as any economic and financial analyses would have indicated that the project was not viable and, therefore, not worthy of any investment. Thus, another "White Elephant" has been born in the chequered development annals of the present Administration.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Former AG dubs charges against him as “whimsical”

– trial to commence in June

T

he trial into the alleged theft of over $2 million worth of law books from the Legal Affairs Ministry by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall is scheduled to commence on June 8, 2017.

Nandlall made another appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

At the hearing, Nandlall asked that the matter be tried in the Magistrates’ Courts rather than in the High Court before a judge and jury.

This was agreed upon and the trial date was set for June 8.

On his second appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Nandlall had the charge of fraudulent conversion read to him.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that he converted some 14 Commonwealth Law Reports, valued at $2.3million, to his own use and benefit.The prosecution reported that there were still some four outstanding statements in the matter.

Nandlall has maintained his innocence and, two weeks ago, had indicated that he was considering moving to the High Court to have the charges against him removed.

According to him, the law books were taken into his

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

possession after he was given permission from former President Donald Ramotar.

As such, he deems the charges against him to be “capricious and whimsical” and even noted that they had no grounds.

He had explained that when assigned the position of Attorney General, his annual subscription was paid towards the annual release of the law books into his hands. As such, the books, which were evidently bought by the Legal Affairs Ministry, were obtained using State funds that was approved by then President Ramotar.

The charges were instituted against Nandlall as the current Administration believes that as the books were bought with State funds, Nandlall had no right to take them into his possession after he left office.

6

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Negative children: how to deal with a complaining child or teen (Part 2)

By Debbie Pincus, MS

“This sucks! I hate this family.”

Sound familiar? Children who are oppositional or defiant often use negativity to get everyone around them worked up, including you. Sometimes they respond automatically without thinking – they’re not necessarily trying to make everyone upset – but other times, they do it with the intention to make everybody else feel as miserable as they do. And you and your child’s siblings probably bear the brunt of it, because home is that safe place where he can let out the absolute worst part of himself. If your child spews a lot of negativity at home, the trick for you is not to get pulled into it, because that’s what will give him the feeling that he’s in control – he’s got you and you’re paying attention to him. You’re hooked.

Work hard not to indulge that part of your child. Recognise when your child is trying to push your buttons and try not to get pulled in. The temptation in the moment is to feed the mood by saying something like, “What’s wrong with you? You’re ruining the movie for everyone!” Instead, you can put limits on this negative behaviour by saying, “Not now, please. We’re trying to watch the movie.” Or “It sounds like you don’t like it. Why don’t you go to your room and do something else?” If your child continues to be defiant, you’ll need to try some enforceable consequences.

Define your boundaries and make clear what you will and won’t do without being critical and giving your child the message, “You should be different, what’s wrong with you?” Easy? Not at all. I know this is hard – sometimes your child’s negativity and goading behaviour can feel like a magnet pulling you in. I think the best thing to do is be very conscious of what’s happening, and then stay out of that orbit. The main thing is, don’t give it legs.

Here are seven things you can

do as a parent when your child is being negative and it’s pushing all of your buttons.

Don’t try to turn your child into something she’s not. As a parent, you might feel you’re responsible for how your child feels and behaves. If so, the choices she makes will feel very personal to you. You’ll find yourself trying to turn her into a positive person, a “Negative Nancy” into the proverbial “Sally Sunshine.”

The result? She’ll work all the harder to resist you. This will cause you to push harder, creating more and more reactivity and negativity between the two of you.

Remember, you’re not responsible for the choices your child makes about her attitudes or behaviours.

Instead, you’re responsible for how you respond to these attitudes and behaviours.

Try to be non-judgmental.

As hard as it is, try not to be judgmental, critical, or defensive.

So if your child says, “This food is gross,” don’t react by saying, “Why are you always so negative about everything? The least you could do is say thank you!” Instead, say something like, “Hmmm, I’m sorry you don’t like it,” or “Too bad you find it so unappealing,” or simply, “Oh.” Nothing more needs to be said.

Related: Why it’s better to take charge rather than try to take control as a parent.

Don’t personalise it. Try as hard as you can not to personalise your child’s negative attitude and constant complaining. Have a slogan in your head that helps you ignore some of his negative remarks. Try repeating the following to yourself: “It’s nothing personal and nothing to worry about. These are just feelings.”

Be direct. If your child launches into a venting session when you’re stressed out or in the middle of something, be clear and direct.

You can say, “Sorry, but I’m not up for listening to this right now. Why don’t you save it for later, when I can focus on what you’re telling

me?” That way, if your child really needs a sounding board and isn’t simply complaining for the sake of complaining, you’ll be able to give him your full attention and listen to what’s on his mind. (And maybe by that time, he’ll have worked through it on his own. In this way, your child will learn to rely on himself to calm his anxieties.)

Reflect but don’t react. If your child always has something negative to say, you can go with it without agreeing with him. If he says “It would have been a good day if I’d gotten a home run during recess,” you can say, “Yeah, really just to have that one extra thing, that would have made it better for you, huh?” Instead of trying to negate his negativity, listen to it and let it go. When your child is critical of something and then you’re critical of him being critical, it just adds to the cycle. Often we don’t hear ourselves complaining about our kids and we just pile it on. So try to be non-judgmental about it.

Put a time limit on complaints. If your child is really a chronic complainer, you might consider putting a time limit on him. When your child launches into a complaining session, listen to what his beef is and then let him let him know he only has a few more minutes. You can say, “Okay Jackson, two more minutes to talk about how you hate Maths, and then we’re done with this subject today. I can’t hear anymore.” You can also establish a complaint time as James Lehman advises in The Total Transformation Program.

Set aside a time each day, like after dinner, when your child has 10 minutes to complain about everything that’s bothering him.

Limit it to that time of day and that amount of time. If he forgets and starts being critical about something, just remind him that he can tell you all about it at complaint time that night. You can also give him a journal in which he can write everything down. Another idea is to give your child five “complaint

tickets” per day that he can use at any time. Each one is good for one complaint, but after the five are used up, no more. (This works well for younger children.)

Give honest feedback. Your ultimate goal is to let your child be who he is, but also to let him know that his attitude does have an impact. Giving him honest feedback is one of the best ways to set your own boundaries while respecting his. When he’s going on and on about something or someone, you can say, for example, “When I’m hearing too much of your criticisms and complaints, I find myself tuning it out.” You could also try saying something like, “Hey, I think I need to hear a few more positives right now because I’m getting zapped.”

Generally when you give authentic feedback, you’re just letting your child know that what he’s doing is not working for you right now. Again, simply complaining about his negativity is not necessarily going to be helpful.

Instead, you need to be honest about it and let your child know what you’re feeling about the impact of moods, attitudes and words. That’s about you expressing you—not you criticizing him.

A final piece of advice: When dealing with your negative child, be counter-intuitive. Again, while the goal of helping your child be a more positive person is a good one, trying to make him be one will backfire. Instead, do what is counter-intuitive: accept his negative feelings. His feelings are separate from you, so allow them without “futurizing” and personalising and getting entangled. Don’t let your own anxiety about your child interfere.

Rather, listen without criticism.

Stand next to him, not joined to him. Only then will he stop being compelled to use his energy to fight you or defend himself from your criticism. With your acceptance, he’ll be free to begin thinking about how he wants to change and grow. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

continued from Monday

By Michael Hogan, PhD

Literacy and narrative identity development A key tenet of the Q-Tales e-book research introduced here was the interdependence of literacy, identity and storytelling. Narrative and storytelling are fundamentally important in education (Egan, 1987; Zigo, 2001), culture and life. The Q-Tales pedagogical framework was predicated foundationally on the narrative concepts and theories of Bruner (1990; 2002; 2007), Schank (1990) and Egan (1989).

According to Bruner (2007, 30:11), narrative is “about the most generic thing we have”.

For Egan (1989) narrative and storytelling predominate as powerful educational processes, which help crucially to mediate learners’ identity development and lifelong literacy. Bruner went as far as to contend that the development of our foundational literacy and learning of syntactic structures and grammars in early life is determined by our inherent predisposition to make stories of our experiences in the world.

One of the most ubiquitous and powerful discourse forms in human communication is narrative. Narrative structure is even inherent in the praxis of social interaction before it achieves linguistic expression; it is a “push” to construct narrative that determines the order of priority in which grammatical forms are mastered by the young child.

(Bruner, 1990, p 77) Therefore, through supporting and augmenting children’s storytelling, Q-Tales aimed to enhance and promote their narrative capacity and therewith their nascent and emergent literacy.

As a first step in the development of the Q-Tales technology, we undertook to explicate and scope out a principled pedagogical concept design to inform the empirical design of the ebook ecosystem.

Conceptualising the Q-Tales pedagogical design Our approach to the design of the pedagogical framework was team based. The authors of the framework are three academics from an Irish university. Two are education technologists and one is a developmental psychologist.

We began the process of creating the framework by each reviewing the literature in our particular area of expertise. Through a process of collaboration, we created a ‘Big Wall’ diagram incorporating the various areas of the literature we felt were relevant to the creation of the framework.

From this, a structure for the

framework emerged. We used Prezi to create a digital version of the ‘Big Wall’ schematic diagram which gave the team members access to the relevant literature.

The pedagogical framework emerged over the course of six months through an iterative cycle of reading, discussion, refinement.

The final report was a key deliverable that shaped the technology development work of the Q-tales consortium.

Central to the Q-Tales pedagogical framework is a focus on literacy skill development and engagement in reading. Our framework is grounded in developmental considerations derived from an analysis of the broad developmental psychology, education and educational technology literature. These considerations have shaped our ultimate activity- and designfocused pedagogical ontology.

At a high level, the framework and ontology includes four themes: (1) Developmental considerations, (2) Literacy activities, (3) Narrative/Stories, and (4) Design considerations.

Developmental considerations shape design thinking in the application of all other components of the framework.

Based on Chall’s (1983) stages of reading development, and Sulzby’s (Sulzby, 1985; Sulzby & Teale, 1987) emergent literacy skills, our pedagogical framework is structured in light of developmental considerations relevant to three broad age categories, that is, children aged 0-4, 5-8 and 9-16 years, based roughly on three broad stages of literacy development: (1) emergent reading, (2) initial reading, and (3) reading to learn.

Furthermore, pedagogical literacy activities focus on four categories of literacy development: (1) code related skills, (2) comprehension, (3) cognitive and metacognitive skills, and (4) social/emotional interaction.

The Q-tales pedagogical framework documents a broad range of over 100 pedagogical activities, across three stages of reading ability and four domains of literacy skill, that e-book authors might want to incorporate into their stories to enhance children’s literacy development. Based on the suggestions for literacy skill development in the literature (Lawrence, White, & Snow, 2011; Snow, Burns, & Griffin, 1999), programmes and apps designed to support children’s literacy development were surveyed to ascertain the types of activities and mini games that should be developed for inclusion in the Q-Tales platform. (Excerpt from pyschologytoday.com)

to be continued

news

7

TUESDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Regent St businessman dies Cops probing brutal piracy attack on in early morning accident

A

three-vehicle smashup that occurred at about 07:30h on Monday at the corner of Camp and Middle Streets, Georgetown has resulted in the deaths of 45-year-old businessman Derek Mangal

Dead: Derek Mangal

and his beloved “towa towa” bird.

According to eyewitnesses, white Toyota Allion motor car PPP 3751 was proceeding west along Middle Street when its young female driver reportedly failed to adhere to the traffic lights and thus collided with Toyota Raum PPP 9843, heading in a northerly direction along Camp Street. The impact caused the Raum, driven by a 26-year-old male, to spin and hit Mangal, who was driving motorcycle CF 4958 at the western junction of Middle and Camp streets.

Rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) by public-spirited persons, Mangal was pronounced dead on arrival.

Unharmed, the drivers of both vehicles were taken to the Brickdam Police Station, where the female driver is said to be speaking only through her lawyer and has allegedly provided very little information.

The late Derek Mangal,

of Lot 799 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, had owned a store in the Regent Multiplex Mall.

The Police have, in a statement, revealed that both drivers are in custody assisting with investigations. Their investigations have thus far revealed that motorcar PPP 9843 was proceeding north along the western carriageway whilst motorcar PPP 3751 was proceeding west along Middle Street; and both drivers failed to stop at the intersection, which resulted in the front of PPP 3751 colliding with the right side of PPP 9843.

The impact caused the latter vehicle to spin around and collide with Mangal, who was driving his motorcycle east along the northern side of Middle Street.

Knocked off his motorcycle, Mangal received head and body injuries, and those are suspected to be the cause of his death. A post-mortem is expected to be performed later this week.

“The Allion was supposed to stop, because the stoplight was blinking red and the stoplight for the Raum was amber, so he was proceeding. But she (Allion driver) ‘jump the light’ and hit the Raum, and the vehicle spin about two times and then the back of the car hit the man off he motorbike,” an eyewitness told this newspaper at the scene.

“When the man fall down from his motorbike, he had some wounds on his head because he was not wearing a helmet, but he wasn’t bleeding from the wound. I think that he had internal injuries, and that is why he died so quickly,” the eyewitness posited.

When this publication visited the scene, Mangal’s

Waini River

P

olice have launched an investigation into reports of a recent brutal piracy attack at the mouth of the Waini River, some 10 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, off the Essequibo Coast.

Based on reports received, Boat Captain Muneshwar Bissoon and four other crew members were in their cabin when they were alerted by the sound of another boat engine.

As they were checking on the origin of the sound, four masked men, two armed with large guns and two others with cutlasses, jumped onto the boat and broadsided them. They were then forced to lie face down.

Derek Mangal’s motorcycle

birdcage was still there with his dead bird inside, and the Toyota Allion vehicle was also still at the accident scene. However, the number plates were removed from the vehicle.

According to the dead businessman’s daughter, Diandra Mangal, her father would usually go to the National Park and jog, and he was just following his daily routine when the accident occurred.

“We get a call and say that my father was in an accident, and we rushed to the hospital; and when we reach there, they told me that my father had passed away and that we have to identify the body. After we finish identifying the body, we had to come to the police station to give statements,” she said.

She added that her father would usually take his bird to ‘walk’ with him and

would later go to the Regent Multiplex Mall to open his clothing store.

The dead man’s wife was inconsolable when she visited the scene of the accident.

Mangal, described as a jovial person, leaves to mourn his daughter and wife.

(Lakhram Bhagirat)

The Captain was chopped to the left side of his head and the finger of another crew member was severed.

Reports are that the pirates, who spoke in Spanish as well as English, robbed the boat men of two Yamaha engines, 4 12-volt batteries, two mobile phones, three drums of fuel, some fish material and food supplies among other items.

The pirates then escaped, leaving the men to wander at sea for several days before they were rescued by another vessel. They were treated at the Mabaruma Hospital where a report was lodged.

The men were expected back home Monday.

8 news

TUESDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man charged for attempting to smuggle cigarettes into prison

A

man was made to answer to Magistrate Judy Latchman as to why he attempted to smuggle four packs of cigarettes into the Camp Street Prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Gownauth Geer, 41, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him, but a guilty plea was entered after his explanation to the court.

The charge stated that on May 25, 2017 at the Georgetown Prison on Camp Street, he attempted to smuggle the prohibited substance into the facility.

Geer told Magistrate Latchman that he was, at the time of his arrest, working as a mason at the Prison, but was unaware that he was not permitted to take the cigarettes into the facility.

However, the prosecu-

tion told the court that the defendant attempted to smuggle the cigarettes into the prison in his long boots.

The defendant initially told the court that the cigarettes were in his boots as his pants pocket was wet.

He later told the court that he had no pockets on his pants.

He was fined $60,000, with an alternative sentence of 12 months in prison.

Changes…

T

Gownauth Geer

Agricola man granted $400,000 bail on car theft charge

A

resident of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was on Monday granted $400,000 bail when he appeared in court for reportedly stealing a woman’s vehicle.

Donald Alson, 31, of 167 Titus Street, Agricola, was brought to stand before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that he stole a 192 Corona car with registration number PMM 6243 from a residence

Accused: Donald Alson

in Kitty, which belongs to Catherina Bristol.

According to the prosecution’s facts, the bus con-

ductor stole the car from the woman’s premises around 15:00h on the day in question.

The court heard that the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured the vehicle, but the following day, she noticed that the car was missing. A report was made and the defendant was arrested. The prosecution also claimed that Alson later admitted to stealing the car and stripping it.

Alson will return to court on June 12, 2017.

Trinidadian entertainer charged, remanded – for drug trafficking

T

rinidadian entertainer Cornelius Thomas was on Monday arraigned before Georgetown

Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge detailing that on May 28 last, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he had

in his possession 834 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The 35-year-old defen-

Remanded: Cornelius Thomas

dant, who presently resides at 36 Guyhoc Gardens, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge, alleging in open court that he was called by his landlord, held at gunpoint, and told that a black bag was found in his apartment. He said the Police were called and that was how he was arrested.

However, the Prosecution’s facts state that the police had received information and, with the assistance of the landlord, searched the man’s premises and found the substance in several Ziploc bags. The defendant was accordingly told of the offence and was charged.

Thomas, a gospel show promoter and entertainer, had previously been charged with fraud in Dominica.

He has been remanded to the Camp Street prison in Georgetown, and his case has been set for recall on June 19, 2017.

…in class perspective

he PPP was first “abashedly” a Marxist party. But after playing ducks and drakes on the subject with US President John F. Kennedy and getting a quick ouster from office, Jagan came out of the closet in 1969 to declare HIS party was Communist. Among his impressionable protégés were the rustic Moses Nagamootoo from Berbice and the urban (and urbane) Ralph Ramkarran from Bel Air, Georgetown.

Mechanistically following the 19th century European procrustean categories of Marxist sociology, they aped Jagan to insist that race/ethnicity was a mere “epiphenomenon” and class was “fundamental”. Well, now that both have parted ways with the PPP, they’ve evidently done a U-turn on their views.

Nagamootoo was only too happy to insist on 40% of the Cabinet if he and the AFC delivered “Indian” votes.

But even though Nagamootoo had denied his ethnicity, he had to have come to a modus vivendi with the question of race/ethnicity to make THAT bargain.

Rather belatedly, it would appear that Ralph Ramkarran has also now decided to trade in his hammer and sickle. He’d been more passionate about the working class than the rough-around-the-edges Nagamootoo; probably overcompensating for his middle class origin!

In his blog this week, he’s quoted as declaring: “But the reality is that the main ethnic groups in Guyana live compartmentalised lives, whether in mixed communities or not, separated by our differences, and hardly ever interacting socially, culturally or politically. We are different nations, living separate lives, subsisting in the same homeland and competing for scarce resources.”

Whew!! Ramkarran sounds more extreme than those Indianists and Africanists who flood the letters columns with what he used to deride as “atavistic” outpourings.

But doesn’t he owe the Guyanese public a reason for his abrupt volte face? Before the last elections, he’d praised his erstwhile competitor for the title of “Best Marxist in the PPP” as doing the right thing for denying his ethnicity for the sake of “national unity”. Which, your Eyewitness concluded, had to mean Nagamootoo and his new allies in APNU would be ushering in a “unity” based on class.

Has Ramkarran become so embittered by the virulent racism exhibited by the coalition government against Indians over the distribution of “scarce resources” during the last two years that he’s become resigned to accepting race politics? Is Ramkarran about to champion the “cause” of Indians in light of his sudden epiphany?

But what’s the end game for a country with “different nations, living separate lives”? Surely he doesn’t envisage the “different nations” fighting unto eternity?

Or is he going to propose we go the way of Yugoslavia, which fissioned into five “homelands” for its five nations”?

New converts are always the most extreme!

…on diaspora policies?

What’s with this Government and the diaspora? It’s like one of those “hold me, loose me” soap operas. In both the 2011 and 2015 elections, the diaspora played a major role in helping the coalition (AFC and APNU were a “coalition” in all but name by 2011) first checkmate the PPP, and then seize their kingdom. They, not unreasonably, had great expectations of getting a piece of the action in the new dispensation, not least because the APNU/AFC combine had MADE promises such as giving them a seat in Parliament. But it all came to naught in the midst of diasporic weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

But, once again, the administration’s girding up its loins to engage the diaspora. They started out on safe turf -- with ex-GDF types in the States. But they really need to explain what’s gonna be different this time.

“Fool us once, shame on the admin; fool us twice, shame on the diaspora”!

…on PM status?

In dishonouring the promises of the Cummingsburg Accord to increase the powers of the Prime Minister, APNU claimed it was unconstitutional to have PM chair Cabinet.

But Article 106 (3) says, “Cabinet Meetings shall be presided over by (b) in the absence of the President, the Prime Minister.”

All Prezzie’s gotta do is not show up!!

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

news

9

TUESDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hold your hand!

Private Sector urges Govt to rethink closing sugar estates

I

n light of Government’s expressed intention to downsize the sugar industry via the closure of estates, the Private Sector has highlighted several reasons why the State’s largest provider of employment should be allowed to continue current operations.

In a joint statement released by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and several associate bodies on Monday, Government was implored to “hold its hand” on the current approach towards closure of sugar estates.

“The Private Sector stands ready to place its considerable experience at the disposal of and to work with Government to explore all possible options to avert closure,” the PSC announced.

Recognising the contributions the sugar industry has made to the country’s economy since being taken over by the State over 40 years ago, the Private Sector bodies reminded all stakeholders of the vital role sugar continued to play in the upkeep of the na-

The Enmore Estate is slated for closure by the end of 2017

It was also highlighted that the industry encountered many financial challenges over the years, compounded by the loss of the preferential pricing of the lucrative European Union (EU) market. The Private Sector, however, espoused the view that the industry could be turned around, reminding that the Administration’s inquiry was against the closure of estates.

“The Governmentinitiated Commission of

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder presented Government’s white paper on the future of the sugar industry to the National Assembly

tion’s sustenance.

“The industry remains the largest employer other than Government and the main foreign currency earner. GuySuCo’s role has expanded to include providing Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) for many communities and other sectors as well as providing community health services,” the PSC noted on Monday.

Inquiry (CoI) did not recommend closure of any estate, but, on the contrary, recommended divestment into private hands,” the Private Sector pointed out.

The PSC further stressed that a 2015 audit of the financial statements of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had disclosed that more than $10 billion would be

removed from private employment income should Government proceed with the closure of estates.

“This, in turn, would have a direct negative effect on consumer spending in the communities, which, directly or indirectly, depend upon income from sugar.

Such a decline in consumer spending would also have a diminishing impact upon all commerce with concomitant negative spin-off effects on the economy as a whole,” the PSC posited.

Highlighting the country’s current challenges with the availability of international currency, the PSC reminded that GuySuCo was a major earner of foreign exchange, noting that estate closures would severely impact the availability of foreign currency which could increase the price at which it is sold.

“The restoration of Guyana’s economy is inevitably, and intimately, linked to the future of sugar. It would be sad to lose the sugar industry and realise five years later that this would have been a success story. We must learn from the history of the scrapping of the railway which would have opened up our country to development,” the bodies outlined.

“Our members are located across the length and breadth of Guyana and the survival of their businesses depends upon a public that spends on goods and services. Most income generation is derived from em-

ployment and when this is reduced significantly, it affects the entire chain, from manufacturing and importation to household consumption,” the PSC said in the joint statement.

The associated bodies of the PSC, joining the call against estate closures include the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development; the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce; and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association.

On May 8, Agriculture

Minister Noel Holder presented Government’s white paper on the future of the sugar industry to the National Assembly. He had announced that two sugar estates would be closed and the annual production of sugar would be reduced, among a number of other measures, as part of a new policy on the sugar industry.

He further noted that GuySuCo would have three estates and three sugar factories. These being Blairmont on the West Bank of Berbice, AlbionRose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales Estate in West Demerara.

The three estates will be complete with factories and will have cane sup-

plied from all locations, the Minister had noted.

He had also claimed that this process would result in improvements to the relationship with some cane cutters, estate staff and about 1710 private cane farmers.

A series of protests followed the announcement of the closures. In December 2016, sugar operations ceased at the Wales Estate, leaving over 1000 workers without employment.

Thousands more, their families and their community stand to suffer the consequences of more closures.

Additionally, many farmers have cited financial and infrastructural challenges in attempts at crop diversification.

Alleged cocaine possession lands Leopold Street man in jail

A

man was on Monday remanded to the Camp Street penitentiary on allegations of cocaine possession.

Appearing before city Magistrate Judy Latchman, accused Wendell Andrews pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 28 at Cross and Leopold Streets, Georgetown, he was

found with nine grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

After denying the Police’s account of what transpired on the day in question, the unrepresented man was not afforded his pre-trial liberty, as bail was denied. Andrews was led away into Police custody. He makes his next court appearance on June 19.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, may 30, 2017

News

GPSU chides Govt for delaying public servants wage negotiations – Yarde

G

uyana Public Service Union (GPSU) President Patrick Yarde said he was very disappointed with the seeming procrastination by Government on the recommencement of public servants wage negotiations.

“The delay is on the part of the Government and not the GPSU. We have stated that even before the last quarter report was out, that we were ready to talk and we have never, ever turned down a request to meet and as a matter of fact, we have been making requests to meet and that has not materialised,” Yarde said.

“I am very disappointed with the procrastination that is taking place and we will be addressing this through correspondence (to the Government) again,” he added.

Yarde said he hoped there would not be any further delays in having that matter addressed.

According to him, there is “an economic crisis ongoing” and people need economic relief. For that to happen, the Government needs to expeditiously address the burning issue of living wages and consequential increases for all public servants.

He noted that Finance Minister Winston Jordan wrote to him indicating that he was now mandated by President David Granger to negotiate the wage increases to which he responded indicating the Union’s willingness to resume those talks. “I responded to him also indicating our willingness to meet and that was since last year and that could not be arranged,” he informed.

“Our commitment to the public service was to ensure that the terms and conditions of service, including wages, that we are going to address them. The conditions of service and those

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

matters are already being addressed. So, what we are talking about is a raft of measures that will increase or improve the quality of service of our public servants and those things are being addressed,” Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said when asked about the wage negotiations.

Last August after intense negotiations be-

tween the GPSU and the Government, a 10 per cent increase in salaries for public servants earning below $99,000, and a one to six per cent raise for other categories of workers were announced. That was the final offer by the Government.

However, this was met with criticisms by the GPSU, whose demands were not met. The Union, in a statement, said that during negotiations, Government’s attempt to paint a gloomy picture of economic turmoil as a direct consequence of the 1999/2000 Armstrong tribunal awards as well as alleging that 6000 workers lost their jobs were entirely misleading and deliberately dishonest.

It is unclear whether the Government is willing to return to the table to continue the negotiations, since it is yet to respond to the Union’s request.

Taxi driver charged with assault A

taxi driver attached to the Green Ice taxi service was on Monday granted bail for allegedly assaulting his colleague.

Andrew Gadd, 45, pleaded not guilty to the

charge when Magistrate Judy Latchman read it to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on May 26, 2017 at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Gadd maliciously assaulted

Orin David so as to cause actual bodily harm.

He also pleaded not guilty to using abusive behaviour on May 23, 2017.

The defendant told the court that the Virtual Complainant (VC) was lying and noted that he did not assault him.

However, the prosecution’s facts revealed that

on the day in question, the defendant took a knife and used it to hit the VC to his forehead, which caused him to bleed. He was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 for the abusive behaviour charge and in the sum of $100,000 for the assault charge.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on June 19, 2017.

The origins of Indian land ownership in British Guiana

T

he cornerstone of Indian indenture was that Indians would be transient labourers in British Guiana; and in that process, they were required to provide five years of labour in exchange for wages, basic housing, a free return passage, and other fringe benefits. Nowhere in their contract was there the opportunity to become land owners.

The British Colonial Government in India insisted on the cyclical nature of the indenture system for two basic reasons.

One: Indians should have the opportunity to work, save, and bring back remittances to develop themselves and their communities.

Two: the right to free return passage should be in all contracts primarily to safeguard the labourers from ill-treatment in their new domicile. If they were ill-treated, then the free return passage would provide the labourers with the option to leave the colony, if so desired.

Of course, the colonised Indian Government’s position and policy turned out to be a figment and fragment of Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine imagination, insofar as the labourers were repeatedly abused in their sojourn in British Guiana. The planters’ interests of power, dominance and control permeated the affairs of the colony, not the interests of indentured labourers.

So, when Indians left their homeland, hearkened in the back of their minds was the notion that they would return home; and perhaps they did not mind being duped, or even signing contracts to labour in an unknown environment. What they wanted most from their contracts was to become “successful” economic migrants, save a few hundred dollars, and return home. They never wanted to disturb the colonial system. They never wanted land. They never wanted to stay in British Guiana. Why, then, did they become land owners?

Indians became land owners because of the changing nature of the indenture, which was not always straightforward. To illustrate: from 1838 to 1851, the circular labour exchange of indentured servants was characterised by suspension and resumption.

Indenture started in 1838, but was suspended the same the year.

Resumed in 1845, it was suspended again in 1851, and finally abolished in 1917 (immigration) and in 1920 (indenture).

The suspensions and abolitions occurred because of the callous treatment the labourers received, the economic crisis of the sugar estate, anti-immigration sentiments, and continuous conflicts between the British Guianese planters and the Colonial Office regarding the rules and regulations of indenture. By 1854, pressure from various watchdog groups helped to push the organisation and supervision of the indenture system from private hands to being state-controlled, removing some inconsistencies and inadvertently setting the platform upon which Indians would become potential land owners.

After it was realised that Indians were reliable workers, the organisation and management of indenture shifted with supersonic speed to suit the planter class; namely, to minimise costs and maximise profits. The cost of introducing and returning Indians was targeted. The cost of introducing one Indian indenture to British Guiana in 1908, for example, was around £16. The cost of sending one time-expired Indian back to India was around £10.

The planter class argued that the cost of introducing and sending back Indians was too expensive, and Indians should be given the option to re-indenture and receive a $50 bounty, but retain the right to a return passage. The gist of the planters’ argument was: why invest so much in the labourers and then send them back to their home environment, where their plantation experience was less useful? Induce them to stay with the aim to have a cheap labour supply available at the planters’ disposal.

The argument was persuasive and offered the first sign that Indians might become settlers in British Guiana; but, contrary to what some think, Indians did not step out of the ship and receive land. From 1850 to 1851, some 2,210 Indians re-indentured for another five years and received $107, 410 bounty. In some ways, the bounty system was more expensive than sending Indians back to their homeland. This was a colonial state problem, not an Indian one. Some Indians used their bounty to buy state land. So far, they did not receive any land, and so far, there is no evidence that they had been taking land from anyone in British Guiana.

In 1873, the colonial administration abolished the option to re-indenture, and instead focused on Indian settlement; which again was not based on humanitarian reasons, but to meet the needs of the planter class. Re-indenture was abolished for a host of reasons: (1) the abuse of the immigrants, emanating from the planters’ desire to retain them through inducement rather than obtaining their goodwill; (2) the increase of the fee payable by the planters to the Immigration Fund in regard to each re-indentured Indian -- from $120 in 1873 to $200 in 1875; (3) the planters’ determination to avoid the financial responsibility of sending back time-expired indentured Indians. The amount paid for return passages of Indians from 1850 to 1870 was $478,217. To avoid future financial responsibility of sending back Indians, as stated in their contract, the argument for the right of return passage to be exchanged for land grants (5 to 10 acres) preoccupied the Colonial Government, including Sir Charles Bruce, Lieutenant Governor of British Guiana. The colony, he claimed, could only benefit from Indian immigration if the return passages were not included; and this in light of the fact that, among other things, the Indian population in British Guiana was increasing and Indians could use their remittances to develop British Guiana. Land inducement and settlement was a most feasible option. The Colonial Government had made up its mind that Indians would become settlers in British Guiana. Bruce never suggested that Indians would be settled in areas where other ethnic groups owned land. To be continued… (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

MONDAY, may 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Haitian father abandons Parents in uproar No electricity at Kwakwani 2 children in Guyana Secondary School

A

Haitian national on Wednesday last abandoned his two children, shortly after arriving in Guyana. Police are currently on the lookout for Jacques Village, of Morisot Province, Haiti, who was last seen on the run in Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Guyana Times understands that after disembarking a COPA Airlines flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday last, Village abandoned his two children in a minibus which was destined for Georgetown.

Reports revealed that the driver of the minibus was a family associate, Reginel Cherisma, who is also a citizen of Haiti.

Cherisma, who is currently studying at the University of Guyana, relayed to media operatives what exactly transpired.

The UG student highlighted that while en route to Georgetown, Village requested that he stop the bus, stating that he would like to urinate. The man then exited the minibus, leaving behind his two children.

Moments later, Village was seen crossing the road and heading towards a fuel station situated in the opposite direction to that of the parked automobile.

Unaware of what was happening, the driver called out for the man, who continued to proceed in the opposite direction. After realising that Village was about to leave, Cherisma con-

…hampering learning

S

Haitian national Jacques Village and his two children at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Wednesday

fronted the father of two in an attempt to convince him to return. However, his efforts proved futile as the man insisted that he no longer wished to travel in the minibus.

The two children, ages 11 and 12, were then taken to the Providence Police Station where they were left in the care of ranks stationed at the outpost. They were subsequently transferred to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) in Georgetown.

Following the incident, Cherisma revealed he was at the time doing a favour for Village’s sister, who had asked him to receive her brother at the Airport.

Cherisma explained that he was taking the man and

his two children to a guest house at Ogle to await the arrival of his sister, who was coming from French Guiana.

Moreover, the driver was later made to understand that Village was mentally disoriented and was unable to speak English.

Concerned for the welfare of his fellow Haitian national, Cherisma expressed his hopefulness of the return of the father, who took off with all of the family’s documents.

A Police investigation is currently ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the escaped Haitian man.

Efforts on Monday to contact the CCPA concerning the two children were all in vain.

62-year-old Guyanese woman hacked to death by abusive lover – in T&T T

he lifeless body of 62-year-old Rosaline Periana formerly of Broadway Road, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, was found covered in blood on Saturday in her lover’s apartment at Madras Road, St Helena.

It is believed that the Guyanese woman was chopped to death on Friday evening, and her body was discovered several hours later. The murder suspect is said to be a clothes vendor who plies his trade in Tobago.

Based on reports received, the now dead woman moved in with the suspect about three months ago and from all indications, she was a victim of domestic violence since screams emanated from the apartment on a

daily basis.

Tenants in the apartment building recalled hearing screams on Friday evening and soon after the place fell silent. A few minutes later, the suspect was seen boarding a taxi with two plastic bags in his hands.

The tenants told Police that they did not respond to the screams, since these were a norm, so they paid no heed. However, the driver of the car in which the suspect left went to the tenants and told them to check on the woman, claiming that the man was acting in stranger manner and spoke in riddles.

The Police were called in and upon breaking down the door to gain entry to the apartment, the woman’s body was found. Police

confirmed that the woman’s body bore several chops and a blood-stained cutlass was found nearby.

The suspect, according to reports in Newsday, had been renting the apartment since August.

“Almost every day she got licks. She was not allowed to even tell us ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’.

One time the woman burnt the pork while cooking and that man beat her bad, bad.

Another day, she was carrying some bags in both hands and he pushed her for walking too slow,” said another of the tenants.

A post-mortem was scheduled for yesterday (Monday) at the Forensic Science Centre in St James, Trinidad. Police are still looking for the suspect.

everal weeks after troubled residents took to the media to publicise the deplorable conditions of the senior secondary school at Kwakwani in hopes that the situation may be rectified, the pleas of parents remain (seemingly) unheeded as students continue to endure the strain of having no electricity in school.

Guyana Times previously reported that high voltages within the school’s electrical system caused numerous instances of electrical fires, sparking wires, and the emission of smoke from outlets in classrooms and other sections of the building, posing a serious hazard to students and staff of the institution. Moreover, according to sources, reports were optimistically filed, but these only led to a bigger problem — electricity to the building was disconnected.

Consequently, this led to a much bigger problem: various departments were unable to function effectively, since most of their appliances/apparatus use electricity, thereby hampering learning. Fortunately, Electronic

Kwakwani Secondary School

Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) and Technical Drawing exams at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level, commenced prior to total disconnection of power.

A source disclosed that the problem has existed since January this year during which frustrated parents lodged several complaints to the Education Department.

Following “empty promises”, a collective decision was made not to resort to a protest or strike in light of the ongoing CSEC examinations, as this would only prove to be

a distraction to students or worse, possibly result in the school being closed.

Based on reports reaching this publication, the school intends to meet with parents today to have discussions before making any further decisions. “(Today) we will decide where we will go from here…,” one concerned resident stated.

Another community member, speaking to this newspaper on Monday afternoon, related that post-publication, the Regional Education Department had promised to rectify the problem, but the assistance has been long in coming. (Paula Gomes)

12 news

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Indigenous villages rise Canal Polder accident Police Force refutes as floodwaters recede

R

esilient villagers in Indigenous communities across Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) have cooperatively begun the reconstruction process after floods devastated the villages, as they move on with their lives.

The Toshao of Chenapau Village in Region Eight, Edward McGarrell, told Guyana Times that although rain continued to

cop was drunk

others were washed away by the flood. Efforts to deploy relief to this community had proved to be a challenge as the roads leading to the village (in close proximity to the fierce Ireng River) were washed away by the floodwaters. Based on media reports, boats had to be utilised to reach the floodhit village via the Orinduik route.

McGarrell disclosed that the APA has been assistCDC dispatches relief to flood affected villages

not knowledgeable in this regard. In the meantime, he said “we as a village are doing what we can for our people.”

The flooding in both regions has persisted as a result of recent excessive rainfall in the highland districts. Many of these com-

with several local businesses and organisations, on Saturday (May 20) dispatched relief supplies, delivering food items as well as health-care services to these areas. Minister within the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe paid a vis-

Post-flood: A female resident of Kanapang in the process of repairing her humble adobe

fall on a periodic basis, it was not as heavy as before.

Despite these light showers, he said, most of the village is no longer flooded, as the water continues to recede.

“Some have lost everything…a cost cannot be ascribed to their losses…Our people are resilient and will rise again…,” were the words of Michael McGarrell, Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) member.

This publication had previously reported that Kanapang Village was one of the most severely-affected areas; some homes were completely submerged while

ing since gaining knowledge of the flood. “As a matter of fact, we were the first to respond to the disaster bringing relief supplies to the affected communities. Now that the CDC [Civil Defence Commission] has a base in Orinduik, we will continue to coordinate with them in providing support to the communities…,” he stated.

When asked whether the Government will assist in rebuilding affected communities, one Toshao was reluctant to comment, relating that he would be unable to speak on behalf of the Government as he was

Water gradually receeding in Chenapeu

munities are located in mountainous valleys of the Pakaraima Mountains. The CDC and the Public Health Ministry, in collaboration

it to the community of Chenapau on Sunday last, rendering much-needed assistance to the victims.

(Paula Gomes)

Ryan McIntyre’s vehicle ended up in the trench after colliding with a vehicle driven by a policeman on Independence Day

P

olice have refuted claims that the rank involved in the Independence Day accident at Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara was under the influence of alcohol.

This starkly contrasts the accounts of eyewitnesses, whose video recordings strongly expressed that the rank appeared to be heavily intoxicated at the accident scene.

These eyewitnesses also claimed they had seen beer bottles being removed from the police rank’s vehicle moments before police investigators arrived on the scene.

A senior official in ‘D’ Division disclosed to Guyana Times on Monday that the rank, identified as Jamal Archibald, was driving a Route 31 minibus which overtook another vehicle and came into the path of another Route 31 bus. The oncoming vehicle, driven by Ryan McIntyre, was hit by the vehicle Archibald was driving and ended up in the trench.

This police source was, however, adamant that

Archibald was not drunk, notwithstanding the fact that ranks of the La Grange Police Station arriving at the scene shortly after the accident did not conduct a breathalyzer test. Guyana Times was also told that demarcations at the point of impact of the accident were not marked by the police ranks.

Constable Archibald’s minibus was said to have had several occupants at the time of the accident while the minibus driven by McIntyre had one. No serious injuries were recorded in this accident, but McIntyre has complained of experiencing several pains about the body.

In footage obtained by this publication, owner of the bus, Kelvin Simon, had confronted the policeman involved in the accident. Eyewitnesses recalled that the policeman was speeding. Both drivers had been taken to the La Grange Police Station, where policeman Archibald was released on $20,000 bail and McIntyre $5000.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

Children not the object of sensationalism – PM in stern warning to media entities

By Samuel Sukhnandan

G

overnment has sent a stern warning to media entities, urging them to ensure that children do not become objects

“Children are not the object of sensationalism. If they make the news, they have to make the news in a positive way. And the media has a responsibility, not to help with the demoral-

Rights and Independence Workshop at Herdmanston Lodge in Queenstown, Georgetown, Nagamootoo highlighted that the constitution has provisions which cater for children not to be

Attendees are seen with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) Chairperson, Aleema Nasir, among others

The event was attended by several school children and child rights activists

of sensational news.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said news organisations should desist from carrying negative stories regarding children, and adhere to the laws of Guyana which speaks of the rights of children.

isation of our young people, particularly children, by identifying them and exposing them to ridicule and condemnation,” the Prime Minister declared.

Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Child

identified in court proceedings.

“Judicial processes of Guyana are not permitted to identify children when they are victims. And recently, we issued an advisory to all newspapers that they should not identify children

who appear in court proceedings, either by name or photographs,” he stated.

Through the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and the Government of Guyana, the Prime Minister said, the nation can bask in the glory and satisfaction that much has been achieved.

But, he declared: “We still have a far way to go.

Statistics will show that education has not ceased to be an obsession of this country, but we have a far way to go until we can provide free university education for all our children.”

“After 51 years of independence,” he said, “we cannot be diverted from the need to provide the best opportunities for our children.”

Aleema Nasir, Chairperson of the RCC, explained that the workshop is intended to explore, with the school children of Guyana, the history and significance of Guyana’s Independence, linked to a theme of human and child rights.

Nasir noted also that the legacies of colonialism will be discussed, as would the human rights of Guyana’s children, particularly ed-

ucation.

Other related themes that will be examined are leadership, youth empowerment, models of child poverty, community development and children in public policy.

The event was attended by several school children; child rights activists; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indra Chandarpaul; European Union (EU) Ambassador, Jernej Videtic; and Cultural Advisor to the Ministry of Education, Ruel Johnson.

news

13

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BIT extends training opportunities to Aishalton youths ladder of success. The sky is the limit for your potential in achieving a brilliant future,” Greene further explained.

Aishalton’s Toshao, Douglas Casimero expressed gratitude for the Government’s commitment in empowering the youths, and said the village was proud of their accomplishment.

“We are all proud of you as we are here to witness your graduating ceremony.

As I would have said earlier, we are very pleased for the partnership between

the Government of Guyana and the Village Council of Aishalton with special focus on youth empowerment. And this I would like to stress and emphasise is something we welcome with open arms,” Casimero was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

BIT has trained more than 1600 youths in the areas of engineering and building (masonry and carpentry); information and communication technology; forestry; home economics and health services.

Assistant Chief Occupational Safety and Health Officer within the Social Protection Ministry, Lydia Greene; Aishalton Toshao Douglas Casimero; BIT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maria Khelawan, graduates of Aishalton, BIT representatives and trainers

E

leven persons from Aishalton in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) recently graduated from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) after completing training in plumbing.

Assistant Chief Occupational Safety and Health Officer within the Social Protection Ministry, Lydia Greene, urged the graduates to use the skills

they attained to develop themselves and community.

“You are not just graduates; you are now leaders. I personally challenge you to be energetic in your job, in your families and your communities, to make your village and country the best place it can be,” Greene added.

She noted that the implementation of the various programmes which have

been conducted by BIT could not be underestimated, as not only the individuals have benefited but the entire family unit. “Each of you is now a role model to your community,” said Greene.

She charged the graduates to keep working to reach the top of the ladder of success.

“Graduates, my charge to you today is to exhibit good character as you scale the

The graduates at the BIT graduation ceremony in Aishalton

Man found with Haitians caught up in trafficking fiasco cocaine-sniffing – 10 arrested, over 40 victims taken into protective custody utensil charged

R

onald Howard was on Monday charged for being in possession of a utensil used for ‘sniffing’ cocaine.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 25, 2017, at Cross and Leopold Streets, Georgetown, he was found to be in possession of a pen-like utensil which is used to sniff cocaine.

The 49-year-old resident of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) told the court that he was never previously charged or ever placed before the courts.

The prosecution had no objections to bail, and this was granted in the sum of $30,000. The defendant’s next court appearance is on June 19, 2017.

A

n investigation is currently ongoing regarding the involvement of Haitians and other Caribbean nationals in a transatlantic human trafficking scheme.

On Friday last, 10 persons were taken into Police custody, while in excess of 40 citi-

on Friday after the discovery of evidence linking the Haitian national to the ongoing trafficking scheme.

During their investigations, Police were directed towards information which revealed that the medical student had been receiving

zens of the French Caribbean State were subsequently transferred into protective custody after falling victim to the scheme.

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force have only recently unearthed the scheme which links Haiti, Suriname and French Guiana in a major human trafficking operation, using Guyana as their main transport harbour. Based on information received, Haitians are being brought to Guyana then taken to Suriname and later French Guiana, where some of them are being abused and exploited for labour.

Following a tip-off, ranks have been zooming in on a 20-year-old medical student, who was taken into custody

large sums of money from Haiti which they believed are his payments from traffickers for his supply of individuals to be exploited.

As such, the 20-year-old was arrested by ranks from the Major Crimes Unit at his Eccles, East Bank Demerara home during which a woman and her child, also from Haiti, were found.

A further 10 individuals were detained that very evening, among them Haitians and Surinamese. These individuals were en route to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), from where another 12 children and 15 adults were brought in through this system.

However, following the arrests on Friday, in excess

‘Disrespectful’ Hospital CEO...

The Committee heard that the previous functionary had been relieved of his duties, creating a vacancy for which Charles was appointed Finance Director.

Johnson told the Committee, “The last Board brought back (name given) as director and therefore, Mr Charles, was shifted to procurement.”

The PAC Chair replied, “I am (now) confused about what is going on here, when you introduced Mr Charles to the PAC today you said that he is the Finance Director; Mr Charles did not object to the introduction.”

Johnson reaffirmed that Charles was in fact the Finance Director, prompting Ali to question “are you paid as the Finance Director of the Georgetown Hospital,” to which Charles responded: “Yes, I am.”

An incensed Committee Chairman by this point declared to the Hospital CEO,

From page 3

“this place is in total confusion, you don’t even know who your Finance Director is…the Finance Director is saying he is not in charge of finances.”

Having asserted his position before PAC as being the Finance Director of the GPHC, Charles told Committee Members he should be aware of the state of the finances of the entity, but at the time he was not fully aware.

Johnson at this point in time attempted to explain away Charles’s presence before the PAC since the other Finance Director had reported sick two days earlier.

By the end of the PAC session, MP Edghill posited that the postulations on the part of the Hospital CEO could have been very deliberate, “coming to PAC this morning with one member of staff who is not capable and in possession of all of the information”.

of 40 individuals were abandoned the following day after arriving on a Copa Airlines flight at the CJIA. There was no one there to receive them.

Police are speculating that the persons set to collect the groups from the airport withdrew given the opened investigations and arrests made of their fellow conspirators.

Moreover, according to information received, upon arrival at the Airport on Friday, the Haitians provided information to officers regarding reservations made at

the Guyana Marriott Hotel and Princess Hotel. An investigation was then conducted regarding the reservations, only to discover that they were subsequently cancelled.

Reports revealed that the victims of this grand human trafficking scheme left their homeland in promise of a better life and favourable salary once settled in French Guiana. However, the Haitians were faced with conditions contrary to the arrangements the moment they left their home.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017

Regional

Venezuela Opposition accuses Goldman Sachs of financing dictatorship

T

he President of Venezuela’s Opposition-run Congress on Monday accused Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs of “aiding and abetting the country’s dictatorial regime” following a report that it had bought US$2.8 billion in bonds from the cashstrapped country.

The Wall Street Journal on Sunday said Goldman paid 31 cents on the dollar for bonds issued by State oil company PDVSA that mature in 2022, or around US$865 million, citing five people familiar with the transaction.

That comes as two months of Opposition protests against President Nicolás Maduro have killed almost 60 people and the collapse of the country’s socialist economy has left millions of people struggling to eat.

“Goldman Sachs’ financial lifeline to the regime will serve to strengthen the brutal repression unleashed against the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans peacefully protesting for po-

Julio Borges, President of the National Assembly and deputy of the Venezuelan coalition of Opposition parties (MUD), speaks during a meeting with Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski at the Government palace in Lima, Peru, May 11, 2017

litical change in the country,” wrote Julio Borges in a letter to Goldman Sachs President Lloyd Blankfein.

“Given the unconstitutional nature of Nicolás Maduro’s Administration, its unwillingness to hold democratic elections and its systematic violation of human rights, I am dismayed that Goldman Sachs decided to enter this transaction.”

The letter adds that Congress will open an inves-

tigation into the transaction and that he will recommend “to any future democratic government of Venezuela not to recognise or pay these bonds”.

A Goldman Sachs spokesman said the bank declined to comment.

Venezuela’s Information Ministry, which fields queries on behalf of the Finance Ministry, did not respond to requests for comment. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

T&T: Ex-AG battles Registrar over property tax

F

ormer Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, SC, who led a legal challenge against the Government’s property tax exercise, is holding on to his position the process was not consistent with established protocol.

Ramlogan, who is representing former United National Congress Minister Devant Maharaj in the courtroom challenge, was responding to Registrar of the Supreme Court, Jade Rodriguez.

Rodriquez, in a letter

to Ramlogan last Friday, insisted proper protocol was followed in the fixing of an appointment for the Appeal Court to hear the Government’s appeal of Justice Frank Seepersad’s judgment on Maharaj’s property tax case.

Her letter was in response to Ramlogan, who questioned how could Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi announce in Parliament shortly after Seepersad’s ruling on Friday, May 19 that the matter was being appealed and the hearing fixed for the following

Monday.

Early last week, Ramlogan said Rodriguez, who is also the manager of the Registry for the Court of Appeal, told him no appeal had been listed. Rodriguez said Ramlogan’s publicising of the matter without consulting her would have led observers to assume he intended to impute collusion between the AG and the Judiciary in the filing of Appeal Court matters.

She also noted Ramlogan raised concerns in a letter to her on May 21. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

Clamour grows for Brazil’s President to resign

I

t was a miserable day on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. But the heavy fog smothering the normally sunny beaches did not put thousands of people off from heading down to Copacabana to join calls for President Michel Temer to step down.

It was a show of anger typical of Rio – lots of samba and singing mingled with loud calls for political change.

Brazil has got used to political surprises – from major corruption probes to last year's impeachment of Dilma Rousseff – but the past few weeks here have been tumultuous.

After the leaking of au-

dio recordings where Temer appears to be encouraging bribes, the country's leader is now under investigation.

People are angry.

Well-known Brazilian artists and musicians, including the singer-songwriter and political activist Caetano Veloso, took part in a concert, joining the people on the streets to make their voices louder.

"We are here for our rights," says actor Daniel Oliveira. "It's an important day for Brazil."

The President, though, maintains he has done nothing wrong and has repeatedly refused to resign.

"I think Temer is a lame duck," says Sergio

Abranches, a political analyst who thinks this is a presidential crisis like no other. "He'll never recover his political authority. He can remain in power though and that will be very bad for Brazil."

"Fora Temer" (Out with Temer) is a chant that has become popular in recent months – and maybe the crowd's demands could be met.

On June 6, 7 and 8, the country's Superior Electoral Court will meet to decide whether or not to annul the 2014 presidential elections – the elections that Dilma Rousseff won with Temer as her running mate. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

New Ecuador President says Assange a ‘hacker’, but can stay at Embassy

E

cuador's new leftist President, Lenin Moreno said on Monday Julian Assange was a "hacker," making his strongest comments to date against the WikiLeaks founder while still stressing he could stay on in the country's London Embassy.

Moreno, who was sworn in earlier this month, has broken with his predecessor and mentor Rafael Correa, who had said Assange was a "journalist" and granted him asylum in London in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over rape allegations.

Assange, who denies the allegations, feared Sweden would hand him over to the United States to face prosecution over WikiLeaks' publication of thousands of classified military and diplomatic documents in one of the largest information leaks in US history.

During the campaign, Moreno had already taken a tougher stance on Assange, warning him "not to intervene in the politics" of coun-

New Ecuador President Lenin Moreno says Assange a ‘hacker,’ but can stay at embassy (Reuters)

tries friendly to Ecuador.

"Mr Assange is a hacker. That's something we reject, and I personally reject," Moreno told journalists on Monday.

"But I respect the situation he is in, which calls for respect of his human rights, but we also ask that he respects the situation he is in."

Assange dodged an eviction order in Ecuador's April

election, after the right-wing candidate who had vowed to kick him out of the Embassy lost to Moreno.

In May, Swedish Prosecutors dropped their investigation into the rape allegations, but British Police said Assange would still be arrested if he left the Ecuadorean Embassy where he has been holed up for five years. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US citizen sentenced in multimillion- Haiti’s children homes come dollar Jamaican Ponzi scheme under scrutiny

M

ark Jones, 64, a US citizen, was sentenced last week by US District Court Senior Judge Mark L Wolf to 70 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of US$3,749,039 and forfeiture for his part in a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme based in Jamaica.

In September 2016, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in proceeds of unlawful activity. Between 2008 and 2015, Jones obtained more than US$10 million in investments from over 20 individuals by leading them

Former partners in Global Gateway Solutions, Jacqueline Sutherland (left) and Mark Jones

to believe that they would be providing financing to Jamaican businesses.

Because Jamaican banks can take time to close business loans, Jones claimed that he was offering these

businesses “bridge loans” as an interim measure, ie, loans to bridge the gap between the date a business sought a loan from a Jamaican bank and the date the bank actually distributes the request-

ed funds.

However, Jones misled investors about the purported bridge loan investments and how their money would be used. Specifically, rather than investing in bridge loans and paying returns based on those investments, Jones used new capital to either repay investment principal or to pay purported returns to earlier investors.

For example, in January 2015, a Massachusetts-based victim invested approximately US$200,000 with Jones.

Later that month, Jones used approximately US$180,000 of that investor’s money to pay four other investors. (Excerpt

from Caribbean News Now)

T

he Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) has started a programme re-evaluating the functions of children's homes in Haiti, where nearly 32,000, mainly abandoned children live.

“This reassessment of children's homes is a prelude to the process of deinstitutionalisation of children in Haiti. Without the data, we cannot give good results,” said Diem Pierre, IBESR Assistant Director General.

Under the two-month programme, which is being funded by the French Embassy, LUMOS,

UNICEF, World Vision in Haiti and Rapha House, an estimated 740 centres, including 453 establishments in the 20 communes of the department of the West, will be examined and evaluated.

The authorities said the data would be used to identify the centres that need to be closed, those that need to be refurbished and those that are compliant and licensed.

IBESR Director General Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, said she remains convinced that “there is no better place for the development and vitality of the child as his family”. (CMC)

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

After talks, France’s Macron hits out at North Korea Russian media, Putin denies hacking fires Scud-class ballistic missile F rench President Emmanuel Macron rolled out the red carpet for Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Monday, but past suspicions of Russian meddling in the French election resurfaced with Macron denouncing Russian media and Putin denying hacking allegations.

The newly-elected Macron hosted Putin at the sumptuous 17th Century palace of Versailles outside Paris for his first meeting with the Kremlin leader which he had earlier said would be marked by some straight talking.

The 39-year-old French leader and Putin exchanged a cordial, businesslike handshake and smiles when the latter stepped from his limousine, with Macron appearing to say “welcome” to him in French.

When they emerged from talks, which went on for almost an hour longer

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) in the Galerie des Batailles (Gallery of Battles) as they arrive for a joint press conference at the Chateau de Versailles before the opening of an exhibition marking 300 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries in Versailles, France, May 29, 2017

than scheduled, Macron said they had had a “frank exchange” and both men stressed they had agreed

WannaCry ransom notice analysis suggests Chinese link

N

ew analysis suggests Chinese-speaking criminals may have been behind the WannaCry ransomware that affected thousands of organisations worldwide.

Researchers from Flashpoint looked at the language used in the ransom notice.

They said the use of proper grammar and punctuation in only the Chinese versions indicated the writer was "native or at least fluent" in Chinese.

The translated versions of the ransom notice appeared to be mostly "machine translated".

The WannaCry ransom note could be displayed in 28 different languages,

but only the Chinese and English versions appeared to have been written by humans.

The English text also used some unusual phrases such as: "But you have not so enough time".

The WannaCry cyber-attack infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, affecting Government, healthcare and private company systems.

The UK's National Crime Agency, the FBI and Europol are investigating who was responsible for the ransomware.

Some earlier analysis of the software had suggested criminals in North Korea may have been behind it.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

on the need to move forward on divisive issues such as Syria and Ukraine.

But at a joint news con-

ference after their talks, ill-feeling came to the surface over past allegations made by Macron’s camp that State-funded Russian news outlets had sought to destabilise his campaign.

With Putin alongside him, Macron repeated the accusation in a reply to a journalist’s question, saying: “During the campaign, Russia Today and Sputnik were agents of influence which on several occasions spread fake news about me personally and my campaign.

The Kremlin and RT itself have rejected allegations of meddling in the election.

Putin did not react to Macron’s comments about the Russian media, but he bristled when a journalist suggested that Moscow’s hand was behind cyber-attacks on the Macron campaign. These hacking allegations, he said, were not based on facts. (Excerpt from Reuters)

N

orth Korea fired at least one shortrange ballistic missile on Monday that landed in the sea off its east coast, the latest in a fast-paced series of missile tests defying world pressure and threats of more sanctions.

The missile was believed to be a Scud-class ballistic missile and flew about 450 kilometres (280 miles), South Korean officials said.

North Korea has a large stockpile of the short-range missiles, originally developed by the Soviet Union.

North Korea was likely showing its determination to push ahead in the face of international pressure to rein in its missile programme and "to pressure the (South Korean) Government to change its policy on the North," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff

spokesman Roh Jae-cheon said.

It was the third ballistic missile test launch since South Korea's liberal President Moon Jae-in took office on May 10 pledging to engage with the reclusive neighbour in dialogue.

Moon says sanctions alone have failed to resolve the growing threat from the North's advancing nuclear and missile programme.

The White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed about the launch. The United States has said it was looking at discussing with China a new United Nations Security Council resolution and that Beijing, North Korea's main diplomatic ally and neighbour, realises time was limited to rein in its weapons programme through negotiations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Moscow storm: 11 killed as high winds strike Russian capital

Most fatalities are reported to have been caused by falling trees

A

t least 11 people died when a severe thunderstorm hit the Russian capital Moscow,

health officials say.

Hundreds of trees were toppled by the storm, and more than 50 people sought

medical help.

Reports say that electrical cables were damaged as Moscow was lashed with high winds, hail and torrential rain.

The winds of up to 110 km/h (70 mph) were described by meteorologists as extremely rare for the city, and caused structural damage to buildings.

If the death toll of 11 is confirmed – and some officials give a lower figure – it would be the deadliest storm in the city for more than 100 years.

The city's investigative committee said that "hurricane winds" had caused

trees to fall in various parts of the city, killing five pedestrians.

An elderly man was also killed at a bus stop, it said.

TASS news agency says that 69 people have been injured.

Two people were killed after a tree fell onto their summer house, Interfax reported.

Delays had been reported on some metro lines, but normal service appears to have resumed.

Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin tweeted: "My condolences to the friends and family of those killed." (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Trudeau asks Pope Francis to apologise for abuse Indian Police arrest 3 over sex assault video

C

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has asked Pope Francis to apologise for the role of the Catholic Church in a Canadian school system where Indigenous children were abused for decades.

The PM met the pontiff at the Vatican on Monday as part of his trip to Italy for the G7 summit.

The residential schools were set up from the 1880s to take children from their families and assimilate them into mainstream Canadian society.

The last one closed in 1996.

"I told him how important it is for Canadians to move forward on real reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples and I highlighted

T

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Pope Francis in Rome

how he could help by issuing an apology," Trudeau told reporters after meeting the Pope.

He said he had invited the pontiff to make the apol-

ogy in Canada.

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission has called for a papal apology, as part of the healing process for survivors. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

hree men have been arrested after a video emerged showing them assaulting two women in broad daylight as a dozen others looked on and ignored their screams for help, Police said on Monday.

The blurry video aired by Indian television showed the men groping and pushing the women in Uttar Pradesh state as onlookers laughed and filmed the assault, later posting it on social media.

The incident took place last week in a remote village in Rampur district when the men surrounded the two women, whose ages and identities have not been revealed.

"We have arrested three of the main culprits and expect to get the fourth one shortly," Mohammad Tariq,

A youth is questioned by the ‘anti-Romeo squad’ – set up ostensibly to protect women in Uttar Pradesh [File: Cathal McNaughton/ Reuters]

a senior Rampur Police official, told AFP news agency.

Police have analysed the footage and concluded there were four main attackers, but they would be investigating the others who gathered to watch, Tariq added.

One of the victims told

India's NDTV network they begged the men to stop and called for help.

"But nobody came, rather some more men came and joined the others in harassing us," she said, covering her face with a scarf to hide her identity. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

tuesdAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Corentyne woman dies after alleged beating with metal rod – 2 in custody, reputed husband on the run

Suspect on the run: Adesh Malu, also called “Curry Cow”

By Andrew Carmichael

G

omatie Ramsingh, also called ‘Fazila’, of Number 58 Village, Corentyne (Region Six, East Berbice/ Corentyne) reportedly died after having been badly beaten by her reputed husband on Tuesday last; but two persons have been taken into custody as police probe her death.

This publication has been made to understand that the beating the 34-year-old was administered had left her partially paralysed, but she was kept at home for three days after that incident before being taken to the Skeldon Hospital on Thursday evening, where she was treated and transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital

Dead: Gomatie Ramsingh also called “Fazila”

on Friday. Her deplorable condition occasioned her referral to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she died on Sunday evening.

Before her demise, she reportedly told her relatives that her 29-year-old husband Adesh Malu, also called ‘Curry Cow’, had brutalised her. Her last words were recorded on video, detailing that she had been beaten with an iron rod and dragged by her hair down the stairs and around the yard. She had also alleged that her husband had kicked and stamped on her stomach as she lay helpless on the ground. According to the now dead woman, she had taken away an illegal herb from her husband, and this had greatly upset him.

Lying on the hospital bed being recorded

Harrinauth Ramsingh, brother of the deceased woman

by video, the woman detailed that she was in severe pain; and that for days after the beating, she had been denied access to a telephone to call for assistance. During those

days, she said, she lay on the floor of their Number 58 Village home stark naked, and was allowed to see only neighbours who believed the story that she had fallen from the landing of the home.

Harrinauth Ramsingh, the now dead woman’s brother, told Guyana Times that he had received a telephone call requesting that he visit the Skeldon Hospital, where he encountered his sister lying on a bed in obvious pain.

“Then the doctor said that she is in a critical condition, she cannot feel anything from the waist down; she is paralysed, she cannot feel anymore,” the distraught brother told this newspaper.

He said that when he asked his sister what had happened, she initially did

Two females were taken into custody to assist with the investigations

The house where the couple lived

not provide any information; but after several relatives had asked her to confide in them, the woman told them she had been beaten, and did not fall from the landing, as was initially stated.

Ramsingh, a peer educator, said a neighbour had told his sister to say that she had fallen, in an effort to prevent Malu from getting into ‘trouble’.

“Since they start living home together, he (had been) very abusive to her.

Is not one time he hit her; it’s several times. She just take that and she come by us, and the next day she gone back with him,” Ramsingh explained.

He noted that on the day before Mother’s Day, his sister had gone to their home -- situated in the same village -- alleging that she had again been

beaten, and vowing to end the relationship and never return to the man who was five years her junior. But after one night of staying away, she returned to her abusive partner.

It has been learnt that a knife and pieces of bloody clothing belonging to the now dead woman had been lodged at the Number 51 Police Station following reports of violence meted out to her last year.

By noon on Monday, two persons were taken into custody as the police intensified their investigations.

Reports are that the suspect had packed a bag with clothing, and was leaving the area when the bag was taken away from him; but he reportedly fled into the backdam. Up to press time, police in ‘B’ Division were on the hunt for the suspect.

Approval of ExxonMobil’s licences imminent – Trotman

G

ExxonMobil's 'DeepWater Champion'

overnment is now awaiting the recommendations of two independent agencies that are in the process of reviewing ExxonMobil’s production licence applications to make a decision on the way forward.

Natural Resources

Minister Raphael Trotman told Guyana Times on Monday that the US oil giant had submitted its application in December 2016 and was now awaiting approval. He explained that the process was a very rigid one that was aimed at guaranteeing that Guyana got

the best deal.

He explained that one team was hired to review the environmental aspect of the licence agreement, while the other consultant was looking at the technical aspect of the project.

“We expect to get reports from both independent bod-

ies within the next week or two, then Government’s decision will be informed as to whether or not, we can proceed towards products in 2020,” the Minister explained.

Trotman said consideration was being given to oil spills and the effects these could have on marine life and life along the coast in relation to fisher folk.

Two weeks ago, outgoing Country Manager for ExxonMobil Guyana, Jeff Simon had told the local media that the company was yet to make a Final Investment Decision (FID).

The Country Manager explained that there was need for some level of certainty that must be exercised on the part of the Government of Guyana in granting the licences and approvals.

Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

Minister

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently being reviewed, while the production licence has to be granted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Since 2015, ExxonMobil

has announced three oil finds offshore Guyana. The most recent discovery came in April 2017, when the company found 25 metres of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs at its Snoek well in the Stabroek block.

The company has also hit oil at Stabroek’s Payara and Liza fields. The latter is estimated to contain up to 1.4 billion barrels of light oil. According to the company, by the mid-2020s daily output from Stabroek could reach 450,000 barrels.

At present, tenders are out for local suppliers and contractors that are able to support a number of projects for the company’s operation.

ExxonMobil could invest $5 billion as it prepares to explore oil production in Guyana by 2020.

news

17

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kaieteur Park mining clampdown

Two women, toddler released …18 still in custody

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

Carol Williams and Sabrina D’Santos, along with two-yearold Naziel Williams, residents of Chenapau, in Region Eight, who had been detained at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary during the clampdown on illegal mining in the Kaieteur National Park, were released on Monday night.

At about noon last Saturday, officers from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) rounded up some 21 persons -- 18 adult males, two females and a two-year-old child -- who allegedly were mining in the Kaieteur National Park, a designated no-mining zone that is protected under the Laws of Guyana. They were taken into custody, and were forced to spend Saturday night in the backdam before being brought out to Georgetown on Sunday evening.

The two females and the toddler were released from police custody at about 18:30h on Monday, but

deny that they were mining in the Park. Williams was released into the custody of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Chairperson Laura George on Sunday night because she had her toddler son with her.

Legal Operations

Dredge owner Susan Rahaman has told the Guyana Times that she legally operates two dredges in the area, and that the officers had gone into the backdam and brought out seven of her employees, including her son, George D’Abreau.

“We just have rumours coming out that the people that gone in there -- the police and soldiers -- break down camps, break up all the engines, (and) throw them overboard in the water. We are waiting on these people to get the full details on what really transpired,” Rahaman related.

She added that concerned persons are restricted from communicating with those in custody, and accordingly do not know what really had transpired.

Rahaman said that following the recent flooding in the area, a lot of the mining operations were halt-

where these people were working…Where the miners were, they have documentation to prove that they were legally there; unless the documents that GGMC would have provided to them are not in keeping with the laws,” Mc Garrell said.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has said it has been recommended to the National Protected Areas Commission (PAC) that no more fuel must be flown to the Kaieteur National

cavator into Kaieteur would require some sort of big helicopter. So I think a lot of information that is being spread is not true, and it needs to be cleared up, because it makes it seem as though these people are involved in a lot of heavy mining, and this is not true,” Mc Garrell clarified.

Dredge owner Rahaman has also disputed claims of excavators being used in the area. She said the officers may have mistaken spades for excavators, since

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission officers leaving CID Headquarters, Eve Leary on Monday evening

the Guyana Times that his cousin had not been afforded the opportunity to have a shower since being detained on Saturday.

“You find that the conditions (under which) these people are being kept (is) as though they are robbers or murderers or thieves.

(They have been) sitting on the floor from probably since yesterday to this time… The conditions are deplorable,” the man lamented.

ble, because we have women in there, too. It is like they are not humans,” Rahaman lamented.

Mc Garrell said they are unaware what next step the investigations would take, but they are hopeful that the other detainees would be released. “They have not been able to shower since they were held. We are trying to see what we can do for them in terms of bringing toiletries and other supplies, so

Carol Williams with her son Naziel and Sabrina D’Santos after being released by CID officers

Dredge owner Susan Rahaman

the 18 males were still detained up to press time.

They are being represented

by Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway.

“They catch we when we did coming out of the backdam. They reach we on the line and they make we go back till near the backdam, and we had to spend whole afternoon, whole night there on Saturday. They said that we were in the (Kaieteur National) Park, but we were out of the Park,” D’Santos related.

She said the detainees were brought to Georgetown in the same clothes they were wearing when detained, and none of them has had a shower since Saturday last.

These women each cook for a mining camp, and both vehemently

ed because they had been washed away; and no person had been engaged in mining when the detainees were ambushed by the joint operation on Saturday.

She revealed that persons had been in the process of moving their equipment when they encountered the officers and were arrested.

APA representative Michael Mc Garrell has said the areas in which the persons were held were all legal operations. He maintains that the persons held were not mining, but were in the process of packing up camp.

“If you check records, you will see that there are claims -- river claims and concessions in Echerak area -- and these would have been given by the GGMC; and there are mining claims

Park for onward transport to Menzies Landing, located on the left bank of the Potaro River. He explained that this move is designed to stifle illegal mining in the area.

However, PAC Chairman Denise Fraser has promised that, before any definitive step is taken, consultations would be had in this regard.

Mc Garrell has, however, said that if Government were to implement this decision, severe backlash would follow. “So to say that (by) cutting off fuel they would choke the miners….I am going to wait and see what the backlash to that is going to be. Because they have several other miners in the Echerak area, as I said, who depend on the airstrip at Kaieteur to receive their fuel.”

Misleading information

The APA representative has also said the information Government is being provided with is inaccurate and misrepresents the facts. “I also saw that they found fifteen excavators up there…Now, that is impossible; Kaieteur does not have even one excavator.

The reason for this is that the terrain to get there is difficult, and to get an ex-

the dominant method of operation in the area involves the use of spades. She added that the Natural Resources Ministry and GGMC have no ground officer to feed them their information, hence they are playing the “assumption game”.

She noted that many of the detainees are simple pork-knockers, and some were even engaged in fishing when they were apprehended and accused of illegally mining. Rahaman added that the Government, through its relevant channels, is yet to inform residents of the area what really was the reason behind the clampdown, since no one was mining in the Kaieteur National Park.

When contacted, GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison said he had no comment on the incident, and noted that he would not reveal any additional information.

Human rights riolation

More than 100 residents of Chenapau village have held widespread demonstrations, calling for the release of those in custody and citing various human rights violations. A relative of one of the men in custody told

Michael Mc Garrell leaving the CID headquarters

He added that the persons were taken into custody with their soiled clothing, and are being forced to remain in them until they are either charged or released.

“If you see the conditions that they bring them down in….with the same bush clothing, nothing else.

They were not able to shower or brush their teeth or anything else. That is horri-

that they can be more comfortable and clean,” he added.

Chenapau Toshao Edward Mc Garrell has said he is appalled at the treatment meted out to those in custody. He noted that his villagers are being treated as though they are prisoners of war, since they were being escorted by soldiers armed with AK-47 assault rifles.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017

ARCHIE

A meeting with an old flame or someone you want to (March 21- work with in the future looks April 19) promising. Your enthusiasm and appeal will encourage favorable negotiations.

ARIES

Keep busy building your TAURUS skills, knowledge and experi(April 20- ence. The more you do to enMay 20) sure that you will get ahead, the less time you will have for petty arguments.

dilbert

You will find it difficult GEMINI (May 21- to tame your emotions. Don’t June 20) share personal information or opinions that may be used against you. Focus on physical improvements and romance.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Listen carefully and try not to judge what others say or do. It’s in your best interest to remain neutral if you want to avoid getting into a heated discussion.

An incident at work or that can affect your reputation will crop up. Deal with such matters swiftly to avoid any backlash. It’s important to get along with your peers and partners.

Refuse to let your emoVIRGO (Aug. 23- tions take over. A discussion Sept. 22) that is not based on practical or rational beliefs will frustrate you. Concentrate on what you can do, not on what you can’t.

Get involved and make a LIBRA difference.

Share your ideas (Sept. 23Oct. 23) and demonstrate how you plan to make positive changes that will benefit you and your community. Travel, congregate and collaborate.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Stay on top of your proSCORPIO fessional responsibilities and (Oct. 24don’t be afraid to put your Nov. 22) own unique signature on your work. Your bold actions will separate you from any competition you encounter.

You will learn much if you SAGITTARIUS take note of what others do (Nov. 23- and say and how they react.

Dec. 21) A change in the way you live will result from your observations.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Share information with CAPRICORN a friend, but don’t put your (Dec. 22- money into a joint venture.

Jan. 19) You will do best working on improvements that will enhance your appearance or skills.

Put more into your interAQUARIUS actions with children, parents (Jan. 20or a loved one. A playful attiFeb. 19) tude will encourage the people you care about to do and be their best.

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

Emotions will get in the PISCES way of good decisions when (Feb. 20March 20) dealing with matters concerning how you earn your living or interact with your peers.

Having a reserved attitude will help.

TUESDAY, May 30, 2017

Tiger Woods arrested on DUI charge in Florida

19

Nadal successfully starts bid for 10th French Open

F

ormer world No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods was arrested in South Florida early on Monday on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to an online Palm Beach County Police report.

Woods, who is second on the all-time list with 14 major titles, was booked at 7:18 a.m.

(1118 GMT) and released several hours later on his own recognizance, the report showed.

Representatives for the 41-year-old American were not immediately available when asked by Reuters to comment.

Woods, who is currently sidelined from competition after having his fourth back surgery in April, said last week that he felt better than he had in years and had no plans to retire from competitive golf.

Presently, I’m not looking ahead,” Woods wrote on his website.

“I can’t twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals.”

This is not the first time Woods has made headlines away from the golf course. His private life unravelled in late 2009 over allegations about affairs with several women and ultimately led to the end of his marriage.

Those allegations followed a bizarre early morning car accident outside his Florida home that rapidly ballooned into a fully-fledged sex scandal which turned his previously unblemished life and career upside down.

The scandal ultimately cost Woods a number of lucrative endorsement deals, while other sponsors shifted away from us-

Tiger Eldrick Woods appears in a booking photo released by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida

ing him in marketing but did not end their contracts with him.

Woods, whose current sponsors include Nike, Bridgestone, Hero, Kowa, Upper Deck, and Monster Energy was ranked 12th on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes in 2016, with total earnings of $45.3 million, despite missing much of the year recovering from back surgery.

A 79-time winner on the PGA Tour who was world No. 1 for a record 683 weeks, Woods lost form in recent years due to injuries and the mastering of a new swing while his ranking has plummeted to 876 after his long spell on the sidelines.

He has competed in only 19 events on the PGA Tour since the end of 2013, recording just one top-10 during that period along with seven missed cuts and three withdrawals. (Reuters)

Valverde named new Barcelona boss

E

rnesto Valverde will replace Luis Enrique as the man in charge at Barcelona after four years at Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona have appointed Ernesto Valverde as their new head coach ahead of next season.

The Catalans were in the market for a new man in charge following Luis Enrique’s decision to leave the club at the end of the 2016-17 campaign and have turned to the former Athletic Bilbao boss.

Valverde

represented Barcelona during his playing career, wearing the Blaugrana jersey between 1988 and 1990.

He moved into coaching at Bilbao’s B side in 2002, before being promoted to head coach of their first team the following season.

He then enjoyed spells at Espanyol, Olympiacos, Villarreal and Valencia before eventually returning to Athletic in 2013.

The 53-year-old announced his decision to leave the Basque side after four years at the helm last week and will continue his career at Camp Nou. Valverde will be looking to turn Barcelona into the team to beat in LaLiga again, with the Catalans having to settle for second behind arch-rivals Real Madrid this season.

They also missed out on Champions League glory as Juventus proved to be too strong in the quarter-finals. (Sportsmax) Ernesto Valverde

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his first round match against France’s Benoit Paire

R

afa Nadal responded to his billing by French Open tournament director Guy Forget as the greatest claycourter in history by brushing aside Benoit Paire 6-1 6-4 6-1 on Monday, launching his bid for a 10th title on the Paris clay.

Relegated to Court Suzanne Lenglen while defending champion Novak Djokovic was swatting aside Spain’s Marcel Granollers on the main Philippe Chatrier showcourt, Nadal was imperious as he steamed through the first set in under half an hour.

The heaviest of favourites for what would be his 15th grand slam title, he looked every inch the all-

time number one Forget had urged a packed crowd to welcome him as before the players stepped on court.

Both before the match and in courtside comments following his win, Nadal described Paire as a dangerous opponent, and the Frenchman played with more freedom in a closer second set as the Spaniard lost his edge.

Trading baseline rallies, they exchanged breaks to leave Paire leading 4-3.

He had two break points in the following game that he failed to covert, the moment at which he indicated the momentum shifted.

“I got two balls, one when I missed my return, and then if it was 5-3 I thought I

could finish the set and perhaps I could kind of liberate myself,” he told a news conference. “ ...(So) it’s a bit frustrating to end a game like that.

Channelling the confidence built up during a 17-match winning streak in taking claycourt titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, Nadal then pulled clear as Paire suffered a reaction to taking energy tablets.

The Spaniard won nine of the last 10 games to close out the match in just under two hours, doing precious little to alter the prevailing view that the Roland Garros throne is his to lose. (Reuters)

Miller-Uibo sets new national record

B

ahamian quarter mile Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo highlighted her status as a genuine contender for the 200m crown at the London World Championships following a sensational performance at Saturday’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

Miller-Uibo, who has already stated her plans to attempt the 200m/400m double, at the London Championships, looked in solid early-season form as she smashed the Bahamian 200m record after chasing American Torie Bowie to the line.

Bowie clocked a blistering personal best of 21.77, the fastest time in the world this year, ahead of Miller-Uibo (21.91) and Jamaican 2 0 0 m O l y m p i c champion Elaine

Thompson, who was third in 21.98.

Miller-Uibo’s new mark erased her own national record of 22.05 set in June last year at the Racers Grand Prix meet in Kingston.

Running out of lane seven Bowie was quickly right on to the Bahamians shoulders and passed her by the time the pair got to the curve. Miller-Uibo, however, showed plenty of speed to keep ahead of a strong finishing Thompson who seemed caught out by the speed of the race.

The Netherlands’ Dafne Schippers, the reigning world champion and Olympic silver medalist, was fourth in 22.30, while Allyson Felix, the runner-up to Miller-Uibo in Rio last year on a dive at the line, had to settle for fifth place in 22.33.

Shaunae Miller-Uibo

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TUESDAY, may 30, 2017

Munro excited to compete at Hero CPL L

ast year saw New Zealand’s Colin Munro score the first hundred by an overseas player at the Hero CPL, and his Trinbago Knight Riders made the knock-out stages.

Hero CPL caught up with the Kiwi batsman to talk about what he is looking forward to for this tournament and asked him to look back on last year.

Considering the quality of overseas players that have been part of the Hero CPL over the last four years it is perhaps surprising that it took until last season for one of the game’s global superstars to score a century.

Munro told Hero CPL that it does take time to adjust to Caribbean conditions.

“It does take a lit-

tle while; the slowness of the wickets does take a wee while to get used to.

Luckily I was in Trinidad for a whole week before the tournament started and adjusted really well. It is just a mindset thing as well to go out there and play your natural game and even if it does not come off for a couple games you still have to go out there and be aggressive. It just worked out well last year.”

Last season the Knight Riders went out of the tournament in the knockout stages to the eventual winners, Jamaica Tallawahs.

Hero CPL asked Munro what the Knight Riders need to do differently to go one better and make the final.

“I don’t think we have to do anything differently to be fair.

We were beaten by Andre Russell really. We weren’t really beate n by Jamaica.

Andre Russell came out and scored a hundred off forty balls, you know when a guy plays that well you just have to give it to him.

It wasn’t anything the team could have done much differColin Munro scored the first hundred ent, any other day by an overseas player at the Hero CPL Andre could have gotlast year

England v South Africa, 3rd ODI…

S

Rabada and Parnell blow England away

outh Africa finished their ICC Champions Trophy preparations with a seven-wicket win over an under-par England at Lord’s.

Hashim Amla produced a record-breaking innings at Lord’s on Sunday as South Africa thrashed England by seven wickets to avoid a whitewash in the one-day international series.

England had taken the opening two matches to secure the series with one game to play but they were unable to make it 3-0 going into the ICC Champions Trophy as their batting collapsed in spectacular fashion.

Having been reduced to 20-6 the hosts were grateful to Jonny Bairstow, David Willey and debutant Toby Roland-Jones for getting them to 153 all out.

It was never going to be enough, though, as South Africa gave themselves a boost going into next month’s Champions Trophy, and Amla led their charge.

Jones’ first international scalp in the 16th over but any thought of a Proteas slump was quickly ended by JP Duminy and AB de Villiers the pair seeing South Africa home with plenty of time to spare.

England - who were without Ben Stokes due to a knee injury - had scored 669 runs in the previous two matches but hopes of another 300-plus total ebbed away very quickly as Kagiso Rabada (4-39) and Wayne Parnell (3-43) tore through their top order.

Explosive duo Alex Hales (1) and Jos Buttler (4) were dismissed in the fifth over by Rabada, the seamer also taking Adil Rashid’s (0) wicket to complete a sensational set of six.

Bairstow (51) and Willey (26) showed some resistance with a 62-run stand for the seventh wicket and RolandJones added an unbeaten 37 to lift England into three figures.

Their hopes rested on the shoulders of Bairstow,

Quinton de Kock and Hasim Amla put on a 95-run stand © Getty Images

The opener claimed his 33rd ODI half-century and became the fastest man to 7,000 runs in the 50-over game in the process, beating Virat Kohli by an impressive 11 matches.

Amla became Roland-

so when he became Keshav Maharaj’s first of three wickets (3-25) their fight was all but over - only another 19 added before Steven Finn (3) was the last man out.

Amla and Quinton De Kock made light work of

Jason Roy’s lean time continued when he fell in the first over © Getty Images

South Africa’s reply with a 95-run partnership either side of lunch - the break taken after 11 overs of the Proteas innings given England only used 32 of their allocation.

A pull through square leg saw Amla reach 7,000 ODI runs and take the record from Kohli, but he was in no mood to stop there as he racked up another half century while England toiled.

There was brief respite for

the bowlers as Roland-Jones (1-34) and Jake Ball (2-43) removed Amla (55), De Kock (34) and Faf du Plessis (5) but South Africa cruised to victory with more than 20 overs remaining.

The winning runs came from a beautiful Duminy drive to the cover boundary, taking him to 28, while captain De Villers marked his 100th ODI as captain with an unbeaten 27. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD England innings (50 overs maximum) J Roy c Amla b Rabada 4 A Hales c Amla b Rabada 1 J Root lbw b Parnell 2 E Morgan* c †de Kock b Parnell 8 J Bairstow st †de Kock b Maharaj 51 J Buttler† c du Plessis b Rabada 4 A Rashid c du Plessis b Rabada 0 D Willey c Duminy b Parnell 26 not out 37 T Roland-Jones J Ball b Maharaj 7 S Finn c de Villiers b Maharaj 3 Extras (lb 2, w 8) 10 Total (all out; 31.1 overs) 153 Fall of wickets : 1-4 (Roy, 0.5 ov), 2-7 (Root, 1.5 ov), 3-15 (Morgan, 3.6 ov), 4-15 (Hales, 4.1 ov), 5-20 (Buttler, 4.5 ov), 6-20 (Rashid, 4.6 ov), 7-82 (Willey, 19.1 ov), 8-134 (Bairstow, 27.3 ov), 9-143 (Ball, 29.5 ov), 10-153 (Finn, 31.1 ov) Bowling: Rabada 9-1-39-

4(2w), Parnell 8-0-43-3 (2w), M Morkel 4-0-15-0, Maharaj 6.1-0-25-3, Morris 4-0-29-0 South Africa innings (target: 154 runs from 50 overs) H Amla b Roland-Jones 55 Q de Kock† b Ball 34 J Duminy not out 28 F du Plessis c †Buttler b Ball 5 AB de Villiers* not out 27 Extras (lb 1, w 6) 7 Total (3 wickets; 28.5 overs) 156 Did not bat: DA Miller, CH Morris, WD Parnell, KA Maharaj, K Rabada, M Morkel Fall of wickets: 1-95 (Amla, 14.6 ov), 2-95 (de Kock, 15.3 ov), 3-101 (du Plessis, 17.6 ov) Bowling: Willey 4.5-0-43-0 (1w), Ball 10-0-43-2 (5w), Finn 7-1-350, Roland-Jones 7-2-34-1

ten out for twenty or thirty and we could have gone on and won the game.”

“So there is no big change we have to make, just little things, maybe executing our plans to batters that are established.”

Munro says the Hero CPL is a fantastic experience as a player, saying that it is “just the biggest party in sport.” While there is fun to be had it is also about some seriously competitive cricket. “You play hard and you party hard, as long as you could find the right balance, I think that is the key to enjoying the tournament.”

For Munro the standard of cricket is improving, especially with the type of massive overseas stars that

are coming to play at Hero CPL. “It has grown quite substantially over the last two or three years where they have got some seriously big players, and yes I am fortunate enough to be retained

by TKR and will try and contribute the same as last year.”

“Just look at the draft and you see the players that did not get sold or picked up and you consider yourself pretty fortunate to be retained again. The calibre of players will make the competition tough, day in and day out.”

Munro will be playing for Trinbago Knight Riders at the Hero CPL, which gets underway on August 4. (CPL)

Hamilton says Vettel is Ferrari’s number 1

L

ewis Hamilton says he is convinced Ferrari have designated Sebastian Vettel as their number one driver.

Vettel won the Monaco Grand Prix after Ferrari’s pitstop strategy helped him beat team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton said: “It’s very clear Ferrari have chosen their number one driver and are pushing everything to make sure Sebastian will maximise his points.

to make sure we are ahead of them so we are not in the same scenario as we are today.”

Hamilton finished seventh in Monaco after starting 13th following a messy qualifying session in which he made a series of mistakes.

Mercedes’ weekend was blighted by problems making the ultra-soft tyre work at its best consistently, a problem that also afflicted Hamilton two races ago in Russia.

Hamilton said: “Common

Hamilton Lewis had a quiet afternoon, making six places from 13th on the grid

“It is very hard for the leading car to get jumped unless the team decide to favour the other car.”

But Hamilton said he would not be asking Mercedes to favour him in the same way over team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

“I haven’t spoken to the team and I don’t really plan to,” Hamilton said. “Valtteri has been doing a great job and I don’t currently feel we have to favour one or the other.

It is really important we collectively work as a team more than ever before, as we have been, because our work is to beat the Ferraris in the constructors’ but there might be some things along the way positioning-wise that might become valuable.

“Who knows what will happen? It might be the other way. We might need to give him the upper hand. We just need

sense is of course I cannot afford another weekend like this at the going rate when the Ferraris are quick; of course not.

“Just because I can’t afford for something doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. There is no point worrying about it.

You just work towards trying to rectify whatever issues you have and hope you don’t have them again. Things just didn’t come right to us, the car was in a difficult place.

“The Ferrari seems to work everywhere so these next 14 races are going to be very difficult. “This car is not working everywhere we go but the more races we do the more learn and the stronger we get.

Ferraris are not bullet-proof they have things coming up potentially with all the turbos they have used, so we will see.”

(BBC)

CLASSIFIED ADS TUESday, may 30, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Conferences and retreats – full service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Weddings and anniversaries: Rental or full service: Banquet Hall & Catering. Aracari Resort 264-2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbour Bridge) – All modern amenities, rates from $25. Phone 264-2946-8

FOR SALE For Sale One flat boat, Banga Mary Net, Cat Gut Net and Outboard Engine. Tel: 220-0376/225-9693

LAND for sale 1.5 Acre for housing development W.B.D. Tel: 658-0115

property for sale 6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602

SALON / SPA COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927

spirituality & ASTROLOGY TWO TIMES GOLD MEDALIST ASTROLOGER AND SPIRITUALIST FROM INDIA; IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS FROM ANY ASTROLOGERS, ONCE MEET PANDIT GANESH TO GET ACCURATE REASONS, FOR ALL KINDS OF SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS PANDIT SOLVES, ALSO PROBLEMS RELATED TO STRESS, LOVE OR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, FAMILY ARGUMENTS AND GETTING LOVED ONES BACK, HUSBAND AND WIFE PROBLEMS, HEALTH PROBLEMS, REMOVAL OF BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, WITCH CRAFT, BLOCKAGES, SPELLS ETC. LOCATION: LIGHT STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREET, ALBERTTOWN OPPOSITE THE GTT TOWER 600-0926 1. STAR ASTROLOGY AND PSYCHIC READER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. MASTER GURU RAGHVENDRA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3.

CONTACT: - 630-5073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D 1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. PRIEST NARASIMHA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRIT, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3.

CONTACT: 682-7439, 650-0700.

ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE)

WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 664-2505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA. THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 6524444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business.

Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 spiritualist.

Surinamese Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 2236834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed.

Phone: 602-8997 SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGES, 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: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100 Pepe’s Taxi Service, Alexander Village. Tel: 227-3728/ 225-4993.

Operational Hours: 6:00am to 10:00pm

TO LET OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT 12x12 SQUARE FEET, WELL GRILLED WINDOWS AND DOORS, LIGHT, WATER, WASHROOM AND PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE. LOT 60 BRICKDAM TELE: 226-1836 Three storey 75ft x 30ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel: 223-0654/225-0605

VACANCIES Marketing firm seeking Content Writers. Excellent communication skills (great writers only please).

College diploma/degree/journalist.

Experience preferred. Virtual position - work from home via Skype, GoToMeeting, email, texting, etc.

Modern PC, good internet & power w/ UPC back-up and/or generator is mandatory. M-F 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST. Salary $100,000/ month.

Email resumes to careers@consultpr.net.

VEHICLES FOR SALE For sale: 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590

WANTED Contract cars to work with Taxi Service in Alexander Village. Tel: 618-3712/ 225-4993

sports

21

A huge disappointment

That West Indies not at ICC

Champions’ Trophy, says Keith Semple

Keith Semple

By Ravi Madholall in Toronto

F

ormer Guyana and West Indies middle-order batsman Keith Semple has declared it “a huge disappointment” that the West Indies would not be participating in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) limited-overs Champions’ Trophy tournament.

With action set to bowloff on Thursday at the Lords Cricket Ground in England, when host nation England tackles Bangladesh in Group A, the West Indies’ absence is quite disheartening and embarrassing, especially because that they have a phenomenal reputation in this abbreviated version of “the gentleman’s game”.

“Yes! It is very disappointing that West Indies will not be participating in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy (tournament), given our very rich cricketing history and (because we are) previous winners of this tournament as well as two World Cup (tournaments),” the right-handed cricketer declared.

Asked how badly he thinks this absence would dent the confidence of the Caribbean side in the future, particularly in this format of the game, Semple would only say that the situation “is very sad”.

“Apart from T20 cricket, I think our confidence is quite low at the moment in the other formats of the game, considering the current state of the cricket in the Caribbean; and players, administration and supporters have had enough time to come to grips with missing out. I’m not sure how much more our confidence can be dented,” Semple responded.

He blamed a “number of obvious reasons” for the West Indies missing out on this phenomenal one-day tournament which features the traditional power-hous-

to various reasons, including our best players not being available or not selected, disputes between players and board, not having a settled team, and poor domestic competitions not preparing players properly for international cricket,” Semple disclosed from his home in Toronto.

West Indies have, since inception of the ICC Champions Trophy tourna-

Brian Lara

es in world cricket.

“Yes, a number of reasons can be attributed to the WI missing out on a spot at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The obvious (reason is that) consistently poor performances… have led to a low ODI ranking, and thus (their) missing out on qualification. The poor performances are down

ment in 1998, been able to lift the cup under one of the game’s greatest batsmen, Brian Lara. This happened in England in 2004, but they have since not been able to make another impression.

“Winning this trophy in 2004 was a great achievement, and should have been good for WI cricket. If I’m not mistaken, we still had a lot of very experienced players

in that team. Unfortunately, we were not able to sustain that success, and WI cricket has been in steady decline since then. The next challenge will be to try and qualify for the upcoming World Cup, which at the moment looks like we’ll not be able to do automatically due to recent results. I hope the board and players can get their act together and qualify, because missing out on that would be another major blow to WI cricket,” Semple related.

West Indies still have the distinction of winning the first two ICC World Cup titles -- in 1975 and 1979; while they would have also lifted the T20 Trophy on two occasions after it was inaugurated in 2007.

The phenomenal Keith Semple is a former Demerara Cricket Club player who has represented Guyana in 56 first-class games and seven One-Day Internationals.

The final of this year’s ICC Champions Trophy tournament will be played on June 18. The tournament consists of Groups A and B. defending champions Australia, along with the home team, Bangladesh and New Zealand, are in Group A; while Group B is made up of India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

U-20 World Cup…

Honduras bow out with win over Vietnam H onduras (1W-0D2L, 3 points) completed its participation in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Vietnam (0-1-2, 1) on Sunday at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

The result gave the Hondurans third place in Group E, while first-place France (3-0-0, 9) and second-place New Zealand (11-1, 4) progressed to the Round of 16.

Following a scoreless first half, Sendel Cruz struck for the first goal in the 76th minute, when he netted with his right foot from seven-yards out. The goal came after Vietnam goalkeeper Tien Dung Bui ventured out towards his

Honduras versus Vietnam

penalty spot but failed to gather Darixon Vuelto’s low

cross from the left.

The Vietnamese, nearly

leveled in the 85th minute, but Quang Hai Nguyen’s left-footed effort from 29-yards out crashed off the right post and glided across the goal line.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Jorge Alvarez added an insurance tally off another Vuelto assist.

It was Alvarez’s second goal of the competition, putting hom on equal footing with Amado Guevara, Mario Martinez, Bryan Rochez and David Suazo for the most scored by a Honduran in FIFA U-20 World Cup history. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TUESdAY, may 30, 2017

DVA/Stag A Division Volleyball …

Future Stars down listless Broad Street

Vanguard females on top after day 1 A dominant performance by the Vanguard female volleyball team has ensured that, after day one of the Demerara Volleyball Association‘s (DVA’s) Stag beer-sponsored league, they were on top of the points’ standings.

The Vanguard girls notched up two wins at the National Gymnasium on Sunday.

They claimed their first victory by beating the Pakuri Warriors of St. Cuthbert’s Mission by three sets to one.

A repeat performance against Linden’s Fluffy Girls, three sets to one, cemented their status as favourites to win the league.

The Pakuri team bounced back to reg-

‒ Sparta held by Agricola

T

he group stage of the Xtreme Clean Maintenance/GT Beer Futsal tournament kickedoff on Sunday night with new-comers Future Stars impressing again; while Sparta Boss, heavy favourites for the tournament, faltered against an inspired Agricola Champion Boys.

The impressive but youthful Future Stars team impressed as they faced their first real test in their matchup against the experienced Broad Street Bullies, passing the examination with flying colours and a 2-nil victory.

Enduring a rough first half, as the physical Broad Street players tried to ruffle their proverbial feathers, the skillful Future Stars played sensible passing and resolute defending to ensure that they go into the break with scores level at nil all.

They emerged an inspired unit for the second half of the game, and in the process of time, fatigue began to wear down the Broad Street footballers. Firing in one emphatically after crisp passing, Keron Solomon left the Broad Street players and their custodian bewildered, as Future Stars took command of the action.

Akeemo Anthony would add another in the 18th minute, to shut Broad Street completely out of the game.

In group ‘‘A’’ action, Tucville came up against Sophia in the opening fixture, and the game ended in a stalemate despite an enthralling first half in which both teams scored. Sophia would, through a Shemroy Arthur strike, take the lead after three minutes and a series of passes that left the Tucville net vulnerable.

Undaunted, Tucville kept on pressuring Sophia through multiple attempts on goal, one of which almost tore the net as Dennis Edwards produced a thunderous equalizer for Tucville. The two teams would stay locked in battle for the rest of the game, as play in the middle looked monotonous. At the sounding of the whistle, the scores remained level at 1-1, and each team gained a point for its efforts.

Bent Street, continuing their fine form in the tournament, made light work of Plaisance in their 6-3 Group “C” victory.

Despite opening the scoring three minutes into the first half with a Warren Gilkes goal, Plaisance conceded in the very next minute, as Sheldon Profit capitalized on a defensive error to poke one home.

Jobe Caesar then produced a marvellous display of skill to slot one home in the 5th minute, to make it 2-1 Bent Street.

Points Standing

Albouystown Ballers’ Lennox Cort (white) and Back Circle’s Curtez Kellman in action

The teams went into the break with the scores at 2-1, but a mere minute into the second half, Kanata Manning scored to take a 2 goal lead for Bent Street.

Kester Greene immediately rose to the challenge for Plaisance in the 12th minute; but, three minutes later, Travis Lyken would make it 4-2 for Bent Street when he converted after a fine team move; and Kanata Manning added his second goal a minute later.

However, the Plaisance player Greene was determined to go down fighting, and shot from distance to score his second of the game and make the score 5-3. At this point, it was only a matter of how many more goals Bent Street would score; and despite valiant defending, Job Caesar completed his brace in the 18th minute to give Bent Street three points in their 6-3 victory.

In the second Group “A” match, North Ruimveldt came up against Tiger Bay in another stalemate, as both teams failed to score in a game that ended at 0-0.

This means that Group “A” is wide open for the taking, the teams all being level with a point each.

A Roy Cossou brace along with a goal from Lennox Cort ensured that Albouystown Ballers took maximum points in their

matchup against a feeble Back-Circle team. The game ended 3-1 with Back-Circle’s solitary strike coming from Jermaine Beckles.

In the final match of the night, Futsal powerhouse Sparta Boss came under heavy attack from Agricola Champion Boys, as they drew 1-1. Turning on the heat from the onset, the Champion Boys had the Sparta Boss goalie scrambling to save a few wellplaced shots before they deservingly took the lead through Lloyd Matthews, who struck from a distance to leave Sparta reeling.

However, the prolific Devon Millington, receiving a ball midline, seized an opening to bear down on the Agricola custodian in a oneon-one encounter in which he expertly lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to level things at 1-1.

Group action will continue on June 6th with Broad Street playing Plaisance from 19:00 hrs, and Bent Street coming up against Future Stars at 19:30 hrs.

Back Circle will play North Ruimveldt from 20:00hrs, after which Albouystown will meet Tiger Bay at 20:30 hrs.

Agricola and Sophia teams will lock horns from 21:00 hrs, and the final match will be played between Sparta Boss and Tucville.

Point Standings Group-A Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts.

Agricola

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Sophia

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Sparta

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Tucville

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts.

Albouystown

1

1

0

0

3

1

+2

3

N/Ruimveldt

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

Group-B

Tigerbay

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

Back Circle

1

0

1

0

1

3

-2

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts.

Bent Street

1

1

0

0

6

3

+3

3

Future Stars

1

1

0

0

2

0

+2

3

Broad Street

1

0

1

0

0

2

-2

0

Plaisance

1

0

1

0

3

6

-3

0

Group-C

Vanguard – 6 points (2 matches)

Vanguard on the attack

Pakuri – 3 points (2 matches)

ister a victory against the Castrol Strikers, whom the Fluffy Girls also defeated. In both encounters, the Catrol Strikers lost by three sets to one.

Fluffy Girls – 3 points (2 matches) Strikers – 0 points (2 matches)

Blairmont CC Awards…

Foster urges cricketers to develop a “culture of hard work and dedication” L

ong-serving Secretary/ CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), Hilbert Foster, on Thursday last issued an appeal to young cricketers at the Blairmont Cricket Club (BCC) to develop a “culture of hard work, dedication and positive attitude if they can, to have a successful cricket career”.

Addressing the Blairmont players in their Community Centre’s Main Hall, Foster told his attentive audience that success is achieved only by hard work and robust effort. He advised that there is no short cut to glory; players desirous of becoming good batsmen MUST concentrate on batting, and MUST work hard on correcting faults; while bowlers MUST spend hours in the nets working on variety and pace.

He said players like Basil Butcher, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks and Alvin Kallicharran all came from humble beginnings; but, determined to succeed against all odds, they worked hard to fulfil the dream of playing cricket at the highest level.

Foster spoke extensively on the formula youths should use to be successful in life. That formula entails getting a proper education, refusing to become involved in the use of drugs and alcohol, respecting parents and authority figures, having complete faith in God, avoiding engagement in criminal activities, choosing friends wisely, and always aiming for the sky despite the challenges faced.

Foster also urged the

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster handing over the donation to BCC President Shabeer Baksh

Blairmont players to develop a culture of assisting others. He said no matter how poor one is, there is always someone poorer than one.

He especially advised youths to avoid friends who encourage them to follow the evil ways of Satan. True friends, he stated, encourage you to fulfil your dreams; to serve the God you believe in; and to say NO to drugs, crime, suicide and alcohol.

Foster, moreover, urged the large gathering of parents to not only support the outstanding work of the Blairmont Club, but to always strive to be the best possible role model to their children. He urged parents not to consume alcohol, curse, or use illegal drugs in front of children; but to make sure they inspire their children to fulfil their potential in sports, culture and education.

The former Chairman of the Berbice Cricket Board’s Special Events Committee pleaded with cricket administrators to always put the

interest of the cricketers first. He said administrators are there to serve the cricketers, and not to seek personal glory or to benefit from serving youths.

Calling on leaders to be more visionary, he noted that cricket administration is not only about organising matches, but also to make sure that every young cricketer understands their role as a representative of Berbice, Guyana, the West Indies, and their status as a positive role model.

He committed the RHTY&SC to continue playing a major role in Berbice, and noted that the Club would always be a friend of Blairmont Cricket.

Under its Cricket Development Programme, the RHTY&SC has donated three trophies, twelve cricket medals, youth information booklets, and some gifts to the top Blairmont cricketers. The RHTY&SC, M.S, had in April also assisted the Blairmont Club with balls, bats and cricket stumps.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, may 30, 2017

23

South American Youth Championships…

Coach Edmond hopeful for another “Gold Rush”

G

‒ Caesar tipped to claim sprint double

uyana’s sprinting sensation Compton Caesar has been tipped to take Gold in both the 100M and 200M races at the South American Youth Championships slated for June 3-4 at the Leonora

Track and Field Facility.

Asked by Guyana Times Sport about Guyana’s chances of medalling at the Games, coach Julian Edmond expressed confidence in Guyana’s ability to replicate its recent

success and even excel its performance at the recent CARIFTA Games.

“It is our (intention) to win as (many) gold medals as possible,” he declared.

He maintained that Guyana’s best hope is

Claudrice McKoy would want to add to her tally of international medals

Compton Caesar -- fastest Under-20 sprinter in the Caribbean.

“We’ve got Compton Caesar; he’s the fastest Under-20 sprinter in the Caribbean, and we expect him to be on the podium at this championship, winning gold,” the coach predicted.

He noted that while Brazil has fielded the best sprint team at these Games, Guyana has been right “there with them”. This, he noted, is the main reason why Guyana’s coaching team expects a lot of medals.

Edmond declared Guyana’s athletes in high spirits, and said that for the last five weeks they have been working hard, training hard, and are in top shape.

Among Guyana’s greatest medal prospects are Kenisha Phillips, Onasha Rogers, Daniel Williams, Anfernee Headecker Claudrice McKoy and Ronaldo Wishart. These

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County 50-Over…

Rain impedes 1st round commencement T

he first round of the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Handin-Hand Under-19 InterCounty 50-Over tournament has been washed out without a ball being bowled.

Monday’s intermittent weather had held out hope for a different outcome -such wonderful sunshine being available over the weekend, and all teams and their players being hyped and ready for the action, as they looked forward to competing against each other.

This GCB/HIH Under-19 Inter-County tournament has great significance, it being used respectively to earmark and prepare players for national selection and regional duty.

Over at Everest, the match between Berbice and Essequibo was abandoned at 12:55h without a ball being bowled; while the match scheduled for Eve Leary, wherein Demerara opposed the Select U-17 team, was abandoned at 13:10 h, also without a ball being bowled.

Each of the involved teams was awarded 2 points for their first round abandoned match.

The second round of matches in the tournament is scheduled for Wednesday at the Police Sports Club Ground and at the National Stadium at Providence respectively. The match at the Police Ground, set to commence at 09:30 hours, will

Chantoba Bright has been dominant in her triple jump event, and will be expected to garner another medal

‘National’ athletes all performed admirably at the past weekend’s Independence Track Meet, most of them dominating senior athletes to win gold.

The Guyana Squad reads (Girls): Kenish Phillips, Onasha Rogers, Avon Samuels, Collia Rowe, Joanna Archer, Claudrice

McKoy, Serena Williams, Leyanna Charles, Kezra Murray, Delcia Harper, Tatyana Blair, Shontel Browne, Chantoba Bright, Ruth Sanmoogan, Mian McPherson, Kimberly Hilliman, Jamacia Scott, Cassie Small, Tonya Rawlins, Tiffauna Garnett and Tandiaka Haynes.

(Boys): Compton Caesar, Tyrell Peters, Laurindo Prince, Daniel Williams, Anfernee Headecker, Samuel Lynch, Ruel Chester, Matthew McKenzie, Rondell Newton, Rickie Williams, Joshua Williams, Ronaldo Wishart, Nigel Gonsalves, Terrence Fraser, Anthony Williams, Ronaldo Greene, Jermaine Simmons, Timothy Sealy, Tremaine Beckles, Jonathan Garnett, Jermaine King, Ryan Bramble, Dennis Roberts, Stayon Wilson, Jonathon Copeland and Tevin Nicholson.

Fitness Express supports Campbell’s World Classic endeavours

The scene at the Police Sports Club on Monday

feature Essequibo against the Select U-17 team ; while the match at the National Stadium will start at 09:00 hours and would involve Berbice competing against Demerara.

The third round of matches will be played on Thursday, June 1; while the Finals will be played on June 2 at the National Stadium at Providence.

The teams are as follows: Essequibo: Mark Williams, Sachin Persaud, Kurt Lovell, Adrian Campbell, Mark Ramsammy, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Beesham Moses, Leslie Allen, Sheldon Charles, Mahindra Persaud, Chanderpaul Mohabir, Kellin Davis, Joel fortune, Azeem Habib, Loaknauth Persaud (Manager) and

Andy Ramnarine (Coach).

Berbice: Adrian Sukwah, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Veramootoo Senwasane, Javid Karim, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Karan Arjpaul, Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vankenic, Steve Deonarine, Michael Newland (Manager) and Adrian Amsterdam (Coach) Demerara: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain), Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (Vice Captain), Joshua Persaud, Raymond Perez, Navendra Persaud, Ramnarine Chature, Richie Looknauth, Keshram Seyhodan, Stephon Wilson, Sagar Hatharamani, Dwayne Dick, Kishna Singh, Garvin Bodwah, Dambuka Nqgando, Darshan Persaud,

Mark Jeffers, Kennard Moonsammy, Mark Ramsammy, Himanauth Dindyal, Omar Hussine (Manager), Rayon King (Coach) and Dhanpaul (Assistant Coach) Guyana Under-17: Alex Alvin Algoo, Sachin Stefan Singh, Orlando Jailall, Junior Alvin Sinclair, Kevlon Alston Anderson, Kevin Imran Christian, Robin Williams, Lance Russell Roberts, Alphius Malcolm Bookie, Rajendra Singh, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Romanno Nedd, Pradesh Ballkishun, Kelvin Umrao, Mark Gary Rankin, Gevon Shemar Schultz, Reyaz Khan, Qumar Tychicus Torrington, Nazeer Mohamed (Manager) and Orin Bailey (Coach)

Jamie McDonald (left) of Fitness Express presenting the package to Emmerson Campbell

G

uyana’s leading supplement and fitness products supplier, Fitness Express, has once again thrown its support behind 2016 CAC silver medallist and two-time national Men’s Physique Champion Emmerson Campbell.

Jamie McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Fitness Express, located at the corner of Sheriff and John Streets in Campbellville, Georgetown, presented a sponsorship package to Campbell on Monday to help offset some of his expenses as he gears up to domi-

nate the stage at the sport’s World Classic in Trinidad and Tobago on June 24.

Campbell, one of the Region’s leading musclemen, thanked McDonald for his continued benevolence, and promised to return with “the hardware”.

Besides Campbell, four other local athletes in Alisha Fortune, Caerus Cipriani, Yannick Grimes and Rashleigh Bentick are scheduled to compete at the Classic, which attracts gladiators from Central America and the Caribbean.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Xtreme Clean/GT Beer 'Gold Rush' Futsal…

Pg 22

Future Stars down listless Broad Street ‒ Sparta held by Agricola Future Stars’ Akeemo Anthony (centre with white pants) is engaged in a physical battle for the ball against a Broad Street player (Akeem Greene Photo)

South American Youth Championships…

Pg 23

Coach Edmond hopeful for another “Gold Rush” ‒ Caesar tipped to claim sprint double Compton Caesar, who made history at the CARIFTA Games, has been heavily tipped to take the sprint-double at the South American Youth Championships (Hdp photo)

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

Pg 21