Guyana Times Daily

Ivelaw P16 Griffith is UG’s new Vice Chancellor Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2846

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

PRICE

Stabroek Market restoration

Angry vendors protest outside President's office Page 7

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Imran Khan quits as NCN Director over appointment of new CEO P2 2008 businessman’s killing

Daughter, P8 “hitman” slapped with murder charge

Stabroek Market restoration

P9

Enraged minibus drivers complain of reduced trips, financial hardship

… businessman objects to vendors using land, locks gate

... says Royston King lied to them

Police deny upsurge in crime

… say Force recorded 19% decrease, raids intensify in Berbice

Port Mourant businessman chopped, robbed Page 16

Page 3

Private Sector shoots down renaming of Ogle Int’l Airport Page 11

Man feared dead after car plunges into WBD canal P17

PPP offers P13 Govt help to fight crime GSA ‘accidental’ shooting P12

Auto dealer slapped with manslaughter charge, released on $500,000 bail

2 news Imran Khan quits as NCN Director over appointment of new CEO wednesDAY, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

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mran Khan has tendered his resignation as a Director of the National Communications Network (NCN) Inc over the appointment of the media entity’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lennox Cornette.

Khan’s resignation was submitted to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Tuesday, the same day Cornette reported for duty.

His decision to part ways with the State media company comes after a majority of the NCN Board rejected his call to rescind the appointment of Cornette, who had admitted to forging the signature of late Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Manager, Terry Holder, while he worked at that Company.

In a statement, Khan said he could not associate his name with such an appointment.

“I, therefore, am of the conviction that continuing as a Director is untenable. Regrettably, I view the decision of the Board to proceed with the appointment in light of the available information as reckless and imprudent,” he stated.

Last week, Khan wrote the Prime Minister requesting the appointment of the Chairman of the NCN Board, Bish Panday be revoked over the decision to appoint Cornette.

NCN Board Member Imran Khan

New NCN CEO Lennox Cornette

Panday then wrote to the Prime Minister and declared that Khan was unqualified to judge his competence.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Panday had explained that the NCN Board of Directors unanimously agreed to Cornette’s appointment during a meeting on April 7.

However, later in the evening, Khan had raised concerns regarding the appointment of Cornette.

Panday explained that the “concern” was investigated, the findings were brought up for discussion and thereafter, all but one member gave approval for Cornette to be appointed the new NCN CEO. “One objected and the others agreed; I can’t go with the one that objected. He objected after the event, he did not

object before the man was appointed and if one Director objected and seven Directors said ‘yes’, I can’t go with the one who objected,” Panday explained.

Notably, Khan is said to have recommended that veteran broadcast journalist Enrico Woolford be appointed as the NCN CEO. Meanwhile, Cornette is a former journalist who is now a communications consultant and preacher.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business; a Bachelor in Social Sciences, (majoring in Mass Communications); a Diploma in Public Communication, and certificates in planning promotion from Bailbrook College, England.

Parika fuel dealer’s murder

Alleged “hitman” identified during ID parade – gunpowder residue found on clothing

T

he man who was detained by Police in connection with the murder of Parika fuel dealer Seeram Singh’s murder was positively identified by an eyewitness, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.

Blanhum told Guyana Times that during an identification parade (ID) on Tuesday, the man was positively identified.

The Crime Chief said a test was conducted on the suspect’s clothing and gunpowder residue was found.

The suspect, who was arrested on Sunday evening in Parika, will be charged with the capital offence by the end of the week.

A woman, said to be an ex-lover of the now dead businessman, was arrested earlier, but it was unclear if she was released.

Guyana Times understands that the woman contracted the gunman to execute the businessman and to make it look like a robbery after he

Deceased: Seeram Singh

(Singh) broke off the relationship and began dating someone else.

Singh, 52, of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, was stabbed to his abdomen and shot twice – to his head and his hip.

The bullet to his head was at close range and may have been the fatal shot. According to information, the man was

talking to someone on his mobile phone when he was attacked and stabbed.

In an attempt to raise an alarm, the injured man ran towards a shop, but the gunman gave chase and caught up with him. A scuffle ensued and it was then the suspect discharged two rounds at Singh.

As the businessman fell, the gunman relieved him of two gold chains and escaped.

Singh was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Hours after the shooting the supposedly spurned woman was taken into custody.

Alesia Singh, the man’s daughter, told Guyana Times her father did not have any enemies. She described him as religious and helpful. The businessman operated several vessels that would supply fuel to miners in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruini area.

The man leaves to mourn five children.

Linden robbery, larceny accused on $150,000 bail

F

orty-year-old John Broomes, of Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, was granted bail amounting to the sum of $150,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court to answer to robbery and break-and-enter-and larceny charges on Tuesday.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the first charge which stated that on October 18, 2015, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Nevlyn Benjamin of a Samsung cellular phone valued $40,000 and a gold ring valued $70,000. The incident allegedly took place at Plantation

Fair’s Rust, Mackenzie, Linden.

Broomes also pleaded not guilty to the second charge which stated that between October 1 and 2, 2015, he broke and entered the home of Devon Green situated at Phase 1B Wisroc, Wismar, Linden and stole a gas bottle valued $10,000.

In representing himself, the defendant maintained his innocence, explaining to the Court that he was a farmer who sold his produce for a living. He was granted $75,000 bail for each of the offences despite the prosecution’s objection.

Additionally, another break-and-enter-and-larceny

charge against the defendant was dismissed by Magistrate Nurse. It was alleged that he broke into the home of Shonda McGregor at Phase 1B Wisroc and stole a gas stove valued $35,000, a gas bottle valued $15,000, a microwave valued $12,000, a blender valued $7500, a tea cup set valued $25,000, tea cups valued $2000, a tape player valued $10,000, an electrical breaker panel valued $11,000, electronic wire valued $35,000, a stand fan valued $5000 and groceries worth $2000.

Broomes is scheduled to make his next court appearance on June 1 for new matters.

news

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wednesDAY, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 4 – 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, May 5 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 4 – 14:40h-16:10h and Thursday, May 5 – 15:30h-17:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning with some sunny intervals, while light rain showers and cloudy skies can be expected in the afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 02:28h and 14:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.67 metres and 2.69 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:26h and 20:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metres and 0.49 metre respectively.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

01 09 14 19 24 25 25 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

05 08 14 24

LUCKY 3 1

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… say Force recorded 19% decrease, raids intensify in Berbice

By Devina Samaroo

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riminal raids three times a week, heightened Police patrols and greater presence in neighbourhoods, intensified training among Police ranks, and the resuscitation of social programmes, are all components of a crime prevention strategy that contributed to the overall 19 per cent reduction in serious crimes at the end of April, relative to the same period last year.

Senior Police officials are staunchly dismissing the widespread perception that criminal elements are becoming emboldened and that crime is spiralling out of control.

They are contending that the public perception on the crime situation is a sheer misrepresentation and that a simple glance at the statistics will prove this.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that there was a nine per cent reduction in murder; a nine per cent decrease in gun related robberies; eight per cent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments other than a gun were used by perpetrators; 38 per cent decrease in robberies with violence; 38 per cent decrease in robberies with aggravation; 18 per cent decrease in rape and 22 per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny.

According to the Police, this represents a 32 per cent decrease against those reported in March this year.

Crime in Berbice

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 Daily Millions

03

Police deny upsurge in crime

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Assistant Commander of B Division (Berbice) Ian Amsterdam, during an interview with Guyana Times also dismissed concerns raised by the local business community about the increasing crime wave in the Ancient County.

He reported that Berbice recorded 21 serious crimes, down from 34 in March, 33 in February and 41 in January.

Amsterdam maintained the regional crime plan is

“definitely working”, adding that the local Police will be doubling their efforts to continue to arrest the situation.

These efforts, he said, includes working on more intelligence gathering, conducting raids in areas where criminal elements are suspected to be harbouring, and increasing patrols.

Particularly, he said much focus is being placed on clamping down on the criminal safe havens located in Rose Hall, Rosignol, Corriverton and New Amsterdam.

The Assistant Commander noted too that while the ranks are working with limited resources, they are doing the best they can to keep the crime situation under control.

Wrong perception

Overlooking the fact that over six families were terrorised, robbed and in some instances killed within a space of one week in Berbice, Amsterdam said persons are peddling the wrong perception about the crime rate in the country.

Referring to the contentions made by the two leading Chambers of Commerce in Berbice, the Assistant Commander posited the bodies are spreading the wrong perception about crime.

“The Chambers didn’t speak to me. If they had spoken to me, I would have said that this is the wrong time to say that crime is on the increase. Maybe a month or two ago, they could have said that, but the very month that they speak is the very month that crime went down,” he stated, noting that people will believe the misinformation and disregard the statistics.

Social media users, commuters, vendors, and stu-

dents alike have all raised their concerns about the noticeable upsurge in the crime situation in the country.

From the daring casino robbery to the horrific death of the two rice stalwarts in Essequibo, persons are growing more and more fearful of the roaming criminal elements.

The Berbice Chambers have criticised the Government, and in so doing received criticisms from the Government on the issue of crime in the nation.

T h e Chambers lambasted Public Security Minister Khemraj

Ramjattan for not getting a handle on the crime situation and more particularly, for putting the golden jubilee celebrations as top priority on his agenda.

“Government seems powerless, ineffectual, and out of their league in fighting crime. It is extremely disappointing as the coalition campaigned very strongly on this issue and we were all optimistic with all the military, ex-commissioners and other `experts’ at their disposal and now we have a situation in Berbice that is far worse than we have ever experienced. Everyone seems to be a sitting duck, as it seems every day a business is held up and residents beaten and robbed in their homes, this coupled with the depressed business environment, makes it exceedingly burdensome for businesses and ordinary citizens to cope. President Granger and the government has miserably failed the people of this country to provide protection and security”, the Chambers said in a joint statement.

They noted, however, that the only exception is the Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who has to be commended for his efforts in tackling crime.

Lashing back at the Chambers, the Police Association of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) declared that the organisations are ungrateful and irresponsible.

Training

Meanwhile, the GPF boasted of the continuous exposure of its ranks to training; both locally and internationally.

There are currently 12 Assistant Superintendents of Police attached to the Dade County Police in Miami for a period of three weeks on training. This initiative will expose them to a First World approach on designing tactics and delivering on frontline functions.

For the year alone, 33 members of the Force received training overseas in various aspects of law enforcement, inclusive of a three-month course in cybercrime in India, a threemonth course in Advanced Fingerprint Technology in India, and an Advanced Crime Scene Investigation Course in Russia.

Locally, 34 new entrants to the Crime Investigation Department completed a six-week training programme. This adds to 24 ranks who completed an Intelligence Gathering and Analysis Course, and 35 who attended a programme on National Protocols for Child Advocacy Centres.

Additionally, the Police Divisional Detective Officers and their second in command as well as the Officers at the CID Headquarters were trained by trainers developed by the Justice Education Society of Canada in Major Crimes Case Management and Investigation.

Furthermore, it noted that 60 new recruits have graduated from the Felix Austin Police College, adding to the 287 who graduated in February.

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wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

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

Kites taken to a whole new level

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

Editorial

Access to public information

W

orld Press Freedom Day was celebrated yesterday, Tuesday under the 2016 theme “Access to Public Information”. I have found this year’s theme quite fitting in Guyana’s context, in addition to other countries.

Speak with any reporter locally and they would tell you that one of the hardest things to do is to get access to public information; even harder is trying to get that information from the persons or Ministers responsible for the public institutions. Further exacerbating that is the conduct of Government personalities and the contempt shown towards the populace and Journalists when their public portfolio comes under scrutiny by the press.

While it is understandable that Government figures in the remit of their work would have to keep certain amounts of information confidential, Ministers should also be more open and responsive to the media, especially where it concerns matters that are of interest to the public and those that directly affect the socioeconomic and political fabric of their lives.

It is hard to decipher if it is because of our cultural disposition or our socialisation, but, as a people, we are offended when public servants and Ministers withhold information or act clandestinely. However, after the revelations come out and die down, we forget all about them and move on, as if to say that we are accepting of them when, in reality, we should be pressing harder for the truth to come out.

For example, we are yet to hear a word from the Government on the actions of the Social Protection Minister who openly defended a party loyalist who on more than one occasion was allegedly involved in the sexual assault of minors. We kicked up a big ruckus about the entire incident and now it appears that nothing ever happened, even though the Government is yet to pronounce on the comments made by its subject Minister.

Under the previous Administration, another Minister in a drunken tirade called a reporter and allegedly made threats against that person. A media frenzy surrounded the incident, but that, too, after a while died down.

In contrast, a conglomerate of Journalists dissected a massive leak of more than 11.5 million documents, exposing the hidden wealth of the world’s elites. The stories carried under the “Panama Papers” tag have led to the resignations of, and legislative action being taken against, implicated Government officials in light of such revelations.

Without coming across as cynical, it is believed that if any of the information still emanating from the Panama papers implicates Guyanese, nothing would be done in the final analysis.

There was also the recent issue of press censorship on the part of the Prime Minister who was accused of interfering with the State media. The US State Department Human Rights report had stated, “The law provides for freedom of speech and press, and the Government generally respected these rights. (However, in regards to censorship and restrictions), in August, the Prime Minister issued a directive that all headlines in the State-owned print media be first scrutinised and approved by his office before they are published. The directive was a response to a headline criticising the Government. The Prime Minister also serves as Minister of Information.”

The Prime Minister has since refuted the accusations levied against him and his office, citing that “allegations of censorship in State media have no basis in reality or fact.”

It was only after receiving criticisms from NGOs and the Press Association of Guyana did the President respond – not to the issue, but in general, saying that his Administration was committed to “non-interference in the independent media” and his “Administration will not undermine the professionalism of State media workers by subjecting them to political direction or interference in their work”.

We, as a people, have to start casting aside our parochial approach in the body politics of governance and become more participatory, demanding that our elected office bearers uphold their constitutional mandate of accountability and transparency towards us. If not, then “Access to Public Information” will become a closely guarded secret and the least of our worries.

People kitesurf in the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 3 (Reuters/Baz Ratner)

The hypocrisy of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Dear Editor, I have said it numerous times that the APNU/AFC Administration should remember that they have not been elected to serve a lifetime in office. One year is about to pass and four will remain at which time the people will go to the polls again.

My question to PM Nagamootoo is this: what will he tell the people when he stands up at rallies begging for votes in 2020.

During the course of campaigning before the May 2015 elections and even before that, Mr Nagamootoo tried to portray himself as a humble servant of the people.

He spoke of PPP politicians wanting to live a “Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey-cart economy”. He spoke of the “fat cat” salaries being received by various members of the PPP

party when they were in Government.

Actually, I believe the PM was famous for coining these terms. It is repulsive that this same individual upon ascending the office of Prime Minister proceeded to demand that same Cadillac lifestyle and “fat cat” salary.

His first act in office as PM was to criticise the conditions of the PM’s residence. He was quoted as saying he would not let his dogs live there. He then demanded upgrades be done to the tune of millions of dollars before moving into the residence.

Be reminded, Editor, this is the same residence the former PM under the PPP was living in with his family. The man then proceeded to make proposals for an increase in salary which would bring his salary to an excess of one

million dollars excluding benefits. As if that was not enough, he wanted a brand new $22 million Land Cruiser and upgrades done to the roads and bridge leading to his private residence.

The Land Cruiser was added to a fleet of more than 20 vehicles. When asked about it, he indicated that it will be used to reach out to the people who voted for him.

As I listened to his response I wondered if he had lost his mind. Never in my life have I seen such blatant hypocrisy and greed. Mr Nagamootoo has betrayed his supporters and the Guyanese people.

He went into office and did the same things he accused his PPP counterparts of doing.

Not only has the Prime Minister disgraced himself and his party and be-

trayed the Guyanese people but as Prime Minister, he has done nothing of substance and certainly nothing deserving of a salary increase.

It would be wise for the new Government and the Prime Minister to remember that it is the people of Guyana who will judge them come 2020 and when they open their mouths and speak of donkey-cart economies and fat salaries, the Guyanese people will be reminded of their hypocrisy.

I urge the Prime Minister to stop dwelling on material stuff, fat salaries and shiny houses and start doing some work or his time in office as a member of Government will be short.

Regards, Tiana King-David

Poor safety conditions at ‘semilegal’ Guyana-Suriname route Dear Editor, We are a society that sometimes likes to wait for something to happen and then act or do something about it. I would like to highlight the poor safety conditions that befall travellers utilising the ‘semilegal’ Guyana-Suriname ‘backtrack’ crossing at Corriverton, Corentyne.

First of all, life jackets are not used on most of the trips. When I asked for a life jacket, I was told to

open a big bag in front of the booth, and when I did, the few in there were soggy and soaked as well as smelly.

Many travellers refuse to use these jackets, and just imagine, there are also babies travelling on the 20- minute journey sometimes. It is a dangerous practice and should cease immediately.

I think the authorities should have some more regulation over this ser-

vice which is utilised by dozens of Guyanese and Surinamese on a daily basis.

On the Nickerie side, there is no jetty to walk out to the boat, instead women and girls are lifted or jockeyed on the backs of men, and not all females might be comfortable with that practice. For years, this has been the norm.

The boats are also open with no shelter from rain or the rough waters of the

Corentyne while travelling.

They should have boats like those plying the Parika-Supenaam route on the Essequibo and in other places. I urge the Governments of both sides to get involved and deal with the operators; first and foremost, enforce the lifejacket regulation immediately.

Sincerely, Name withheld

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wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

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

Corruption and wrongdoing Organisations silent on crime wave rampant within City Constabulary Dear Editor, The new Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown need to demand that their City Police Department devise a strategy to combat the upsurge in crime in our capital. The mission of the City Constabulary is to detect and prevent crime, maintain law and order, protect municipal property and preserve the peace particularly in and around the markets, commercial areas and in the downtown area. It is no secret that this law enforcement agency needs to be far more effective in the performance of their duties.

The country as a whole, but Georgetown in particular has experienced an increased rate of crime that includes home invasions and shootings. Moreover, there has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity such as assaults, armed robberies, and random shootings in public places in the capital.

Some reports indicate that a number of IndoGuyanese have been attacked in various criminal incidents, but whilst allegations that IndoGuyanese citizens were being disproportionately affected by criminality can be debated, for sure crime victims are targeted due to their perceived wealth.

The City Constabulary’s response to reports of criminal activity in and around the municipal markets is always slow and unprofessional. Indeed, it is firmly believed that some ranks are colluding with criminals or turning a blind eye to criminal activity.

In the past, they were known for harassing vendors, taking away their goods almost daily.

However, this is not as rampant now, since some Constables are believed to be partnering with criminals to earn extra cash. A Constable is right now before the courts for breaking into a stall in the market with a criminal cohort.

Speaking with vendors, one learns that about six persons are robbed in and around the Stabroek Market every day.

It was said that “you always are hearing ‘look he, look he’ and when you watch is a lil’ boy running or riding up the road and in the next direction, is somebody looking helpless and no Constable in sight”. Vendors have stated that there are several well-known gangs, comprising teenagers, operating around the market, who often sell their loot “under the clock” in view of Constables without be-

ing arrested or charged.

This is in spite of the Council’s initiative to increase supplies of arms, ammunition, vehicles, protective gear and communication equipment to them.

The usual cry by the City Constabulary that they are understaffed can no longer hold true, as they have been relieved of guard duty at municipal locations and replaced by a private guard service at an extravagant cost, which is another story, but there must be more than enough uniformed ranks available now to be placed around the City to deter criminal activity.

Meanwhile, at the Bourda Market, illegal activity is also a regular feature since the facility functions around the clock with little or no security, while private guards are stationed on the Merriman Mall guarding nothing. Vendors and their customers are easy prey, as many of them are robbed at gunpoint.

It is time for the City Constabulary and the City Council to get their act together.

Sincerely, Shanta Singh

Vendors were duped Dear Editor, I am surprised and disappointed to see pavement and itinerant vendors in Georgetown who I know to be bright and clever people, being continuously fooled by Royston King and the City Council.

By now they should realise that the General and Regional Elections and, more recently, the Local Government Elections (LGE) are over and their utility has expired, at

least for another three years until the next LGE when they will be made all sorts of promises for their votes.

Instead of King telling these vendors simple and straight that their time is up, and that they will be removed, he comes up with tricks of promising them relocation to open spaces that the Council does not own nor control.

He uses the ploy of cleaning for the Jubilee

to dupe them into helping to break down their own stands and will ensure that they do not return in order to realise his dream of beautifying Georgetown.

These single parents, these young people without jobs who are vendors need to wake up and smell the coffee.

Sincerely, Jermain Johnson

Dear Editor, The sudden rise of crime all across Guyana has been a great concern of all Guyanese citizens fearing for their lives from the hands of criminal elements and bandits. I was flabbergasted when I saw the news report that the Police Force said the crime rate has fallen significantly while many are begging for their lives from criminal elements that stalks our beloved country like a sudden night mare on elm streets now in the streets and homes in Guyana.

I was amazed when I saw about a thousand citizens in the hot sun and the rains queuing up for their passports. One can say that all these people are fed up to live here just running out or the news mentioned that the long lines at the passport office is just because of a false gossip that the passport fees will be raised from $4000 to $15,000. I really don’t think that is the case for the past year the lines at the passport office gets longer my wife and I passports are expired until now over a year my wife cannot renew her passport nor myself because of the lines and we work. I read the Minister of Citizenship mentioned that they will decentralized the passport and birth certificate process. I am still wondering how soon will that be. Birth, death and marriage certificates takes longer than expected these are basic things in life; I still wonder why the entire nation has to travel to Eve Leary at CID head Quarters to apply for a police clearance and most times you are ‘turned down’ Can the Commissioner of Police tell this nation why? With this new wave of crime where just a few days ago Princess Hotel Casino was robbed, many families in Berbice and Essequibo are robbed and killed. But this doesn’t seem to bother our erudite Home Affairs Minister and Obscure Commissioner of Police. It seems as if our complicated political ideologies tied the tongues and hands of our security people in authority. What plans does our new administration have to

tackle this crime situation in Guyana? Our President needs to address the nation on crime and blackouts, and not the Minister of State. We have quite a number of Vice Presidents I am unable to count but yet they are very silent on the crime situation but very vocal on the 50th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations. I still wonder what is there to celebrate when our people are crying and hurting for police protection.

If this administration cannot protect our own citizens then how will they protect the foreigners coming in to celebrate our 50th Birthday Anniversary Celebration?

I am yet to hear the voices of the religious organizations about this crime situation. Why are they silent? Why can’t they advise our President and send for troops from their country to keep the peace in Guyana. I remembered two profound quotations from George Orwell’s book Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

“Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals.

He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare

minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself.”

These elegant truths from Orwell’s magnificent book fit’s our political scenario here in Guyana.Our leaders crave political power and recognition but cares less for the citizens of this nation. That’s what Orwell meant when he said ‘’but some animals are more equal than some’’ depicting man with a greedy and unscrupulous mentality.

It’s about time our soldiers be placed to guard government buildings and banks, and patrol the nation around the clock like Suriname. We must accept one fact: that after 50 years of independence we have become a failed nation, failing to protect the rights and dignity of our citizens. What have we really achieved after 50 years of bad administration? It’s time we rise up and take back this nation all of us from every religion, creed, culture and race must fight for justice to protect this nation.I end this discourse with this inspiring quote from Dante Alighieri: ‘’Consider your origin you were not born to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.’’

Yours faithfully, Rev Gideon Cecil

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wednesdAY, may 4, 2016

Page

Foundation

Defeating the culture of bullying

Clean house

Being a mom is stressful, and coming home to a clean house, even if it only lasts 10 minutes, is like a little slice of heaven for us. Hire a professional or, at the very least, get the kids to help pick up around the house.

Extra credit: Purchase a housecleaning package from a coupon site to use throughout the year, or hire a pro to come in and tackle deep cleaning or organising projects.

J

ewellery, flowers and chocolates are great, but here’s a list of what moms we polled really want for Mother’s Day. We’ve even included some extracredit tips for overachievers. Or you could go with one mom’s response, which pretty much sums it up: “I want a Wonder Woman cape, preferably made out of diamonds, along with the statement: ‘You were right about everything, and we’d be lost without you.’”

UTO (Unpaid Time Off)

Every mom has a list of about 20 things she’d like to get done on any given day, but she usually only has time to successfully conquer three. Our moms would love a day to tackle their To-Dos or just to be free to do whatever they want, no questions asked.

Sleep

guyana-times.com

Moms think going to sleep when they are tired on Saturday and awakening on their own without the alarm clock or the voice of a child on Sunday is a dream come true. Plus, it’s 100 per cent free!

Extra credit: Give mom a full night’s rest and a nap, preferably in a hammock with a good book and a cold drink.

Spa day

A massage, mani/pedi or facial are all wonderful gifts to show us how much we’re appreciated. Older children could get creative and set up a home spa with candles, homemade scrubs, etc.

Extra credit: A whole spa day full of pampering.

A day free from the “Mom Routine”

We love being mamas; we really do.

But we would also love a day free from the “mom routine”. That means no dishes, laundry, chauffeur duty, dressing little ones, getting kids out the door, mediating sibling arguments, etc.

Car wash

A vehicle free from crumbs and clutter is like a commuting oasis.

Extra credit: Get it detailed.

Turn the Honey-Do into a Honey-Done List

Every time we walk by that broken _______ (fill in the blank), it drives us crazy. If you complete the Honey-Do List of lingering household projects, you will be one happy man come Father’s Day — trust us!

What’s for dinner?

If you take care of dinner, including the grocery shopping, for one week, it would free us up to enjoy more quality time as a family, which is what we all want.

The best things in life are free

The gifts we will treasure forever are the homemade cards, handprints and photo frames from our children that remind us what a blessing it truly is to be a mom. (parenting.com)

– how can we help children become “upstanders” to bullying?

By Kenneth Barish, PhD

E

mily Bazelon’s Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy is a remarkably thoughtful and balanced study of the problem of bullying. Bazelon presents sensitive, insightful portraits of both bullies and victims, and the complex circumstances of their lives.

In the course of telling the stories of these teenagers, Bazelon informs us about effective ways to reduce bullying and its devastating impact.

There is some good news in this research and reason to hope that Bazelon is right in her belief that we can change how students think and feel about bullying, just as we have changed the norms for wearing seat belts and drunk driving.

The common denominator of all types of bullying is a lack, or erosion, of empathy. Nurturing empathy, a potential that is present in almost all children, is, therefore, at the heart of interventions to reduce bullying.

(Bazelon’s book is itself a model of empathy – not only for victims and their families, but also for the families of bullies, for kids who are wrongly accused, and for educators struggling to do the right thing, even when their responses are ineffective.)

In the end, Bazelon raises a larger question: What can we do, as parents, to nurture qualities of empathy and kindness in our children? How can we reduce the risk that they will get caught up in hurtful teenage drama?

How can we help them become “upstanders”, not bystanders, to meanness and cruelty?

In a recent lecture, Bazelon wisely counselled that we should acknowledge our children’s acts of kindness as warmly and enthusiastically as we do their academic or athletic achievements. This is certainly a good place to start.

I would like to briefly add some additional advice – lessons about empathy gleaned from my experience as a child therapist and from developmental research. To some parents, these lessons may seem self-evident, but they are easily lost in the stress and pace of modern family life.

Here is what I believe is most essential: Empathy begets empathy. As parents, we need to set aside time to listen patiently and empathically to our children and to repair moments of anger and misunderstanding.

When we listen with empathy, when children know that their concerns and their grievances

will be heard, we open a pathway to emotional maturity.

In these moments, children become less absorbed in defiant thoughts and argument, more open to compromise, and more caring toward others.

Listening with empathy, however, is not always easy and should not be confused with permissiveness or indulgence.

Children need to know that their feelings are important – but so are the needs and feelings of others.

We should also teach our children, from an early age, the importance of helping others.

(Older children, for example, can be encouraged to tutor or read to younger students.)

Children learn important lessons from helping others. They learn that they have something to offer and they experience the gratitude and appreciation of others.

We also need to help children learn how to solve problems through dialogue and compromise. Children need our active guidance, as often as we can provide it, in how to acknowledge another person’s concerns and find common ground. Without our help, conflict between children too often leads to defensiveness and retaliation, rather than mutual understanding and creative solutions. (In families, when there is conflict, letting siblings try to “work it out on their own” is rarely a good idea.)

Finally, we need to be role models and to practise empathy and forgiveness in all our relationships. Developmental research, over several decades, has consistently shown that children are more likely to be caring toward others when they observe the caring behaviour of admired adults. For young boys, a warm relationship with a father who is perceived as generous and compassionate may be especially important.

We cannot predict all of the challenges and moral dilemmas our children will encounter in the course of their lives. We can only prepare them, as best we can, with a foundation, based on our empathic understanding of their feelings and concerns.

On this foundation, empathy and concern for others are then more likely to become second nature – the right and normal thing to do. (pyschologytoday.com)

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wednesDAY, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Stabroek Market restoration

Angry vendors protest outside President's office … businessman objects to vendors using land, locks gate ... says Royston King lied to them

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lmost a dozen Police Officers took up combat positions at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Shiv Chanderpaul drive office on Tuesday, as they sought

us? Royston King deceived us. I am a cosmetologist and I have a three-year-old daughter. Most of the people out here have children

Angry vendors expressing their frustration to Guyana Times

to ward off a group of angry vendors, who were relentless in their efforts to speak with President David Granger or someone close to him who could relay their plight.

The group of mostly women marched along Regent Street, after making several unsuccessful stops to get an idea of what really needed to be done to get their businesses back up and running.

Their first stop at the office of Town Clerk Royston King yielded little or no result, since, up until the time of the protest, no positive word was forthcoming.

The vendors, some of whom have been in the business for decades, were removed from the outskirts of the Stabroek Market area, to facilitate a massive clean-up campaign. But the vendors, who were quite raucous, said they have been deceived by a system they trust. They casted blame on the Town Clerk, who they said, has no plans for them.

“They invited us to a meeting, but when the people come out of the meeting, they could not tell us anything. They said to give them three days to sort this out. But I just want to know, three days? How can they take three days. What will happen to us, we will have no job”, one vendor named Odessa told Guyana Times on Tuesday.

“How can they do this to

to take care of. We don’t have anybody to brace us. We want to see the President… Those

“Last year, time like this we were protesting to get Carol Sooba out, for him to get in. But look is same thing, same thing. No difference.” other man said.

The vendors were reportedly told that they would be moved to an area South of Parliament Buildings.

However, when Guyana Times showed up there on Tuesday, the gate was heavily padlocked. At the time the Town Clerk, accompanied by seniorPpolice ranks had come and peruse the area. He told this newspaper that the gates of the premises were always secured with padlocks. He said too that the Council was at the time preparing to clear up the area so that vendors could be able to access it.

In a release from the Town Council sometime lat-

pected that in another few days, this location will be ready for the vendors to ply their trade.”

Engineer’s Department and Constabulary ranks oversaw the removal of waste in, between and around stalls located under the canopy, East of the market. The Town Clerk is adamant that the

Town Clerk Royston King

A vendor speaking with the media

Around 10:00h on Tuesday morning, members

“Council’s administration is intensely focused on restoring the health and integrity of this historic structure and its immediate periphery; including the Stabroek Market Square.”

Outside of this, vendors are also asked to pick up their goods currently being held within the Council’s compound. The various bundles of commercial items that were stored along the roadway were picked up during the recent cleanup activities as these persons refused to pay a $200 fee for storage services being offered by a private citizen. The Council is returning the items which were safely placed in its compound, but reminds vendors

that they are not allowed back on the streets. While the goods are being returned free of cost, the Council encourages the earliest removal of the items.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times understands that the owner of the land has not yet agreed to have vendors occupy the space until legal documentation is drawn up. According to reports, Hareshnarine Sugrim said the Town Clerk had asked him to “borrow” the land documentation from the Attorneys and the courts since according to him, “we don’t want when time meet and the three months up, they own the place… I gave him a verbal talking but I told him I need legal documents before anybody occupies the place,” Sugrim told an online news outfit. Late Tuesday evening when this newspaper visited the area city council workers were seen spreading sand at the location in the presence of King and City Constabulary officers.

The crowd being warded off by Police

big ones have their lives already set out for them. It is us the small man, that have to try to make a life for ourselves… Mr Granger got four more years, four more years in there to do nonsense. If he wants to go back in there, he got to help us,” another young mother told this publication.

“Last year, time like this, we were protesting to get Carol Sooba out, for him to get in. But look is same thing, same thing. No difference. He tell us he got a place for us to sell, but I want to know where this place is. Up to now I aint see no place for us to sell,” an-

er, it was noted that the area identified as the relocation for the vendors could be ready in a matter of days.

According to the release, the Town Clerk said the city has already spoken to the owner of the private land and everything stands “as per agreement.”

“We have secured permission from a private business owner to use the land for a specified period to relocate vendors who ply their trade,” King said. He noted that preparatory work is ongoing at the location, “and it is ex-

of the Municipality’s City Constabulary also carried out a special exercise within the market area. The Town Clerk said this was “aimed at ridding the location of loiters and other individuals who have no business at the facility since they are often times impeding the way of citizens who come to do business.”

At least five trucks were filled with rubbish when the

Preparatory works ongoing at the new location for Stabroek vendors

8 news

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

2008 businessman’s killing

Daughter, “hitman” slapped with murder charge

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ibi Nazeela Habiboodean, the daughter of murdered East Bank Essequibo (EBE) businessman Habiboodean, was on Tuesday arraigned with murder when she appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The confessed hired “hitman” 28-year-old Linden Lewis, called “Bullet”, was also slapped with a murder charge when he too appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

The 50-year-old daughter of the dead man and

Dead: Habiboodean

Lewis were not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that

on February 15, 2008 at Ruby, EBE, they murdered 77-year-old Habiboodean.

They were both remanded to prison until June 21 when the case will continue.

It is alleged that Bibi Habiboodean had reportedly confessed to orchestrating her father’s death when she turned herself in at the Leonora Police Station, WCD, last Wednesday after being implicated by Lewis, who was initially arrested on another charge.

The dead businessman’s daughter, and his former employee, Terry Lewton, 38, of Vergenoegen, EBE,

were previously charged for the murder in 2008, but those charges were dismissed because of insufficient evidence.

This cold case was reopened by investigators following a breakthrough a few weeks ago when one of the four persons arrested for the murder of Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife, Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, who were burnt to death in their Good Hope, EBE home, said he had knowledge of Habiboodean’s death.

Lewis, during interrogation, told investigators that he was the hit man behind Habiboodean’s murder.

2015 murder of 9-year-old

Murder accused to stand trial in the High Court

By Kizzy Coleman

B

ob Semple, the man accused of killing nine-year-old Shaquan Gittens in 2015 was on Tuesday committed to stand trial in the High Court when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

After the testimony of Rawle Thomas, the uncle of Semple, Magistrate Azore declared that based on the evidence presented, a prima facie case was made out against the accused for him to stand trial before a judge and jury. He was remanded to prison until a trial date is set.

On April 8, 2015, Semple reportedly confessed to the heinous crime giving a detailed account of the incident. Gittens went missing on April 1, 2015, after persons saw him flying a kite.

Murder accused: Bob Semple

Gittens was left in the care of an elder brother while his mother was at work. About 12:00h, he returned home to have lunch and left again to join his friends. That was the last time his brother saw him alive.

Several days after, his nude decomposed body was found floating in a ca-

nal in Cane View, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to reports, Semple allegedly told investigators that he kidnapped the boy and took him to the area where his body was later discovered before sexually molesting him.

Semple reportedly confessed he then strangled the child, leaving his motionless body under a tree. He reportedly slept with the corpse under the tree and only realised that the lad was dead the following morning.

Semple told investigators that he then had sex with the corpse after which he severed the penis before dumping the body in a canal.

The accused reportedly led Police Officers to the spot where the crime was committed where he recounted the horrific crime. The postmortem carried out on the child indicated that he died as a result of strangulation.

Dead: Shaquan Gittens

However, the grandmother of Semple was adamant that he was forced into admitting to the offence.

Testifying in court on April 25, 2016, she told Magistrate Azore that her grandson was tortured into signing several documents which stated that he was guilty of the offence.

Eyew tness Correcting History...

T ...on National Service

he Minister of Public Security berated former President Ramotar who, he bemoaned, “invoked the ghost of National Service, and wickedly alleged that the scheme was directed against Indo-Guyanese women.” But was it only Ramotar who alleged this? We have the following eyewitness testimony from Freddie Kissoon in his column in the KN of June 18, 2006 “Mahadai Das told me she was raped” that PNC used the National Service as an “instrument of race rule”.

He wrote about the “first batch of UG students who were compelled to travel to the interior to do National Service. Here is the entire list with the full names of those that had to serve. I am providing the full names so it can shock readers, show how discriminatory was the Administration of Forbes Burnham....

“My name (Freddie Kissoon) headed the list – I rejected National Service and almost lost my life.

(Thirty-eight names were listed).

Kissoon further stated that “these were among the first batch of UG students to undergo compulsory National Service. All of the 38 students listed here were from the Faculty of Arts. As you can see, all the 38 students from the Faculties of Arts were East Indian. Not one was non-Indian. There were no African students… only East Indian students were ordered to do National Service”.

Kissoon’s article then details the ugly sides to National Service that former President Ramotar alluded to. He wrote: “For example sexual molestation was rampant, clear complexion was an obsession among the young lads there who came from depressed areas from Georgetown.

“Many UG female students were constantly harassed for sex. One law student was begged for sex on a daily basis, when she refused she was given heavy tasks that were too onerous for her thin frame.

She complained to me by letter, but what could I have done? Guyana was under a dictatorship.

“Mahadai Das, the deceased poet and one of the most beautiful young women this country produced had a rude awakening in the National Service. She told me she was raped by a top ranking officer.

“Even after that, he and his colleagues molested her for sex. She was eventually saved by a top officer, and Mahadai told me to get out she had to sleep with him.

I swear that is the truth, she told me that. The case of undocumented rape of UG female students at National Service is one of the dark secrets of this country.”

On this, the 50th year of our independence, Ramjattan and company cannot try to sanitise our history like those who are ducking the Rodney CoI Report.

History will not absolve them!

...on press freedom

Your Eyewitness is sure Imran Khan, the PM’s shill and hatchet man on his Information portfolio, doesn’t see the irony of him resigning from the Board of NCN over the appointment of a new CEO for the Corporation.

What’s the irony? Well, he and his boss were willing to insist the entire State media – the Chronic and NCN– are the property of “the Government” – and should follow the dictates of the said Government. And further, since Nagamootoo’s in charge of Information (his sole “line responsibility”, the State media should follow his dictates. Or in his absence – his shill. They held weekly meetings to tell editors to toe their “line”.

So Imran Khan was willing to swallow that “camel”, but choked on the “gnat” of the newly hired CEO forging a document more than 16 years ago. And the document had nothing to do with money!

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

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wednesday, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Stabroek Market restoration

Enraged minibus drivers complain of reduced trips, financial hardship

By Ramona Luthi

M

inibus operators on Tuesday voiced their concerns after they were forced to relocate from the Stabroek Bus Park.

According to the minibus drivers, earlier on Tuesday morning, they were told by Police to park elsewhere with no proper explanation.

“I come fuh start wuk this morning and the Police tell me to move, that I can’t park here. I asking why and up to now nobody can’t answer me,” one outraged Route 45 driver told Guyana Times.

Another driver highlighted that there were hundreds of minibuses for the different routes and the new reduced parking space at the park would now cause much difficulties.

He said that drivers were forced to station themselves along the road shoulders since there was no proper al-

located location for them to park, leaving everyone disorganised and contributing to the congestion. ‘’Listen right, me route got like 300 buses, this roadside can only fit five ah we.

If a sixth one come, is charge right away. They ain’t give

“Time is money, man. The longer we gat deh in a line, is more gas we gat put in. How we gon put in gas if we ain’t making money?” me nowhere to go and the place frustrating. Yuh can’t see which is which bus park.

The passengers still looking fuh the buses. The government ain’t give we no provision to park.’’

A Route 47 minibus op-

erator added that because of the congestion, it takes longer for buses to move off the park and this leads to reduced trips thus ultimately decreasing their earnings, while gas consumption has increased. ‘’Wah sense it mek? We taking forever to come off the park in this traffic, then we trips get less because of the time. Time is money, man.

The longer we gat deh in a line, is more gas we gat put in. How we gon put in gas if we ain’t making money?”

Drivers described the relocation as “nonsense” and “a stupid move”, saying that it was obvious that the members of the Government were attempting to ‘fool’ foreigners arriving in Guyana for the 50th Jubilee celebration.

One man who identified himself as “Short Man” said: “Look, we know the Government only trying fuh nice up the place for the for-

Man jailed for threatening to kill mother

A

man was jailed for three months when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh charged with using threatening behaviour towards his mother.

Kevin Christopher pleaded not guilty to the offence which alleged that on April 12, 2016 at Houston, East Bank Demerara, he made use of threatening language against Usha Balkaran, his mother.

According to the prosecution’s facts, on the day in question, the defendant, who is an alleged drug addict, went to his mother’s residence and asked for food which she refused to give him.

This refusal angered the

Kevin Christopher

man who began to curse at his mother threatening to end her life.

The Virtual Complainant (VC) reported the matter to the Police Station, and the defendant was arrested.

During the trial on

Tuesday, the man was found guilty of the offence and sentenced to prison.

Magistrate Singh told the defendant that if he were to appear before her again, he would be given the maximum penalty.

Traffic congestion along the Avenue of the Republic

eigners, but what sense it make? We only looking like disorganised idiots. Yeah, we gon lil’ clean and suh, but wah you think people gon seh when they see this traffic and congestion? The Government just trying to fool the people.”

Drivers who were parked alongside Avenue of Republic in the capital city said since the road was narrow, it was dangerous for persons to walk, because it was crowded with vehicles and it is usually the main road used by drivers of cargo and freight trucks. One man highlighted that an accident

had already occurred whereby a boy was struck by a car earlier that morning.

“The road full full with vehicles. Them big big container trucks passing here.

It could squeeze people children, all kinda thing. Is only this morning that a youth get knock down. This is confusion.”

In reference to the previous parking area, drivers expressed anger at the apparent destruction of their former terminus ‘station’.

The vehicle operators said because the ‘rails’ had been pulled out from the ground, holes were created on the

surface and it was a waste of taxpayers’ monies.

“They pull out all them railings from the ground in the parking lot – watch holes on the ground. Is we money build it and they done destroy it. You telling me they couldn’t ah cut out the rails and done, man? They had to bruk up the concrete? They just wasting we hard-earned money.’’

Numerous drivers told this publication that there were no thoughts of taking the matter to the Minibus Association, since, according to them, “it was a waste of time”.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

News

LM&TC votes for a “relook” of maintenance schedule … in response to garbage related issues

Operation Castnet

BY UTAMU BELLE

A

fter years of long battle of the administration of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) to adequately serve members of the Linden community in the area of garbage collection, new light last week was seen, when councillors voted to have its maintenance schedule revisited.

The schedule provides the municipality with necessary information such as days when areas in the community are eligible for garbage collection, among other things.

Following a lengthy discussion during the council’s first statutory meeting, Mayor Carwyn Holland recommended that the schedule be submitted to the Council’s new Environmental Committee for scrutiny, since it was established that it failed in some areas of the community.

It was Councillor Devin Sears who highlighted residents’ dissatisfaction with “garbage build-up” in the town as well as irregularities with the waste collection schedule.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk

S

Town Clerk Jenella Bowen addressing the Linden Town Council

Jenella Bowen told the council that while she is aware of the problems, the need exists for newer equipment to be put in place. She established that there are numerous areas in Linden in which properties have not been valuated and are not paying rates and taxes; however, there is still the expectation of such service be made available by council.

“I am aware of the issues in terms of garbage collection. It is time this Administration do a bit bet-

ter in terms of our collection.

There is a need for equipment. There is a need for newer equipment… (There) are places that have not yet been handed over to the Council, but yet they are expecting us to remove their garbage. Those places… valuation has not been done for them but they are expecting us, and those are some of the people that cry the loudest as it relates to their garbage.

There are persons who pay rates and taxes maybe once or twice a month and have

their garbage removed.

There are persons who do not pay rates and taxes, however they are blaming us,” Bowen told the council.

Meanwhile, Councillor Derron John contended that even though there may be an active schedule in place in terms of days when areas will benefit from garbage removal, garbage trucks hardly visit the One Mile area.

Councillor Neola Rogers then asked that the garbage situation be treated with urgency since some residents are in the habit of burning garbage, which she said is an unhealthy practice. The sentiments were reiterated

by Councillor Sears.

Mayor Holland explained that it is the vision of the Council that every citizen in the township benefit from having their garbage removed, even though some areas may not have been regularised.

atiricus knew that a prophet wasn’t respected in his own country. Look how they treated CN Barma. He was a prophet if there ever was one. Didn’t CN say Guyana needed to have “portable” water? “And lo and behold,” Satiricus marvelled, “now everyone’s walking around with bottled water! That’s as portable as you can get, nuh?”

“Prophets not respected”... Satiricus could understand: they spoke about things ordinary folks like him couldn’t even imagine. But a politician like Rum Jhaat? Why wouldn’t he be given the respect he deserved? “Politicians deal with practical things that even an empty head like me can appreciate,” thought Satiricus.

Like going into the jail and talking down all those tough murderers in the Big Jail. Satiricus shuddered just to think of it. Most people felt Rum Jhaat had given away too much... but not Satiricus. “When your hand is in tiger mouth, you gotta pat he head. So what if inmates were now running the prison and taking selfies? We don’t have any riots, do we?”

Rum Jhaat was Satiricus second-most-liked-politician.

The first was the one and only Nagga Man, who’d just confessed even though he wasn’t an “Indian” he was a proud “Madrasssie” and never mind Madras was in India.

What had earned Satiricus’ ire about Rum Jhaat was a letter in the press from an old army officer who claimed “security” was “definitely not Rum Jhaat forte” and he should be “reshuffled”.

Satiricus knew Pressie listened to his old army squaddies and he hoped there’d be someone to point out all the great initiatives Rum Jhaat had launched since the Security of Guyana was placed in his most capable hands.

Right off the bat, Rum Jhaat had given crime fighting a powerful analytical tool. He theorised crimes are caused by “human greed” and once you have the motive – all crimes can be solved. No one had thought of this before Rum Jhaat.

There was, of course, Operation Castnet, which Rum Jhaat had launched when Pressie’s “Operation Dragnet” got bogged down. A castnet’s much more flexible than a dragnet and was more suitable to catch Guyanese criminals – who were not as large as the foreign ones. But Rum Jhaat, modest as he was, didn’t have the heart to tell Pressie. But everyone could see Castnet was doing its job and crime was on the way out in Guyana.

It was just the press making up all kinds of sensational stories to sell papers that said otherwise.

wednesDay, may 4, 2016

guyana-times.com

11

News

Private Sector shoots down renaming of Ogle Int’l Airport T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) has added its voice to the growing condemnation against President David Granger over his recommendation that the Ogle International Airport be renamed and hopes that it reconsiders the proposal in face of competition concerns raised by most operators.

A proposal by the Head of State to rename the airport after Guyana’s first Public Transport Minister, Eugene Correia, continues to face resistance, with the PSC being the latest to speak on the issue.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PSC said the renaming of the airport in favour of a former public official of the same name as that of the Chairman of the Ogle Airport Inc will add to the already filled vessel of complaints regarding anticompetitive behaviour of the Board of Ogle Airport Inc. The PSC said the operators publicly and privately have expressed opposition and dissatisfaction with the renaming of the airport and the PSC now urges the Government to consider carefully the views of the majority of operators at Ogle Airport in the interest of all

concerned and to complete the promised audit and review.

Last year when the issue first surfaced, President Granger met with a group representing the private operators who have expressed

give the company a bigger advantage in the busy local aviation sector.

Just recently, the President raised the issue again during his Public Interest television programme and referred to op-

On his weekly television programme “The Public Interest”, last week, President Granger slammed aircraft operators for their delay in renaming the Airport. He said their behaviour of those operators is

erators who opposed the name change as “petty minded people.”

These operators, the PSC said, have publicly and privately expressed their opposition and dissatisfaction with the re-naming of the airport.

“We urge the Government to consider carefully the views of the majority of operators at Ogle Airport in the interest of all concerned and to complete the promised audit and review,” the Commission said in a statement.

small minded.

Executive Director of Roraima Airways (RA) Gerry Gouveia however lashed back at the Head of

Ogle International Airport

worry over the name change.

It was the President who had suggested the name change just after taking office.

That proposal met strong objections from most of the airline operators who work out of the Ogle Airport.

They have pointed to the fact that one of the airlines at Ogle, Trans Guyana, is owned by the Correia Group and that group’s owner is already the Chairman of the Airport.

The operators believe that adding the Correia name to the airport could

State, saying that he was baffled by his insistence and determination to rename the entity against the wishes of the majority.

A few months ago, the President suggested the idea of renaming the airport as Eugene Correia International Airport but this did not sit well with some of the private aircraft owners who objected to the proposal.

These include Air Services Limited, and Roraima Airways, who were more concerned with mending some of the issues plaguing the airport and to holistically develop Guyana’s aviation sector.

At that time, President of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) Annette Arjoon-Martins had stated that despite tremendous contributions to Guyana’s

growth over the years, the aviation sector has not seen the development and representation that it needs to propel it forward.

Correia Group of Companies is not a member NATA but according to Vice President Gerry Gouveia, this was due to the fact that the group was “refused” a meeting with Michael Correria regarding the issues affecting operators at the Airport.

However, the Head of State maintained that Eugene Correia would have made significant contributions to Guyana. Although dead for more than 50 years, his career has been described as stellar as he was Communications Minister, with the responsibility for aviation; a pilot; and also the recipient of a national award.

12 news

wednesDay, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Keeping it real Auto dealer slapped with manslaughter GSA ‘accidental’ shooting

charge, released on $500,000 bail

A

n auto dealer charged for allegedly shooting his acquaintance was on Monday released on $500,000 bail when he made his appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Sean Stoll, 36, was not required to plea to the indictable charge which alleged that on April 29, at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, he unlawfully killed Nafasie Edghill.

According to the prosecution’s case, on the day in question, the accused, Edghill and three other men were in a car when they reportedly went to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) compound to locate another man who owed one of them money.

It was reported that Edghill and Stoll began tantalising each other and lat-

Sean Stoll

er got involved in a playful scuffle. During the scuffle, a round went off and Edghill fell to the ground, clutching his abdomen.

The 29-year-old gold miner of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, succumbed while receiving treatment at a private city hospital.

Stoll was represented by

Attorney Nigel Hughes who asked for his client to be released on bail because he is not a flight risk. He added that Stoll has an unblemished record and has since provided the Police with a statement.

Hughes told the court that the circumstances surrounding Edghill’s demise are very unfortunate. The lawyer said that his client and the now dead man had been close friends for over a decade.

Hughes stated that on the fatal evening, the two friends were travelling to NAREI when they became involved in a scuffle. According to Hughes, Edghill grabbed his client and in the process was injured when his own gun went off.

The Attorney related that both men are licensed firearm holders.

However, Hughes’s

bail application was met with objection from Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Althea Solomon. Solomon asked the court to deny the accused his pre-trial liberty citing the prevalence and nature of the offence.

He also pointed out that should the accused be released on bail, there is a likelihood that he might tamper with the prosecution’s witnesses. The Prosecutor indicated that Police investigations are still ongoing in the matter.

But Solomon’s objections were overruled by Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul who granted Stoll bail with conditions attached. The accused was ordered to lodge his passport and report to the Sparendaam Police Station every Friday.

The matter was adjourned until June 23.

Ramada Princess Casino heist

Police secure court order to further detain suspects

T

he Guyana Police Force on Tuesday moved to the High Court and was successful in securing an order to further detain the three suspects held for the early Friday morning robbery at the Ramada Princess Hotel and Casino, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times

that the High Court granted the order for the suspects to be detained for another 72 hours as investigations into the daring robbery and shooting continued.

Those in custody are Wayne Griffith, one of the bandits who was found hiding in a stockroom at the hotel following the robbery; Andrew Blackman, a security guard at Princess Casino

who is said to be the mastermind of the robbery and Junior Stewart of Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, who was arrested on Sunday evening with over $900,000, after Police swooped down on his sister’s house at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Reports are that Blackman has since admitted to being one of the two

persons who plotted the crime. Pandemonium broke out at the gambling facility on April 30, after four gunmen stormed the casino about 03:45h and discharged several rounds as they relieved patrons and staff of cash and other valuables.

During the shooting, Eon Garraway was shot to his left hand; James Gregory, to his left foot; Orlando Knights, to his left hand and Udairan Sookraj, to his right hand.

They were all admitted to a city hospital.

Melissa Ferguson, Jermaine Mason and Roshel Fraser were also assaulted.

Based on reports, after the men entered the facility, they held a security guard at gunpoint and took away his shotgun and several rounds of ammunition.

The men then ordered everyone to lie on the ground and escorted the security guard to the cashier’s cage where they relieved the cashier of an undisclosed sum of foreign and local currency. By this time, the Police were alerted about the robbery and responded promptly.

As they arrived at the scene, they were confronted by the armed men, which resulted in an exchange of gunfire. During the exchange, Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson was shot to his abdomen. He was admitted to a city hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

It was reported that the car used in the robbery was hijacked at Brush Dam, Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The car has since been impounded as Police continue their investigations.

Jung Bahadur Singh and the Shaping of the Indian Imagination

A

s Indians celebrate 178 years of being in Guyana, it is fitting to remember an iconoclastic person who figured prominently as a leader of the Indian community – Dr Jung Bahadur Singh.

Jung Singh was a pioneer in many ways. A strong case can be made that JB Singh was indeed responsible for shaping and influencing the political career of Cheddi Dr Baytoram Ramharack Jagan. For one, it was JB Singh who advised Jagan’s father in 1935 to “send the boy to study [abroad]” after Cheddi had difficulty securing a job in the civil service.

Secondly, when Jagan returned to Guyana in October 1943, his political views were shaped in part by his association with the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA), an influential organisation to which JB Singh was elected President six times.

Jung Bahadur Singh, the eldest son of 13 children, was born in 1886 in Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara. He was the eldest of thirteen children. It is widely believed that JB Singh’s father was indentured from Nepal, given his physical features that resembled the people of Nepal. On February 23, 1910, Jung married Alice Bhagwanday, the daughter of Hurdutt Sital Persad from Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana in a ceremony that included a civil marriage, a Christian ceremony and a Hindu wedding. Alice, in her own right, made a tremendous contribution to the uplifting of the culture of Indians in Guyana.

The young Jung, like his grandfather, was trained as a ship compounder and from the age of 16 to 28, a total of 12 years, Jung worked in the medical service on immigrant ships. By last count, he had made 24 trips in all, transporting indentured immigrants from Kolkata (Calcutta), India to overseas colonies such as British Guiana, Dutch Guiana, the Caribbean, South Africa, Mauritius and Fiji. He witnessed the spread of the Indian Diaspora across the globe. The ship doctor was an important person on the ships because he was seen as someone who spoke the language of the Indians, many of whom trusted him during the long journey across the “kalapani”.

Jung Singh completed his medical studies in 1919, and in 1923, he went into private practice in the city of Georgetown. He bought a home at Lamaha Street which became the base of his medical practice, as well as his political and social activities. As early as 1924, Dr Jung Bahadur Singh, as a member of the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA), fought on behalf of workers in the Ruimveldt Massacre. Between 1920 and 1949, he served as President of the BGEIA six times. He was a founder of the orthodox Hindu organisation, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, and he served as its President from 1934 to 1955. Jung saw the necessity for such an organisation for the preservation of the ancient and revered religion of Indians in the colony.

Dr Singh was the first Hindu to be elected to the Legislative Council in 1931. During his 23 years on the Council, he served on many official committees and boards. As a member of the Franchise Commission, he advocated for universal adult suffrage, many years before Jagan took up the cause. As a member of various legislative committees, he made tremendous contributions in the field of education, labour, health, drainage and irrigation, social welfare, information and publicity, and civil rights. In 1944, he was awarded the OBE. Dr Jung Bahadur Singh had unsuccessfully introduced a Bill in the Legislative Council to permit cremations as last funeral rites for Hindus. However, after his death in 1956, his body was “officially” cremated at Plantation Ogle foreshore.

Aside from his legislative role, Jung was a Trustee of the Manpower Citizens Association representing trade union rights of sugar workers, founder of the British Guiana Nurses’ Association, co-founder of the Indian Educational Trust College, Sanatan Dharma (Hindu) elder, and President of the British Guiana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. A forthcoming book, JUNG BAHADUR SINGH and the Shaping of the Indian Imagination in Guyana by this author, takes a closer look at JB Singh’s contributions during the preindependence era.

Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com

News

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wednesDay, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

PPP offers Govt help to fight crime

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is calling on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to quickly establish a Parliamentary Oversight Committee, which will in effect open the way for the Opposition party to assist in the battle against crime.

The Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee, who is also the country’s former Home Affairs Minister, said the Party is ready to assist Government, more particularly the new Public Security Ministry, in its fight against crime.

Noting that Government now lacks the courage and political will to admit its mistakes and a change in course on its promise, Rohee said the Administration prefers to keep “flip-flopping”.

He said Government is losing the war and crime, but is yet failing to admit this. He reminded too, that while on the campaign trail, Government, the then Opposition, had laid out a strategic plan to fight crime, promising that it had the blue print to combat the incidences which at the time were getting out of hand. However, the former Minister said the coalition has failed in its promise to ensure law and order.

“In its 2015 elections manifesto, the APNU/AFC formulated a 27-point Action Plan; to address the breakdown of law and order. Most of these have not been implemented. The [People’s National Congress] PNC has ignored many of the actions contemplated since they are a rehash from the

AFC’s 2011 “Action Plan for Guyana. Practice being the criterion of truth, it is clear that the Granger Administration’s public security plan is a total disaster. Whatever the security experts at the Ministry of the Presidency have coughed up to fight crime has not worked,” Rohee said.

He was quite positive that the PPP can assist Government in its crime

prevention efforts and called on the Administration to institute the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Public Safety and Security.

He said soon after the coalition assumed office, Guyanese were told that the crime situation will be brought under control “because there exists in Government a number of security experts who have been in the business for years and who have accumulated much experience in crime fighting.

At the same time, the narrative to the effect that the lethal use of illegal firearms, gang related assaults, and narcoticstrafficking has pushed up the rate of serious crimes and that there are about two armed robberies on an average everyday and an average of about three murders per week”.

Rohee said a National Security Committee was established to replace the Central Intelligence Committee. This, he said,

has been publicly admitted; and gives general orders and direction to the Police, not the Public Security Minister.

The National Security Committee intrudes into the operational aspects of the Guyana Police Force, much to the annoyance of the top echelon of the Force.

Ramjattan is on public record stating that he has already spoken with the Police hierarchy on how to fight crime. A Presidential Advisor on National Security, former Army Chief-of-Staff Edward Collins was appointed. He was to prepare a report and submit recommendations to Granger since August last year. The public is yet to hear whether this has happened.

Just last week, the business community took a swing at Government for its failure for what it said seems to be its inability to take control of the situation.

Officials of the Central Corentyne and Berbice Chambers of Commerce (CC&BCC) on Thursday first criticised the new Administration, pointing out that it appears to be powerless and ineffectual in tackling the situation.

Ramjattan also came under fire for his seemingly reluctant and unconcerned disposition at addressing the situation head on in the Ancient County.

The Minister reportedly told the business community in the region that he had no time to deal with their concerns as he was extremely busy with the preparation for the country’s 50th Independence anniversary celebration slated for next month.

Corentyne businessman’s robbery

1 bandit caught, to be charged shortly

O

ne person is in custody as Police continue to hunt for the four men who robbed Corentyne businessman, Nakool Manohar, of more than $4 million in cash and jewellery.

According to Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam said several persons have been arrested as Police launch a manhunt for the perpetrators.

However, one of them has been positively identified. Charges are expected to be made before the end of the week. On Sunday, four men all armed with guns broke into the home of Nakool Manohar, a fisherman of Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, and terrorised his family while

The home of Nakool Manohar which bandits invaded

demanding cash and jewellery. After beating the businessman’s wife, his father-in-law and a teenager, the men got away with $1.5 million in jewellery, US$4000, GY$1.1 million and SRD$30,000.

During the early morning robbery, several shots

were also discharged, ensuring that neighbours remained indoors.

Meanwhile, Police are investigating four other robberies which the man in custody might have been a part of. Those robberies were committed at Rose Hall and Albion.

14

guyana-times.com

wednESDay, may 4, 2016

Regional

19-year-old woman Jamaica Govt considers among 3 murdered return to hanging; Opposition dead set against it overnight in T&T

Police believe the murders may have been linked to a shooting on Laventille Road earlier this week

P

olice are investigating a double murder in Bagatelle, San Juan, Trinidad.

According to reports

around 21:00h on Monday night, Police were alerted to gunshots in the area.

Officers approached a house located on Bagatelle

Road and upon investigation they discovered the body of 19-year-old Karen Grant lying in a pool of blood.

A short distance away they discovered another body of a man who remains unidentified.

Police believe the murders may have been linked to a shooting on Laventille Road earlier this week.

Police are also continuing investigations into the murder of a 35-year-old man in San Fernando last night.

According to reports around 23:00h, Selwyn John was at his home in Bayshore when gunmen stormed into the house and opened fire.

John was killed instantly. (Trinidad Guardian)

N

ational Security Minister Robert Montague has disclosed that the Jamaican Government is exploring the possibility of bringing back the death penalty.

He says Government remains committed to mobilising all the resources at its disposal to wage a “relentless war” against criminal elements intent on destroying the country and the resumption of hanging is therefore under consideration.

Montague said the State Minister in his Ministry, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, has been instructed to consult with several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office, to determine if there are any “legal impediments” to be addressed.

“It cannot be that persons feel comfortable to exact criminality, but do not expect to be severely punished. Persons intent on breaking the law must know that the punishment will be sure, swift, and just,” he said at the recent passing out parade and awards ceremony for 324 Police Constables.

National Security Minister Robert Montague says hanging is one of the resources at Government’s disposal to wage a relentless war against criminal elements intent on destroying the country

In response to the announcement, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) insisted that the death penalty is neither a deterrent to murder nor a solution to the crime problem in Jamaica. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Brazil’s WhatsApp St Lucia tops press freedom in the Americas ban affects 100 S million users

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Brazilian judge has ordered mobile-phone carriers to block access to WhatsApp for 72 hours throughout the country, the second such move against the messaging application in five months.

Monday’s decision affects WhatsApp’s 100 million-plus users in the country. The reason for the order is not known due to legal secrecy in an ongoing case in the court.

It is the second time since mid-December that WhatsApp has been the target of a blocking order.

The service was shut down for 48 hours on December 15 last year after Facebook failed to comply with an order, although another court interrupted that suspension shortly afterward.

Judge Marcel Maia Montalvao of Sergipe state is the same judge who in March ordered the imprisonment of a Brazil-based Facebook executive for failing to comply with an attempted block on WhatsApp. He was jailed and subsequently freed. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Cuba caps food prices to tame inflation as more tourists arrive

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uba on Tuesday announced price caps on basic vegetables to protect poor families’ purchasing power as a rise in tourism to the communist island puts pressure on the food supply.

The price of tomatoes, bananas, sweet potatoes, and 20 other products will be capped to combat inflation, the Government said in a statement published in the media.

Government data show the price of farm produce in Cuba rose by 27 per cent in 2014. The rise continued in 2015 and this year, authorities said without giving a figure.

The Government blames the price rises on Cuba’s low domestic production and what President Raul Castro has called “intermediaries”

in the retail market. Cuba has to import 80 per cent of its food because its domestic farming sector is too small to meet demand.

The number of foreign tourists to the island increased last year as Cuba opened up its foreign relations. Three and half million foreigners visited the island of 11 million inhabitants.

Because there are no wholesale outlets in Cuba, hotels and restaurants compete with individuals to buy food from ordinary retailers.

Authorities say that competition drives up prices.

The Finance Ministry said Tuesday’s new price controls offered “protection for the consumer and for farm products, since they ensure price stability.”

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

t Lucia has emerged as the top country for press freedom in the Americas, according to a survey conducted by the USbased independent watchdog organisation, Freedom House.

Freedom House said it assesses media freedom using common criteria for all settings, in poor and rich countries as well as in coun-

tries of varying ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

It said that all states from the most democratic to the most authoritarian, are committed Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions

without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”.

It said that while “cultural distinctions or economic underdevelopment may affect the character or volume of news flows within a country or territory, these and other differences are not acceptable explanations for in-

fringements such as centralised control of the content of news and information”.

Freedom House said that St Lucia has a global rank of 11 from 199 countries surveyed and is followed by St Vincent and the Grenadines as the second top country in the Americas for press freedom. Kingstown has a global ranking of 17. (Excerpt from

Antigua Observer)

Scientists say Zika could be more dangerous than previously thought

W

ith the Rio Olympics mere months away, scientists in Brazil are warning that the mosquito-borne Zika virus may be even more dangerous than previously thought.

They told the BBC that Zika could be behind more damaging neurological conditions, affecting the babies of up to a fifth of infected pregnant women.

Most doctors and medical researchers now agree that there is a link between the Zika virus and microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and restricted brain development. Yet while it is estimated that only one per cent of women who have had Zika during pregnan-

cy will have a child with microcephaly, leading doctors in Brazil have told the BBC that as many as 20 per cent of Zika-affected pregnancies will result in a range of other forms of brain damage to the baby in the womb.

Even more alarming, a separate study, reported in the New England Journal

of Medicine, said that “29 per cent of scans showed abnormalities in babies in the womb, including growth restrictions, in women infected with Zika.

A rare nervous system disorder, Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis in adults has also been linked to the infec-

tion.

The biggest concern nevertheless remains the impact the virus could have on babies developing in the womb.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda has recorded its first case of the Zika virus.

According to a report from the Antigua Daily Observer, the victim is said to have travelled recently from The Dominican Republic and has so far only been identified as a woman residing in Grays Farm in the country.

It said lab tests conducted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency confirmed the infection, which was announced today at a press conference held by the ministry of health. (Excerpt from Caribbean360

and Jamaica Observer)

US-based Caribbean bank under consideration

T

he Region is being urged to look into the feasibility of establishing a Caribbean bank in the United States to address the loss of correspondent banking services being experienced by banks in the Caribbean.

Deputy Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Trevor Brathwaite said that’s an

option that can’t be ignored, WINN reported.

“In London there are a number of banks that are owned by foreign nationals from other countries and so it’s doable. The feasibility study ought to say once you look at the Terms of Reference for the feasibility study the modality for establishing a Caribbean bank let’s say in New York,

it could be an outright purchase or maybe a second tier bank or the establishment of a bank by private interest collectively,” Brathwaite said.

ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine said the option is not a far-fetched one.

Caribbean Governments, indigenous banks and offshore banks located in the Caribbean are extremely

concerned about the withdrawal of correspondent relations from Caribbean banks by banks in the US. Their concern arises from the fact that, if all correspondent banking relations are withdrawn, the Region will be isolated from the rest of the world and will be unable to carry out the most basic of bank transactions. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

Deadly attack hits hospital Trump wins big in Indiana, with a clear path as Cruz quits in Syria’s Aleppo

R

A

SOFHR said rebel shelling of Government-held areas killed at least 19 people [SANA/Reuters]

t least three people have been killed in a rebel rocket attack on a hospital in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

The attack was part of a shelling that left at least 19 people dead in Governmentcontrolled areas of the city on Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOFHR), a United Kingdom-based monitoring

group, said.

Rebels and Syrian Government forces have been battling each other with rockets and bombs across Aleppo and its outskirts for days now.

A partial truce is in effect in Syria, but it does not cover Aleppo, the country’s largest city and the scene of its worst violence in recent weeks.

In Sunday’s violence, Government forces carried out air strikes on Aleppo’s rebel-held areas, including the Sakkour neighbourhood, after the rebels’ rocket attack.

Syria’s Ikhbariya news said three women were killed and 17 injured inside the hospital, located in the Muhafaza neighbourhood.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

epublican front-runner Donald Trump swept to a commanding victory in Indiana on Tuesday, putting him on a glide path to the party's presidential nomination as Ted Cruz finally ended his campaign.

The New York billionaire won decisively in a state where Cruz, his nearest rival, had hoped to show he was still a factor in the race for the Republican nomination.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus called Trump the party's presumptive nominee in a tweet and said, "We all need to unite and focus" on defeating Clinton.

As the vote returns flowed in, Cruz announced that he has ended his campaign at an event in

Republican presidential hopefuls Ted Cruz and Donald Trump continue war of words

Indianapolis, with his wife, Heidi, at his side. Cruz, 45, sounding beaten but defiant, said he no longer sees a viable path to the nomination.

Trump was on track to take over 50 per cent of the vote. Ohio Governor John

Kasich was running a distant third.

On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders was leading Hillary Clinton by a modest margin, but the race was still considered too close to call. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Navy personnel Debate rages after China investigates refugee sets herself search engine Baidu killed in Iraq on fire in Australia after student’s death

M

ilitants killed a US Navy SEAL in northern Iraq on Tuesday after blasting through Kurdish defences and overrunning a town in the biggest offensive in the area for months, officials said.

The elite serviceman was the third American to be killed in direct combat since a US-led coalition launched a campaign in 2014 to “degrade and destroy” Islamic State and is a measure of its deepening involvement in the conflict.

“It is a combat death, of course, and a very sad loss,” US Defence Secretary Ash

Carter told reporters during a trip to Germany.

A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the dead serviceman was a Navy SEAL. The SEALs are considered to be among the most able US special operations forces and capable of taking on dangerous missions. The serviceman’s identity and rank were not disclosed.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Navy SEAL was killed “by direct fire” while on a mission to advise and assist local forces in Iraq.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

A

refugee has set herself on fire at an Australian-run detention centre on the Pacific island of Nauru, just days after an Iranian man died in a similar act in protest against his treatment.

Australian officials said a Somali woman was in critical condition after she set herself alight on Monday.

The incident sparked debate on social media with the hashtag #Only19, the purported age of the Somali woman, trending in Australia, with users uploading and tweeting photos of when they were 19.

The consensus among medical experts is that conditions of detention and offshore processing do immense damage to physical and mental health.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton acknowledged there had been a rise in cases of self-harm in the camps and accused refugee advocates of giving the asylum seekers false hope that they would one day be settled in Australia.

Some advocates were “encouraging some of these people to behave in a certain way”, he said on Tuesday.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

C

hina has launched an investigation into search giant Baidu after the death of a student who tried an experimental cancer therapy he found online.

Wei Zexi, who died last month from a rare form of cancer, had sought the treatment from a hospital that came top of the list on his Baidu web search.

Baidu has come under fire for allegedly selling listings to bidders without adequately checking their claims.

In a statement, Baidu

said it was investigating the matter.

The company told the BBC: “We deeply regret the death of Wei Zexi and our condolences go out to his family.

“Baidu strives to provide a safe and trustworthy search experience for our users, and has launched an immediate investigation of the matter.”

Baidu owns search engine and social media services, and is often compared to Google. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Nairobi building collapse: Hong Kong: Student activist Joshua Wong goes on trial Baby girl rescued after 4 days

F

The girl was said to be dehydrated but with no visible injuries

A

six-month-old girl has been rescued from the debris of a building that collapsed four days ago in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Later, the Kenyan Red Cross said the baby, Dealeryn Saisi Wasike, was reunited with her father. She has no physical injuries.

The six-storey residence came down in heavy rain, killing at least 23 people.

Dozens of others are still thought to be buried under the rubble, but hopes of finding more alive are fading.

The baby’s mother is still

missing.

The building had been earmarked for demolition. Its owner was due to appear in court on Tuesday charged with manslaughter.

Samuel Karanja Kamau was arrested on Monday. Officials say he did not have permission to rent out the building’s 119 rooms.

Kamau has not yet commented on the allegation.

About 135 people have been freed so far from the collapsed building, local media report.

Another 93 have been reported missing. (Excerpt from BBC News)

our Hong Kong pro-democracy activists accused of obstructing justice in a case dating back to 2014 have appeared in court.

The activists behind the so-called Umbrella Revolution of 2014 said on Tuesday that the case was “politically motivated”.

Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, Albert Chan and Raphael Wong were protesting against Chinese interference in Hong Kong’s electoral process before a vote for a new chief executive in 2017.

“All four defendants

Joshua Wong is being tried for his role in storming Government headquarters two years ago [Vincent Yu/AP]

have denied the charge of obstruction, an offence

that can carry sentence of up to two years in pris-

on,” Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reported from outside the court.

“Their supporters came to the court chanting political slogans,” he said.

Wong, 19, was the face of the 2014 movement that lasted 79 days to demand free elections for the Chinese-controlled city’s top leader.

The movement caught the world’s attention, but did not result in any substantial change, as China wants to keep its control on the territory it inherited from the UK in 1997.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Kenyan Police “foil anthrax attack”

K

enyan Police say they have foiled a “large-scale” biological attack using anthrax, by a terror group with links to the socalled Islamic State (IS).

A man, his wife and another woman have been arrested.

Rewards have been offered for two other men.

Police did not name the network, but said it stretched across the country and outside its borders, including to Somalia, Libya and Syria.

There was no immediate independent confirmation.

In a statement, the Police said Mohammed Abdi Ali, a medical intern at a Kenyan hospital, was in

charge of a “terror network... planning large-scale attacks akin to the Westgate Mall attack” in which 67 people were killed.

They say he was also “engaged in the active radicalisation” of students and helped recruit Kenyans “to join terror groups in Libya and Syria”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

wednESDAY, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Ivelaw Griffith is UG’s new Vice Chancellor T

he University of Guyana has announced the appointment of its new Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. He will be the University of Guyana’s 10th Vice Chancellor.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the University stated that Professor Griffith was selected after an exhaustive national, regional and international search; shortlisting of three candidates and evaluation based on a series of lectures, the candidates’ credentials and an interview by the Search Committee appointed by the UG Council.

Griffith, who has the honour of being the first person in the history of the University of Guyana to graduate with Distinction in Political Science in 1980, has an outstanding record as a scholar, academic lead-

er and teacher.

Professor Griffith has held a number of leadership posts, including at Fort Valley State University in Georgia (2013-2015); Provost and Senior Vice President at York College in New York (20072013); Provost at Radford

University in Virginia (2006-2007); Dean of the Honours College at Florida International University (2001-2006) and Budget Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University (1998-2001).

The new Vice Chancellor has been a visiting scholar at the Perry Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies in Washington DC, the Royal Military College in Canada and the George Marshall European Centre for Security Studies in Germany.

UG statement added, “He was one of 45 experts commissioned by the OAS Secretary General to review hemispheric drug policies and practices and offer anti-drug scenarios. For his exceptional work in his field of expertise, he was awarded the 2015 William J Perry Award named in honour of former United

States Defence Secretary, Dr William J Perry.”

In addition to his Bachelor of Social Science (Political Science, with Distinction) degree from the University of Guyana, he also secured a Diploma in Communications from UG. Moreover, he holds a Master of Arts degree from Long Island University in New York and a Master of Philosophy and PhD in Political Science from the City University of New York Graduate School.

Further, he completed the programme in Educational Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Chancellor Nigel Harris said “the University of Guyana welcomes Professor Ivelaw Griffith whose scholarly achievements and leadership experience are well suited to the central role he must play in transforming the institution”.

Speaking with Guyana Times, De Matos said that the men were in his yard waiting for him as he entered. He related that the men demanded cash and jewellery and ordered that he take them into the house.

De Matos recalled that the men attempted to duct tape him and he resisted, during which a scuffle ensued. He was hit in the head with a gun and also

chopped in the head.

The man however managed to free himself from his attackers and ran out of the yard, calling for help.

During the attack, De Matos was relieved of $6000, and a cellular phone.

He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he remains a patient.

No one has been arrested.

Police are investigating.

Rawle De Matos

New UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

Port Mourant businessman chopped, robbed A nother Berbice businessperson has been robbed. This time, the owner of Limacine Service Provider Rawle De Matos was pounced upon while entering his yard at Port Mourant on Monday evening.

Reports are that the businessman was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with a gun and the other with a cutlass at about 21:00h.

Deadly prison riot

Pathologist says no headless body examined

C

hief Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh said he saw no headless body after the March 3 deadly riot, which claimed the lives of 17 inmates. The Government Pathologist made these statements in his testimony to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the prison deaths on Tuesday.

He explained that a post-mortem examination on the bodies of the dead prisoners revealed that prisoners died mainly as a result of burns and smoke inhalation. However, upon further examination of the bodies, the evidence pointed to blunt trauma meaning that some may have been hit with a solid object.

These revelations come in stark contrast to the testimony of some prisoners and members of the Fire Service who had previously told Commissioners that they had seen a headless body.

“I’m sorry; I’ve nev-

er seen that body…all the heads were intact; if there was the headless corpse, the family would have complained. If you check the reports, there is nothing like a headless body,” stressed Dr Singh.

Commission Counsel Excellence Dazzle then asked the Pathologist about the version of events which stated that one inmate had his intestines protruding out of his body. It was suggested that this may have been as a result of either a “striking” or “stabbing” injury. The Pathologist, however, stated that a lack of knowledge of forensics and bones may be responsible for such a “mistake” being made.

He further explained that the abdominal area where the intestines are situated is “the thinnest part” of the body and as such, the skin would burn off and the intestines would later protrude as long as the person

was not directly in the fire.

This aspect of his testimony corroborates that of the investigation by the Guyana Fire Service which noted that the “flash over” effect incinerates flammable items in an enclosed space.

Also in his testimony, the Pathologist described the factors under which two inmates would have suffered blunt trauma.

“The cause of that could be several, including falling, cuffing, kicking, falling, lashing – I couldn’t say which one,” Dr Singh testified.

He further explained that because of how badly the bodies were burnt, certain determinations could not be made. The CoI heard that some of the bodies had 90-95 per cent burns and many were identified by their tattoos since the ink penetrates different layers of the skin.

Under cross-examination by the Attorney repre-

senting the Joint Services, Eusi Anderson, Dr Singh admitted that there were limitations within the toxicology department as well as the X-ray, forensic dentistry and imagery departments. Dr Singh also conceded that the bodies were not tested for poisoning and, as such, it could not be ruled out.

Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle had told Commissioners last month that the inmate who had his intestines protruding could not have died from the prison fire. Prisoner Steve Bacchus had also told the CoI that while searching for his friend Germaine Otto, he saw a single burnt skull that was severed from the prisoner’s body on a mattress. Bacchus later realised that Otto was dead.

It was on March 3 that the rioting caused the deaths of 17 inmates. The hearings continue this morning.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

APNU/AFC MIA as spiralling crime is crippling Guyana

A

PNU and AFC are obsessively preoccupied with celebrating the JUBILEE and celebrating their own first anniversary in Government. It is right to celebrate the JUBILEE. Fifty years of Independence is an achievement that we must celebrate, even if Dr Leslie Ramsammy Guyana did not turn out exactly the way we had hoped. Even if I believe that APNU/AFC has done a miserable job in Government over the past year, I concede it has every reason to celebrate its first anniversary.

But the JUBILEE and the first anniversary of APNU/ AFC in Government cannot abrogate the responsibility of Government to ensure that the business of Guyana is on the front burner. APNU/AFC has abdicated its duties to the citizens of Guyana. As crimes cripple Guyana, APNU/AFC is dedicating all resources to the JUBILEE and the first anniversary of APNU/ AFC. They refuse to be distracted from what they have made the only game in town.

It is impossible for anyone, no matter which side we belong to and no matter who we might have voted for, to deny that crime has reached unprecedented levels in Guyana.

There are brutal instances of armed robberies and murders every day. The news headlines are consistent with more and more daring criminal activities. Just a few days ago, the criminal storming of the Ramada Hotel Casino stirred shock waves and disbelief for many. Recently, there was an armed robbery opposite the Albion Police Station. There seems no safe place in our country.

The murders of the rice farming, elderly couple in Region Three was so brutal that a lady in West Berbice broke out in tears. She did not know the couple, but the report that the couple perished after robbers set their property on fire and deliberately burnt them alive was not only shocking to people but created enormous fear that they are not safe in their homes. These kinds of stories have become commonplace in Guyana today. People are locked up in their own homes becoming prisoners of the criminals who roam freely.

Businesses are closed early as people try to secure their properties and their lives.

In the meantime, APNU/AFC is clueless. The Minister of Public Security most of the time appears Missing In Action (MIA). In an era when APNU/AFC pursues governance with Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) for everything, it sees no need to have an inquiry into the exploding crime situation.

It maintains that the situation is under control and that it is doing everything possible to ensure law and order. Prisoners die in a prison fire and there is an immediate CoI. But crime spirals out of control and Government is oblivious.

The President is more consumed to pardon another 57 prisoners as a JUBILEE gift. This is in addition to dozens of others who have been pardoned and several of whom have been engaged in new crimes. The Minister is busy moving officers around while insulting people who call for his resignation. This is the same Minister who aggressively and mercilessly called for the previous Minister to resign because of the crime situation in Guyana.

Ordinary citizens have been clamouring for more attention and for the Government to take urgent action to stem the raging tide of increasing crime. The Private Sector Commission has urged the Government to show greater urgency because the crime situation is not only affecting their personal lives, but is a major impediment in the business environment. The Berbice Chambers of Commerce has requested a meeting with Ramjattan to no avail.

In fact, APNU/AFC has maintained it is busy at this time with the JUBILEE and it has all hands on deck with the celebration. As crime each day reach new heights, we are told that it will respond after the JUBILEE. Crime is not a priority at this time and APNU/AFC chastises people for trying to put everyday issues such as crime on the agenda for action today.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been dedicated to the JUBILEE and hundreds of Police Officers are working towards ensuring a successful JUBILEE. Police Officers are engaged in stopping vehicles each day and asking for a raise. Can Nagamootoo and Harmon tell us how many vehicles were stopped and asked for a raise during their sojourn in Region Six last week? Police Officers stopped vehicles asking for a raise to get a drink because they were assigned to be on the road all day long.

WE do not object to APNU/AFC making a great big effort to have an amazing JUBILEE and to celebrate its own first anniversary. It has every right to do so. But we object to it abdicating its responsibility as a government. Crime cannot be on the back burner because of JUBILEE.

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news

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Man feared dead More corporate sponsors on board for Jubilee celebrations after car plunges into WBD canal W

A

n unidentified man is feared dead after he was pulled out of a roadside canal at Schoonord/New Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD) Tuesday evening.

Some time after 21:00h, scores of persons gathered and witnessed members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) battling to save the life of the man, who up to press time was not yet identified.

The wrecked car in the canal

The unidentified man at the side of the canal

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the young man was moments before pulled from the wrecked vehicle (PSS 2326) which was already submerged. It was unclear if anyone else was with him at the time, although a backpack and a slipper belonging to a child were found

floating in the canal.

According to two eyewitnesses, they were travelling along the road when they noticed the car submerged in the water.

“All I hear was sheer hollering...somebody hollering,” one of the men told Guyana Times at the scene of the accident. He said he, along with the other man,

immediately went to the assistance of the man, whose voice had already begun to fade.

“I shout , I say hey man... and all I hear is hmmm, hmmmm,” the man, soaked and muddy, said. He related that it took him and his friend almost 15 minutes to get the victim out of the vehicle “...by then he drink up a set of water”, the rescuer said.

This publication witnessed officers trying their utmost to resuscitate the man, who after gasping laid motionless on the roadside. He was then lifted into a vehicle belonging to the Guyana Power and Light and transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Police are conducting their investigation.

Bartica to become tourist destination – Deputy Mayor

T

he newly-elected Council of one of Guyana’s newest towns, Bartica, is looking to make the mineral-rich municipality one of the country’s leading tourist destinations.

Bartica has always been known as the gateway to Guyana’s interior. The community is surrounded by water with several beaches that often host recreational activities.

Given that Bartica now is a municipality, a number of objectives have been set out for the development of the town.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Kumal Persaud said that the town becoming a tourist destination was one of the main priorities on the Council’s agenda which it is aiming to fulfil.

“Our local government is working closely with Central Government to have all of our objectives realised,” Persaud added.

She explained that with a budget of $67 million, the

Deputy Bartica Mayor Kumal Persaud

Mayor and Town Council’s main focus is addressing the solid waste disposal issue. She said the Council has already secured a location for the dumpsite.

“Infrastructure is highly targeted as well, since it will be a major factor in branding Bartica as a tourist destination.”

Bartica can be accessible within 18 minutes from the coast by the newly launched

airline, JAGS AVIATION INC. Persaud praised this initiative since it will be ideal for the tourism industry. Changes will be made to the wharf as well as repairs to accommodate persons who prefer to travel via water.

“Bartica definitely has all of the amenities of being a town which are a mosque, temple, church, post office, hospital and many more conveniences,” Persaud noted.

In preparation for the declaration of township status on Saturday, President David Granger, along with several Ministers who will be in attendance, will see a number of activities.

Persaud added they were in the midst of an extensive clean-up campaign and were hopeful the environment would be maintained by residents.

Among the activities to mark the occasion, senior citizens will be treated on May 5 to a social while a gospel night of prayer, hope and joy will be hosted.

ith just 22 days to go before the May 26 Independence anniversary, major sponsors continue to make contributions towards the celebrations.

Representatives from three companies on Wednesday donated cheques valued a total of $5 million towards the hosting of the celebrations to Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes at Colgrain House, Camp Street, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The latest of these contributors are the Bauxite Company of Guyana/Rusal which donated $2 million; the 704 Sports Bar, $1 million, and Correia Group of Companies, $2 million.

Rusal’s head, Vladimir Permyakov, explained that the company was happy to contribute to the Jubilee festival. “We know that the programme of this event, of this Jubilee festival would be very colourful, it would represent different arts, different culture, and social culture. For us it’s a big event; it’s a big demonstration of Guyana’s national patrimony.”

Nicole Correia, Chief Finance Officer of the Correia Group of Companies, explained that the firm was also happy to contribute to the celebra-

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes receives the cheque from 704 Sports Bar representatives

tions. Correia said, “It gives us great joy to contribute our little small part to this occasion, it’s a very special occasion; we’re looking forward to all our cultural exhibits and activities for the period.”

Minister Hughes expressed gratitude to the organisations for lending their support towards the success of the event.

The Minister noted that the contribution from Correia Group of Companies was specifically for supporting the ‘Legends Night’, May 21, when “we’ll be bringing back to Guyana a range of musical legends that include Dave Martins, the Tradewinds, Keith Waithe and many other musicians.”

Fly Jamaica Airline was the first company to support the Jubilee celebrations and has committed to making the Legends Night possible by flying in the foreignbased artistes who will be performing.

Fly Jamaica’s Representative, Patricia Lewis said the airline was pleased to be part of the Jubilee celebrations.

According to Lewis, Fly Jamaica is always proud to be part of national and sports events, and “this auspicious 50th Jubilee celebrations is no exception”.

Other sponsors that have committed support to the Jubilee celebrations include Banks DIH, Singers Guyana Incorporated, Digicel Guyana and GTT.

No counsellors in schools to date I

n an attempt to decrease the upsurge of suicide among youths in Guyana, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine had announced in January of this year that the Ministry will place counsellors in schools nationwide.

The minister at the time had opined that there was a need for trained and motivated social workers to tackle the situation.

The minister had noted that counselling is vital in schools and planned to establish a Central Counselling Body to carry out the plans.

Since the announcement was made, there was much hype with teachers and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) pledging their support for the implementation.

To date, no such implementation has been carried through. In a telephone interview with Guyana Times Dr Roopnaraine had disclosed that most aspects of the Central Counselling Body would have been finalised, stating that all was to be implemented within 10 day but nothing of such was

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

done.

NGOs are calling on the minister to follow through on his promise.

Caribbean Voice, a prominent non-governmental organisation, appealed to the ministry to get moving on its promise at a suicide intervention programme.

“The deadline came and went and so we are appealing to the Ministry of Education to please get going on its promise”.

Teachers also are calling for action by the ministry.

One teacher who asked not to be named told this pub-

lication that at her school a student recently tried to end her life.

She noted that even though the issue has died down to a certain degree, there is still a need for the counsellors as was promised by the Education Ministry.

Many attempts were made to speak to the Minister on this issue but they all were futile.

This publication also contacted Chief Education Officer Olato Sam for a comment but was told he cannot comment on the matter.

18

guyana-timesgy.com

wednesday, may 4, 2016

ARCHIE

Sign up for an adventure.

The people you encounter and (March 21- the experience you gain will April 19) bring about personal changes that will improve your outlook, life and future.

ARIES

Mingle, interact with othTAURUS ers and gather information.

(April 20- While socializing or networkMay 20) ing, you will discover valuable information that will prompt personal change. Love is on its way.

dilbert

Stick to the truth.

GEMINI (May 21- Exaggeration and excess will June 20) be your downfall. Work hard to nurture important partnerships. Don’t be fooled by someone’s bravado.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Reconnect with people you have worked with in the past. Melding the old with the new will help you define your strategy. Don’t be afraid of being different. Love is encouraged.

Consider how well you LEO get along with colleagues and (July 23how you can improve your Aug. 22) position. Personal change will make a difference, but don’t try to coerce others into changing with you.

A persuasive, enticing deVIRGO piction of what you are up to (Aug. 23will draw interest. Educate Sept. 22) those you encounter with a presentation that offers a unique chance to get involved in something special.

Calvin and Hobbes

Do something different.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Plan a vacation or participate Oct. 23) in an activity that challenges you physically. If you join forces with someone you enjoy being with, positive change will result.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – DUPLICITY

Don’t mess with the rules, SAGITTARIUS and listen to authority fig(Nov. 23- ures attentively. Stick close to Dec. 21) home where you can enjoy the comforts of friends and family. Keep life simple.

(DUPLICITY: doo-PLIS-ih-tee: Deliberate deception in behavior or speech.)

Average mark 14 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 22 or more words in DUPLICITY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – NOMINAL nail noil mail main mano milo moan moil mola

anil anion anon lain limn lion loam loan loin

Don’t settle for the same SCORPIO old routine or for spending (Oct. 24time with people you have Nov. 22) nothing in common with. If you expand your interests, you will learn something new.

Romance is on the rise.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t jump just because CAPRICORN someone says they need help.

(Dec. 22- Size up the situation and conJan. 19) sider the consequences of getting involved. Make personal relationships and your home a priority.

Playing the waiting game AQUARIUS isn’t always easy for you, but (Jan. 20sometimes it is in your best Feb. 19) interest. Observe what others do and say and consider all your options. Be patient and strategize.

You’ll have big choices to PISCES (Feb. 20- make. Don’t fold under presMarch 20) sure or give in to someone who is being selfish. Use your head and act on your behalf, not on someone else’s.

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

19

RIO 2016

Olympic flame arrives in Brazil South Africa slip to sixth in Test rankings, Pakistan rise to third T A

he Olympic flame has arrived in Brazil. A special flight operated by LATAM Airlines landed in the capital Brasília early on the morning of Wednesday 3 May, carrying the flame from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland to its new home in Brazil.

Over the course of the following 95 days, the Olympic torch will visit more than 300 towns and cities all over Brazil, before arriving in the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on 5 August.

Special flight The flame was lit at a traditional ceremony in the Temple of Hera in Olympia in Greece, on 21 April.

Following ancient custom, a parabolic mirror was used to light the flame with the sun’s rays.

The same day, a torch relay began that took the

The Olympic flame travelled in style, accompanied by a guard of honour (Photo: Rio 2016)

flame all over Greece, before visiting the United Nations in Geneva and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. On 5 August, the torch will be used to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony.

When it travels by air, the flame is preserved inside special lanterns which sit on a dedicated seat inside the aircraft. Security forces guard the flame at all times to make sure it travels safely and never goes out. (Rio2016.com)

Franchises and clubs to benefit from IPL release fees and player production amounts

T

Dave Cameron

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reporting that it will soon pay an outstanding amount of USD$617,750 to regional franchises and clubs who have players in the Indian Premier League.

These release fees will be paid in relation to West Indies players who participated in the 2013 – 2014 and the 2014 – 2015 IPL seasons. Each player’s franchise and club will receive their agreed amounts equivalent to a one third share.

This was revealed recently following the announcement that the BCCI and the WICB have resumed bilater-

al ties.

The payment of the fees is part of an agreement between the WICB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) whereby the BCCI pays WICB an amount equal to 10 per cent of each player’s salary participating in the league.

The agreement was authenticated when the WICB created a window for April to May, for its eligible players to participate in the IPL. Based on the three-way split, the value of what the WICB retains is approximately USD$308,875 which it reinvests towards its comprehensive development

programme.

Additionally, the WICB has instituted a player production amount and since the WICB/WIPA negotiations on new MOU/CBA, it was agreed that five per cent of player retainers is to be paid to the franchises and clubs. The split is 40 percent to the franchises and 60 per cent to clubs. That amounts to US$174,220 for the financial year which ended September 30, 2015.

“The Board is always developing new ways and means to incentivize its players. We are also hoping that the franchises and clubs utilize the allocation in keeping with the highperformance programme the board has been implementing, and for the players to be ready for international competition,” said WICB President Dave Cameron.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) continues to review all leagues around the world with a view to put in place regulations for participation in other authorized international leagues on the cricket calendar. The disbursement is generally made shortly after the end of the stated financial year. (WICB Media)

ustralia had claimed the No. 1 ranking with a series win over New Zealand earlier this year South Africa have dropped to No. 6 in the Test rankings, while Pakistan have climbed to third place, in the annual update released by the ICC on Tuesday. Australia have taken a six-point lead over second-placed India, while Pakistan trail India by only one point.

England and New Zealand benefited from South Africa’s drop, moving to fourth and fifth respectively. West Indies retained their eighth-place ranking but lead Bangladesh by only eight points.

South Africa and West Indies lost the most points in the update, 17 and 11 respectively. The calculation process dropped results from

2012-13, while outcomes from 2014-15 were weighted at 50%. Only the latest results had 100% weightage.

As a result, South Africa’s series victories over England, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2012-13 were not factored in.

They lost series to India and England and drew with Bangladesh in the 201516 season. West Indies had beaten New Zealand, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in 2012-13 but lost to Australia and Sri Lanka in 2015-16.

The update favoured Pakistan, because their 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in August 2014 was weighted at 50%.

In terms of points gained, Bangladesh made the most progress, getting ten points, followed by Australia, who gained six.

Zimbabwe, ranked No. 10, have 12 points but were

not included in the rankings table released by the ICC on Tuesday because they had not completed the required eight Tests in the new rating period. The ICC said Zimbabwe will be added to the table once they play two more Tests.

Updated ICC Test rankings 1. Australia - 118 points (6 points gained) 2. India - 112 points (+2) 3. Pakistan - 111 points (+5) 4. England - 105 points (+3) 5. New Zealand - 98 points (+2) 6. South Africa - 92 points (-17) 7. Sri Lanka - 88 points (-1) 8. West Indies - 65 points (-11) 9. Bangladesh - 57 points (+10) (ESPN Cricinfo)

Olympic committee sticks with Dick for Rio

M

arisa Dick will be representing the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at the 31st OIympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this summer. The T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) made the announcement Monday morning.

TTOC President Brian Lewis said they had no option but to include Dick because the International Federation of Gymnastics had declared her eligible to compete.

This now rules out any chance that Thema Williams, the athlete initially selected to compete at a Rio Test event in April, will be able to compete at the Rio Games.

She is now reported to be mulling legal action being of the belief that she was slighted by the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation, who selected Dick ahead of her for the Rio qualifier on the grounds that she had picked up an injury.

Williams competed in individual qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in

Marisa Dick

Glasgow last year and finished almost 20 places higher than Dick.

Based on the result, Williams was expected to represent her country at the Rio 2016 test event in April, the final qualifier for the Olympic Games.

During the interim both gymnasts appeared before the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics

Federation after seminude photographs of each were published online.

Williams was eventually selected to compete at the Rio Test event but was later withdrawn based on report from her coach that she had a bad day at training because of a sore ankle.

Dick replaced her at the qualifier and sealed a spot in Rio. (Digicel Sportsmax)

20

guyana-times.com

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

Mayweather Promotions files for Pant, bowlers help Daredevils crush Lions ‘TMT 50,’ ‘TBE 50’ trademarks

Rishabh Pant blitzed his first limited-overs half-century to help Delhi Daredevils to a big win

I

n another clinical display, Delhi Daredevils’ bowlers restricted table-toppers Gujarat Lions to 149, setting up a convincing eight-wicket win in Rajkot’s last game of the season. In the chase, Rishabh Pant and Quinton de Kock blazed a 115-run partnership off 81 balls the side’s joint-fourth highest opening stand - to help Daredevils breeze to the second spot on the points table.

Despite successive losses, Lions retained their place at the top. It was the 24th win by a chasing side in 31 games this season.

After opting to bowl, Daredevils’ bowlers set up an advantage in the first four overs. It looked like Shahbaz Nadeem had trapped Brendon McCullum in front in the first over, but umpire Chris Gaffaney indicated that the batsman

had got an inside edge. After facing three of the first 16 balls, McCullum charged at a Zaheer Khan slower ball.

Like most of Zaheer’s offcutters this season, it beat McCullum’s wild swing and clipped the off stump.

Two balls later, Dwayne Smith chipped a long-hop from Nadeem to long-on. In the same over, Aaron Finch, who replaced an injured Dwayne Bravo, got a leading edge off his attempted sweep to short fine leg. Lions’ three overseas batsmen were dismissed and already the middle order was limited to playing for singles and twos into Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium’s large pockets. The score at the end of six overs read 35 for 3, Lions’ lowest Powerplay returns of the season.

Apart from a well-timed uppercut for six, Suresh Raina struggled to find his

timing. Dinesh Karthik, though, accrued his runs through well-placed sweeps and flicks in the vast outfield. Just when it looked like Lions had consolidated after the early jolt, Raina was stumped after misjudging a googly from Amit Mishra.

Thereafter, Ravindra Jadeja and Karthik resorted to the same modus operandi as the previous few overs.

The pair, however, set up a solid platform for the end overs. Lions found at least one boundary in every over after the 13th, except the penultimate one.

The last five overs yielded 50 with hard-run twos contributing to the Lions score. Yet, the extent of the damage in the first four overs was so severe that Lions could only muster a sub-par 149.

De Kock and Pant, promoted to the opening slot, effectively finished the game by plundering nine boundaries in a 61-run Powerplay.

Pant was particularly dominant with scythed cuts off the seamers’ wide offerings.

When the ball was straight, Pant used his strong bottom hand to whip fours through the arc at midwicket.

After matching Pant in the Powerplay, de Kock laid anchor and milked the bowling for singles. Pant, though, did not slow down. He used his feet to smear and swipe towards the long-on region as he struck his first limited-overs fifty, off 25 balls.

Both Pant and de Kock were dismissed after acrossthe-line heaves, but Sanju Samson and JP Duminy, who returned after regaining fitness, took Daredevils home with 16 balls remaining. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Zimbabwe to host India for three ODIs and three T20s

Z

imbabwe are set to host India for three ODIs and three T20s in June at the Harare Sports Club. The six matches will be played over 12 days, starting with the first ODI on June 11 and the last T20 on June 22.

“After finalising all the formalities with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), we are pleased to announce the incoming tour scheduled for this June,” Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa said.

The last time India toured Zimbabwe was in July 2015, when the visitors won the ODI series 3-0 and the T20 series was tied 1-1. The tour will be India’s fourth visit to Zimbabwe in the last six years.

Zimbabwe vs India 2016 Fixtures Sat Jun 11 1st ODI, Harare Sports Club Mon Jun 13 2nd ODI,

Zimbabwe had beaten India in the second T20 the last time the two teams played in Zimbabwe

Harare Sports Club Wed Jun 15 3rd ODI, Harare Sports Club Sat Jun 18 1st T20I, Harare Sports Club

Mon Jun 20 2nd T20I, Harare Sports Club Wed Jun 22 3rd T20I, Harare Sports Club. (ESPN

Cricinfo)

F

loyd Mayweather might be thinking harder about coming out of retirement than he is letting on.

Mayweather told Showtime on Saturday that while he’s happy to be retired, he has “been talking with CBS and Showtime” about a potential return, “and you never know.” He said he was discussing guarantees that would top $100 million if he returned.

M a y w e a t h e r Productions filed for trademarks to “TMT 50” and “TBE 50” on April 21, ESPN.com has learned.

Records recently posted on the U.S. Patent and Trademark website confirm the filings.

“TMT” stands for “The Money Team” and “TBE” stands for “The Best Ever.”

If Mayweather fights again, it would be fight No. 50 of his career.

M a y w e a t h e r Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe could not immediately be reached for comment.

M a y w e a t h e r Promotions is among the

While he’s happy to be retired, he has “been talking with CBS and Showtime” about a potential return

most aggressive athlete businesses when it comes to dreaming up and seeking to protect trademarks.

The company has more than 35 trademarks and has filed for more than 140 others.

Mayweather earned more than $220 million for his fight against Manny Pacquiao in May, the biggest take for a single fight in boxing history. But his time in the ring ended with a sput-

ter against Andre Berto in September, as pay-perview sales for that bout were the worst of any of the six fights he agreed to do with Showtime in the runup to his retirement.

Despite that ending and despite his tying Rocky Marciano’s undefeated record of 49-0, Mayweather had insisted he would stay retired -until he opened the door for a return with his comments Saturday. (ESPN.com)

‘BCCI constitution incapable of achieving transparency’ – Supreme Court

T

he Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the BCCI’s constitution was incapable of achieving the values of transparency, objectivity and accountability, and these could only be attained by changing it.

“The inherent constitution of the BCCI is such that it is highly incapable of achieving the values of transparency, objectivity and accountability [such] that without changing its structure it can’t be done so,” a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice Ibrahim Kalifulla said, while hearing a matter related to the implementation of reforms suggested by the three-member panel led by Justice RM Lodha.

The court’s remarks were made after the views presented by senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, who was appointed amicus curiae to assist the court on how the recommendations of the Lodha committee, which favoured large-scale structural reforms to the BCCI, could be implemented.

Subramanium said that if the constitution of the BCCI does not allow the values to be achieved then it could be said to be illegal as the cricket board is discharging a public function.

“You discharge a public function but you want to enjoy private status,” Subramanium said. “If you have a public persona then you have to shed the private persona. This cannot be done. It [the BCCI] selects the national team for the country, it cannot be a private society. It is a public entity.”

Justifying the reforms suggested by the Lodha panel, Subramanium said the board would not have had the need for these recommendations if it had adhered to the constitutional values. Subramanium added that the BCCI is the beneficiary of the recommendations as implementing them will help ensure credibility of the institution. “[The] Recommendations are in the right directions and the steps are in the right direction to ensure that constitutional values are adhered to ensure institutional integrity,” he said The court also asked Subramanium’s views on the ‘one state, one vote’ recom-

Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, who was appointed amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, on the BCCI: “It [the BCCI] selects the national team for the country, it cannot be a private society.”

mendation that has drawn opposition from the BCCI’s affiliated state associations. The court asked the amicus curiae what he made of the suggested reform that allows states which were earlier deprived of voting rights to exercise them, while removing the individual voting rights of members in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have more than one association. Subramanium said the only ground which connected the two aspects was parity and every state should have been given an equal opportunity.

Subramanium also suggested that franchise members should be included in the IPL governing council to bring in more transparency. The bench then asked for the BCCI’s response on legalising betting after Subramanium supported the recommendation.

Senior advocate KK Venugopal, who represented the BCCI, said a law has to be passed to legalise betting and such a measure was not feasible as every state has its own laws relating to betting and gambling.

(Cricinfo)

21

sports

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immigration

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RHTY&SC, Beharry’s 5-over cricket to start soon

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 35

Flashback! Representatives of the Beharry Group and the RHTY&SC display the banner at the launch of the competition in 2015

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), M.S and the Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited would shortly be unveiling the second edition of their joint ‘Say No to Drugs, Crime and Suicide and Yes to Education, Sports and Life Campaign.’

The 2016 edition would target youths in Regions Five and Six and would have the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force and the Region Six Department of the Ministry of Education as partners.

As part of an expanded programme for 2016, a five-over ‘Say No to Suicide’ cricket tournament would be organised for 40 teams across Berbice. The Ancient County would be divided into four sub-divisions – West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne.

Ten teams would come from each sub-division and they would play each other in a one day tournament before moving on to the grand finals. The top three teams from each zone would move on to the finals, where the winning team would receive a winner’s prize of $150,000 and a trophy, the losing finalist $75,000 and trophy and the third place $25,000 and trophy.

The winner of each zone would carry home a prize package of $15,000.

Hilbert Foster

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO, Hilbert Foster, stated that the tournament would be used by the organisers to promote the ‘Say No and Say Yes’ messages to numerous villages across the county, and as such each zones would be given a theme to be promoted.

West Berbice’s theme shall be ‘Say No to Suicide’, New Amsterdam/Canje – ‘Say No to Drugs’, Lower Corentyne – ‘Say No to Crime’ and Central/Upper Corentyne – ‘Say Yes to Life, Education and Sports.’

A senior officer of the Guyana Police Force would address teams before the start of each zone tournament and the grand finals.

Clubs taking part in the tournament would also be provided with posters and youth information booklets for them to promote the messages in their respective areas.

Teams in the tournament would only be allowed to play two first division players who have played a combined four matches in 2015 and 2016, while players who are debarred from playing second division by the Berbice Cricket Board would not be allowed to play.

Bowlers would only be allowed to bowl one over per game, while only two players would be allowed out of the 30-yard circle in the first over. For the remaining four overs, a maximum of four fielders would be allowed out of the circle.

In an effort to create excitement for spectators, the organisers would also award a six for any boundary scored off a free hit, while eight runs would be given for a six hit off a free hit.

Matches that are tied would be decided on a Super Over. The organisers would provide umpires for the tournament, music set/PA System for every venue and balls for the finals.

The RHTY&SC, M.S would like to extend an official invitation to clubs across Berbice to enter the competition on a come first basis.

Teams can contact the club on telephone number 3374562 or email foster_hilbert@ yahoo.com before May 20.

Notably, teams would also have to submit a 15man squad and clearly state their two first division players.

Rain continues to dampen Stag Elite League fixtures

T

he current weather conditions have caused the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to postpone matches 49 and 50 in its Stag Elite League until further notice. The matches scheduled for today (May 4th) would have seen matchups between GFC and GDF FC in game 49 and Fruta Conquerors FC vs Pele FC game 50 in the second game of the double header at the Tucville ground in Georgetown.

After 11 rounds of matches, Guyana Defense Force (GDF FC) currently sits in 5th position with 14 points and trail 4th place Pele FC by just two points. GDF will be looking for nothing but a vic-

tory against a young GFC side currently seeing their first victory in this the Finale stage of the Stag Elite League. A victory will see GDF move into 4th place for the time being putting the pressure on Pele, who can’t afford to drop points in the closing stages as the race for fourth place heats up with just three games remaining.

Meanwhile, Calvin Allen’s Fruta Conquerors side currently sitting in second with 28 points, will be primed and ready to tackle Pele FC, a victory will see them move top of the table and level on points with first place Slingers FC, who the Conquerors will face soon in a dramatic top-of-the table decider.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

DVA trials for weekend Church meets the Street games begin today set for Arrival Day Jubilee Futsal...

By Avenash Ramzan

C

onscious of the effort to ensure the best possible players are selected to represent the county this weekend against Berbice, the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) will commence three days of trials from today at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

A group of 30 male players and eight females will undergo three days of rigorous training under the guidance of the DVA’s five-member Technical Committee, headed by coach of Young Achievers Volleyball Club, Devendra Samaroo.

Trials are slated for this afternoon from 17:30h; Thursday from 11:00h and Friday from 17:30h.

Thereafter, a male and female team will be selected to face their counterparts from the Ancient County on Saturday at the National Gymnasium, commencing at 10:00h.

The Berbice Volleyball Association had also hosted its inter-schools competition, from which their teams were derived.

The players selected by the DVA were drawn from the recently concluded school championships hosted by the association, and which was won by Queens College. The format of the competition saw schools from West Demerara, Linden and Georgetown competing within their jurisdiction, with the winners and runners-up advancing to the county-final, which was held last Saturday also, at the National Gymnasium.

At the conclusion of the championships last weekend, the DVA announced the names of the players who were identified to attend trials.

On the male side, the

Trevor Williams

players are Patrice Agrippa, Shemar Gray, Terrence Groenhart, Otho Harris, Mark July, Leon Ross, Kristoff Shepherd and Akil Vaughn of St Roses High; Alexandre de Faiva Almeida, Joshua Brazao and Jahleel Young of Marian Academy; Aminiki Buntin, Keyshawn Dey, David Fiedtkon, Keivon McPherson, Colin Small and Akinni Wilson of Christianburg/Wismar Secondary; Kadeem Bowen, Chavex Fleming, Nicholas Newais and Alex Winter of St Stanislaus College; Ronaldo Delacruz, Nolan Craig and Cleveland Jonas of Linden Foundation Secondary; Clement Choo Shee Nam of Queens College; Tyric McAllister of New Silvercity Secondary; Quamie July of The Bishops’ High School; Domaine Grant of Patentia Secondary; and Omalie Fraser and Aaron Sewpersaud of West Demerara Secondary.

On the distaff side, Daniella Headley, Erica Lindore and Joyann Richards of Linden Foundation Secondary; Kimberly Alberts and Cherry-Ann Fraser of St Roses High; Tiffany Baveghems and Rolance Johnson of New

Silvercity Secondary; and Melissa Gonsalves of Marian Academy were selected to trials.

While a Head Coach and assistant in the persons of DVA Vice-president Ian Wills and St Rose’s High Physical Education teacher Alque Stanley respectively have been given the task of leading the male unit. Officials for the female team are yet to be named.

Commenting on the DVA’s ability to successfully pull off a major school tournament within the county after years of dormancy and being able to select a youth team to represent the association this weekend, newly elected president, Trevor Williams, said it is testimony of the work the members have put in over the past few months. “[It is] a huge success for volleyball in Demerara [and] a strong indication of the potential that exists and the present talent pool available.

In a few months we have taken volleyball a long way and we’re just about getting started,” Williams told this publication.

He added, “The selection and preparation of a Demerara team is another fantastic achievement and it leaves a good pathway for future endeavours. I have great expectations for this team and upsetting Berbice is not beyond our reach.”

Williams added that other major activities are planned by the DVA, most of which will help to spur the growth and development of the sport in the county.

“With a tertiary tournament, a school league and an open league in planning we are well on our way to making volleyball an extremely popular sport in Guyana and thus reaching new heights,” Williams declared. (aramzan@guy-

At the launch ceremony (L-R) Carlos Griffith, Lawrence December (Street team representative), Allistair Griffith and Ryan Patterson pose with the trophies up for grabs

F

utsal action will return to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Thursday, May 5 (Arrival day) when C&A Unique in collaboration with South Quake Youth Ministry kicks off their Jubilee Futsal Competition.

The event, titled “The Church meets The Street” and is expected to see 50 of the best churches and street futsal teams compete in the one day knockout tournament.

There will be a “kick to goal” competition for females and spectators are also expect-

ed to be entertained with a mini gospel show that will feature entertainment by Ryan Patterson who also goes by the stage name, DC speaker; JC Messengers and Quakers among others.

Addressing the media at Tuesday’s launch, in Tucville, cordinators of the event Carlos Griffith and Allistar Griffith lamented that the event is suited for the entire family and should not be missed.

Teams interested in registering may contact Carlos on 695-3320 or Allistar on 677-

5116.

The winning team will cart off with $50,000 with $40,000, $30,000 and $20,000 going to the second, third and fourth placed teams respectively.

Admission is $400 for adults while children under the age of 10 will be admitted free. Kick off time is 8:30 Hrs. Sponsors of the event are Banks DIH, National Sports Commission, Guyana National Newspaper Limited, the Guyana Football Federation and Trophy Stall.

Hinds optimistic after CBC pool draw

anatimesgy.com)

Kumaka wins West Rockers football extravaganza

Captain Dion Narine receives his team’s winning purse from West Rockers Sports Club vice-president Bonita Cort

A

double strike from the tournament’s most valuable player, Dwayne Robeiro set up Kumaka Sports Club victory over a spirited Rincon Sports Club in the feature game of the West Rockers Sports Club annual sports extravaganza.

The day’s event took

place at the Paloma Playfield in Santa Rosa North West District with a male volleyball competition involving four teams. In the end, it was the Paloma males who were victorious after defeating Santa Rosa Secondary School’s Dormitory Boys 15 – 11 and 15 – 12 to take the finals two sets to none.

Santa Rosa Secondary School’s Dormitory got their revenge in the boys under 16 football competition when the trashed Paloma 5 goals to 1.

However, it was superb football skills from Robeiro and the Kumaka team that brough the crowd to their feet. The final was played under floodlights and was well attended.

For winning the male tournament, Kumaka Sports Club received $20,000.

Which was gathered from registration fees for the competition and donations from Rockerz Sports Club.

This year’s event was planned as they continue with their fundraising drive to buy additional football gears and to erect better floodlights at the Paloma Playfield which is a hive of sporting activities on a daily basis.

From left; Patrick Haynes, Glyne Clarke and Nigel Hinds at the CBC U-16 pool draw at Cara Lodge Hotel

G

uyana Under-16 male and female teams participating in this year’s Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC) in Guyana already know their pool opponents.

The pool draw which was held at the Cara Lodge Hotel on May 1, was attended by Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President Nigel Hinds, CBC President Glyne Clarke and CBC VicePresident, Finance and Marketing Patrick Haynes saw all 17 teams being placed in groups for preliminary competition.

There will be 10 male teams and seven female teams from across the re-

gion converging at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown for the July 3 to 16 youth tournament.

In the male tournament Group A will seed the British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, and Antigua while Group B will have Aruba, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica.

In the female tournament, Group A will see British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados and Guyana with The Bahamas, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago in Group B. After the draw, Hinds noted that he was very optimistic of Guyana’s chances

in both the male and female championships. He also noted that the teams would both be able to reach the semi-final rounds of both tournaments at the least.

“We [GABF] look forward to the continued support from the Government of Guyana, we will be reaching out to corporate Guyana to ensure that the CBC championships are handled exceptionally well,” Hinds added.

The Guyana teams will be chosen one month before the competition and will be encamped for one month leading into the Championships.

The male games bounce off on July 3 and on July 12 for the female teams.

NSBF…

Huge wins for Bishops’ and St Rose’s highlight 5th round

T

Action from some of the games on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

he National School Basketball Festival, Georgetown & East Coast Regionals’ continued on May 1st, 2016 with fifth round action at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and saw some exciting and competitive action overall.

In the girls category; Plaisance Secondary defeated Charlestown Secondary 13-2. Daniela King led the way for Plaisance with 5 pts and 4 steals while Faith Primo poured in 4 pts and grabbed 5 steals. Taejha Allen scored the only two points for Charlestown The Bishops’ High School trounced Tutorial High 162. Sileena Arjune scored 6 points and Kesann Charles scored 4 points to lead Bishops to victory. Mary Grant scored Tutorial’s only two points.

Marian Academy defeated President’s College 12-8.

Jada Mohan scored 4 points and added 5 steals while Georginna Vyphuis contributed 4 points and had 7 rebounds for Marian Academy.

Glaudia Garraway led all scorers with 6 points for President’s College.

23

guyana-times.com

wednesDAY, may 4, 2016

St Roses High steam rolled St Stanislaus College 16-2. Jada Amerally and

for President’s College with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

The most competitive

Ashley Khan both scored 6 points for St Roses High while Natesha Seymour was the lone scorer for St Stanislaus College.

The lone game in the male under 16 category, saw Marian Academy defeating President’s College 23-15. Jordan Alphonso led all scorers with 14 points, 6 Rebounds and 3 Steals, while Josiah Daniels had 4 points for Marian Academy.

Akeem Grandon top scored

basketball of the day was played in the male under 19 category. In the opening game Tutorial High defeated St Stanislaus College 4535. Manesseh Murray led the way for Tutorial with 12 points, while Denzil Logan added 10 points, and Tariq Nelson contributing 8 points with 10 rebounds.

Kadeem Bowen scored 14 points for St Stanislaus.

In the other game, President’s College defeated

The Bishops’ High 41-34 behind Jahleel Duke 15 points and Kadeem Peterkin’s 12 points. Timothy Thompson had 15 points, and Mikhail Broomes scored 9 points for Bishops’ High.

The final game of the day saw Georgetown Technical Institute (GTU) defeated St. Roses High 46-25 in a blow-out victory; with Nathan Saul scoring 14 points while Kerwin Griffith adding 10 points. Patrice Agrippa scored 9 points, and Anfernee Jervis added 6 points for St. Roses.

Action continues Thursday, May 5th in the Girl’s category at Marian Academy from 14:45h, with Tutorial High Vs Charlestown in the opener, Bishops High Vs Queens College, St Roses

Vs President’s College and Marian Academy Vs Saints Stanislaus.

The Tournament is sponsored by Digicel, Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd and Banks DIH LTD through the Powerade Sports beverage.

‘Making a positive...

The consensus was that while it was important for football to be played, equally crucial was using the world’s most popular sport as a vehicle to create a positive change in the Guyanese society.

President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, who actually played in last year’s tournament, said the issue of Gender Based Violence “is very pervasive in our society” and the Petra Organization must be commended for adopting such a posture.

“The Guyana Football Federation is eager to endorse and support in a very conspicuous way any tournament that is promoting football,” Forde said.

In complementing the move by the Petra Organization to tackle a social problem through football, Forde urged the body to expand its reach by hosting tournaments and events outside of the city, since he believes there is a market for such.

Joy Gravesande, the Health Education Officer at the Ministry of Public Health, in her remarks spoke of the ministry’s pleasure to once again partner in this venture.

“We believe that men are not the problem in Gender Based Violence. We don’t see men as the problem, but rather we see men as part of the solution,” she stressed. “As it relates to Gender Based Violence, we intend to have some sessions with each of the team members and talk to them a little about Gender Based Violence- help them to understand what it is, help them to understand how to interact with their partner a little more.”

Director of the Petra Organization, Troy Mendonca, who delivered re-

from back page

marks, was forthright about the organization’s desire to use football to help provide a solution to a growing social problem.

“When we were approached to use one of our programmes to champion the cause against Gender Based Violence, the decision was automatic and easy to arrive at. So it gives us pleasure as a sport organization to utilize our talent and expertise in this respect for the wider good of our society,” Mendonca related.

The tournament, which originally set to start a bit earlier but was put on hold owing to inclement weather, will feature 24 teams from Georgetown.

The teams would be placed into six groups of four playing in a round-robin format. The top two from each group, along with the four best third placed teams will advance to the knockout round.

The winning purse is $300,000, while the losing finalist will receive $200,000.

Third and fourth placed finishers will pocket $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

This year, the organizers plan to utilize more community spaces to hold matches, thereby taking the messages related to Gender Based Violence directly to the populace. In terms of the rules, teams would consist of five persons, and players would not be allowed to play in cleats.

The goal would be the usual size used for futsal games, while admission to the venue on match days is free.

Apart from the GFF and the Ministry of Public Health, the other partners are Busta soft drink, GTT, Lucky Dollar, Nigel’s Supermarket, Juniors Jewelry, Star Party Rentals and 2J’s General Store. (aram-

zan@guyanatimesgy.com)

wednesDAY, May 4, 2016

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

‘Making a positive change through sport’

– Petra Organisation launches Soft Shoe tournament with focus on Gender Based Violence

By Avenash Ramzan

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From left: GFF president Wayne Forde, Petra Oranization director Troy Mendonca, Health Education Officer Joy Gravesande and Petra Organization representative Mark Alleyne at Tuesday’s launch (Avenash Ramzan photo)

ender Based Violence is a global issue, and if not tackled early it could destroy a nation.

It is a problem that has been plaguing Guyana for quite a number of years, and while strides have been made to curtail the number of cases reported annually, one organization is using an innovative way of creating more awareness about the social ill.

Making a positive change through sport is what the Petra Organization is hoping to achieve by centering its theme on Gender Based Violence for its upcoming Soft Shoe football tournament.

The competition, set to kick off in grand style on May 17, was officially launched on Tuesday afternoon at the Brandsville Hotel in Georgetown where representatives of the stakeholder bodies converged to share their plans for the 24team event. turn to page 23

RIO 2016

NSBF…

Olympic flame Huge wins for arrives in Brazil Bishops’ and St Rose’s highlight 5th round

Rio 2016 President Carlos Arthur Nuzman descended the steps proudly holding the lantern with the flame (Photo: Rio 2016)

The National Basketball Festival is seeing a high display of skills in both male and female categories

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