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Issue No. 3082

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Red House outrage

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$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: P10 Minister Lawrence leads protest against PPP vigil outside Red House

No hope for 2017 – Nandlall

P12

…as Ali reflects on bleak economy

Leaked nursing exam

– Govt flouts court order, rips down sign

Fingers point to head of exams – P16 investigation shows

Page 7

…Jagdeo, PPP condemn actions

3-year-old perishes in early morning fire

Page 3 Oil, gas sector

Sugar production NICIL prepares slumps to 25-year for arbitration to low recover monies Missing US$5M GT&T shares

Page 9

Page 10

UG to play integral part in capacity building P13 … GGMC to give UG $100M

Region 2 flood waters not receding P16 – residents report damage to property, losses

...“grave miscalculation” by Top Management – GAWU

2 news

SATURDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

High-level sugar meeting

GAWU left in the dark about Govt’s intentions

A

head of today’s meeting with several stakeholders in the sugar industry, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Komal Chand said the union “has no clue” what the Administration will discuss at the gathering, which will include trade unions, the parliamentary Opposition and Government Ministers.

Chand made these comments at a press conference held at the Union’s Kingston, Georgetown headquarters on Friday, where he noted that while GAWU was invited for the discussions, Government has not engaged the Union on its positions regarding the future of the industry.

“We have no clue what aspects they wish to discuss with us, we have received no documents from them indicating studies that they might have conducted to come to the conclusions they have come to,” the GAWU

President observed.

He expressed hope that today’s meeting is not being held just “for public consumption” that consultations were held.

“We hope it would not be that, we hope that there would be proposals that they will come forward with to give us time to respond to them,” Chand stressed.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, who has had few meetings with stakeholders in the sugar industry had disclosed on Wednesday that he along with other Government Ministers, including the Minister of State Joseph Harmon, the main political Opposition, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), and trade union bodies will meet today to discuss future plans for the sugar industry. The unions include the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial

Executive members of GAWU, NAACIE and GLU at a joint press conference on Friday

and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU).

These end-of-year consultations are being held on the very day that sugar operations at Wales officially cease, which Government had announced as December 31. That aside, GAWU’s General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, says that while the decision to close Wales was unjustified, it was disap-

pointing that Government officials never visited and listened to the concerns of workers.

“It is indeed disappointing that no Government official has visited Wales and talked to the aggrieved workers about the painful consequences of closure and the plans for the future,” Narine explained.

Speaking on the supposed conversion plans for

the Wales Sugar Estate on Wednesday, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Finance Director, Paul Bhim, explained that some 100 of 1000 workers were identified for the conversion plans and noted that the ploughing of land and husbandry practices – weeding and cleaning of canals were being done. Bhim took time to shut down claims of weed overgrowth at lands prepared by the Sugar Corporation. This was in response to reports this publication received that even though land was prepared, in many instances, no rice was planted and weeds were reportedly taken over some of the plots. Bhim had further explained that “people are on the ground” using chemicals to control the weed situation. However, Komal Chand disclosed that according to reports GAWU received, only 35 out of 480 acres, were “merely levelled off”.

Last Friday, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had said that the first crop of rice at the Wales Estate was expected by March 2017 but on Thursday last, he clarified that only seedlings were set and that rice will be planted until next year.

The Wales Sugar Estate is the oldest of the country’s estates. Earlier this year, Government had confirmed that the estate would be closed by yearend which affected over 1000 workers directly and thousands more in the Wales area and surrounding communities.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo met with the workers and their families on Wednesday. At that meeting, the workers expressed frustration about the uncertainly of how their future will unfold while calling for subsidy for water and electricity to ease their burden as a result of the closure of the factory.

news

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saturDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, December 31 – 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, January 1 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 31 – 05:25h-06:55h and Sunday, January 1 – 06:00h-07:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tides: 05:41h and 17:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.69 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 11:28h and 23:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.54 metre respectively.

3-year-old perishes in early morning fire A

three-year-old girl was on Friday morning burnt to death after a fire suspected to be electrical in origin, completely razed her parents’ home at Vigilance Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The parents, siblings and residents burst into tears as detectives removed the charred remains of Bianca Sanko from the gutted building at about 09:00h.

Reports are the mother and her four children, including Bianca, were asleep in separate bedrooms of the two-storey wooden structure when the mother was awoken at about 07:00h by the smell of smoke and saw the house partially engulfed in flames.

Upon seeing this, she hurriedly rushed three of the children out of the home and was returning for the fourth when the upper flat caved thereby preventing her from entering.

Within moments, the build-

rendering to see the flames knowing that a child was being burnt to death.

In addition, an aunt who resides in close proximity

Detectives removing the charred remains of the child

Bianca Sanko in happier times

told Guyana Times that she was preparing breakfast when she saw smoke bellowing from her sister’s house and immediately raised an alarm.

She noted that within minutes, the flames were seen emanating from the

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ing was completely engulfed in flames with the child trapped.

A relative who realised the child was trapped in the inferno, explained that he attempted to save her but the heat was too intense and he had to retreat. He also noted that he stumbled in the process and hurt himself.

In tears the young man stated that it was heart

building. As she rushed to the house, she saw her sister and three of the children but no sign of little Bianca.

In tears, she explained that upon enquiring, she found out that the girl was trapped in the inferno.

“I try to run in the house to see for Bianca but a beam come down on me and I had to run out… other people in the area also try to go in the house but it was too late,”

the woman cried.

The mother of the child was devastated and had to be taken to a nearby health centre since she had sustained minor burns about the body.

An official of the Guyana Fire Service explained that after the report was received, several tenders from Campbellville, Georgetown and Mahaica, ECD, stations responded, but by the time they arrived, the house was already engulfed and there was nothing they could have done to save the child.

The firefighters however, managed to contain the blaze and a few hours later found the charred remains

of the toddler. The remains were placed into a bag and taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home.

On the other hand, the Guyana Power and Light has launched an investigation to determine whether the electricity supply to the building was legal.

In addition, the Child Care and Protection Agency is expected to probe the condition under which the children lived as a result of information provided to them during their visit to the scene.

The Police are investigating the unfortunate incident. (Bhisham Mohamed)

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Balanced approach, a must for sport

T

he old saying “Jack of all trades, master of none”’ has slipped into sport in Guyana at a time least expected. On the local scene, sport covers a vast number of disciplines which are driven most times by fierce competition and the instinctive desire to win.

The dynamics of sport are so unique since it is the athletes who fuel the excitement which lures the countless number of fans while the facilities give players a chance to perform at their optimum and spectators to be at comfort. Such ideology should be made applicable on how sport in the country is developed, as focus in one area while neglecting the others would not augur well for comprehensive success.

The Government of Guyana in the 2017 Budget pledged $536,979,000 to sport as compared to $295,460,000 in 2016. In addition, the National Sports Commission (NSC) was awarded $215,000,000 compared to $178,699,000 in 2016 for current expenditure.

The sports projects and activities that are listed under capital expenditure in the Budget for 2017 include various plans to improve facilities across the country.

More so, Minister with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry disclosed at the budget presentations that $210 million was proposed for synthetic track facilities to be laid in Regions Two, Four, Six, Seven and 10.

The Minister stated that the 2017 Budget made “provisions for support to our athletes to benefit from training and development exposure”.

The Minister did not elaborate or mention the specific programmes or initiatives that will be implemented towards achieving this end, or say what direct support would be given to the athletes, or say what was allocated towards achieving this goal.

President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Huston made the valid argument that although he applauded the move to have synthetic tracks built across Guyana, more emphasis should have been placed on actual athlete development in terms of qualifying coaches and giving athletes more international exposure.

There is the synthetic track at Leonora, which was commissioned since April 2015 and the facility has not had the presence of the National School Track and Field Championships because of “logistical reasons” explained by organisers which are extended to the fact that most of the athletes do not have the proper or any footwear to use the facility.

Could there not be a move to place funds into solving these “logistical issues” to hopefully nurture some of the nation’s talents at an international graded facility?

In addition, considering the cream of the crop of the country’s athletes comes from Regions Four and 10, the building of tracks in areas such as Regions Two and Seven is bewildering.

A football stadium would more suit these areas, as they have been known to produce excellent footballers, but a lack of facilities combined with a lack of expert coaching hamper some of these players from taking their skills to the next level.

In Region Four, which has the nucleus of sportsmen and women in Guyana, there are numerous facilities (some in need of upgrade), but there are hardly any regular camps or training programmes being held to develop players.

One is reminded that the National Under-15 footballers recently went to French Guiana and lost all of their matches and the technical staff gave several reasons for the disappointing performance, among them the uniqueness of the surface since they played on artificial turf. Also, the players had difficulties in gelling with technical plays being implemented by the coaching staff.

Before departure, some of the players who originated from hinterland locations spoke of never being part of a structured programme or having coaches to teach them to play the correct way. Players from the East Coast Demerara clubs shared similar sentiments.

Guyanese swimmers have made the Olympics, but have failed to progress to the next round of any event. Why? Not because of the lack of an Olympic sized pool but rather the swimmers not being exposed to expert coaching to develop their undoubted talent.

Many of these players certainly showcased raw talent, but they are in desperate need of having the learned personnel groom them.

Without a doubt, better facilities are needed for sports in Guyana, but one cannot neglect the human element needed to further success, as having several stadia, pools and sophisticated equipment will only do so much if the ones who have to use them are not trained in that regard.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo leads a peaceful candlelight vigil to voice the Party's concerns over Government’s move to evict the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre from Red House. Standing in solidarity is PPP MP Irfaan Ali

2016 was consequential for Constituency 14

Dear Editor, 2016 was a consequential year for Constituency 14: South Ruimveldt/Industrial Estate. Please permit me to highlight nine important things we have done in the last nine months, and then give a synopsis of where we are heading in 2017 under the stewardship of yours truly and Noelle ChowChee as the Constituency Councillors.

Constituency 14 runs from the back of South Ruimveldt (Canal Place) and goes all the way to the Demerara River passing Industrial Site. It is everything south of Aubrey Barker Road and Mandela Avenue bordered

by Caneview Avenue and Meadow Bank, hence it’s a huge piece of real estate to bring services to, compounded by budget deficits at City Hall. In 2017 we are starting with a $807M shortfall.

That being said, we are extremely thankful, as Councillors with the partnership of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and others as we were able to (1) repair the road between “Last Entrance” Christiani Street and Rosa

Drive; David Rose Street and a section of Aubrey Barker close to Critchlow Avenue toward Trench Road, inclusive of repairs to a culvert in Trench Road, Roxanne Burnham Gardens; (2) through the SRG Phase 1 Community & Policing Group we have restored most of the signage in South Ruimveldt Park/Gardens; (3) installed a number of bus sheds; (4) rehabilitated the playing fields in Orealla Avenue and Tukeit Drive.

Other areas are earmarked, currently we’re working with Rotaract of Stabroek on a plan to restore a playing field in Shirley Field Ridley Square; (5) we mapped the drains in South Ruimveldt with the Dutch Risk Reduction Team aimed at mitigating the flooding issues shortly; (6) we launched recently the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme in South, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security aimed at reducing crime and violence among our youth through skills training etc; (7) we have been cleaning a number of drains, with some contracts going to neighbour-

hood leaders, through MPI and M&CC; (8) we have held two public meetings in the Constituency aimed at getting from residents the heart of the issues which influenced M&CC Budget for 2017. The last such meeting was held at South Ruimveldt Park Primary School; (9) also we have added two new policing groups to the Constituency.

These and other activities are part of the progress in the Constituency over the last nine months.

One of the important things which came out of community meeting last September hosted

by M&CC Public Relations Department is documentation of the felt-needs of which, “55% mentioned related to the work of the City Engineer’s Office, and 36% of the matters raised related to the work of the Public Health Department, and 9% related to the City Constabulary.”

For 2017, based on our estimated expenditure of $3.8 billion, $1.7 billion is expected to be spent on core services from which Constituency 14 will benefit.

We are aiming at improved solid waste management;

at a 90% maintenance of the collection schedule. We will continue the work with our drains regarding maintenance, rehabilitating and desilting etc. In the area of Public Health we look to improved management of our vector control programme to reduce the spread of disease and sickness from breeding mosquito and other pests.

I envisage 2017 as a year of partnerships as the M&CC cannot do this work alone. We could not do this noble work without the help of our Constituency Manager Brenda William and our other selfless volunteers, especially Tricia Cox and Julie Grimes.

We look forward to the continued support of residents and businesses in the Constituency, encouraging them to pay their Rates & Taxes.

I take this opportunity also, to wish the Mayor and City Councillors all the best in the New Year as together we make Georgetown a better place in 2017.

Sincerely, Sherod Avery Duncan, former Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 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

Celebrating end of year in Guyana, Asia, NYC Dear Editor, The end of year seasonal celebration is not much different among different people and different societies as I observe in travel in Guyana, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, New York, Trinidad and India. The holiday season in Asia is a most wonderful experience not very different from among Guyanese in NY or Toronto or Surinamese in Holland as relating to decorations, gifting and feting.

People celebrate the end of the year season feting in

the parks, clubs, halls and hotels. Overall, in Asia, the observance and celebration of the spirit of the season is as big as any celebration elsewhere. People in these various countries and varied cultures are in a festive mood at this time of the year, as we are in the Caribbean or NY. They do similar things we do.

It was a terrific experience mingling with these varied cultures that I encountered multiple times over the last 20 years.

While in Bali earlier this month, there were two in-

ternational conferences on ethnic conflict and democracy that provide useful lessons for Guyana to address its problems relating to governance. People of different ethnicities and cultures come together at work and on the parks, streets, and shopping centres as they do in NY or Toronto or Trinidad or Guyana or Amsterdam.

Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Confucian followers partake in the spirit of the season just like Muslims and Hindus

do in the Caribbean. The non-Christians adore the decorations that go with the season as much as they do in Guyana or in NYC. Streets and shops are sparklingly lit and decorative to attract visitors and shoppers. There are even Santas posing with children and adults for memorable photos. Homes and yards are also beautifully lit up as among Guyanese in NYC. Even Hindu temples are decorated perhaps an after effect of the Diwali celebration which is a holiday in Bali, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri

Finance Minister's “Take it or leave it”… My views Dear Editor, I read with concern in the various media outlets, more so in a National newspaper, that “Contractors are likely to be underpaid as $298 million is still owed”.

I wish to share my concern on the method of communication that was used to engage the public about this ongoing matter. I have met Minister Winston Jordan on several occasions and one can easily tell that he is a scholar and a professional, but the tone in his response on this issue was disappointing. I am saddened that he would use this tone to contractors which the Government owes. These contractors remain citizens of Guyana and should be treated with dignity and respect.

It is not surprising that he is under a lot of duress (having produced two budgets in such a small space of time) and stress which comes from being a

Minister, however, the matter could have been handled more diplomatically.

To my opinion, his tone suggests to people that the Government is harsh, and is not thinking of the welfare of the people it governs.

I am not here to make mockery of this issue, as I was not brought up like that, so I would like to give some wise counsel to the Government: If you were not in possession of the money to pay these contractors, then you should not have ventured into the project.

The Jubilee 50th Anniversary celebration was indeed an occasion to commemorate, but one must be prudent to how you spend especially on programmes and activities that are ‘one off’.

If in hindsight they do not have the revenue available to compensate the contractors for their work, they

should have allowed Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo or Minister Cathy Hughes to meet with the contractors and discuss the matter in a pleasant environment.

The Government could have appealed to the patriotic spirit within the contractors and could have come to a conclusion of having them receive 25 per cent or one-third of the payment.

Another option could have been to give a reward to the contractors in the form of an honorary title or some kind of State gift.

I strongly believe that if these steps were taken, there would have been a better result from the project. It is not too late to make amends with these contractors and the public.

The Government can do several things to cushion the

impact of the loss of finance that will be experienced by these contractors. My advice to the Government is to be very careful of the tone used when dealing with a sensitive and passionate citizenry, especially at a time such as this.

My advice to the contractors is to realise that this is our country; you were a part of something glorious and magnificent. The portion of payment that you will not receive can be viewed by you as a national contribution to our 50th year as an Independent country.

I think once this is done, you will be able to find satisfaction and peace of mind.

Yours sincerely, Roshan Khan

Lanka.

Kuala Lumpur (capital of Malaysia which is officially an Islamic state) has been dressed up with Christmas trees around the city. Flocks of Muslims (identified by hijabs, purdah, and head scarfs), Hindus and Buddhists flock around Christmas trees to take photos; KL sports perhaps one of the tallest X-Mas trees with fantastic decorations, next to the twin towers. Businesses do well with their goods, gifts, and treats.

Singapore was perhaps the most illuminated in terms of lights though the others seem not to be too far behind. Lit displays of symbols of Crescent moon, deyas, and Christmas trees were seen at banks and streets in Trinidad.

In Singapore, the famous shopping belt on and around Orchard Road, China Town and Little India are spectacularly lit up. No shopping area in any part of the world is as dressed up and attractive as downtown Singapore, perhaps the most beautiful and peaceful country in the world.

Singapore is more lit up than Rome, Rockefeller area in NY, and the Vatican although Saigon, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, and Bangkok are not far behind.

Just outside of Georgetown at Rahaman’s Park, there is also a very tall, beautifully lit tree.

The streets are teeming with people in every city, small or large, around this time of the year not dissimilar from Manhattan. The malls are beautifully decorated similar to Bloomingdales or

Saks in NYC or in Trinidad.

Children are having a great time with their parents going shopping and enjoying the holiday treats. There is a festive spirit everywhere by young and old. Parents acquire gifts and treats for their children, family members and others.

In Asia, people entertain guests (who are treated like God) in much the same way Indians treat guests in Guyana or Trinidad or the US or Holland.

People of varied religions in Asia are appreciating the significance and spirit of the holiday season as people of diverse faiths do in North America and Guyana celebrating or observing in much the same way as Guyanese in the diaspora.

Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

NO

Are you saying to what matters (without realising it)?

- is your life a mess, because you keep saying yes when you really need to say no?

BY SUSAN BIALI MD

D

o you feel overwhelmed by life, feeling that as the days go by you’re being asked to do more and more, while you’re getting less and less done? Is your family frustrated with you? Do you feel like you never seem to get around to the things in life that truly matter?

Odds are you’ve fallen prey to the following insidious madness that affects so many of us: A while ago I was visiting my sister in New York, and we were talking about how crazy our lives could get sometimes. She made a statement I never forgot, and have written about in the past: “When you say yes to something, you automatically say no to something else.”

That may seem obvious, but what cut me to the bone was something that most of us don’t realise. You may say you desperately want more time for yourself, or that you would like to exercise more, or that you’d like to spend more time with your child or with precious friends, or that you’d finally like to find the time to pursue that meaningful goal you’ve had in your heart forever.

Yet every time another “something” comes along – another obligation, another invitation, another request for a favour or for your time – when you say “yes” and allow that new something into your life, you have just given away that possible down-time, or time with loved ones, or time doing something you love.

It’s gone. Does this happen to you? It sure does to me.

Usually, we inadvertently trade that precious, priceless time we need so badly for something that pales in value by comparison.

Without realizing it, that’s what we’ve done.

And then again, as we try to get through all our commitments, we feel overwhelmed and wonder why it is that we can never find that time we say we want for ourselves, or for the important things in our lives.

Here are a few ways to change the game and shift the odds back in your favour: 1) Practice saying: “I’ll get back to you on that” Ideally, when someone asks you for a commitment of your time to something, whatever it might be, it’s wise to develop the

habit of saying: “Let me think about it/check my schedule and I’ll get back to you.”

Still, if you’re like me (and so many others) you’re probably more likely to get caught up in the moment and enthusiastically say yes, without really thinking about it.

When this happens, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, the instant you’ve recognised that you’ve done it again, do some damage control.

Call, text or email the individual and let them know that in your enthusiasm you overlooked the reality that you actually don’t have room in your schedule for that commitment (or forgot that you haven’t seen your children in a week). article continues after advertisement They’ll most likely understand (or get over it quickly if they’re disappointed, at first). More often than not you can undo the damage and back out, especially if a short period of time has elapsed since you said yes.

2) Stop having a “magical sense of time” that isn’t realistic or possible I’m a terrible people-pleaser and hate to disappoint people, and like many of my coaching clients I suffer from what I call a “magical sense of time”, that is, I seem to think I will magically have way more hours in a day or week than I really do.

If I’m not vigilant, I’ll insanely plan a list of to-do’s and activities for a typical day that wouldn’t be possible, even if I didn’t stop to eat or have any other sort of break.

Totally. Impossible.

Sound familiar?

3) Know your top priorities and live by them, ruthlessly What (or who) are the top f i v e priorities in your life? Have you had time lately for them?

Do you feel guilty by how consistently these key people or activities get pushed aside as you race to meet other commitments, week after week?

Right now, write those top five priorities down. Memorise them, in order. The next time someone asks you for a commitment or tries to add an item to your to-do list, ask yourself if you’ve got enough time available, right now, for your top priorities.

If the answer is no, then say no to the new request if at all humanly possible. If people push back, explain that you would like to help but simply can’t because (as modelled in #1) you haven’t seen your spouse/haven’t been able to get to the gym even once in the last week/haven’t even had enough free time to sleep etc. You get the picture. article continues after advertisement If someone doesn’t care that you haven’t had enough time lately for life’s essentials and still expects you to drop what’s essential to meet their demands or request, perhaps this is a relationship that you need to rethink.

As a rule, you will do well to examine how you’ve been ordering your life. I need to, on a regular basis. There are so many demands in today’s world, so many options and choices, that one continually needs to check in and regroup.

Again, what are your priorities?

Are you giving them sufficient time in your life? If not, what needs to change?

Reviewing your life choices from this perspective is a discipline, a practice to implement repeatedly until it becomes more natural. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself overwhelmed or distracted from your priorities yet again, it happens t o the best of us. The pace of today’s life is like a vortex that will continually suck you in, you’ll need to catch yourself and reprioritise, over and over and over again.

I t is absolutely worth the effort, you will see. Imagine having time for what matters most, especially for the people that matter most. At the end of our lives, these are the decisions that we look back and are so glad we have made. Living life this way makes for far fewer regrets in the long run. (Psychology Today)

Teetering on the edge of burnout?

Don’t avoid people - when burnout and exhaustion rise, resist the temptation to withdraw socially

BY SUSAN BIALI MD

T

hese days, one in four people in the workforce feels highly stressed and up to 65 per cent feel some degree of daily stress. Our 24/7 society contributes to the problem: All of us have so much going on and feel pulled in so many different directions. Burnout, or the threat of it, is a significant reality for most of us.

Burnout is a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion which results from continual high stress and heavy workloads. It’s a gradual, insidious phenomenon that sneaks up on you. Often, you don’t even realise what’s happening.

Some of the symptoms of burnout are relational: If you are burning out, you start to withdraw socially, don’t feel like hanging out with people anymore or doing things you used to love to do. You may even begin to resent social invitations or family activities, experiencing them as intrusions on your desperately needed free time.

When you are overworked and stressed, you typically don’t have enough time for friends and family. You may stay at work late, bring work home with you, or work on weekends, cutting down your available social time. Or, you may simply feel so exhausted that you can’t find the energy to socialise like you used to.

Here’s the ironic part: Spending insufficient time with

friends and family is a risk factor for burnout, so this creates a vicious cycle and a spiral downward.

One of the key ways to heal burnout and get back to normal function is to deliberately spend more time with friends and family, even if it feels difficult to do so initially. Obviously, this interaction should ideally be in the form of pleasurable activities with minimal stress and strain involved, primarily with people who give you positive energy (versus those who drain you or typically stress you out).

It’s important to be aware that when we get really stressed or our lives get way out of balance, our natural tendency is to withdraw and spend less time with other people. Yet when we’re stressed and unbalanced, time with others (full of laughter, conversation, sharing, and support) is just what our mind and body need. Time with the ones we love is key to both preventing and healing burnout.

One caveat: This relational time is to be carefully and thoughtfully engaged in. One must be careful to still leave time for adequate rest, and be particularly cautious about catering to the requests and demands of others at the expense of necessary rest and other self-care. Identify the most important and healing people in your life, and make them a priority. You simply may not be able to see everyone you’d like to spend time with; if you’re in a season of burnout or teetering on it, it is very risky to try to do so. I encourage you to be aware and reflective in this area, in order to best understand your unique situation and what would be the healthiest, most healing choices for your life (and your free time!). (Psychology Today)

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saturDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Red House outrage

– Govt flouts court order, rips down sign …Jagdeo, PPP condemn actions

ises by today as he has plans to house the Guyana National Trust, its staff, stores and equipment in that building – which is the former home of Dr Cheddi Jagan and is associated with his life’s work and legacy.

BY: DEVINA SAMAROO

W

orkers of the Ministry of the Presidency hammered down the hallmark sign of the Red House even though a court order has blocked officers of the State from entering or removing any artefacts from the premises/building.

A major commotion erupt-

Negotiations

The Red House sign that was ripped down by Government officers

Injunction

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ed outside of Red House, Kingston, on Friday afternoon as the workmen stripped the building of its identity and barred the gates to the premises even though Government had given the occupants up to today to vacate the property.

Members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) rushed to the scene to defend the legacy of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, where a standoff between the Government workers ensued.

Police were also summoned to the scene.

The workmen attempted to transport the wooden sign bearing the words “Cheddi Jagan Research Centre” but fierce opposition from the PPP members and stewards of the Red House prevented them from completing the task they were ordered to do by the Government.

The men eventually drove off in a canter and the PPP members worked together with others on the scene to rehoist the sign onto the building.

President David Granger’s order to revoke the lease for the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre was on Friday afternoon successfully challenged by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall on behalf of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) – the organisation with oversight of the activities of Red House.

The court documents seen

by Guyana Times ordered all items, property and artefacts stored at Red House not to be interfered with or removed until further ordered.

The ruling was handed down

by Chief Justice (AG) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and the matter will be heard again on February 20, 2017.

Attorney General Basil Williams and Commissioner of Lands and Surveys Doorga Persaud, listed as defendants, were granted leave to file an Affidavit in Answer within 21 days. The CJRCI, the applicant, will then have to file

an Affidavit in Reply within 14 days.

The Research Centre was established in 1999 to promote research into and publish materials on the life, work and ideas of Dr Jagan.

The prime land on which Red House sits was leased to

Research Centre on the possibility of transforming the Red House into a hub for all former Presidents.

The Management Committee, which included former President Donald Ramotar, strongly objected to this move, and told the Government to find independent sites for the establishment of similar research centres for the other Guyanese leaders.

Particularly, Ramotar posited that former Presidents Desmond Hoyte and Forbes Burnham never shared the same ideology and philosophy

Revocation

Granger on Thursday announced that the Red House lease will be revoked, based on advice from his Attorney General that the agreement is invalid.

Williams had argued that lease held by the CJRCI is invalid on several grounds, including that there is no evidence that the President of the day had sanctioned it.

Questioned on this detail, former President Bharrat Jagdeo during a news conference on Friday contended that the Attorney General’s assertion is nothing but “nonsense” and that he “does not know what he’s talking about.”

Jagdeo highlighted that in all his years as Head of State, he never once signed a lease agreement between the Government of Guyana and the lessee.

Nonetheless, Granger ordered that the occupants of Red House vacate the prem-

Anil Nandlall during the parliamentary Opposition's press conference on Friday

sponded to the offer.

The documents explained that the AG undertook to convey the proposals to his principals and provide feedback but this never materialised.

It outlined that the next official word from Government regarding the issue was the announcement in the media that the lease will be revoked.

Acting in vain

Efforts being made to restore the sign

the CJRCI for 999 years for $12,000 per year.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition Administration was initially adverse to the small fee being charged and had started engaging the directors of the

of Dr Jagan and therefore, it would be a total dishonour for Red House to be converted into a depository for all past Presidents.

According to the documents, the CJRCI Management Committee had proposed to pay a higher lease but Government never re-

But reports indicate that Government had already revoked the lease agreement several days ago.

Attorney Nandlall said the AG told the Court on Friday afternoon that the lease was “revoked several days ago” and that Government had already taken possession of Red House; therefore, the Court will be acting in vain.

TURN TO PAGE 9

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News

saturDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Alleged phone snatcher’s accomplice charged

A

man accused of being in the company of another who snatched a cellular phone, was charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate, Annette Singh.

Daniel Gomes, 20, of Lot 1938 Hummingbird Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that on December 28, 2016 at

Regent and Bourda Streets, Georgetown, and while being in the company of others, he robbed Avinash Persuad of one Samsung phone valued $50,000 and $2000 in cash.

Police Prosecutor

Simmons told the Court that he had no objections to bail as the items were all recovered.

Bail was granted at $50,000 and the defendant is to return to Court on January 13.

WCD man charged for Brothers charged escaping Police custody with B&E

A

West Coast Demerara (WCD) man was on Friday charged with escaping from lawful custody when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Jose Hamid, 23, of Blankenburg, WCD, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 28, 2016 at Eve Leary, Georgetown, while being in

lawful custody for questioning in a simple larceny matter, he escaped.

The prosecution objected to bail and told the court that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the defendant for a murder and several other matters.

As such, the matter was transferred to the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court for January 13. The defendant was remanded to prison.

A

Region One (BarimaWaini) man on Friday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a breaking and entering and larceny charge.

Steve Williams denied the charge which alleged that between December 25 and 26, 2016, at Matthews Ridge, North West District, he broke and entered the shop of Wilfred Small and stole items amounting to $214,760.

It is alleged that his accomplice was his brother, Vincent Williams, for whom an arrest warrant was issued after the court was told that he had escaped from Police custody.

The Prosecution had no objections to bail, as the items were all recovered at the home of the accused. Bail was granted in the sum of $75,000.

The case will continue on February 7, 2017, at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Flummoxed…

T

…at humiliating Cheddi

he news that the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre’s been given one day’s notice by President Granger to vacate Red House just doesn’t make any sense to your Eyewitness. Evicted??!! It smacks of such smallmindedness and pettiness against one of the founding fathers of this nation that your Eyewitness is just gobsmacked. But he was taught when someone says something, in addition to the words they use they’re also performing an action you’re supposed to “read”.

We know the eviction notice means the PPPcommittee has to “pack their traps” and leave pronto!

But what exactly does the ACTION of the President, who not so coincidentally, is also the leader of the PNC – meant to convey?

Well, just earlier in this week of Christmas cheer, the President had indicated he was interested in “peace” – as had also the leader of the Opposition and the de facto leader of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo. Now, one thing for sure, this action of throwing out the belongings of the founder of the PPP out of the house he’d been identified with for so long, is an act of war. And that’s no hyperbole.

First of all, let’s not waste any time as to whether the lease is −or is not − “legal”. Not that the law is irrelevant but the law is not an ass. We can wade through the citations by the former PPP Attorney General and his PNC successor all night long – but the lease is just the occasion for the war – not the cause. To get to the gravamen of what’s going on – as the lawyers are wont to say – let’s step backwards.

The government’s first move on Red House was to have SARU examine the lease of the property. Last year, Clive Thomas, the head of SARU said the rates were too low and should’ve been at “market rates”. He suggested the Government “challenge” the lease in a court of law.

At the time the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, also concurred.

AG Basil Williams then proposed the facility must accommodate the papers of ALL former presidents – (read Burnham) – not just Jagan. If the AG had doubts about the legality of the lease of the facility, it wouldn’t have been cured by expanding its usage, would it?

Burnham may’ve been a good lawyer, no doubt, but even his most fervent acolyte wouldn’t claim including his legal papers can vitiate illegalities!

So, the problem is the PPP honoured Jagan but not Burnham – especially when the PPP summarily dismissed Williams’ suggestion to include him.

The President’s action is meant to show “who is man”. War Break!!

…on “oil facility”

Our Minister of Natural Resources has to be on something with his pronouncements on oil…maybe he’s inhaling too much gasoline fumes? First, we had him “solving” his Government’s economic problems by suggesting ExxonMobil would pay us “up front” from future revenue streams! The folks at ExxonMobil must’ve had a good chuckle! Those natives!!

Then he kept harping about “jobs” and “value added” for us, when ExxonMobil told him - until they were blue in the face - that at most there might be 300 jobs. All production and shipping operations for our oil will be done from the offshore FPSO. Value added? On what?

The food we may be supplying the 100 persons on board the FPSO? Then there’s his latest utterance on initiating a US$500 million “oil support facility” on Crab Island near the Berbice Bridge. So, which “private company” is gonna spend this kinda money for “support services” when revenues aren’t generated till 2022 at best?

Maybe it’s something stronger than gasoline fumes?

…on traffic deaths

The year hasn’t quite ended as yet but the Traffic Department announced there have been 127 traffic deaths so far. Pretty much on par with what’s been going on over the past few years. This isn’t far away from the number of murders.

But where’s the outrage?

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

news

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saturDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Missing US$5M for GT&T shares

NICIL prepares for arbitration to recover monies T he National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) has maintained that it is yet to receive the US$5 million outstanding to the Government of Guyana for the purchase of the State’s 20 per cent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company and has since taken certain steps to recoup the monies.

“Let it be clear, NICIL has not received the remaining US$5 million that is owed to NICIL,” Officer in charge of NICIL, Horace James, declared at a yearend press briefing on Friday.

He noted that NICIL is in the process of executing all the relief measures contained in the sales agreement to recover the monies owed to Government.

James said that NICIL has consulted its lawyers in the United States, who were involved in drafting the sales agreement.

“We continue to utilise them and they have recommended a (law firm) in the United Kingdom to go to arbitration whenever that time comes, when we will go there. It is important that we use a UK company because the arbitration will be held in London,” he stated.

It was reported that shares sale agreement between Hong Kong

Officer in charge of NICIL, Horace James

Telecom and the Guyana Government was framed in such a manner that in the event of any legal issue, Guyana or the Chinese company would have to petition the United Kingdom courts.

According to the NICIL official, in addition to recouping the US$5 million the organisation will also be looking to recover interests and legal fees, as well as going after the signatory to the sales agreement and the guarantor listed.

“We will be going for the entire thing… So that process has started. Our lawyers have presented all the issues concerning the shares sale and advise us that we have a very good chance of getting the entire

thing that we are seeking,” James stated.

In 2012, Chinese company Hong Kong Telecom purchased Government’s 20 per cent shares in GTT from NICIL at the cost of US$30 million. However, based on an agreement with the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, the company only paid US$25 million and had two years to make the outstanding payment but never did.

It was reported that Hong Kong Telecom had refused to make the payments within the stipulated time after it requested to have an additional Director on GTT’s Board. However, the local telephone company rejected the request, saying that based on the amount of shares the Chinese company had, it is only entitled to one Director on the Board.

In this vein, Minister Harmon and a NICIL executive went to China in April with the aim of recouping the outstanding monies from the Chinese company.

Upon their return, however, it was disclosed that they obtained documents, which claim the US$5 million was already paid to Guyana by the Chinese company.

Further investigations revealed that Hong Kong Telecom had indicated to Harmon that following a

series of communications with the former Guyanese Ambassador to China, David Dabydeen, the company was assured that it was not required to pay the remaining US$5 million.

The company claimed that this is because it was not granted the same minority protection rights that used to be enjoyed by the Guyana Government which is two, instead of one, representatives on the GTT Board.

But this claim was not supported by any oth-

er former Government official or any documents in the hands of the current Administration.

In fact, former President Donald Ramotar had stated that no debt wavier was given to the Chinese company by the former Guyanese Diplomat.

Nevertheless, James on Friday pointed out that only NICIL would be in a position to strike such a deal with Hong Kong Telecom since the share sales transaction was done with NICIL and that company.

“They were under the impression that they were relieved from paying the money but that was never so. Any payment of the money was to be done directly to NICIL… Our position has always been, we sold you the shares and you made the initial payment to us… therefore the second payment has to be made to us, so it’s not our duty to go looking to find out if you pay anybody else,” the NICIL official outlined.

Govt flouts court...

FROM PAGE 7

Nonetheless, among the reliefs sought in the proceedings are a declaration that the lease to CJRCI is valid, binding and in force; and a declaration that the revocation or threatened revocation of the said lease is unlawful, illegal, contrary to and in breach of CJRCI’s fundamental right not to be deprived of its property that is, its 999 years lease hold-interests as guaranteed by article 142 of the Constitution; damages for breach of contract and breach of constitutional rights.

CJCRI is seeking in excess of $1 million for breach

of Government’s lease agreement.

Crass and vulgar

Meanwhile, the move by the APNU/AFC Government has been described as the most crass and vulgar act of the authoritarian Administration.

These developments have sparked immense public outrage, with countless Guyanese condemning the Government for its unjustifiable attack on the legacy of Dr Jagan – who significantly contributed to the struggle for a free, independent and

democratic Guyana.

The Opposition Leader, who was on site when the standoff with Government officers occurred, expressed that these attacks against Dr Jagan and his legacy is the height of indecency and callousness of the Government.

“This is heinous, reprehensible act on the part of this Government. They have so many things to deal with in this country than to come and do what they did here today (Friday) to forcibly eject the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre from this building,” Jagdeo said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 31, 2016

News

Minister Lawrence leads Sugar production slumps protest against PPP vigil to 25-year low outside Red House ...“Grave miscalculation” by top management – GAWU

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PPP Executive Members at the peaceful candlelight vigil on Friday night to voice its concerns over Government’s move to evict the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre from Red House

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he peaceful candlelight vigil hosted by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to voice its concerns over Government’s move to evict the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre from Red House was marred by a protest by a group of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) supporters who were led by the Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence.

The activities occurred outside of Red House, Kingston, Georgetown around 19:30h on Friday.

A number of PPP supporters stood in solidarity outside

the compound, chanting and upbraiding Government’s plans to revoke the Red House lease.

In what appeared to be a counter vigil, a group of PNCR supporters stood alongside the PPP supporters to defend the Government’s decisions.

Lawrence, also PNCR Vice Chairperson, contended that the Red House premise was State property and that the Government had a duty to ensure the land is returned to the State.

Meanwhile, the PPP described the decision by the

Government as the most callous action taken by any President in the history of modern-day politics and flies in the face of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change claims of forging a climate of peace, tolerance and national reconciliation.

“This latest action by President Granger is not only an assault on the legacy of Dr Jagan but one that is highly provocative, vindictive, insensitive and divisive,” the Party expressed in a statement to the media on Friday.

ugar production has slumped to its lowest in 25 years, and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), while criticising the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) management for the state of the industry, has pointed out this is no justification for the non-payment of Annual Production Incentive (API).

This was disclosed at GAWU’s end of year briefing where it was noted that 2016 was “a dismal year” which included many setbacks that affected the workers.

GAWU’s General Secretary Seepaul Narine told the media that while production reached over 200,000 tonnes in 2015, this year’s numbers were the lowest since 1990.

“Instead of sugar production continuing to climb from a high of 231,000 tonnes in 2015, it slumped to 183,652 tonnes,” Narine disclosed.

He explained that problems in the sugar sector where heightened when the second crop took 18 weeks to complete, which is five weeks beyond its original stipulated timeframe of 13 weeks.

Narine further pointed out that the 183,652 tonnes was a far cry from set target of 242,000 tonnes, which was affected by El Niño earlier this year.

“Clearly there was a grave miscalculation by the industry’s top management and this requires a full examination given the context of Government’s inputs and various interferences,” the General Secretary said.

GAWU General Seepaul Narine

Secretary

However, GAWU stressed that attaining a lower target does not justify Government’s non-payment of the 2016 Annual Production Incentive (API) which spurred protests during this year. Workers had also called for increased wages.

“When you had the lowest production in the industry in 1990 at 129,920 tonnes, workers were awarded five days’ pay and in 2013, when the production had been at a similar level, workers had also been awarded five days’ pay,” Narine pointed out.

Alluding to the progress of the Labour Ministry’s interventions for conciliation talks between GuySuCo and the unions over workers’ API, Narine revealed that the matter was declared deadlocked.

November 2016 was the first time in 64 years that API was not awarded to sugar workers. Additionally, in a statement issued by GAWU on Friday morning,

it was noted that the nonpayment of wage increases for 2015 and 2016 represented yet “another blow” to livelihood of over 18,000 workers across the sugar belt.

“No Government, since our political independence in 1966, has ever been so unfair to sugar workers,” the statement noted.

Other key issues the Union highlighted were sacking of 11 Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) workers who were reportedly sacked for picketing at their employer’s head office in October and the denial of paid release by the Sugar Corporation for its workers to attend GAWU’s Congress.

GAWU also lambasted Government’s commitment to collective bargaining in the public service, noting that many concerns surrounding de-bunching and various allowances are still “outstanding”.

“Collective bargaining is but empty talk and trade unions are simply sidelined,” pointed out.

Reflecting on the surprise 2017 National Budget that was approved earlier this month, GAWU is of the belief that some of the its imminent measures, especially through the categorised implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity, will only bring “great hardships” on the country’s “overburdened” working class. The Union while extending New Year’s greetings to all Guyanese cautioned that “hard times” are ahead for the country’s working class.

NEWS

11

Casino, entertainment centre for Marriott – NICIL official

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he Board of Directors of Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), which owns the Marriott Hotel, has decided to move ahead with outfitting the five-star hotel located in Kingston, Georgetown, with an entertainment centre and casino.

This was revealed by Officer In-charge of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Horace James, at the organisation’s end of year press briefing on Friday.

According to James, the Board indicated, at the Hotel’s annual general meeting a few weeks ago, that an entertainment centre and casino will bring the hotel to the financial state it was projected to be. “(The board) still believes that that is the way to go in terms of the entertainment centre and they think once they get through with that, they will be able to get through the initial financial order,” he stated.

The AHI Board is currently headed by former Chief Executive Officer of Ansa Mcal, Beverly Harper, along with Larry London, Derrick Cummings and Patricia Bacchus.

The NICIL official explained that the while the occupancy rate at the Marriott is good, the problem is not with the operation of the Hotel section.

This section, he said, is operating within the expectation of the feasibility study that was done. “…Their problem is that, the additional revenue that they should have obtained from the entertainment centre is not

Marriott Hotel to have entertainment centre, casino

there… The whole feasibility study that they did and all the numbers depended on that entertainment centre…

But the hotel (section) when you look at that and the feasibility study, I think that’s ok, it’s comfortable. The Board of AHI is comfortable with that part,” he posited, while adding that based on the feasibility study the Marriott Hotel project is a “good” one.

However, James noted that while the hotel section is running on an on operational basis, it is unable to service their debt.

“They are hoping to make the decision to get the entertainment centre up and running, then they will be (able to service their debt,” the NICIL official stated.

Asked where the funding to construction the entertainment centre will come from, James disclosed that Republic Bank has indicated that there are still some outstand-

ing monies that could be made available; however, the current arrangement with the bank will have to be revised before AHI can

access the additional monies. Steps in this direction have already been taken, the NICIL official noted.

AHI had secured a loan

from Republic Bank to construct the controversial hotel with NICIL standing in as guarantor thus making the State holding company, a 100 per cent shareholder of the Marriott Hotel.

Most of NICIL’s monies, James noted, are tied up in the Marriott Hotel, that is, some US$30 million investment on which it is yet to receive any returns.

Moreover, with Marriot unable to service its loans, NICIL is now liable to Republic Bank. However as the time fast approaches to start repayments to the bank, the NICIL official indicated that the State holding company as well as the Marriott Hotel has written to Finance Minister Winston Jordan about the situation in the hopes that he is able to lend assistance. Additionally, James

said that AHI is also in talks with the bank and the matter is yet to be fully resolved.

In October, an advertisement was published in the State-owned Chronicle newspaper detailing that the Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) is embarking on Phase Two of the Guyana Marriott Project, which consists of the design and outfitting of an Entertainment Complex and Casino.

Moreover, AHI indicated that it was seeking an accountant for this aspect of the project to ensure the smooth, efficient and cost effective execution of phase two of the hotel.

Ram and McRae Chartered Accountants was tasked with handling the receipt of the applications.

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news

SATURDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

No hope for 2017 – Nandlall − as Ali reflects on bleak economy

I

n light of failed economic policies, measures shrouded in secrecy and corruption and actions reeking of authoritarianism, there appear to be no hope for Guyanese in 2017.

This is according to Opposition Member of

Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall who was at the time rating the Government’s performance in 2016 at a news conference at Freedom House.

He outlined that the trend which started from January and progressed un-

interrupted until the end of the year, sends worrying signals of what the new year holds.

“In 2017, there seems to be no hope that there will be changes… In 2017, it looks as though the transgressions will continue unabat-

Public Prosecutions (DPP), among others.

Additionally, former Junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill described 2016 as the year of “lost opportunities and unmet expectations”.

He went on to chastise the Government for its incompetence in managing the economy, alluding to the underspending of the appropriated amounts in several sectors.

“Billions of dollars ap-

Anil Nandlall

ed,” he predicted.

The transgressions to which he alluded include the deadly Carifesta Avenue crash which killed GDF Officer Robert Pyle, his wife and another civilian and the secrecy which surrounded that matter which involved the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU); then jewellery being seized under pretext of money laundering; business owner’s homes being invaded by SOCU under the pretext of money laundering investigations; among others.

Nandlall explained that more hardships will soon come with the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill, which he previously posited will set the stage for the creation of a parallel justice system; the Cybercrime Legislation which he believes has many flaws and deserves to be sent to a Select Committee; and the hiring of special prosecutors that will completely side-line the Director of

the livelihood of the citizenry.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) point man on the economy Irfaan Ali, in his review, reflected on the bleak economic performance in 2016, noting that government failed to increase or at least maintain the economic performance of the previous administration.

He reminded that the economy recorded the lowest growth in eight years which was due to the contraction in all the major sectors; sugar 19 per cent decline, rice 14 per cent decline, forestry 33 per cent decline, and manufacturing 7 per cent decline.

Ali highlighted too that while inflation rate is low, food prices have increased by approximately 4 per cent.

He also referenced the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate, and noted that the decision to switch to rice will not only diminish the performance of the sugar industry but bring unfair competition to private rice farmers.

Juan Edghill

proved in the 2016 Budget remain unspent. Money isn’t the problem, management is the problem. So we can best describe this coalition Government as incompetent; they have mismanaged the economy…It is clear that strategic planning is woefully lacking,” he posited.

Edghill also outlined that this mismanagement of the economy significantly impacted the economy and

Irfaan Ali

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Oil, gas sector

UG to be integral part of capacity building – Trotman … GGMC to give UG $100M

G

overnment has committed to building the capacity of the soon to be thriving oil and gas industry in Guyana by investing heavily in and including the country’s premier tertiary institution, University of Guyana (UG).

Natural Resources and

sary for the effective management and the best outcomes for its people are in place before the first barrel of oil is produced.

He said also that Government intends to keep the stakeholders, including the parliamentary Opposition, and the popu-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

the Environment Minister Raphael Trotman said on Thursday that Government has committed to providing finance and other support to UG as it prepares by means of technical training, to embrace the promising sector.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, we will be working on scholarships; we have raised the

lace, informed and engaged at every stage of the development of the Oil and Gas Sector.

As such, the Government will in late January 2017 be embarking on a nationwide and Diaspora three-month outreach programme to enlighten citizens on the implications and to present proposed policies and legis-

Government has committed to providing finance and other support to UG as it prepares, by means of technical training, to embrace the promising sector

grant from the GGMC to UG to $100 million, which will be given over the next five years to ensure that the capacity at UG is boosted to cater for oil and gas,” Trotman said.

Additionally he said, the Ministry is looking to improve the functionality and the services provided by the Technical Institutes (TI) in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Essequibo.

The Ministry is also in receipt of proposals from colleges abroad which he hopes to pair with “our national institutes”.

Guyana is being proactive in its approach to the emerging sector by ensuring that all mechanisms neces-

lation pertaining to the various aspects of the evolving oil and gas industry; along with updates on other natural resource industries.

In continuing its commitment, Trotman said too that Cabinet recently gave the green-light for several initiatives to be undertaken by the Ministry in 2017 as it prepares for the petroleum industry.

To this end Cabinet has approved the Ministry’s plans and projects, which include its policy and legislative agenda comprising the Upstream Oil and Gas Policy, Revised Petroleum Act and Regulations, Local Content Policy and Regulations, Petroleum Commission Bill,

Petroleum Taxation and Fiscal Legislation, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Regulations and a Bill to provide for Sovereign Wealth/Generational Savings, Stabilization, Infrastructural Social Welfare and Citizens Participation Fund.

Of these the draft Petroleum Commission Bill was shared in early December with stakeholders, he said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

Regional

Brazil Police detain Antiguan Govt to pass laws to boost wife of murdered Greek healthy lifestyles Ambassador Amiridis T

P

olice in Rio de Janeiro have detained the Greek Ambassador’s wife and three other people on suspicion of involvement in his murder.

The envoy, Kyriakos Amiridis, had been missing since Monday. His body was found in the boot of a burntout car on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.

Police suspect Mr Amiridis, 59, was the victim of a “crime of passion”. His Brazilian wife, Francoise Amiridis, and a local Policeman are being questioned.

Police in Rio are working on the assumption that Mrs Amiridis was having an extramarital affair with the detained Policeman and had conspired to kill him, local media reported.

The couple had been living together for 15 years and

Francoise Amiridis, the wife of dead Ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis, has been detained by Police

had a 10-year-old daughter, local news programme RJTV reported.

Amiridis served as consul in Rio de Janeiro between 2001 and 2004 and returned to the country as ambassador earlier this year. He had travelled from Brasilia to the city of Nova Iguacu, north of Rio, to spend the Christmas holidays there with his wife and her parents.

Mrs Amiridis reported Mr Amiridis missing on Wednesday. She told police that he had left the apartment in the car he had rented on Monday evening without telling her where he was going.

The burnt-out car was found on Thursday under a flyover on one of the main access roads to Rio with a body inside. (Excerpt from BBC News)

USAID-funded solar farm for Westmoreland

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he US Agency for International D e v e l o p m e n t (USAID) has awarded its first grant through the Clean Energy Finance Facility for the Caribbean and Central America (CEFF-CCA), to help develop a 37-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Westmoreland.

According to a news release from the United States Embassy, CEFFCCA, which was launched

by President Barack Obama on April 9, 2015, will provide support to Rekamniar Capital Limited, the project developer, to partner with independent power producer (IPP) Neoen on forming

the Eight Rivers Energy Company, which will build the solar facility.

The purpose of the grant is to support selected legal, consulting and engineering costs in late stage project development. The project will connect to the national grid under a Purchase Power Agreement with Jamaica’s Office of Utility Regulation, the release stated.

Once completed, the Eight Rivers facility will generate some of the lowest cost electricity on the island. The programme seeks to encourage private sector investment in clean energy projects in the two regions.

CEFF-CCA leverages the ex-

pertise and resources of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of State (State Department), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

The CEFF-CCA funding opportunity will remain open until March 31, 2017, or until funds have been completely allocated, whichever occurs first. The overall CEFF-CCA grant pool ceiling for USAID is US$10 million. Within this ceiling, there is no limit to the number of applications or awards.(Jamaica Observer)

Road deaths reach double figures in Barbados

J

ust one day after a road safety advocate expressed cautious optimism at the record low

a collision.

On Wednesday, Daniel Sylvester Louis, 25, of Silver Hill Drive, Christ

Wednesday night’s fatality involving Daniel Louis took the number of deaths on the road to 10

number of road fatalities in Barbados this year, another young man lost his life in

Church, was pronounced dead at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after succumbing

to injuries suffered during an accident along the Graeme Hall Section of the ABC Highway. He was the 10th road fatality The day before, President of the Barbados Road Safety Association Sharmane Roland-Bowen told the Weekend Nation she was hoping road deaths stayed in single digits.

“I am very happy so far, there have only been nine fatalities on the road for the year and this is the first time in decades it has been so low. I hope this number remains in the single digits but there have been some close calls so I’m not counting my lucky stars yet,” she said. (Nation News)

he Antiguan Health Ministry is asking Antiguans and Barbudans to commit to lifestyle changes, as the Government plans to pass legislation that would discourage the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive amounts of sugar and salt as a part of an ‘aggressive’ wellness programme.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Cabinet report, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph said legislation would be passed to deal with food products that contribute to cancer.

“Legislation will be passed to deal with the products that contain high salt additives, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco,” Joseph said. “These are now confirmed, there is no dispute… as the main contributors to cancer.”

Asked if legislation would include a tax on these products, Joseph said he wants Antiguans and Barbudans to make a change in lifestyle, but added that the people are entitled to freedom of choice.

“Non-communicable diseases can be arrested if we

change our lifestyle. It is a simple, straightforward, message. As a nation, we can see a dramatic decrease in the deaths in this country,” Joseph said.

The Health Minister had previously supported a tax on sugary drinks, and had asked Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin to prepare legislation for the tax in April. The details of the legislation are still under consultation, and Joseph did not say if a tax would be included in the Bill.

(Antigua Observer)

DOMA: Ban sales of fireworks in Port of Spain

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resident of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) Gregory Aboud is calling for a ban on the sale and storage of fireworks in Port of Spain.

He also suggested that gasoline tankers avoid using Henry and Frederick Streets to deliver fuel to gas stations on the outskirts on Port of Spain and the tankers that supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to neighbouring restaurants not drive through the city when it is populated with shoppers.

Aboud made the call on Wednesday, one day after police swooped down on street vendors in downtown in search of unlicensed fireworks retailers and illegal scratch bombs. ?The exercise, which came after weeks of lobbying

President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), Gregory Aboud

by animal welfare groups, NGOs and a government minister for a ban on sale of scratch bombs, led to the arrest of a female vendor and confiscation of the items she

was selling.

Weighing in on the issue, Aboud said DOMA had failed in its past safety and security efforts, not only with the sale of fireworks but also gasoline tankers driving through the city.

“We do not think it is a good idea for businesses in densely populated areas of the city to be storing large quantities of fireworks on their premises,” he said.

He felt this was an oversight by the authorities which remains uncontrolled.

The DOMA president added: “We stand firmly behind the view that fireworks should not be sold or stored in the city centre. It poses a hazard, not only to the public, but to the fire officers and those who might be responding to any episodes involving emergencies in the city...”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Bahamas repatriates 214 illegal Jamaican migrants in 2016

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he Bahamas Government says it has repatriated more than 6300 illegal migrants during 2016 with the majority coming from the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) Member State of Haiti.

In a statement responding to allegations that 99 illegal migrants, including 22 women, had only been arrested once they were discovered on the base at Carol Harbour

on Christmas Day, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that up until December 26, a total of 6335 migrants had been repatriated to their home countries.

It said that 4655 Haitians and 1179 Cubans led the way followed by Jamaica where 214 nationals were repatriated from The Bahamas. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also said nationals from China (73), Brazil (59), The Dominican Republic (47), and Ecuador (24) were deported during the

year.

The ministry said that the latest batch of illegal migrants were arrested after their vessel had been detected off the Exuma chain.

“On board were 77 males and 22 females. The arrested migrants were handed over to immigration officials and are detained at the Detention Centre in New Providence where they await repatriation,” the statement added.

(Jamaica Observer)

Surge of Central Americans drive jump in immigration arrests

O

fficials say Central Americans attempting to enter the United States illegally along the country’s border with Mexico helped drive a 15 per cent increase in immigration arrests.

US Department of Homeland Security figures released Friday show the jump came en-

tirely from US Border Patrol apprehensions, which surged 23 per cent to nearly 416,000 in the 12-month period that ended September 30.

Border Patrol arrests are still lower than the 2014 tally and far below those seen in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Homeland Security

says the number of Central Americans recently apprehended on the Mexico border once again surpassed the number of Mexicans who were stopped.

Many are families and unaccompanied children, a shift from earlier years when border crossers were largely adult men. (Yahoo! News)

saturday, december 31, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

China announces ban on UN chief Ban Kiivory trade by end of 2017 moon bids colleagues, staff farewell

C

hina has announced a ban on all ivory trade and processing activities by the end of 2017.

Conservation groups hailed the decision as “historic” and a “game-changer” for the future of elephants.

The move follows a resolution at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) in South Africa in October.

China has the biggest ivory market in the world – some estimates suggest 70 per cent of the world’s trade ends up there.

Ivory can reach US$1100 (£850) per kilogram in China. China’s State Council announced the details of the ban on Friday.

The commercial processing and sale of ivory will stop

by March 31, and all registered traders will then be phased out, bringing a full

Kenya set alight 105 tonnes of ivory tusks in April to help tackle the illegal trade

halt to the market by the end of the year.

Conservation group WWF welcomed the latest news, calling it a “historic announcement... signalling an end to the world’s primary legal ivory market and a

major boost to international efforts to tackle the elephant poaching crisis in Africa”.

Elly Pepper, deputy director of wildlife trade for the Natural Resources Defense Council, praised China for its “great leadership” on the

issue.

“Setting such an aggressive timeline to close – once and for all – the largest domestic ivory market in the world is globally significant.

(Excerpt from BBC New)

At least 9 killed, many trapped in Indian coal mine collapse

A

t least nine Indian miners were killed and nearly two dozen trapped when mine waste collapsed at a coalfield run by state-owned Coal India Limited, officials said on Friday, hitting production at one of the country’s largest mines.

The accident occurred in Jharkhand state on Thursday evening at the Lalmatia mine owned by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of the world’s largest miner.

“So far, nine bodies have been re-

covered,” RR Amitabh, a General Manager at the ECL project office told Reuters. A rescue operation was underway and the exact number of people trapped had yet to ascertained, he said.

Coal India has a poor safety record, with 135 accidents reported last year, killing 37 people and injuring 141, the company said in a report, highlighting concern about working conditions.

Operations at the mine in Godda district, about 280 km (175 miles) from

the state capital, Ranchi, have been stopped, Amitabh said. The mine has an annual capacity of 17 million tonnes and accounts for about half of ECL’s coal production, he said. Last month, ECL accounted for about 9 percent of Coal India’s total production of 50 million tonnes.

The operation of the mine had been outsourced to a private company, Mullick said. The federal Coal Ministry has ordered an investigation.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump praises ‘very smart’ Putin for not expelling US diplomats

V

ladimir Putin has refused to engage in tit-for-tat diplomacy after the US expelled 35 Russian diplomats amid a row over cyber-hacking.

Just hours after the Russian Foreign Minster said he was recommending a symmetrical response, Putin said his country had every right to make such a move but that he would not “drop to this level of irresponsible diplomacy”.

He said his Government would instead wait to see how relations developed un-

President Vladimir Putin: "We will take further steps to help resurrect Russian-American relations"

der the incoming President, Donald Trump, who later described the Russian leader in a tweet as “very smart”.

“We will make further steps to help resurrect Russian-American relations based on the policies that the Administration of Trump will pursue,” the Russian President said in a statement on the Kremlin’s website.

Putin, mindful that Trump will be in the White House in just three weeks, went on in an almost teasing way to wish Barack Obama

and his family, and Trump and the American people a happy new year. He invited “all the children of American diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas celebrations in the Kremlin”.

His stance appeared to be warmly welcomed by the President-elect. Putin’s pointedly magnanimous intervention came after a day in which Russian officials launched increasingly angry invective at Barack Obama and his Administration.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Israel warns on travel to India, citing immediate threat of attacks

I

srael’s anti-terrorism directorate issued a travel warning for India on Friday, citing an immediate threat of attack to Western and tourist targets, particularly in the South-West of the country.

“A particular emphasis should be put on events in

the coming days in connection with beach and club parties celebrating the New Year where a concentration of tourists will be high,” part of the warning said.

The statement recommended that tourists avoid participation in such parties.

It also called on families in

Israel to contact their relatives in India and tell them of the threat.

In addition, it recommended avoiding markets, festivals and crowded shopping areas.

Unusually, the warning was published on Friday evening in Israel, after the start of the Jewish Sabbath, when gov-

ernment offices close for business.

The directorate did not say what prompted the warning.

In 2012, the wife of Israeli diplomat stationed in India, her driver and two others were wounded in a bomb attack on her car. Israel and India share close military ties.(Reuters)

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, poses for a selfie photo with one of his staff members on his last day at the UN headquarters on Friday, December 30

B

an Ki-Moon joked to hundreds of diplomats and UN staff as he left United Nations headquarters on Friday for the last time as SecretaryGeneral that he feels “like Cinderella – tomorrow at midnight, everything changes.”

Flanked by the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, the native South Korean thanked UN workers for their hard work and commitment over the course of his 10-year tenure, which ends at midnight tonight.

“Tomorrow night on the eve of the new year, I’ll be in Times Square for the ball drop. Millions of people will be watching as I lose my job,” he said with a broad smile.

He told his colleagues he had two words for them: “Thank You.” As the top UN

official over the last decade, Ban fostered a global agreement to combat climate change and new UN goals to combat poverty and inequality. However, he leaves amid continuing conflicts from Syria and Yemen to South Sudan and Libya.

Ban urged staff members to stay focused on advancing UN development goals and working to address issues ranging from climate change to gender empowerment.

“Keep the focus on people – on people’s rights and people’s dignity,” he told them.

Ban will be succeeded by former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, who begins a five-year term on Sunday.

Ban was thronged by UN staff as he made his way out of United Nations headquarters for the last time. (Excerpt from Yahoo! News)

Agreement to hand over Red Sea islands approved

E

gypt’s Government has approved a controversial deal to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, according to state television.

The agreement has been sent to Parliament for ratification, according to reports on Thursday, despite a legal dispute in Egyptian courts over the plan.

In June, the Higher Administrative Court ruled that the deal was void, saying Egyptian sovereignty over Tiran and Sanafir could not be ceded.

The Egyptian Government filed an appeal shortly afterwards.

Earlier this month, an Egyptian state advisory body recommended that the Cairo court uphold the ruling that annulled the agreement. The court is due to issue its final verdict on January 16 and is

not obliged to follow the advisory body’s report.

Reuters news agency quoted Khaled Ali, a lawyer who filed the June lawsuit to annul the deal, as saying that the Government’s latest move shows “the collapse of the state of law and the constitution” in Egypt.

“The decision that Parliament is going to issue is void and the people should defend their land with all legitimate means against this tyrant regime that doesn’t respect either law or judiciary,” Ali said.

However, Nabil al-Gamal, a member of the legislative and constitutional committee in parliament, said there was “absolutely no conflict” in sending the agreement to Parliament for ratification before the court’s final ruling.(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

saturDAY, december 31, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Leaked nursing exam

Fingers point to head of exams – investigation shows

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s investigations into allegations of the leaked papers for the countrywide nursing exam continue, information so far points to persons who had set the examination.

This was revealed by Public Health Minister Dr George Norton who on Friday confirmed that the Police investigations so far have revealed that the leak may have come from those responsible for putting together the test. He noted however, that the investigations are not yet completed.

“This certainly is at the level of the Police Force and it all points to the involvement of the authority responsible (for) setting the examination. My last communication with the Police was that they are still investigating,” he told journalists at his yearend press conference.

Last month final year professional nursing students carried out a coun-

trywide protest against word that they would have to re-sit the crucial examination, as there had been some leakage along the way. The nurses took to the streets following a meeting to which they were summoned.

They had argued that the time for a re-sit was too short since they were not given adequate time to prepare for another examination.

However, intervention by the Public Health Ministry saw the decision being deferred until Police complete their probe into the alleged breach.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, had told media that the Ministry’s Health Policy Committee met with the Nursing Council and other stakeholders to discuss the matter when it was decided that a re-sitting of the examination should be contingent on the findings of the investigations.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

He explained that if the extent of which the papers were leaked was major, then most likely students will have to retake the exam but if it was to a minimal level, then alternatives would be explored to grade the budding nurses.

He said proposals have been made for the coursework of the students throughout their three

years be used to determine their success as an alternative to rewriting the exam.

However, if it comes down to having to retake the examination, the Minister said a decision will have to be made regarding which organisation will spearhead the initiative.

He explained that if the nursing council is found to be greatly corrupt, then an independent body will have to set the papers, while efforts will be made to revamp the GNC. Asked about possible penalties for those found culpable, the Minister said that is up to the courts to decide.

He also did not say definitively if students found guilty of purchasing the exam papers will be punished. When prompted the Minister said, “You can only buy if you are being sold.”

Dr Norton had empathised with the nursing students and asked them to be patient while the matter

is being resolved.

He emphasised that it is of utmost importance that the problem is solved in a timely manner since the nursing sector is always in

need of young professionals.

Some 250 nursing students stand to be affected by the decisions made in relation to this matter.

Region 2 floodwaters not receding – residents report damage to property, losses

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esident’s in Lima and neighbouring villages including Coffee Grove and Sparta in Region

that she had to move her electrical appliances to the upper flat of her home.

Alluding to ways the sit-

A house at Lima under water

2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are still complaining about flood waters covering their lands. According to the residents, they have been affected for close to one week now and although the pump and sluice are operational, the waters have not receded satisfactorily.

This situation is due to the excessive rains the region is experiencing.

Residents early Friday morning were seen va-

uation could be remedied, many residents recommended that the pump at Lima should work for extended hours, to take off the excess water. They also report that fuel is supplied to the station late in the day, affecting the length of time the pumps are in operation.

Residents are calling on Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder to visit the area, as many are claim-

A Lima resident has placed sandbags in front on entry to stop the flood waters

cating the lower levels of their homes, seeking safety. According to Thomas Charles from Lima Sideline Dam, several household appliances were damaged. He said the nearby trenches also overflowed and damaged his yard, leaving his kitchen garden submerged.

Another resident said

ing that their concerns are treated as “irrelevant” by the Region Two authorities.

They are also calling for any form of assistance from the Government since many of their livelihoods are affected. Due to the flooding several poultry pens, kitchen gardens and electrical appliance were damaged.

17

NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 rice farmers spending large sums to drain lands — pleading with Central Government for help

S

cores of rice farmers living within the areas of Lima, Devonshire Castle, West Bury and Evergreen in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are incurring additional expenses to pump excessive water off their lands.

Most of the front lands in the Lima and Hampton

Prampatie Persaud

Court areas are reportedly inundated and farmers

have already sowed their lands.

According to the affected residents, they are very fearful of what the future holds; many are alleging that there has been no support offered from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) or the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

The farmers explained that the pumps and sluices currently in operation are not sufficient to effectively drain the lands and are therefore lobbying for assistance from Central Government.

Imram Bacchus, a rice farmer from Lima Backdam who has cultivated close to 20 acres and who has three-week-old seedlings planted, explained that he was forced to pump water off his field in an effort to save his crop. This, he said, amounts to $5000 per hour to pump water.

In addition, Bacchus noted that his tractor engine is also under pressure due to the long hours of pumping and as such, is forced to spend more mon-

ey on maintenance.

“We have to pump; fuel using, tractor engine running, money spending, rain continue to fall; if it don’t ease up then all our crop will be lost, this is real crisis,” he explained.

Another large-scale farmer, Lakeram Ramdial from Windsor Castle related that close to 100 acres of rice lands are under threat for him. He pointed out that the koker in the Lima area is not working effectively to drain water.

Another rice farmer, Parmanand Chandrapaul, from Hampton Court explained that he too has been forced to pump water from his lands, as the water level keeps rising. He is also seeking assistance from Central Government for fuel, fertilisers or seed paddy.

Meanwhile in the residential area of Windsor Castle, one poultry farmer, Prampatie Persaud, said she lost dozens of chickens, ducks and eggs to the flooding. When this newspaper visited Persaud her land was under water, which she claims has been

Guyana’s Reference Lab to conduct Zika testing - Norton …will be less dependent on CARPHA in 2017

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he Public Health Ministry is seeking to move away from its heavy dependence on the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in the new year, as there has been some significant improvement in the country’s local Reference Laboratory.

At his year-end press conference, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton said the improvements have put the lab in a position where it was now able to carry out testing for the Zika Virus, which commenced some two weeks ago.

“We had the offer of sending two persons to be trained in CARPHA in Trinidad. They were sent to train and having the equipment in Guyana, we had to calibrate those equipment and we waited on the experts to come down and have those equipment calibrated.

Then we went into some difficulties of getting the reagents. Finally, were able to have the equipment calibrated and acquire the reagents and about two weeks we have been able to begin testing for Zika,” Norton told journalists in the Ministry’s boardroom on Friday.

The Laboratory, prior to this, did not have the capacity to carry out testing for Zika and other mosquito-related viruses. The samples were sent to CARPHA, after which Guyana had to wait over a week to receive the results.

Two medical technologists from the Laboratory were sent to Trinidad to be trained to test for three vec-

tor-borne diseases – Zika, Chikungunya and dengue.

Shameza Ally Sonaram and Johanna Vaughn had completed training at the Agency and were expected to work along with a number of other specialist staff identified by the Ministry to perform specific duties in helping them complete these tests.

“We have had persons trained and the ability of the National Reference Lab has been improved. We hope to continue improving,” Norton told reporters.

For this year, the Minister said there have been some 842 cases of dengue, 35 lab confirmed cases of Zika and 135 cases of Chikungunya.

He said Chikungunya is not much of a threat as it used to be.

“It is now pedalling out on its own because it is a viral infection. Whenever it shows up, we know it is there because of the severity of the symptoms it presents.”

The Zika Virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, known to be aggressive daytime biters, but also bite at nights.

Symptoms of the Virus include; fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and sometimes swelling of the limbs. In rare cases, persons may experience vomiting, abdominal pains and diarrhoea.

The Virus can be passed on from a pregnant woman to her foetus, possibly resulting in certain brain defects. The Virus has been

linked specifically to a brain deformity, called microcephaly, which results in abnormal smallness of the infant’s head. This disorder results in incomplete brain development.

Thus, the Ministry has advocated that persons avoid getting pregnant during this time. And if they do, they do it at their own risk.

The Ministry had advised that all pregnant women attend each antenatal clinic dates and use mosquito nets.

There are as yet no vaccines for the Virus; however, the symptoms are treated symptomatically.

Zika was first spotted in Berbice when a woman, 27, tested positive in January,2016. The Virus has since spread to other regions, predominantly Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The creation of the new Caribbean Public Health Agency was approved by the Caricom Heads of Government in March 2010.

CARPHA replaced and built on the work of the Caribbean Community’s five Regional Health Institutions (RHIs), following a phased transition period in December 2010.

The RHIs are: Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC); the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI); the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI); the Caribbean Health Research Centre (CHRC) and the Caribbean Research and Drug Treatment Laboratory (CRDTL).

the case for over a week.

This publication was however informed that pumps in the area are operational. During the visit, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt made a preliminary assessment of the situation and assured that he would continue to monitor the situation.

Ramdatt noted that he has already written to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, outlining the challenges rice farmers and residents are facing.

Region Two has been experiencing frequent rainsl over the past week.

Meanwhile, rice farmers are also calling for the upgrading of several farmto-market roads. Currently several access dams leading to rice lands in areas such as Lima, Aberdeen, Golden Fleece, Devonshire Castle and Hampton Court are in deplorable conditions.

This is further contributing to more challenges for

A rice farmer pumping water from his fields in Devonshire Castle

rice farmers within the Region. Farmers are therefore calling on the Region Two Administration, along with the Water Users Association (WUA) to as-

sist in upgrading and maintenance of the Dams thus easing some of the burdens in the rice industry. (Indrawattie Natram)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

ARCHIE

Offer to do something nice for a loved one. A posi(March 21- tive change will result if you April 19) are affectionate and willing to work toward a common goal with someone you love.

ARIES

Simple plans will make the TAURUS turn of the year special and (April 20- memorable. Spend some time May 20) with people who spark your interest. Sharing cultural differences will bring you closer together.

DILBERT

If you present who you are GEMINI and what you want openly, (May 21June 20) you’ll attract people who have similar goals. Their contributions will ensure that you head into the new year with a positive attitude.

Ring in the year with people you find inspiring.

(June 21- Discussing your thoughts and July 22) plans will ensure that you head into the new year on the right foot.

CANCER

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You can live it up at a party, but do so with class. Stay in control and avoid temptation. Keeping a clear head and an open mind will help you enter the new year on a high note.

You’ll have some interVIRGO esting ideas that you should (Aug. 23Sept. 22) share with someone you love and respect. The help offered will lead to a new beginning.

Celebrate what’s to come.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Put on a happy face and LIBRA plan to ring in the new year (Sept. 23with someone you love. A roOct. 23) mantic evening will encourage positive plans and new adventures as the year unfolds.

Embrace the future.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Celebrate in a unique and SCORPIO cost-efficient manner. Don’t (Oct. 24let the past bring you down.

Nov. 22) It’s time to move forward with a positive attitude and the determination to build a brighter future.

Make this New Year’s celSAGITTARIUS ebration intimate, special and (Nov. 23one to remember.

Stick close Dec. 21) to home and spend time with someone who makes you happy. The outcome will feature an unexpected surprise.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Head into the new year CAPRICORN with a plan. Don’t discuss (Dec. 22what you are going to do, Jan. 19) or you will face opposition.

Enjoy the festivities without controversy. Moderation is encouraged.

Let your emotions lead the AQUARIUS way. Truth and honesty will (Jan. 20help you clear up any misFeb. 19) givings, allowing you to ring in the year with a fresh new start.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Let your imagination wanPISCES (Feb. 20- der. Listen to the people you March 20) encounter while you venture into the new year with hopes and aspirations. Enjoy the evening and look forward to the possibilities.

guyanatimesgy.com

Starc and Lyon give Australia series with unlikely win

A

tain the full confidence of his captain.

That being the case, the final blows were struck by the seamers. Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird and Starc all found deliveries incisive enough to cut through the tail, much to the delight of a final day crowd that swelled the total attendance to 142,188, a figure as admirable in the rain-affected circumstances as Australia's charge to victory.

Much of Pakistan's early bowling and fielding had been lacklustre when placed under pressure by Smith and Starc, personified by Sohail Khan's wretched drop of Starc at longoff. Sohail finished with three wickets but was one of four expensive bowlers, none able to contain even with the help of Misbah's often defensive fields. So quickly did Smith and Starc score that the home captain had the luxury of declaring before the interval, meaning the visiting openers were compelled to survive two bursts of the new ball either side of lunch.

In four overs before the interval, Pakistan lost the wicket of Sami Aslam, dragging a ball from Hazlewood onto the stumps via his body.

The first over of the afternoon brought another, when Babar Azam was struck on the pad by a Starc inswinger that the umpire Ian Gould judged to be hitting leg stump - a decision the batsman's referral showed to be marginal.

Younis scored freely enough until Lyon's introduction, when a fraction of extra bounce saw him turn an offbreak in the air towards short leg. Peter Handscomb moved forward to claim the chance a matter of millimetres above the turf. Misbah, out of sorts with the bat all series so far, tried a sweep first ball and then repeated it to his second, the top edge well caught around the corner by Nic Maddinson.

This double left the door ajar for Australia, and it opened further when Shafiq advanced and pushed Lyon directly to Handscomb, who this time hung on after a juggle. Lyon, for so 207-3, Wahab Riaz 32-5-147long this summer a harried fig2 (nb-12), Azhar Ali 5-0-35-0, ure, was now dictating terms, and his team could sense a rePakistan 2nd innings markable result.

Sami Aslam b Hazlewood 2 It was a surprise when Smith Azhar Ali lbw b Hazlewood 43 did not keep Lyon on when play Babar Azam lbw b Starc 3 resumed, preferring Starc from Younis Khan c the Great Southern Stand End. Handscomb b Lyon 24 Hazlewood had found a modiMisbah-ul-Haq* c Maddinson cum of reverse-swing and his b Lyon 0 tight lines were rewarded with Asad Shafiq c Handscomb b Lyo Azhar's wicket, the opener's n 16 guard finally let down after 476 Sarfraz Ahmed† b Starc 4 deliveries across two innings.

Mohammad Amir b Bird 11 Again, Gould ruled marginally Sohail Khan not out 10 in Australia's favour on an lbw.

Wahab Riaz b Starc 0 That opened up an end, and Yasir Shah c Bird b Starc 0 after Bird surprised Mohammad Extras (b-4, lb-5, nb-2) 11 Amir with a quicker delivTotal (all out; 53.2 overs) 163 ery that was dragged onto the Fall of wickets 1-3 (Sami Aslam, stumps, an exultant Starc blast1.4 ov), 2-6 (Babar Azam, 4.1 ed out Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab ov), 3-63 (Younis Khan, 19.1 Riaz and Yasir Shah in a fashov), 4-63 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 19.3 ion that would have impressed ov), 5-89 (Asad Shafiq, 29.5 Wasim Akram. ov), 6-101 (Azhar Ali, 34.4 ov), 7-143 (Mohammad Amir, 46.5 Australian celebrations were ov), 8-153 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 49.6 unrestrained and it was not ov), 9-159 (Wahab Riaz, 51.5 hard to work out why. For most ov), 10-163 (Yasir Shah, 53.2 ov) of the past five days it appeared Bowling: MA Starc 15.2-4that time was getting away from 36-4, JR Hazlewood 13-3-39both sides; in the end Australia 2, JM Bird 11-2-46-1 (nbtoasted victory with the last 2), NM Lyon 14-4-33-3 hour to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)

double-century from Azhar Ali. Pakistan batting until after lunch on day three. No fewer than 141 overs lost to rain. Fifteen wickets in four days on a surface more concrete than pitch. Australia won the Boxing Day Test. Yep, really.

In a conjuring act to rival those of Sydney 2010 and Adelaide 2006, Steven Smith's men produced a Test and series victory from seemingly nowhere. Nowhere that is, apart from Pakistan's unrivalled propensity for either triumph or disaster, with little in between.

This, we had been told, was a sturdier Pakistan, capable of fighting a match out in the manner they did at the Gabba after a horrid start. This was also the Pakistan side that had ascended to No. 1 in the world earlier in the year. But their descent from the summit has been just as rapid as Australia's: both sides know what it is like to lose five consecutive Tests from the moment they reached the top of the ICC's rankings.

From the opening moments of the day, Pakistan had looked a team worried about defeat, Australia a team alert to the prospect of victory. After Smith and Mitchell Starc supercharged their scoring rate so effectively as to post the highest ever Test total in Melbourne, a pair of early wickets either side of lunch gave the hosts a glimmer.

It was exploited brilliantly by Nathan Lyon, who in the space of a single spell unseated Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq. Under extreme pressure to hold his spot entering the final day, Lyon's response was emphatic, but not enough to cause Smith to keep him on after the tea break: he is not the first Australian spin bowler to struggle to re-

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st Innings 443 Australia 1st innings (Overnight Score 465/6) MT Renshaw b Yasir Shah 10 DA Warner c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 144 UT Khawaja c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 97 SPD Smith* not out 165 PSP Handscomb c Sami Aslam b Sohail Khan 54 NJ Maddinson b Yasir Shah 22 MS Wade† c Asad Shafiq b Sohail Khan 9 MA Starc c Asad Shafiq b Sohail Khan 84 NM Lyon c & b Yasir Shah 12 Extras (b-1, lb-12, w-1, nb-13) 27 Total (8 wickets dec; 142 overs) 624 Did not bat: JR Hazlewood, JM Bird Fall of wickets 1-46 (Renshaw, 13.1 ov), 2-244 (Warner, 48.5 ov), 3-282 (Khawaja, 62.1 ov), 4-374 (Handscomb, 85.4 ov), 5-433 (Maddinson, 104.3 ov), 6-454 (Wade, 111.3 ov), 7-608 (Starc, 140.1 ov), 8-624 (Lyon, 141.6 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 336-91-0 (nb-1, w-1), Sohail Khan 31-7-131-3, Yasir Shah 41-2-

saturday, DECember 31, 2016

19

Guyana Badminton Association had a successful year home and away

The Guyana team at this year’s Inter-Guiana Games with their silver medals at the National Gymnasium

P

resident of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is pleased to report that 2016 was very busy year blessed with lots of success and achievements both on the local scene and at the International level.

In just this one year alone Guyana’s top Player Narayan Ramdhani achieved a World Ranking of 53 and also won the NSC Junior Sportsman Award of the year 2015.

Ramdhani also won bronze at the Peru Junior International, was a triple champion (3-Golds) at the Suriname Under-19 Junior International, won two silver medals and one bronze at the Caribbean Under-19 International Championships, bronze medal at the Caribbean Regional Junior Championships and silver at the Under-19 Team Championships.

He also made it to the quarter-finals at the Pan American Junior Championships, placed fifth at the Vancouver Island Under-23 University Circuit Tournament and received a 5-year Scholarship to attend College/University and train in Badminton at the Shuttlesport Badminton Academy in Vancouver BC Canada.

Top Junior Players like Jonathan Mangra, Priyanna Ramdhani, Ambika Ramraj & Tyreese Richards who also did well in 2016 at the international Level.

Jonathan Mangra captured gold at the Suriname Under-19 Junior International, bronze at the Peru Junior International, silver at the Caribbean Under-19 International Championships and silver at the Caribbean Under-19 Team Championships. Tyreese Richards-Bronze at the Suriname Under-15 Junior International.

Ambika Ramraj won silver at the Caribbean Under-19 Team Championships.

Priyanna Ramdhani had two gold medals and a bronze in Suriname at the Under-15 & 19 Junior International, a silver and a bronze at the Caribbean Under-19 International Championships, silver at the Caribbean Under-19 Team Championships and two golds and one silver at the Caribbean Regional Under-15 & 19 Championships.

The international success could not have been possible had it not been for the local tournaments.

The year began with the GUMDAC Open Tournament followed by the Trophy Stall Age Group Tournament, Guyana Olympic Association Olympic Day Open Tournament, Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) and the Woodpecker Products Age Group Christmas Tournament.

Among the other accomplishments for 2016, the GBA President is reporting that the National Teams attended the Peru Junior Under-19 International in Peru and brought back 2 medals (2-Bronze).

Additionally, they were in the Suriname Junior Under-15 and 19 International tour-

nament and copped eight medals (6 Gold and 2 Bronze). In the Pan American Junior Championships in Peru the locals were knocked out at the quarter-finals while in the Caribbean Championships in Aruba the Guyanese had their best outing bringing back winning 14 medals (2-Golds/9Silvers/3-Bronze).

In October, Guyana placed second to Suriname in the Inter-Guiana Games that were played in Georgetown.

Additionally, the GBA attended the Pan American Junior Badminton Academy in Peru.

The experienced gained by the players during the year saw much improvement in their game and upward direction in development. The top players continue to show their talent as they performed well in the international circuit standing up to the world ranked players.

Off the court, President Ramdhani continue to serve as General Secretary of the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation and General Secretary for the Central American & Caribbean Countries Badminton Confederation.

However, the association had some setbacks as was expected. They still face a lot of difficulties in getting a steady supply of feather shuttlecock which have to be used to train the players for international tournaments. These shuttlecocks are very costly as up to ten or more can be used in Matches.

The GBA is working towards getting a supplier but any help that can be given will be warmly accepted.

The development programmed for the Junior Players is also affected by after school lessons and this continues to be an ongoing problem which the association will have cope with. With this pressure they are still balancing training and academics.

The GBA would like to thank the National Sports Commission for allowing them to play at the National Gymnasium and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. It is the hope of the association that the taped floor markings can be more permanent as they are faced with the difficulties of replacing the tapes after every event that’s being held.

The senior Ramdhani wishes to thank the Guyana Olympic Association for their continuous support to Badminton and sports in general. They have made it possible for our players to attend tournaments which gave our players lots of exposure and experienced and gained higher world ranking points.

We will continue to have Badminton at the highest level and thanks goes out to the Media, Sponsors, and all who supported us during the year 2016 and look forward to your continuous support in 2017 which promises to be another action packed 12 months beginning as early as January.

20 South Africa draw 1st blood with Boxing Day Test win saturday, DECember 31, 2016

GUY-

lifter that struck him on the bottom hand.

H a v i n g strapped up his fingers, Herath lasted a further nine balls before Vernon Philander had him

29 overs on day four. He only needed to bowl nine balls on day five, the ninth an absolute ripper, turning past the outside edge of Nuwan Pradeep's defensive bat to knock back off stump. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

S

South Africa celebrate Kagiso Rabada's dismissal of Dushmantha Chameera

outh Africa made full use of the second new ball to rip through Sri Lanka's last five wickets and complete a 206-run win in Port Elizabeth, an hour and 10 minutes into day five. Once Kyle Abbott broke through early to dismiss Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva, there was little Sri Lanka's lower order could do. The margin of Sri Lanka's defeat belied how comfortable their toporder batsmen had looked on day four, and reflected how so many of them had thrown their wickets away.

Chasing 488, Sri Lanka started the final day 248 adrift with five wickets in hand and their last two recognised batsmen at the crease, one of them batting on 58. That man, Mathews, had added only one run to his score when Abbott nipped

one in sharply and had a loud lbw shout upheld. Mathews had taken guard on off stump right through the Test match, and this probably played a major role in his dismissal. Jumping back and across, Mathews had to open up to access the ball that was jagging back into the stumps, and before his bat could come across to meet it, the ball had struck his retreating front pad, right in front. He reviewed more in desperation than hope.

A near-replay, down to the failed review, sent de Silva on his way 3.5 overs later. Again the batsman was standing on off stump, and again was forced to play across the line. Again the review returned an umpire's call verdict on height.

In between, Abbott had also dealt Rangana Herath a blow with a sharp

caught and bowled, diving across the pitch to catch it low to his left, landing painfully on his arm, after getting the ball to stop on the batsman.

Kagiso Rabada got into the act next, finding away seam movement and extra bounce in the corridor to catch the shoulder of Dushmantha Chameera's bat. The last wicket went to Keshav Maharaj, who finished with a three-wicket haul that was reward for some skillful, tight bowling while getting through

South Africa 1st Innings 286 Sri Lanka 1st Innings 205 South Africa 2nd Innings 406 Sri Lanka 2nd innings (Overnight Score 240/5) FDM Karunaratne run out (Duminy/†de Kock ) 43 JK Silva lbw b Rabada 48 MDKJ Perera c †de Kock b Maharaj 6 BKG Mendis c †de Kock b Rabada 58 AD Mathews* lbw b Abbott 59 LD Chandimal† c Rabada b Maharaj 8 DM de Silva lbw b Abbott 22 HMRKB Herath c & b Philander 3 PVD Chameera c

†de Kock b Rabada 0 RAS Lakmal not out 19 N Pradeep b Maharaj 4 Extras (b-4, lb-3, w-3, nb-1) 11 Total (all out; 96.3 overs; 434 mins) 281 Fall of wickets 1-87 (Karunaratne, 32.4 ov), 2-93 (Perera, 34.6 ov), 3-118 (Silva, 46.2 ov), 4-193 (Mendis, 64.2 ov), 5-225 (Chandimal, 77.3 ov), 6-246 (Mathews, 85.4 ov), 7-258 (de Silva, 89.3 ov), 8-258 (Herath, 90.1 ov), 9-274 (Chameera, 93.3 ov), 10-281 (Pradeep, 96.3 ov) Bowling: VD Philander 225-65-1, KJ Abbott 20-6-382 (w-2), K Rabada 21-4-77-3 (nb-1, w-1), KA Maharaj 30.37-86-3, JP Duminy 3-0-8-0

Lynn, McCullum chase down 174 in epic fashion F

The pair cleared the ropes 11 times between them, Lynn managed seven compared to McCullum's four. The former New Zealand captain laid down a marker when he charged down to Stuart Broad and launched him into the second tier, over long-off. Lynn raised the stakes with the biggest hit of the tournament off Shaun Tait, hitting him out of the ground with a strike that was measured at 125 metres. He winked at McCullum moments after it sailed over the Gabba roof. It was longer than Daniel Christian's six at the same venue last season. Lynn miscued another six two balls later that went 90 metres straight. He Chris Lynn struck an unbeaten half-century and the also cleared the boundary over winning runs for the second successive match cover and wide third man, showing his range and versatility.

Set 174 to win, McCullum and Lynn When your luck's in, your luck's in made light work of the chase with some exLynn was dropped three times durtraordinary striking. The duo were brought ing his amazing 85 not out against together at 1 for 9 in the second over and lit Sydney Thunder on Wednesday. He up the Gabba. They put on 109 runs in just was dropped again third ball of this in53 balls before McCullum holed out. nings. He launched one to deep midLynn kept going to finish unbeaten for wicket, and D'Arcy Short had to covthe second straight match, and struck coner a lot of ground to his left. He got his secutive sixes to run the total down with 22 hands to it but couldn't hang on. He balls to spare. was dropped again on 60, but in realThe Hurricanes were never in the hunt ity, Cameron Boyce saved four as the reas 173 was well under par on a superb batturn catch was struck with such force ting surface. Some excellent bowling from that it could've broken his hand. Lynn Mark Steketee and Samuel Badree upfront also skied the ball multiple times only reduced the visitors to 3 for 42, and they for it to land just wide of fielders and into lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter. gaps that could easily have found fieldsAnything Baz can do, Lynn can do better men on another day. McCullum also led a Few players can hit the ball cleancharmed life, but when the ball is struck er and longer than McCullum, but Lynn with such power, it requires some outdid so repeatedly in a partnership that standing hands to hang onto the chances. essentially became a six-hitting contest. ireworks are common place on New Year's Eve, but 24 hours out from year-end celebrations, Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn put on a pyrotechnic display at the Gabba to guide Brisbane Heat to their third straight victory.

since then, he has failed to reach 20 once.

Bailey bogs his bat He has scored just 148 runs at an averGeorge Bailey was run out under the most age of 13.45 in 11 appearances for Hobart. unfortunate circumstances at a critical moHe looked in vintage touch early against ment in the first innings. The Hurricanes the Heat, reaching 12 off seven balls with were 3 for 60 after seven overs with Bailey back-to-back boundaries against the offand Christian trying to start a partnerspin of Jason Floros. But his uncharactership. Christian cut a ball through backward istically lean run continued when Badree point and the pair appeared to be cruisskidded a shorter ball through and trapped ing to an easy three runs. Alex Ross fired a him in front of leg stump. (ESPNcricinfo) great throw from the deep, but Bailey was going to make his ground comfortably until his bat got stuck in the ground, just short of the crease, as he tried to slide it in. Jimmy Peirson, the Heat wicketkeepBowling: S Badree 4-0-26-1 Hobart Hurricanes innings er, whipped off the bails (w-1), MT Steketee 4-0-29-2 (20 overs maximum) while Bailey's feet were (nb-1, w-2), JS Floros 1-0-16DJM Shortb Steketee 18 in the air, his bat under0, JD Wildermuth 3-0-26-2, TD Paine*†c Ross b Steketee 9 neath his body, having BCJ Cutting 4-0-42-1 (w-3), MJ KC Sangakkaralbw b Badree 12 Swepson 4-0-32-1 (w-1) bogged in the soft turf GJ Bailey run out (Ross/†Peirs just to the side of the on) 13 pitch. The run-out left Brisbane Heat innings (target: DT Christianc Ross b the Hurricanes reeling 174 runs from 20 overs) Wildermuth 33 with their three most exJJ Peirson†c Kingston b Broad 1 JW Wells c Lynn b perienced batsmen back.

BB McCullum*c Christian b Boy

SCOREBOARD

Sangakkara's struggles

Kumar Sangakkara is a modern great, and his international record in all formats is staggering. But he has not been able to get going in the Big Bash League since joining the Hurricanes last season. His struggles started in his first innings in the competition, last year, when he was out first ball. He made 43 in his second game. But in 10 innings

Wildermuth 28 HP Kingstonlbw b Swepson 17 CJ Boyce c Lynn b Cutting 9 CA Rosenot out 17 SCJ Broad run out (McCullum/ Cutting) 3 Extras(b-2, w-11, nb-1)14 Total(9 wickets; 20 overs)173 Did not bat; SW Tait Fall of wickets 1-14 (Paine, 1.4 ov), 2-40 (Sangakkara, 3.4 ov), 3-42 (Short, 4.1 ov), 4-62 (Bailey, 7.1 ov), 5-122 (Wells, 13.4 ov), 6-122 (Christian, 13.5 ov), 7-145 (Kingston, 16.5 ov), 8-153 (Boyce, 17.6 ov), 9-173 (Broad, 19.6 ov)

ce 72 CA Lynn not out 84 AI Ross b Tait 5 JA Burns not out 8 Extras (w-2, nb-2) 4 Total (3 wickets; 16.2 overs)174 Did not bat; BCJ Cutting, JD Wildermuth, JS Floros, MT Steketee, MJ Swepson, S Badree Fall of wickets 1-9 (Peirson, 1.1 ov), 2-118 (McCullum, 9.6 ov), 3-134 (Ross, 13.2 ov) Bowling: CA Rose 3-0-30-0, SCJ Broad 3-0-24-1 (nb-2), HP Kingston 1-0-22-0 (w-1), SW Tait 3-0-34-1 (w-1), CJ Boyce 4-029-1, DJM Short 2.2-0-35-0

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21

sports

A pedal in the right direction

−cyclists gearing for competitive & productive 2017

C

losing off the 2016 year of cycling, it can be said that there has been some strides in the right direction for the

sport.

Looking back at the year, it can be seen what should appropriately be termed ‘the changing of the guard’ as we witnessed the emergence of some new forces in the sport that have taken up the mantel to carry the sport into the New Year.

While the usual competition came from the two front running clubs, Team Cocos and Team Gillette Evolution, Team Alanis and We Stand United were not to be counted out.

Heading towards the end of the year, the Guyana Cycling Federation suffered a wakeup call as stakeholders voiced their concerns about the management of the sport, forcing an emergency meeting which signaled the dissolution of the Federation and the implementation of an interim body.

Open Category

With 49 races being recorded over the 2016 season, Evolution easily had the better year with a total of 28 wins. Orville Hinds capping off the year as the most successful rider with 11 wins, followed by Micheal Anthony and Raul Leal, all of Evolution with seven wins. Their team mate, Marlon Williams had three wins.

On the other hand, Cocos had a remarkable five race winning streak as part of their eight race wins for the year. The highpoint of the team came in the form of Jamaul John winning the Digicel Breast Cancer ride and Hamza Eastman winning the Kadir Memorial Ounce of Gold race.

Meanwhile, emerging from the shadows of the two clubs was Linden Bauxite Flyers’ rider, ShaquelAgard who won the National Three Stage tournament.

While it was a year to forget for top rider, Alonzo Greaves who served a one year ban was admitted back to riding and immediately made a mark in the national three stage races. He managed two wins in his limited amount of races for the year.

It will definitely be a treat to see who will take over come 2017.

Juniors

spirituality

United We Stand had decimated the com-

petii n g t h e club spot

tion in 2016, showgreat promises for 2017 season and the in the future. In the light, the duo of Rapheal Leung and Andrew Hicks who have toppled the competition with 11 and eight wins r e spectively.

Hicks managed to dist a n c e himself from the competition as he rode off with the cycling title in the National Schools Cycling tournament.

It is safe to say that the future of cycling is in good hands with these up and coming youths.

Seniors

On the flip side, while the older men are past their prime, their body and mind still produce the strength to compete and win.

Standing out amongst the pack was Team Cocos Junior Niles who crippled his opponents with 17 wins, almost as much wins as his rivals combined!

JaikarranSukhai was his closest rival with three wins.

Internationally

Geron Williams and Cherrie Fraser-Greene have both been exceptional for Guyana in the international scene, taking part in the tour of Tobago championships among other international races. It is no surprise that the pair was awarded at the sport’s annual award ceremony for their efforts offshore.

Looking to 2017

By virtue of missing nearly the entire season, Alonzo Greaves is eager to reclaim the top spot while he will be faced with stern competition from young ShaquelAgard who has blood in his eyes to make it to the top.

Agard finished third on the rankings, ahead of Raul Leal who suffered a freak accident for the second time in his career and is likely to be missing from action in the first half of the season.

Raynauth Jeffrey will be looking to put 2016 behind him where he suffered a number of mechanical and health problems coming down to the closing off of the season but has said that he is already preparing for the new year.

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22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturday, december 31, 2016

GCB rewards cricketers after successful 2016

Lashuna Toussaint collects her award from Minister Nicolette Henry

A

world cup winning under-19 captain, back-to-back titles in the Regional 4-day competition, two female payers on the winning world T20 squad, the youth teams dominating the regional tournaments are just some of the success the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) enjoyed in 2016 and recognition of the success across the board, key stakeholders were recognised at their annual award ceremony on Thursday evening at the Umana Yana in Georgetown.

Guyana Jaguars skipper and West Indies player Leon Johnson, West Indies female player Shemaine Campbelle took home the top prizes while several other outstanding individuals and a few corporate entities were duly rewarded for their outstanding contributions on and off the field in 2016.

Johnson was named the male cricketer of the year as well as senior regional cricketer of the year while Campbelle won the female cricketer of the year accolade.

However, it was youth player BhaskarYadram who won the most awards on the night for his remarkable run this year. He claimed the most valuable player and most runs award for Guyana at the re-

gional under 19 tournament and along with Kevin Sinclair he was awarded for the most wickets at the regional u-17 tournament for Guyana. Due to his sterling performance in 2016 he was adjudged Junior cricketer of the year.

Loushanna Toussaint is the most improved female cricketer for 2016 while Gudakesh Motie claimed that title in the male category.

Sachin Singh, Nigel Deodatt, Joshua Persaud and Keemo Paul were the other youth award recipients.

While West Indies player Devendra Bishoo received an award for outstanding performance for West Indies team in 2016.

Special service awards went to News Room journalist Avenash Ramzan for outstanding service rendered as a cricket journalist.

Shannon Crawford for dedicated service as a cricket umpire, Chatterpaul Singh for outstanding service as a curator, AottoChristiani for dedicated service as a cricket administrator especially in Essequibo, Ryan Banwarie and Javed Persaud for their elevation to the West

Indies ‘B’ Panel of Umpires.

Hand in Hand Group of Insurance Companies and Sterling Products Limited were recipients of corporate awards for their longstanding contribution to the development of cricket through sponsorship while Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club was named club of the year.

Speaking at the ceremony Minister within the Ministry at Education Nicolette Henry applauded the GCB for producing successful players and congratulated all the cricketers for their success and urged them to carry on the same vein in 2017.

GCB President Drubahadur outlined the various domestic tournaments held which corresponded into the country’s regional

the younger players.

West Indies Cricket Board Director, Conde Riley delivered the feature remarks and outlined the development plan the regional board has for the future of West Indies cricket which looks bright especially with the success of the Guyana Board.

The Barbadian who is also the Barbados Cricket Association Vice President spoke of the negative narrative which must be changed since the foundation is laid for the Caribbean side to bear success. This has started with the excellent preparation for the West Indies Under-19 team that won their maiden World Cup this year. Riley stated that the preparation stared in 2014 and with keeping with what is a winning

Joshua Persaud collects his award from Chairman of Junior Selectors Panel, Nazim Drepaul

success while the Secretary Anand Sanasie explained that more work will be d o n e i n the coming year to fur- ther enhance the teams’ p e rf o r mance.

Sanasie spoke of having more coaches in the system to b e t t e r

formula, the under-19 team to defend the title in 2018 in New Zealand is already in preparation which started with a week-long camp in Grenada which was used to select the West Indies U-19 team to participate in the Regional Super 50 in January/ February, 2017.

sioned

Lake expressed gratitude to Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and the Wakenaam NDC for their support and is looking forward to their continued backing as well as support from the business community.

Overseas based Guyanese Molly Lee who also hails from the island said she is happy to see Lake giving back to the community.

“This is a wonderful initiative; it will keep the youths meaningfully occupied which will help them to become rounded individuals,” she related.

Councilor Eric Lake who is also a member of the gym stated that this initiative will be of tremendous benefit to the community.

“The youths here are excited about the initiative and once we get the cooperation from the boxing fraternity, I am confident they will do us proud,” he said.

Among the sports persons that hail from the island are former track stars Yuvraj and Yougeshwar Jaichand, power lifter Mark Richard Seymour, current national sprint queen Alita Moore, Nkosi Dezzell who currently holds the national schools record for the U12 200m and 400m, National Schools U14 (cycle) champion girl Cyanna Retemiah, former national schools javelin and shot-put champion Kleon Spellen, former test cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ricardo Adams, West Indies U19 world cup winning vice captain Keemo Paul and former Karate champion Freddy Coates.

Boxing is the next big thing in Wakenaam

…as Lake opens gym

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ricket is our national sport and as such cricketers emerge from all parts of the country where the sport is played competitively. This is a continual process due to facilities and the desire to do well.

Guyana Light weight boxer, Revlon Lake is fuelling the desire of talented boxers with the provision of a boxing gym not in the centralized Georgetown but on the large Essequibo Island of Wakenaam.

The island boasts a long history of outstanding athletes in various disciplines in-

cluding Lake who was forced to ply his trade in the city due to lack of facilities.

Having recognized that sport play a major role in the development of society and it’s a fact that some of the more talented athletes hail from rural areas, Lake has decided to open the gym at Maria Johanna on the island.

With the help of the National Sports Commission and the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council, the gym became a reality and was officially commis-

Revlon Lake (extreme right in front row) with happy members of the Wakenaam Boxing Gym

on Tuesday in Lake’s home village.

Already the gym has attracted a number o f youths both male and female and the 37 -year old Lake said that he is confident they can develop into excellent boxers.

“I am impressed with the talent of the youths here; they have shown a special interest in the sport and my aim is to give them an opportunity to hone their skills,” he said.

Lake who attended the Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Wakenaam, started his professional career in April 2005 at the Guyana Defence Force gym.

He has a record of 26 fights, 15 losses, nine wins one knock out and two draws. His last victory on local soil came against Miguel Antoine of Barbados in February at Giftland Mall while his last success came against Anthony Woods of the Bahamas in March in Jamaica.

Lake stated that while he will register the gym with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, he will look at the possibility of having coaches conducting training sessions on the island adding that the response from the public has been good. “One of our objectives is to compete in national junior tournaments and with the help of the boxing fraternity I am hoping to do so as early as possible,” he posited.

Lake pointed out that a number of residents of Wakenaam have engaged him in staging a card there and he is hoping that they can pull it off in the near future.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, december 31, 2016

GLTA fights facility bug bear but Goodluck is optimistic

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Guyana Tennis Team to the Tennis Inter-Guiana Games 2016 copy

he Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) has covered great depths in 2016 under new President Jamal Goodluck. It has been a mixed year for the sport but the 26 year old President should be commended for his input so far.

The youths were competitive on the international scene and showed lots of promise for the future. However, there are the odd challenges, like any other entity, that the GLTA face. One key challenge is a facility to ensure the expansion and development of the sport.

Guyana Times Sport had a one on one with the President to review 2016 and take a look ahead into 2017 with the President Jamal Goodluck What or who encouraged you to seek the highest office of tennis in Guyana?

First serving on the association as the assistant PRO and then the PRO, I was afforded the opportunity to serve under the tutelage of former president, Grace McCalman, who I saw worked tirelessly to move the sport forward. The sacrifices I saw made by her and other members of the executive really solidified my passion to make a greater impact in the sport and being at the head of the association would have aided my effort to bring change into the sport. As PRO, I got the picture of the state of tennis through the lens of players, spectators, sponsors and particularly the young players coming up.

Despite the gloom that presented in challenges, I saw the excited players, bonds built, rivalries that forced growth and a safe space in which young people from all walks of life met. I saw opportunities grasped and lives changed. The urging of fellow young people compounded with my desire to serve the ten-

nis community led to the ultimate decision of running for the office.

You are the youngest President of any sport discipline in the country, tell me how has it been during your first year in office?

Technically eight months, but feels like 2 years. That is to say that there is always something to learn and a constant push to make your effort a reality. While sport transcends all ages, I think it is an embodiment of youth. A greater appreciation is fostered and a sustainable path for sports is created when youth are invested in leadership roles.

I encourage any young person to take up the challenge and forget the status quote. You would not get it right all the time but it is a learning process for yourself and the organisation. I think that has been my lesson so far as a young president. Being youthful, you are bursting with ideas, the drive to push and fix everything. I have learnt that some broken things are signs for growth and opportunities to build. There were some challenges as expect but with team work I know that the vision will be achieved.

What are some of the challenges you face being at the helm of GLTA? The challenge of being at the helm of the association is moving our plans at a robust pace due to the slow nature of bureaucracy as well as the lack of engagement by officials.

Guyana being a small state, the emphasis of sport should not be marred with such a label.

An audience with the subject Minister has been sought from the beginning of my term and yet to be materialized. The association is always grateful to our long standing partners. However, like most associations finance

seems to be a challenge in preparing our children for international competitions or standard facilities.

What are your biggest achievement and disappointment to date?

My biggest achievement would be the team work in strengthening the association.

Although we do not have a single lighted public court, broken surfaces and no facility as yet, we were able to work as a new team and place strategic emphasis on where tennis will go. This achievement will be a testament to a stronger organisation that manages and grow beyond the individuals and personalities. My disappointment is not seeing the same enthusiasm to remedy the substandard courts.

The GLTA is still in search of its own facility, any hope of getting there or close to there in 2017?

I think getting closer to attaining that dream this year.

If you were the Minister in charge of Sport what would you have done to develop tennis in Guyana?

Understanding the gravity of work the Minister has to do, it would be key as Minister that I grasp the magnitude of overseeing all sport needs along with my other portfolios.

For the development of tennis or any other discipline I know that the movers and shakers, associations, are the ones on the ground who know the realities, the needs, the solutions and are driven to work because they belief in something greater than monetary gain, which is visible through the passion to service the sport. They give of their time and monies to the slightest difference. Therefore, engagement of tennis association in my overall plan for sport would be at the top of my list. I would listen to their strategic plan to find the niche area of collaboration. Aside from the strategic point, tangible commitment in the form of a subvention and a standard facility are the basics. A MoU for the National Raquet Centre would be signed between the Ministry and the Association to bring the facility to a standard that is worthy of the name. Having an insight to the vision, the work to completed and maintain the facility I know that the association will be instrumental in the administration of the programmes and facility.

Although added responsibility is given to the association as partners, they are accountable to the deliverables. That would be my short term commitment to tennis at the high performance level. In the long term, a structured tennis programme in the schools physical education curriculum will be implemented to feed the high performance level and a cadre

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of skilled coaches developed.

Are there any upcoming or present players who you see could compete for a grand slam? If no, what would it take to create such a player?

We have children with great talent but are not at the grand slam level. To create that player, we will need to go through the process in making the right environment.

Although the Williams sisters started on broken courts, for them to attain the next level they were given the best. Our children deserve and need the best. As people within leadership position, we should never be comfortable and accept mediocrity of standard because our children will be a product of that environment. Creating a slam player is also dependent on the level of coaching they receive. The association is proud of the coaches that dedicate through sacrifice but greater expertise is needed to feed into the coaches association and children. There probably would not be enough space in the papers to cover this question but above else, it must be engrained in our philosophy of how we structure our school system and nurture and our children to produce that desired outcome.

School is structured around tennis to meet the children’s academic needs and balance of the sport. Tennis or any sport cannot be an afterthought or “just a thing for the child to do”.

It must be treated with seriousness and professionalism from the beginning.

From most if not all parts the IGG Tennis games 2016 which was held in French Guiana was deemed a success, what are some of the measures Guyana will take or how do the GLTA plan to be a successful host in 2017? We are definitely looking forward to host IGG next year in Guyana. For it to be successful we absolutely need an agreement in securing the go ahead to have four well surfaced courts in one location. This should happen in the first quarter of the year so how children can have the exposure to intense practice. I could not be more proud of the team this year as due to lack of access to a good surface, intense practice started one month before the competition.

However, the level of their games challenged the top seeds of the competing country. With the right ingredients, 2017 will be our year.

What is your dream for tennis in 2017 My dream for tennis 2017 would be to win the lotto. If that does not happen, aside from all of the points made earlier I dream that tennis finds a grounded home to expand which can aid the development of my Guyana.

“A wonderful year for baseball” – Singh

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he leap year, 2016 ends today and like every sport in Guyana, all eyes will be on the 2017 season but on a reflection of the year, as it relates to baseball, President of the Guyana Baseball League (GBL), Robin Singh has rated the year as one of the better years and an “excellent year.”

W h e n Guyana Times Sportcaught up with the GBL President, he related that this year has been a ground breaking one and highlighted by the female team’s tour t o Canada as his main reason for saying so.

T h e tour t o

Robin Singh

North America was the first overseas tour for the fairly new sport in the country while being important to giving the girls exposure.

“Well we had a wonderful year for baseball, the highlight is the girls’ team tour to Canada where we went to Halifax, we also spent four days in Toronto during the Caribana festival to see athletes getting exposure to something new, to riding a train, to flying on planes, taking care of themselves, it was amazing,” Singh explained.

Meanwhile, the male team did not tour but come 2017 they will have their chance as they have their eyes set on Brazil, indicating that there are systems in place for funds to be raised for the trip.

“We had that first outing, next year we have an outing with the boys to Brazil, in April and we are working to that already as well as a Georgetown programme which starts in January.” The GBL President mentioned. Singh explained that the experience was nice but expensive as they used up their entire 2016 budget for the trip, spending four extra days in Canada but he pointed out that this was the reality of sports and come 2017, the league will be pulling all

The Guyanese girls playing in Halifax, Canada

the programmes back into play as early as January. “After we came back from Canada we realized we spent our entire budget for the year because we were there four extra days.” He added that “four extra days with 20 girls in a foreign country can cost a lot of money and that was the reality of sports

but let’s be realistic, pull back in all the programmes and start again January.”

While the club was birthed in Berbice, that has since become self sustaining and now a focus will be turned over to Georgetown, at the Ministry of Education Ground in January.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB rewards cricketers after successful 2016

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The winners pose with their accolades along GCB officials and Government ministers at the Umana Yana

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Guyana Badminton Association had a successful year home and away Priyana Ramdhani in quarter-final action in Peru at the Pan American Junior Badminton Championship

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