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13 THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 2800

Friday, March 18, 2016

PRICE

Guyana votes in historic Local Govt Elections today

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P16 23rd CARIFORUM meet gets underway in Guyana

Pages 10 & 16

GECOM, main contenders ready!

Tax reforms

Guyanese could end up paying VAT on electricity, water Page 3

…Jordan confirms recommendations made as trade-off for reduction

Festival City man robbed, shot Page 9

Prime P16 suspect in NA robbery arrested P12 Man hospitalised after being struck by Policeman

Massy opens US$4M mega supermarket After 7 years Family Court still in limbo

P8

Controversial Specialty Hospital Project Massy Stores, a regional supermarket chain, on Thursday opened the doors of its first supermarket in Guyana, which is also the largest supermarket in the country. In the photo, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin (fourth from left) cuts the ribbon to open the store as Finance Minister Winston Jordan (fifth left); Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan (sixth left); Massy Country Manager Deo Persaud (seventh left) and Senior Vice President and Executive Chairman of the Retail Line of Business for the Massy Group, Thomas Patin (third from left) look on

Following sister’s funeral…

Opposition Leader thanks public for – ready for support LGE today Page 9

Cane harvesters storm Rose Hall Manager’s office Page 7

Public outcry continues P11 over lack of transparency

Man found P8 with cannabis tells court he was saving it for someone

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friDAY, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

news

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friDAY, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 18 – 13:30h-15:00h and Saturday, March 19 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 18 – 12:50h-14:20h and Saturday, March 19 – 13:45h-15:15h.

Tax reforms

Guyanese could end up paying VAT on electricity, water

…Jordan confirms recommendations made as trade-off for reduction

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FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected to give way to heavy rain showers in the morning, while light cloud cover with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:41h and 13:07h reaching maximum heights of 2.11 metres and 2.18 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 06:36h and 19:15h reaching minimum heights of 1.13 metres and 0.98 metre respectively.

uyanese longing for a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) should brace themselves to start paying the toll on consumer products/services that previously attracted none, including the supply of electricity and water.

Accepting that the coalition indeed promised an expeditious reduction in the 16 per cent VAT rate, Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that the matter is much more dynamic than it appears, since VAT is practically government’s main revenue earner.

The Minister, during a news conference on Wednesday, disclosed that the tax reform report proposed that in order for VAT to be reduced, certain measures have to be put into place to cushion the significant losses government will endure as a result. He said one of those recommendations was for the supply of electricity and water to attract VAT, along with other

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

consumer items.

“In lowering VAT, one has to be prepared to the downside which is the removal of a range of exemptions under the VAT… as recommended in tax reform report, for items that do not attract VAT, to now attract VAT,” he stated. However, he noted that Cabinet is yet to extensively discuss the report and deliberate on the various tax reform recommendations in-

cluded. Nonetheless, Jordan indicated that VAT reduction will not be occurring anytime soon, given that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is still lagging behind as it relates to collecting taxes.

“This is no secret, lax enforcement by the GRA has aided in the falling off of VAT and before you can even dream of continuing giving exemptions on VAT and reducing rates and all of that, one has to be ensured that GRA has the capacity to enforce the law as it is presently in the books,” he explained.

In this regard, Jordan guaranteed that he will do everything in his power to ensure the GRA steps up its measures in revenue collection. “We are trying to bring the GRA around to the realisation that their first and foremost duty is to enforce the law and collect the government’s revenue,” he underscored. Ahead of the presentation of the National Budget 2015, the Finance Minister told the coalition’s

support base not to expect any reduction in VAT. “You cannot wake up one night and determine that you are going to fiddle with a tax that you heavily depend on without having the benefit of a substantial study,” he had stated, despite having promised Guyanese that it would have been reduced within 100 days of his assumption to executive office. At that time, he indicated that government would have to introduce new taxes in order to cushion any damage caused via a reduction in VAT. Interestingly, Budget 2016 included a variety of measures which saw significant increases in several revenue earning avenues for government, like the increase in gun licences fees. It is already a prevalent perception that the new revenue-generating measures in Budget 2016 will only squeeze more money out of ordinary Guyanese; in some cases resulting in them plunging into further poverty.

No new Gastro cases detected in Region 1 Wednesday, March 16, 2016

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here are no new cases of confirmed gastroenteritis in Baramita, North West District, Region 1 (Barima/Waini).

This was confirmed by Public Health Minister Dr George Norton who told Guyana Times on Monday that the situation in the region remains the same, with no additional cases or any indication that the virus is still a pandemic.

Norton made this disclosure despite reports about the continued proliferation of the disease from various groups in the Region.

Dr Norton said the Health Ministry and regional administration are continuing their monitoring in the region.

Additionally, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud explained that the team is visiting the more re-

mote villages in that region, treating the water supply primarily and identifying the sources of contamination.

This team, he said, comprises the environmental health officer, and two medical assistants working with missionaries and church groups to keep the situation stable.

The gastroenteritis had resurfaced in January, causing uproar in the region, as many residents became victims of the virus.

Many residents had complained about having severe diarrhoea and vomiting, which are symptoms closely linked to the virus.

During the months of the outbreak, the ministry had also been in close contact with the region’s administration, formulating effective strategies to lessen the number of persons contracting the virus. Throughout the period, the team had been active in 22 satellite

villages in the region where they were assessing the situation.

However, there had been conflict in the area where residents were refusing to accept treatment or to follow the guidelines put out by the ministry.

Dr Norton had informed during that time that patients were not complying with the doctor’s instructions as to how they can protect themselves.

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friday, march 18, 2016

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

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

Nature at its best

Editorial

Today we go to the polls again

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oday Guyanese will be voting in the historic Local Government Elections, which are being held after 22 years.

For many, especially the younger generation, this is the first time they will be engaging in this process. It is obvious that these polls will be new watering grounds for many and hopefully new and high standards are set henceforth.

Citizens, especially first-time voters, must understand that there are two fundamental features to local government councils, that is, an elected council, which is regulated by a chairperson, such is the case of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council, and a Mayor in the case of a town commonly called municipality. The appointed body of administrators is headed by an overseer for an NDC and in the case of a municipality, a town clerk.

More importantly, 50 per cent of the councillors of each local authority area (NDC or municipality) are elected through Proportional Representation (PR) and the other half are elected through the First-Past-The-Post system called “constituency candidates”.

With respect to who becomes Mayor in the cases of municipalities, this is one of the most debated areas in this election today. What must be understood is that people do not vote for a mayor but rather they will be elected from among their councillors.

Local government authorities are on the front line and are responsible for taking a wide range of decisions that can make or break the success of any community and are ultimately responsible for making policy a reality.

As such projects delivered locally must reflect the needs of communities. As such following this much anticipated elections, communities and more so grassroot level supporters must hold their representatives responsible so that not only obstacles to development can be identified but also improvements, thus making the lives of the locales more comfortable.

At the same time, community leaders more so those we are seeking to elect today have to be innovative and ambitious. As such well-thought out local authority driven initiatives will empower communities to achieve economic security and social inclusion. Therefore, decision making processes, after the 2016 declared elections results, should include the opinions of residents in those constituencies.

More importantly newly elected local government councils should seek to initiate integrated programmes for the improvement of their communities while at the same time support the development of micro-enterprises and small businesses within those neighbourhoods.

Communities are ever evolving as the world becomes more globalised and as needs vary. As such these newly elected officials should also look towards initiating special programmes for those living with disabilities and vulnerable groups. One key role local authorities can play in contributing towards assisting vulnerable groups is public engagement and stimulating local action.

What is striking in many communities is how cut off citizens are from the negotiations and decision-making process. Today, when we vote we must bear in mind that the decision we make will have real impact on people’s daily lives within their neighbourhoods.

Local authorities are the link between government and communities and as such to shrink that gap strong local leadership is required. It is these representatives who can bring together economic operators and civil society to turn good ideas into tangible results and as such have real development.

The fight for our community’s development is decided today and as such we should choose wisely when deciding where we put our “X”.

Located opposite the recently opened Aruwai Resort, the refreshing Whitewater Falls is neatly nestled among towering trees offshore the Essequibo River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) (Devina Samaroo photo)

The importance of LGE

Dear Editor, Most of you reading this letter who live in Guyana are probably still undecided as to who you should vote for in the Local Government Elections (LGE). And if perchance you have made up your mind it is more so because you think it your civic responsibility to vote, rather than the fact that you are convinced of whom to vote.

Many of you might have even decided to do like Bruno Mars and “Lay in my bed.”

Editor, these ten months have not been very kind to the Guyanese electorate.

The young government is still sputtering trying to find their footing. The Opposition doesn’t know if they are going or coming and so have taken the position of opposing everything; even the beautification of Guyana. And the independent groups and candidates have failed to sufficiently capture the imagination of those looking for alternatives.

There is a feeling of both frustration and mistrust among the electorate and this has resulted in electoral apathy. The irony of the matter is that this perfect storm of disillusionment and electoral lethargy could not have come at a worse time for this fledgling country. The central government will not and cannot hire all the help they need; nonetheless, the country has to move forward.

Yet, just when we are experiencing the worse political fear in our history, the electorate have thrown their hands in the air, turned their backs on the political process, and are saying ‘que sera sera’.

In a country that has for years been dominated by a two-party, racially divided kind of electioneering, it is difficult to get the troops to march without issuing direct marching orders. The PPP/C, as a party, does not have the money to rally their troops.

And the coalition cannot use much of its money to rally their troops – for Clement Rohee has one eye on them and one on his job - so the masses of both parties are left stagnant or are rambling about like headless chickens.

The PPP/C has been having their get-out-the-vote rallies in their strongholds and the APNU/AFC coalition has followed suit. But neither could really tell their listeners what to do.

There is a sense of distrust and disenchantment among the PPP/C supporters, while the Coalition finds its self in an ethical dilemma of appearing to want to run both the Local and the Central Governments.

It has turned out that the very fear the PPP/C had for not wanting to call LGE, is the same fear the new government has. So much so that both the President and the Prime Minister took a pause from governing centrally and directly interjected themselves into the local race. That risky move, however, might have been too much too late.

If there are any bright spots about the whole LGE saga, it is that the spirit of community looms large. As I walked my district and spoke with folks, they talked of their desires and dreams of a safer, cleaner, more unified and fi-

nancially sound community.

Many have said to me that they are not voting but it is not because they are not concerned with the development of their local communities.

Rather, it is because they feel a sense of political disillusionment. And while some of us on the scene have never been tried, or indeed, are not politicians, we are all being made to feel the wrath of a politically indifferent citizenry.

I entered the race not knowing what to expect. I was blindsided! People complained to me and addressed me as if I were one of the persons for whom they had previously voted.

One lady on Leopold Street said that she is not voting for me because GPL cut off her lights, “for a measly $2000 when there are big companies owing them millions”.

I was reminded of the fact that politicians make all kinds of promises and then when they get into office, “you can’t find them”. Some Rasta brethren on Durban Street said that they would vote for me if I promise to legalise marijuana. Then there was this young pregnant girl who said, “If I vote for you, will you help me with baby clothes?”

As I walked my district I saw folks living in squalor. So as to cheer myself up, I sang as I walked. I saw overflowing sewer systems with raw sewage flowing into yards and homes; I saw broken water pipes left running; I saw stagnant drains and mosquito ridden gutters; I saw young men, unemployed, gambling and smoking to pass the time;

I saw abandon homes with weed-infested yards; I saw dogs looking hungry; I saw very poor looking young girls, pregnant; as I walked my district of the Wortmanville/Werk-enRust area, I saw people who need these Local Government Elections.

Yet, because of the prevailing sense of political dissatisfaction, these very folks will boycott the LGE in droves.

Editor, this letter brings me to the end of my commentary on the LGE. In my campaign I have been outspent and out-manoeuvred by groups and individuals who could have afforded more than me but I fought valiantly.

I therefore would like to thank my constituents, first for nominating me and then for allowing me to interact with them at such a personal level.

When the dust is settled, one of the six contestants in my district will win; no matter how many folks turn out to vote. I promise that I will work with whoever wins because I was doing what I do long before I had the opportunity to run for councillor. I pray only, however, that the winner does not squander the trust of the residents in this constituency, for whether or not they turn out to vote, God knows, they need a good councillor to represent their cause.

Regards, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey, Independent Candidate Wortmanville/Werk-enRust/Stabroek District #8

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, march 18, 2016

The children of Guyana deserve better Dear Editor, Politics aside children really are the future for our nation. It is for this reason that this story is particularly disturbing.

When the Minister of Social Protection, but more importantly the Minister responsible for child care and protection, Volda Lawrence was questioned by the media about the selection of the APNU+AFC candidate Harding despite his reported charges for child molestation offences she stated, “Do you think that me, the minister in charge of that (social protection), would have someone like that running? Do you think that the party would expose itself like that? We are aware of the situation but he was never charged,” the Minister maintained.

Even more disturbing the

sector minister further went on to say that child molestation is a “family issue”.

Well it was reported that the APNU+AFC candidate was indeed charged several times for child molestation offences so these statements by the minister evinces unequivocally that after nearly one year in her post as minister she is totally unfamiliar and cheerfully unconcerned with the responsibilities of her portfolio.

In addition, Lawrence’s laziness to, at least, say “let me take a moment to find out if he was indeed charged with child molestation offences” especially since she took an oath to protect all the children of Guyana means very simply that she is totally unfit for the position she holds. As a consequence, the parents in Guyana can and will never feel that their children can be protected by the state

under Lawrence’s watch.

Furthermore, the statements must raise, by necessity, questions in the minds of the officers in the Child Protection Agency and other bodies charged with protecting children, both local and international, about the competence, authority and legitimacy of Minister Lawrence.

Finally, it is very disturbing that Minister Lawrence, who is a PNC member, is prepared to play politics with the execution of her ministerial duties towards the Guyanese people by intentionally or negligently failing to investigate these reports because he is a member of the political party she represents.

The children of Guyana deserve better.

Regards, Charles S Ramson

A response to Urling’s erroneous statements Dear Editor, I thank Mr Clinton Urling for contributing to the discourse on local government by penning a letter published under the caption, ‘Clinton Urling says Vincent Alexander is wrong,’ (KN, March 14).

I acknowledge too, his commendation of the administration for holding local government election within one year of coming into office, proof of our sincerity towards local Democracy.

I note though, that Mr Urling had made statements in his letter that may not be entirely factual and I take this opportunity to offer some clarification.

Mr Urling erroneously asserts that the mayorship is “a ceremonial position” and the “system resides executive and administrative functions to the Town Clerk.” However, according to Section 8A (a) of the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act 2013, which amends the principal legislation i.e. Chapter 28:01, ‘The general duties of the City Councillors shall be to – consider the interest of the municipality as a whole and bring to the attention of the council anything which would

promote such welfare or interest; (b) develop and evaluate policies and programmes for the municipality.

Clearly, The Council, headed by the mayor – not the Town Clerk – is responsible for the welfare of the municipality.

Significantly, Section 8A (g) of the Act states that, ‘The general duties of City Councillors shall be to – ensure that the municipality is managed in a professional and competent manner by a qualified Town Clerk.’ This Section contradicts Mr. Urling’s assertion that the elected council cannot hire or fire the Town Clerk. Obviously, in order to give effect to this provision of the Act, the councillors must be so empowered.

Mr Urling’s position that the mayor and councillors are ceremonial and weak is incorrect; the Act evidently puts that question to rest. The Town Clerk is, in fact, a servant not a master of the council.

Opportunity is taken to reaffirm the fact that this government, unlike past administrations, intends to respect the autonomy that local government organs enjoy under the Constitution.

There is no equivocation on the part of the administration

on the role of local democratic organs. We recognise that they are an indispensable part of the democratic organisation of the State.

President Granger has repeatedly emphasised the government’s strategic direction.

Speaking at Anna Regina on Friday March 11 2016, His Excellency said, “Win, lose or draw, we will respect the authority of councils elected next week.”

The Ministry looks forward to partnering and cooperating with the new councils. There will no longer be domination by central government.

The Ministry will work hand in hand with local government organs to transform all of our communities as is being done in Georgetown, where one can see and smell the renewal and revival of our Capital City.

I hope that this letter serves to inform Mr Urling of what actually obtains, and provide the public with some clarity regarding the role of councils.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities

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City Hall moving from day care to night care Dear Editor, I was recently told by someone who has their child at one of the Municipal Day Care Centres in Georgetown that City Hall is planning to introduce a night care service in order to augment the current day care service it offers.

One can only hope that this is some sort of All Fool’s Day Joke being made early by someone at City Hall.

It should be noted that the Municipality Day Care Services is a financial burden to the citizenry, since it has to be subsidised by the City Council each month.

The same would have to be done for the night care service adding more fiscal strain to the supposedly cash-strapped council.

Some of the questions I would like to ask include the following: Does the council have suitable persons to provide

night care services or will this be an opportunity for them to hire more friends and relatives?

Is the physical environment suitable for night care?

Are the premises safe, secure and suitable for this purpose? Or will the occasion be taken to increase the contract with the private guard service for a few more millions?

Does the Council have the requisite equipment: Beds and other furniture, equipment and toys needed that are appropriate for this purpose in order to create an accessible and stimulating environment?

Why is City Hall trying to bite off more than it can chew? Are these diversionary tactics to take the eyes of the citizens off of the real problems the city faces and for which the council should bead addressing?

What we need at this stage are the potholed roads fixed; the missing and defective street lights fixed or replaced; the stray animals removed from our city streets; a modern abattoir to slaughter our animals; a well-trained City Police Department to tackle crime; more efficient refuse removal and disposal; better mosquito and vector control to alleviate the Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses; a new cemetery as the old one is filled; a properly landscaped city; and so much more.

I do believe that this is just another ploy to hire or rehire a friend or relative of a councillor or senior officer, and another occasion to squander taxpayers’ dollars.

The new council must put an end to this squandermania.

Sincerely, Sean Moniz

Eric Phillips has offended the Guyanese Indigenous community Dear Editor, With reference to the letter published by Eric Phillips on March 12 in the Stabroek News, captioned “The Government should immediately freeze the granting of land leases to anyone until the reparatory land issue is addressed”, I would like to state the following: We were present in South American for thousands of years before the Europeans set foot on this continent.

We were present before the Europeans brought slaves and indentured immigrants and other people to this continent.

The Wai Wais like all indigenous peoples have been nomadic peoples before set-

tling in the land which is now known as Guyana. As such, the entire South America belongs to us, and the national boundaries which created Guyana has not stopped us even now from engaging in cross-border activities with our brothers and sisters in Brazil.

Phillips needs to understand that while he bases his arguments in relation to national boundaries, this does not concern the Wai Wais as we have been present in these lands, we have hunted, fished and gathered in these South American lands long before countries were created and the ancestors of Phillips arrived.

We find it dangerous for

Phillips to use such language as he has, because he implicitly questions the very basis of Amerindian land titling.

According to Phillips’ argument, everyone in Guyana needs land reparation.

However, the indigenous peoples of South America, North American and Central America had their lands stolen from them long before the beginning of African slavery.

We advise Phillips to proceed cautiously with his arguments in future so as to avoid offending the indigenous peoples of the country any further.

Respectfully, Paul Chekena

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friday, march 18, 2016

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Bullies, bystanders and tattletales – “nobody likes a tattletale” is a myth bullies live by

By Pamela B Paresky, PhD

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or generations, parents and teachers have told children, “Nobody likes a tattletale.”

We advise children to “stay out of other people’s business”, and “let people fight their own battles”. We teach them to “avoid the drama”, and warn them, “Don’t get involved, It isn’t your problem”. All of this seems to make sense. But being a bystander presents a significant moral dilemma. Should our children take action to help someone even when it might present problems for them? Should they help when it does not appear to be in their own self-interest?

How children resolve this dilemma in childhood has a lasting impact on how they

react when grappling with this question – one that will continue to present itself – throughout their lives.

It was 3 am on March 13, 1964 when the attack began.

Kitty Genovese was outside her apartment building. Several of her neighbors later said they heard her screaming during the halfhour long attack. According to the news as it was reported at the time, Genovese cried out, “Oh, my God, he stabbed me! Please help me! Please help me!” One man opened his window and shouted, “Leave that girl alone.” The killer walked away briefly, but when the light behind the window went out, he returned to stab Kitty again. “I’m dying!” she yelled. “I’m dying!”

Lights went on in several apartments and the killer left again. No one came down to help her, and no one called the Police. The killer returned and finished the job in the entryway to the apartment building where Kitty lay slumped on the floor.

Sometime later, after Kitty was already dead, a neighbor called the Police who arrived within two minutes of his call. The man later explained that he deliberated about calling for help, even phoning a friend first for advice. “I didn’t want to get involved,” he explained.

Police asked the other 37 neighbors who heard the violent attack why they didn’t call for help. Responses ranged from “we thought

it was a lovers’ quarrel,” to “I was tired. I went back to bed.”

In the book, Fifty Years After Kitty Genovese: Inside the Case that Rocked Our Faith in Each Other, Police Detective Albert Seedman describes his interview with the killer, who was caught six days later in a house rob-

ing. Other studies examined the impact of “groupthink”, the influence of authority, and the importance of a feeling of connection to the person in trouble.

Armed with all that research, are we better bystanders fifty years later?

It doesn’t look that way. In 2009, as many as 20 people

can become as deleterious to the bystander’s mental health as it is for the victim.

Bystanders who do nothing to help other children are at increased risk of becoming anxious and depressed, and getting involved in alcohol and drugs.

Misconceptions about who engages in bullying are

bery.

“Weren’t you scared those people up there had called the cops?” the detective asked.

“Oh I knew they wouldn’t do anything,” the killer said.

Seedman detected a faint smile. “People never do.”

Kitty was the murderer’s third victim.

The Kitty Genovese murder sparked decades of studies regarding how people respond when others are in trouble. Alarmingly, social scientists quickly discovered something they called the bystander effect: the likelihood of a bystander helping someone in trouble is lessened when more people know about what’s happen-

knew that a 15-year-old girl was being gang-raped outside a homecoming dance in Richmond, CA. Later some of them said they didn’t do anything because they didn’t want to be a “snitch”.

rampant. For years we have believed that bullies are either “bad kids” or lack selfesteem. In general, experts find that children who mistreat others do not have issues with self-esteem. In fact, many are quite popular with peers and are even well-liked by teachers.

Children who are willing to hurt others lack empathy, not self-esteem.

Bullying comes in many forms. What most readily comes to mind is the physical kind: tripping, pushing, hitting, knocking children into lockers, and the like.

But other forms of bullying are equally harmful: social

How to stop bullying at school

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ou can be someone who stops bullying before it even starts. How cool is that!

Here are some ways to beat bullying at your school.

Stand up for people who are bullied.

Bullies often want an audience and approval.

Let bullies know that you do not think being mean is cool.

Take an anti-bullying pledge. Share it with your friends, and let people know what you believe Take action. See if you can start an antibullying club or prevention program at your school.

Talk to other kids. Try to learn more about where bullying happens at your school. Talk about what might help. See if you and some friends can go together to talk to an adult at school.

Talk to your teachers or principal. Let adults at school know that you care about this topic. Ask the school to host an assembly on bullying. Ask for an anonymous survey to

learn how many kids are being bullied.

Talk to your parents or guardians. Your parents or guardians can ask your school to focus more on bullying.

Speak (and write) up! Write a blog, school newspaper article, or tweets to tackle bullying.

Get creative. How about starting a postermaking or rap-writing contest? Check out more cool ideas, plus tools for having a group discussion on bullying.

A good mood A school can have a certain feeling about it. It should feel like a place where everyone is respected and where everyone is safe. You can help make it that way by accepting and supporting others. Let people know that you are not interested in bashing anyone for any reason — not because they’re fat, poor, gay, short, or anything. You are interested in being friendly and kind. You are all about creating a good mood. (girlshealth.gov)

Today, bullying experts believe that out of resistance to being a “tattletale”, too often children don’t tell adults about being mistreated, nor do they report what they see happening to their peers. Other reasons children don’t report bullying is embarrassment, fear of retaliation, concern that they won’t be believed, and resignation that nothing they do

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr will make a difference.

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, although teachers believe they intervene over 70 per cent of the time, school personnel “notice or intervene in only one in twenty-five incidents”. In fact, in one survey of children who were bullied, 90 per cent of children said they do not tell adults about cyberbullying incidents. The most cited reason: they believed they needed to “learn to deal with it themselves”.

Yet, according to experts, the two most effective peer strategies in eliminating bullying are 1) to befriend the victim and 2) for bystanders to tell adults what is going on.

As if that weren’t reason enough for children to intervene when they see others being mistreated, years of research on the effects of bullying reveals that being a passive bystander

and relational aggression such as name-calling, taunting, and verbal threats, spreading rumours, talking and making faces behind someone’s back, and other behaviour meant to exclude or isolate someone are particularly damaging, since social support is essential to both psychological and even physical well-being (at any age).

When we teach our children not to be “tattletales”, we are training them to become passive, unhelpful bystanders who refuse to intervene when someone needs them. When your children come home from school, instead of “how was your day?” or other questions revolving around your child’s experience, try asking, “did you notice anyone struggling with something today?” or “did you have the chance to help anyone today?” and other questions that prompt children to be empathetic. (Excerpt

from psychologytoday.com)

7 Cane harvesters storm Rose Hall Manager’s office S news

friDay, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

ugar workers in Berbice who are demanding a meeting with the Manager of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate on Thursday marched into his office and continued their demands to meet with him.

The workers are demanding that Estate Manager Ude Persaud explain to them why he provided no work for them on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, since there was cane in the fields to be cut.

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Berbice Regional Supervisor Harvey Tambron had reported that after

Workers protesting outside the Rose Hall Estate on Thursday

speaking with Persaud, he was told that it was management’s way of punish-

ing the cane harvesters who had joined with their colleagues at the other estates

on their weekly one-day Tuesday strike in solidarity with workers at the Wales Sugar Estate which the Government said it would be closing.

On Thursday, more than 400 harvesters stormed into the estate compound and after being told that the Estate Manager was not in office, marched into the building.

The standoff between senior management of the Estate started on Tuesday when harvesters refused to go into the fields and instead demanded to meet with Persaud for an explanation as to why cane was not burnt

CoI into prison unrest

GBA wants prisoners to have legal representation

A

s the Commission of Inquiry into the recent unrests at the Georgetown Prison continued on Thursday, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), which was given full participatory rights in the probe, indicated that the inmates going before the Commission to testify should have legal representation.

The matter was raised

by GBA President, Attorney Christopher Ram, who stated that in the interest of fairness to the inmates, the men should be informed of their right to legal representation during the Inquiry. He noted that it should be up to the prisoners whether they want to waive this right or not.

“They are human beings and are not denuded of their fundamental rights… I am therefore appealing that we ensure that everyone at least knows his or her rights and let them make that decision,” Ram stated, while adding that

they would not know of this right unless being told of it by the Commission.

In fact, the GBA President pointed out that members of his Association are willing to provide pro-bono (free of charge) services, but noted that this service will not be offered to everyone appearing before the Commission.

“The Bar Association is not prepared to represent every person that appears,” he clarified. Moreover, Ram suggested that the Commission recommend to the Attorney General and the Public Security Minister that it facilitate legal representation for the inmates.

“These persons died or were injured while in the custody of the State. The State has an obligation to every one of these persons. The State has resources and I believe the State should be invited to provide Counsel for every person who needs representation

or at least to provide the resources,” the Head of the Bar Association remarked.

Attorney Selwyn Pieters, who was appointed by the State to represent the Guyana Prisons Service and the Guyana Police Force, supported the suggestion put forward. “I agree with (Ram) that Counsel should be provided for everyone that comes here and the State should pay for that Counsel,” Pieters said, but added that this should be put into a motion and formerly submitted to the Commission.

In response, the Commission’s Counsel, Attorney Excellence Dazzell referred to the fact that in its application to participate in the Inquiry, the Bar Association had said it would provide pro-bono service. She noted that the GBA should step up now.

Ram had stated that the role of the GBA is more of an

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

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

The inquiry continued with the testimony of prisoner Desmond James, who testified on Tuesday about the events of March 2 and 3, that led to the death of 17 inmates and several others injured, including prison officers.

Workers inside the building demanding a meeting with the Estate Manager

over the weekend and on Monday, thus not allowing them to work for three days.

There was no cane burnt on Saturday, Sunday or Monday resulting in harvesters not being required to work for three days although there was ripe cane in the field.

According to some workers, although GAWU has called a strike for Tuesdays, not all of the harvesters stay away from the field and as such, cane should be burnt on Mondays for harvesting on Tuesdays.

Meanwhile, the factory returned to grinding on Thursday after closing on Saturday. Tambron said it was a vindictive act by management.

“Yesterday I spoke with the Estate Manager and he said he does not want any stale cane in his factory and he doesn’t want to have the canes in the punts and not being able to grind it. This has nothing to do with hav-

ing the stale cane or being in the mill dock, this has to do with the earnings of the people, they need to work.”

Persaud had indicated that he was not going to meet with the workers on Thursday. Tambron said the action of the workers came about as a result of the way management has been treating workers in the recent past. “Even in the backdam where you used to get representatives engaging workers in discussion wherever there is a dispute, they are no longer calling on the reps, it’s just take it or leave it, that is the attitude of the management; they are not engaging the workers in anything; if there is a price dispute, they are not going to address the price dispute; they tell the people it’s either you work or you go home.”

The workers have planned to continue to push to have an engagement with Persaud today by all means possible.

8 news

friDAY, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

After 7 years, Family Court still in limbo

I

t has been over a month since the Rules of Law for the Family Court was presented to the National Assembly, however, there is yet to be an announcement on the official opening of the facility.

The opening of the much anticipated Family Court has been constantly delayed over the past years. For almost a year, the delays were blamed on the acquisition of furniture and the hosting of Commissions of Inquiries at the building, located in the compound of the Georgetown Supreme Court. Then more recently, revision of the Rules of Law had caused the opening to be pushed back.

Last Month, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams had laid over the completed Rules of Law, which will govern the practice and procedures of the Family Court. The rules were completed a while ago however some “necessary amendments” had to be made. This process was headed by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh.

When contacted Thursday for an update on a possible date for the official opening of the facility, Minister Williams indicated he is not in possession of that information. Pressed further, the AG pointed Guyana Times to the Chancellor, stating that that decision will have to be made

by Justice Singh.

Repeated efforts by this

The Family Court building in the Demerara High Court Compound

newspaper to contact the Chancellor were futile.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence also related to this newspaper that no definite date for the opening of the family court was indicated to her. However, she noted that her ministry is currently working on furnishing its department that will be located in the building.

“I can’t say (when it will be opened), I’m not the Chancellor. But I can say where we are at; right now we are seeking furnishing for our department so that we can get that up and running,” she stated.

Nevertheless, the Social Protection Minister expressed her concerns over the continuous delays. She emphasised the “extremely important” role the court will play in the judicial system in hearing and determining family-related matters.

“That is the reason why they sought to ensure that there is a court set up specifically aside to deal with these issues. And also given the fact that we have so many issues in Guyana, this will be able to speed up. So in that Court we are not jostling with the other matters that are before the Courts, this is a Court that deals specifically with family matters so it is one of utmost importance,” she remarked.

In preparations for the operation of the Court, several training sessions were held. Training was done with the staff at the registry and another session was held with members of the Bar and Judges as well.

The Chancellor had previous told Guyana Times that two Judges would be appointed to the new facility; however, at the time no decision was made as to who they would be. Justice Singh had

noted that while there were no judges specialised in the area of Family Law, there were judges who are knowledgeable in the area.

“All of the judges have been receiving training, refreshing programmes – in areas of law and procedures relating to the Court, so I would think basically all of our judges are competent to preside in the Family Court,” he previously told this newspaper.

It has been almost five years since the Court building was completed and handed over to Government.

Works are ongoing for over seven years to have the Court established and in operation.

In 2010, then Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand had said the establishment of such a court was prompted by observations that Guyanese family units are affected by societal demoralisation.

It is expected that the services of the Family Court would be mostly sought by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, through the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA).

The court was established to address problems arising from the dysfunction of the family unit, and to give special attention to child rights issues. It will handle issues such as divorce, division of property, domestic matters, adoption, guardianship, and custody.

Man found with cannabis tells court he was saving it for someone

A

man who was brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for possession of a narcotic substance on Thursday told the Magistrate that he was “saving it for someone”.

Alan Martin, a 47-yearold father of one, was found was brought before Magistrate Alex Moore charged with being in possession of three grams of

Alan Martin

cannabis. He accepted the allegations of the charge.

When given the chance to speak in court, the man told the Magistrate that he was sweeping a yard when he found the illicit substance and stored it in a zip lock bag. He alleged that he was keeping it so he could give it to someone who uses it, as he does not smoke.

Martin further alleged that some time later, Police

ranks on patrol in the area stopped him and conducted a search and retrieved the drug.

After listening to the explanation, the Magistrate sentenced the defendant to complete 25 hours of community service, which he must complete before or by April 15. The matter will be recalled on April 22 for report.

Eyew tness Governing...

F ...and remuneration

inance Minister Winston Jordan raised the subject of pay raises. He explicitly brought up the case of Public Servants for whom this is a MOST vexed subject.

And you can’t blame them. Here it was – to get elected – the parties now in government promised those folks a “significant” raise if they got in. And lo and behold, the APNU and AFC WERE elected with a 5000-odd majority.

The PPP says it was a VERY odd majority, but that’s neither here nor there at the moment. What’s more to the point, the 15,000-odd Public Servants – most of whom voted for the coalition – seem to think they had something to do with that victory! And wonder if “to the victors go the spoils”, how come they didn’t get any spoils - while Ministers and other bigwigs had to haul their 50% + spoils home in wheelbarrows. There’s been some dark murmurings among Public Servants ever since... and what the Finance Minister just said won’t help matters any.

Imagine you’re a Public Servant who just got a firm handshake at the last budget presentation and you’re told “not to get your hopes up” when the Public Service hearings were supposed to rectify the snub on salaries. If after an electoral promise in writing for a “significant” raise, you got zilch, imagine what it’ll be when you’re told “not to get your hopes up”. And don’t be talking about “exaggerated” salaries!!! Will Public Servants be asked to GIVE back some of their money to the Consolidated Fund like the Comrade Leader had asked when Congress Place was burnt down?

And to just rub salt into the wounds of the Public Servants, the Finance Minister, who wailed about the “hard times” announced he might just remove the “tax free” allowance on the Presidential salary. So far so good. At our 1/3 tax rate the Pressie would be pumping back 1/3 of his $1.8 million every month – which is $600,000. Now that’ll provide some funds for at least a hundred Public Servants, no? And taking home $1.2 million when all living expenses are paid by the state, isn’t too bad, is it?

Well Jordan doesn’t think so. He feels that if he deducts taxes from the President’s salary with the right hand, he ought to give a salary hike with the left hand for Pressie to take home the same $2.8 million monthly. Now by this time, dear reader, you’re probably exclaiming “WHAT THE *****!!!!” Because that’s what escaped your Eyewitness prim lips!

So what all this rigmarole about?? Just to say the President’s paying taxes? Well why doesn’t Jordan do the same for all Public Servants?

...from Saffon Street

And here your Eyewitness thought the Prime Minister – with what his 11% from Berbice calls a “well-developed Dhall Belly” – wasn’t athletic. But his somersault on the radio license issue after the Muckraker of Saffon Street cracked the whip was worthy of being showcased at the upcoming Summer Olympics!

Now, God knows, it wasn’t as if the PM was overworked and had too many things in his mind when he said no licenses would be revoked but new ones would be granted from the 25 or so applications the GNBA had in its files.

Because Pressie is protective of him, the PM was just given line responsibility for the Information Ministry. So why the backflip to now say “those licences deemed illegal” will be revoked. Was it because his party leader Ramjattan’d gotten a call from Saffon Street and repudiated the PM’s stance?

It’s clear while the Main St PM’s residence’s being refurbished, the Information Ministry’s operating from Saffon St!

...and Fedders Lloyd

Someone complained the PPP’s asking the APNU/AFC government to do what THEY didn’t do while in office. So what about APNU/AFC not doing what THEY said they’ll be doing? Like not sole-sourcing.

And no matter how they slice it, dice it, or purée it – Fedders Lloyd contract IS sole-sourced!

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

news

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friday, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

CARIFORUM SG urges objection Following sister’s funeral…

Opposition Leader thanks to EU’s “blacklist” – says Member States “compliant” with int’l tax agencies public for support

By Alexis Rodney

S

ecretary General of the Forum of the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States (CARIFORUM), Ambassador Irwin LaRoque has urged Member States to again reject the stance taken by the European Union (EU) to have them blacklisted for allegedly not cooperating on tax law enforcement with European countries.

The CARIFORUM Secretary General (SG), who is also Head of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), was at the time addressing over 16 representatives of CARIFORUM Member States who had converged at the Guyana Marriott International Hotel on Thursday for the opening ceremony of the 23rd meeting of CARIFORUM. The SG again brought to the fore the unfair treatment being meted out to a number of regional countries, deemed by the European Union as non cooperating tax jurisdiction.

This has been happening although the countries remain compliant with international financial institutions.

“The fact is that our jurisdictions are in compliance with the institutional and regulatory standards established by the FATF [Financial Action Task Force], OECD [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development] and other international bodies”, he told the room of Caribbean representatives.

Despite this fact, LaRocque said these EU lists still exist. According to him, a new EU proposal has the potential to further complicate the lives of Caribbean people.

“This is due to the punitive measures with respect to trade with the EU and access to the EU funding being proposed to those countries which they deem as being non cooperating tax jurisdiction. LaRocque said Caricom heads have adopted a position on the matter and that is that

CARIFORUM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

CARIFORUM needs to resoundingly reject this unfair treatment.

“As we battle with the said CARIFORUM needs to reject this unfair treatment from the EU. This new challenge, come as a result, at the same time as we grapple with our corresponding banking situation” Last year, Caricom had strongly objected to the decision by the European Commission to “blacklist” some Member States on the pretext that there was no cooperation on tax law enforcement. Caricom said the assertion was patently false in view of the continued efforts made

by Member States to comply with the onerous and unilateral regulatory measures put forward by the OECD which sets international standards on tax cooperation.

The OECD itself has stated in correspondence to the EU on this matter that “it considers most of the countries listed as largely compliant in the area of tax information sharing.” The OECD went further when it stated: “There is nothing more that they can do in order to be considered as cooperative.”

The Caribbean Community, for which financial services are of vital economic importance, said it was forced to express its deep disappointment and grave concern at the conduct of the EU on this matter.

Meanwhile, LaRoque said a lot has happened since the

last CARIFORUM meet back in December 2014. He told the gathering that they were being afforded an opportunity to reflect on the urgent priorities on which political and quality guidance must be given.

He recalled that the last meeting Member States were in the process of developing the 11thEuropean Development Fund Regional Indicative Programme with the EU. He reported that he has since signed the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme, valued at some €346 million with the EU. “That agreement will provide support to CARIFORUM in areas of regional and economic cooperation, climate change, disaster management, environment and sustainable energy and crime and security. These areas are among the most critical for us in addressing our competitiveness, fostering economic growth, and sustainable development”, he told leaders He said the programmes and projects being designed must have a positive impact on the ground for Member States. “We must also take into account the need to build capacity at the national and regional levels”, LaRoque urged, noting that the projects must be implemented in effective and efficient manner to address the developmental challenges of the Region.

“We have initiated new governance arrangement for determining programmes and projects Member States are now more involved in the projects.” This meeting, he said, offers opportunities for Member States to take stock of where they are with the CARIFORUM/EU Economic partnership agreement. This agreement comes to an end in 2020. According to the SG, the Caribbean, as part of the ACP, must have a comprehensive view on the future of the grouping. He said political and quality dialogue with the EU is important in the context of furthering the relationship.

– ready for LGE today

O

pposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday extended gratitude to the thousands of expressions of sympathy he received during his time of bereavement, following his sister’s untimely demise.

“The many kind words from persons here and from abroad were of great comfort,” Jagdeo expressed in a statement.

He noted that his entire family deeply appreciated the words of condolence from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), President David Granger and his Government, as well as those from friends and supporters.

Jagdeo also expressed that his sister will forever be remembered for being someone who dearly touched his life, as well as the lives of many persons around her,

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

in the most profound way.

His sister, Ooma, was 57 years old when she passed away on March 13.

Her death caused Jagdeo to cut short several of his Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign outreaches in Essequibo. In this regard, the Opposition Leader offered his apologies to the people of Wakenaam and

Leguan in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) as well as residents in other communities he had planned to visit ahead of the LGE today.

On that note, Jagdeo reminded that today’s vote is an important one, simply because the future of all communities across the country is at stake.

“It is a chance for our people to support and participate in community-based democracy and to elect the leaders who will work for their communities,” he stated. He urged all Guyanese to turn out to the polls to cast their vote. He also urged employers to allow their employees the time off to be able to cast their votes.

“Our vote is a robust tool, which must be used to ensure the people receive the leadership they want,” he concluded.

Festival City man robbed, shot

A

22-year-old man has been hospitalised after he sustained two gunshot wounds during a robbery on Wednesday night.

The injured man has been identified as Ruben Hopkinson of Festival City, Georgetown.

According to reports around 21:30h, the young man was rid-

ing a bicycle along Eden Street, Tucville, Georgetown, when he was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The perpetrators demanded his jewellery, but Hopkinson resisted, and as a result, he was shot to his left foot and buttock.

The men eventually took

the 22-year-old’s jewellery valued at some $240,000 and made good their escape. Hopkinson has since been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital and is said to be in a stable condition. Meanwhile, investigations have been launched into the incident. No arrests have been made.

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guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, march 18, 2016

News

LGE 2016

GECOM promises immediate results after voting A fter some 22-odd years, Guyana is holding Local Government Elections (LGEs) and the regulatory body, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has indicated it is all set for today.

This was related by Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, who said they are ready for the task. During a brief phone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday afternoon, Lowenfield noted that he is monitoring the situation across the country and all is set at the 71 local authority areas.

“As far as our preparations for tomorrow (Friday) go, we are on stream and on track… I’m managing the process all across Guyana not just Georgetown,” he stated.

Despite intense sensitisation programmes, many Guyanese are not likely to vote today; citing the complexity of the procedure and inadequate efforts to educate the public especially since it is after 22 years.

Nevertheless, the CEO stated that whatever the electorate turnout is for today’s local government polls, GECOM is prepared for it.

“Well I can’t predict the turnout of the voters, in their individual divisions. But all of the trainings that we’ve received, our staff in collabora-

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

tion with the police and so on, we are very prepared to treat with electors who show up at polling stations tomorrow,” he remarked.

Moreover, Lowenfield pointed out that results for the LGEs can be expected to be out as early as tonight, noting that declarations will be made at the respective local authority areas.

“Final results can be out as early as tomorrow evening because the declarations will be made by the respective Returning Officers. So it’s not a central declaration, it’s a declaration that will be done in each of the local authority areas, including those where

there is no contests,” the CEO explained.

However, according to the law, GECOM has up to five days after Elections to declare the results.

On the other hand, earlier this week GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Tamara Rodney told this newspaper that various measures have been put in place to ensure transparency of the process.

“Everything is pretty much on schedule, with regards to security: all of our operations are being done in the presence of the officers of the Guyana Police Force along with party agents. Every single thing is done with scrutiny and transparency with regards to the elections for March 18,” she stated.

Rodney added that regulatory body has undertaken to carry out the process in accordance with the policy approved by commissioners, that is, “where the ballots are transported in the presence of agents – they are all in one vehicle as well as the police.”

Meanwhile, this publication had also contacted some Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) offices where it was confirmed that polling stations have been earmarked and selected for constituents to cast their ballots.

GECOM PRO Tamara Rodney

Best-Klien/Pouderoyen NDC incumbent Chairman, Omesh Balarm told Guyana Times that everything is “com-

ing up fine” in his district. He noted that there will be 30 polling stations within the area’s 10 constituencies on election’s day.

Additionally, Works Chairman for HerstellingLittle Diamond NDC, Wilfred Hassan, related that the area has 15 polling stations and opined the majority of residents are aware of the voting process.

“All of the polling stations are prepared as GECOM has prepared them. They are using some private residences, health centres and schools because this elections is different from national elections.

All political parties have been holding meetings sensitising people on how to vote. From what I’ve observed, about 80% of residents understand how they have to vote,” Hassan

stated.

While in Opposition, the APNU and AFC had over the years lambasted the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration for not holding LGEs, and blamed the then Government for robbing citizens of their democratic right to elect the leaders for their NDCs and town councils.

The hosting of Local Government Elections this year was announced by the coalition government back in November, some 22 years after it was last held. There are 71 local authority areas – with 62 NDCs and 9 municipalities.

However, four of the NDCs are unopposed hence there will be no voting there.

Alberttown men on bail for separate burglary charges

T

wo men who hail from Alberttown, Georgetown, were on Thursday released on bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when they appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on separate charges of break and enter and larceny.

John Clarke of Lot 117 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, denied the allegation which read that between March 4 and 5, he broke into the shop of Hardyal Harripersaud and stole one computer monitor, seven Pioneer DVD decks, a Compact laptop, and $200,000 cash among other items, all to the value of $960,000. The articles are the property of

Harripersaud.

The defendant’s Attorney informed the Magistrate that his client is a dispatcher at the Ambassador Taxi Service and that Clarke has no prior convictions or pending matter, adding that his client was kept in custody beyond the 72 hours holding period.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones made no objections to bail which was granted in the sum of $75,000.

The defendant is expected to return to Court on April 11, for statements.

Meanwhile, Joel DeBeazer, 31, a self-claimed businessman, was brought before the Chief Magistrate on an allegation that on March 4,

at Georgetown, he broke and entered the home of Calvin Ramotar and stole a gold chain valued at $240,000. He denied this accusation, alleging that he and Ramotar are co-owners of the house.

He further alleged that the complainant is in the habit of threatening and abusing him, claiming that Ramotar would sometimes follow him with his car and call him insulting names.

DeBeazer stated that the charge was concocted against him after a business deal between the two went sour.

He was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 and the matter was adjourned to April 11, for statements.

friDAY, march 18, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Controversial Specialty Hospital Project

Public outcry continues over lack of transparency T

he Public outcry against Government’s decision to disregard increased calls for it to retender the multimillion-dollar Specialty Hospital Project, which has been marred in controversy since its conceptualisation, continued on Thursday with transparency advocates weighing in on an announcement by Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

Jordan during a press conference Wednesday, disclosed that the project was moving at a rapid pace, with consultants currently putting the documentation together ahead of the first phase of construction which is expected to begin by midyear.

Jordan said Fedders Lloyd has already modified the design, taking into account the work that was already done by the previous contractor, Surendra Engineering.

However, Vice President of Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) Christopher Ram was adamant that Government was acting in bad faith as he saw no reason why the project should not be retendered.

He said he is not aware that the procurement rules allow for exceptions, but at the absolute minimum the government ought to justify what they are doing regarding single sourcing of the Hospital contract in favour of Fedders Lloyd.

“They just can’t disregard the comments and views of members of the public. They are after all stakeholders and

if there is some compelling reason then Mr Jordan should have indicated what that is,” Ram stated

Good deal

Minister Jordan, in his defence of the decision to hand Fedders Lloyd the contract, stated that Guyana is getting a good deal from the construction firm.

However Ram said if that is the justification, then Fedders Lloyd in 2012 was taking Guyana for a ride.

“Does it mean then when we did it in the past it was a bad deal?” he asked, adding that, “Usually there are escalation clauses in contracts and bids after 90 days and there come four years later, clearly we were taken for a ride by Fedders Lloyd.”

He urged the political opposition to be more proactive in dealing with this issue.

Go back to tender

Former Government Minister and Transparency advocate Dr Henry Jeffery reiterated his call for the project to go back to tender: “I cannot see why this contract could not have been retendered.”

However, Dr Jeffery said it is a weak argument not to retender.

“The issue of retendering is more than a good deal. It is giving every other person a fair share at showing clearly that the government is open and transparent and that is not being done,” he stated, reminding a cloud of corruption is hanging over the project, es-

Christopher Ram pecially since Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan was connected to the company. Dr Jeffery said since assuming office, the coalition has been reneging on its campaign promises of accountability, transparency and openness: “People expected them to keep all their manifesto promises etc… Talks about transparency, openness of the tendering process and the appointment of the Commission (Public Procurement). It is simply a fact going back on much of what they preaching before and during the elections.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Legislator with oversight of the health sector Dr Frank Anthony supported the call for a retendering, noting that the fact remains the company was disqualified and as such cannot be the second lowest bidder.

“I think they should retender the hospital because

in the first instance Fedders Lloyd was disqualified… if they are not going to do that, there are options available to us, but that is to be examined at the level of the party,” Dr Anthony said.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall reminded that the Procurement Act dictates the contract must return to public tendering and as such any move to single-source a contractor and flout the procurement rules is a violation of the laws of Guyana.

“If the government decides to ignore the Procurement Act,

that previously Surendra Engineering won the contract through a transparent process and when it breached that contract, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration acted promptly.

“The government should stop criticising the PPP/C for Surendra, because Surendra won a contract in accordance with law; when it breached the contract the gov’t acted in accordance with law and terminated the contract and then obtained judgment against Surendra,” Nandlall remind-

the High Court and compensation accordingly awarded to the Government.

During that initial bidding process, Fedders Lloyd was disqualified, but the company’s legal representative then, Khemraj Ramjattan (now Vice President and Public Security Minister) had argued against that verdict.

Despite this, the APNU/ AFC coalition, even while in Opposition, contended that Fedders Lloyd was wronged.

Shortly after assumption to office, the Government signed the Memorandum of

An artist's impression of the Specialty Hospital

they will be doing so at their own peril and would be acting unlawfully. The contractor is also being given notice of this illegality and so is the Indian government, as well as the Indian Exim Bank,” Nandlall stated.

Nandlall reminded

ed.

In 2012, the hospital contract was awarded to Surendra Engineering to design and construct the facility.

Its services were subsequently terminated owing to several contractual breaches and the matter was taken to

Understanding (MoU) with the disqualified company to undertake the construction, citing that it would be more economical and less time-consuming than going through the transparent process of retendering.

12 news

friday, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Rastafarian group renews call Man hospitalised after being for marijuana consultations struck by Policeman

T

he decriminalisation of marijuana remains a burning social issue as many Rastafarians and other interest groups continue to decry the lengthy jail sentences.

The law currently stipulates that any person found in possession of cannabis shall be liable to a fine of not less than $10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug and 10 years’ imprisonment, while trafficking the drug carries a heavier penalty.

The Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP) has renewed the call for a reduction of these sentences. Party leader Ras Leon Saul in an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday noted that promises were broken with regard to follow-up consultations on the issue.

“This administration doesn’t keep its promises… in terms of the ganja issue, they promised to table legislation on December 30 to deal with a review of the sentencing policy, also to look at the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Act.” “We had a meeting with the Attorney General Basil Williams and he promised to do that. A private member’s bill was to be tabled by Michael Carrington, was to be tabled by January 7, it wasn’t done and it just fell off the map and off the radar,” stressed Saul.

He also described this situation as “not a good thing,” pointing to the complaints of

Ras Leon Saul

a mother, Harriet Simmons who was distraught over the arrests of her son and his father who were said to be the breadwinners in the home.

“Harriet Simmons called me [on Wednesday] in tears saying that after a three-year court case, her husband and her son were sentenced to four years and three years respectively.”

Saul posited the reasons why he feels that the sentencing rate has not yet been altered: “Procrastination, ignorance and not enough compassion for the human rights of a segment of the society that has a right to practice their cultural and medical approaches to deal with their health.” Responding to the view of many that marijuana decriminalisation may lead to advocacy of other drugs being decriminalised, fellow HTNTP member and herbalist Alfred

Park rubbished this belief stating that it has stemmed from “brainwashing”. He also suggested that the party is calling for the “freedom” of the people. “The people must be free, if I’m to take a spliff and light it, the police would want to run in my yard and jail me – that’s not freedom,” stressed the herbalist. “Why that one plant must be denied its rights?” Park questioned.

It was explained that the Caricom Heads of Government gave the mandate that all member states should set up ‘national marijuana commissions’, the HTNTP opined that Guyana should establish such a measure. The party also believes that reduced sentencing for cannabis will significantly reduce the jail population.

Throughout the years, the Rastafarian community has been calling for a review of the legislation, with many citing religious rights and others citing possible economic benefits of marijuana cultivation.

Back in December, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams told a news conference that he was unsure of Government’s position regarding the calls for legislative reform on this issue: “I don’t know what Government’s position is because we haven’t addressed this matter yet at Cabinet.”

Williams further noted that there needs to be extensive consultation on the issue, because everyone’s views need to be taken into consideration.

A

The car belonging to the Police rank

civilian is now hospitalised after he was stuck by a police officer along the Herstelling Public Road, East Bank Demerara on Thursday afternoon. The identities of the two men were not immediately released.

Based on information, the injured man was report-

edly standing outside his car when the police rank lost control of his vehicle and slammed into him.

Eyewitnesses stated that the police rank exited his vehicle and started to use profanities thus drawing the attention of people close by.

“This man was drunk, drunk… he could ah barely

stand up”, one man stated.

However, the injured man was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Ranks from the Providence Police Station arrived at the scene and hurriedly left the scene with the alleged “drunken” officer.

Timehri duo held for Soesdyke farmer’s murder

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s Police continue their investigation into the murder of 60-year-old Anthony Breedy of First Hill Soesdyke/Linden Highway, two men were arrested on Wednesday evening at a house in Ithaca, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The two men, known as “Donnel” and “Trini” of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, were transported to CID Headquarters in Georgetown and are being interrogated.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted on Thursday explained that based on Police intelligence, ranks of A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) and B Division (Berbice) collaborated and swooped down on a house in Ithaca, where the two men were arrested.

“Initially, we received reports that the two men were armed, and as such, we contacted the SWAT Team…

Dead: Anthony Breedy

during the operation the ranks realised that the men were unarmed hence, they were questioned and based on information gathered, the guns were recovered,” the Crime Chief added.

Further, Blanhum told Guyana Times that the men were implicated in the murder by the prime suspect who confessed to the heinous act.

The prime suspect was

arrested at Nabaclis on the East Coast of Demerara, one day after the murder.

Upon his arrest, he was found to have in his possession the now dead man’s ATM card but further investigation led to the man’s missing SUV which had fake number plates.

Guyana Times understands that the main suspect and three other men had committed the act in the wee hours of Sunday morning but the man’s body was not found until Monday morning. Breedy reportedly collected the suspect at the Soesdyke/Linden Highway Junction after a dance in the area.

It was during their meeting, the man was killed. A female friend of the now dead man was also arrested at Nabaclis. With the arrest of the two men, a total of four persons are in custody assisting with investigations.

13 Top Cop withholds jewellery in $3.9M from goldsmith news

friDAY, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

jewellery seized – a chain and a wrist band – was in his client’s possession for over five years and that his client has worn them on numerous occasions when travelling in and out of the country to the USA. “He has never once been questioned before by

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Attorney Anil Nandlall

olice Commissioner Seelall Persaud was granted autonomy to further withholds some 19.12 ounces of gold jewellery valued approximately $3.9 million, which was seized from goldsmith Richard Ramjit during a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) raid, but his Attorney Anil Nandlall strongly believes that this is a clear abuse of the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. The quantity of jewellery can be detained for a period of 90 days from date of seizure for the purpose of investigation to determine whether the said valuables are the proceeds of criminal activities or the subject matter of money laundering.

Ramjit of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Government after he was detained at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for several hours and his jewellery confiscated.

Notably, this incident brought to the fore concerns about how potential travel-

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

lers will be affected by this new legislation, which allows designated officers to seize jewellery worth in excess of US$10,000.

On Thursday morning, the matter was called for the first time in the Constitutional Court before Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

Leave was granted to file Affidavits in Answers and the matter was adjourned to April 14.

Commenting on the outcome of the first hearing, Nandlall said it is rather strange that such an order would have been made in the absence of the other party.

Nandlall contended that his client was not even made aware of the decision until the court hearing.

“So, you have people’s property being detained for several months by a Court Order without offering them an opportunity to be heard.

In my considered view, that by itself can constitute deprivation of property without natural justice,” he said.

He pointed out that the

GPSU flays Jordan’s “exaggerated salaries” remark – says the Minister infusing unhealthy prejudice into negotiations

T

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Thursday took Minister of Finance Winston Jordan to task over comments that there is not enough money in the treasury to pay public servants “exaggerated increases”.

Minister Jordan during a news conference Wednesday cautioned public servants not to get their hopes up high for hefty wage increases, since there is not enough money in the treasury to pay Public Sector workers “exaggerated” increases.

“From the time I came in, I’ve been advising and cautioning as it relates to wage increases and meeting exaggerated demands for wage increases, even in good times, paying exaggerated salaries cause, as you all know, serious short- and long-term impacts,” he stated, adding that the salary increase, to be announced before the end of the year, will be “sustainable”.

However, the GPSU in a statement said the Minister,

Patrick Yarde

whether on his own volition or acting on some other directive, is seeking to infuse an element of unhealthy prejudice into the negotiations with the union ahead of the start of these negotiations.

The union said it finds “particularly disconcerting”, Jordan’s statements that there is no room for negotiations, therefore the government will offer a salary increase that is “sustainable”. turn to page 14

Customs Officers or indeed anyone else about these pieces of jewellery either at CJIA or JFK International Airport,” Nandlall stated.

On this note, he contended that this case is an obvious abusive and misuse of the AML/CFT Act. In fact, Nandlall point-

ed out that the law provides for the SOCU Officer to have had reasonable grounds for suspecting that the jewellery has some connection to proceeds of crime or money laundering before seizing it.

In this case, Nandlall said the SOCU Officer seized the jewellery first and then

moved to obtain the Court Order to justify the detention of his client’s property.

“He seized without reasonable grounds for suspicion. In other words, they have turned the law upside down. This entire case is a travesty of justice,” the Attorney asserted.

14 NEWS

friday, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

GPSU flays Jordan’s “exaggerated...

“Those, in our view, are not the words of an individual who is amenable to negotiations, but one who comes to the table with preconditions that taint the negotiating environment long before the discourse even begins,” the union stated.

The union said Jordan’s statement is a stark contradiction to public statements by President David Granger who underscored the importance of the public service in Guyana’s development.

It noted that the minister’s comments bears an

uncanny resemblance of the “dismissive posture” of the previous administration when it comes to the public service.

The GPSU is calling on the government to state publicly if Jordan’s views represent that of the A Partnership for National

Unity/Alliance For Change Administration.

It said if this is indeed the government’s view then it will create an unwholesome environment ahead of the much-anticipated negotiations on a meaningful increase in wages and salaries for public servants.

from page 13

“It is the view of the GPSU that public servants are entitled to urgent assurances that the ensuing developments are not about to take us down a path of bad faith as the time for negotiating salary increases approaches,” it stated.

The union said it has

also taken note of the “suggestion” by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about “moderating the growth of wages.”

It questioned whether the minister’s statement was an indication of fulfilling the IMF’s expectation.

friday, march 18, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News Massy opens US$4M mega supermarket M

assy Stores, a regional supermarket chain, on Thursday opened the doors of its first supermarket in Guyana, which is also the largest supermarket in the country.

The supermarket chain, which currently has 45 locations in the Caribbean, opened the doors of the mega supermarket at Providence, East Bank Demerara which rests on 16,000 square feet of land and cost about US$4 million.

Speaking at the event, Senior Vice President and Executive Chairman of the Retail Line of Business for the Massy Group, Thomas Patin related that the company was excited to open its doors in Guyana, as the market offered immense opportunities.

“We are so excited! This is

A section of the Massy Stores Supermarket at Providence, East Bank Demerara

as we bring on board 120 Guyanese associates to create something new for this market. This is about bringing a new shopping experience to Guyanese consumers and sharing our best prac-

Senior Vice President and Executive Chairman of the Retail Line of Business for the Massy Group, Thomas Patin

big! This is not a big store… this is not just big to Massy Retail; it is not big to Massy, Guyana…this is just plain big, and we are really happy to be here in Guyana,” he stated.

He explained that the retail company had considering entering the Guyana market for quite some time, but opted to wait.

“We believe that being in the Guyana market gives us an opportunity to be more authentically Caribbean

tices and best models across Caribbean territories,” he stated, adding that the construction of the second Guyana branch was already underway and it would be a “Massy Supermarket on steroids”.

“We have continued to incorporate best practices in the construction of our second store, already in progress, at the East Coast Movie Towne complex which is scheduled to open in 2017,” the company execu-

tive disclosed.

“This is not about entering the Guyana market to see how it goes, this is a full commitment to retail in Guyana. And before long, our second store will be open and we promise you that that too will be a phenomenal experience,” Patin declared.

President and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gervase Warner explained that it took immense work to make the establishment possible; however, he stated that the Massy Group of Companies saw it necessary to have a convenient shopping complex for Guyanese.

“We have been in Guyana for over 48 years, and over those 48 years, we have watched how Guyanese have to do their supermarket shopping,” he stated, saying that it is usually exhausting when consumers have to travel to several different locations to complete their grocery shopping.

He assured the public that Massy would be providing a unique and abovestandard shopping experience to its customers. “We promise a transformational shopping experience, and not just because of the number of departments that we have under one roof, not because of the immaculate cleanliness and state-ofthe-art technology that’s be-

Grove/Diamond NDC robbed

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he Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was robbed on

Wednesday evening.

NDC Chairman Deochand Boodhoo told Guyana Times that from

all indications, the perpetrators only escaped with $10,000.

He explained that when a staff turned up for work on Thursday morning, she noticed signs of forced entry by the backdoor.

Upon searching the office, she noticed that only the cash was missing.

It is believed that the act may have been committed by a junkie since all other valuables, such as the office computers were intact.

An investigation has been launched.

ing used in the store, and it’s not because we have the best employees you could find in Guyana. We promise you the best experience you could ever have in shopping because that’s who we are.

We are a force for good, creating value and transforming lives,” he declared.

In his remarks, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin related that Guyana welcomed the investment as it provided the opportunity for employment and development.

“We welcome this investment on many levels. And I wish to assure the Massy Group that the confidence

that they have placed in our economy is not at all misplaced,” he posited.

He further stated that it was an opportune time for investors to establish and expand their business in Guyana.

“Guyana’s retail sector is becoming more and more competitive, with shoppers having more options, both in terms of stores and in terms of products. Our economy has responded well to these new developments and has demonstrated that Guyana has not just the physical space, but the economic space to accommodate an

expanded retail sector,” he stated.

The mega supermarket features a wide range of high-quality products including fresh produce, chilled and frozen meat, prepared foods, a wide variety of local and foreign food, and general merchandise items.

Additionally, the Massy Stores Supermarket offers a number of convenient, value-added services including a deli and bakery, butcher and fresh fish counters, an in-store pharmacy, ATM machines, MoneyGram and SurePay points of service.

Call 223-7230-1 ext 35

16 NEWS

friDAY, march 18, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Main contenders ready for LGE today …high levels of confidence abound among independent candidates

Team Benschop for Mayor leader Mark Benschop

By Shemuel Fanfair

F

or the first time in 22 years, Guyanese across municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are casting their ballots in Local Government Elections (LGE). Many of the major groupings have expressed confidence that enough has been done to secure their victories.

South Ruimveldt candidate and Team Benschop for Mayor leader, Mark Benschop told Guyana Times that he wanted fast counting of votes as his party has put in enough work for a landslide victory.

“Our party’s plans [came along] quite fine: we are optimistic; we believe that we’re gonna pull this off. When compared to the other candidates, I think we have

the best and the people of Georgetown know that. We will pull it off with either a landslide or a majority,” Benschop declared.

The candidate maintained that the major groups should not have been part of local elections.

“Based on what the people of Georgetown want – the people do not want Central Government to control the local government affairs; they are adamant about that.”

“Once everything goes well, the people can see Team Benschop being elected the next Mayor of Georgetown.”

Smooth process, order

Team Legacy leader Michael Leonard

Meanwhile, Alliance For Change General Secretary David Patterson told this publication that he expected a “smooth voting process”, while APNU/AFC’s Sherrod Duncan rejected the sentiments expressed by small political groups that bigger parties should stay out of the local elections. He pointed to Article 7 which speaks to inclusiveness.

“The Constitution speaks at the local Government level through Article 7, that there should be inclusion of individuals and independent candidates, groups and political parties so we believe that anything less would be unconstitutional.”

Duncan said that he anticipated that the Disciplined Services would do all that was necessary to ensure that there was peace during today’s polls. The Georgetown municipality candidate also stated that the party has done “sufficient sensitisation” and was expecting “very favourable results” in the city.

Benschop also expressed hope that the election process would go smoothly.

“We don’t want no ballot boxes to be stopped or anything; a transparent process, a free, a fair elections,” opined that candidate.

Similarly, People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Clement Rohee noted that the main Opposition Party was expecting “significant results” in its favour. He also gave high

Favourable results

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

ratings to his Party’s preparations in the run-up to the polls.

“I would rate it as high,” the General Secretary noted. The former Home Affairs Minister also said that he stood by his previous claims that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did a “poor job” of voter education.

“I still stand by that… it too little, too late,” Rohee posited. He further noted that should the PPP/Civic be successful in the capital city, “significant changes” would be brought to the management of City Hall.

“All of them should be cleaned out…clean the stables…[we will] bring significant changes, but it depends on if we win councillors in the City Hall which I’m sure we will,” emphasised the General Secretary.

Fellow PPP member

23rd CARIFORUM meet gets underway in Guyana

Chairman of CARIFORUM, Lener Renauld

Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

he 23rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) was opened on Thursday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, in Georgetown.

Under the Chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Haiti, Lener Renauld, the forum got underway with representatives of the 16 participating states.

The Caribbean Forum is a subgroup of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and serves as a base for economic dialogue with the European Union (EU). It was established in 1992 and has a membership of the 15 Caribbean Community (Caricom) states, along with The Dominican Republic.

Renauld’s delivery on Thursday at the forum was in French. He said it

ble political environments and solid human rights and governance practices. He said the political environment continues to be characterised by free and fair elections, peaceful retention or changes in Government and recourse to the judicial system to resolve related problems.

Greenidge said however, that the implementation of development initiatives in CARIFORUM continues to be challenged by the Region’s vulnerabilities and exposure to external factors including climate change, financial, economic and other measures taken by developed countries, insecurity occasioned by transnational crime, trade in illicit drugs and small arms as well as social dislocation at the community level.

He said “in addressing these issues, CARIFORUM states have resorted to a number of political, econom-

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was a requirement at any CARIFORUM meet. But speaking with the media immediately after, the Chiefof-Staff of Haiti’s President said that there needs to be some coordination between countries of the Caribbean.

“We have to strengthen the coordination among ourselves and we want to find out in the meeting what are the difficulties we can confront together, in order to improve our relation with the European Union, mainly the cooperation relation and the long-term relation.

We have to get a new relation with the EU and we are working towards that,” he told media operatives.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said CARIFORUM Member States continue to pursue their inclusive human, social and economic development in an environment characterised by tradition of sound democracies, sta-

ic and social initiatives. The prospects for the future include continued observance of democratic traditions, deepening of regional political level cooperation, and deepening of involvement in hemispheric arrangements”.

Greenidge said CARIFORUM states face serious challenges to economic resilience and have found it difficult to recover rapidly to either internally or externally generated shocks.

CARIFORUM was formally established through the signing of the Georgetown Agreement in Guyana in 1975, shortly after the signing of the Lomé Convention.

The Lomé Convention was an international aid and trade agreement between the ACP and the European Community (EC). It was renegotiated and renewed three times.

The ACP/EU Cotonou Agreement had a first revision in 2005.

Irfaan Ali told Guyana Times that the Party was “very multi-faceted” and, as such, was representing “every stature of society”.

He too is hoping for GECOM to conduct a transparent process.

“I expect a fair process where persons voting are not intimidated and denied their rights, because in the national elections, we had a lot of concerns about the process and we hope that enough measures are put in place to avoid what occurred,” Ali noted.

Needed more time

Team Legacy candidate Michael Leonard said that while he was optimistic, the smaller groups “needed a little more time for the campaigns”. Leonard also said that many of his supporters share the view that the larger parties should have stayed out of the elections.

“We don’t have the budgets of the larger parties, so a lot of our efforts have been on the ground, but we are about 9 out of 10 prepared.”

The candidate also opined that GECOM should have capitalised more on the use of social media in the vot-

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

er education programmes, as “many people” were no longer watching television.

“It’s been very poor, GECOM has made use of radio and television, but I don’t believe they’ve made use of social media, which is a critical component in communication, so that’s very disappointing,” expressed the Team Legacy leader.

Leonard also noted that these elections could bring an end to the “fighting and bickering” at City Hall so that there could be transformation of communities.

The Elections Commission has given all assurances that the process will be transparent.

Prime suspect in NA robbery arrested

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wo men are in custody following Tuesday evening’s robbery in New Amsterdam and police have been receiving vital information about other robberies in Berbice following the arrest of the main suspect.

The prime suspect was arrested Wednesday evening by public-spirited citizens.

He was being pursued since a lone gunman robbed Sankar’s Variety at Strand, New Amsterdam on Tuesday evening after discharging two rounds.

Those on the hunt for him had received information about his whereabouts and went to two locations but each time were informed that the man had just left. At the third location the police were taken along but the result was the same.

According to a source, on Tuesday information surfaced about a house where the injured man was going to be spending the night. Three men geared themselves and waited in the grass at Angoys Avenue. An hour later a motorcyclist was seen approaching.

Reports are that as the motorcyclist was about to pass a chop was fired at him hitting him on the shoulder and he fell but quickly made a dash for a nearby trench.

“After a while, like a half hour I go back in the water and make a second search and we ent find nobody and when we going an give up I feel like he foot and where he pants start but he ent move. So I average where he dead dea and I grabble an pull he out the water and he start to fight up an another man come and hold

on to he and we bring he out and he start talking after who send he and how they show he where he got to run to get away…”

The information confirmed that a man police had earlier in the day arrested at Fort Ordinance was also behind the crime.

Earlier as police went into Angoys Avenue in search of the prime suspect, they encountered another man but had no interest in him. Following the arrest on Wednesday evening the prime suspect who gave his address as La Penitence, Georgetown, implicated the man whom police had encountered earlier.

He has also provided police with information of other robberies. His arrest is being considered a major breakthrough in crime fighting in Berbice.

A lone gunman fired a shot at an employee as she tried to apprehend him after he shot at her boss during a robbery in downtown New Amsterdam Tuesday evening.

The unmasked man fled on foot with a bag containing the day’s sales of Sakar’s Variety after discharging two shots in the direction of two persons. He was pursued by one of the business owners and hit over by his car but managed to make it to an ally and disappeared.

During the chase some of the stolen money was left behind and was recovered by the businessman.

The businessman was able to recover $100,000 but the man escaped with $480,000.

Police are continuing their hunt for a third suspect.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, march 18, 2016

Saleem Beharry

Jumo Primo

T Nishard M

he Digicel 10/10 Cricket Tournament will culminate on Sunday with the semi-finals and the grand final which will see teams vying for over $600,000 in cash and trophies. The preliminary competitions were already held and four teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals.

The first semi will see Queenstown battling against

Adventure Sport Club. In the second, Die Hard will come up against United Brothers. After the contest, only two teams will move to the final.

The teams are known for their superb bowling techniques and power batting.

The other attraction will be the Curried Duck Competition with over $850,000 at stake. Several teams have already registered to participate in this competition – a popular one on the Essequibo Coast.

Then, as the sun sets, there will be the

massive after-party concert featuring live performances by first runner-up at the recentlyconcluded International Chutney Soca Monarch Competition, Nishard M; Saleem Beharry also from Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana’s own Jumo Primo.

Apart from the triple treat, there will be lots of giveaways by the phone giant and several activities for the kids, including bouncy castle, trampoline, face painting and others. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

Tickets for Sunidhi Chauhan Concert released

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wenty-five-year-old Latoya Freeman, a teacher of Stella Maris Primary School, was on Sunday evening crowned Miss Guyana African Root 2016.

She outshone six other contestants in the highly competitive pageant that was held at the National Cultural Centre.

The trained Class One, Grade One teacher, of Middle Road, La Penitence, was extremely elated to be crowned queen. She is excited about the year ahead.

Leading up to the pageant, the delegates participated in the cotillion which was won

by Freeman.

On the night of the pageant, the seven delegates competed in the introduction, country presentation, creative swimwear, talent, evening gown and intelligence segments.

Freeman represented Uganda.

Freeman, a graduate of the Cyril Potter College of Education, will continue her studies at the University of Guyana in September.

The crowned queen told Guyana Times Entertainment that she encountered severe financial challenges, but with the help of her mentor, Alicia Bess, she made it through the pageant. She noted that despite the challenges, she put her best foot forward and managed to win the title.

The former Miss Emancipation contestant thanked Uni-fabulous for providing the makeup and Alicia Bess for her tremendous support. The experience she gained will be cherished, she added.

ickets are now on sale at locations across the country for the much-anticipated Sunidhi Chauhan Concert, which will be hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Sunday, April 3 at the National Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased at Red Mango, Robb Street; Bhagwan’s, Water Street; E-Networks – all locations; Harinarine and Sons, Regent Street; M&M Snackette near the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Dharmic Kendra.

The cost for the VVIP all-inclusive tickets is $20,000, while VIP numbered seating will cost $6000 and general seating, $2500 and standing room, $1500.

Paid parking within the stadium is also available for $1000. Persons can call 227-6181 or 219-1900 for more information.

Sunidhi Chauhan is a world-renowned singer who has had numerous blockbuster hits during her career as one of India’s foremost playback singers. Her superhit songs include “Desi Girl”, “Ishq Sufiyaana”, “Aaja Nachle”, “Sheila ki Jawani”, “Kamli”, and “Dilliwali Girlfriend”.

She was also recognised with several awards from the prestigious Indian International Film Awards, ZEE Cine Awards, Filmfare Awards, Global Indian Music Awards, Star Screen Awards and Mirchi Awards.

She has a number of international collaborations to her credit, including the huge hit “Heartbeat” with Enrique Iglesias.

Sunidhi’s concert is a fundraiser for the construction of the new Dharmic Rama Krishna Secondary School and expanded Primary School at Pattensen, East Coast Demerara and to help cover the operational costs of Bal Nivas, the Sabha’s Shelter in Ankerville, Berbice for children who are victims of abuse.

Bal Nivas, which was opened in 2014 and funded by concerts held by the Sabha, currently houses 34 children.

The Sabha provides them with shelter, food, clothing, school supplies, uniforms, staff support, counselling and all other requirements. Children are directed to Bal Nivas by the Child Care and Protection Agency. The Sabha covers all the costs of the shelter through its fundraising activities and donations.

The Sabha currently runs the Dharmic Rama Krishna Play, Nursery and Primary School in Barr

Street, Kitty which has been achieving excellent results over more than 15 years of existence and boasts well-trained and experienced teaching and management staff. There have been calls over the years for the Sabha to extend the school to the secondary level. The new Dharmic Rama Krishna School Project was launched in November 2015 and will provide high-quality education to children at the primary and secondary levels in line with the national curriculum in addition to providing cultural, religious, moral and sports education with the aim of producing well-rounded individuals who could make a positive contribution to Guyana.

The Sabha looks forward to the usual support from Guyanese for this concert which is in aid of two very worthy causes.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, march 18, 2016

Personality profile

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azim Gafoor was born on September 7, 1996, to Radha and Tasim Gafoor and is the only child for his parents. This young race car driver grew up in Winsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara.

During his early childhood, he attended the Winsor Forest Primary School after which he completed his secondary education at the Business School, on Brickdam, Georgetown. He then continued his studies at School of the Nations.

He grew up like any other teenager – playing marbles after school, playing cricket with his friends during the weekends and obviously getting into come “minor” troubles. He had a strict upbringing, although he was basically a “spoilt” child.

His parents ensured he was furnished with all the necessities to live a comfortable life. At an early age, motor racing captivated his attention since he would travel to the South Dakota Circuit to witness the international race meet.

The thrill and excitement all added to him making a

decision to take up the sport as a profession but not before getting the blessing from his parents.

He started his career with a Toyota Glanza and participated in the Group One category where he managed to secure a few checkered flags as well as some podium finishes.

Gafoor then participated in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) in the Group Two category with a Mazda Maita but that year, he encountered mechanical difficulties.

Nevertheless,

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this time around, he will be competing with a Mazda RX7. He intends to focus mainly on CMRC Group Two. He recalled that in his early stages, learning to drive a race car was an experience of a lifetime. In a giggling tone, he also recounted being lapped but in some instances, he finished pretty close. The learning process was indeed a challenge, he admitted, but now he has mastered the art and is on the path of success.

His inspiration for the sport is built around, hearing the crowd cheer for the big

arlier in the week, Region One (Barima-Waini) Ambassador Divya Yabindranauth launched her Beauty with a Purpose Campaign for the upcoming Miss World Guyana 2016 Competition.

Raised in Tucshen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, Divya migrated to the United States of America at the young age of 13.

Divya has seen firsthand; the struggles some of her fellow Guyanese face when it comes to healthcare and finding adequate treatment; and from a very young age vowed to one day make a measurable difference.

Two years ago, she joined forces with Saving Hands Emergency Aid Inc, (SHEA), a non-profit organisation, aimed at providing financial medical assistance coupled with pro-bono or subsidised medical treatment for families in need.

As the Regional Director for Guyana, she assist with finding treatment services, raising funds, meeting with patients (especially children), and having interactions on a person to person basis.

Truly honoured to be selected as the Regional Ambassador for Region One in the 2016 edition of the Miss World Guyana competition, Divya seizes the opportunity as a gateway to continue helping others and making a difference in the world.

Divya’s goal is to raise at least $2 million for this cause – so far she has raise over $220,000 via donations from her family, fans and supporters.

In the coming weeks, she will be rolling out some fun and exciting initiatives that

guns and he thought if he had joined the racing fraternity, he would have received the same reception. “I loved to hear people scream and jump in excitement”, he noted in an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment.

As a young man and a young driver, he had the opportunity to participate in the CMRC in Barbados at the Bushy Park Racing Track. He explained that the experience has been a great one but unfortunately, he had some issues with his machine.

He will nevertheless participate in this year’s motor racing championship and hopes to use the experience he gained in the past to help Guyana in retaining the championship.

As a youngster, he advised those who would want to join the profession to spend a lot of time on the race track and take advice from seasoned campaigners.

On a lighter note, this young man loves video games and hanging with friends. His favourite colour is sky blue and he loves to eat steak and mostly sea foods.

will help to further fund her Beauty with a Purpose platform.

She encourages you to come together as One People, One Nation and One Destiny to see how we can successfully save and transform lives one patient at a time. Persons or organisations desirous of making a contribution to this worthy cause can do so by visiting her online donation link at https:// www.gofundme.com/mwg16divya-region1.

At 20, Divya Yabindranauth is an aspiring model, humanitarian, individualist, and dreamer who is eager to represent Guyana on an international platform.

Presently, she resides in Houston, Texas, with her parents and two younger brothers.

Divya currently works at W-Industries as an Administration Assistant, while she simultaneously pursues her degree in Business Management.

In her free time, she makes frequent visits to children at local area hospitals, and engages in outreach programmes through her church.

She entered the Miss World Guyana 2016 competition fully confident that she can, and will, represent her beloved country as she has represented SHEA, whereby she personally made a transformation in the lives of those who cannot otherwise help themselves.

Divya emboldens everyone to follow her journey by visiting her multimedia page www.facebook.com/Barima.Waini/ where she publishes daily updates of all activities leading up to the finals of the Miss World Guyana 2016 pageant, which will be held on May 27.

T

wenty-four-year-old Gavin Aaron Mendonca attached to Kross Kolor Records will soon release his new album titled, “Creole Rock – The beginning”. The album is a fusion of old folk songs and a few original tunes, including “Come leh we play outside” and others sung by Dave Martins and Eddie Grant.

The album will also features a rock-styled version of the National Anthem of Guyana. In addition, the talented artiste designed the cover for Eddie Grant’s “Electric Avenue”.

Most of the songs were written by Mendonca. The album will be released in April, in time for Independence celebrations.

Born in Georgetown to Gary and Shrimanie Mendonca, this talentes artiste is the youngest of three siblings.

He had a very fun childhood and was always the quiet one; shy and reserved. But once he was comfortable with his environment, he fitted in perfectly.

He attended the St Jude’s Play School, the South Road Nursery School, Sacred Heart Primary, Bishop’s High School and finally the University of Guyana where he completed a Diploma in Computer Science and an Associate Degree in Chemistry. He also completed the Grade 5 Theory and has started the Sixth.

To date, he has had the most awesome experiences with people, in the most awesome places. During his career, he has played his guitar in garages, tiny rooms, yards, and venues where no one showed up for the show.

In addition, he performed in alley ways, the rooftops of hotels, casinos, clubs, corner shops and bars but also had the privilege to perform at the National Cultural Centre, the Prime Minister’s residence and Side Walk Café.

He recalled living at JFK Airport for five days and five nights with his very first electric Guitar, naming it Mary Jane. “There was a huge storm, flights got massively delayed … and the airport became my home for a week, there I spent 80 per cent of the time just playing my guitar on the floor in a corner”, he told Guyana Times.

He performed with a band called “Revolt” in Suriname in November 2015. With his band mate, Gavin Singh of Feed The Flames, they made a trip to be a part of a music video for an international Heavy Metal Band ‘Disquiet’.

Revolt invited him on stage to perform with them on their final song for the night at a local Rock Show they attended.

His solo career officially began in 2015. Since then, he has released a cover of Dave Martins’ “Not A Blade Ah Grass” as well as his Christmas original “Cause Is Christmas” which are both featured on Kross Kolor Records’ “Christmas With Us Vol 2” which was released in December 2015.

Mendonca then began recording my debut album.

“The Great Rebellion” was released in February 2016, along with a music video. In March 2016, he released a cover of Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” to tease his upcoming album “Creole Rock: The beginning”.

entertainment

19

friday, march 18, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

school, a cottage hospital, community library, and a variety of religious buildings.

Religion plays an important role in the community with the St Peter’s Church being the main landmark on the island.

This church, which is found at Enterprise, was originally completed on December 9, 1827, but was replaced by the present structure on June 29, 1855 – St Peter’s

Sheik Fazal, leader of the Amsterdam Mosque

S

ituated in the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River, Leguan is an island with a population of approximately 3000 people.

The island is part of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and lies east of Wakenaam island and five kilometres (three miles) north of Parika.

Residents describe the breezy island as quiet and relaxing. Rice farming is the main source of sustenance

Rama Krishna Mandir with large murti

Day. The tower which once housed a working bell was deliberately constructed at a slant so that it would not fall on the church. Another significant religious building, the Rama Krishna Mandir is about 65 years old and has 60-65 members who meet on Thursdays for services. The Amsterdam Mosque was built by indentured labourers from India in 1919 and

Leguan Cottage Hospital

and some residents plant cash crops which are often sold at the Parika Stelling.

The front of the island is the main hangout spot with a number of bars which draw mostly men who would share stories that would promote loud outbursts of laughter and altogether have a good time.

Residents live in togetherness and would often support each other’s functions.

Whenever there is a Jhandi, thanksgiving service or even funeral, all of the island’s residents could be expected

Community Library

Leguan Post Office

to put in an appearance.

There are four primary schools, one secondary

has roughly 35 members who attend Friday prayers.

St Peter’s Church

Residents at the stelling Leguan Secondary School

Beach on Island

Two students of Leguan Secondary

20

guyanatimesGY.com

FRIDAY, march 18, 2016

West Indies win a vital one – Simmons

H

ead coach Phil Simmons believes West Indies victory over England in their opening game of the Twenty20 World Cup, has laid the foundation for their progress to the semi-finals.

The Caribbean side whipped England by six wickets with 11 balls to spare on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium here, to make an emphatic start to the competition.

“The way the tournament is set up, winning your first game is always going to be huge and I think the run rate at the end of the day [is going to be important],” Simmons told reporters.

“I think we won [the game] with a lot of balls to spare and I think those things could come into play in deciding the two teams that go forward.”

Sent in, England rattled up 180 for six of their 20 overs, with Joe Root topscoring with 48 and seamers Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo picking up two wickets apiece.

In reply, West Indies were powered by a brilliant, unbeaten even hundred by Chris Gayle as they reached their target with 11 balls to spare.

“It was great to see the way how we played. Oneeighty is a par score for this

“It’s as simple as you see it. It’s the first time I’m really with the T20 team since I’ve been back and from sitting and talking to him and trying to see how it works this out, it’s as simple as he makes it look out there,” Simmons said.

“He actually analyses it as simple as he does it. He practices hard, hits a lot

of balls in the nets but he works it out just as he did [against England].”

Despite the dominant win, Simmons said West Indies needed to continue playing to their strengths.

“All teams have weaknesses but all teams have strengths, and if we use our strengths our strength negates our weakness, that’s

how you win games,” he noted.

“All teams have weaknesses and it’s up to other teams to exploit our weaknesses like we exploit theirs.”

West Indies will face Sri Lanka in their second game on Sunday in Bangalore.

(Windies Cricket)

Women’s T20 World Cup

Mohammed hits milestone in victory

Phil Simmons

ground and we tried to make sure that they didn’t go much past that,” Simmons explained.

“I was happy to see how things went in the field too.

The batting will take care of itself but what we do in the field is going to help us win this tournament.”

He added: “I think that last three overs and the first six we gave away a little bit too many but we started well and down in the end the ball started to get slippery and it was hard, but we really can’t complain about how we did in the field.”

The main talking point was Gayle’s innings, however. He crunched five fours and 11 sixes to score his second Twenty20 International hundred, becoming the first player to score two T20 World Cup centuries.

Gayle was kept quiet initially as Marlon Samuels dominated with a cameo 37 but once his fellow Jamaican departed, he took control of the innings.

Simmons said the ease with which Gayle batted was reflected in the uncomplicated approach to the execution of his game.

Anisa Mohammed

O

ff-spinner Anisa Mohammed became the first bowler in history to take 100 Twenty20 International wickets as she spearheaded a brilliant West Indies Women bowling effort, to help dispose of Pakistan Women by four runs in a close Women’s Twenty20 World Cup contest in India on Wednesday.

Defending a disappointing 103 for eight off 20 overs following another batting failure, West Indies Women amazingly restricted the Pakistanis to a paltry 99 for five off their 20 overs, to make a winning start to their Group B campaign.

Mohammed picked up three for 25, a spell that hurt Pakistan Women’s momentum as she claimed the only two players to get into the 20s – Bismah Maroof with 22 and opener Sidra Ameen with 20.

She was brilliantly supported by miserly spells from captain Stafanie Taylor whose four overs cost 16 runs and fellow off-spinner Hayley Matthews, who conceded just 14 runs from her four overs.

Behind their combined efforts, Pakistan Women crawled to 44 for one at the half-way stage and failed to accelerate over the last ten overs.

Earlier, Taylor topscored with 40 to become the third woman to pass 2000 T20I runs but she was the only player to pass 20 in the innings, as West Indies Women also struggled after being sent in at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

She put on 28 for the first

wicket with Matthews who scored 15 but once the partnership was broken in the sixth over, the Caribbean side plunged to 37 for three in the eighth over.

Shaquana Quintyne was run out off the first ball she faced – the final one of the over – without scoring and star batsman Deandra Dottin lasted just two balls before she was bowled by left-arm spinner Sadia Yousuf (2-14).

Taylor, who faced 48 balls and struck five fours, then joined former captain Merissa Aguilleira (15) to revive the innings with a 35run, fourth wicket partner-

ship.

The right-handed Taylor was bowled by Player-ofthe-Match left-arm spinner Anam Amin (4-16) in the 15th over and yet again, the end of the partnership saw a cluster of wickets with another three falling for just five runs.

Shemaine Campbelle (14) and Stacy-Ann King (12) added 21 for the seventh wicket, allowing West Indies Women to eke out precious runs at the end.

In reply, Pakistan Women lost key player Javeria Khan when she retired hurt after the fourth ball of the innings but Bismah Maroof and Sidra Ameen added 40 for the first wicket, to keep the score ticking over.

With the Pakistanis fighting back, Mohammed struck for West Indies Women, claiming Sidra Ameen with the last ball of her second over.

In her following over – the 11th of the innings – she made two key strikes knocking over Aliya Riaz (2) and Bismah Maroof to leave Pakistan Women in disarray at 44 for three in the 11th over.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES WOMEN H Matthews c Javeria Khan b Anam Amin 15 *S Taylor b Anam Amin 40 S Quintyne run out 0 D Dottin b Sadia Yousuf 0 +M Aguilleira c Nida Dar b Sadia Yousuf 15 B Cooper run out 1 S King not out 12 S Campbelle c Bismah Maroof b Anam Amin 14 S Connell b Anam Amin 0 Extras (lb1, w5) 6 TOTAL (8 wkts, 20 overs) 103 Did not bat: A Fletcher, A Mohammed.

Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Matthews), 2-31 (Quintyne), 3-37 (Dottin), 4-72 (Taylor), 5-73 (Cooper), 6-77 (Aguilleira), 7-98 (Campbelle), 8-103 (Connell) Bowling: Anam Amin 4-0-164 (w2), Asmavia Iqbal 3-016-0 (w1), Sana Mir 4-028-0, Nida Dar 4-0-17-0, Sadia Yousuf 3-0-14-2 (w1), Bismah Maroof 2-0-11-0.

PAKISTAN WOMEN Sidra Ameen c Fletcher b Mohammed 20 Javeria Khan ret. hurt 0 Bismah Maroof st Aguilleira b Mohammed 22 Aliya Riaz c King b Mohammed 2 Muneeba Ali c Connell b Quintyne 15 *Sana Mir c Mohammed b Dottin 18 Asmavia Iqbal not out 19 Nida Dar not out 1 Extras (w2) 2 TOTAL (5 wkts, 20 overs) 99 Did not bat: +Sidra Nawaz, Sadia Yousuf, Anam Amin.

Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Sidra Ameen), 2-44 (Aliya Riaz), 3-44 (Bismah Maroof), 4-71 (Muneeba Ali), 5-97 (Sana Mir) Bowling: Connell 3-0-10-0, Taylor 4-0-16-0, Matthews 4-014-0, Mohammed 4-1-25-3, Fletcher 1-0-10-0, Quintyne 3-0-17-1 (w1), Dottin 1-0-7-1.

21

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rolific left hand West Indian and Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Texila American University.

The appointment was revealed on Thursday evening at a special press conference at Le Meridian Pegasus Hotel. The contract will last for one year.

Head of Operations at TAU pointed out that it was Chanderpaul’s “quality” and “focus” that was the major drawing point between the two side formu-

F

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By Treiston Joseph

lating a relationship to really market the University that has made a remarkable impact on the region and the globe through the delivery of excellence and service in healthcare education, research and innovation in just five short years.

Chanderpaul known for his many runs scoring feats but more so his crab-like stance at the crease was appreciative of the gesture nothing that it is good to represent an institution as extensive and productive as TAU. “It is good to be recognized by an insutition such as this and it’s great to really give back

the community, There is a lot of cricketers here and I know that I can be a part of this brand not just here but in the outlying regions where the organisation exist,” Chanderpaul noted.

Chanderpaul has scored over 20,000 runs in international cricket, and in 2008 he was named as one of the five Cricketers of the Year by the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, and as the Player of the Year by the International Cricket Council.

On January 23 2016, Chanderpaul announced his retirement from international cricket.

Blatter appeals against 6-year ban

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ormer FIFA president Sepp Blatter has lodged an appeal against his six-year ban from soccer for ethics violations, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced on Thursday.

The Lausannebased organisation said the 80-yearold Swiss wanted to overturn last month’s decision by the appeals committee of world football’s ruling body FIFA. Blatter and Michel Platini, president of European football’s governing body UEFA, were banned over a payment of two mil-

lion Swiss francs (£1.4 million) made

by FIFA to the Frenchman in 2011, with Blatter’s approval, for work done a decade earlier.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Blatter has vowed to “go to the end of my life to show that I’m innocent”.

Platini filed a similar appeal against his suspension earlier this month.

CAS said Blatter and FIFA’s appeals committee would exchange written submissions, with a three-arbitrator panel to be created before a hearing is held.

FIFA is seeking to turn the page on a long-running scandal that escalated in 2015 when police swooped on a luxury Zurich hotel to arrest soccer officials accused by U.S. federal prosecutors of corruption.

Dozens of people have since been charged in investigations that have spanned five continents.

Swiss Gianni Infantino, the former UEFA general secretary, was elected president of FIFA last month and pledged to refocus the organisation on soccer rather than corruption and litigation.

Sport)

(Reuters

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

friDAY, march 18, 2016

GFF/Stag Elite League…

WICB/4-day Cricket…

Conquerors oust Pele 2-0

Jaguars face Scorpions in must-win match today at Providence

– Olvis Mitchell’s hat-trick helps GDF rout GFC – 4-1

– Hetmyer, Jacobs back in squad

By Akeem Greene

W Fruta Conquerors in action

F

ruta Conquerors continued their impressive run in the Guyana Football Federation Stag Elite League Finale when they defeated Pele FC 2-0 on Wednesday at their home ground in Tucville.

The Conquerors, throughout the night looked the more dominant team and did not take long to make inroads when the talented Jahaall Greaves netted in the 11th; though Pele desperately tried to level the scores, the first half ended 1-0.

Pele had a bit more flavor about their plays in the second half but unfortunately could not the find

the back of the goal but the luck continued to ride with the home team as mid-fielder Jermaine Junior powered the ball into the back of the net in the 66th and ended any hopes of Pele come back.

The win puts the Conqueror firmly in second place while Pele drops to fifth.

In the other match, The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) were undoubtedly an unstoppable force as they comprehensively defeated the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 4-1 thanks to sublime hat-trick from Olvis Mitchell.

Mitchell netted in the 12th and the 15th to put

the army ahead at the end of the first half but upon resumption, the diminutive Lennox Cort scored an absolutely beauty of goal from about 20 yards from goal where whipped his left foot around the ball and sailed it over the kepper’s head in the 51st.

The momentum quickly shifted back with the army unit when Mitchell netted his third goal in the 55th; Sherwin Ceaser then helped himself to a goal in the 78th to cement the hammering of GFC. GDF now move into fourth position while GFC remain at the bottom of the table.

Golyn 10/10 softball cricket…

ith just seven points separating the teams, the race for the Headley/ Weekes Trophy; the symbol of regional first-class supremacy, which has now become a two-team affair between reigning champions Guyana Jaguars (130 points) and contenders Barbados Pride (123 points) will culminate over the next few days starting today.

Jaguars will certainly have the edge as they return to their most prosperous hunting ground, having won all their home matches convincingly this season and will need to put in a strong performance to retain the title.

In the last match against Leeward Island Hurricanes, their batting certainly was the weak link as only captain Leon Johnson passed fifty. Again, Johnson who is the leading runs scorer in the tournament to date with 714 runs at an average of 54.92 and closely followed by his teammate

Close encounters the order of the day

T

he Golyn 10/10 softball cricket organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) and sponsored by Golyn and Sons, Trophy Stall and Miss Love Trading saw matches going back and forth at Leonora ground recently. At Leonora Ground, Unstoppable XI defeated Maracs XI by three wickets.

Maracs XI won the toss and batted scoring 79-9 in 10 overs. Abdool Ishmael top scored with 20 (1x4;2x6s) off six balls. Eustace Joseph took 2-13 for Unstoppable XI. In reply Unstoppable XI lived up to their name scoring 85-7 in 7.5 overs with the inform Lincoln Leander slamming 24 (3x6s) off 13 balls to lay the foundation for a victory. Zaheer Khan 2-27 off two overs for the Maracs XI. Superbet XI made light work of Rydem Star XI by six wickets.

Rydem Star batted first and struggled to 77 all out in 9.4 overs with Parmeshwar Persaud top scoring with 24 (1x6;1x4) off 18 balls. Harrinarine Singh took 2-14 off his two overs and he was supported by Timothy Persaud with 2-21

from his two overs. In reply Superbet XI also struggled in their turn but manage to reach 78-4 in 9.2 overs with Timothy Persaud 32 (2x4s;1x6) off 19 balls being the top scorer. Boonnarine Lallbachan took 2-19 from his two overs to be the best bowler from Rydem Star XI. Superstreet XI defeated Amazon Warriors XI by four runs in a nail biter.

Superstreet XI batted first and found the going tough and only manage 82 all out in 9.2 overs with Davendra Persaud making 20 (1x4) off 15 balls to guide his team to their eventual score.

Riaz Mohamed took 2-12 from two overs. In reply Amazon Warriors who were cruising comfortably at 42-2 in the fifth over suddenly started to lose wickets with some five run outs being among the wickets and was responsible for their losing the match and falling short by four runs in the process.

Power XI defeated Blazers XI by five wickets.

Blazers took first strike and were limited to 86-9 in 10 overs with Khemraj Ramsundar 40 (3x4s; 3x6s) off 21 balls to guide blaz-

ers to their score. Harman Sooknanan took 3-16 from two overs to peg the opposition back. In reply Power XI made 92-6 from 9.5 overs to achieve victory off the penultimate ball of the last over. Kesho Beepat took 2-21 from two overs for the losers.

Blazers return to defeat Exclusive XI by 30 runs.

Blazers batted first and rattled up 89 – 4 off their allotted overs with Shree Krishna Murti slamming 48 (1x4;5x6s) off 21 balls to lead the batting. He was supported by Khemraj Ramsundar with 29 (1x4; 4x6s) off 7 balls. In reply Exclusive were limited to 59-4 in their allotted overs with Lennox Russell slamming 29 (1x4; 2x6s) and Ricky Persaud slamming 20 (3x6s).

In the East Bank zone, Brickery All Star XI defeated Diamond XI by 73 runs.

Brickery All Star XI made 138-7 in 10 overs and limited Diamond XI 65 all out in 9.3 overs.

Meanwhile the one ball “manto” will continue this week with the compliments of Miss Love Trading (West Coast).

Nikita Miller

Vishaul Singh (690 runs at average of 53.02) will have to solidify the middle order, especially in the absence of the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul who is out injured.

The return of West

Leon Johnson

Indies Under-19 Captain Shimron Hetmyer could pose a quandary for selectors as they can look to the explosiveness and youth of Hetmyer or the experience of Test opener Rajendra Chandrika who has not been in the best of form of late, for this must win match.

Despite not playing the last three matches, leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie is still the Jaguars leading wicket taker with 36 scalps while fellow leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has 33.

With all-rounder Steven Jacobs returning from injury, the toss up could be between the two players but Motie could hold the edge since he picked up a match winning six-for against the Scorpions when the two teams meet at Sabina Park, adding to that, the Stadium pitch is a dietary for slow bowlers.

With Ransford Beaton out of this match due to injury, and more feasible option could be to play all four spinners, in Devendra Bishoo, Permaul, Jacobs and Motie and having all-rounders Christopher Barnwell and Raymon Reifer provide the seam bowling options on a pitch that judging from its history will be flat.

For the third-placed Scorpions (82 points), leftarm spinner Nikita Miller will be a key man with the ball, as the former West Indies player leads the charts with 65 wickets from his nine matches this

season.

Left-handed John Campbell has been a steady performer with both bat and ball for the scorpions throughout the season, racking up 572 runs and picking up 20 wickets with his off-spin.

He enters this match in good touch, having made scores of 135 and 83 in his last match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The last time these two sides meet this season, it was a low scoring encounter at Sabina Park, Jamaica, which the Jaguars won by 117 runs.

JAGUARS (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Steven Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh.

SCORPIONS (from): Paul Palmer (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Gavon Brown, John Campbell, Jason Dawes, Kirk Edwards, Nicholson Gordon, Trevon Griffith, Damion Jacobs, Andre McCarthy, Nikita Miller, Aldaine Thomas, Devon Thomas, Shacaya Thomas.

The other final round matches will see Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Barbados at Basseterre, St. Kitts while Trinidad & Tobago Red Force play at home to Windward Islands Hurricanes. Match starts at 10:00 hrs.

guyanatimesGY.com

friDAY, march 18, 2016

23

Kraft Toucan Industries Junior Skill level tournament…

Action intensifies on day 2 T

he Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel continued with its Kraft Toucan Industries Junior Skill level tournament at the Georgetown Club courts on Wednesday evening with seven categories.

In Category ‘A’ Taylor Fernandes continued to show tremendous improvement when she dominated Alec Melville to take the first game 11/3 but could not keep up with the sustained attack and lost the next three games 9/11, 9/11, 6/11.

Top seeded Benjamin Mekdeci easily disposed of Shomari Wiltshire in straight games 11/3, 11/3, 13/11 while Larissa

Benjamin Mekdeci

Wiltshire dropped the second game against Alex Cheeks before winning 11/2, 9/11,11/6,11/6.

Akshaya Persaud hits ton against touring Toronto team

N

ational Youth Player Akshaya Persaud hit start-studded 103 not out off just 56 balls inclusive of nine fours and three sixes to power Everest Under-19 to 170-7 off their 20 overs in a match against Qarsa Tranzac Cricket Academy (QTCA) from Toronto on Tuesday at Everest Cricket Club.

Persaud’s knock was his second consecutive Twenty20 century after making a 160 in a club match; Travis Persaud chipped in with 17 (2x4s) while Kelvin Shewpersaud made 12.

Bowling for QTCA, Ashton Deosammy took 2-28 from four overs and Rajit Shamsudeen 2-40.

A down pour of rain came after Everest finished batting

Akshaya Persaud

and the game was called off.

At a small presentation, QTCA presented Everest cricket club with a plague and medals were also given to the Everest players.

Amateur boxing set for Saturday in Linden – ‘1-foot boxers set to feature’

A

n amateur boxing card will feature for the first time in recent memory amputees who will be involved in three exhibition bouts as part of a three way fistic encounter involving boxers from the Pocket Rocket Gym of Linden, the Harpy Eagles and Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym out of Georgetown at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Saturday from 19:00h.

The host gym’s Orlan Rogers expects a good turnout for the boxing card which he feels will help resuscitate boxing in the min-

ing town.

He thanked Commander of the ‘E’ Division Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus and Banks DIH’s Linden Branch official Edmond Nelson for the support given so far in this promotion.

He said that one more will be staged before the end of the month and popular promoter Carwyn Holland will be the sponsor for that event.

His gym will also have another boxing card on the last Saturday in this month which will be sponsored by Carwyn Holland.

In Category C which is expected to be highly competitive Michael Alphonso triumphed over Dominic Collins in four games winning 3/11,12/10,11/2,13/11 and in the match of the night Ethan Jonas finally overcame the spirited challenge of Demetrius De Abreu in five hard fought games. De Abreu won the first game 12/10 but Ethan bounced back to win the next two games 11/5, 11/9 and at 10/9 match ball in the fourth it seemed all over for Demetrius but he won the next three points to take the match into a fifth and final game.

At 10/7 match ball for De Abreu it seemed as if he had secured a remarkable come

Larissa Wiltshire

from behind victory but then Ethan reeled off five points in a row thereby winning

the game and match 12/10.

Results of all the nights matches were as follows.

Category A: Benjamin Mekdeci beat Shomari Wiltshire 11/3,11/3,13/11, Alec Melville beat Taylor, Fernandes 3/11,11/9,11/9,11/6, Larissa Wiltshire beat Alex Cheeks 11/2,9/11,11/6,11/6.

Category C: Ethan Jonas defeated Demetrius De Abreu 10/12,11/5,11/9,10/12,12/10, Michael Alphonso defeated Dominic Collins 3/11,12/10,11/2,13/11, Gianni Carpenter beat Lucas Jonas 11/6,11/6,11/3.

Category D: Kirsten Gomes beat Aliyah Persaud 11/0,11/5,11/5, Abosaide Cadogan beat Jason Gomes 11/5,11/2,12/10.

Category E: Nechemiyah Levans beat Georgiana Fernandes 11/8, 10/12, 11/9, Haley Carpenter beat Nathan Rahaman 11/9, 11/4, James Mekdeci defeated Mohyryan Baksh 11/2, 11/5.

Category F: Liam Carpenter beat Mashal Allicock 7/11,11/4,11/5, Mikhail Persaud beat Damian Braam 11/4, 11/6.

Category H: Lajuan Munroe beat Rayden Persaud 11/6,11/6, Louis Da Silva beat Shilol Asregado 14/12, 11/4.

Category I: Christiana Fernandes beat Noah Rahaman 11/9, 12/10.

Matches continue daily at the Georgetown Club courts starting at 18:00h.

friDAY, march 18, 2016

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

Pg 22

Jaguars face Scorpions in mustwin match today at Providence – Hetmyer, Jacobs back in squad Jaguars hold a s lim lead over the second place Barbados Pride and will need an outright win to secure their title

Chanderpaul named brand ambassador for TAU Pg 21

Mohammed hits milestone in victory Pg 20

Shivnarine Chanderpaul along with officials of TAU display the signed one-year contract

Windies women celebrate clutch win

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