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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3089

Monday, January 9, 2017

PRICE

GECOM Chairmanship

Granger rejects Jagdeo’s nominees Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Aurora P13 Primary and Nursery Schools yet to open …parents frustrated … all other Region 2 schools in good condition

…stakeholders disagree with President’s rationale, warn of attempts to rig

Jilted man sets Sophia apartments ablaze Page 2

– 10 homeless, suspect on the run

2 inmates injured in NA Prison brawl Page 9

Linden’s tourism P12 potential explored – local tour operators assess tourism sites

Minibus, taxi collide on Mandela Avenue

– passengers escape with minor injuries

P13 Cancer Foundation encourages early detection, offering free testing Cane Grove P17 residents decry state of roads

Page 11

This minibus on its way to Berbice collided with a car on Mandela Avenue and ended up in the nearby trench on Saturday morning

Red House fiasco

I will not “give up State property” – Granger Page 7

…wants all presidents to be recognised

Lindener nabbed P2 with ganja, stolen items

2 news

monDAY, january 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jilted man sets Sophia apartments ablaze – 10 homeless, suspect on the run

for persons who assisted in getting them out of the burning building.

“I saw when the building started to burn, and these people were inside and unaware of what was happening and I started to make noise to alert them. All of them children were inside the house and all of them could’ve died in that fire.”

According to the families, the apartments were ful-

What remained of the apartment building

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late night fire in Sophia, Greater Georgetown has left ten persons homeless and more than $10 million in losses after it completely destroyed an apartment building.

According to reports, the fire, which is suspected to be the work of a known arsonist, started around 23:10h.

Guyana Times understands that the apartments were owned by Yonnette Roberts, her daughters Deon and Kenesha Roberts, and her son-in-law Sherwin Charles.

This publication was told that three families were at home at the time of the incident and two of the four occupants also owned businesses which were destroyed in the flames.

The fire was reportedly started by an enraged man with whom Yonette Roberts allegedly refused to pursue a relationship.

She told this publication that she was at the National Park, Georgetown when she received a call from a friend who informed her that her home was on fire.

The woman said that when she arrived at the scene, the building was already burnt flat and nothing was saved.

Roberts divulged that the arson suspect, who was nowhere to be found after the fire, had made several threats to the families residing in the apartment building. “He does always make a lot of threats to me, but we never took him seriously, but he was the only one that was in my apartment, so he set the fire and then escaped because he cannot be found since the incident occurred,” she explained.

Charles, who was at home at the time of the fire, said that he heard noises coming from the adjoining apartment and called out to the al-

leged arsonist, who is known to them.

He relayed that the man told him that the noise was coming from some puppies that were owned by the families.

He further explained that he continued about his business and was about to go to bed when he received a call from his sister-in-law, in another apartment, informing him that the building was on fire.

“So after she called me, I ran out to see if I could try to prevent the fire from spreading, but it was already very big, so I just ran back inside to attempt to save some stuff from inside of my apartment,” Charles said.

He added that he was unable to save much, as the fire spread quickly, consuming the building.

An angry neighbour told this publication that some of the children from the apartments could have died if not

ly furnished with every necessity. One of the business owners told this publication that she had only recently restocked her business and could not believe that now she was left “with only this clothes that I have on”.

The Fire Service was called to the scene, but was unable to lend much assistance.

The matter was reported to the Police and a manhunt has since been launched for the suspect.

Yonette Roberts

Lindener nabbed with ganja, stolen items

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The marijuana found at the home of the suspect

olice ranks in E Division (LindenKwakwani) on Saturday evening arrested a 59-year-old shoemaker following a search conducted at his premises.

According to Police reports, during the search at the Mackenzie, Linden home

of the suspect, three kilograms of cannabis and several items suspected to have been stolen from a telephone company last year were unearthed by the ranks.

“Ranks, acting on information received, conducted a search of the two-storey house about 18:30h and

found the illegal substance in one of the rooms, as well as the suspected stolen articles,” a release from the Police’s Public Relations Officer detailed.

The suspect has since been taken into custody. He is assisting with further investigations.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Granger rejects Jagdeo’s nominees

Monday, January 9 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, January 10 – 3:30h (night retraction) and 14:25h-15:55h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 9 – 13:35h-15:05h and Tuesday, January 10 – 14:25h-15:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to heavy to light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 14:01h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 07:31h and 20:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.61 metre respectively.

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LOTTERY NUMBERS

or possess qualifications of a judge.

On this basis, he declared that the six names submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo were “unacceptable”.

“So, the only thing about the list is that it comprises six names,” Granger told a gathering of media operatives at the State’s Annual Media Brunch on Sunday.

Jagdeo nominated Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Dookhoo; former PSC Chairman and Army Chief Norman Mc Lean; Chartered Accountant and former Head of the Bar Association, Christopher Ram; writer Rhyaan Shah; Professor James Rose and human rights and conflict resolution consultant Lawrence

Bonus Ball

Daily Millions

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

Draw De Line 01

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resident David Granger has rejected the nominees for the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in a move that has already been described as dangerous.

This is the first time that a president has rejected such a list since the Carter Formula for the appointment of the GECOM Chairman was initiated in 1992.

The President argued that the Constitution of Guyana stipulates that the six nominees who were to be submitted by the Leader of the Opposition should be a judge

Ramesh Dookhoo

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…stakeholders disagree with President’s rationale, warn of attempts to rig

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2017

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GECOM Chairmanship

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has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly,” the extract reads.

Legal luminary Anil Nandlall, who also served in the capacity of Attorney General under the previous Administration, explained that the Constitution clearly contemplates two categories of persons.

“Firstly, a High Court judge or an Appellate Court judge, a former High Court or an Appellate Court judge or a person qualified to be a High Court or an Appellate Court judge. Secondly, or (disjunctive), any “fit and proper” person. However, from whichever category the persons come, they must be acceptable to

President David Granger

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Christopher Ram

Norman Mc Lean

Professor James Rose

Lawrence Latchmansingh

Rhyaan Shah

Latchmansingh.

cations of a judge.

But it also states that the nominee can be any person deemed “fit and proper”.

“The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who

the President,” Nandlall said in a statement to the media shortly after the President’s announcement.

Fit and proper

Indeed, Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana outlines that the nominees must be a judge or have the qualifi-

TURN TO PAGE 10

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MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

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

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

Editorial

The PPP leadership

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harrat Jagdeo has been elected as the new General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to the surprise of not many. At the Party’s Congress in Essequibo last month, he received the largest number of votes to the Central Committee (CC) and was obviously the most highly regarded by the rank and file.

At that highest forum of the PPP, the dominant expressed sentiment was that the Party’s top leadership needed to be consolidated to confront the challenges at this juncture of its history and the history of Guyana. It was clear there were some in that leadership who were more concerned with their own ambitions than in representing the constituency the Party represented.

What was operating has been described as the “Iron Law of Institutions”. This posits that some “people who control institutions care first and foremost about their power within the institution rather than the power of the institution itself. Thus, they would rather the institution “fail” while they remain in power within the institution than for the institution to “succeed” if that requires them to lose power within the institution.”

After the last elections when the PPP was removed from office, the Party faltered because of this factor and did not take full advantage of the missteps of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition to demonstrate to the Guyanese people, the clear and present danger they face from the PNC, which was merely taking them back to the vicissitudes of their first regime. The last “tax and waste” budget was one example of the PNC’s contempt for the Guyanese people while the attempted illegal expulsion of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) from Red House through bullyism exemplified the frontal attack on the PPP occasioned by the divisions they detected in the PPP’s top leadership.

The majority of the members of the CC must be commended for rising to the challenge. At the elections for the GS, these members withstood the challenge from those who would continue with the old, divided leadership and accepted the unique confluence of experience and youth represented by Bharrat Jagdeo in consolidating the leadership as had been done for most of the history of the PPP. He is now the leader of the party in its role as part of the constitutionally defined executive branch of Government as the “Leader of the Opposition” and the leader of the PPP political party mobilising the Guyanese people to articulate their interests in the operations of the State.

As Jagdeo said after his election as GS, the work ahead must address both aspects of the PPP’s mandate. As Leader of the Opposition, the PPP will have to present itself as ready to lead the nation after the next elections in 2020. The PNC-led Government has confirmed its unsuitability to govern Guyana.

Economically, their performance has been nothing short of disastrous. Even his most vociferous critic would have to concede there is no other leader than Jagdeo who is qualified to lead Guyana in this area.

He worked to successfully remove the debt albatross from the neck of the nation, which had been bequeathed by the PNC and piloted programmes that delivered the highest growth rate in the Region for almost a decade.

In terms of his leadership of the Party, Jagdeo’s challenge would be to address the perception that the PPP is not representative of all the groups in Guyana.

While the PPP has throughout its history doggedly stuck to its commitment from 1950 to represent all the peoples of Guyana, the departure of Burnham precipitated a split both of the Party and the country’s ethnic groups that is still unhealed. But with the PNCled coalition demonstrating its opportunistic use of the AFC to just give lip service to the goal of national unity, the PPP under the leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo is poised to demonstrate concretely that it can do the job.

Max Seigal shot this awe-inspiring photograph of a rock climber scaling a cliff in Moab, Utah

(BBC News)

Nothing more left to go up but the party flag flying above the Supreme Court

Dear Editor, Time and time again, the APNU/AFC Government has been accused of giving with one hand, while taking much more with the other. We’ve see this strategy unfold with the Administration increasing Old Age Pension from $13,000 to what it is now $19,000. But on the other hand, they took away the electricity and water subsidies that pensioners enjoyed under the PPP/C Administration, leaving our senior citizens to pay their own utility bills.

They have improved transportation for children in a few selected communities, allowing them easier access to schools through their “Five B’s” initiative. But on the other hand, took away the $10,000 ‘Because We Care’ school grants that were given to every child in the public school system.

They have improved Immigration services, making it easier for persons to obtain passports, but increased the cost of this document from $4,000 to $6,000 and the Travel Tax at airports from $2,500 to $3,500.

While the Income Tax threshold has been increased, and the Finance Minister deserves some credit for this, he must be aware that whatever little savings are gained from these measures are taken away by the additional tax burdens now imposed on every household. Guyanese all

over are struggling to make ends meet under this administration. This year, the cost of living will be tough-going for most families with the 14 per cent VAT now added to water and electricity. Gasoline prices have already gone up. This will soon be followed by an increase in the cost of transportation; tolls have increased; the cost of basic food items are steadily going up; vehicular licences have already gone up since this Government came into being. Fees to transfer the registration of a vehicle have jumped from $5,000 to $25,000 or 2 per cent of the value of the vehicle, whichever is greater. Fees for permits and other documents have also gone up; and the cost to obtain a liquor licence has just been increased last Friday. This is not the “good life” that the Guyanese people expected.

Editor, after the Ministry of the Presidency sent in the thugs to take over the Red House, tearing down the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre signboard with the aim of destroying the legacy of one of our Founding Fathers, followed by the despicable behaviour of the PNC thugs who disrupted a peaceful candlelight vigil and assaulted a comrade, Jason Abdulla, I’m convinced that there’s nothing more left to go up but the PNC Party Flag flying once more above the Supreme Court. But I’ll be damned if

the Guyanese people ever allow this to happen again. And while things continue to go up, the only thing that seems to be coming down is the credibility of this administration.

People are becoming desperate. This is reflective in the escalation of robberies being reported every day in the press. More and more young Guyanese are risking apprehension and incarceration just to survive and provide for their families. Where are the Jobs that were promised during the election campaign by the Coalition?

Editor, listening to the Finance Minister during the debate on the Income Tax (Amendment Bills) in Parliament, he made it sound as though a taxpayer can easily go to GRA and claim monies due to him. This is highly unlikely to happen as my colleague Bishop Edghill alluded to in his speech. Chapter 22 of the Principal’s Act states that “If the tax payable under the assessment is LESS than the tax deducted from any person’s emoluments during the year of assessment, the Commissioner General shall repay the difference to such person, in accordance with Section 107 of the Act.” There is no time limit set out here as to when a taxpayer will get a refund from the GRA. But Section 21 (1) of the same Act clearly states that if the tax payable under the assessment exceeds the total

tax deducted from any person’s emoluments during the year, the excess shall be payable by such person to the Commissioner General within 30 days after that person is served with a notice by the GRA. In fact, what this Act is saying is that if a citizen underpays the GRA, he’s given 30 days to pay up or face the consequences which will be very severe. But when the GRA owes hardworking taxpayers of this country money for taxes overpaid, they have to wait several years until the GRA finally gets around to processing their files.

Since my return to Guyana four years ago, I have dutifully submitted my income tax year after year, but I’m yet to receive a notice from the GRA with a check for the amounts that I have over-paid. And when contacted, I’m told by the GRA that they’re still working on the 2012 returns.

There are some who believe that the amount of money owing to the Guyanese taxpayers by the GRA may well exceed $8 billion. Whether this amount is accurate or not, one thing is certain: When the GRA owes you money, they’re in no hurry to give it back to you. This double standard is yet another exercise in gross mismanagement and incompetence.

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP (PPP)

Drug shortage needs a bipartisan solution Dear Editor, During the period 2007 to the end of 2011 the management of Drugs and Supplies saw real and credible success and it was because we had the systems and leadership focus that were geared towards improving the supply and delivery of medicines and supplies to all ten Regions in Guyana.

Under the guidance of Minister Ramsammy, we

worked closely with our partners to ensure that we build a supply chain system that would ensure 100 per cent availability of vital medicines and 90 per cent of all other supplies in every health facility nationwide.

And this was done using a fraction of the current budgeted money for 2017.

Our first step was to ensure the proper training and retention of key personnel;

we built strong working relationships with our suppliers and implemented a robust procurement planning strategy that was based on a number of factors that included Guyana’s geographic location, data availability and effective forecasting.

But most importantly, everyone at the MMU had a passion and the will to make sure our country is served.

In 2010 we implement-

ed the first ever Public Prequalification system to short-list eligible suppliers for medicines and supplies, and this remained the standard until now. However, a lack of appreciation and understanding for all the hard work done, it was instead forgotten and fell to the wayside. As stated in the BoI it is clear the MMU is in a state of crisis.

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

Apata a real Rodneyite, 2016 El Dorado Awards was successful not Hinds and Ogunseye

Dear Editor, The nation owes a debt of gratitude to Africanist Kwame Apata for his role in the Guyana liberation movement post Rodney. Although like Eusi Kwayana, he was initially supportive of Burnham and the PNC, he became a firm opponent of Burnhamism (at great risk to his own life) after Walter Rodney arrived in Guyana. Apata, like Rodney, provided encouragement to youngsters like me who were just starting out as activists against Burnhamism and PNC repression. He was a true Rodneyite who held dearly to political principle of opposing the racism of the PNC. This is quite unlike his former WPA colleagues, like David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye who crawled back to the PNC supporting its racism for two bits of silver selling out Rodney.

As a student leader of the protest movement (January through February 1977 and November 1976) that organised protests against PNC political and racial victimisation and repression on the Corentyne, I faintly remember Apata coming and offering moral support in our struggle. Walter Rodney, Eusi Kwayana, Father Malcolm Rodrigues, Moses Bhagwan, etc, were also there at various times. Freddie Kissoon did

not come to offer support as he was lobbying the PNC for a scholarship, selling out the liberation fighters.

Apata was an African nationalist proud of his ethnic identity and cultural traditions so much so, that he changed his name from Eardley Arundel Seaforth. PPP leaders should follow in his tradition and express pride in their ethnic identity and culture. There is nothing to be ashamed about in being an Indian, just like there is nothing wrong to be proud of being a pan-Africanist like Hinds, Kwayana and Ogunseye, and Eric Phillips.

Apata gave a lot fighting of his time to the nation to the neglect of his family, similar to what a handful of us did without looking for self-benefits or rewards. Apata joined the Movement Against Oppression and became a follower of Rodney who was denied employment by the PNC at UG. Like several of us, he was victimised and violently brutalised. He was jailed for his political activism. Like other freedom fighters, he was targeted and hounded down by the Police and House of Israel thugs. He went into self-exile to escape certain death from the brutal thuggery and barbarism of Burnham and the PNC. Apata never sought ben-

efits from the PNC the way Hinds and Ogunseye did.

He could not bring himself to team up with the PNC a la Hinds and Ogunseye who joined the PNC simply to remove the Indians from office.

Apata also felt the PPP had to go, but not by teaming up with PNC. Rodney would never have teamed up with PNC as a way to topple PPP; this is political opportunism from Ogunseye and Hinds. Hinds and Ogunseye say that they are dissatisfied with PNC rule, but they indicate they will not leave the PNC. They pen that critiquing the ruling PNC will provide an opportunity for Indians to return to government and that is a no go for them. That is racial bigotry.

Rodney would never approve of such action.

Like other revolutionaries of that era, Apata was a hero.

He was the most deserving of national honours. But unfortunately, the Government did not see it fit to honour the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle. The PNC will never honour those who fought Burnhamism for self-explanatory reasons. But Apata, unlike Hinds and Ogunseye, will remain in our hearts an honourable person.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, The Caribbean Voice expresses our gratitude to Eddi Rodney for calling on Guyanese to support the El Dorado Awards in the December 31 issue of Stabroek News. The 2016 award was successful beyond our expectations and we look forward to greater success in the third awards, scheduled for July this year.

As one guest pointed out, the El Dorado Awards is the only award that recognises newer companies and smaller organisations that have been making a difference in so many lives. Honourees came from many regions, across cultures, religions, gender and ethnicity. Many of those honoured were given a national stage to recognise their work for the first time ever.

With respect to the names suggested by Eddi, may we point out that 2016 was only the second year for the awards and that honourees are usually selected from among individuals and organisations that work on the social landscape to empower, enhance lives and make a difference. Furthermore, our focus is not on posthumous awards. Dianne McTurk’s award ended up being posthumous only because she died just before the event was held, but she was still

Understanding Guyana’s history Dear Editor, In 1917 - 100 years ago two revolutions swept through Russia, ending centuries of imperial rule and setting in motion political and social changes that would lead to the formation of the Soviet Union.

In March of that year, growing civil unrest, coupled with chronic food shortages, erupted into open revolt, forcing the abdication of Nicholas II, the last Russian Czar. Just months later, the newly installed provisional govern-

ment was itself overthrown by the more radical Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin By 1917, most Russians had lost faith in the leadership ability of Czar Nicholas II. Government corruption was rampant, the Russian economy remained backward and Nicholas repeatedly dissolved the Duma, the Russian parliament established after the 1905 revolution, when it opposed his will. However, the immediate cause of the February Revolution – the

first phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917 – was Russia’s disastrous involvement in World War I. Militarily, imperial Russia was no match for industrialised Germany, and Russian casualties were greater than those sustained by any nation in any previous war.

Meanwhile, the economy was hopelessly disrupted by the costly war effort and moderates joined Russian radical elements in calling for the overthrow of the Czar.

Guyana, under an erstwhile administration, was very much influenced by that revolution which was also influenced by communism and socialism ideas. Today we can justly state that both communism and socialism are relegated to the footnotes of Guyana’s history and the forces of capitalism are in vogue.

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

Drug shortage needs a...

We also had a functioning efficacy laboratory for testing the quality of medicines before accepting them from suppliers, and we rejected any medication that was delivered with less than six months shelf life remaining.

There was a donation policy that restricted NGOs and individuals from making Guyana a dumping ground for expired products and it was 100 per cent in effect.

With support from our international partners, we built the pharmaceutical bond at Diamond with the aim of making it a distribution centre and a centre of excellence for not only the Caribbean, but all of South and Latin America. In 2010 we were the envy of the South American countries for having the best distribution system of which countries like Bolivia and Peru

were willing to come and learn from us.

Regardless of the unfair criticism and unjust politicking, we pushed on to make sure poor patients are not out of drugs when they need it the most. And I take great pride in having the opportunity to lead the Management of Drug Supply during this period.

Now we have a national crisis on our hands and we must take a minute to truly understand the severity of this problem; it is the poor and middle class that will feel the pain of drug shortages and this will have unforgiving ripple effects on other aspects of these poor families’ economic situations.

I believe there is good intent to fix the system, but it requires more than intention, we need political will, skilled people and visionary

leadership if we want to really see improvement in drugs supplied in Guyana. I see this as a bipartisan issue and believe that everyone should come together to solve this problem.

A supply chain solution is required and the Government must act fast before it’s too late. With a $6.5 billion 2017 Budget, there is more than enough money to ensure everyone that requires public healthcare, gets access to medicines and supplies.

The following are a few things the Government should consider: * Understand that a Supply Chain System is required and not simply buying, storage and delivery. * Skill-set is a must and it’s a non-starter if you don’t have the right people in the right function.

from page 4

* The 2017 Budget has more than enough money to fix the problem. * Make this a bipartisan issue and remove politics from the process. * Think about changing to a Supply Chain Department and create a system where you can find and pay for the right skills with some elements of private sector style management. * Part-time overseas consultants WILL NOT solve the problem, it never has.

It needs a local organic approach with people who understand the local system and culture.

I would personally put my politics aside to help on this front.

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins Certified Supply Chain Professional

alive when she was selected.

While The Caribbean Voice is honoured to be the first to nationally recognise this pioneering activist, we join with others in calling for national recognition for her at the Government level.

Meanwhile we do plan to keep in mind the names suggested by Eddi and, in time, to hopefully get to them one at a time. However, we must point out that Ms Annette Arjoon was among the first batch of selected for recognition at the inaugural award, but she declined our invitation to be honoured.

Also we do agree with Eddie that voluntary work in Guyana has often been limited in duration and scope, but we would like to assume him and others that The Caribbean Voice is here for the long haul and is in the process of establishing a national structure with coordinators and sub groups in every region. In this respect, we welcome anyone who would like to become involved in our suicide prevention and anti-violence campaign. We also welcome collaboration and invite NGOs and activists to partner with almost 40 entities in our Voices against Violence campaign.

As well, we do agree with Eddie that “There has to be a broad-based attack on pover-

ty, as well as on domestic and gender violence that rejects the notion of the marginalisation of communities that are viewed as not part of a pro-government consensus.”

We take this opportunity to invite readers to check out our website – www.caribvoice.org - for information on TCV and its work, links to our many social media sites, info about those involved with us and how you can be involved with our work. We also welcome suggestions, ideas, critique and constructive engagement. And we appeal to readers to be the eyes and ears of your communities and to reach out to us once the need for intervention and counselling arises. In fact, we urge that you err on the side of caution and communicate with us since it is better to be proactive in saving lives and preventing abuse.

Nothing is more important than the life and safety of a human being and The Caribbean Voice urges that no one should ignore warning signs, take them as ‘jokes’ or not being serious or disregard them as ‘not my business’.

Suicide and abuse prevention are everybody’s business.

And remember, suicide is not the answer.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

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Foundation

Techniques to shape children’s behaviour Part one

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his is a multi-part series based on the advice offered on their website by Dr William Sears and his nurse wife, Martha, who have more than 30 years of experience practising paediatric medicine in the US, and have answered questions from millions of parents through their 40+ paediatric books, articles in parenting magazines, and TV appearances. It focuses on how parents can effectively change their children’s behaviour. Shaping means providing the child with cues and reinforcements that direct them toward desirable behaviour.

As you shape behaviour, the child’s personality tags along and also changes and improves. The main ways to shape a child’s behaviour are through: praise selective ignoring time-out consequences motivators reminders negotiation withdrawing privileges humour

Praise

Praise is a valuable shaper; children want to please you and keep your approval. Yet, you can easily overdo it. Praise the behaviour, not the person. Praises like “good girl” or “good boy” risk misinterpretation and are best reserved for training pets. These labels are too heavy for some children. (“If I don’t do well, does that mean I’m bad?”) Better is:

“You did a good job cleaning your room.” “That’s a good decision.” “I like the way you used lots of colour in this picture.” The child will see that the praise is sincere since you made the effort to be specific; it shows that you’re paying attention. For quickies try “Great job!” or “Way to go!” or even “Yesss!”

To avoid the “I’m valued by my performance” trap, acknowledge the act and let

knowledging nearly every pleasant sound your child makes (“I like your sweet voice”). Eventually, as the whining subsides, the immediate need for praise lessens (of course, a booster shot is needed for relapses) and you move on to shaping another behaviour.

Change praises

To keep your child’s attention, change the deliv-

look around for applause whenever she lifts a finger, like a dog expecting a cookie every time he does a trick.

As an exercise in praisegiving, write down how many times you praised and how many times you criticised your child in the last 24 hours. We call these pullups and put-downs. If your pull-ups don’t significantly outnumber your pull-downs, you are shaping your child in the wrong direction.

For children’s sake, let’s connect parents and schools

Praise genuinely

the child conclude the act is praiseworthy. If you praise every other move the child makes he will either get addicted to praise, or wonders why you are so desperate to make him feel good about himself. Be realistic. You don’t have to praise, or even acknowledge, things he just does for the joy of it, for his own reasons.

Shaping through praise works well if you have a specific behaviour goal that you want to reach, for example, stopping whining. Initially, you may feel like you are ac-

ery of your accolades. As you pass by the open door of the cleaner room, say: “Good job!” Show with body language a thumbs-up signal for the child who dresses herself. Written praises are a boon in large families. They show extra care.

Private praises help, too.

Leave little “nice work” notes on pillows, yellow “post-its” on homework, messages that convey that you noticed and that you are pleased. Children need praise, but don’t overdo it.

You don’t want a child to

Praise loses its punch if you shower acclaim on usual and expected behaviour; yet when the child who habitually strikes out finally hits the ball, that’s praiseworthy. Simply acknowledge expected behaviour, rather than gushing praise.

Acknowledgment is dispassionate praise that shapes a child to please himself rather than perform for approval. Don’t make up fake kudos. The child will see through them and begin to question even genuine praise. For example, before you praise, try to read your child’s body language to see whether the child feels the job is praiseworthy: “Daddy, look at my drawing I did at school. I got an ‘A’.” If she approaches you eagerly, displaying her picture for all to see, this child deserves praise that shares her excitement. If she pulls the paper out of her schoolbag and tosses it on the kitchen table, praise may not be in order.

(Excerpt from askdrsears.com)

By Suzie Boss

A

t the end of my street sits an aging elementary school. Brick and boxy, it’s no architectural marvel. But it’s the reason we moved to this neighbourhood many years back. And even though my own children have long since outgrown grade school, I can’t help but do a quick scan of the playground whenever I round the corner. I don’t recognise many faces anymore, but the scene still brings up a wellspring of fond memories. I can close my eyes and remember my children’s parades, concerts, and an authors tea where a class of second-graders were the featured writers. Attending these events, I always felt like a welcome participant.

Families and schools belong together. Research tells us so and so does common sense. I’ve visited schools all over. They’re all strengthened when parents come inside, get acquainted with teachers, and get involved in their children’ learning. In the recent noisy debate about the state of public education, nobody argues that it makes sense to strengthen ties between school and home.

Unfortunately, those ties can get stretched to the breaking point. Parents can feel too busy or too stressed to find time to connect with their children’s teachers.

Messages can get lost on the way home. Some families don’t hear any school news unless it’s about trouble.

Parents who struggled with school themselves may not feel eager to step inside the schoolhouse as adults.

To encourage stronger ties between home and school, Edutopia has just published the Home to-School Connections Guide, a free download (www.edutopia. org/home-to-school-connections-resource-guide). As the subhead promises, it’s packed with “tips, tech tools, and strategies for family-and-school communications.”

In assembling this latest guide, I drew many suggestions from Edutopia community members who responded to my inquiries with a host of good ideas in blogs, online discussion groups, and on Twitter. Schools are getting more creative about connecting with parents, and we’ve shared examples of how they’re using Facebook and other social media to open conversations with families. Some tips offer new takes on old-fashioned ideas, such as making reading a family affair.

And, of course, many ideas come from the reporting that Edutopia has done about what works in education.

More than a decade ago, experts took a look at the reasons why parents become involved – or not – in their children’s education. Researchers Kathleen HooverDempsey and Howard Sandler narrowed their focus to these three key factors: •How parents view their “job description,” including their responsibility to their children’s learning.

•How confident parents feel about their ability to help their children.

•Whether parents feel invited and welcome at school.

That third factor is the one that educators have the greatest opportunity to influence. How welcoming does your school feel to parents? (Have you ever asked them?) When you communicate with families, do you tend to pass along announcements and due dates, or invite parents to be real partners in their children’s education?

Let’s continue the conversation about how to connect school and home. And let’s keep finding new ways to bring parents inside the school doors. (edutopia.org)

news

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monDAY, january 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

$170M rehab for 3 I will not “give up State hinterland airstrips Red House fiasco

property” – Granger

…wants all presidents to be recognised

A

s the tug-of-war continues between the coalition Government and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) over the High Street, Kingston Red House (Kamana Court) property, which houses the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI), President David Granger is adamant that he will not be giving up State lands.

Instead, the Head of State noted that he wanted to see the State-owned property used for public good, pointing out that there have been attempts by his Administration to have en-

the PPP back in November 2015, when Government initially indicated intentions to transform the Red House into a facility in memory of all past Guyanese Presidents after it found that the prime land (Lots 65, 66, and 67) on which Red House sits was leased to the CJRCI for 99 years for only $12,000 per year.

The coalition Government had strongly objected to this and had consequently announced its intention to review the lease agreement.

The PPP, in a subsequent statement, which

President David Granger

gime.”

The Head of State fur-

The Red House

gagements in this regard, to no avail.

“People are becoming vile talking about contamination, so I’m not going to give up State property. I’m going to participate in ensuring that the children of this country will recognise for all time all the presidents starting from Arthur Chung right down to David Granger,” the President said while addressing members of the local media fraternity at a brunch on Sunday.

He was at the time referring to a statement issued by

President Granger quoted on Sunday, said, “To associate Red House with Burnham, Hoyte and perhaps later Granger would be a historical misnomer and contrary to the progressive anti-colonial and anti-imperialist ideas, thoughts and memories associated with Cheddi Jagan… It would be anathema to disperse, integrate and to contaminate all that Jagan stood for and fought for with the reactionary pro-imperialist, repressive and oppressive praxis of the Burnham/Hoyte re-

ther outlined that the PPP statement went on to say that it was not going to have past presidents from other parties under the same roof as Dr Jagan.

“Such an act can be characterised as the epiphany of surrealism and consequently, abhorrent and distasteful to the hundreds of thousands of members and supporters of the PPP in particular, and all decentminded Guyanese in general,” the Head of State quoted from the PPP statement. turn to page 12

S

ome $170 million has been budgeted this year for rehabilitation works to be conducted at three hinterland airstrips.

This was revealed by Aerodromes Inspector Alphonso Mangah at the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s performance review last week.

The three aerodromes identified are located at Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini) on which $80 million will be spent; Ekereku Bottom, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – $40 million, and Chi Chi (West) Region Seven –$50 million.

According to Mangah, these airstrips were chosen based on several criteria, including the number of flights over the past 10 years, aviation safety for aircraft operation and the number of beneficiaries.

In addition, the Aerodromes Inspector noted that some $60.7 million has been set aside for the maintenance of 50 airstrips across the country over the course of 2017.

Currently, there are 57 licensed Government airstrips in Guyana, of which 47 are maintained by the Aerodrome Department of the Public Infrastructure Ministry. The remaining 11 airstrips are being maintained by the villagers in their respective locations; however, inspections are carried out on a regular basis to ensure that they comply with standards, as outlined by the Guyana Civil

One of Guyana's hinterland airstrips

Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Among the beneficiaries for the respective airstrips are miners, loggers, farmers, tourists and residents.

The Aerodromes Inspector outlined that last year some $56.6 million was budgeted for the upkeep of the 47 airstrips under the Department’s control. The airstrips which saw repairs and maintenance works were those at: Port Kaituma ($1.45 million); Mabaruma ($1.43 million); Imbaimadai ($1.95 million); Kaieteur ($1.73 million); Aishalton ($4.72 million); Anna Regina ($1.19 million); Lethem ($1.65 million); Paramakatoi ($1.13 million); Kamarang ($1.91 million); Ekereku Bottom ($1.7 million); Bartica ($1.17 million); Mahdia ($1.86 million) and Annai ($3.9 million).

Among the works completed were potholes patching; painting of visual aids; painting of pyramid-type cone markers; changing of wind socks; weeding of runway and runway strips, and removal of all shrubs; bush clearing of

approach and take-off areas of the aerodromes, and repairs to perimeter fences.

Meanwhile, another $351.5 million was allocated under the 2016 Capital Budget for the rehabilitation of another nine airstrips.

These are the airstrips at Annai to the tune of $56.9 million; Paramakatoi, $39.9 million; Kurupung, $28.9 million; Kato, $65.9 million; Kopinang, $38.7 million; Monkey Mountain, $23.8 million; Iwokrama/Fairview, $154.7 million, Kaikan, $70 million and Eteringbang, $76.6 million.

Mangah noted that the contracts for the rehabilitation of these airstrips were awarded and the contractors received a ‘mobilisation advance’ to commence works. He added that only the Monkey Mountain and Iwokrama/Fairview airstrips have been completed to date and are currently in the defective liability period. The rehabilitation of the other seven airstrips is scheduled to wrap up by June 2017.

8

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monDAY, january 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Strategic move…

T

…against Jagdeo

he PNC-led coalition Government didn’t need the PPP to hold a Congress, or elections for the Central Committee, or for the General Secretary of the party that Bharat Jagdeo would emerge as the leader of the PPP by being the Opposition Leader and its General Secretary. The moment they filed their appeal in July 2015 to the “third term” ruling of Justice Ian Chang, the cat was out of the bag. They were running scared Jagdeo would run again!

But they didn’t need political geniuses to figure that out. Why would the PPP overlook a man who already had 12 years under his belt as President of the country; is a trained economist who was able to generate impressive growth rates when the rest of Caricom languished in the doldrums, and most importantly was able to take on and defeat an armed insurrection against the State - and was still only 52 years old?? They’d had to have a death wish!!

So now the PPP’s officially conferred on Jagdeo the authority to lead it into the 21st Century, we return to the PNC’s fears! Simultaneously, (coincidentally?) we get news that the appeal filed by now AG Williams and Trotman is going to be heard by the Court of Appeal starting this Friday. And as the plot thickens, we discern the hand of the PNC rising out of the fog.

The Court of Appeal, after all, is comprised of the Chancellor, the Chief Justice and one or more other Appellate judges. Now, do you still think your Eyewitness was paranoid when last week he questioned the two-step tango played by a letter writer Edwards and the Chronic? First, Edwards informed the nation that the Chancellor reaches retirement age at the end of February and since he has three weeks leave outstanding, he should proceed on “pre-retirement leave” at the end of this month!!

That’s right! And if you think this revelation came “out of the blue” then it REALLY was Santa who was kissing Mommy under the Christmas tree!! Then Edwards, made his main point - “…no Judge soon to vacate his office ought to commence hearing a new or fresh case, for in all probability it would be a partheard case when he/she vacates office.” The Chronic then piggybacked on this to posit that “concerns” were raised about the Chancellor’s “impending” retirement and he shouldn’t take “new cases”!!

All of this simply means the PNC wants to ensure the Appellate Court rules against a “third term” - and don’t trust the incumbent Chancellor to go along.

But what does this say about their assessment of the new Chief Justice, who was just given silk?

…on silk

The PNC’s ploy on the Chief Justice - for which they had to take a lot of flak from the legal community on awarding silk to a sitting judge - might now be understood, but it evokes some sad memories from the first PNC regime. The present generation mightn’t remember when the PNC moved a case against a PPP activist from Berbice for a crime allegedly committed in Berbice to Georgetown to be tried by “a jury of his peers”!! It was one of Rodney’s finest moment when he asked what this implied about the PNC’s assessment of “African Guyanese”.

But the silk award raised several other nettlesome issues. One lawyer trotted out his credentials in the press and brought to the fore the question of what criteria was used to make the selection. Another suggested that the title of “Senior Counsel” might now be passé in our Republic - in setting up invidious distinctions.

But your Eyewitness is worried that addressing all and sundry as “Comrade” might be the next step!

…on vendors?

Since the vendors were allowed to return to the Stabroek Market environs, was the expulsion more tactical than strategic?

And what about all those pious platitudes uttered at the time of expulsion by the Town Clerk about “restoring Georgetown’s beauty”?

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 inmates injured President underscores in NA Prison brawl importance of media training

T

wo inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison were rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital after a gang fight erupted in the prison on Sunday.

The injured men are murder accused Asif Hamid, of Corriverton, and Davenand Dhadhari, called “Kevin”, of Betsy Ground, East Canje.

Hamid, 22, was admitted in critical condition, while Dhadhari, 19, was treated and sent away. Hamid is awaiting trial for the killing of Henry “Beminal” Lalman, 78, of Number 36 Village, Corentyne, while Dhadhari is on remand for the April 17, 2016 murder of Omesh Seelall. Reports are that on Sunday morning, Hamid and Tamishwar Jagmohan, who was also remanded for murder, were involved in a fight over a cellular phone.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Hamid punched Jagmohan several times to the face and took possession of the cellular phone.

Jagmohan is one of five persons on trial for the triple Black Bush Polder murder. It is alleged that between July 21 and July 22, 2016 at Kokerite Creek Savannah, they murdered Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son, Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called “Kevin”; and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice”.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicated that on Sunday, Jagmohan and two of his brothers, who are both remanded for two other murders, took revenge on Hamid.

Police confirmed that Hamid was stabbed and chopped by the Jagmohan brothers – Tamishwar along with Ramnarine and Neshan Jagmohan. This publication

Ramnarine Jagmohan (left) and Neshan Jagmohan

A section of the gathering at the media brunch hosted on the lawns of State House on Sunday

H

Injured: Asif Hamid

Tamishwar Jagmohan

understands that Ramnarine Jagmohan 28, of Belvedere Squatting Area, Corentyne and his brother, Neshan Jagmohan, 23, a cane harvester, are both indicted for the October 7, 2013 murder of Corentyne businessman Devindra Deodat, 34, called “Dave”, of Hampshire Squatting Area.

The trio allegedly went to Hamid who was at the time sitting at a table in the remand auditorium and used improvised weapons to injury him. They also injured Dhadhari, who was at the time sitting next to Hamid.

According to a hospital source, Hamid is currently a patient at the New

Amsterdam Hospital. His condition is listed as critical.

B (Berbice) Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam said the weapons used in the attack were confiscated. However, he said the Police did not conduct a search at the prison for other illegal objects which inmates may have. It is not clear whether prison authorities carried such a search on Sunday.

This publication was informed that prison authorities have promised to separate and isolate the Jagmohans, while Dhadhari is to be placed in the infirmary until he fully recovers.

ead of State, President David Granger has underscored the importance of training media personnel to effectively conduct their duties of keeping the public informed.

He was at the time delivering brief remarks at the Annual Media Brunch, hosted at State House on Sunday morning.

This annual event is aimed at improving the relationship between the media and the State, as well as enhancing relationships within the local media fraternity.

The Head of State, in his

address just before brunch was served, explained that the media was very important to governance in Guyana, and charged media operatives to stay strict to three principles of professionalism in the execution of their duties.

Firstly, the President noted that education was a critical element in succeeding in any line of work, including journalism.

“I believe journalists should be trained and should have the expertise and have experience,” he stated.

At last year’s media brunch, the President had promised “hard mon-

ey” to the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to support training of the local media personnel.

However, owing to some issues with the GPA, including lacking legal status and irregularities with its bank account, the organisation was unable to receive the funds.

But GPA President Neil Marks announced that those issues have been ironed out and the body was now in a position to accept the grant.

The President promised to continue to support the GPA, without interference, to conduct media education.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, january 9, 2017

News

Guyana Fire Service calls for President underscores enhanced public cooperation importance of... from page 9

T

he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Sunday called for increased public cooperation, which would enable it to effectively carry out its duties.

This call came from Divisional Officer of the GFS, Colin Sparman, after a fire truck, which was responding to a fire at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, almost toppled into a trench as it was attempting to manoeuvre its way around a car, which was parked in the middle of a street.

The fire truck reportedly became stuck for several hours and was unable to reach the scene of the fire.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, a bulldozer had to be called to assist in re-

The fire truck which was stuck for several hours

moving the truck.

Sparman, who was on the scene, told this publication that the GFS was urging the public to cooperate with firefighters, as it was difficult for the Service to adequately perform without the public’s assistance.

He noted that on several occasions, ambulances were unable to lend assistance because of the public’s reluctance to cooperate.

“This is sickening because we have to deal with this issue on a regular basis and it should not be so. The pub-

lic needs to help us to do our work effectively. This is nonsense: this vehicle has been parked here since 2am,” Sparman remarked.

As a result of the GFS’s inability to reach the scene of the fire, the apartment building that was on fire was burnt to the ground leaving 10 homeless and $10 million in losses.

Sparman called this absurd, relating that the owner of the car which prevented the fire truck from accessing the fire scene showed up hours later to remove his vehicle.

As such, he reiterated the call for cooperation, assistance and understanding from the public, which would “no doubt be greatly appreciated by the Fire Service”.

Granger rejects Jagdeo’s...

In this regard, he contended that the President’s rejection of the names on the grounds that the persons did not meet the constitutional requirements was “wholly untenable”.

Previous Chairmen

Notably, the majority of the previous Chairmen of GECOM fell under category two as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana – being “fit and proper”.

In fact, of all the persons who were appointed as Chairman of GECOM, only the late Doodnauth Singh, former Attorney General and Senior Counsel, satisfied the category of being a judge or having the requisite qualifications to be one.

All the other persons – Rudy Collins, Edward

Hopkinson, Joseph Singh and Dr Steve Surujbally – lacked legal qualifications and, therefore, would have all qualified under the “fit and proper” requirement.

Interestingly, in 1997, former Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte nominated Granger to be GECOM’s Chairman, though he did not have the qualifications to be a judge.

Granger had accepted the nomination knowing fully that the Constitution caters for “fit and proper” persons outside of that category.

His new interpretation of the Constitution is, therefore, baffling and inconsistent with what is presumed to be his outlook when he had accepted the nomination to be GECOM Chairman.

Rig

Nandlall believes that the President’s announcement is a signal of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s intention to rig the next General and Regional Elections in 2020.

“The President is playing a dangerous game… I believe these machinations will continue until the President conjures up an interpretation of the Constitution which permits him to unilaterally appoint a Chairman of GECOM,” he expressed.

Coup

Former Government Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said the President’s rejection was an attempt to seize power through a coup.

“Their latest move to reject the nominees for the chairmanship of GECOM from the Leader of the Opposition is setting the stage to name a Chairman in their own deliberate judgment, a person that will carry out instructions from APNU/AFC, in the same sinister fashion as Judge Harry Bollers did prior to 1992,” Dr Ramsammy warned.

Next move

The President did not indicate what his next move would be, but the Guyana Times understands that he is yet to formally inform the Opposition Leader of his dissatisfaction with the list of nominees.

The Opposition Leader may have to return to the drawing board and submit another list of six nomi-

“You have my word for it, and I know I don’t break my word,” he stated.

On the matter of media education, the Head of State pointed out that journalists have the power to shape public perceptions and in this regard, he encouraged that this power be righteously employed.

“In other jurisdictions, you see the danger of false news; you see the danger of the media interfering in the democratic process. That is why it is important that people who are media operatives are trained in the usage of this powerful tool because we can break down Governments and raise up imposters strictly by propagating falsehoods,” he ex-

plained.

The second pillar is the media workers’ social responsibility and in speaking on this, President Granger urged that the truth always be told. He also encouraged that stories be balanced in order to keep readers well informed. “If media is moulding public opinion, they have to speak the truth,” President Granger stated.

The third principle, he said, is that of solidarity.

He explained that each member of the media come from a community in which each person exercises influence on each other. He urged that everyone be aware of the power of these influences and urged that they stay positive.

from page 3

nees or the President can go ahead and appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge – providing that the Opposition Leader fails to submit the list as provided for.

GTUC

Additionally, Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) General Secretary Lincoln Lewis disagreed with President Granger’s assertion.

In a statement to the media on Sunday, Lewis highlighted that the Constitution

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis

indeed provides for suitable persons outside the realm of judges or those qualified to be judges to be appointed as GECOM Chairman.

He also alluded to the appointments of past Chairmen of GECOM, including Dr Surujbally.

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Minibus, taxi collide Mother of 5 on fraud charge on Mandela Avenue A – passengers escape with minor injuries

mother of five was not too happy about being brought before the courts of law after she was caught being fraudulent.

Damiana Newton Armstrong, of 373 Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), pleaded not guilty to the charge when Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan read it to her.

The charge stated that

between September 5, 2015 and July 22, 2016, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, she presented a document which showed her to have the power to sell, convert, transfer, or mortgage a certificate which belongs to Michelle Newton, knowing same to be false.

She was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Colin

Moore, who requested reasonable bail.

His application was successful, and bail was granted in the sum of $75,000.

However, Magistrate McLennan requested that the woman lodge her passport at the Court Registry.

She is scheduled to make her next court appearance on January 13, 2017.

Cattle farmer on $15,000 bail assault

A

cattle farmer with a bad temper was placed before the courts to answer to a charge of assaulting a woman.

Robin Haywood, of 1263 South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Brendon Glasford at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The minibus that ended up in the trench on Mandela Avenue and the car which was involved in the collision

He denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

The charge stated that on December 31, 2016, at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Shevon Griffith with intent to cause her actual bodily harm.

The 33-year-old father of nine children was unrepresented; however, he was granted his pre-trial liberty as the prosecution’s file was yet to be completed.

Haywood was granted bail in the sum of $15,000 and will make his next court appearance on January 12, 2017.

Landlord charged for barring tenant’s access

A A

minibus on its way to Berbice ended up in a trench parallel to Mandela Avenue after colliding with a motor car on the road Saturday morning.

Reports are that the minibus, bearing registration number BSS 5326, and motor car HC 5186,

were both heading east on Mandela Avenue when the motor car suddenly attempted to turn right into Roxanne Burnham Gardens, but ended up in the path of the oncoming bus.

Both vehicles were badly damaged. The minibus end-

ed up in the nearby canal and had to be pulled out by a tow truck.

The drivers of both vehicles, along with a young lady who was using the car as a taxi at the time, received minor injuries and were taken for medical attention.

GPL offers support to family of deceased employee

From left to right: Lisa and Rayon Clifford, the dead man’s children, along with his wife, Mohani Devi Clifford with GPL Chief Executive Officer Renford Homer; Divisional Director (Human Resources) Bal Parsaud and GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical) Elwyn Marshall

T

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc on Saturday evening hosted a “Night of Reflection” to pay homage to Brian Clifford, an employee who lost his life on Tuesday last when he fell from a utility pole while in the process of correcting a distribution network issue.

The event was held at his home located at Lot 414 Bush Lot Village, Corentyne, East Coast Berbice.

GPL’s executive management, during their visit to the bereaved family, offered their condolences and support.

The visit was described by GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Renford Homer as one that was sombre and extremely emotional.

Clifford, who had been working with the company for over 25 years, was employed as a Network Technician 1 and was attached to the Transmission and Distribution Department – Number 53 Outpost on the East Coast of Berbice.

His body was laid to rest on Sunday at the New Amsterdam, Stanleytown Cemetery.

On the day of his demise, Clifford, 47, was reconnecting a wire at Belvedere Squatting Area, Corentyne when the utility pole which he was on came crashing down.

According to reports, an excavator which was clearing a canal in the area caused an electrical wire to burst and as such, Clifford, who was on

duty at the time, was sent to have the issue rectified.

However, the man was unaware that the utility post was rotten when he climbed it and was in the process of having the wire reconnected when it came crashing to the ground.

Eyewitnesses related that the post fell first and then Clifford, who was vigorously trying to release his straps, fell unto the post.

He was picked up and rushed to the Anamayah Memorial Hospital where doctors battled to save his life, but failed.

Clifford leaves to mourn his wife and two children, along with other relatives and friends.

landlord who removed the stairs to the house that he was renting, so as to prevent his tenant from entering the property was on Friday charged when he appeared before Magistrate Brendon Glasford.

Abdool Peters, 34, appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between December 28 and 29, 2016 at 51 D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, he, being the landlord of the said premises, removed the steps with intent to prevent Alicia Knight from entering the premises.

According to the landlord, Knight refused to pay her rent and as such, he took matters into his own hands.

His Attorney, Dexter Todd successfully petitioned for bail, which was granted in the sum of $15,000.

Peters is scheduled to make his next court appearance on January 16, 2016.

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monDAY, january 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden’s tourism potential explored – local tour operators assess tourism sites

W

ith the aim of boosting tourism opportunities in the mining town, tour operators from across the country were given a first-hand look at the Linden community during a reconnaissance visit last Friday, organised by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Various sites within the community were visited during the tour of both Wismar and Mackenzie.

Representatives from the GTA were present and actively involved in the activity. Tour operators: Salvador de Caires of Wilderness Explorers, Jamal Thomas of Evergreen Adventures and Mark McCall of Tours R Us, were also part of the visiting team.

GTA Product Development Officer Hadoc Thompson explained that the aim was to ascertain the tourism potential of the Linden community, so that local operators would be able to successfully organise community tours.

"We want tour operators to start packaging tours for Linden, offering tours for Linden. So that's the whole synopsis of this trip – promoting Linden. Linden is on show right now. Our main objective is to get persons coming to Linden… We hope that the touristic potential of Linden would be

bedded in us that we continue to excel. We've won the National Schools Athletics Championship for a record number of years, 15 to date, and we have excellent world-class athletes… I just want to thank you for giving us an opportunity to tell you more about Linden," he concluded.

Invitation to explore other parts of the Region

From left: Winslow Parris of the Region 10 Tourism Development Association, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph and GTA Product Development Officer Hadoc Thompson during the briefing at the Watooka Complex

ascertained by these (tour) operators, hopefully that they start offering tours to this location. The Guyana Tourism Authority is very committed to developing community-based tourism…" he said.

Following visits to the Linden Museum, Hymara Park, Richmond Hill and Watooka Complex, among numerous others, leaders within the community were given the opportunity to highlight the tourism potential of the community, while tour operators shared their views during a briefing at the Watooka Complex, Mackenzie.

Speaking at the event,

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland expressed delight that there was such interest in the tourism potential of what he described as the beautiful, untapped Linden community. The Mayor alluded to the many natural clear springs, rivers, trails, blue lakes and fishing spots. He explained that the Demerara River, which runs through the community, is a product in itself.

"I'm always boastful that our town is one of the best places to visit. This is the place where many things started… There's something unique about Linden. When you come to Linden you would recog-

nise that there are so many things that are untouched," Holland told those present.

He went on to describe the picturesque beauty of areas such as Richmond Hill, while relating that there were homes in that area which offer bed and breakfast services. Apart from that, Holland made reference to the many mountains to climb, as he suggested that a day tour for tourists would be the ultimate experience.

The Mayor said too that already a visitor from Miami has expressed interest in building a four-star hotel in Linden. He said numerous sites in the community were already explored to ascertain which would be best.

"I think our potential is great… I recently had a team from the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) visit Linden and I took them on a tour. They were amazed. In fact, ‘fat pork’ picking is a big thing… they were so amazed that it could be used to make wine.

And it's all found right here in Linden," he said.

The Mayor further alluded to the hospitable nature of Lindeners and what he described as the low crime rate.

Sports tourism potential

The Linden Mayor also spoke of the potential of the community to drive tourism through sports.

"Sports is so much em-

Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph invited all to visit Kwakwani, another part of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) which he deemed the safest place in Guyana. Adolph said the area was usually visited by persons from all across the world. He noted that the people were very hospitable and the scenery was amazing.

"It's a very beautiful place to go. We also have blue lakes where people go to get married, engaged, parties. Also, we have the Berbice River where people go fishing. There's also the beach where persons go to play cricket when the tide is low. Down the Berbice River, we also have Fort Nassau where persons go to tour the Dutch site," Adolph noted, while he also extended an invitation for the touring group to visit other neighbouring areas such as Aroaima and Hururu.

I will not “give up State...

Offence

According to President Granger, he was offended by these comments, reflecting that the first thing he did in May 2015 when he took office was to put up portraits of all nine Presidents in the Cabinet room. He noted that he wanted to remind not only the staff at the Ministry of the Presidency, but thousands of children who visit his office of all nine Presidents and not just one; but then there were people talking about contaminating the memory of former President Cheddi Jagan.

“It is not a question of law; it is now a question of right. This is the mentality which is driving the battle for Kamana Court.

Somebody is accusing persons who do not belong to

one party, of contamination – I find that offensive,” posited the President.

Two weeks ago, President Granger revoked the lease of the Red House, based on advice from his Attorney General, Basil Williams, that the agreement was invalid. Williams had argued in a detailed statement the day before that the lease held by the CJRCI was invalid on several grounds, including that there was no evidence that the President of the day had sanctioned it.

However, quick action by the PPP-backed Management Committee of CJRCI saw legal action taken to reverse the President’s decision, with the court ordering that the property of the CJRCI “not be interfered

from page 7

with or removed until further ordered”.

In the meantime, workers from the Ministry of the Presidency had hammered down the hallmark sign of the Red House, resulting in a standoff outside the High Street premises. PPP members had rushed to the scene to defend the legacy of the Party’s founding member.

The workmen attempted to transport the wooden sign bearing the words “Cheddi Jagan Research Centre”, but fierce opposition from the PPP members and stewards of the Red House prevented them from doing so. The men eventually drove off in a canter and the PPP members worked together with others on the scene to re-hoist the sign on the building.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who was on site during the standoff with the Government officers, noted that the attacks against Dr Jagan and his legacy were the height of indecency and callousness by the Government.

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

news

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monDAY, january 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GNBS certifies 10 labs C

itizens will continue to benefit from a high standard of services with the certification of 10 laboratories by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

A laboratory certification is the process by which a third party gives written assurance and recognition that a laboratory is conforming to specified requirements.

Eight medical laboratories and two non–medical ones were certified in keeping with the National Laboratory Standard GYS 170, which is the general requirement for the operation of a laboratory.

The eight medical labs that have been certified are those of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); Woodlands Hospital; the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital; Eureka; Medical Arts Centre; St Joseph Mercy Hospital; Georgetown Medical Centre Inc and Quest Medical Laboratory.

The other two are the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Central Laboratory and Kaizen Environmental Services’ lab.

GNBS Public Relations Officer

(PRO) Lloyd David said the national standard allowed labs to develop a comprehensive management system which would enable them to issue accurate, reliable and consistent test results. The certification of itself allows the laboratories to determine whether they are performing their work correctly and to the appropriate standards. This is according to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA).

David added, “The laboratories can further be accredited to international standards.” He explained that other countries could send samples to Guyana to be tested, noting that the results would be internationally recognised.

David further said that labs were re-evaluated periodically by the GNBS to ensure that there was continual compliance with the requirements and they were maintaining standard operating practices. He noted that labs were required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programmes between re-assessments, as a further demonstration of technical

GNBS Public Relations Officer Lloyd David

performance.

The PRO, according to GINA, explained that if the labs were not maintaining the standards upon inspection, they would be given time to make the necessary adjustments and if they did not make those changes after a certain period of time, their certifi-

cate could be revoked.

David pointed out that there were many more laboratories in the country that needed to be certified and encouraged them to do so. He noted that it would not be an easy task or process, but once the process was completed, it would give the labs a boost in business and citizens would enjoy and receive a high standard of service.

The GYS 170 Standard is divided into three main sections – management, safety and technical requirements. The management section provides requirements necessary for the lab to operate efficiently. Some of the key elements within this section includes: management systems, organisation, and complaint and internal audits.

Under safety requirements, a lab is obligated to implement basic safety policies and procedures to ensure that its environment is safe for all. The technical requirements are necessary for demonstrating the technical competence of the laboratory. These will en-

able the lab to perform tests that are recognised and produce accurate, reliable and consistent test results. Some of the key elements in this section that help the laboratory to efficiently monitor and manage include: personnel, equipment, test methods and method validation, and internal audits.

The GNBS was established in March 1984 under Act No 11 of Parliament of the same year. The Bureau has the legal status of a statutory corporation or a semiautonomous agency. It is governed by a National Standards Council, whose members are appointed by the subject Minister.

Its vision is to improve the quality of goods and services in Guyana, by partnering with Government, consumers and industry through the process of standardisation, while its mission is to promote the national quality infrastructure for economic, social development and consumer protection in partnership with key sectors through standards, metrology and conformity assessments.

Aurora Primary and Nursery Schools yet to open …parents frustrated …all other Region 2 schools in good condition

P

arents who have children attending the Aurora Primary and Nursery Schools in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are frustrated as they are being forced to send their children to private “bottom houses” contracted by the Education Ministry to attend classes.

According to the parents, this is as a result of the negligence of the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Rupert Hopkinson who failed to hand over the keys for a formal opening.

According to informa-

tion reaching this publication, both the Primary and Nursery Schools were completed; however, there has been no official commissioning, which is preventing children from occupying the building. Parents are now questioning why such a minor situation is preventing children from occupying the new schools that were intentionally built to create a safe and comfortable environment for learning.

One parent said she has to spend up to $800 per day to send her children to school at the various locations,

which was an additional expense.

Guyana Times was informed by reliable sources that the $118 million project was completed. This publication was further informed that the consultants for the building project were trying – unsuccessfully – to reach the REO concerning the opening. Education officers reportedly also tried contacting him to no avail.

The REO was also tasked with overseeing additional infrastructural works and landscaping at the back of the school, but to date works

have not started.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said he wrote an email to the REO and also the Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan concerning the issue. Ramdatt related that parents, as well as children, have vented their frustrations.

The Regional Chairman said that his concern was the burden parents continued to face to send their children to school. He is also concerned that the schools remained closed for the new school term.

All other schools along

Region Two REO Rupert Hopkinson

the Essequibo Coast are reportedly ready for re-opening today.

At the start of the Aurora

Primary and Nursery Schools project, almost all the materials went missing after the original structure was dismantled. The school has since been in the limelight and the regional engineer who was in charge of the project was held accountable. The materials were reportedly taken away by residents without written permission. The issue had engaged the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) numerous times.

The Councillors from both the Opposition and Government sides had contended that the materials from the school could have been used to build feeding kitchens for children in the Pomeroon River.

Cancer Foundation encourages early detection, offering free testing

T

he Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF) has partnered with Quest Lab in Queenstown to offer free pap smears in an effort to promote regular screening for early detection of cervical cancer – which saves lives.

The offer will be extended to 100 low-income and underinsured women, and will run for a period of four months, commencing January 14.

A pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus.

Cervical cancer can often be found early and sometimes even prevented entirely by having regular pap smear tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.

Research shows that the most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the human papilloma

Free pap smears will be offered to 100 lowincome and under-insured women

virus (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses, some of which cause a type of growth called papillomas, which are more commonly known as warts.

HPV can infect cells on the surface of the skin and

those lining the genitals, anus, mouth and throat, but not blood or internal organs, such as the heart or lungs.

HPV can be spread from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact.

Another way HPV is spread

is through sex, including vaginal, anal and even oral sex.

The GCF was launched in October last year in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Foundation was registered in June 2016, after several years of conducting cancer awareness programmes through the then Avon Community Help Fund.

The organisation was established for the purpose of providing help and to inspire hope in those affected by cancer through early detection, education, awareness and free medical screening.

It will also focus on the medically underserved (low-income and under-insured) population and to make a difference in their lives.

GCF President Bibi Hassan said persons desirous of benefiting from the free screening can contact the following numbers: 6182085 or 628-1378.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, january 9, 2017

Regional

New Brazil prison clash Mexican agents arrest kills 4 in Amazon region suspect in shooting of

A

new prison uprising in Brazil on Sunday left four dead, adding to the chaos in the country’s penitentiary system that has killed nearly 100 inmates in the past week in a brutal gang war.

The latest violence took place at the Desembargador Raimundo Vidal Pessoa jail in the centre of the jungle city of Manaus, according to a statement from the government penitentiary agency in Amazonas state, where the facility is located.

Three of the dead were beheaded while one was strangled to death. It did not give a motive for the killings and it was not yet known if drug gangs were involved.

In the last week, 64 inmates have been killed in

Law enforcement police outside the Agricultural Penitentiary of Monte Cristo after dozens of inmates were killed [Futura Press via AP]

prisons in or near Manaus. A prison uprising in the neighbouring state of Roraima left at least 33 dead.

Behind the bloodshed is an escalating feud between Brazil’s biggest drug gangs, which ended two decades of

an uneasy working relationship about six months ago.

Brazil’s most powerful gang, the Sao Paulo-based First Capital Command (PCC) split with the Rio de Janeiro-based Red Command gang when the

PCC took over drug trading routes in Brazil’s southeast.

Previously, the two groups worked together to ensure a heavy flow of drugs and arms over Brazil’s borders.

Members of the PCC were targeted last Sunday in the first violent outbreak, which left 56 dead, many decapitated and butchered. It was Brazil’s deadliest uprising in more than two decades.

Five days later, PCC members killed 33 people at a Roraima state prison.

Brutal scenes captured on a mobile phone video spread widely on social media, in which the inmates are seen hacking away at bodies in acts of revenge. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China, Jamaica to sign agreement for Western Children’s Hospital

A

fter initially being proposed by the previous Administration, the Western Children’s Hospital is set to become a reality with the official signing of an agreement between the Government

of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Jamaica.

The signing is set to take place at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston today.

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton is expected to deliver the main address.

Currently, the Bustamante Hospital in Kingston is the only hospital for children in Jamaica, ca-

tering to the 0-12 age cohort.

With this agreement, the Chinese Government will be responsible for the design of the project, supplying necessary construction machinery, equipment and material among other things.

When contacted Saturday, he said, “If you have anything to ask in relation to Casroy’s conduct you can ask him. I have already said to you that I don’t know these people. There was certainly no collusion or involvement on my part…I have nothing further to say.”

Browne, too, had to deny impropriety when his office was named in Brazilian court documents related to the Odebrecht bribery scandal. When Observer media contacted James Saturday to inquire whether the Prime Minister had given James his position on the

matter, James merely said, “I have no comment.”

A senior police officer has indicated that the Force did not have the matter on its radar. The Office of National Drug & Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) simply said that it could not comment on its activities in relation to the bank or international investigations.

In December 2016, Odebrecht – a Brazilian construction conglomerate – pleaded guilty in the United States to violating the United States (US) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by conducting bribes in the US.

US consular official

A

suspect in the shooting of a US consular official in the Mexican city of Guadalajara was arrested on Sunday, the State Prosecutor’s office said.

The Jalisco State Prosecutor said on Twitter that special agents made the arrest, but did not provide further details including the name of the suspect or any motive.

The consular official, later identified by a Mexican security official speaking on condition of anonymity as Christopher Ashcraft, was shot by a gunman on Friday as he was leaving a city parking lot.

A video posted online by the consulate in Guadalajara shows the shooter appearing to wait for the official’s car to pull up to a parking lot barrier before shooting directly at the driver and then fleeing. Ashcraft was in stable condition at a local hospital.

A source told Reuters he had been shot in the chest.

US Secretary of State John Kerry thanked the Mexican Government for the “swift and decisive arrest of a suspect in the heinous at-

The suspect who shot a US consular official in Guadalajara, Mexico is seen in this still image taken from January 6, 2017 security video footage released by the US Embassy in Mexio

tack against our Foreign Service Officer colleague in Guadalajara, Mexico”, according to a statement on Sunday.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation had offered a reward of US$20,000 for information that helped to identify the shooter.

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city, and parts of surrounding Jalisco state have often been the scene of violence by rival drug gangs. (Reuters)

T&T: Strike could Antigua:PM and embattled diplomat lead to devaluation of refuse further comment on bribery scandal currency – economist

M

ore than a week after Ambassador Casroy James publicly denied any involvement in a bribery scandal, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has still not said whether or not he was satisfied with James’ statement.

During the Cabinet’s End of Year Report to the Nation on December 28, Browne declared, “If it can be proven that there is wrongdoing on his part, I think I’ll be dutybound to relieve him from his position.”

Even though James, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United

Ambassador Casroy James

Arab Emirates (UAE), has long since rebuffed any notion of wrongdoing on his part, Browne has only so far spoken in his own defence.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

(Antigua Observer)

Indian troops enter Haiti without cholera vaccination, face UN probe

I

ndian peacekeepers in Haiti are facing a probe by the United Nations for arriving in the Caribbean country without the mandatory cholera vaccination.

More than 100 men of Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, landed in Haiti last year in JulyAugust after they were certified by the Home Ministry as having taken the vaccine.

The UN has officially sought a clarification from the Indian Government as to why it confirmed that these troops had been vaccinated.

The UN has been particularly dismayed as it has been accused of having caused the cholera outbreak in Haiti in 2010. In a rare gesture by the UN last month, then Secretary General Ban ki-Moon apologised for the outbreak to

Haiti in an address to the General Assembly.

There was no trace of cholera in Haiti until 2010 when, as widely believed, UN peacekeeping forces from Nepal arrived in the country. These troops were accused of causing the outbreak of cholera by performing their daily ablutions in a river next to the base they were stationed at.

Haiti officially holds the UN responsible for this in-

troduction of the cholera strain which has caused over 10,000 deaths in the country in the past six years.

For years — before Ban finally apologised — the UN had denied its role in the cholera outbreak in Haiti leading its own special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights to describe the UN’s conduct as a disgrace. (Excerpt from Times of India)

Members of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) as they prepared for strike action

A

warning that should Petrotrin workers go on strike for a prolonged period of time it could lead to a devaluation of the Trinidad and Tobago dollar against other major currencies with it hitting TT$9 to US $1.

That is the prediction from economist Dr Roger Hosein who pointed out that with the TT dollar already under pressure and with a fall in the price of the country’s major export commodities and production of both crude oil and natural gas curtailed, there are already foreign exchange shortages.

In an emailed response to Sunday Guardian questions, Hosein said: “A strike would precipitate a fall in export of refined petroleum products and serve the economy a further foreign exchange blow, at a time when it is

perhaps most unwanted. It is likely the value of our currency would have to take a hit with conversion ratio of TT$9 to US$1 becoming a real possibility.”

He added, “We are very well aware of the decreasing foreign exchange earnings of the Trinidad and Tobago economy associated with declining price and production of its main export good. In 2011, Trinidad and Tobago exported 41.2 million barrels of petroleum products but by 2015 this declined to 34.2 million barrels.”

Already strike action in the energy sector has had a negative effect on the country’s foreign exchange situation. In October, the Oilfields Workers Trade Union started strike action against a company called Island Offshore Contractors Limited. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

monDAY, january 9, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Iran’s ex-President China to launch ‘environmental Rafsanjani dies at 82 police’ force C I ran’s ex-President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a dominant figure in the country’s politics since the 1980s, has died at the age of 82.

Rafsanjani, President from 1989 to 1997, suffered a heart attack.

He played a pivotal role in the 1979 revolution, but later in life became a counterpoint to hardline conservatives.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei hailed a “companion of struggle” despite their differences, saying that the loss was “difficult and overwhelming”.

“The different opinions and interpretations at time in this long period could never entirely break up the friendship” between us, Ayatollah Khamenei said.

There will be three days of national mourning and a funeral in Tehran is due on Tuesday, which has been declared a public holiday.

Rafsanjani was admitted

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani had warm relations with President Hassan Rouhani (left)

to the Shohadaa Hospital in Tehran on Sunday, where doctors tried unsuccessfully for an hour to save him, media said.

A TV broadcaster broke into programmes to bring the news, saying Rafsanjani “after a life full of restless efforts in the path of Islam and revolution, had departed for lofty heaven”.

Rafsanjani had warm relations with President

Hassan Rouhani, who was seen at the hospital shortly before the death was announced. A crowd reportedly gathered at the hospital later to mourn.

In a tweet, the President said: “The soul of the great man of the Revolution, symbol of patience and resistance, has gone to Heaven.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Jerusalem lorry attack: 4 Israeli soldiers killed

F

our people have been killed in Jerusalem by a Palestinian man who drove a lorry into a group of soldiers, in what Police called a terror attack.

Three women and one man, all in their twenties, were killed and 17 others were wounded, Police said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker, who was shot dead by soldiers, was a suspected supporter of so-called

Islamic State.

But the Prime Minister gave no evidence to support the claim.

The victims were taking part in an educational trip, the Israeli military said.

The Israel Defence Forces tweeted that their names were Lieutenant Yael Yekutiel, 20; Lieutenant Shir Hajaj, 22; 2nd Lieutenant Erez Orbach, 20 and 2nd Lieutenant Shira Tzur, 20.

The attacker, identified

as 28-year-old Fadi Qunbar, came from the Palestinian district of Jabel Mukaber in east Jerusalem, near to the attack site.

CCTV footage showed the truck ploughing at high speed into the soldiers, before reversing over the victims.

“He drove backward to crush more people,” eyewitness Leah Schreiber told reporters. “That was really clear.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Wary of China, India offers Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Vietnam

I

ndia is now actively discussing the possible sale of the indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Vietnam, even as the two countries steadily crank up their bilateral military ties with a watchful eye on a confrontational China in the Asia-Pacific region.

With Beijing continuing to thwart New Delhi’s bid to join the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group and get Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Masood Azhar designated a terrorist by the United Nations, while also stepping up its naval forays into the Indian Ocean Region, India is responding by fast-tracking military ties with countries in China’s own backyard. The expanding “strategic and military partnership” with Japan and Vietnam, in particular, has emerged a major thrust area.

Sources say the discussions under way with Vietnam on the Akash area defence missiles, which have an interception range of 25 kilome-

hina has announced plans to set up an “environmental police” force tasked with enforcing pollution restrictions across the capital Beijing in a bid to improve the city’s notorious air quality.

Cai Qi, who is both the deputy chief of the country’s ruling party and Mayor of Beijing, promised to impose tougher measures in the city’s 16 districts to combat a longstanding and widespread toxic smog problem that has brought “harm” to people’s lives.

“Open-air barbecues, garbage incineration, biomass burning, dust from

roads – these acts of noncompliance with regulations are actually the result of lax supervision and weak law enforcement,” Cai was quoted by the Xinuhua news agency as saying.

“Like many of us, I am used to checking the weather and the air quality index (AQI) of Beijing first thing in the morning. I totally understand the public’s concerns and complaints over air pollution,” he said during a three-hour meeting with the press.

Beijing will also work harder with the neighbouring province of Hebei and the Tianjin municipality to

curb pollution, Cai added.

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has in recent years taken initiatives to fight the pollution crisis by closing coal-fired power plants and high-polluting factories, as well as imposing vehicle restrictions.

But critics say a lot more needs to be done.

“The Government must strengthen environmental protection and step up supervision and accountability in 2017,” He Ren, a spokesperson for the Beijing Volunteer Service Federation – a civil rights group – was quoted

by Xinhua as saying. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Deadly icy spell grips much of Europe, including Greek islands

I

cy temperatures across Europe have left more than 20 people dead and blanketed even the Greek islands and southern Italy in snow.

Italy saw ferries and flights cancelled and schools in the south were expected to remain closed today.

Turkey has also been badly affected. The Bosphorus was closed to shipping as a heavy snowstorm hit Istanbul.

At least 10 people died of cold in Poland. Night temperatures in Russia plunged to minus 30C. Normally milder Greece has witnessed temperatures of minus 15C in the north where an Afghan migrant died of cold last week and roads were closed.

In Athens, the temperature failed to rise above 0C and several of the islands

Parts of Greece, such as the city of Argos, have been hit with snowstorms

were covered in snow.

Some of the Greek islands are home to thousands of migrants and many are being moved to temporary housing and heated tents.

Homeless hostels in Italy are opening their doors day and night as the weather was blamed for the deaths

of seven people, five of them living out in the open.

Airports in Sicily, Bari and Brindisi closed on Saturday. Rome, too, saw freezing temperatures.

Russia has experienced its coldest Orthodox Christmas in 120 years.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Boko Haram attacks Nigerian army base, 5 soldiers killed – military source

F

Indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missiles (TOI File Photo)

tres against hostile aircraft, helicopters and drones, come after India earlier offered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Varunastra anti-submarine torpedoes to the country.

India, of course, will also begin training Vietnamese fighter pilots on its Sukhoi30MKI fighter jets from this year, much like it has been tutoring sailors from that country on the intricate art of op-

erating Kilo-class submarines for the last three years, as reported earlier by TOI. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar says Vietnam “is a close friend” and several initiatives are in progress to further boost bilateral defence cooperation, ranging from help in upgrade of military equipment of the Vietnamese forces to training them on fighters and submarines. (Excerpt from Times of India)

ive Nigerian soldiers and more than 15 Boko Haram fighters were killed when the jihadists attacked an army base in the remote northeast where the group has been fighting for an Islamic state, a military source said on Sunday.

Boko Haram attacked an army brigade in Buni Yadi in Yobe state late on Saturday, an army spokesman said by text message.

“Five soldiers lost their life in the attack though more than 15 Boko Haram were killed by troops,” the military source said.

Several explosions could be heard on Sunday in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state where Boko Haram started its sevenyear insurgency that has killed about 15,000 people and displaced more than

two million.

Officials or medics were not immediately available to give a casualty figure.

In early 2015, Boko Haram controlled an area about the size of Belgium.

It has been pushed out of most of that territory over the past year by Nigeria’s army and troops from neighbouring countries, moving to a base in the

Sambisa forest.

Last month, the army said it had taken Boko Haram’s key camp in the forest, although the group has staged suicide bombings since then.

Security analysts say the group’s ability to carry out attacks in neighbouring Niger, Cameroon and Chad suggests it has multiple bases. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16

monDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

The impact of flooding Yasha James – Essequibo Coast “I am currently living in the Onderneeming Sand Pit area; that area has experienced massive flooding due to overtopping. We have experienced the road eroding and residents were even forced to block the road with sand bags. An excavator was sent in the area, but still we need better drainage. I am facing it because transportation cost has increased by double and drivers are demanding more.”

Oret Pitman – Dartmouth “I am currently living at Dartmouth – Damon Street – and yes we have experienced flooding due to the rain and poor drainage,; several of my ducks and chicken died in the floodwaters; my kitchen garden presently has water also. I glad if Government can give assistance to floodaffected residents. When your place in water, it really affects your livelihood.”

Avril Samuels – West Coast Demerara “Well, it did not prove much of a problem for me as I was indoor but others, especially my neighbours, I could see that they were affected. Not saying that I was not affected at all, because the water flooded my yard, I had to stay indoors to avoid it. Also, I had my flower plants in front of my yard and I lost all of those.”

Caesar McAlmont – Linden “The area where I live would usually be flooded when there is constant heavy rain and it would affect me, because my place would be flooded out.

I had to do some corrective work where I reside, because the water would usually seep inside through the concrete and wet up everything. Since I did the work, there is a lot of improvement, but I know there might be others who might still be affected just like how I used to be.”

Kester Whyte – Georgetown “I am living in an area where the koker works and the water drains quicker than most parts.

However, most other areas I’ve been in aren’t as lucky and it’s a headache to get through if travelling, and worse some areas get a lot of garbage and it stinks when flooded, turning it into a nightmare especially if snakes get in.”

Elizabeth Drapaul – Region Six (farmer ) “This whole place flood up.

If you want to go to the toilet, you have to walk in water and everything from the toilet floating out so it ain’t make no sense you go inside the toilet because when you done it float out. The goat they can’t stay in the pen because is sheer water; they got to sleep on the road. People could come and thief them and I can’t do anything. Dem deading out due to the water because the pen flood out.”

Winston Bagot – NDC Councillor “This koker at Kilmarnock leaking; I don’t know is which contractor make this koker. Is every year about four times they repairing this koker door.

Due to this door, they had to block it off. Is a new door go on there and it ain’t supposed to leak. Because of this door, the whole place flooding out: they can’t open the koker. Is the same thing at Wellington Park. All the time we are suffering. My understanding is that this is politics. Onto now the NCD Chairman nor he Vice Chairman for Region Six ain’t come to see what going on.”

Jereme Ramrattan – Georgetown “Rains didn’t bother me much. Only one day I had about nine inches of water in my passageway. By the next morning, all was well. I live upstairs so that’s why.”

Justin Hamilton – West Bank Demerara “We had a little flash flooding, but it didn't last long because when they kokers were opened, the water went down.”

Brandon Matterson – Corentyne “I planting celery and with the rain, plenty water leave on the bed. On each bed, I would normally get like about 12 pounds; you can’t get that now, only about a half pound Ah gon get. I use a lot of labour to control that celery; I lose big time. They need to get systems in place so that the water could drain fast.”

Kristie Coleman – West Coast Demerara “My area was completely flooded and even though I was not affected, the people in my area were. Something needs to be done to rectify this issue in the future, because from what I have heard, some persons had major losses like crops and animals and so forth. The drainage system needs to be looked into immediately and the concerns of the people here need to be heard.”

Region 6 street clean-up for new school term A

collaborative effort between residents of Lot 48 Stanleytown and the New Amsterdam Town Council, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), could jump start a voluntary town-wide clean-up.

The initiative was spearheaded in preparation for the new school term that commences today and is likely to see hundreds of children traversing the street on their way to their school, Tutorial Academy Secondary, which initiated the activity.

One resident, Wannetta Hope-Phillips rallied her neighbours to join in and they then got the Town Council, through constituency Councillor Eusi Smith, to assist. While the residents did the cleaning, the Town Council provided the vehicles to remove the garbage.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Smith said the plan was to move the initiative

The clean-up exercise underway

from street to street. He said the Council would come and remove the garbage and unwanted items once the residents come out and clean.

According to Smith, the initiative is likely to assist with the pile-up of garbage along the road shoulders in Stanleytown. “This will bring some relief to the garbage situation, because on

regular working days we as a council cannot cope with the large volume of garbage due to the lack of limited resources, which include both manpower and machinery.”

“It will be like a self-help project,” he said, noting that on Sundays residents would be responsible for picking up and placing the garbage into the trailers. “The

Council will take it away, they wouldn’t have to worry about that. On Sunday, we will be inviting residents of another street to come out,” he said.

Smith, in thanking Hope-Phillips for her vision and interest, said it would be a good start to the year for the children going to school.

17

news

monday, january 9, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 floodwaters receding slowly – Coonjah ‌pumps in operation, excavation continues en a detailed explanation of their expenses to this publication, pointing out that if assistance is not given, then they would be running at a loss. Most rice farmers are surviving on loans they took from commercial banks in an effort to sustain their livelihood.

Meanwhile, in areas of the Anna Regina and Lima Housing Schemes, many persons remain in their upper flats, as they were

W

forced to vacate to higher ground owing to the massive flooding experienced on December 24, 2016.

However, the pump at Dawa has since been put into operation in an effort to provide adequate drainage in the Pomeroon areas.

According to Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie

Coonjah, the waters are receding at a very slow pace.

She explained that efforts are being made to open areas to accommodate excessive water. Coonjah assured that engineers and officials, as well as other staff, will continue to monitor the situation within the Region.

The floodwaters are receding very slowly from rice lands

hile many rice farmers and residents living in flood-affected areas in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are counting their loses, the Region Two Administration, in collaboration with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), continues to dispatch excavators to various areas to assist with dredging and cleaning.

Guyana Times understands that while the cleaning and clearing of several drainage trenches and canals are currently ongoing, there are still areas where floodwaters remain.

A drive along the Essequibo Coast reveals that certain villages, including Charity,

Lima, Windsor Castle, Devonshire Castle and Hampton Court, are still flooded. In other areas, the waters are receding slowly; however, the conditions, according to residents, are now swampy and unhygienic.

The water levels in the rice fields have significantly dropped and rice farmers, though thankful, are still concerned. The farmers related that they are entering the crop with many expenses and should the rains continue, their rice lands will remain under threat. They continue to plead with Central Government for higher capacity pumps, as well as assistance in the form of fuel or subsidies.

Many of them have giv-

The swampy conditions remaining in the wake of the floods

Several homes are still flooded

Cane Grove residents decry state of roads

Tough task: This Route 44 minibus navigates its way through a Cane Grove access road

R

esidents in the East Coast Demerara (ECD) village of Cane Grove, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) are calling on operatives of the Public Infrastructure Ministry to intervene and address the deplorable state of their roads.

Residents have also highlighted that as there was no secondary school in the area and children used the roadway to transit to and from school, making the situation particularly

dangerous for vehicle operators.

One male resident told Guyana Times last week that work had commenced in 2014, but ceased in June 2015.

He further decried last year’s ban on used tyres, noting vehicle owners were burdened with high maintenance costs. He and his fellow community members are calling on Government to urgently look into their plight and ensure that rehabilitation works are con-

This Cane Grove access bridge is reportedly partially sunken

Another section of the Cane Grove, ECD road

ducted.

With the recent spate of rains, traversing the roadways has become especially dangerous for road users.

Additionally, farmers use the main road to transport produce, which includes a variety of cash crops.

Meanwhile, it was also noted that a connecting bridge into the community is in a deteriorating state as well, with one section reportedly partially sunken.

With a residential population of more than 1400

residents, Cane Grove is predominantly a rice cultivating community, while cash crops are also cultivated.

It was at the presentation of the 2016 National Budget that Government, while introducing a measure to reduce taxes on new tyres, instituted a ban on used tyres which attracted much criticism from importers and the general populace. Many vehicle owners cited the added expense of purchasing new tyres.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, january 9, 2017

ARCHIE

Don’t just think about change when you can make it (March 21- happen. Gather information and April 19) prepare well in order to get the best results. A window of opportunity must not be ignored. Live, learn and embrace change.

ARIES

Learn as you go. Ask quesTAURUS tions and be hesitant to make (April 20- an important decision or move May 20) without following through with a thorough investigation.

Self-improvement plans are favored.

dilbert

Remain levelheaded.

GEMINI Refuse to let your emotions (May 21June 20) take control. Make honesty and integrity priorities, regardless of what others do.

Protect your position and future.

You must set things up the way you want them without (June 21- drawing attention. Avoiding July 22) interference will allow you to accomplish much. Let your creative imagination lead the way.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Activities that will keep VIRGO you motivated and busy are (Aug. 23Sept. 22) favored. Family events or romantic plans will help distract you from life’s little setbacks.

Depression can be counteracted if you make personal changes.

Look at all the angles beLIBRA fore you make a choice. A (Sept. 23short trip or meeting will give Oct. 23) you something to think about.

Change begins within. Learn from experts as well as experience.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Playful interactions with family and co-workers will result in popularity. Don’t let your health suffer due to excess stress or high-strung emotions.

Strive to reach your goals and live life to the fullest.

SUDOKU

Concentrate on personal SCORPIO plans and engage in projects (Oct. 24that you can do alone. Walk Nov. 22) away if someone tries to use emotional blackmail or guilt to part you from your hardearned cash. Invest in yourself.

Taking precautions will SAGITTARIUS be in your best interest when (Nov. 23dealing with partnerships and Dec. 21) personal matters. Avoid making unrealistic promises. Stick close to home, and work on positive personal improvements.

Look for alternative ways CAPRICORN to bring in cash, or call upon (Dec. 22old friends to help you come Jan. 19) up with a workable solution to any problem you face.

SATURDAY'S

solution for Last Published Puzzle Do what you can to help AQUARIUS someone, but don’t lose sight (Jan. 20of your personal goals. A meFeb. 19) thodical pace and a practical outlook will help you avoid an emotional mishap.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Refrain from acting on asPISCES (Feb. 20- sumptions. Your emotions March 20) will be difficult to control when dealing with both personal and professional situations. You are best off taking a wait-and-see attitude.

guyanatimesgy.com

DCC depart for UWI T20 Tournament ― Christian appointed captain

The Demerara Cricket Club squad which will be participating in the UWI National T20 tournament

T

he Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) departed these shores on Sunday morning to participate in the fourth annual University of West Indies (UWI) National T20 Tournament at UWI’s Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC), Trinidad and Tobago.

The Queenstown based club who are attending the event for the first time will be led by former West Indies and Guyana Wicketkeeper batsman Derwin Christian in the absence of regular players such as Christopher Barnwell and Paul Wintz who are a part of the National 50-over team camp.

Christain who played two T20s for the West Indies 2011, will have a fleet of youth players and some former National senior players at this disposal such as guest

players Gajanand Singh and Kellon Carmichael, attacking batsmen Anderw Light Jnr and Sherfene Rutherford and spinners Steven Sankar and Coen Ismond along with West Indies under-19 allrounder Keemo Paul.

Also competing for the top spot are this year’s champions are Club Crusoe (Tobago), who will be back to defend their crown. Other participating teams are, Merry Boys, Munroe Road, T&T Police, T&T Defence Force, Moosai Sports, Central Sports, Cane Farm, Duncan-Buggy Haynes United, Queen’s Park Cricket Club, and UWI. The UNICOM sponsored event which will be played at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, SPEC, located in the campus, will see teams compete for $70,000 worth of prize money, with the winning team receiving

at least $35,000 in cash and a champion’s trophy. Prizes will also be given to the Man of the Match, Big Six and others.

Well known cricket player and administrator, Deryck Murray is the tournament patron.

DCC played their first two matches on Sunday against Moosai Sports and Duncan-Buggy Haynes United. The results of those matches will be published in a subsequent article.

The Squad reads: Derwin Christian (captain), Kemol Savory (wicketkeeper), Gajanand Singh, Kellon Carmichael (Guest players), Jahron Byron, Cohen Ismond, Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Steven Sankar, Kemo Paul, Andrew Lyght Jr, Sagar Hatheramani, Carlton Jacques, Dexter George and Cleon McEwan.

monDAY, january 9, 2017

19

FIFA proposes Americas-wide qualifying contest for 2026, says official

F

IFA has proposed merging the CONCACAF and South American qualifiers as part of its plans to expand the 2026 World Cup, a leading official from the region said in a newspaper interview.

Venezuelan Football Federation president Laureano Gonzalez said the idea for the merger had come from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Gonzalez, who is also a vice-president of CONMEBOL, the governing body for South America, said it would want at least 14 places at the finals for the two regions combined before accepting the proposal.

CONCACAF represents North and Central America as well as the Caribbean.

The FIFA Council is due to vote on Tuesday whether to increase the number of teams at the finals from the current 32 to either 40 or 48 from 2026. FIFA will decide at a later date which regions will be awarded the additional slots.

CONMEBOL currently has four-and-a-half places at the World Cup for its 10 members while CONCACAF, which has 35 FIFA members in its ranks, has three-and-a-half places.

“There is a suggestion from Gianni Infantino to unify the CONMEBOL and CONCACAF qualifiers,” Gonzalez told the Venezuelan sports daily Meridiano.

“This would have support if they gave us more places.

At the moment, we have seven between the two confederations, plus two half plac-

United States and Mexico are two of the top teams in CONCACAF

es,” he said.

“If this went up to 14, similar to what Europe has for more or less the same number of teams, the idea would catch on on the continent.”

FIFA could not immediately be reached for comment. Europe currently has 13 places for 55 teams, plus one for 2018 World Cup hosts Russia.

CONCACAF is also a leading contender to host the 2026 World Cup, possibly with a joint bid involving at least two out of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Gonzalez also said there was “a spirit” in the region in favour of holding a repeat of last year’s Copa Centenario in 2020, but with 24 teams instead of 16.

The Copa Centenario, which celebrated the Copa America’s 100th anniversary, was a special tournament in addition to the regular Copa America.

The Copa America is played every four years

in the year following the World Cup and traditionally features 10 teams from CONMEBOL and two from CONCACAF. The Centenario, however, took place in the United States and featured six teams from CONCACAF plus the 10 from South America.

CONCACAF also has its own biennial tournament, the Gold Cup, staged in oddnumbered years.

Gonzalez said officials were in favour of another extra tournament in 2020, with a similar makeup to the Centenario but under a different name and with the format increased to 24 teams.

“Obviously it wouldn’t be called Centenario,” said Gonzalez. “Our Copa America would continue to be played as usual.”

Such a tournament may face opposition from European clubs, where many of the region’s top players are based. (Reuters)

GTTA to host Doubles, Novices and Fundamental Challenge T

he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will kick start its 2017 Calendar of activities with a Doubles, Novices and Fundamental Table Tennis Challenge competition scheduled for January 20-22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue.

With an emphasis on ensuring that much more domestic competitions across the length and breadth of Guyana is played and aimed at keeping the players actively training to improve their technical and tactical and marketing sport among other benefits, the association has map out an active domestic calendar which will see competitions occurring every month.

The categories to be contested includes: Novices Open Challenge Boys and Girls, Senior Doubles Open, Junior Doubles Open, Pre Cadet Doubles Open, Mixed Doubles, Junior Fundamental Challenge Open, Junior Fundamental Challenge Open and Pre Cadet Fundamental Challenge Open.

The Fundamental challenge will follow a format where players can select a partner whom they will team with to compete in knockout competition against other pairs drawn, engaging in One (1) minute forehand rally, one (1) Minute backhand rally one (1) minute pushes with the pair with the highest collective total/ aggregate of completed rallies advancing to the next round through the finals to

determine the winner.

The tournament is geared to kick start the year activities with a more softer competition as a lead to the more intense and bigger competition with an emphasis on orienting our players to the critical importance of the fundamental aspects of the game in a competitive and fun way Trophies and Medals and other prizes will be awarded to the top two finishers in the doubles and fundamental challenge and to the top three players in the novice’s category.

Players can register with national table tennis coach and general Sect Mr Linden Johnson or any member of the GTTA.

Table Tennis action is set to return at the Sports Hall later this month

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, january 9, 2017

T&T need 2-goal win to keep Gold Cup dreams alive

New Zealand v Bangladesh, 3rd T20I…

Anderson’s 6-laden 94* wipes out Bangladesh C

orey Anderson ushered in 2014 with the then fastest ODI century off just 36 balls. In the second week of 2017, he threatened to shellack the fastest T20I century. He didn’t quite have the time for that and so had to settle for the record for the most sixes by a New Zealander in the format - as many as 10 in an unbeaten 41-ball 94 that set up a 3-0 clean sweep of Bangladesh in Mount Maunganui.

Anderson was involved in another New Zealand record along with his captain Kane Willamson as they added 124 runs for the fourth wicket - one run better than Colin Munro and Tom Bruce’s work on Friday. Williamson completed his second half-century in three innings and helped offset an early wobble New Zealand were 41 for 3 in 6.1 overs - and Anderson provided the muscle at the end taking the total to 194 for 4.

In reply, Bangladesh started brightly with a 44-run opening stand, but they couldn’t sustain it. There was just too many runs to chase.

A run fest seemed highly likely when Williamson slapped Shakib with the vertical and horizontal bat for back-to-back boundaries in fourth over. It looked less

his fifty off 27 balls, but the third - a violent swipe against a full ball - was the pick of the lot. It sailed over the grass banks and landed on a Thai curry stall.

When Anderson hoisted Taskin Ahmed in the last over of the innings for his ninth six, he snatched the record for most sixes by a New Zealand batsman in a T20I. Brendon

Corey Anderson downtown ©Getty Images

McCullum had hit eight against Australia in Christchurch in 2010.

Anderson put the seal on the innings with another clean six over long-on and walked back to a rousing reception.

About 100 minutes later, he soaked in the applause from the crowd again, this time after claiming a catch to send Shakib back in the last over of the match, by which

Rubel Hossain’s double-strike jolted the hosts ©Getty Images

likely when Rubel Hossain got rid of James Neesham Williamson’s third opening partner in three matches and Munro in the space of five balls. When offspinning allrounder Mosaddek Hossain struck with his first delivery to dismiss Bruce for 5, and along with Shakib Al Hasan, conceded only 14 runs between the seventh and 10th overs, it looked like Bangladesh had regained control.

With the spinners firing them in on middle stump, Williamson resorted to shuffling across or coming down the track for his runs. He did not always look pretty, and even fell on the floor while attempting a wild slog, but launched a six onto the roof of the ground. He then pushed the team past 100 in the 14th over with a whip to the square leg boundary.

Anderson then took charge of the innings from there on, clubbing Mashrafe Mortaza for 17 runs in four balls and smacking part-time seamer Soumya Sarkar for a hat-trick of sixes over midwicket. The second of those blows raised

time New Zealand were cer-

tain to win their sixth straight limited-overs match of the series.

Bangladesh, despite having to worry over possible injuries, fought hard in the chase.

Imrul Kayes left the field after he tripped over the ad boards located beyond the boundary while trying t o

goes

a t tempt a catch.

Mashrafe joined him in the dressing room not long after when he hurt his right hand while trying to stop a straight drive. Neither man came out to bat.

Getting to 69 for 1 in six overs, therefore, was a pretty good start for the visitors. But they couldn’t keep up the tempo when pace was taken off the ball. Sarkar spooned a return catch to Ish Sodhi, and Williamson bowled Sabbir Rahman, but the ball of the day was Sodhi’s ripping googly to Mahmudullah.

It pitched outside off and hit the top of leg stump, making a mess of the batsman’s attempt to sneak some runs on the leg side. Shakib and Nurul Hasan connected with late boundaries, but the game was up by then. Bangladesh’s only silver lining in this match was Rubel, who picked up three wickets and staked his claim to lead the inexperienced Test bowling attack. (Cricinfo)

Trinidad and Tobago will need to defeat Haiti by a two-goal margin in order to keep their hopes alive

T

rinidad and Tobago will need to defeat Haiti by a two goal margin in order to keep their hopes of advancing to the CONCACAF Gold Cup alive.

Haiti moved to pole position in the threeteam Caribbean Football Union Gold Cup qualifier play-off following an impressive 4-2 win over Suriname on Friday. The twin-island republic had earlier lost its opener 2-1 to Suriname.

A 2-0 win for Trinidad

Bangladesh innings (target: 195 runs from 20 overs)

Tamim Iqbal c de Grandhomme b Boult 24 Soumya Sarkar c & b Sodhi 42 Sabbir Rahman b Williamson 18 Shakib Al Hasan c Anderson b Boult 41 Mahmudullah b Sodhi 18 MosaddekHossain c de Grandhomme b Santner 12 Nurul Hasan† not out 7 Rubel Hossain not out 1 Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs;) 167 Did not bat: Imrul Kayes, Mashrafe Mortaza*, Taskin Ahmed Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Tamim Iqbal, 4.4 ov), 2-82 (Soumya Sarkar, 8.2 ov), 3-97 (Sabbir Rahman, 11.3 ov), 4-122 (Mahmudullah, 14.5 ov), 5-150 (Mosaddek Hossain, 18.2 ov), 6-161 (Shakib Al Hasan, 19.3 ov) Bowling: Santner 4-0-371 (2w), Wheeler 4-0-29-0, Boult 4-0-48-2, Neesham 1-04-0-2217-0, Sodhi 2 (1w), C de Grandhomme 1-0-4-0, Williamson 2-0-9-1

higher than us. We need everyone to support the team tomorrow (today). We need the fans there in big numbers and pushing the team on,” Saintfiet told TT Football Association media yesterday.

The match will commence at 4pm (5pm ECT) on Sunday. The winner of the tournament will advance to a CONCACAF play-off between the Caribbean zone fifth place and Central American zone fifth place teams. (Sportsmax)

Alleyne lone newcomer in strong Pride Super50 squad

SCOREBOARD New Zealand innings (20 overs maximum) K Williamson* b Rubel Hossain 60 J Neesham lbw b Rubel Hossain 15 C Munro c Soumya Sarkar b Rubel Hossain 0 T Bruce c Imrul Kayes b Mosaddek Hossain 5 C Anderson not out 94 C de Grandhomme not out 4 Extras (lb 14, w 2) 16 Total (4 wickets; 20 overs;) 194 Did not bat: TA Blundell†, MJ Santner, BM Wheeler, TA Boult, IS Sodhi Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Neesham, 4.2 ov), 2-36 (Munro, 4.6 ov), 3-41 (Bruce, 6.1 ov), 4-165 (Williamson, 18.1 ov) Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 3.20-42-0, Taskin Ahmed 4-0-37-0 (2w), Rubel Hossain 4-0-31-3, Shakib Al Hasan 4-0-22-0, Mosaddek Hossain 3.4-0-27-1, Soumya Sarkar 1-0-21-0

and Tobago will put the team level on points with both Haiti and Suriname, but see it advance to the qualifier by virtue of a superior goal difference.

New coach of the team Tom Saintfiet is under no illusion that the task team faces will be a difficult one.

“At the moment we know that a 2-0 or a 3-1 result will get us through.

It will be a difficult task against a good Haitian team but not an impossible one for us. They are ranked 59th in the world which is

Anthony Alleyne

L

ast year’s finalist Barbados Pride yesterday announced a strong 14-man squad for the 2017 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Super50 Championship to be played in Barbados and Antigua from January 24 to February 18.

The team will be led by West Indies Test and limited over skipper, Jason Holder and comprises 12 players with international experience including West Indies T20 captain Carlos Braithwaite.

The batting department is expected to be led by emerging ODI players Kraigg Braithwaite, Shai Hope, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase and Shane

Dowrich along with newcomer into the Pride limited over squad Anthony Alleyne.

The left handed Alleyne was outstanding in the first half of the Digicel Four Day League where he amassed 451 runs from five matches and will now be granted with the opportunity to prove his worth in the shorter version.

Discarded West Indies pacer Kemar Roach and Miguel Cummins are the two out and out quickies in the squad while Suliemann

Kemar Roach Benn, Jomel Warrican and Ashley Nurse are the spinners in the 14.

The squad also includes

Jason Holder senior statesman Kevin Stoute, who along with Alleyne are the only two without international experience. The management team is yet to be confirmed.

The Pride will be the team to beat this season and they will open their campaign against strong contenders Guyana Jaguars at Kensington Oval on January 24.

Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomel Warrican.

YELLOW PAGES monday, january 9, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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21

sports

Shepherd’s surprise omission in an already broken system

By Delvon McEwan

O

n Saturday the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) selectors released its team to contest this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 tournament and in that squad there were no new comers and a surprise omission.

The most devastating decision by the selectors was to drop in-form fast bowler Romario Shepherd, who was outstanding in 2016. Shepherd was a part of the 2015 squad where he played one match.

In his lone encounter also his only List A game to date, he collected 3-37 from 10 overs and was named man-of-the match; he was dropped subsequently.

In late August of 2016 the GCB implemented a three-day League and again Shepherd was outstanding for his franchise West Demerara and finished as the best fast bowler with 34 wickets from seven matches.

Because of his performance in the Jaguars League he was named in the Guyana Jaguars squad for two away matches in the first half of the 2016/2017 Digicel Four-Day League, however, he did not get a game.

The Berbician is a fit and industrious player desirous of a fair opportunity but the way in which the GCB operates it would be no surprise if he is one that will past through an already broken system which has not fed the West Indies team or the global stage with any superstar recently. Since the end of the Regional Super50 tournament in 2015 most of the local players have been without 50-over practice and the set who were

Romario Shepherd

involved in matches, were not afforded much practice.

However, the Jaguars managed to name a team on past performance; It is also a team of familiar faces.

Jonathan Foo and Ronsford Beaton were surprisingly omitted last season now they are back in the lineup. Why were they dropped in 2015 is still unknown but they are back and favourably so.

After being overlooked by the Jaguars’ selectors, Beaton was selected by the West Indies A to tour Sri Lanka where his performance could not have gone unnoticed. Probably the reason he is back in the Jaguars unit. Foo scored two centuries in the Jaguars League (the threeday version) the reason why he is probably back.

Hikers storm...

This opened the door for Assanah to find his groove, blasting a powerful blow in the 27th min. and once more four minutes later.

Chad Pedro scored the lone goal for Notre Dame in the 34th min. but it had been a little too late to recover from the huge deficit.

Assanah would then score his third for the night in the 36th minute as Brandford scored twice and France scored once inside the last three minutes of play.

In the third match for the visitors, the boys fought valiantly but surrendered a slim 6-4 match to QPCC. Jordan Reynos, Jordan Vieira and Darren Cowie saw their side lead the

They should not have been excluded from the 2015 team, however, they have regained selection which is good.

The local cricket fraternity is shocked at Shepherd’s omission like it was at Foo’s and Beaton’s exclusion in 2015. However, this time around the GCB should say why Shepherd was overlooked when the tournament will be played in Barbados and Antigua, where the pitches are expected to suit fast bowlers.

Players should be given fair opportunities; there must be nationwide matches or league matches so players could be selected fairly. Since 2005 Guyana is without a limited over title. The wait could be extended if the procedure remains the same.

continued from page 22

Aroydy Branford

first half 4-2 with France (5th min.) and Stewart (19th min.) providing the resistance.

In the second half, Hikers fought with all they

had in the tank to score twice but it wasn’t enough as QPCC score twice in that half as well.

Nevetheless, Hikers qualified for the semi finals where they disposed on Paragon 5-3.

Once again the pair of France and Branford proved to be too much for the Trinidadian team as France scored the first two goals, in the 7th and 16th minutes while Akim Toussaint score twice (3rd and 15th min.) to end the first half locked 2-2.

In the second half, Toussaint only scored once (36th min.) while Branford produced three blinders (22nd, 26th and 37th min.) to book their finals berth.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, january 9, 2017

WICB Regional Super50....

West Indies U-19s to Foo credits hard work tour South Africa for return to Jaguars

After winning the 2016 World Cup, the Region’s Under-19 cricketers have begun early preparations to retain their title

Jonathan Foo's last exposure to the Region came in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for the Jamaica Tallawahs

By Akeem Greene

T

he name Jonathan Foo is one which still comes to the tongue of many when they talk about Guyanese cricketers who took the region by storm with some exceptional performances.

Foo’s fame came seven years ago when he helped Guyana snatch victory in the nail-biting final of the inaugural Caribbean T20 against Barbados, hitting a 17-ball 42 under immense pressure.

Since that magnificent innings, instead of the player’s career catapulting to greater heights, it unfortunately took a downward curve after Guyana played in the Champions League T20 in South Africa the same year.

But now he is back in the national setup, gaining selection in the Guyana Jaguars 14-man squad for the January 24 to February 18 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 in Barbados and Antigua.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport on Sunday the all-rounder revealed that “I’m happy to be back in the team, I have been working hard especially in the three-day competition, been working hard on my batting and I was expecting to be in the one-day team so I’m going to keep working hard on my fitness”.

He added, “I think I’m fully matured now, I have not played for Guyana a while but I have a clue on what is going on with my batting and personal game”.

Foo, who was in the hiatus from local cricket for some time, prior to last year, missed out the 50-over se-

lection in 2016 but says his Albion Cricket Club teammates and manager are the ones who kept encouraging him to continue playing the gentleman’s game.

“The guys at Albion such as [Veerasammy] Permaul, [Anthony] Bramble , [Devendra] Bishoo, [Gudakesh] Motie and

manager Vemen Walter really kept me going, I was out from playing for Guyana for a while and I was really down so they keep encouraging me to score runs as one day I will be playing again for Guyana”, the 26 year-old revealed.

The former Guyana Under-19 player had a successful outing with Lower Corentyne in the Jaguars Franchise League 3-day where he scored 580 runs, inclusive of two centuries.

Commenting on his improvement in fitness and form in the three-day league he said, “actually I’m very pleased with my fitness, over the years I have been unfit and I’m really pleased with it now and in the three-day I started well, scoring two centuries but after that I got allot of 30s and 40s so I will learn from that and get better”.

The hard hitting right-

handed batsman who spent most of his 2015 playing One-day and T20 cricket in Hong Kong, had some troubles with the short-ball in his senior career, says that he has gotten at playing the delivery.

“To me it is never a problem but it is when trying to score off these balls I’m getting out; I came back and worked on it so I think I’m getting better”, the former West Indies A team player stated.

He further stated “I never saw myself just as a T20 batsman, I always saw myself as an all-round cricketer who can bat anywhere and play any role for the team”.

The Berbician, who has played three List A games to date was a part of the victorious Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) firmly believes that the team must jell together quickly, as he will be doing his best to ensure that Guyana breaks the 12 year title drought.

“I think it is very important for us to play as one and stick together as team; we should stick to the game plans and I want to play an important part in us winning the competition, so we have to be victorious and make Guyana proud”, the player expressed.

Foo, who also bowls handy off-spin could be the additional firepower the team needs in support of the likes of wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble and all-rounders Christopher Barnwell and Raymon Reifer.

T

he West Indies Under-19 team will have a seven-match tour of South Africa in midyear as they continue preparation for the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 World Cup. As part of its early preparation to send a strong under 19 team to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth World Cup which be host by New Zealand in January, 2018, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will send its youth team to South Africa in June-July.

The tour to South Africa will be in Durban from June 30 to July 27. It will feature two warm-up matches against local opposition and five One-Day Internationals against the South Africa Under-19 team.

West Indies won their first Under-19 World Cup in February 2016 in Bangladesh, under the captaincy of Shimron Hetmyer.

The Caribbean side will again be coached by Graeme West and will look to defend the trophy when they play

in New Zealand in January, 2018.

However, the Board started early preparation for the youth squad.

In December of 2016 the players were assembled in Grenada for a two week training camp and next week they will be encamped for a week before they participate in the WICB Regional Super 50 tournament scheduled to get underway on January 24 in Barbados and Antigua.

Rawl Lewis, the WICB’s Project Officer with responsibility for the Under-19 programme, outlined the details behind the tour and the team’s preparations for the World Cup. “We are pleased that our young players will have an opportunity to play in foreign conditions as they prepare to defend the World Cup. This will be a great tour for them,” Lewis said.

“We are happy South Africa have agreed to host us. This will form the ideal kind of preparation we are looking for. Although the tournament is a year away

and we have a comprehensive framework in place as we build up to the event in New Zealand.”

The West Indies Under19s will also participate in the upcoming WICB Regional Super50 tournament. They will play in Zone A alongside Leeward Islands Hurricanes, defending champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Windward Islands Volcanoes, and English county side, Kent Spitfires.

Guyanese Baskar Yadram and Joshua Persaud were among the players in the West Indies under-19 training squad, the rest of the team reads: Keagan Simmonds, Kirstan Kallicharan, Cephas Cooper, Navin Bidaisee, Matthew Patrick, Te-Shawn Alleyne, Johann Jeremiah, Emmanuel Stewart, Johnnel Eugene, Daneal Dupigny, Alick Athanaze, Jerellius Louis, Javier Spence, Kian Pemberton, Nyeem Young, Joshua Bishop, Shian Brathwaite, Jeavor Royal.

Ventures Hockey Club Indoor Hockey Tournament…

Hikers storm into finals P epsi Hikers made an impressive outing in the 12th Annual Ventures Hockey Club Indoor Hockey Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago where they delivered two wins and suffered one loss to advance to the finals on Saturday evening at the Woodbrook Youth Facility, Hamilton Holder Street, Port of Spain.

The best male team on the Guyanese circuit for 2016 continued their dominance by dismantling Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) and then brushing aside Notre Dame before going down to Queens Park Cricket Club (QPCC) on their way to the semi-finals of the competition where they edged past Paragon.

In the first match up for the Guyanese boys, TTDF felt

Robert France

why Pepsi Hikers were dominant in Guyana as they stumbled to a 1-5 loss. Only Mickell Pierre was able to squeeze one past goalkeeper Jason Hoyte in the 26th Minute while Andrew Stewart scored twice for Hikers (3rd and 30th minutes) and Robert France (10th min.), Jamarj

Assanah (16th min.) and Devin Munroe (39th min.) scored one goal apiece to see their side home.

The boys in green then returned in their second match to destroy Notre Dame 10-1 thanks to five goals from Aroydy Branford and a hat trick from Assanah.

The entire contest was dominated by Hikers as Branford started the barrage of goals in the 6th min. and then in the 12th min. before closing the first half with his hat trick in the 19th min. to see the score 3-0 by the half way point.

Parmanand Dindial picked up where Branford left off to open his account in the 23rd min. to much dismay of the home team.

continued on page 21

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, january 9, 2017

23

GHB wants to host National Sports Policy international tournaments set to be addressed

P

resident of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Philip Fernandes has related that one of the main issues he will be raising with the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones when they meet to discuss the direction hockey is heading in 2017 will be that of the potential hosting of an international tournament.

Philip articulated that while there is the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival, which has been in existence for over a decade, it has attracted teams for other countries across the region and North America, but the fact remains that they are club teams.

Based on this, Fernandes related that Guyana has the talent to produce a spectacular team that can represent the country and therefore would like to have and indoor tournament hosted

by Guyana and attracting countries.

“We also want discuss the possibility of Guyana hosting an international indoor tournament. We do host the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Club Tournament but we are talking about

Guyana Hockey Board President Philip Fernandes

something with national teams from all the Americas; you know Argentina, Canada and USA as well.” Fernandes stated.

The GHB President noted that the indoor facility at the National Gymnasium is a good surface and has the

potential of holding a huge crowd and judging of the success of the local tournaments over the past year, Fernandes is confident that this tournament can attract crowds from both local and overseas, adding to tourism in the country.

Guyana has performed exceptionally well in 2016 and the immediate years following that. The local clubs are now experienced and have the reputation of competing with international teams.

In the Diamond Mineral Water Festival, Pepsi Hikers, who are the dominant male team snatch the title with a win over Queens Park Cricket Club, while the Pizza Hut GCC ladies made it to the finals but went down to Toronto Toros.

Pepsi Hikers are currently playing in Trinidad and Tobago while Fernandes has plans of sending a team to the Pan-American games later in the year.

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

A

ssistant Director of Sport, Melissa DowRichardson has stated that the National Sports Commission (NSC) will be aiming to have a three-fold focus at the national level, with the National Sports policy being one of the important areas.

The National Sports Policy, has been one of this current administration’s main focal point upon assuming office in 2015 and has been the topic of discussion ever since.

“The first is the National Sports Policy where we will be engaging the nation in this dialogue where we will be having consultatively on sport development in Guyana.” Dow-Richardson stated.

Another focus will be on the compliance of athletes with the Anti Doping laws of which has become a stan-

RHTY&SC sends early invites to Berbice clubs

J

ust over a week after receiving the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) club of the year award, leading sports club, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S has set about on its 2017 calendar of activities, making the club one of the first to do so for the year.

In a release sent to the media, RHTY&SC is inviting cricket Clubs from across Berbice to register with its Club Office if they want to participate in its 2017 cricket tournaments. This early invitation was sent because RHTY&SC would be arranging at least fifteen cricket tournaments during the year at the Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, Female and Second Division level as part of its cricket development programme.

In the release, Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster informed that the RHTY&SC, M.S was very unhappy with the current situation in Berbice Cricket with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) being unable to fulfil its mandate due to a court injunction by two individuals. Expressing the frustration, the former Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee stated that members of the RHTY&SC were

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

forced to practise all year long in 2016 with hardly any cricket to play. This has resulted in many youths quitting the game altogether while numerous Clubs have closed down due to the lack of cricket afforded since the injunction was filed almost two years ago.

Foster, who successfully spearheaded close to 1600 programmes/activities as Head of the BCB Special Committee from 2008 to 2014 expressed concern about the state of Berbice Cricket and the lack of investment into the development of new talents. He stated that currently, Berbice Cricket has

been kept alive by the hard work of club executives of the RHTY&SC, M.S, Albion, Young Warriors, Tucker Park, Blairmont and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association.

The RHTY&SC, M.S would be involving a total of sixteen teams in its Under 15, Under 17, Under 19 competition with three coming from the membership of the Club including its female section. This leaves space for thirteen Clubs to register and they have up to February 10, 2017 to do so. Under 15 players have to be born on or after the 1st September, 2002, Under 17 players on or after

the 1st September 2002 and Under 19 players on or after the 1st September, 1998.

A maximum amount of twelve teams would be involved in several second division tournaments with two coming from the RHTY&SC, M.S only two first division players who have played more than a combined four first division matches (3 days, 50 overs or 20/20) in 2016/2017 shall be allowed to play per team while Under 19 players born after the 1st September 1998 shall not be considered as first Division players.

All junior team applications would have to be accompanied by a completed list of the names of the players, Date of birth, Telephone number and schools attended.

The RHTY&SC, M.S would debar any Club who provides misleading information from all of its cricket tournaments and from receiving any form of assistance under the Club’s Cricket Development Programme.

Contact can be made at the Club Office via telephone number 337-4562, email at foster_hilbert@yahoo.com or visit the office during working hours of 8:30h to 18:00h Monday to Saturday.

dard across the globe.

It is well known across the sporting fraternity of the implications as well as embarrassment athletes who are caught breaking the rules have brought upon their countries and the NSC will be aiming to educate the local athletes of the implications of doping.

This branch is one which the Assistant Director of Sport pointed out to be one of the major issues Minister with responsibility for sport; Nicolette Henry is particularly interested in curbing.

“The anti doping strategy, which is Minister Henry’s personal and specific focus which she wishes to impart will be focusing on a clean sport initiative across the nation where our athletes will be aware of the various banned substances as well as the world anti doping code so our athletes train and know what not to take.” The Assistant Director of Sport highlighted.

Dow-Richardson explained that this is what the NSC terms as the “Clean Sport Initiative.”

Additionally, the final concept of the three-fold focus will be the targeting of sports in the school system. Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnarine had indicated at the Inter-Guiana Games hosted by Guyana in 2016 that his Ministry is keep on making students

rounded and create the environment for students to flourish both academically and athletically.

“The sporting school mandate, which we are working towards very seri-

Minister with responsibility for Youth, Culture and Sport, Nicolette Henry

ously with our physical education teachers and those things so in that regard the national sports commission has very strong programming which we would like to impart in 2017.” DowRichardson indicated.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones indicated in a previous dialogue with Guyana Times Sport that the NSC will be implementing a nation-wide coaching program which is in keeping with the sporting school mandate, creating opportunities for students with athletic ability to be given equal chances as those of the developed regions.

Brathwaite takes 2 in winning Thunder debut W est Indies allrounder Carlos B r a t h w a i t e marked his Big Bash League debut with two wickets as the Sydney Thunder won back-to-back games thanks to a six-laden half century from Shane Watson.

Shane Watson hit a crisp half century as Sydney Thunder made it back-to-back wins in the Big Bash League with a sixwicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes.

After losing their opening four matches of the 2016-17 edition, the defending champions finally got off the mark against the Melbourne Stars last time out and Sunday’s win - their first against Hobart in the BBL - boosts their top-four hopes.

A disciplined bowling display from the Thunder helped restrict Hobart to 161-8 from their 20 overs, George Bailey’s unbeaten 69 at least boosting the stuttering hosts to a respectable total.

But while Bailey was composed his team-mates floundered under pressure and, after Brathwaite (231) who replaced injured

Carlos Brathwaite

compatriot Andre Russell made his contribution with the ball, there were two run outs before the end of the innings.

The Hurricanes may have struggled to get going with the bat, but the visitors had no such issues as Kurtis Patterson (23), debutant James Vince (44) and Watson (55) eased them to within touching distance of victory.

Ben Rohrer added an unbeaten 28 but it was left to Pat Cummins to score the winning run - his only one of the match - as the Thunder moved level with the four sides above them on four points. (SportsMax)

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

National Sports Policy set to be addressed Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson

WICB Regional Super50....

Pg 22

Foo credits hard work for return to Jaguars Jonathan Foo is planning to use this opportunity to re-launch his career in national colours

Pg 23

GHB wants to host international tournaments

Ball Wash Ers of the United States and QPCC of Trinidad and Tobago taking part in the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival last year at the National Gymnasium. They are two of the foreign teams to play in Guyana

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